[Vanshilar]

-------------
Cluster: 1858
-------------

_NODE 2.
_NODE 18580.
You set out with your forces to investigate the disturbances
in Lord Chassaine's lands.

When you arrive, you find that the reports of the terrain are accurate
enough: a mixture of forests and marshes, with rolling hills rising into
mountains toward the borders of your lands. Finding those who are hiding
here will challenge even the keenest of your scouts.

Do you:
[a] keep your forces together and conduct sweeps.
[b] concentrate most of your forces, deploying reconnaissance
parties on their perimeter.
[c] break up into squads and do an extended sweep of the local lands.
_NODE 1a.
_NODE 18581.
A runner bursts into your tent. His demeanor betrays his message
even before he begins his sad recitation.

{My lord, I have bad news. While we have been patrolling
this part of the land, bandits attacked a caravan to the
east, which was carting timber. It is lost, my liege.}
east, which was carting grain. It is lost, my liege.}
east, which was carting gold. It is lost, my liege.}
east. Fortunately, they had already made their delivery.}

Do you:
[a] set your spies to locating the bandits.
[b] concentrate most of your forces, deploying reconnaissance
parties on their perimeter.
[c] break up into squads and do an extended sweep of the local lands.
_NODE 2b.
_NODE 18582.
After a month of searching, you have failed to find the rebels.
They always seem to be one step ahead of you; you find
their camps several times, once with an abandoned cooking fire still
blazing. You have accomplished nothing. Other demands for your
attention and the services of your soldiers are becoming increasingly strident.

Do you:
[a] continue with the patrols.
[b] summon Lord Chassaine.
[c] command your trusted agents to locate the bandits.
_NODE 2c.
_NODE 18583.
The shaft of an arrow, expertly placed, grazes your cheek as you lead
your knights on patrol. The sharp report of its impact into a nearby
oak tree reverberates through the sun-dappled forest.

Your trained eye now notices the large number of unfriendly traveling
companions who surround you. They easily outnumber your men by at least
three to one.

A voice speaks from the shadows,

{Surrender to me, you who would be king of Bretagne! Surrender, lest the
blood of your good men be spilled here today!}

Do you:
[a] surrender to the bandits.
[b] fight.
You surrender to the bandits. Although a few of your men attempt to
resist, you sharply command them to cease. Your arms are
bound, you are blindfolded, and your horse is led
away over some distance.
You and your men attempt to resist, but
your men are felled by arrow fire, and you are brought
low with clubs. You are bound and blindfolded,
set upon your horse, and led away.
At last, the horses draw to a halt. You are pulled roughly from your horse. Your
blindfold is removed, and you stand in a clearing surrounded by a party of
heavily armed brigands.

In front of you is a slim, sharp-featured man, dressed no differently
than the others.
{Good afternoon, Your Majesty,} he says, bowing with just a hint of
mockery. {I am pleased that you are able to attend this meeting. We have
much to discuss.}

Do you:
[a] curse him.
[b] tell him to get on with it.
[c] stand silent.
[d] ask him what he means.
_NODE 1aa.
_NODE 18584.
One of your agents returns.

{Sire, I believe that I have located the leader of the rebels, a
man named Corinn. He does not remain in any one place for long, however.
If you wish to take action against him, it must be swift.}

Do you:
[a] order your agent to kill Corinn.
[b] have him attempt to set up a meeting with Corinn.
[c] send a squad of your men to capture the rebel.
_NODE 2ba.
_NODE 18585.
Many weeks of patrols pass. You notice disturbing signs that the
rebel forces you are chasing are growing in size, but since you are
still managing to thwart their raids, you are not concerned,
assuming that soon the brigands will lose their strength.
Terrible news comes to you: Lord Chassaine's keep has been
overrun. Apparently, the forces that you pursued kept you so
busy that news of the attack did not reach you until too late.
Now one Lord Stefan of Caldun, little more than a mountain bandit
himself, has taken your liegeman's castle.

Do you:
[a] ride immediately to Chassaine's rescue.
[b] call for the rest of your armies, then ride to his rescue.
[c] send a message to Lord Stefan asking him what he wants.

-------------
Cluster: 1859
-------------

_NODE 3.
_NODE 18590.
{Your Majesty, we have unfortunate news. One of your agents
has been found hanged from a tree, with the word {cutthroat}
scrawled on a scarf about his neck. Further,
another of our lumber shipments has vanished.}
another of our food shipments has vanished.}
another of our gold shipments has vanished.}
another of our weapon shipments has vanished.}

Do you:
[a] summon Lord Chassaine.
[b] take forces and look into the matter yourself.
[a] summon Lord Chassaine.
[b] continue with your patrols.
Your spy returns.

{Your Majesty, it is done. The man is dead. I am certain
that, without him, his brothers in arms will drift away.}
_NODE 3.1.
_NODE 18591.
Your spy returns to you with news.

{Sire, the rebel Corinn has agreed to a meeting one month hence on
Bright Hill, east of Lord Chassaine's keep. He will permit you six
guards, and no more, else he will not be there when you arrive.}

Do you:
[a] go to the meeting with just the six guards.
[b] go with six visible guards, but have others creep up in hiding.
[c] go alone.
_NODE 3.2.
_NODE 18592.
The captain of the squad that you sent in pursuit of the rebel Corinn
returns.

{I am sorry, my lord. His woodsmen are too skilled; by
the time we located the camp described by your agent, the filthy
brigands were gone.}

Do you:
[a] summon Lord Chassaine.
[b] continue with your patrols.
Your squadron returns triumphantly with Corinn, leader of the
rebels. He is somewhat battered but alive. Your men throw
the slim, sharp-featured man down in front of you.

{So, you have proved cannier than I, after all. Finish it,
then, what the bedamned Charles began. May he burn in hell!}

He looks at you for a long moment after you demand an explanation
for his outburst.
One of your men edges forward, eager to prod him with a
spear haft, but you wave him away. Corinn then speaks again.
{I am the son of Peter of Bretagne, grandson of Fredric of
Bretagne, through whose blood and bones Charles the Usurper walked
to gain his throne. I shall not apologize for being
willing to sacrifice you, Sire, to win back that precious throne.}

Do you:
[a] have him executed.
[b] offer him freedom, if he will renounce any
claim to the throne.
[c] offer him a title, and the hand of your niece, if he
will renounce his claim and support your bid for the throne.

-------------
Cluster: 1860
-------------

_NODE 4.
_NODE 18600.
He smiles humorlessly. {Perhaps I shall, Your Majesty. Until that dark day,
however, you shall remain my prisoner.}

You are led away to a hidden cave in the hills, where you are subjected
to rough but tolerable conditions of imprisonment.

Do you:
[a] wait to be rescued.
[b] try to escape late at night.
[c] try to bribe your guard.
_NODE 4.1.
_NODE 18601.
{Perhaps. But the cost will be dear, Your Majesty. A minimum of 8,000
marks, or its equivalent in food and goods, I would think. Is your freedom
worth that to you, Your Majesty?}

Do you:
[a] agree to pay the 8 Gold or equivalent.
[b] try to get him to take 5 Gold.
[c] try to get him to take 3 Gold.
{Very well, then. If you will write a message, we will send it
to your family and arrange for the exchange.}

{It seems that your supplies are not up to your needs,
Your Majesty. Apparently, you shall remain my prisoner.}

Do you:
[a] tell him that he will pay for this outrage.
[b] challenge him to single combat.
[c] ask if there is not some sort of a deal that you can
make.
{Even as a prisoner, you insist on being in control, Your
Majesty?} Corinn asks sardonically. {Very well. I shall permit you
this small victory. 5,000 marks, then. You must write
a letter, and I will see it conveyed to your family.}
{Evidently, your supplies are insufficient for your needs,
Your Majesty. Apparently, you shall remain my prisoner.}

Do you:
[a] tell him that he will pay for this outrage.
[b] challenge him to single combat.
[c] ask if there is not some sort of a deal that you can
make.
{Bargaining like a common merchant, Your Majesty? I had
thought better of you. I shall forget about ransoms, then.}

Do you:
[a] tell him that he will pay for this outrage.
[b] challenge him to single combat.
[c] ask if there is not some sort of a deal that you can make.
_NODE 4.2.
_NODE 18602.
{And why should I fight you, my lord? What value is there in it? What
gain?}

Do you tell him:
[a] that a true warrior would not be afraid to let you fight for your
freedom.
[b] that if he wins, you will support him in his bid for the throne;
that if you win, you expect him to
join you and support your struggle for the throne of Bretagne.
{A pretty sentiment, Your Majesty, but one which has no place
in my life; I can ill afford such fine points of honor. My
prisoner you shall remain.}

Do you:
[a] tell him that he will pay for this outrage.
[b] offer to ransom yourself.
[c] ask if there is not some sort of a deal that you can make.
Corinn slowly smiles. {All or nothing, is it, my lord? How
can I refuse, given the imbalance of the wager?}
The next few minutes are a dance of flashing swords, of blood
and of pain. When it is done, however, you stand with your sword
at the rebel's throat, ever aware that it would be easy for
his men to feather you now.

Corinn slowly lifts his hands. {I cry for mercy, my lord. And I
am a man of my word.}

He looks suddenly concerned. {But I did not leave
you unmarked, my lord! You are wounded!}

You realize for the first time that he speaks the truth.

Corinn of Bretagne rides in to join your forces. You soon
have a new knight, and some very fine archers and scouts.
Unfortunately, several weeks will pass before your wounds heal
sufficiently to permit you to exercise your full capabilities.
_NODE 18603.
Minutes pass, as Corinn eyes you suspiciously. {What sort of a deal, Your
Majesty? We are in opposition, even if not coming from equal
positions. That which helps one of us hurts the other. Under
those circumstances, what sort of a deal can be made?}

Do you:
[a] offer to help Corinn work within one of the other
contenders' lands.
[b] offer him and his men positions within your army, if he will
renounce his claim.
{Even were I willing to abandon my claim, I could not
trust a promise made under these conditions, Your
Majesty. No, you shall remain my prisoner.}

Do you:
[a] tell him that he will pay for this outrage.
[b] offer to ransom yourself.
[c] challenge him to personal combat.

-------------
Cluster: 1861
-------------

_NODE 5.
_NODE 18610.
Do you:
[a] send spies to investigate Stefan of Caldun.
[b] send a messenger to him, demanding that he explain his involvement
in this matter.
[c] march your forces up to his as a sign of your
displeasure.
_NODE 5a.
_NODE 18611.
One of your spies returns from investigating Stefan of Caldun.

{Your Majesty, Lord Stefan has been recruiting mercenaries
and building war engines at his mountain fastness for several months.
He may attempt to move at any moment.}

Do you:
[a] warn to Lord Stefan to leave your lands
or face your wrath.
[b] march immediately to confront him.
[c] have your spies monitor him, but focus
on controlling other matters in the kingdom.
_NODE 5b.
_NODE 18612.
A messenger arrives.

{Your Majesty, Lord Chassaine is under attack! Lord Stefan of Caldun
saw your inaction as a sign of weakness. By now, he has
probably captured Lord Chassaine's keep.}

Do you:
[a] ride with a small force to his rescue.
[b] gather your full armies, then ride to his rescue.
[c] ask Lord Stefan what he wants.
_NODE 5c.
_NODE 18613.
Your forces march for several days before reaching the mountain fortress
of Lord Stefan of Caldun. The terrain is steep and rocky.
Your cavalry will be of little use in a fight.

Do you:
[a] hail out Lord Stefan for a meeting.
[b] attack immediately.
Lord Stefan, a genial, bucolic fellow, comes out to meet you.

{Attack Lord Chassaine? Why, I would not even consider such a
thing. Way too much trouble, don't you know. These mercenaries
are here to help me sweep the mountains clear of
an annoying gang of brigands that has been troubling me.}

Do you:
[a] return to your home.
[b] insist on searching his castle.
[c] attack immediately.
{Certainly, my lord. Let me announce your arrival
so that preparations may be made. Life can
be somewhat untidy out here in the fringes.}

Lord Stefan strolls hurriedly back into his castle.
Soldiers and villagers alike scurry busily about, making
preparations for your arrival. Suddenly, you notice that their
activities are not those of welcoming hosts, but of
soldiers preparing for combat.
Clearly, Lord Stefan is readying himself for a siege!
_NODE 5aa.
_NODE 18614.
{Your Majesty, I bear a message from Lord Stefan of Caldun. He is outraged
that a great lord such as yourself would threaten a mere lordling.
He insists that he has done nothing to you and
yours, and has no intention of doing so.}

Do you:
[a] set out a force to ambush him should he try to proceed out of his
mountains.
[b] march on him immediately.
[c] await events.
_NODE 5ac.
_NODE 18615.
The spy assigned to watch Lord Stefan rides in hurriedly.

{M'lord, Stefan of Caldun's forces are on the march! I believe that they
plan to attack Lord Chassaine!}

Do you:
[a] march your forces immediately to reinforce Chassaine.
[b] intercept Lord Stefan along the way.
[c] wait until he attacks Lord Chassaine, then ambush him.
_NODE 5ca.
_NODE 18616.
In a blare of trumpets and flick of pennons, your forces attack!
You overwhelm the forces of Lord Stefan, despite his familiarity
with the land.
You find the rebel, Corinn, in Stefan's castle, and
he is slain in the ensuing battle. After destroying
the war engines and releasing the mercenaries on their word
to leave the area, you empty Lord Stefan's coffers and return
home. You are certain that the Lord of Caldun will not soon
trouble you again.
Lord Stefan is a skilled defender, and he repels your forces
at some loss to you.

Do you:
[a] attempt to besiege him again.
[b] proceed home and recoup your losses.
_NODE 5aaa.
_NODE 18617.
A messenger comes to you.

{Your Majesty, I have good news. The small force that you set in the passes,
on the chance that Lord Stefan should prove treacherous, has managed to head off
his attempted strike! Even better, we managed to surprise the rebel
band, which was working with them, and destroy it!}

-------------
Cluster: 1862
-------------

_NODE 6.
_NODE 18620.
{I bring a message from Lord Stefan of Caldun, my liege.}

{He says that he has seized Lord Chassaine's land both to avenge an old insult
from Lord Chassaine to Lord Stefan's father, and to secure his border.
However, he says he might consider the matter
settled and remove his troops if you ally with him and supply
him with 5,000 marks for his defense.}

Do you:
[a] send the 5,000 marks (5 Gold).
[b] send 3,000 marks (3 Gold) and tell him to address any
complaints to your army.
[c] gather your army and attack him.
{My lord, we do not have that much gold. I am
afraid we must free Lord Chassaine by force.}
{My lord, we do not have that much gold. I am
afraid we must free Lord Chassaine by force.}
_NODE 6.1.
_NODE 18621.
Your forces arrive in brave array, pennants blowing, horns blaring.
Lord Stefan's forces await you, along with what you recognize as some
of the brigand archers. The battle is joined.
With difficulty, you overwhelm the forces of Lord Stefan.
You find the rebel, Corinn, in Stefan's castle,
and he is slain in the ensuing battle. After destroying
the war engines and releasing the mercenaries on their word
to leave the area, you ransom Lord Stefan. Much of this will
be needed to repair Lord Chassaine's keep. You are certain
that the Lord of Caldun will not soon trouble you again.
Lord Stefan is a skilled defender, and he repels your forces
at some loss to you.

Do you:
[a] attempt to besiege him again.
[b] acknowledge him as the new owner of Lord Chassaine's lands.
_NODE 6.2.
_NODE n18622.
Your small force rides hard to arrive at the keep of Lord Chassaine.
To your pleasant surprise, you find the area still in a state of
disarray; Lord Chassaine had given a good showing indeed. Perhaps there
is a chance...
With surprise, good fortune, and God on your side, you triumph!

You find the rebel, Corinn, in the castle, conferring with Stefan.
Corinn is slain in the battle for Lord Chassaine's keep.
After releasing the mercenaries on
their word to leave the area, you ransom Lord Stefan. Much of this
gold will be needed to repair Lord Chassaine's keep. You are certain that the
Lord of Caldun will not soon trouble you again.
Unfortunately, this success is at a cost. The wounds you receive in
battle will leave you bedridden for many weeks, during which your
ability to direct your kingdom will be reduced.
Your surgeon visits you.

{Majesty, I am pleased to say that your wounds have healed. You may
now resume your kingly duties.}
_NODE 6.4.
_NODE n18623.
Your forces arrive in brave array, pennants blowing, horns blaring.
Lord Stefan's forces await you, along with what you recognize as some
of the brigand archers. Lord Chassaine's forces gratefully welcome you.
The battle is joined.

With difficulty, you overwhelm the forces of Lord Stefan.
You find the rebel, Corinn, in the castle
with Stefan. Corinn is slain in the fierce battle. After disarming
and releasing the mercenaries on their word to leave
the area, you ransom Lord Stefan. You are certain that
the Lord of Caldun will not soon trouble you again.
Lord Stefan is a skilled defender, and he repels your forces
at some loss to you.

Do you:
[a] attempt to besiege him again.
[b] acknowledge him as the new owner of Lord Chassaine's lands.
_NODE 6.5.
_NODE n18624.
Your forces arrive in brave array, pennants blowing, horns blaring.
Lord Stefan's forces await you, along with what you recognize as some
of the brigand archers. The battle is joined.
With difficulty, you overwhelm the forces of Lord Stefan.
You find the rebel, Corinn, with
Stefan. Corinn is slain in the fierce battle that follows.
After disarming
and releasing the mercenaries on their word to leave the
area, you ransom Lord Stefan. You are certain that
the Lord of Caldun will not soon trouble you again.
Lord Stefan is a skilled defender, and he repels your forces
at some loss to you.

Do you:
[a] attempt to besiege him again.
[b] acknowledge him as the new owner of Lord Chassaine's lands.

-------------
Cluster: 1863
-------------

_NODE 1ac.
_NODE n18630.
A ragged and bloodied figure comes into your great hall.
The leader of the infantry that you dispatched to Lord
Chassaine's lands, Sir Marvain, throws himself at your feet.
{My lord, I have failed you. While patrolling the woods,
we were ambushed by many skilled archers. Only I
and a handful of my men survived. These brigands are far more dangerous
than we had imagined.} He looks up at you. {Even worse, I heard as I
passed through a nearby town that a shipment of
weapons and armor had been hijacked while we were lost in the
forest.}
Do you:
[a] order Sir Marvain executed.
[b] give him a force of infantry and archers and tell him to handle
this problem at all cost.
[c] take a force and look into the matter yourself.
{Thank you, my lord; I shall not fail you again.}
_NODE 1bc.
_NODE n18631.
A messenger comes to you:

{Your Majesty, I bring bad news. A shipment of lumber being
brought from Lord Chassaine's lands has been attacked, and
the wood stolen or burned!}
A messenger comes to you:

{Your Majesty, I bring bad news.
A shipment of gold being
transported across Lord Chassaine's lands has been attacked, and
the gold stolen!}
Later that day, one of your agents returns to you.

{Your Majesty, I have discovered one cause of the
difficulties on Lord Chassaine's lands.

{A band of rebels is lurking about in the woods, slowly
building their strength. They are led by a man named Corinn,
though I can discover nothing else about him.
{I do not know from whence he draws his strength; the locals
have no grievance with you, though there is always some
grumbling because of the struggle for Bretagne. I have seen nothing
unusual.}

Do you:
[a] order your agent to kill Corinn.
[b] have your agent try to set up a meeting with Corinn.
[c] muster your guards and look into the matter yourself.
_NODE 1ca.
_NODE n18632.
Lord Chassaine rides in, responding to your summons.

{My liege, I do not know what to say. I had been receiving hints
of disturbances in my lands, but I had no indication they had reached such
proportions.

{I have done my best to determine the cause of this trouble. I firmly
believe that the blame should be laid at the door of Lord
Stefan of Caldun. He appears to be backing these so-called rebels...
bandits and mercenaries, if I may say so. He knows that
he can launch an attack on me with impunity while Your Majesty is distracted by
his raids. Perhaps he even plans to
take my lands and then make a deal with you.}
_NODE 1aca.
_NODE n18633.
After the execution of Sir Marvain, one of your advisors privately
comes to you.

{The execution was perhaps... ill advised... Your Majesty. Marvain had many
friends among the nobility. There are those who say that, had he
received the aid he needed, his forces would not have been lost.
Regardless of this, the execution has not solved the problem.}

Do you:
[a] take a force and look into the matter yourself.
[b] send for Lord Chassaine.
_NODE 2ca.
_NODE n18634.
The man's smile fades. {Little better than I expected. And you have
the nerve to think that you should sit on the throne of Bretagne!}

He walks around the clearing, looking you over with a faintly sardonic
expression.

{But perhaps you are modeling yourself on that paragon of virtue,
'good' King Charles. Did you ever hear how this great monarch came to
the throne?} He pauses, his jaw tightening. {He walked through the
blood and over the bones of King Fredric and Prince Peter and their
families.}
{The blood of my father and grandfather.}

He turns back to face you. {Legend has it that I am dead. But
some have enough loyalty to protect the son of their prince, even at
the risk of their own lives.}
He looks at you contemptuously. {You are no worse than the others,
chasing the prize of Bretagne. But in your lands I will make my
stand. Even if I must gnaw away, like a rat, at each of the great lords, the crown
of my grandfather will once again be mine.

{As a hostage, I am sure that you will be of great assistance, Your
Majesty. But with you, or without you, I shall be victorious.}

Do you:
[a] tell him that he will pay for this outrage.
[b] offer to ransom yourself.
[c] challenge him to single combat.
[d] ask if there is not some sort of a deal you can make.

-------------
Cluster: 1864
-------------

_NODE 3.1a.
_NODE n18640.
Your small knightly party rides up onto the hill and looks around.
Clearly, Bright Hill gained its name from the sun reflecting
off the pond at its base.

Suddenly, at least two dozen men surround the
hill. You are confident that you could break free if need be, so you
maintain a calm face.

The leader of these men is slim, sharp-featured, intense. He walks
around the clearing looking you over with a faintly pensive expression.

{This meeting is a waste of time, Majesty. I hold
nothing particularly against you, no desire to do you and your liegemen
harm, even though you participate in the wretched scramble for a throne
that is not yours to claim.
{At least you do not model yourself on that paragon of
virtue, 'good' King Charles. Did you ever hear how this great monarch
came to the throne?} He pauses, his jaw tightening. {He walked through
the blood and over the bones of King Fredric and Prince Peter and
their families.}

{The blood of my father and grandfather.}

He turns back to face you. {Legend has it that I am dead. But
some have enough loyalty to protect the son of their prince, even at
the risk of their own lives.}
He looks you over, thoughtfully. {In a way, it is a shame. You are no worse than
the others, chasing the prize of Bretagne. But in your lands I will make my
stand. Even if I must gnaw away, like a rat, at each of the great lords, the crown
of my grandfather will once again be mine.}

Do you:
[a] point out that he is merely slowing you down; that even if he
is successful, he will simply win the throne for others.
[b] threaten death to him and his followers if he does not abandon
his harassment now.
Abruptly, more men, concealed in pits in the ground, spring up.
Before you can even draw your swords, your men are felled.
You are pulled from your horse and bound.
{You will find that difficult, Majesty. You will
make a fine hostage.}
Do you:
[a] tell him that he will pay for this outrage.
[b] offer to ransom yourself.
[c] challenge him to personal combat.
[d] ask if there is not some sort of a deal you can make.
He looks at you again, for a long moment, and then his face
seems to sag.
{There is truth in what you say, Your Majesty. But I owe
a debt to these men, who follow me and believe in me. I
cannot abandon them now.}

Do you:
[a] offer him and his men pardon and a position with your
forces if they cease raiding now.
[b] offer to support him in harassing another contender.
[c] offer him a title, and the hand of your niece, if he
will support your bid for the
throne.
{I must think on this, and speak to my people, Your
Majesty. A place of honor with you is
better than death to my men and the passing the crown to
another claimant.}

He and his men disappear as quietly as they appeared.
You watch your new soldiers join your army. A smile
is on your face, a rare expression these days.

{I Corinn, count of Bretagne, swear fealty...}

You have a new commander, and some very fine
archers and scouts. This has been a good day.
_NODE 3.1b.
_NODE n18641.
You arrive at Bright Hill and wait a long time. Evidently,
your deception has been detected. Worse, when you return, you find
that another
lumber shipment has vanished.
food shipment has vanished.
gold shipment has vanished.
weapon shipment has vanished.

Do you:
[a] summon Lord Chassaine.
[b] take forces and look into the matter yourself.
[a] summon Lord Chassaine.
[b] continue with your patrols.
Your men successfully ambush Corinn's forces. In a
battle to the death with the rebel leader, it is you
who remain standing. Without their leader, the rebels will drift away.

-------------
Cluster: 1865
-------------

_NODE 4a.
_NODE n18650.
Days pass. You wait for rescue.
Finally, when you think it will never come, the sound of fighting is
heard in the distance. Your guard draws his sword, keeping one
eye on you and the other on the doorway.

Do you:
[a] attempt to jump the guard when his attention wanes.
[b] try to slip past him.
[c] wait to see what happens next.
With desperate fury, you leap upon the guard when his head
is turned away and manage to fell him, but not
without first taking a deep stab to your side. Bleeding, you
stumble from the cave and see one of your men. He quickly
pulls you up on his horse, and rides away with you to safety.

Your people rejoice at your escape and treat you as a hero.
Unfortunately, your wound proves to be fairly serious, and
you cannot resume your duties for several weeks.
You dismiss your surgeon with a scowl. Your seneschal
smiles as he enters.

{It is good to see you well once more, Majesty. There is
little news. Strangely enough, that brigand Corinn does not
appear to have caused any more damage during your recovery.}

[a] summon Lord Chassaine to discuss this matter.
[b] go to Lord Chassaine's lands and see if you can determine
the cause of the quiet.
You watch for your opportunity. When the guard looks away,
you carefully slide away into the shadows. When he looks back and
notices that you are missing, he steps away from the doorway
to look for you. Taking the opportunity, you dash past the
guard out the entrance, the man in hot pursuit.
Outside, you quickly spot one of your own men. He rides toward you,
cutting down the guard, then taking you to safety.
"A month has passed since your escape. Your seneschal enters:"

{Majesty, that brigand Corinn has not struck in the last
month. 'Tis most peculiar.}

Do you:
[a] summon Lord Chassaine to discuss this matter.
[b] go to Lord Chassaine's lands and investigate.
You wait, straining to hear the sounds of battle. They slowly
die away.

The guard turns mockingly toward you. {Your rescuers have
failed, Your Majesty.}
_NODE 4b.
_NODE n18651.
You bide your time. Finally, one evening, you notice that the guard near the
cave entrance seems to be distracted.

Do you:
[a] quietly sneak around near the entrance, and try to creep out while
the guard's attention is elsewhere.
[b] charge straight past him, bowling him over if he gets in your way.
[c] leap on him by surprise and try to take him down.
You watch for your opportunity. When the guard looks away,
you carefully slide away into the shadows. When he looks back and
notices that you are missing, he steps away from the doorway
to look for you. Taking the opportunity, you dash past the
him and out of the entrance, the man in hot pursuit.
"A month has passed since your escape. Your seneschal enters:"

{Majesty, that brigand Corinn has not struck in the last
month. 'Tis most peculiar.}

[a] summon Lord Chassaine to discuss this matter.
[b] go to Lord Chassaine's lands and investigate.
The guard spins as you charge him, bringing his sword around
swiftly. With a crash, it slams into your head, sending you
into unconsciousness.

When you awaken, your legs are tied, and the opportunity to run does
not again present itself.
With desperate fury, you leap upon the guard when his head
is turned away and manage to fell him, but not
without first taking a deep stab to your side. Bleeding, you
stumble from the cave and see one of your men. He quickly
pulls you up on his horse, and rides away with you to safety.

Your people rejoice at your escape and treat you as a hero.
Unfortunately, your wound proves to be fairly serious, and
you cannot resume your duties for several weeks.
You dismiss your surgeon with a scowl. Your seneschal
smiles as he enters.

{I am pleased to see you well once more, Majesty. There is
little news. Strangely enough, that brigand Corinn does not
appear to have caused any more damage during your recovery.}

[a] summon Lord Chassaine to discuss this matter.
[b] go to Lord Chassaine's lands and investigate.

-------------
Cluster: 1866
-------------

_NODE 6.5.
_NODE n18660.
Your forces arrive in brave array, pennants blowing, horns blaring,
Lord Stefan's forces await you, along with soldiers who you recognize as some
of the brigand's archers. Lord Chassaine's forces gratefully support you.
The battle is joined.
With difficulty, you overwhelm the forces of Lord Stefan.
You find that the rebel Corinn had been secretly
aiding Stefan. Corinn is killed in the fighting. After disarming
and releasing the mercenaries on their word
to leave the area, you ransom Lord Stefan, though some of the
gold will be needed to repair Lord Chassaine's keep.
The Lord of Caldun will not soon trouble you again.
Lord Stefan is a skilled defender, and he repels your forces
at some loss to you.

Do you:
[a] attempt to besiege him again.
[b] acknowledge him as the new owner of Lord Chassaine's lands.
_NODE 6a
_NODE n18661.
You sit back to consider recent events.

Lord Stefan has taken his money and quietly returned to his mountain keep.
Surprisingly, he is a man of his word; he does not again trouble your
lands. Perhaps he genuinely felt threatened by Lord Chassaine.
The fate of Corinn is more uncertain. Some rumors say that he has taken
his men elsewhere; others that Lord Stefan recognized a threat and
killed him; others that he died in taking Lord Chassaine's keep.
You may never know.

In any case, your kingdom settles back to normalcy.
_NODE 6b
_NODE n18662.
Lord Stefan turns out to be a surprisingly agreeable neighbor. He does
not again trouble your lands. Perhaps he genuinely felt threatened by
Lord Chassaine. But Lord Chassaine and the others are not pleased by
capitulation, and it makes you appear weak.
The fate of Corinn is less certain. Some rumors say that he has taken
his men elsewhere; others that Lord Stefan recognized a threat and
killed him; others that he died in taking Lord Chassaine's keep.
You may never know.

In any case, your kingdom settles back to normalcy.
_NODE 2cb.
_NODE n18664.
The man smiles. {You have courage, at least. But that is not
all one needs to sit on the throne of Bretagne!}
He walks around the clearing, looking you over with a faintly pensive
expression.

{At least you do not model yourself on that paragon of
virtue 'good' King Charles. Did you ever hear how this great monarch
came to the throne?} He pauses, his jaw tightening. {He walked through
the blood and over the bones of King Fredric and Prince Peter and
their families.}
{The blood of my father and grandfather.}

He turns back to face you. {Legend has it that I am dead. But
some have enough loyalty to protect the son of their prince, even at
the risk of their own lives.}
He looks you over, thoughtfully. {In a way, it is a shame. You are no worse than
the others, chasing the prize of Bretagne. But in your lands I will make my
stand. Even if I must gnaw away, like a rat, at each of the great lords, the crown
of my grandfather will once again be mine.}
{As a hostage, I am certain that you will be of great assistance, Your
Majesty. But with you, or without you, I will win.}

Do you:
[a] tell him that he will pay for this outrage.
[b] offer to ransom yourself.
[c] challenge him to single combat.
[d] ask if there is not some sort of a deal you can make.

-------------
Cluster: 1867
-------------

_NODE 3.1c.
_NODE n18670.
You ride up onto the hill and look around. It is clear that the name of
Bright Hill comes from the sun reflecting off the pond at its base.

Abruptly, at least a dozen men surround the hill.
{You do not lack bravery, Your Majesty; perhaps some good sense, however,}
says the slim, sharp-featured man leading the rebels.

{This meeting is a waste of time, Your Majesty. I
have nothing against you, no desire to do you and your kinsmen
harm, even though you participate in the wretched scramble
for a throne that is not yours to claim.
You are, at least, a man of some honor, unlike that paragon of
virtue, 'good' King Charles. Did you ever hear how this great monarch
came to the throne?} He pauses, his jaw tightening. {He walked through
the blood and over the bones of King Fredric and Prince Peter and their
families.}
{The blood of my father and grandfather.}

He turns back to face you. {Legend has it that I am dead. But
some have enough loyalty to protect the son of their prince, even at
the risk of their own lives.}
He looks you over, thoughtfully. {In a way, it is a shame. You are no worse than
the others, chasing the prize of Bretagne. But in your lands I will make my
stand. Even if I must gnaw away, like a rat, at each of the great lords, the crown
of my grandfather will once again be mine.}
Do you:
[a] point out that he is merely slowing you down; that even if he
is successful, he will simply win the throne for others.
[b] threaten death to him and his followers if he does not abandon
his harassment now.
Corinn slowly smiles. {All or nothing, my lord? How
can I refuse, given the imbalance of the wager?}
The next few minutes are a dance of flashing swords, of blood
and of pain. When it is done, you stand with your sword
at the rebel's throat, ever aware that it would be easy for
his men to feather you now.

Corinn slowly lifts his hands. {I cry for mercy, my lord. And I
am a man of my word.}

He looks suddenly concerned. {But I did not leave
you unmarked, my lord! You are wounded!}

You realize for the first time that he speaks the truth.

Corinn of Bretagne rides to join your forces. You soon
have a new knight, and some very fine archers and scouts.
But it will be some weeks before your wounds heal
sufficiently to allow you to govern your realm.
He looks at you again, for a long moment, and then his face
seems to sag.
{There is truth in what you say, Majesty. But I owe a
a debt to these men who follow me and believe in me. I
cannot abandon them now.}

Do you:
[a] offer him and his men pardon and a position with your
forces if they cease raiding.
[b] offer to support him in harassing another contender.
[c] offer him a title, and the hand of your niece, if he
will support you in your bid.
{I must think on this, and speak to my people, Your
Majesty. But a place of honor with you is
better than death to my men and surrender of the crown to
another claimant.}

He and his men disappear as quietly as they appeared.
You watch your new soldiers join your army. A smile
is on your face, a rare expression these days.

{I Corinn, count of Bretagne, swear fealty...}

You have a new commander, and some very fine
archers and scouts. This has been a good day.
_NODE 3.2a.
_NODE n18671.
The rebel faces his execution calmly, and does not try to incite the
people; but still there is muttering, and there are those who will not
forget this act. But at least your shipments are safe.
_NODE 3.2b.
_NODE n18672.
The man looks up at your for a long, intense moment, and then shakes
his head.

{Thank you for offering me my life, Your Majesty; it is gracious of
you. But not while I live my life will I turn from my quest.}

Reluctantly, you conclude that the man must die.
Today, the rebel Corinn dies.

Just before the execution, Corinn surprises you. He makes a
final speech, but it is not one of condemnation. He admits to his
crimes, and refers to your actions as {those things that a king must
do.} This seems to mollify the people so that they
react well enough to the rebel's death.

-------------
Cluster: 1868
-------------

_NODE 4c.
_NODE n18680.
Over the next several days, you cultivate a civil relationship with
your guards, feeling them out, looking for a venal streak. Finally, you
think you have found it, in a big, bluff fellow with a somewhat weak
chin.

Do you:
[a] offer him knighthood, and position in your army.
[b] offer him 1,000 marks (1 Gold).
[c] offer him 2,000 marks and a pardon for his actions.
{I'd not know what to do with those fancy folks, and they'd
not likely forget where I come from. I'll thank you to keep
offers to yerself in the future.}
The man quietly arranges for your escape. One evening, the
two of you ride away on stolen horses.

When you arrive at your castle, do you:
[a] pay the man his fee and let him go.
[b] have him arrested for banditry.
You pay the man and let him go. There is much talk
that comes to your ears about rewarding a bandit for
his crimes.
The bandit hollers about betrayal, but no one, even
the common people at his trial, seems to have much
sympathy for him. After all, you never promised him
pardon, and this man betrayed his leader.
The next month passes. Strangely enough, Corinn does not
appear to have caused any more damage.

[a] summon Lord Chassaine to discuss this matter.
[b] go to Lord Chassaine's lands and investigate.
The man quietly arranges for your escape. One evening, the
two of you ride away on stolen horses.

When you arrive at your castle, do you:
[a] pay the man his fee and let him go.
[b] have him arrested for banditry.
You pay the man and let him go. There is much talk
that comes to your ears about rewarding a bandit for
his crimes.
The man screams of betrayal at his trial, and many
people seem to sympathize with him, even though he
betrayed his leader. After all, you did promise him a
pardon.
The next month passes. Strangely enough, Corinn does not
appear to have caused any more damage during this time.

Do you:
[a] summon Lord Chassaine to discuss this matter.
[b] go to Lord Chassaine's lands and investigate.
_NODE 4a.1.
_NODE n18681.
You are traveling quickly cross-country to Lord Chassaine's hold. The
countryside seems quiet. Your force is of a moderate size.
Terrible news comes to you: Lord Chassaine's keep has been
overrun. Apparently, the forces that you were following have kept you so
busy that news of the attack did not reach you until it was too late.
Lord Stefan of Caldun, little more than a mountain bandit
himself, has taken your liegeman's castle.

Do you:
[a] ride immediately to his rescue.
[b] call for the rest of your armies and then ride to his rescue.
[c] send a message to Lord Stefan asking him what he wants.
_NODE 4fail.
_NODE n18682.
The next day, Corinn and his men come and take you away. You are led
by the back ways, blindfolded. Finally, you are unmasked.

You have been turned over to forces of the Pope.
Needless to say, they soon release you. But the bishop in charge of the
lands where you have been released chides you for handling Corinn so
poorly. The Church succeeds in convincing Corinn to abandon his claim,
and take holy orders.

Your lands return to normal, but this is an embarrassing incident that
you know has not improved the Pope's opinion of you.

-------------
Cluster: 1869
-------------

_NODE 3.2c.
_NODE n18690.
"He looks at you for a long moment, surprise upon his face. {This is what "
you offer to the ragged scion of a line that could some day oppose you?
You are both a brave and generous man, Your Majesty. I have told myself
that I would seek my birthright to the end of my breath. Even if I reached
the throne, however, there would always be those saying that I lied about my
heritage. Perhaps there is more honor in serving an honorable man
than in grasping a heritage too tightly.}
It is a good day; the day of the marriage of your niece Elena (who
proved to be much less resistant to the idea than you feared) and the
new Count Corinn. It seems that the Count's lineage was clearer than
he had thought; the old clergyman who marries them recalls meeting his
father years ago, and the prince looked enough like him for them to be
twins. Rather than the hostility you expected, most of your nobles
seem to have taken well to the new count, and his military talents
will certainly help in the days ahead.

It is a fine day to be King....
_NODE 3harass.
_NODE n18691.
Corinn looks at you thoughtfully. {While perhaps a bit self-serving,
Your Majesty, that has merit. If I am not to get the crown, I would prefer
that you gain it, rather than any of the others who compete with you. I
need money and supplies to get started, but I would be
willing to at least start my war elsewhere. I will need a ton of
food and 1,000 marks (1 Gold).

Do you:
[a] agree.
[b] agree, but tell him you do not have it right now.
{I believe that the master of Valois shall
soon be enjoying my presence. Good luck,
Your Majesty, and thank you.}
One of your advisors has heard a rumor that
Valois is suffering from a serious bandit problem
at the moment....
{I believe that the master of Anjou shall
soon be enjoying my presence. Good luck,
Your Majesty, and thank you.}
One of your advisors has heard a rumor that
Anjou is suffering from a serious bandit problem
at the moment....
{I believe that the master of Aragon shall
soon be enjoying my presence. Good luck,
Your Majesty, and thank you.}
One of your advisors has heard a rumor that
Aragon is suffering from a serious bandit problem
at the moment....
{I believe that the master of Burgundy shall
soon be enjoying my presence. Good luck,
Your Majesty, and thank you.}
One of your advisors has heard a rumor that
Burgundy is suffering from a serious bandit problem
at the moment....
{I believe that the master of Albion shall
soon be enjoying my presence. Good luck,
Your Majesty, and thank you.}
One of your advisors has heard a rumor that
Albion is suffering from a serious bandit problem
at the moment....
{Since you do not have the necessary supplies, I
will return in one month, Your Majesty. Then we may proceed.}
Corinn meets you at the place you previously arranged.
{I believe that the master of Valois shall
soon be enjoying my presence. Good luck,
Your Majesty, and thank you.}
One of your advisors has heard a rumor that
Valois is suffering from a serious bandit problem
at the moment....
{I believe that the master of Anjou shall
soon be enjoying my presence. Good luck,
Your Majesty, and thank you.}
One of your advisors has heard a rumor that
Anjou is suffering from a serious bandit problem
at the moment....
{I believe that the master of Aragon shall
soon be enjoying my presence. Good luck,
Your Majesty, and thank you.}
One of your advisors has heard a rumor that
Aragon is suffering from a serious bandit problem
at the moment....
{I believe that the master of Burgundy shall
soon be enjoying my presence. Good luck,
Your Majesty, and thank you.}
One of your advisors has heard a rumor that
Burgundy is suffering from a serious bandit problem
at the moment....
{I believe that the master of Albion shall
soon be enjoying my presence. Good luck,
Your Majesty, and thank you.}
One of your advisors has heard a rumor that
Albion is suffering from a serious bandit problem
at the moment....
{Your Majesty, my men cannot live on promises forever. I will
return one more time...and then I will do what I must.}
You hear that the rebel Corinn has been accidentally killed by a
runaway wagon. It is not the solution you would have preferred,
but it will do.