<04Sorc_GM> The timbers of the boat creak as the port tides rock against it gently. The vessel bearing the mercenary Hanno Mad-Dog has returned from a strange and terrible place. The morning light comes in through a porthole. The golden circlet, bought with the lives of twelve men, is by Hanno's bedside.

<04Sorc_GM> The ghostly words of Ogdabert, the slain druid, echo in the fading dream-memory: "If you relinquish the Circlet, the doom of the Atlateans shall overtake you by the next full moon!" The dream was explicit: without the circlet, death will be agonizing and inevitable. Yet Hanno is expected at the court of Caedhwal, now king of the Picts, by noon to deliver the circlet.

<04Hanno> "Agh. Ghost, you might have told me this before I gave my promise to hand the thing to Caedhwal." Hanno is thinking now it's not such a great idea to hand over the Circlet. But he's given his word to do it. What to do?

<04Sorc_GM> Hanno can hear the crew of the ship unloading cargo, and the sound of wagons and horses on the quay.

<04Hanno> Perhaps just one drink will calm his thoughts and still the ache from yesterday's drinking. He looks around in vain for a flask.

<04Sorc_GM> The floor of the cabin is almost carpeted with empty wineskins. All the drink in the world will hardly expunge the memory of the awful things found in the Atlantean fortress where the circlet lay hidden.

<04Sorc_GM> Hanno's hand passes close to the Cloak of Ogdabert--the ghastly abomination, sewn from dead men's faces. It is impossible to repress a shudder.

<04Hanno> "Croak me something more useful, druid, and tell me what this Doom is and how I may find something to strike with earthly steel."

<04Sorc_GM> Hanno pounds on the walls of the cabin in frustration--but the druid is now confined to a realm Hanno's fists cannot reach.

<04Sorc_GM> Ogdabert: "Adventurer... I shall be avenged by the cold and the wind and the sea. And your bones will be bleached by the moonlight...." the sepuchral voice fades away.

<04Hanno> "Pah. A lot of help you are."

<04Sorc_GM> Ogdabert was never a sanguine traveling companion, but he was never in error. Hanno eyes the circlet speculatively: dare he give it up?

<04Hanno> Talking to ghosts before breakfast is not helping to clear Hanno's head. Maybe it would be all right if he gave it over and then took it back. Hanno pulls his clothes decently around him and goes looking for a water-bucket to tip over his head.

<04Sorc_GM> ******scene shift***********

<04Sorc_GM> Hanno stands in the court of Caedhwal, brother to the slain king Lugh.

<04Hanno> He looks about the court suspiciously for signs of which chieftains seem to stand closer to the throne now - this regency isn't a stable thing. He half-expected someone different in power when the ship drew in to the harbour. He has the circlet bundled into a cloak, held protectively by his side.

<04Sorc_GM> The land of the Picts, by the way, is verdant. The sky is blue, the sun shines. Most structures are made of mud and wood; Hanno has been in places more opulent, and less.

<04Sorc_GM> The present situation at court is a mess. Lugh had taken Selene, a princess of Marsilia, to wife, and she bore him Rhiannon, now a young child. But Lugh is dead--slain by Selene's older brother Diarmid. Now Lugh's brother Caedhwal rules as regent in Rhiannon's name.

<04Sorc_GM> Caedhwal is not like Lugh. Lugh was a warrior and chieftain, and while he lived by impulse, he was a man true to his word. No one would say that about Caedhwal, who always lived in Lugh's shadow.

<04Sorc_GM> Caedhwal rules the Picts. But one of the most respected men at court is Tam, Selene's younger brother, a prince of Marsilia taken captive with Lugh's victory 10 years ago. Tam is a proud warrior, and many people respect him, though his father and mother are enemies of the Picts. Even Diarmid had his share of partisans, who now clamor in the West for the blood of their hero. This, in spite of Diarmid murdering Lugh, and in spite of Hanno killing Diarmid in a fit of rage.

<04Sorc_GM> But all eyes turn to Hanno now as he stands before the thanes--Rhiannon, a child of 10, sits on the throne; Caedhwal and Selene stand to either side.

<04Hanno> Perhaps there is a way forward here (he thinks to himself).

<04Sorc_GM> "Greetings Hanno the Mercenary! You are welcome in this hall... if you bring the wergild for the murder of Diarmid, my uncle," says the child. She is studious, and has been well trained in the formalities.

<04Sorc_GM> "Lords and ladies," says Selene, "Hanno--known by many of you on the field of battle--has traveled far and no doubt struggled much to bring back a treasure from the Ancient Days. A symbol from the days when the Men of the Sea ruled and kept peace and order."

<04Sorc_GM> Caedhwal looks a little uncomfortable, but he's trying to hide it.

<04Hanno> Hanno steps forward, addressing himself to the court though his words are addressed to its formal ruler, (suspicious look at Selene) "Queen Rhiannon, indeed a price was asked and I am returned at the appointed time."

<04Sorc_GM> Tam is seething to see Hanno stride across the stone floor of the court. No doubt he hoped the quest would fail.

<04Sorc_GM> Rhiannon: "You speak fairly, Hanno."

<04Hanno> "From a foul silent place and at a bitter price, I bring this thing of power. He who wears it, takes the strength of the Men of the Sea to himself. Let a worthy man wear it." He exposes the circlet.

<04Sorc_GM> The gathered chiefs and their courtiers gasp. The light entering through the high windows strikes the gold, and it gleams like the dawn. For a moment, all are reminded of long sea voyages, of immemorial ages passing by, of the cry of gulls and the promise of justice. And then it fades, and the world of this petty squabble at the edge of nowhere returns.

<04Sorc_GM> Caedhwal nods his head at his niece impatiently. The young queen extends her hand to receive the circlet.

<04Hanno> Hanno looks for a moment at Caedhwal. The man hasn't done him any harm. "I give this circlet in payment to the Picts - but who will take it? It may do harm to someone not strong enough to sustain its power." He drops his hand, as if to let the circlet fall to the floor.

<04Sorc_GM> Tam: "Indeed! This drunkard Hanno, who murdered my brother Diarmid, speaks the truth. The power of the ancient days must be earned, not given. The regent Caedhwal lacks the strength to wield such power."

<04Hanno> Hanno stands with a serious look, letting the lords speak.

<04Sorc_GM> Caedhwal: "Prince Tam, you speak unwisely--for it was such strength that my brother Lugh possessed that killed your father. And it was such strength that Hanno possessed that killed your brother. You abide here only because I have substituted wisdom for strength."

<04Sorc_GM> Tam has been silenced for the moment, but he watches intently. His own ambitions are clear enough.

<04Sorc_GM> Caedhwal: "Now, Hanno--you have served the Picts well on the field of battle. But the blood of Prince Diarmid, a guest in these halls, calls for restitution. I ask you to fulfill the call of justice, and deliver the circlet to me as regent, that I may give it to the queen." He steps forward to take it. Caedhwal is pale, and his beard is thin. He walks with a limp, and wears a large sable & ermine mantle.

<04Hanno> Hanno looks down at the circlet for a moment.

<04Sorc_GM> It is, indeed, a beautiful thing. There is a golden heron with mother-of-pearl for eyes, and its filigreed wings fold backward to complete the circlet. Just looking at it stirs feelings of longing, and loss.

<04Hanno> He steps over to the queen, who had asked for it earlier, turning his shoulder to Caedhwal.

<04Sorc_GM> Everyone in the crowd notices - but Caedhwal can do nothing.

<04Sorc_GM> Rhiannon is a slender girl, fair of skin. She can't weigh more than 70 lbs (what, like 3 stone?). Her hair is long and golden, and tied into a bun. Her eyes are clear and lucid.

<04Hanno> The moment's passed. Hanno kneels and hands the circlet to Rhiannon. (keeping his head half-turned towards Caedhwal - the man may still have it in him to take a swing with a sword)

<04Sorc_GM> Rhiannon accepts it herself. Selene steps forward to help place it on her brow. Caedhwal steps backward, uneasy and uncertain.

<04Hanno> "May the Picts have joy of it."

<04Sorc_GM> The cloak seems to squirm a little bit as Hanno hands it over... but the crowd is too busy watching the coronation to notice.

<04Sorc_GM> Caedhwal recovers some of his composure. "As regent, I thank you Hanno. You have cleaned your hands of guilt, the demands of justice are satisfied. Even Prince Tam must agree that you have performed admirably."

<04Sorc_GM> Caedhwal: "Regrettably, though we had promised you 100 oxen as a royal boon upon your return, times are lean. We can only part with 50. It is, we admit, not what you were promised. But the partisans of the slain Prince Diarmid raise trouble in our western marches. And with you away, the court had to hire another to suppress the rebels--Voivode, Wolf of the Sea."

<04Sorc_GM> Voivode? The name is not unfamiliar.

<04Hanno> "Eh? I have gone to no little trouble to pay what was asked of me, Prince Caedhwal. This Voivode must shift for himself."

<04Sorc_GM> A rumbling voice booms out, as the lords part around a mammoth of a man. "Hanno Mad-Dog! Which of the dreaming gods would have thought we would meet again?" It is Voivode--a crewmate from Hanno's piracy days. Voivode was from the dark forests, past the sea of storms, and he's got an enormous build--he was the strongest man aboard. And he always reacted badly to perceived mistreatment.

<04Hanno> "And here we are, and the Picts have given you my cattle, you sea-robber." Hanno fixes a glare on his old and not too friendly rival.

<04Sorc_GM> "Robber at sea, but the law on land. Regent Caedhwal has vested me with authority to suppress the revolt. Such services do not come freely. And you would be wise to remember my station: I am no longer a mere freebooter... like you."

<04Sorc_GM> Tam: "Hanno! Why does your sword sleep in your hand? You are insulted by Caedhwal. You are insulted by this syphilitic walrus. Yet in your sodden rage you struck down a prince of Marsilia for no cause. Have your voyages snapped something inside you?"

<04Sorc_GM> Rhiannon: "Prince Tam: the blood-guilt has been paid in full. Any further affront will be on your head."

<04Hanno> "I need no advice on how to keep my place. Voivode, you were hired-on to hold the border until I returned. Now I am here. Begone and be glad of what you could extort thus far."

<04Sorc_GM> Voivode: "Who are you to dictate terms here? Voivode, Wolf of the Sea, will not be ordered about by the likes of you! The only foes you ground beneath your feet were grapes at a winery."

<04Hanno> "Enough! Whelp of the sea, will you stand before my patron?" Hanno glares at Voivode, eyes bulging and the veins on his face rising, as he draws his dagger..

<04Hanno> "Ogoun! Rage and darkness!" He slashes at one shoulder.

<04Hanno> "Ogoun! Fire and slaughter!"

<04Hanno> He grasps the knife firmly and sets it against the muscle of one arm, letting the war-god fill his senses and protect him from the wound.

<04Sorc_GM> At first the skin gives--and blood trickles out--but as the thunderous rage of Ogoun, the King of Swords, swells in Hanno's heart, the blood in his veins flows backwards, seeping back in. His skin is strong as iron, his hair stands on end, and the floor trembles under his feet.

<04Sorc_GM> Voivode is too shocked to realize what's happening. His hand fumbles for the hilt of his sword, but gets caught on his surcoat.

<04Hanno> Hanno strides forward with an agile step, drawing his sword. He drops the dagger, reaching forward with his left hand to seize Voivode and hurl him out to the courtyard. Hanno's strength feels limitless.

<04Sorc_GM> Voivode is powerless to resist--but as Hanno's arm comes closer, the large pirate's knees buckle. He falls off to one side. Catching his breath, he almost seems ready to challenge even the King of Swords.

<04Sorc_GM> Yet overcome and not sure what to do next, Voivode scrambles to his feet and dashes out of the hall. It is only when he reaches the courtyard that he regains some control over himself.

<04Sorc_GM> The King of Swords--riding Hanno's body--rushes after him. And the rest of the court, Prince Tam first among them, moves in a flock behind Hanno.

<04Sorc_GM> It is noon in the courtyard of the Pictish Castle. Voivode has found time to draw his broadsword, and pulls a curved, Eastern dagger from his boot. "I--er--I was loathe to stain the court's flagstones with the blood of a vermin like you!"

<04Hanno> "Then die here."

<04Hanno> Hanno grasps the hilt in both hands. He may even grab the blade to half-sword it if the occasion warrants.

<04Sorc_GM> Each of Hanno's senses feels extraordinarily heightened. He can smell the odor of the stables, hear the rustle of court silks, count the petals of the flowers in the courtyard.

<04Sorc_GM> Voivode has always fought with abandon. Realizing that there is something here he has never encountered before, he screams, points his sword at Hanno's stomach, and charges blindly.

<04Sorc_GM> The sword passes through Hanno's tabard. It passes through the stomach. The point sticks out the other side, spilling bile upon the verdant grass. There is no pain.

<04Sorc_GM> The King of Swords laughs.

<04Sorc_GM> The King smashes an elbow into Voivode's head, and follows up with a crushing sword stroke to the collarbone. Voivode sinks to his knees, feebly pulling his blade from Hanno's gut, knowing he might need it to parry the coming deathblow, but his eyes are dimming.

<04Sorc_GM> The court has gathered to watch in stunned silence. There have been rumors of Hanno Mad-Dog's unearthly prowess. They say he is a soldier unlike any other--not a man at all, but some pawn of otherworldly forces.

<04Hanno> Ogoun swings the blade high for a killing stroke, ignoring the man's attempt to interpose his sword.

<04Sorc_GM> Voivode, who laughed at the rape of innocents, and who squealed with joy when committing murder, dies begging the god he worshipped all his life, Ogoun the King of Swords, to take mercy on him for years of faithful service. His head tumbles to the green.

<04Hanno> (as Ogoun) "YOU INSULT ME! YOU SHORT-CHANGE ME! I TOOK THE CIRCLET! IT IS MINE, AND YOU SHALL OBEY."

<04Sorc_GM> Rhiannon falls to her knees. "Man, god or demon: may this circlet of power buy off your wrath, and spare our lives."

<04Sorc_GM> Selene: "Mighty one, this circlet was to be the bride-price of my daughter, given by Caedhwal, my husband's brother. Thus would he cement his reign through marriage. But such price was paid not by Caedhwal, but by Hanno the slayer, Hanno the avenger, Hanno who takes what is his by right. Hail Hanno, he who shall wed Rhiannon, Queen of the Picts!"

<04Hanno> "YOU QUIBBLE WITH ME? THE CIRCLET!"

<04Sorc_GM> The King has sown seeds of strife and chaos, for He has seen the faces of Caedhwal, Tam, and Rhiannon.

<04Sorc_GM> And as the King rages within Hanno's body, the voice of Ogdabert sounds in Hanno's mind. "My bones... assemble them in a grove of holly, and I shall tell you how the curse can be ended."

<04Sorc_GM> ...TO BE CONTINUED... (sometime)