Update 3: 1502-1503
The remaining Lords of Kenethica finally arrived before King Dashwood, Lord Elderidge came of his own accord while Lord O'Alta and his family could not be found by Prince Richard's small army so Prince Richard reclaimed the province back into the King's fold and gathered all gold in the treasury for transport back to the capital. Lord Elderidge met with the king and had to answer for his construction of a galley, which was not authorized by the king.
Meanwhile in Arathor the force under Sir Jonathan, Prince of Arathor, arrived in Norland in early spring. The advance scouts reported burned villages and damaged crops. Fearing the worst Sir Jonathan established a camp and began a small expedition into the mountain pass. It was while exploring the pass that they encountered displaced peasants of Norland, who provided detailed and gruesome reports of bandits raids in their homes. After repeated failed attempts to locate Lord Tavadon and his family, Sir Jonathan was about to return home and report his findings to his father. Before his column could receive their new orders, scouts raced into the column and reported a bandit camp just a few miles away. Sir Jonathan ordered his army to push ahead.
Just before cresting the ridge into the valley below his advance guard was ambushed by bandits, forcing Sir Jonathan to devote his second company into the battle, leaving only 2 in reserve. It was sufficient to drive the bandits away and Sir Jonathan rode to the ridge. Below him sprawled the bandit camp, it was in chaos. Sir Jonathan sent in his knights to drive them off, they were followed closely by the Men-at-arms who searched every tent and hut. Finally after a long day, Lord Tavadon and his family were rescued intact and unhurt. Pleased, Sir Jonathan sent a messenger to his father and prepared a camp, at first light the column returned to Norland.
It is unsure if the expedition entered Zere of Rtor, as the border in the mountains are unmarked and often confusing, but if they did Sir Jonathan hoped they would not treat it as a hostile invasion. Even if he believes these bandits may have been paid by the Lord of Zere, Von Krakenfeldt, in either case the bandits suffered a large setback and over 20 of their numbers were killed in the skirmish and Sir Jonathan estimates their numbers to now read around 30 remaining, his column of 100 Men-at-arms, 5 scouts, 50 Longbowmen, and 10 knights should easily handle them again if necessary.
To Lord Elderidge
From King Dashwood
Please explain why you chose to build a galley without authorization from your king.
To Lord Tavadon
From King Umbridge
We are pleased to hear that you have been rescued. It was a terrible thing to happen I am sure and to prevent another catastrophe again I will send a purse of 100 Gold for you to raise a local defense force. For the time being my son, Sir Jonathan and his force will remain in the area until such a time your own force is able to take over.
OOC: EQ has missed 2 straight updates. If I do not get any orders from him for the next update he will be dropped, unless he gives me a reason why he is unable to send orders.
Stats updated.
