Royal Visit to the Raikh

After being given proper honours by the local garrison and saluted by the local forces, the party was taken by special boat up to the capital. While they travelled, a reception was prepared for them. Mules were quickly found and rested in case the party wished to travel to the tomb of Vauhoks and rooms were cleared and made ready within the Sluut for their arrival.

Wanting to avoid any embarrassments, Hauhkuno Haimfaðs had the secret police mobilise for the visit. They would join any crowds on the street, act as local guides should any outings be brought up, and protect the party from any attempted murders. If they happened to pick up on this or that of pertinent information or catch someone doing something inappropriate, all the better.

As the special boat finally arrived, they were greeted by a company of men and loaded into automobiles so that they might be taken to the new Hauhkuno.

Being brought into the chambers where the Hauhkuno was, King Wilhelm was now free to approach the dais. Haimfaðs looked on as King Wilhelm approached him, bowing, and presenting a most beautiful piece of jewellery. This act took the Hauhkuno aback, but he did not show it, instead having a senior servant accept the tribute and take it to the side.

'This is a most excellent piece.' was all the Hauhkuno said before then standing up and presenting his hand to the king.

Despite the oddity of it all, this meeting had been a resounding success. The men at court had witnessed the exchange and it seemed that quite a few were impressed by the display. Though they did not accept the offer of vassalage, it was still a victory all the same.

'Come with me then, must eat. Once we have done so, we may begin the journey to the tomb that you wish to pay respects at.'

The Hauhkuno turned and left the room, leading to a prepared feast. The food was appropriate for the situation, roasted pheasants, nuts, greens, cheeses, and breads. Nothing lavish, but not too plain. Death being what it is, there was no alcohol present... Which, in the Hauhkuno's heart of hearts, relieved him. He despised the stuff, but appearances had to be kept. Hmm... Maybe he could swear off of it as a sign of permanent grief?

Thinking back to his military career, he quickly found a story that used to delight the girls he met when he told it to them. After all, who does not like a good ambush?

'Back when I was still in the army, I was a member of the... Ah, you would call us something like "dragoons". A sort of mobile infantry, but we were meant to skirmish and scout ahead of the main force. Anyway, I was operating a few miles ahead of the army when my men stumbled upon a wonderful sight. We found a glacial valley, from which there was almost no escape, as its walls were too high and its entrance could be easily blocked. While we were making our way around it, we heard the sound of a cannon firing. Sending a party to investigate, we found a host of enemy soldiers moving through some mountains. It was after hearing of this, that a plan started to form... I decided that we should attack them and then fall back. Should they give chase, we would lead them into the valley and have our comrades rain death from above. Should they not chase, then we would harass them further until they did.'

He stops a bit to take a drink.

'Well, they were cowardly, that is for certain! We attacked them no less than five times before they chased us. Oh, but once they gave chase, they were on us like hounds. Well, somewhat slow and idiotic hounds. We had to purposefully slow and stop at times so that we did not lose them. Well, once we got them into the valley and led them to the very end of it, we quickly dismounted and got behind some earthworks we had put up and the rest of our company let shot pierce through our foemen and they pushed down boulders to block the way out. When the enemy finally tried to surrender, we let them come towards us after having dropped their weapons and we dragged them with us back to our army. Those that survived were promptly tortured and we were awarded for our bravery and guile, for we had killed more than thrice our number!'

He let out a laugh.

'The smell of blood and death clung to me so dearly, that the men came to call me "thata Mattman", the butcher. And so, I earned that name.'

'Ah... Alcohol. The rotten juices of fruit, grains, and sometimes milk. Yes, I know this substance very well. Revolting stuff.' he thought to himself.

'I am sorry, I can not accept the drink, as it would be against vows I have taken. I must abstain from such a pleasure as that until I have seen my cousin avenged upon the Magdali.'

With not a total lie, he began raising up his glass which was filled with nothing but ever clear water.

'A toast to Vauhoks Blottrasett, may his memory live eternal in the hearts of men.'