The Perilous Forest

Figuring that there is no point in arguing anymore, Sir Wilfred makes a courteous bow at Veringvox, if brief, then puts back his helm goes back on his horse. He doesn't move hurriedly but doesn't lose time either.

When all his companions are ready, he starts riding at a steady pace back to the main road.

Disappointed in himself that his careless words although brief still caused the situation to turn. He is astonished that events can turn so quickly. He sees Sir Wilfred take a courteous bow. He does the same toward the chief.

"I am sorry chief Veringvox. I meant you no ill-will nor disrespect. We can be on on our way if that is what you rather."

The prickly chieftain simply nods, and the picts hang on a razor's edge waiting for you to leave and go back from whence you came.

The Brown Cloister is the other way, unfortunately, further up the road.

Wolstan's mouth is drawn as the dialog goes sour. He merely nods at the chieftain, indicating they will abide his decision, but he stops before putting his helm back on his head.

"Chieftain Veringvox. We recognize your claim here. But we need to travel north, to visit Christian holdings that lie beyond your woods. We don't wish a melee with you, but we will not be turned away. God has tasked us with visiting one of his houses. We cannot ignore that calling because you have clashes with the Earl."

The moment hangs on a razor's edge. The picts tighten their grips on their weapons once more, not aiming at you, but ready to do so on a flash. Veringvox considers your words as the monk translates quietly, looking down at the ground, and his fingers moving in prayer.

Let's get a "Hard" Presence-Courtesy coin toss from Sir Wolstan. A show of respect from Sir Gregor will grant +2 coins, and from Sir Gareth and Sir Wilfred each another +1.

Sir Gareth edges nearer to Wolstan as a show of support but unlike the knight, he does not stop short of putting on his helm. He makes a show of it and places it slowly and firmly on his head while leaving the visor up.

Sir Gregor looks directly at Verignvox and again states, "I'm am sorry Chief Veringvox for my ignorance. I hope you will come to realize that I meant no disrespect to you. On the contrary, I very much appreciative that you took this party of knights into your confidence. It saddens me that my misstep has cut our meeting short. I don't have much, but I hope you can accept my dagger as a token of my appreciation."

He then slowly and carefully draws his dagger keeping the sharp pointed edge toward himself and holds out the hilt to the chief.

"I crafted this iron dagger myself in a former life, before before becoming a knight of King Arthur. It represents my finest work, so I have kept it with me since."

Sir Wilfred immitates Sir Gareth, and gets near Sir Wolstan on his other flank, his visor up. He doesn't deem necessary to add any words.

And so with words spoken, helms situated, and an offering made, Wolstan trusts to the fates...

He's impressed by Sir Wilfred's gesture, and accepts the dagger. Sir Wolstan's words, his willingness to treat Veringvox with respect but not with the soft lies of a courtier, softens his stance.

He barks at one of his men. In his halting words, he says, "Pelox will escort you. My men will let pass with him with you. Other men, other places. He does not speak your words, except, 'Stop. Go. Wait.' which I will teach him now." He repeats them to Pelox and then again in Pictish, and the man repeats them back.

"Go in peace, Arthur knights."

When everything is said and done, Sir Wilfred goes back to his mount and moves alongside his knight companions, hopefully peacefully. "How far is this monastery?" he asks to anyone who knows.

Fenwick relaxes his grip on his own weapon as you ride away, and says, "Four hours, maybe more."