Ghost of Whisper Creek

It was a few months later that the gatekeeper called Arthion to the front gates. He had just finished a challenging match in the arena with live weapons and contact combat. Which meant he had three long gashes on his tattooed chest, one on shoulder and another across his cheek wearing nothing but black combat pants, purple sash and his long sword which he held in hands. He had no time to armor up so he quickly went to the gates to meet the intruders that got the gatekeepers so riled up that they would interrupt one of his matches....and he was winning. Of course that put him in a foul mood as he barked fiercely “Banners?”

“The Marlins Ser.” one of the wolf masked keepers announced as Arthion pressed a hand to cheek and sniffed in annoyance.

“How many?” he barked again.

“We counted about fifteen riders, Ser.” The keeper announced again.

Arthion rose a brow “Hm. Must just want to visit with his daughter. Figured this day would come eventually”

“Ser?” the keeper asked, cocking his wolf masked head to the side curiously

“Nothing.” Arthion grunted just as two dogs barked in greeting “Come on you two muts. Lets go see what the commotion is.” Sword on shoulder and injuries still fresh Arthion strode out of the gates that the keepers opened to go stand at his usual place of greeting awaiting the Rodsvards to appear out of the mist. He stood alone with his two wolves, the keepers vanishing in the shadows to watch the road once more.

Lord Ammon appeared well ahead of his warriors. They could be heard approaching, but Lord Ammon was not patient, nor did he truly believe he needed a protection detail. He reined in his horse immediately upon seeing Arthion waiting. The Lord gave a soft chuckle and then eyed the younger man, “Alone huh? You know who I am?”

Arthion gave a roguish smile and nodded slowly “Aye, my Lord. What brings Lord Ammon of House Rodsvard to the gates of Tsukimatsu?”

“My daughter, and grandchild. You did not think that I would allow her to come south without someone telling me what she was up to did you?” The aging Lord questioned.

Arthion didn’t appear to be shaken by the Lords gruff and confident nature. Instead he merely shrugged and nodded back towards the black castle “She is here, My Lord. Watching the matches I believe. You are welcome, and two of your men. The rest must remain outside the gates of Tsukimatsu.”

Ammon chuckled once more and dismounted his horse. He handed the reins to one of the late arriving warriors. He said nothing and strode towards Arthion. “I assume Krita accepted these terms. I have no need of warriors to watch my back. They will all stay here. I will remained armed however.”

The two wolves lowered their heads and started growling, paws widening in stance as they viewed Ammons aggressive approach as a threat. Arthion still remained unmoved, keeping his large sword resting on his shoulder “As you wish my Lord. Follow me if you will.” Turning he gave a sharp whistle which had the wolves clamp jaws and look up before turning to follow after their Master.

“Too young to be the Lord, you must be one of his sons,” Ammon said as he followed as he was bid, “The son?”

Arthion chuckled “I am Lord Arthion Tsukimatsu. It is often my duty to greet guests at our gates. Forgive my appearance, I am afraid you arrived in the middle of a match.”

“So you are the son. Well met Lord Arthion. You often leave matches to attend to visitors? My eyes tell me you are an accomplished warrior. Why would you leave? Surely someone else can answer the call at the gates?” Ammon asked half curious and half accusing Arthion of not caring enough about the competition. “And who stays with my daughter and your son while you attend your duties?”

“I’m afraid your Lordship leaves quite a reputation here on the coast and your banners got a few of my keepers....uncomfortable. Had I known you came with so few. I would of stayed to finish my match.” He shrugged “As for your daughter and our son. I believe she sits with my father watching the matches. Regardless...they are quite safe here.”

Ammon nodded accepting that in the arena with the Lord of the castle was as the younger man had said quite safe. “What are your plans for the future Lord Arthion. Your son can conceivably be Lord of two castles.”

Arthions jaw tightened though it was the only reaction he gave, he was quite aware of his sons heritage. “I believe that is a discussion you must have with your daughter. She is adamant about serving her own family. As for myself, I am heir and future lord of house Tsukimatsu. My duty is and always will be here.”

Ammon smiled, “I do intend to ask the question of Krita as well. If I remember correctly, your customs would make it rather hard for you to maintain a relationship with Krita if she decides to come home. But your customs also allow for multiple wives, and does not frown upon bastards as the rest of Ra’vain seems to do. If you two don’t remain together. Will you hold on to your son?”

“You insult my honor, my Lord” Arthion growled, though he knew it was a fair question “My son is heir to me as I am to my father. When he comes of age he will begin training. I would gladly take your daughters hand in marriage and serve my house as is destined of me. What your daughter does once her contract is complete...is of her choosing.” He frowned slightly knowing what Krita would choose though he did his best to keep the sorrow from his expressions.

Lord Ammon smiled at the response. He did not know Arthion well enough to read his expression, but the fact that he did not say he intended to marry Krita meant that he was uncertain of her choice at the least. “I guess we will see what happens. How does my daughter perform at training? Is she doing her name proud?”

“Her combat skills are exceptional with room for improvement. My Lord.” Arthion answered honestly “She performs better at leadership and tactics than she did when she first arrived. I am proud of her.”

Ammon nodded, “She has always been good with a weapon in her hand. I don’t understand her need to bring Rodsvard tactics to the Ra’vain way of things. Unleashing hell and claiming bodies after the dust settles has served us well. But if she is going to do this. It is good that she accells.”

Arthion merely gave an agreeing nod as he lead them into the castle and down the steps that lead into the arena chambers. As always the castle echoed the roars and cheering of the crowds mixed with the sounds of combat that grew louder as they continued down before the chamber opened up to see the match. It was a new match of one of the lesser classmen trying out their first or second matches in an arena setting. “This way my Lord.” he lead Lord Ammon around the top planks towards the Tsukimatsu plaza that overlooked the combats below.

Ammon nodded and followed taking a look out over the crowd into the arena. He was wise enough to know when the combatants were underwhelming and despite the excitement in the crowd he returned his eyes to Arthion’s back. “This is a wonderful place to test one’s skills, but do you always let such awkward warriors compete?”

Arthion rose a brow and looked down into the Arena. He was so used to fights going on that he never really paid attention anymore “The current combatants are second and fourth year.” he observed. The less awkward fight was testing out a new one “This is the smaller man’s first Arena fight. On the training field he is quite talented with dual wield. It is a different story when facing a man three times more practiced than you and in front of a large crowed. The training teaches them to block out all other distractions and focus on the match of which...the smaller student is quite obviously failing.” he smirked as the man in question was knocked down for the third time and match ended.

Just as they were reaching the family Plaza and the two combatants were clearing the sand another man marched out into the arena. He was also topless and looked in worse shape than Arthion. His large sword pointed up at them as the man roared “ARTHION!!!” The roar had the wolves halt and drop heads again, growling as they looked around for the source. Arthion stopped walking but didn’t turn to look “Arthion you coward! We are not finished yet!” he howled in anger.

Ammon did not really wish to involve himself in the disagreement, but his hand instinctively went to his sword which was out of its sheath in notime. “Your Lord was greeting a fellow Lord at the gates of the castle. One that could potentially have had enough warriors to over run this training ground. You insult me by conducting this disgrace in my presence. Be gone, or this old man will show you what a Northman is capable of.”

“I don’t give a rats heep who you are!” The man snapped before spitting blood to the sand “We are under contract to complete this match! Or are you too afraid to admit you were about to lose Wolf Brat!?”

Arthion’s jaw tightened but he merely lowered his head “Ignore him, my Lord. He has a bit of a grudge and his blood is still hot with rage.” Raising his hand he waved for some hidden guards near the Arenas enterance to take care of the outspoken man “He will be punished for his outburst. Come. Your daughter is here.” he gestured to the wooden doors beside them.

“A greater punishment might be to give him his wish, and trounce him in the arena.” Ammon said as he anxiously stepped towards the doors. “That’s what I would do at least. Beat him to a pulp. I know my methods and yours are different. You see the arena as a training post, I see it as a challenge. If you don’t answer a challenge what does that say about you? And, this one at the very least will lose respect. He will think you are ducking him.”

Before Lord Ammon could open the doors Arthion reached out and grabbed the handles, slamming them tightly shut as he turned to glare at him a fire in his own eyes “Do not think to assume you know me or my methods. My Lord.” Arthion snarled “My duty is to escort you to your daughter and I will see it through no matter my desires to put that boy in place myself. The reason why he goes with guards instead of my own fist is out of respect to your wishes, My Lord. So I suggest you hold your tongue before insulting your grandson’s father’s honor.”

Ammon smiled slyly, “I knew there had to be a fire in there someplace. I can’t see Krita falling for a strictly by the book disciplinarian. I did not mean to step on feet, I am a guest no matter how welcome or not I might be. You have been most accommodating. I apologize for my ill-timed advice. But soon, you will have to take care of that boy yourself, or things will get out of hand.”

“Then I suggest you hurry your business so that I can get back to mine.” He snarled. He hated playing host, hated being the guest greeter and tour guide. This was not by his choosing but his fathers. His father had his son perform these duties because he was champion at everything save social and political skills. This was just as much a challenge as it was facing an opponent in the arena. After a moment glare he pushed the door so that it would open and stepped back returning to his passive and very bored expression as he entered to lead Lord Ammon in. “My Lord Tsukimatsu. Lord Ammon of House Rodsvard here to pay his respects and visit with his daughter, Krita Rodsvard.” His eyes slowly turned to where Krita would be sitting with the two wives playing with the new babe together.

Ammon gave his usual forced half bow to Lord Tsukimatsu. His eyes showed an uncommon brightness however when they passed over Krita to the baby playing. “It is an honor to attend your arena my Lord. I have read much about your people. We share an enjoyment for arms, though I think our philosophies differ a bit.”

Before Lord Tsukimatsu could answer, Krita rose from her seat and went to her father’s side. She hugged him tightly and with a wide smile she kissed his cheek. Lord Ammon was not as loving, “I had to learn through a spy Krita. We will talk shortly. Enjoy the fights.” Krita frowned and nodded retaking her seat.

“Funny you came all this way, thought the first thing you’d want to do was meet Kol,” she said weakly.

Ammon turned an angry eye to his daughter and gave a low growl, “And I told you we would discuss family matters later. I would have thought however that you would have told your father, or at the very least your mother, that you were expecting a child.” Ammon returned his gaze, softer now to Lord Tsukimatsu. He pointed to an empty seat, “May I?”

Lord Tsukimatsu had rose and turned to greet their guest when his sons voice interrupted his sketching on a piece of parchment, critiques of the last match and notes on the challenge to his son. He had to raise a brow however at Lord Ammons gruffness to his daughter. He was a stern and disciplined man, but he understood the value of family, especially with a subject as sensitive as this. At Lord Ammons question to sit he turned his gaze to his son “I assume you wish to answer the challenge of the rat boy.” From behind Ammon Arthion gave a stiff nod. “Very well boy. You won’t be very entertaining until the task is done, you will be our entertainment while I speak with our guest.” A slight smile played at Arthions lips as he bowed but before he left he went to Krita, laying a heavy hand on her shoulder and bending down to kiss her cheek and whisper that it would be ok in her ear before reaching over to place his finger in the babes little hand, careful of the sword still resting on his shoulder before he turned, bowed to Lord Ammon and left.

Lord Tsukimatsu smiled after his son left and nodded to the empty chair “Please, be welcomed.”

Lord Ammon took the seat and settled to watch the current match. “So you do this so the warriors learn about themselves or so you learn about them? I would be gauging who I would want by my side, and how to get rid of those I don’t. But you think you can teach the unworthy how to become worthy right?”

“There are many reasons to conduct Arena battles.” Lord Matsu also sat “Some are based on tradition. Others are as you say. It has served House Tsukimatsu for many years.”

Lord Ammon smiled, “Served House La Seine better from what I’ve read. Most of your students serve there. You retain very few to protect your own home. Then again, that knowledge might keep your home relatively safe. Little resources, and few reasons to come here. But cutting off the La Seine from their training grounds wouldn’t be a bad thing. Still I respect making men prove themselves on a field, even if it is one created for that purpose. Doesn’t show you all you need to know, but shows you a lot.”

Lord Matsu merely rose his chin as his son entered the ring to stand in the center waiting for his challenger to be allowed back out into the arena. He was still injured and not yet tended to but he didn’t seem to care “You might be surprised how much you can learn from a simple arena battle. I would fear five of my own men, more than an army marching on our humble gates.”

Ammon gave a sly smile, “Confidence is a good thing, and you’ve tested your men before you put them at your gates, but you let them go after five years? Where is the wisdom in that?”

“What do I have to protect. Lord Ammon?” Lord Matsu turned to raise a brow at the Northern Lord “A couple of stones and a ring of sand? Where is the wisdom in attacking a training facility that can better your soldiers?” he countered.

“For some it betters the soldiers of enemies not their own,” Ammon retorted, “But if you are so impressed with your training, perhaps you can show me how well it works?”

“My keepers tell me you brought fifteen men with you. Why not choose five of your best soldiers to battle against five of your daughters old ’Bunnies’” he held a hand towards Krita. “They were once Arandil were they not? Unworthy to be apart of Lord Ammons main forces. This should be a quick demonstration. No?”

Ammon laughed, “You mean to tell me you think that five of her bunnies can take five of my warriors? I may travel light, because I don’t need protection, but I travel with my best. I’ll put five of mine against anyone you have in this castle, but you’re right to properly show me what you can do with a man the bunnies would be best. Don’t send the little girl in. Pick the best. I don’t want someone saying I took advantage of the little girl...though I’m more than willing to.”

Lord Matsu nodded before raising a hand to summon in a servant boy to which he whispered a few words and silent names before the boy rushed off. Soon after a man in a mask stepped in. “My Keeper will be willing to take you to the gates to choose your five. When you return, our men will be ready to accept your challenge.”

Ammon shook his head, “I don’t want to be tempted to prompt my warriors for what to expect. Paper and quill is what I require. Then the names taken to my warriors they will act appropriately from there.”

Lord Matsu nodded and rose a hand. The Keeper quickly retrieved a small box and rushed it to his lord with a bow. Lord Matsu took the box and pulled loose parchment and a quill before handing it over to Lord Ammon silently.

Lord Ammon, even when he was King in the North, was always thought as an unthinking brute, Yet within moments of receiving the paper and pen he jotted down the names of the best five for the given situation. Including a lesser warrior he knew would take charge and give orders. Another misconception of the Northmen were that they merely attacked in hordes and hoped that numbers and ferocity would win the day. The good ones plotted as well and Ammon wanted good warriors not just fierce and strong ones. “How long will this take to prepare?”

“My men are already ready.” Lord Matsu smiled “They await your warriors.” With parchment and names in hand he gave it to the wolf masked keeper and gave silent instructions to gather the men, see them prepared and lead out into the arena to accept their challenge. Just as the keeper left the stadium roared with victorious cheers. Arthion had defeated his opponent in short time, and was now atop of the man, knee on his neck and sword buried into the sand as he barked out disciplinary words at the man, putting student back in place beneath his instructor. Arthion wasn’t a showman kind of warrior, when he was done berating the man he gave him a firm kick and sent him out of the ring to serve the punishments he ordered. Once the beaten man had crawled out of the ring Arthion turned, looked up to the podium where Lord Matsu stood and came forward to receive his sons short and crisp bow before the firstborn strode out after his fallen prey.

Ammon smiled at the display. “Quite a capable young man. I criticized his handling of this unworthy on our way here. It appears he knows what he is doing, I shall have to apologize when Lord Arthion rejoins us.” His eyes fell to Krita, but his next statement/question was directed still towards Lord Matsu, “You say your men are ready? The bunnies entered as my daughter’s men. Are you trying to prove what happens when you take control of them? Or what they will become when they are returned to my daughter?”

“I prove nothing.” Lord Matsu answered humbly “There is still a chance they may lose after all.”

Ammon’s smile grew, “A very good chance I would say. You’ve had two years now to train, but Krita had them in the fields everyday before she left. I saw what they were. You will prove yourself quite capable if they can beat my warriors.”

“We shall see then.” Lord Matsu smiled before raising a hand to a servant “Would you like anything to drink while we watch the match. Lord Rodsvard?”

Ammon nodded, “Just water now. We’ll see how well the bout goes to see what drinks might flow after.” It was not long after that when Rodsvard’s men were led into the arena. They looked at the training weapons with anger. These men were asked to kill when they took up arms. These blades they were given would take a good deal of time to kill. Ammon took a drink of his water and laughed, “Your men have an advantage in this forum. My men are bred to kill. It will take them a moment to change their tactics. I have faith in their adapting however.”

“Death happens here on these sands often enough. But that will require contract.” Lord Matsu turned a gaze to him as a glass of water was handed to Lord Ammon and a goblet of wine to Lord Matsu “But you will only lose warriors no matter which side wins.”

“I lose nothing if any die, they were not worthy in the first place,” Ammon said stroking his stubble covered chin, “If your ways prove to raise inferior warriors to defeat my men, then I lose a bit of face, but that is worth it for growth. I only truly lose if the men you train are better than mine, and they do not return to Kronnborg.”

“Shall the battle commence with or without contract then. Lord Rodsvard?” Lord Matsu questioned calmly. Contract was to ensure that house Tsukimatsu didn’t get blamed for loss of life. Lord Matsu wouldn’t be held accountable for poor actions of others.

“I shall sign whatever you need me to,” Ammon said arrogantly, “But my men will make do with the training weapons and learn to conquer without killing, hopefully. This is a demonstration, an opportunity to learn. I don’t wish to see either team lose their lives. It’s a waste.”

Lord Matsu nodded and handed over a parchment for contract stating liabilities and releasing house Matsu from any blame. Once the contract was signed Lord Matsu stood and moved to the front of the podium the family sat in. Upon seeing their lord the Keepers below turned and opened gates to let five other warriors enter the sands. Former ‘bunnies’ that served under Krita Rodsvard. Once all were positioned Lord Matsu rose his hand and spoke in a clear and booming voice “Last one standing is the victor for their team. There will be no deaths in this match, the winning team will earn a two night reward. Freedom to travel to South Port and rest, or stay here as you will.” He paused to let the orders and words settle among the stadium “Let the match....begin!” his hand dropped and a gong sounded somewhere within the arena as Lord Matsu returned to his seat.

Ammon was a nervous commander. He was used to being in the thick of things and as the bout started, and Lord Matsu calmly returned to his seat, Lord Ammon rose and started pacing as close to the action as he could, while remaining in the box with the Matsus. He watched every maneuver carefully, trying to determine what the ‘bunnies’ had learned in training and how he might use the tactics in battle without having to train his whole army.

There wouldn’t be much to observe. Lord Matsu trained his students on an individual and group level, working with each on to build their own personal strengths rather than force them into some set structure. Some of the men that came to him used a weapon because that was what they were told to use, instead of giving them what they excelled in using most. Each fighter had their own tactics and means of fighting and was merely honed and improved under rigorous training and constant encouragement.

The bout started with the bunnies taking the advantage early. They took out a Rodsvard warrior in the initial confusion. Group tactics enabled them to take a second who looked to prove how strong he was charging the group of ‘enemies’ on his own and falling because of it. The three remaining Rodsvard warriors regrouped and behind the one Lord Ammon knew would take charge started acting smarter, more together. They managed to get one of the bunnies alone and quickly took him down. Slowly the numbers of both sides dwindled until it was one on one. The Rodsvard ‘leader’, against Horeak Milner, one of Krita’s commanders before they arrived. The Rodsvard commander was there to keep his group functioning together he was not the strongest warrior. Horeak was a strong fighter as well as a good leader. Once he knew it was one against one he charged strong and defeated the last Rodsvard representative.

Ammon chuckled, “Either they weren’t as bad as I thought they were...or your training is as useful as you claim my Lord. Shame I can’t afford to send some of my own for five years to figure out which.”

Lord Matsu chuckled as he stood and rose a hand to the winning team “Well then, Lord Rodsvard you should stay for dinner at least. But I do believe before then you came to see your daughter.” As he spoke Arthion entered the podium trying to wave off a persistent handmaiden that was quite intent on seeing to his injuries, even if that meant doing so while walking. “My firstborn will escort you, your daughter and their son to a place suitable for such reunion.”