Taking the gloved hand


Extract from the journal of Murchad Mac Lorcain
November 12th 1224
It appears that Cecile and I are to wed. She has expressed a desire to do so i cannot say that i am apposed to the idea however there is the slight obstical of her fathers consent. Reluctantly she revealed that she was of house Falco and that her fathers castle was about two days journey downriver.

November 13th 1224
The journey thus far has uneventful, Cecile has grown increasingly nervous as we draw nearer our destination. I have had to spend much of my time assuring here that everything will be ok. She has further revealled the series of events that lead to our meeting. It appears her family has hit upon hard times of late and that her marraige to the Briton deSteille was a polital move aimed at increasing the power of her house, she fears that her family therefore may not take the news of our relationship well.

November 14th 1224
We have arrived at our destination and arranged for accommadation in one of the towns finer inns. Wilhelm has suggested that he might travel to the castle ahead of the party to act as envoy, just in case the reception is less than friendly.

Wilhelm has returned after several hours and informed me of how the meeting went. It appears that the Lord Falco is away on business and is due to return tomorrow. In his stead there are the chamberlain and Ceciles eldest brother Marcus. Wilhelm has warned me that although he may appear to just be a brutish knight he is razor sharp and has a keen mind. Cecile has confirmed this and informed me that of all her brothers Marcus is the most like her father. Arrangements have been made for us to speak with the chamberlain tomorrow concerning the nature of our visit.

November 15th 1224
The chamberlain arrived early in the morning with a small escort of guards. He met with us and told us that Lord Falco had been poorly of late, primarily due to the dissappearance of his daughter a little under a year ago. We informed him that the Lady was safe and had been under the care of our covenant but that there were matters that needed to be discused directly with the Lord.
Shortly afterwards Marcus Falso arrived in a rather enraged state, a scuffle erupted as Wilhelm tried to bar his way. I rushed from my chamber to intervene but Cecile beat me to it. She and Marcus had a tearful reunion and Cecile explained to her brother the events that had befallen here (near as i can gather, my Italian is now quite good but i found her speech a little hard to follow). We retired to the meeting room to discuss matters.
It appears that the chamberlain had misread our intent, he thought we had kidnapped Cecile and were here to negotiate some form of ransom! Marcus commended my valour in the rescue of his sister and informed me that he would go ahead of the party to insure correct the chamberlains mistake and insure that when we ventured to the castle the walls wouldnt be covered in archers.
Upon arrival at the castle we were lead to the main hall. Lord Falco was waiting for us, i made myself known as Murchad Mac Lorcain and he called me aside. Once we reached him study we discussed things frankly. After several flagons of wine it was decided the wedding could go ahead and if it was going ahead it had best go ahead straight away. The chaplain was summoned and i was wed. I plan on staying for a few days for myself and Cecile to met with the family. I have sent word to the covenant of the situation and that a grand feast is to be prepared for my return