News Arrives to the Barony

A man sat in a chair to the left of the empty Baron's throne, and to his left stood an imposing female figure in full plate, on which was adorned the familiar mark to many a beat and peasant: The mark of the three roses. The man had shoulder length hair that showed the faintest signs of greying with his encroaching age. The woman looked down to him for a moment for a gesture, and upon seeing it spoke up herself. "You may speak to your lord and sitting regent of the Barony, Lord Saxton."

"It is an honor, my lord," said the rank and file soldier who lifted his eyes up from the floor where they had stayed as he bowed, awaiting his chance to speak. "I bring ill tidings, my lord. The units of the army sent to the ruins of Rend near Andurin have been routed. The Gnolls were entirely lost."

"Impossible!" Saxton exclaimed, a look of shock spreading across the female knights face, only partially obscured by her long fiery hair, while Saxton's held a mixture of rage and disbelief. "My Demonrunners killed by some band of orc? I want Pelliton in here NOW to speak on this humiliation."

"It was not just orcs, my lord. The castle has been taken by some band of upstarts, and they controlled the White Tusk in battle and their She-Orc, along with treacherous former units, including the riders."

"GET ME PELLITON NOW! HE WILL ANSWER FOR THIS!"

"I...my Lord, Pelliton was slain. None of the hired mercenaries nor your court wizard were accounted for in the retreat. either. We assume they are dead."

Saxton slowly sat back in his chair, as if trying to settle in with the weight of the entire world suddenly placed on his shoulders. "Lady Ruth, if you will excuse us please."

"My Lord, I can be-"

"Excuse us" he barked, trying his best to keep his voice calm. The Lady knight excused herself with a curt bow and exited the chamber. The soldier looked increasingly nervous. "I want a count of the damages. When that is given to me, I want you to increase the taxes on all the villages still within our bonds, and I want as many units as we can hire."

"Lord Saxton?"

"It is war. If some treacherous little pups think they can make a mockery of this Barony, I will crush them under heel. In doing so I will cement my self as the rightful ruler of this realm. I will DESTROY THEM." He stood from his chair suddenly, roaring, his eyes darkening with the infernal energies that now lay under Saxton's sway. "You are dismissed."