Eldred's Tale

[Lanval]

Wall of Text Introduction/Explaination:

Spoiler:

Since first picking up this game years ago, I felt Eldred deserved his own campaign/story. He seemed like an interesting character. However it is only now, looking at it again a couple years later, I finally felt compelled to write something down.

The First Scenes kick off around the End of Delfador's Memoirs and assume a cursory knowledge of Delfador's Memoires [Namely the last three Missions invovle defeating Prince Eldred in the forest and Delfador stealing a book back off the Queen] while the Premise is taken from the Opening Narration of Heir to the Throne. The Prologue is the main knowledge required. A great deal is also built on the disappearance of Lionel, which is referenced offhand in an Easter Egg in HttT.

I've tried to minimize new places/powers inserted. I focus mostly on canon characters without much characterization in the main plot and create my own [using generic names] where necessary.

I might give this a full campaign should I manage to finish writing it in the first place, though it would be my first attempt at one. Slightly more experienced people who suspect they could do it more justice are welcome to PM me. Any Comments and Criticisms are also welcome.

It was a rather unique style of writing which is heavily influenced by early Modern English and in particular Shakespeare. I tried to create a smooth blend and remain internally consistant, but my main priority was for it to flow while still being understandable. It might be a bit more controversial but I think it creates a feel that wouldn't exist in a more modernized prose work. Still, earlier parts have been simplified and modernized [though they feel a little stilted to me still] so if you prefer that or think I should take it further, then I'd be happy to hear you out.

Initially I had planned a more standard novel prose way of writing but I've found that whenever I try to write anything, it tends to form dialogue snippets similar to how a campaign would go due to a combination of the writing generally being at least somewhat inspired by Shakespeare himself [Older English is tempting but much harder to compromise on modernity with].

The style it is written in is done so that it could be made into a campaign with relatively few modifications which leaves huge blanks where battles should be. I try to fill in these with poems. I mess with form depending on Culture. Humans take the traditional and simplistic rhyming style with fixed syllablic metre for more professional poets. Elves are influenced by Occitan and Welsh writing styles French influences, generally any form that is highly abstract I think suits them. For Dwarves I've decided to go on using Saxon/Norse traditions and while it seems a little funny and sing songy, I do think it suits them. Orcs I want simplistic and repetitive; They don't seem like the kind for a complicated bardic tradition but rather use Rhymes as marching songs or mnenomic devices. Drakes won't really appear in this but I'd go for wierder more experimental stuff, maybe Syllabic [ie. Haiku] or influence from general Non-European Cultures.

Current Thoughts on the Campaign;

Spoiler:

I'd really appreciate more comments, since I am rather nervous about the style of writing. Both whether people enjoy it and whether I'm doing it right. I took the opportunity to skim over and look at it, making a few corrections for smoothness and style.

Asheviere has officially been introduced in the original version, though I might work her into to some of the old dialogues like I did in the edits. It bothers me that she is such a potentially interesting character but I find her so difficult to work in; This conflict is a tale mostly of the differences between a son and his father leading to a tragic demise. Getting Asheviere invovled complicates matters since either she must be increasing conflict, in which case I have to take the evil interpretation of her or else she has to try to ease conflict, which complicates things even further. I'd like to give her more focus, but I don't think I can without putting the whole spotlight on her own complicated motivations and so I feel like it is better to leave her out of the spotlight until proper focus can be offered.

I've divided up the installments into scenes, though Scenarios would probably be a more accurate term, since they can move from place to place and are instead centered around combat. I feel I'm around the half way point at least towards completion. This campaign is by the book connecting the end of Delfador's Memiors to the Prologue to HttT.

I'm nervous about the inclusion of the Seer but I feel she fills a vital role. Some of it will be slightly clearer, I hope once it is over but my goal for her appearances so far was to imply a sort of choice for Eldred: Reminding him that he can still turn back and avert this tragedy before it unfolds. Of course, we all know how well that goes, but I think it adds something this to be hinted at and him to continue anyway. Just my thoughts, I welcome any of yours on the subject.

The last installment has my first fully alliterative poem so I'm eager to hear feed back, though I'm unlikely to rely on it again in this story.

Any and all comments are welcome.

Act I, Scene I: The Call North

Spoiler:

Eldred: You look troubled father, what weighs upon you so?

Garard: Word from the north; the orcs march and I fear this is no false alarm. They are not in number yet but I recall tales of the days where Zorlan roamed the north and I fear we are not yet have past them. My messengers scatter as the wind in all directions and I learn now what I rule; Three lords come, the rest wait as naga and the Elves keep their silence as the Dwarves their gold.

Eldred: The guards here are devoted. They shall keep our word closer than any gold. So let a horn break our vassals' silence and harken us to war.

Garard: Yet Delfador councils patience, to allow time to serve as our guide.

Eldred: The Elves have many eons, more than men and a greater memory hence. Let us perish in defence of our lands, not deliberation.

Garard: Go then with my soldiers but not my blessings. I shall heed the word of my elders and betters as I see thou shalt not.

Eldred: Then let me honour you with victory rather than obedience.

So Eldred set out, the royal guard behind him. They were battle-tested but few in number and uncertain of Eldred who in truth was still few in years. Yet this confidence would soon be tested as they came across a small party of Orcs on the path to their destination.

Guard: Ready yourself my liege, Orcs are on the horizon.

Eldred: They are but a scouting party Saenvan, they should be no match for our steel.

Saenvan: Be wary still, pride may costs us more lives than steel.

When son runs and father stands
Who shall hold our native lands?
Who shall hear a youth's brash call
When it asks us to stand and fall
When wisdom councils that we wait?
Who has wisdom saved from fate?
Your kinsmen call from bitter north
Yet who shall hear them and come forth?
Youthful prince may make their choice
In Defeat, we mourn alone.
In Victory, with great hosts, we shall rejoice.
-Lais of Eldred, written by Myrraent, court poet of Queen Asheviere, 506 YW

The Party rode on North afterwards with great haste. No more Orcs troubled their journey. They arrived soon at a small northern border village, by the name of Hurdleford

Villager: Who goes there?

Eldred: Your sovereign Prince, if son of Wesnoth thou art.

Villager: I feared we were orphans for none heard our cries for aid. The Orcs have been harsh against us and I fear that, had you come by on the 'morrow, you would have arrived to ruins. Fortune smiles upon us then, if you come to welcome us back into the fold. How many are with you, Prince?

Eldred: Thou seest my whole host.

Villager: But do you go ahead of a larger host? How many men follow after you?

Eldred: Not one lord follows me hence, they refused to depart from their safety and warmth of their castle walls as Elves who cling to forests edge, peaking out only to see the doings of braver men.

Villager: They are thieves then, who will watch us hang as they await their turn. But if the Prince comes to us to share our fate, let us share our bread as well. Hurry in, do not starve yourselves outside. I am Oweor, a farmer by trade but one of many who will lend you a hand against invaders. Come in, we have no great halls or houses, but you are welcome in any that we have.

Oweor spoke and warned the party of the meaning of his words, a young girl had spotted the Orcs gathering not far while gathering herbs and it seemed that it would be in only a few nights time that the Orcs would attack and try to drive them away. The Village had many men willing to take spear and bow to defend the village but alone they could only do so much. Their fate now was in the Princes hands...

Act I, Scene II: Hurdleford

Spoiler:

Oweor: Evening comes, bringing Orcs not far behind.

Eldred: The setting sun gives way to the light of Orcish torches, yet this appears but a small party. Do they over step themselves and make too little of us?

Saenvan: I doubt this is all their force, instead they send a few of their number to see and size us for our funeral dressings.

Oweor: They seek to take our goods, not raze our fields, so they do not send many. If we leave them food and drink they may pass us by.

Eldred: Let then those goods be tribute to Wesnoth and feed our host, from Prince to beggar, should beggar abide us, for our host fed as one shall stand together as one to refuse the jealous hands that would steal our meals. To arms, Saenvan. Oweor, gather those who will follow and bring them to me.


Words scatter to the winds
With vows to keep or else resind.
What can words do to stone
When vows bind no more to the bone?
What shall be heard by slyvan ears
Which know not of mortal fears?
Take your blade, Northern Son
Try our arms so that day be won.
Take your shield, join the fight
To see us through the coming night.
Take your banner, Prince of Men
True men shall rise to follow then.

By his horn, I join the fray
By cruel fate though I may die
Let my blade meet Orcish cry
Let no man or elf forget this day.
-Lais of Eldred, written by Myrraent, court poet of Asheviere, 506 YW

Oweor: Not a lone orc returns from the slaughter.

Eldred: Then no word of it returns to orcish ears. Fear is wrought from such silence and through fear frenzy may be wrought in turn. I fear we may only have hastened their assault.

Saenvan: Then let us not spend what time we have remaining to us on disputes or fear but on thoughts of how to us win more. We guards may hold any wall but these lands hold none. Not one forged by hands of man nor nature.

Eldred: Then let us hew a wall ourselves. Where are the forests? Any man who wields a spear in war may wield an axe in work. Together we may set about and raise a wall before tomorrow's evening comes to pass.

Oweor: The Orcs knew this and so they knew to take what they could and raze what remained.

Saenvan: I saw a forest not far from here upon the route, what of that?

Oweor: Elfwood lord, the only timber they shall lend us is their arrows' shafts.

Eldred: Tell me, what man here sits as his home is in danger while you die in its defence?

Oweor: Not one that I know of, lord.

Eldred: Then by what right hath elves to sit idle as men die in their defence?

Modernized Version

Spoiler:

-Throne Room, Castle Weldyn-

Eldred: You look troubled father. What worries you so?

Garard: Word from the north; the Orcs are raiding in force. For now the Warbands are small and few in number but growing. It is not too long ago that Zorlan united the Tribes and I fear that the bonds forged then weren't shattered with his death, at least not fully. I have sent messengers to all the corners of my Kingdom and I realize now what sort of land I rule; Three Lords answers me, the rest wait as Naga ready to strike at first sign of weakness. Elves meanwhile keep their silence as Dwarves their Gold, They will not give us a reply, let alone aid.

Asheviere: We cannot allow the Kingdom to rely on Elves, they are fickle and fay. Pay no mind to them and rally those who shall hear us with promise of great reward.

Eldred: She speaks wisely, Father. The Royal Guard are loyal to us above all else, let me ride with them to the North and I shall do what I can.

Garard: Yet Delfador councils patience, to allow time to be our guide.

Eldred: What of it, Father? Who is it that wears the crown? Delfador or we? Men die in the north as we discuss their fate.

Asheviere: You may choose for yourself to wait but if we have a son who wishes to serve the Kingdom, what right have we to stop him? Perhaps he speaks out of turn but you should hear him still.

Garard: If I alone shall hear the voice of reason then let him go then with my soldiers but not my blessings.

Eldred: If I must then I shall serve as Prince first and son second and will bring you honour with victory rather than obedience.

So Eldred set out, the royal guard behind him. They were battle-tested but few in number and uncertain of Eldred who in truth was still few in years. Yet this confidence would soon be tested as they came across a small party of Orcs on the path to their destination.

Saenvan: There are orcs on the horizon. Prepare yourself my Prince.

Eldred: It looks to be only a collection of scouts and goblins, Saenvan, they should be little challenge.

Saenvan: Be careful still, lest pride costs us more lives than steel.

When son runs and father stands
Who shall hold our native lands?
Who shall hear a youth's brash call
When it asks us to stand and fall
When wisdom councils that we wait?
Who has wisdom saved from fate?
Your kinsmen call from bitter north
Yet who shall hear them and come forth?
Youthful prince may make their choice
In Defeat, we mourn alone.
In Victory, with great hosts, we shall rejoice.
-Lais of Eldred, written by Myrraent, court poet of Queen Asheviere, 506 YW

The Party rode on to a village north of the Great River between Dwarven Mountains and by Elvish Woods on the farther-most northern reaches of the Wesnoth.

Villager: Who goes there?

Eldred: Your sovereign's prince, if you pay allegiance to Wesnoth.

Villager: Until now I feared Wesnoth paid no allegiance to us. The orcs are relentless. We have often sent word south, without so much as a spear sent north. Had you waited another day, you might have arrived here to see only ruins. How many are with you?

Eldred: You see the whole host that travels with me.

Villager: But do you go ahead of a larger army? How with them?

Eldred: Not one lord follows after me. They to their castles as Elves to the edge of the forest, peaking out only to see the doings of braver men.

Villager: They are worse than thieves who watch each other hang while they await their turn. But if you come to help us, then let us help you. You look hungry and tired, come in, come in. I am Oweor but a humble farmer in these lands but I will lend you a hand against invaders, so will many others. It is no great capital as the one you left, but I hope you may still make yourself at home here.

Eldred: Your hospitality appreciated more deeply than you know.

Oweor spoke and warned the party of the meaning of his words, a girl had spotted the Orcs gathering not far and it seems that it would be in only a few nights time that the Orcs would attack and try to drive them away. The Village had many men willing to take spear and bow to defend the village but alone they could only do so much. Their fate now was in the Prince's hands...

Oweor: To Arms! Orcs from the East!

Eldred: There are so few... Is this the menance that father feared?

Saenvan: They are likely only scouts, a larger force might follow behind them.

Oweor: You are mistaken there, Saenvan. They come only to raid a small village, not to raise it. They expect little resistance. If we leave out enough food then they may pass us over entirely.

Eldred: They will not taste anything here but steel.

Words scatter to the winds
With vows to keep or else resind.
What can words do to stone
When vows bind no more to the bone?
What shall be heard by slyvan ears
Which know not of mortal fears?
Take your blade, Northern Son
Try our arms so that day be won.
Take your shield, join the fight
To see us through the coming night.
Take your banner, Prince of Men
True men shall rise to follow then.

By his horn, I join the fray
By cruel fate though I may die
Let my blade meet Orcish cry
Let no man or elf forget this day.
-Lais of Eldred, written by Myrraent, court poet of Asheviere, 506 YW

Oweor: That was the last of them.

Eldred: Then none will bring word of us back to their warband, but I doubt they will take such a sudden loss lightly. They may return tomorrow with greater numbers.

Saenvan: We should not waste time worrying; there are no walls here for us to defend. It will be hard to defend the town if we are outnumbered and the Orcs may come from any angle.

Eldred: We shall build a wall, then. Between the Royal Guard and local militia, we should be able to build a wooden wall, at very least...

Oweor: Everything has been cut down or burnt; the Orcs have been preparing.

Saenvan: Isn't there a forest to the North? It is a bit further than I'd like but it should suffice.

Oweor: Those are elven woods, milord. All they shall give us is curses and arrows.

Eldred: What right have they to watch us suffer from a far? Are their homes not threatened if yours falls?

Oweor: You are right, milord.

Eldred: Then take us there.

[Flameslash]

This is really good. It flows well and is written in a way that gives it a medieval feel whilst still being easy to understand. I doubt a peasent would doubt the prince's strategies, but other than that it's all good.

[Lanval]

Edited it a little bit to fix it. Thanks for pointing that bit out.


Act I Scene III: The Elven Woods

Spoiler:

Oweor: These are the woods.

Eldred: But who goes there in?

Oweor: Not a man I know.

Saenvan: Kalenz, friend of Delfador, if word is true.

Eldred: A great many speak kindly of Delfador, yet he passes the days as an elf, forgetting years as he walking amongst them. Surely, he is a changeling. It is said as well that before nobles of our realm he woke the spirits of the dead from their slumber.

Saenvan: Yet your father loves him still.

Eldred: What should be made of friendship forged in double loyalty to the realm? If my father is to heed to word of changelings as the realm around him rots, then let me plead the case for men by woman's name, for the Queen holds still the realm within heart.

Saenvan: Do as you will and we shall follow.

Oweor: We of the north know who came to our aid.

Saenvan: Silence, I hear one come.

Kalanz: Generals of Wesnoth: You have attacked defenseless elvish land. You must leave immediately. I am Kalenz, High Lord of the Elves. Delfador the Great will confirm the treaty between us.

Eldred: This is elvish land no more. I, Eldred, prince of Wesnoth and heir to the throne, claim it for Wesnoth and Queen Asheviere. Delfador does not rule in Wesnoth!


To Forest Glen, Away, Away,
Where Age knows not the passing day
Where slyph and elf do dance and play
As the world around them burns
-Traditional Children's Rhyme, unknown origin.


Delfador: Peace, friends! I have been riding nonstop for days to prevent this madness! Eldred, I have direct orders from the King to take you back to the Palace, where you will be reprimanded for your inexcusable actions. Kalenz, the King offers his deepest apologies for these events and promises to do anything in his power to make amends.

Saenvan: Do you hear him? Delfador comes to speak of peace.

Eldred: His presence ruins all hope of true accord. We shall deal Orc dealings on to this forest, as the Elves who sit and witness may know them as we do; let no tree in height exceed my shoulder's blades and let no elf in height exceed his own.

Saenvan: He calls you to the palace and we have not the strength or will to hold against his magics.

Eldred: Then let me go, but I shall return with greater numbers. There must be loyalty amongst men yet that some have heard our call. Stay and see that the village holds, for I fear I may love it more than my home.

Saenvan: You shall find it standing or else us fallen.

Eldred: Speak not such evil words, but I shall go as not to sell your lives for pride.

Saenvan: May fortune follow you.

Eldred: I fear you need it more.

Modernized Version

Spoiler:

Oweor: These are the woods.

Eldred: But who is that in the distance?

Oweor: Not a villager.

Saenvan: It is Kalenz, a friend of Delfador.

Eldred: I do not trust Delfador, nor his taste in friends. He looks human, yet he lives almost as an elf. He is neither man nor elf, but something between the two; a changeling, I am certain. It is rumoured that before our very generals, he rose the dead from their slumber. I would dismiss it as rumour too, had Lionel not confirmed that he saw it with his own eyes.

Saenvan: Careful with your words; Your father thinks highly of him.

Eldred: What good is friendship if it hurts the whole nation? Delfador whispers to my father to do nothing while the Kingdom is falling to pieces. If he is to accept Delfador's words over the good of Wesnoth, then I will give commands on behalf of my mother.

Saenvan: You speak with reason; We trust you.

Oweor: We villagers know who came to our aid.

Saenvan: Shh! Here comes the elf now.

Kalanz: Generals of Wesnoth: you have attacked defenseless elvish land. You must leave immediately. I am Kalenz, High Lord of the Elves. Delfador the Great will confirm the treaty between us.

Eldred: This is elvish land no more. I, Eldred, prince of Wesnoth and heir to the throne, claim it for Wesnoth and Queen Asheviere. Delfador does not rule in Wesnoth!


To Forest Glen, Away, Away,
Where Age knows not the passing day
Where slyph and elf do dance and play
As the world around them burns
-Traditional Children's Rhyme, unknown origin.


Delfador: Peace, friends! I have been riding nonstop for days to prevent this madness! Eldred, I have direct orders from the King to take you back to the Palace, where you will be reprimanded for your inexcusable actions. Kalenz, the King offers his deepest apologies for these events and promises to do anything in his power to make amends.

Saenvan: Did you hear that? Delfador wants us to lay down our arms.

Eldred: What right does he have? To make demands on his own ruler? Why should we stop? Fight on. Until we have fallen, or the forest is ash.

Saenvan: He calls you to the palace on behalf of your father, hear him, Prince. The militia is tired and Delfador is feared by guard and peasant alike. Even if we win this battle, there will not be enough of us left to face the Orcs.

Eldred: Very well, I'll go with him. Let Delfador speak his poison to father, Lionel will see reason and others might follow me north. Until I can return, protect the villagers.

Saenvan: We will protect it or fall with it.

Eldred: Do not speak of that. I dread the thought. I should go now, or else I fear the fighting may begin again.

Saenvan: May fortune follow you.

Eldred: I fear you shall need it more.

[Flameslash]

This is all good, keep it up.

[Lanval]

Act I: Scene IV: The Queen's Manor

Spoiler:

Garard: Tell me, Eldred, what laws may bind a realm where oaths may be forgotten and King cannot maintain rule in his own house?

Eldred: None, father.

Garard: I council thee wait whilst thou dost venture forth and in doing so wound me doubly, for it is not my love alone you shun but my law. And Love alone stays my hand against the treason I have find in my own house. I fear it may be my downfall yet as I watch the realm around me, but it shall be yours as well. Where love stays my hand, it shall drives thine forth to ruin. As Lionel has ridden west in search of ancient sceptres and I shall ride north to face the Orcish foe, thou shalt stay and in this I hope we might avoid double ruin.

Eldred: As you wish, father.

A Week Later...

Vaennyn: A pity the old man is so blinded. He might yet have heard Lionel's councils and sent you north with us.

Ceomyr: Lionel chases some fairy sceptre forgotten to all but legend. An empty quest born of the fancies of an idle mage pushed upon a desperate king.

Vaennyn: You speak rather openly of the mage's treason.

Eldred: What other account might be given? The Elf-friend is blinded and yet blinds, a misplaced love guides him to misguide love. An irony oft' seen but sad to see. It is clear he seeks an expansion of his influence o'er throne to overcome both kin and wits yet how?

Rider: An Attack. An Attack upon the mansion of Queen Ashievre. Ride swiftly friends for elves take no time in mischieve.

Eldred: At the Castle? What madness is this? Do they seek recompense for broken vows?

Rider: I know not but Defador is at the helm.
...

Rider: We arrive too late.

Eldred: But they leave tracks. We shall find them in the forest, follow with haste friends.

Vaennyn: Pilafman?

Ceomyr: Silence, he is slain and we have not the time for rites. Mark well where he lies and see that the blood extracted is paid twentyfold by the Elves who drew it. Make haste.

...

Elf: What right have you to enter hear?

Eldred: An assault upon the throne of Wesnoth. We have been wronged and blood shall be paid for blood.

Elf: We deny your charge and charge you return. These woods are under the protection of Delfador.

Rider: I have seen you. I marked you well, at Delfador's side. Let your treason be paid for with blood.

Elf: Urgh...

Elvish Scout: Humans draw sylvan blood once more, all bonds broken, the traitor prince at the helm. To arms, cousins, let them not draw blood freely.

Eldred: What vows were broken in the north shall see themselves kept in south. Let us seize upon this forest, leave fire behind us until elf and tree are ash alike.

Words may bond the fainter lives
As elves unto elves, merfolk to dives
Yet hatred deep holds Dwarves as their kin
Never as they breath forget they sin
What then of us men, and bonds we keep?
I say, through us runs hate twice as deep.

Where the Dwarves recall each sin too deep,
This bond oft passes with their long lives,
And thus longer bonds we men can keep,
Than even the dwarves in dwarven dives,
For we pass it on through all our kin,
That none may forget an ancient sin.

Though not unto them was cast the sin
All the sons of men feel each cut deep
For in all their hearts they know their kin
And so it may pass through countless lives
Thus forgotten bonds longer we keep
than all elven forests and dwarven dives.

-Ceinddwyl, Travelling Minstrel, 354YW-386YW

Ceomyr: Eldred, friend, what do you do?

Eldred: These Elves are outlaws and deserve not to lay with their gold.

Ceomyr: You look to me a thief.

Eldred: That is as well then, for I had hoped as much. Let them say these elves were slew by bandits or gold loving dwarves for then we may depart. Tell me Rider, were these all who fell upon the castle?

Rider: Nay, but a handful were I fear and many more fled with Delfador.

Eldred: Then let them. Those who seek me shall turn north then.

Ceomyr: You shall defy your father's word?

Eldred: I obey to intent not letter; Delfador came upon the manor. Had he happened upon the Queen there in, he would have slewn her without a thought. This changeling's peace I broke, not my father's. I must show him so and he shall forgive me.

Ceomyr: You left not an Elf to tell the tale, though not one seemed willing.

Eldred: I thought not of it. I will plead my case with him upon my honour. He may hear the words of the guard and speak under any oath. He might claim that I have broken his word, but I have never turned against my own. If he refuses me still, I shall accept his exile.

Vaennyn: Then ride with us and let us share in your fortune or your fall.

Eldred: Let it be so. To Hurdleford.

Modernized

Spoiler:

Garard: Eldred. You have broken a treaty which I swore an oath to hold until my death. What do my crown and all my titles mean if even my own son will not obey my law? The Kingdom is deeply divided and weakened. What can be said to treasonous lords when they see that I cannot even keep my own son in line?

Eldred: Nothing, father.

Garard: I warned you wait but you ran forward for glory and greed. My betrayed not only my law but my love, Eldred. And it is this love alone that keep you here, were you not my son I would cast you out. This softheartedness may be the death of me. Becareful unless the rashness you have shown brings an end to our line. Lionel has departed on a quest for the Sceptre of Fire, so I will rally the forces to the north myself. You are to remain here.

Robryn: He is a capable general, sire. There is no reason to confine him here, especially with Lionel sent West.

Ceomyr: He speaks with reason, sire.

Garard: Lionel does a greater duty than any of us. I am still able. He is not prince yet and so I shall lead my own armies.

Vaennyn: He is loyal to you still. The boy only did as he thought you would; his people were in danger. What loyalty does Wesnoth owe to Elves?

Delfador: ...

Garard: Silence all. I am king. Perhaps no one will hear me, not my lords or even my son, but when I give my word, it shall bind to me until death. What is a king without honour? Who will follow him?

Asheviere: Do as you see fit and you will find that we shall follow you when all oaths are broken.

Garard: Shall you listen to your father? This is all I ask Eldred.

Eldred: I shall do as you wish, father, even if I do not agree with you.

Garard: The rest of you make preparation, be ready to leave within a week.

A week later...


Vaennyn: It is a shame your father is so stubborn. Perhaps if Lionel was still here, he would hear reason.

Ceomyr: It is strange then that only the day before today he was sent to quest for some sceptre from fairy tales. A waste of a good general that could only have been imagined by a mage who has read too much on a desperate king.

Vaennyn: I thought you were more careful than that Ceomyr; the King does not take kindly to slander against the mage.

Eldred: But what else can be said? Delfador is blinded by the Elves and yet blinds others. Lionel so suddenly gone and my father turned against me so, what else could be believed? He wishes to gain more powerful for himself and his Elvish friends, forgetting who he serves.

Rider: To Arms! Quickly! The Queen's manor is under attack by Elves! Bring aid, quickly!

Eldred: Elves attacking Weldyn? What madness is this? Do they want revenge against me?

Rider: I do not know, but Delfador leads them.

...

Rider: We are too late!

Eldred: But this sword? It belongs to one of Delfador's friends, who dwells in a forest near by. I can take us there, they have much to answer to.

Vaennyn: Pilafman?

Ceomyr: Dead. Come, follow quickly and we might still catch the Elves before they flee too far so that we can avenge him.

...

Elf: What are you humans doing in Elvish Forest?

Eldred: Elves from here have assaulted the throne of Wesnoth. We are here to demand those who did it be turned over to us that they might face justice.

Elf: You trepass on Elvish lands and spread lies. Begone; These woods are under the protection of Delfador.

Rider: I saw you in the attack, at Delfador's side. Traitor and liar, taste steel!

Elf: Urgh...

Elvish Scout: Soldiers of Wesnoth attack us again! The treaty is broken and the treacherous prince leads them against our forest! To arms! Do not let them kill us without a fight!

Eldred: What I could not do in the North, I shall do here. These Elves shall pay for their treason! Let the forest burn!

Words may bond the fainter lives
As elves unto elves, merfolk to dives
Yet hatred deep holds Dwarves as their kin
Never as they breath forget they sin
What then of us men, and bonds we keep?
I say, through us runs hate twice as deep.

Where the Dwarves recall each sin too deep,
This bond oft passes with their long lives,
And thus longer bonds we men can keep,
Than even the dwarves in dwarven dives,
For we pass it on through all our kin,
That none may forget an ancient sin.

Though not unto them was cast the sin
All the sons of men feel each cut deep
For in all their hearts they know their kin
And so it may pass through countless lives
Thus forgotten bonds longer we keep
than all elven forests and dwarven dives.

-Ceinddwyl, Travelling Minstrel, 354YW-386YW

Ceomyr: Eldred... what are you doing?

Eldred: I am taking the Gold from these Elves as payment for the harm they did to my mother's manor.

Ceomyr: You speak like a thief, and act like one too.

Eldred: That is the plan. None remain who have seen us, so let it be said that they were slain by bandits or gold hungry dwarves. None would expect the Prince to take such small trinkets. Tell me, you were there during attack, are these all of the ones who attacked the mansion?

Rider: Only a handful of them were. The rest who attacked must have fled with Delfador

Eldred: It is too late to persue them now. If any want revenge for what we have done here, then they will have to come after me in the north.

Ceomyr: You said you would obey your father.

Eldred: I do not go North for my own sake but his; Delfador, the changeling, has betrayed us. Assaulted upon the very throne itself. Had Asheviere been in the Mansion, have no doubt he would have murdered her in cold blood. Who else knows of this? Who else would he believe? So I will go myself and to tell him.

Ceomyr: Not one elf remains to confess his guilt.

Eldred: Then he will have to trust my honour. Besides the guard who brought us here will support my story as shall you. If he still refuses to hear me and claims I ignored him then let him do what he will to me. The stubborn old fool.

Vaennyn: Then come with us. We are prepared to go north today. We will follow you to exile or to glory.

Eldred: So be it. To Hurdleford!

[Flameslash]

I'm confused. Did Delfador actually attack Asheviere's mansion?

[Lanval]

Yes, the last two missions in Delfador's Memoirs invovle retrieving a book based off the One Ring from the Queen's Manor, using elven soldiers [and possibly Kalenz]. The main condition for defeat in the first mission is the arrival of reinforcements, which here consists of Eldred.

Delfador's motivation from Eldred's point of view is unclear and can be taken as proof of treason and Delfador's desire to hold more power over the throne. I regret removing Kalenz's line that "there is more than one ruler on the throne" since it fits the theme brilliantly but the rest of that conversation would have required rationalization on Eldred's part which while doable would have made a long cut scene longer. I'm a bit disappointed by Asheviere's own absence in this; She has a major role yet but I couldn't fit her into the scene without making it even longer [She would have only made it into the scene in the throne room and I would have felt bad undercutting the King's authority using her and the generals].

[Flameslash]

Ok, thanks for clearing that up.

[Lanval]

Act II, Scene I: The Battle of Hurdle Ford

Spoiler:

As they neared Hurdleford in the morning twilight, Eldred's party saw a large host marching towards them with a tired but hurried pace. They flew a flag of war.

Vaennyn: Hail to the North, who comes from there?

Eldred: Halt Vaennyn, it is our banner they fly.

Saenvan: Prince, it does us no end of good to see you but arrive at the dawn of a bitter night. I bear the town I swore to defend upon my back. I would have fallen with the buildings but I could not leave the people. Yet, I have broken my vows as I breathe while my charge burns still bright and so I shall accept what you decide is fitting.

Oweor: Do not listen to him, Prince. It was by my charge he left south to protect my family and my friends. We of Hurdleford see their sword arms' value increase a hundredfold over our children than over empty homes.

Eldred: Thou hast chosen well Saenvan, as Oweor wisely said, each man of this town is worth a thousand such buildings. Where dost thou march to?

Saenvan: The Ford of Abez to the South, Lord. Rumours say we may yet find shelter there.

Eldred: Hurry then. We shall hold them here.

Saenvan: I was charged to hold the town but we are no longer needed fro that. Let me stand with you and send Oweor to protect his people.

Oweor: I hope to stand yet, for we of the town owe a great debt to you.

Ceomyr: Such talk shall cost us time. There is no disgrace is guiding the lost and with wolves on the prowl it may yet be needed. Those who would protect their families first, go south and make good of your hard won time. We shall hold here with who wishes to hold.

Eldred: Well spoken. There is a Watchtower, let us group around this and gather what support we may. This battle may not be an easy one.


At Hurdleford, we see a light
Through sky still dark from blackest night
Look on the smoke, the guard is broke
What hope survives this omn'ous sight?

Flee with dagger and too with bow
Flee from the fearsome orcish foe
The Wolves do howl as Goblins prowl
Where is there left for us to go?

Oh Northern Son, hold back your tears,
Draw well your bows, prepare your spears.
Come Wolf or Troll, We'll draw a toll.
And hold these grounds 'neath Orcish leers

Stand with us and by your bow,
The whole of Orcish host shall know
Though we die here, we conquered fear
We'll deal them yet a fearsome blow.

Though we may fall in this dank mud
We shall yet give them blood for blood
For daughters lost, they'll pay the cost
For them we'll ford the Orcish flood.

Who there rides from the south but one
From Wesnoth's throne, a worthy son
Beneath his crown, we'll send them down
By him this battle might be won.

-Battle of Hurdleford, Anonymous Participant.

Oweor: So little left of the old town.

Eldred: Is there a man alive amidst the rubble?

???: Nay not a man, but a woman might suffice. Hail, Prince of Wesnoth, for you shall be no more.

Eldred: What do you speak of?

Seer: Though your father falls you shall find no greater crown.

Eldred: Wesnoth fallen? What Faerie whispers do you give?

Seer: These whispers are not of faeries but of men, a two fold oracle I give in offering to my Prince; Wesnoth shall hate its savior and its savior shall be traitor.

Vaennyn: Away, Changling Hag, Elf-friend and Elf-born, unclean to spit upon.

Seer: Yet Elves shall be called saviors and men traitors in their own Kingdom. Know your fate, Prince of Wesnoth, to save your land by two fold treason and so be hated by it. Yet I see you shall walk no other path.

Eldred: A dire Oracle, go in peace that I might brood.

Seer: As you demand, Prince.

Eldred: From the burnt forests, many a strange sight emerges, yet let us not have more talk of these Oracles now while Orcs still loom overhead. Vaennyn, Ceomyr, set about destroying the Ford. Let no Orc pass the great river with ease. We stand or fall by the Ford of Abez.

Ceomyr: As you command, sire.

Eldred set about the North, recovering what he could, and sending who he could south to the Ford. He knew that come morning, he would have to seek his father to make some explaination, but on the way to his father's camp, he would see another familiar face...

I'm hoping the introduction here doesn't seem too far out of left field, but I do intend to use her again. Any advice on this would be appreciated. Part of me is considering cutting her all together, but I am still weighing how the story may go.

Comments on Poetry would also be appreciated as I'm not overly confident in my experiment with Sestina in the last installment but it feels like a very mathematical and abstract style that would attract the elves on technical merit which I feel the other species would be less interested in.

[Groggy_Dice]

I don't know if you've heard of "A Seed of Evil" for 1.0, but the first two scenarios give Eldred's side of the story about the death of his father and showdown with Delfador. This campaign had its admirers, but has never been ported. However, it fits in with your project of giving a pro-Eldred spin to these events. You might want to look at it; the old code won't run, of course, but since you're only doing story text right now, not WML, that's not important.

As for your writing, I think you're overdoing it with the "Ye Olde Englishe" dialogue. I would take ESR's advice in the Campaign How-To, to use archaisms sparingly to spice up dialogue, not overwhelm it.

[Lanval]

I find the Ealde Aenglisc fun to mess with, I was kind of hoping to hit a middle ground of modernization that it'd be easier to read than Shakespeare while still showing the influence but I was worried that I might have overdone it... I'll rewrite and tone down what I have before the next update. Originally it was meant to be exclusive to the court but at this point even the peasant's speech isn't much simplified. Is Oweor a bit more comprehensible? I kept some of the points of olden dialogue with him but phrased it in a modern sense, though I worry that doesn't work since sounds odd sometimes since the topic and sentance content is taken from a different kind of English.

Had a look at The Seed of Evil on your advice. Some of it is formatting making it hard to read but it seems odd... The thread I found it in described it as going off on a tangent after the second mission but even the first two seem a little bizarre. It feels like Gollum is cheering on in the background and I think it claims that Eldred just attacks his Father's forces to earn his respect while the Gollum fellow is the one who actually kills him? I might consider using the name should I find the need to have a questionable adviser but outside of that I don't think I want to follow in its footsteps much.

Here is a rewrite tilted more towards Modern Text [With Asheviere worked in] edited into the original post, how is this compared to the original?

Is it better? Worse? Not far enough?

[Kanzil]

Firstly, that is a near perfect amount of archaism-it has that high fantasy feel to it whilst remaining accessible to people who may have a lesser grasp of English. Your lyrical,poetic style portrays this era very well.
However, the easiest way to create a sense of period is to use slightly irregular syntax, with the occasional unfamiliar archaic word mixed in- usually one that isn't central to the sentence.

Also, "fey" is with an "e" not an "a".

[Lanval]

Thank you, Kanzil. I'll go back and correct instances of "Fay" when I have the time to.

Act II, Scene II: Asheviere

Spoiler:

Saenvan: Hold! What is this I see? A battle rages, not far from here.

Ceomyr: Let us not pass time on this. We must make haste to your father, for we owe him both explanation and aid.

Eldred: What must a greater apology be owed for? A brief delay or sacrificing allies for the sake of time? Can you tell their faces, Saenvan?

Saenvan: No, Sire, but I know your mother's banner. She is in combat with Orcs.

Eldred: The choice is made for us; To Arms! Make Haste!

Look upon her if you dare- The White Queen
Not dark but harsh and fair
As the frozen mountain air
Sight of love and deep despair

But a motion by her hand - Slender still
Is felt throughout the land
Treason, power; her command
Who against her dares to stand?
-The Terror of Asheviere, written by Dróthriel, 518 YW.

Eldred: Why camest thou North, Mother?

Asheviere: Speak with grace or guard your tongue, Eldred. We are before the soldiery now. I come North in haste; my manor has been assaulted and soldiers of Wesnoth slain. Delfador, born of men, desiring of elves, worthy only be a rebel and murderer has proven himself both.

Eldred: We have come north for that reason, to speak to King Garard.

Asheviere: You know not his true reasons.

Eldred: I had thought them vengeance, against myself, or ambition, against my father.

Asheviere: Mayhaps true, yet the cause is a different one. Delfador dabbles in dark knowledge. An Elf-book, Fey in design and in nature, which brings forth all evil designs hidden in the minds of men. He treasured this close, since the time of your father's father. I won it from him through guile and hid it, suspecting his treason. When I returned, I found not only my mansion assaulted but the book taken. Worse yet, I found my father, who had come seeking me, slain and left upon the floor of my manor.

Eldred: A dire tale. Let us make haste, Father shall hear us.

They rode south with haste. With his mother by his side, Eldred stood assured that the situation would come to a conclusion and Delfador would see justice yet. He arrived, not a nervous rebel son, but victorous with the Queen beside him to assure his victory. The captains promised to keep their silences, but refused to depart before the matter was settled. And so it was they came before King Garard.

Garard: Why camest thou here, Eldred? I commanded thou stayst and thou followst me, pursuing as a shadow, with daggers in his smile. Does my head but serve to warm thine crown, until thou seest fit to wear it thine self? I stand a mockery before you, I cannot control my house and so my Kingdom collapses around me.

Eldred: Hear reason yet, father.

Garard: Answer my charge then; Ought I surrender and die then? A puppet and fool by all?

Asheviere: Calm thineself, Garard. Listen to reason, take heed of it.

Garard: When I spoke of reason, you both ran north in haste. As I run north, you tell me to heed reason once more and fall to silence. Now is the time of war, even reason must bend by steel.

Asheviere: Reason must first shape the steel that sunders it. Understand what you strike before the sentence is passed.

Garard: Thou speakest wisely, I shall hear thee.

Eldred: Delfador has commited a three fold treason against you; He deals in dark arts best left to the most depraved amongst the fey, he has slain your country men and he has assaulted upon the home of your wife.

Garard: Harsh words and it is known amongst the court that you hold no love for him. I cannot upon your whim severe the kingdom and serve your charge at all times. Certain things must be measured and weighed before they hath been put to motion. Once set, I fear that their course is not one that thou mayst alter with ease.

Rider: I shall speak then as a the guard of the Queen, your grace. Delfador came with a great host of Elves, who slew our captain and all those who dwelt within, save we who were sent to seek aid.

Asheviere: I shall speak myself, if thou hath any love for me you shall banish him. He slew my father in greed. He sought a book that grants power, Elf-made it puts evil in the hearts of men. I had heard word of it from a servant of his and bid him retrieve it. I held it as it gave weight to my fears but my father, upon discovering what I possessed, hoped that he might use discover more of its corrupting nature before I presented it to you. He spoke of hope for a remedy to save ailing Delfador, but for this hope he was slain. Archmage fallen to an Elf-thrall, for he is Delfador no long, his soul enchanted by the fairy glamour in its pages. A dear price, I have paid now love, for what I feared to reveal.

Garard: All this done without a word spoken to me and now what little I held fast to in my house has come to war. I shall hear no more of this. Not a word. Delfador shall not be invoked again in any camp until, we return to Weldyn. There we shall put light upon this and damn him or absolve him, but until then, give me peace that I might focus upon another war.
Asheviere, forgive my temper but I ask of thee; Go back from whence thee came. There is safety in Weldyn. Delfador is not to enter unless by your leave. Should the sight of a lone Elf be seen in city walls, I shall banish the mage for safety's sake. Eldred, I have heard your pleas and so if you care for what you invoke; Seek Lionel to the West. He is worth many times our strength.

Asheviere: That is a fool's errand, you need every able arm!

Garard: I do not forget your hand in that decision. Lionel shall be found and brought here, until then Eldred, thou art bound to remain afield.

Eldred: As you wish, father.

[Lanval]

Act II, Scene III: Liches Looming. (In whiche there iſ muche filre & olden angliſh ſpeech)

Spoiler:

So it was that Eldred travelled West, he took with him only the survivors of Hurdleford, who refused to follow any other. Ceomyr and Vaennyn were needed at Abez; The largest ford in the area, it granted passed and swift movement north, allowing both reprisals on the Orcs and to hinder their advance. Yet many Lords in the south and the west, who did not yet fear the Orcs, kept silent and refused to hear Garard's call North, even the great horse clans offered no aid. So Eldred rushed west, to find Lionel whom he believed might yet seal their victory.

Oweor: I dislike these parts. The wise shun them, it is said. There are other routes, Prince, which I beg you to consider.

Eldred: None are so direct. We cannot offer pause. Lionel's fall would seal our fate.

Oweor: Unlawful creates dwell here.

Saenvan: You speak of bandits? or Elves?

Eldred: No matter now, you are soldiers and owe no fear to fairy-woods.

Oweor: I give none either, but these are more. Bandits, Fey and creatures of far worse manner dwell here in.

Eldred: You speak of Orcs?

Saenvan: A motion in the trees.

Oweor: No. Creatures twice born, thrice cursed by unlawful magics. Foul things.

Saevan: What 'ere they are, they come.

Eldred: Make ready then. They look to be restless wights and spirits, bound by spell.

Saevan: With no mage amongst us, battle shall be hard.

Eldred: The sun shall harm them more than any conjurer. Be wise until then and we shall hold.

In the northern lands, cold cuts to the bone
Through skin, through flesh, 'til then alone,
The bones remain and no worldy pain
Is left for you to hold.
Of the first lich, not born of witch,
this is all that's told.
So wear your mitts and don't be bold
And sit warm by fire
Do not mope, instead have hope
And your tale shant be as dire.
-Traditional Northern Nursury Rhyme

Oweor: Foul creatures. I am glad to be rid of them but I shall be more glad to be past these woods.

Saevan: Foul and pitiable. To see souls so corrupted, some betrayed by flaws others over taken. Worse still to see the ones still living that follow this path. Death, whether their second or first, is a small mercy that we might offer them.

Oweor: Another movement. Do they come still?

Eldred: Hold. Though she make look it, she is no lich nor is her soul betrayed. At least not fully. We know this one.

Seer: Ah, a path is cleared.

Eldred: You are of their party?

Seer: I am of no party but my own, though you might call me a friend.

Eldred: I fear then to meet who I might call foe.

Seer: You shall not find Lionel. He is betrayed and fallen.

Eldred: By whom?

Seer: Dwarves and men. Return from whence thee camest, Prince and a worse fate thou shalt be spared.

Eldred: You speak as a knave. I follow the word of my father, though it may be my death.

Seer: Your death and perhaps more to his, perhaps but the death of your nation you shall not endure.

Oweor: Prince, I dislike this witch's tongue more than I fear it. Send her on her way.

Eldred: I fear this is both wise and unwise, yet I shall continue on.

Seer: Wise and Unwise are all the plans of men, it is for this I love them. You shall go forward, but we shall speak twice more.

Eldred: I shall go forward. Why then even speak when your cause is doomed to failure?

Seer: I speak and you march, doomed but obliged by some delusion which calls herself hope.

Eldred: Then speak here and let me march or else go in peace. We must make pace to Lionel.

Act II, Scene IV: Dwarven Delves.

Spoiler:

The party continued west, the woods were dangerous but Eldred's forces struck fear into all but the most desperate. None the less, Oweor recommended caution...

Saenvan: Prince, we ought not lead so far ahead, some foolish bandit might mistake us for easy prey with hefty ransom.

Oweor: The bandits are many here and not lacking in friends. Even as the woods end and give way to Mountains.

Eldred: It is well then, Should Lionel have passed these bandits would have word of him.

Oweor: You will find few friends here.

Eldred: We will find one who would rather part with words than life.

Saevan: Here comes the first then.

Bandit Leader: Halt, Travellers. The Law of Wesnoth holds not here and so you must follow the laws of this land. Here, I am Baron and charge all who pass a fare for protection, that we might see them through my lands safely.

Eldred: A Baron? I see it now, Crowned by leaves and thistles as an Elven child thou art. Sure, Nature itself makes you a sovereign. Thou ought to seek rule over a tailor before you come to a prince.

Bandit Leader: Thou prince, shalt not mock my claims upon this land. Knagla crowns me and to defy me is mock the rightful laws upon these lands. If thou shalt not hear me, then depart.

Oweor: I know thou and thine kin here. Taec, thou wert called then. Thou wert a drinker, a rake and a rogue but never once wert thou called Baron. Now, thou seemst to have outgrown thine old britches and thou wearst elven-leaves over dwarven-titles.

Bandit Leader: Begone. If you shall not be led by law, then I shall lead you by force.

Saenvan: I know the Blade he draws. Lord Lionel once held it.

Bandit Leader: It was a gift given in tribute. He has since departed.

Saenvan: Lionel would not have departed with it cheaply.

Oweor: The rogue slew him then, for he could offer nothing of worth.

Bandit Leader: He came, demanding what we could not offer and we sent him away. Now, go.

Eldred: Where did he go?

Bandit Leader: Teach thine rabble respect and pay our toll, then we might yet speak of this.

Oweor: He wastes our time and breath. If he knows where the Lord lies, it is because he slew the man in his sleep.

Eldred: Tell me where Lionel has gone.

Bandit Leader: Pay us our toll and we might yet speak.

Eldred: Let the toll then be paid in blood. I shall loosen your tongue yet, be it by steel or by fear.

Footpad: They draw their weapons and behind them a greater number comes.

Bandit Leader: Flee! Call the Dwarves! Let them hear the pact's call, for Wesnoth assails against us.

Oweor: Let him not escape us a second time.

Saenvan: Those are no empty words, he speaks. Look! Dwarves on the horizon.

Eldred: Continue none the less! Whether through the Dead or Dwarves, we seek Lionel.

Mighty Mountains grant great gold
To hearty hands which in Dwarven dens do dwell.
From it forged the flag that wesnoth wears.
Yet bonds break still with sudden slice
As men march mocking peace's pact.
So then let no law of southern sons speak
Within these hallowed halls.

Fast fingers hold hungry hands
From southern shores come countless creatures
Mayhaps men once yet every name in exile ends
Now they feast fiercely in deep dwarven delves
Ending empty promises with a pact of protection
For no steel may slice a brotherhood born of bread
Within these hallowed halls.

Let no law steal a single soul
who with us dwells in dwarven dens
Should soldiers seek and come to cavern calling
With weapons then they are threatened
For our number knows the pact's protection promised
No gold granted shall sunder our swearings
Within these hallowed halls.
-Inscription found upon the Gates of a Dwarven Stronghold in the Southern Heart Mountains. Authored by Dulaithsil and dedicated to King Aldrlos. Approx 350 YW.

Eldred: You are subdued, now tell me how you obtained the sword.

Bandit Leader: I spoke the truth. He left us a gift and departed.

Eldred: I doubt these words. It does not do thee well, whether truth or lie, if he who holds the blade still doubts thine speakings.

Bandit Leader: He sought aid against Orcs which impeded his march and so he came to us. He came wounded and offered his blade as a bribe. We hoped to tend to him but the Dwarves bid us to be rid of him. We are few and have not the want nor will to hold against Orcish hate. A handful of men were with him. If he did not return then he is slain.

Eldred: I doubt thee still.

Dwarf: He speaks true. They had hoped he would pay great money in gratitude but we dwarves were wiser. Orcs followed him, hungry for blood and caring not from where it flowed. When he found we would be of no aid, he departed, still bleeding. He neither bought nor begged for food. If he is not returned, then he is slain or starved.

Eldred:I like not what I hear yet from thee it bears the weight of truth. We shall be on then to seek him.

Bandit Leader: The cause is lost, prince. I saw his wounds as he left. His body belongs to birds and beasts or else was claimed for darker purposes. If an Orc slew him, then he would not have recognized him. I suspect more though, that they were lost to starvation.

Saenvan: The rogue speaks well. I mourn Lionel but he is lost. The Sword should serve prove the this to your father. I knew this blade and Lionel would not have offered it had he still held some hope for life.

Eldred: We shall find the Orcs that did this to him and with blood they shall make penance.

Act II, Scene V: Lionel

Spoiler:

Eldred rode on, inspite of the urgings of his comrades that the cause was lost. He cut through the passage ways guarded by Dwarves, either too wounded and fearful to stop him from their last meeting. He was eager for vengeance and blood and the Orcs to the North, where Lionel had come and left to, would have to suffice. There, he set upon small encampments of raiders who wandered too far north.

Soon, Eldred's raiders soon became a force spoken of in fearful whispers by Goblins sent too far from camp. It was not long then an enemy assembled against them.
Vaennyn: No life has been gained by slaughter. We have come no closer to Lionel who may well have been taken by his wounds. The enemy assembles over the hill. There is no disgrace nor death in it, should we leave them there.

Eldred: Alive or dead, these Orcs owe blood to us for Lionel and I intend to claim it.

Oweor: Prince, our wives and children sleep in the south. We have honoured him as we would have hoped. Turn back, I beg you.

Eldred: More stands to be lost by leaving these scavengers free reign, here, we are a small phantom who puts fear into the whole of this northern host that they may not turn south. Further, you must recall we are forbidden from returning.

Vaennyn: Would they turn south at all?

Eldred: I shall not return until I may speak with certainty unto my father that Lionel is fallen.

Gashnak: I am Gashnak, leader of these peoples. You have come North and grant us no sleep or peace. We offer you peace instead; Go now and have it. Or else we will slay you and drive you from these lands as we did with those who came before.

Vaennyn: They come, bringing battle with them. All those who fall here, Man or Orc, I fear their lives are squandered.

Eldred: He speaks of those who came before, surely this is Lionel. Keep silence then or speak with steel alone; if thou hast doubt in my word before this Orcs, then strike true. I shall not grant thee a second such hope.

Oweor: Forward then! We meet the Orcs!

Frightful word now spreads through the land.
Fearful news spreads without command,
From the great river to the shore.
Free men ought not mourn any creature more,
Feared General of whom our stories tell,
Few shant weep for brave Lionel.

No other eyes as skilled;
Not one doubts what 'er they so willed.
No voice may so command;
None would question its demand.
No mind 'mongst men as swift
Ne'er shall we reclaim such a gift.

Will you not then follow with me
Weeping sons of valiant Wesnoth?
Until the vengance of we wroth,
United elves and traitors see.
-Lament for Lionel, written by Myrraent, court poet of Asheviere, 517 YW

Gashnak: Slay me here thn, hateful creatures. Know, as blood spills, I spit on you.

Eldred: Speak first, a General came by here. Wounded but not diminised in greatness. Lionel was his name.

Gashnak: I owe you nothing.

Eldred: I shall depart only with knowledge of him. Until then I haunt these lands, an exile.

Gashnak: I know few names, but a heavy armoured man passed through bleeding yet draining blood. In defence and fear we slew him. He bled us more in open combat, which is why you had hope against us. We left him to his doom. I know not where he lies but he is slain.

Eldred: Know, thine life is forfeit if this is truth.

Gashnak: You will leave afterwards? Knowing he fed wolves and Trolls?

Eldred:I shall.

Gashnak: I have spoken the full truth. Kill me and have your peace.

Eldred: ...

Gashnak: Urgk.

The journey south was solemn. Neither Eldred or any amongst the Royal Guard spoke much. The townsmen themselves kept quiet from some unspoken sympathy, feeling the weight of the mourning upon themselves.

The armies of Wesnoth camped still at the Ford of Abez. Garard looked sternly upon his son until he saw the blade. It spoke a thousand words. Garard took it silently and welcomed his son in.

Word had come from the North of Eldred's deeds and the Orcs found themselves divided. Meanwhile, fresh forces from the South and West had come. Most notable amongst them was Prince Arand, the brother of Garard, who brought with him a great host from the south east. The Horselords too had arrived while other Lords had promised their forces and were still making the journey.

Though an air of mourning overtook the camp, to Eldred, hope seemed rekindled. Though the Orcs gathered as well, with Wesnoth so united, this might yet serve a decisive blow and allow them at last to move past the river in the North.

[Sapient]

Here's my feedback so far (mostly minor spelling / grammar fixes).

1:1
"we are not yet have past them" -> not yet have we passed them?
1:2
"how to us win more." -> how to win us more?
2:1
"is guiding the lost and" -> in guiding the lost, and
2:2
"as a the guard" -> as a guard?
"he might use discover more" -> ?
"camp until, we" -> camp, until we
2:3
"granted passed and swift" -> granted passage and swift
"the great horse clans" -> sounds a bit LotRish
2:4
"serve prove the this" -> serve to prove this
2:5
orc offers peace with human invaders? I hope this is going to be an orc shaman and not a warlord...
"either too wounded and fearful" -> wounded or fearful
"Soon, Eldred's raiders soon" -> drop the first Soon
"here thn" -> here then