Having failed to capture the escaped peasant Ennar and being injured by the Black Knight of Mousillon, Duke Bohemond of Bastonne rode back to his castle’s keep with utmost haste to commune with the bishop, Sir Almaric de Gaudaron once more on how he should proceed.

He burst through the city gates on his horse as guardsmen cleared the streets for him to gallop through until finally, he reached the Cathedral of the Lady. Upon entering that most holy of places the duke saw Sir Alamaric seated near the altar without his armour, watching over a group of grail damsels that were picking through various textile fabrics. Bohemond dismounted and paced forward to where they were located. Without even turning his head to see the duke, Sir Almaric began talking in High Breton.

Almaric (translated): “Did you find the criminal, my Lord?”

Bohemond: “He is not in my custody at this time.”

Almaric turned toward the Duke with some spite in his eyes: “Then why do you invade my chapel unwashed, unwell, unshaved? Do you expect to find him here?”

Bohemond: “Mallobaude has returned.”

Almaric didn’t respond for a second, though clearly more worried about leaking information to those around him than speaking on the subject as he barely even flinched at this revelation: “Walk with me.”

The duke followed Almaric upstairs onto the cathedral’s ramparts, safe from prying eyes and overzealous hearing as they continued their conversation.

Bohemond: “The criminal, Ennar, travels with the Black Knight. He was injured so we expect Mallobaude to take him to some place of healing. My men are combing the woods for any signs of their whereabouts.”

Almaric: “And the ring?”

Bohemond: “Your Grace?”

Almaric: “Did the Black Knight wear a signet ring?”

Bohemond: “Uhmm…potentially Your Grace. I cannot profess to have noticed.”

Almaric: “Well if he did, which I expect he did, it is of utmost importance that it is reclaimed my Lord. That ring is stolen property of the crown and I would hate for it to remain that way.”

The bishop took a sigh for a moment, clearly exhausted from this long day before he continued to speak.

Almaric: “I apologise my Lord. I am but your humble and most grateful servant. I should not be barking orders at you as if you were some hunting animal.”

Bohemond: “It is understandable. I expect it from my advisers, your Grace.”

Almaric: “We live in difficult times do we not? While you have been away the latest famine has prevented the peasantry from paying their proper tribute to the church. I raise their taxes in accordance with the King’s laws, only to be told there is nothing left for me to tax. Imagine!”

The Bishop took another sigh, clearly more frustrated than the last before continuing anew.

Almaric: “And now I have this blooming wedding to arrange on top of all that…”

Bohemond: “A wedding?”

Almaric: “Yes, your lordship. While you were away his excellency Anthelme d’Austray, cousin to Duke Tancred and first heir to the Dukedom of Quenelles no less, declared his betrothal to the lovely Lady Anara d’Garamont, who as a daughter of Bastonne and a grail damsel in her own right can only be wed by a figure close in standing and reputation to the Fay and the Lady. Thus no matter how tiresome this may be, it is my responsibility to ensure their special day goes ahead without any obstruction, no matter how minute.”

Bohemond: “Sacre Damme! Anara has finally found her lucky man! Who would have thought it after so many years of failed courtship? Calard must be pleased.”

Almaric: “Most ecstatic he was, my lord.”

Bohemond: “You know if it gets to be too much you can always ask for help, your Grace. You’re a war hero, I can’t imagine that sitting through bridal fittings suite your tastes or skillset.”

Almaric: “Alas, that is exactly what I cannot do, my lord. What have I always tried to impress upon you most? That one’s reputation matters. As I have always told you, it doesn’t matter how many dragons you slay if you aren’t able to encourage people to come to the feast afterwards. How capable I am of coping with all these things is entirely irrelevant, my lord. What matters is whether I am seen to be coping with that strain…and asking for help would not be seen positively…. But enough about the wedding for now. I can tell you all about how many diamonds her ladyship has decided to have sewn into her gown or how many courses of swan there will be at the banquet once you have returned with the criminal in custody and the Black Knight’s head mounted atop your lance.And you will succeed, because I know that you must.”

Bohemond: “Explain yourself, with respect that is your Grace.”

Almaric: “You see, last night, the Lady Almighty visited me in my sleep. She told me of a spectre that would haunt these lands, bearing aloft an enblackened cup filled with lies and ill omens, reciting tales only the ghoulish and the ghastly would wish to hear and she told me that this spectre’s name would be Mallobaude, hence why I showed little surprise when you mentioned him. Evidently, we must assume for our sake that this was a vision of what could be rather than what is to come. So go, my lord. To break faith with me, would be to break faith with the Lady herself.”

However, the bishop was not done just yet for once the duke had left he turned to one of the church guards and spoke “Arrange a meeting with Reynard.”

“Yes, Your Grace.” the guardsman replied as the bishop returned to his duties.

….

Meanwhile, Mallobaude and his by now unconscious compatriot had successfully escaped pursuit by the duke’s knights via a route through the Forest of the Arden that led them safely into Mousillon where they arrived at a village near the Keep of Oisement.

Upon arriving at the village a host of peasants emerged, some brandishing pitchforks and axes, which were soon followed by their Liege Lord or Lady in this case, a stern woman clad in a blackened mockery of a Grail Prophetess’ garb and headdress.

Mallobaude: “Good evening my lady. My comrade-in-arms and I need lodging for the time being. He has sustained significant injuries and we need safe footing for a friend of mine to operate.”

Nicolete d’Oisement: “No, there is no place for you here. You will have to move on.”

Mallobaude: “I should mention that I come bearing the favour of the Duke, it would be a shame to give Merovech any reason to come up here for a nibble now wouldn’t it? Oh, and I will pay for my stay, of course. I am not above compassion to those in misery unlike most claimants of nobility in this country. What do you say?”

Nicolete d’Oisement: “Fine, you may sleep down there, in one of the pig barns. Just stay away from me and my people”

Mallobaude: “A thousand thanks, your Ladyship.”

….

A few more days passed before Ennar finally woke from his injuries, now with a large bandage applied to his shoulder which concealed the musk of several herbs and unknown ointments, and unable to get up from the goat’s hide on which he lay.

“I was wondering how long it would take for you to wake.” a figure spoke before revealing himself to be Sir Eustache, a former knight errant who’d fallen from grace just as Mallobaude had. Fortunately, back in his more respected days he had served at the court of the Duke of Gisoreux from whence he’d gained significant experience in all matters of first aid, particularly when involving magical wounds. “Your master’s outside.”

Ennar: “My…my master?”

Eustache: “You are to be his new squire, are you not?”

“It’s a bit more complicated than that Eustache” a voice sounded as Mallobaude entered the barn carrying a dead hare he’d caught, only half of which was riddled with mould and disease.

Mallobaude: “This…this man you see laying before you is our way to finally attaining our vindication, my friend. I present to you Ennar, the man who is going to break us into the dungeons of Bastonne.”

Ennar: “Wait…what? Hold on now I only just got away from those dungeons. There’s no way I’m going back.”

Eustache: “You’ll do whatever your master commands…if you don’t we will feed you to the Dracoleech!”

Mallobaude: “Calm now Eustache, let me speak to our companion with some privacy”

Eustache: “Yes, my lord.”

Mallobaude: “Excuse my companion. He’s foul company but he is good with a sword and many other skills for that matter. How are you, Ennar?”

Ennar: “Uhmm…I’m not sure…where-where am I?”

Mallobaude: “You find yourself in a pig barn in Mousillon, the forgotten dukedom. And despite Eustache’s temper, he did just save your life. Count yourself above dragons Ennar, they never survived Bohemond’s mace.”

Ennar: “Mousillon? No, I can’t be here. What if the Red Duke comes for me?”

Mallobaude: “The Red Duke….of Aquitaine?”

Ennar: “I thought he ruled Mousillon?”

Mallobaude: “It would seem your peasant’s education has been left lacking my friend. Merovech is duke here, and frankly he wouldn’t take too well to being compared to the Red Duke, he did have him thrown in the sea for trespassing only a few months ago after he was pushed back by Aquitaine’s duke after all.”

Ennar: “Right… is that normal here? Seems a bit excessive to me… And you still haven’t explained why you want me to take you back to Bastonne? Why could you possibly want to go there?”

Mallobaude: “Because I have a record to settle with their church … and because there’s someone in there you want to save.”

Ennar: “What record? Who do I want to save?”

Mallobaude: “How would you respond if I told you that Bertrand the Brigand is alive and locked in those dungeons?”

Ennar: “No. You’re having me on for a laugh. I can’t believe zhat. He’s been dead for years and even if he wasn’t I would have seen him there.”

Mallobaude: “Four years in fact. But no, there was no way the proud dukes would simply kill their most famous rebel. No. Instead, he and his gang have been held in separate cells in the castle’s Eastern quartile.”

Ennar: “But why do you know this…and what do you care about our cause?”

Mallbaude: “I don’t. Fortunately for you I have no intention to ever see Bastonne again once my mission is complete. I won’t stand in the way of your revolution and creation of your peasant utopia, nor will I care if you end up burning the whole place down.”

Ennar: “So that’s what I get if I help you? The chance to free a childhood hero of mine?”

Mallobaude: “Well, that and my promise that I won’t have you flayed by Eustache. I’ve certainly known less advantageous arrangements in my time.”

Ennar: “I still don’t understand. What quest could possibly warrant all this?”

Mallobaude knelt down and planted his sword in the ground next to him.

“I give my body, heart, and soul to the justice I seek.

No plea for order shall find my spirit waning.

No obstacle will stand before me.

No child of the Grail will hoard lands owed to you.

When the mission is called,

I will ride out and fight in the name of the righteous and the strong.

That which is sincere, I shall preserve.

Those who are deserving, I shall protect.

That which threatens the Grail, I will join.

For my unholy wrath will know no bounds.

Truth is all.

Justice is all.

Rejoice Ennar, for I, the Heir to the Lion’s Womb will set you free.
Now, enough talk. Rest now.”

And so after that vague statement Mallobaude took his blade and left Ennar to rest. Day turned to night as Ennar nursed his wounds inside the barn, considering Mallobaude’s offer or more accurately, considering whether he had any option but to take the pseudo-hedge knight’s offer. As he rested Mallobaude sat outside the barn around a campfire with Eustache tucking into the food Eustache had caught for them. Mallobaude asked what they were eating at one point but Eustache assured him that it would be better if his ignorance were preserved on this occasion.

They continued to eat their food until Eustache suddenly stood up and ran off into the forest complaining that his bowels were aching. 10 minutes passed and Mallobaude sat alone by the campfire. Another 10 passed but Mallobaude still didn’t check. After all, sometimes it’s takes one a little longer to relieve themselves when feeling ill.

Eventually 40 minutes has passed since Mallobaude had last seen his knightly companion and so he decided to check up on him after first checking on Ennar. He wandered over to where his horse was tied up and withdrew his sword from the scabbard attached to its saddle before taking his shield as well, only missing his helmet in terms of armaments though he still wore a layer of chainmail, and paced into the forest.

He searched his surroundings, whispering for Eustache in hushed tones when suddenly a hawk flew straight at him from a nearby tree branch. The serpent knight ducked to avoid its flight path only for this to block him from seeing his imminent danger as a black wolf leapt from some bushes and jumped on his back, knocking him down before a second wolf-hound with grey fur emerged from another set of bushes to attack him.

As Mallobaude struggled under the weight of two hunting wolves their master Reynard le Chasseur, a hedge knight from Artois renowned across Bretonnia for his hunting and tracking skills, emerged from the tree line on horseback with the hawk perched on his right arm and his trusty boar spear in the left…..

• Sad React: Mallobaude struggled to lift the two wolves off him, his chainmail keeping their jaws from fully piercing his skin though their force still hurt. Eventually Mallobaude managed to turn over and exert enough force to rise to his feet, pushing the wolves away from him. However, before he could grasp his sword and slay either canine, Reynard charged towards him and struck his chestplate with his spear.

Now with his armour punctured by the hunting spear and having been hurled through the air by the horseman’s charge, the wolves gained the upper hand once more and targeted his newly exposed flesh, digging in and tearing his chest apart with their fangs as he howled in agony. While the two hounds tore Mallobaude to shreds, Reynard turned and galloped over to where he was keeping Eustache tied up, who he proceeded to strap to the back of his saddle before riding into the village to capture Ennar who was still asleep in the barn. Afterwards Reynard returned to Mallobaude, now nothing more than a mauled shape of flesh, and took his signet ring for the Bishop. ….

• Angry React: Mallobaude slowly spun round on the ground, attempting to lift the two hounds off him as he wrapped his armoured gloves around their snarling mouths and attempted to bash their heads against each other. He banged their heads over and over until finally they pulled back just enough for him to throw them off and bash them unconscious with his shield.

With the dogs dealt with, Mallobaude grasped his sword and turned to Reynard who was about to charge at him, his boar spear fully outstretched. However, just as the knight was about to pierce Mallobaude’s armour, he leapt out of the way and managed to strike the horse’s side with his sword. Reynard raised his spear, hoping to stab Mallobaude in a reversed motion while the hawk circled round and the horse reared. The hawk was dealt with easily by the Serpent-Knight compared to the hunting wolves and thus Mallobaude directed his attention at the mounted knight, parrying the boar spear attacks and slashing at the horse a few more times before finally catching and tearing the boar-spear from Reynard’s hands. Reynard reached over for his sheathed sword having lost his spear but Mallobaude simply held the spear up to his chest.

“Take that sword out and I’ll feed you to your pups. Alternatively, go back to your bishop. Tell him I’m coming for his head!”

Reynard decided to take Mallobaude’s advice and left, taking his pets with him…..

• Wow React: The dogs pulled at Mallobaude’s limbs, struggling to break through his armour but still exerting enough force to cause significant muscular strain on him. Reynard readied his boar-spear, preparing to deliver a clear strike to Mallobaude’s chest when suddenly, Eustache appeared riding Mallobaude’s horse after managing to escape from his bindings. The steed thundered forward, kicking one wolf and frightening the other just enough to get them to let Mallobaude go. Eustache dismounted and hoisted his master over his steed’s saddle and the two took off before Reynard could act. However, as the two fled they left Ennar behind to be captured by Reynard.

….

• Love React: Mallobaude writhed around on the ground, turning under the wolves’ weight until finally, he’d manoeuvred himself enough to jam his fingers in their eyes. From there he while lifted them up off his body enough for him to reach out, grab his sword and stab them one by one. With the hounds dead, Mallobaude stood and charged straight toward Reynard whose steed in turn charged with his boar-spear sticking out.

However, Mallobaude side-stepped the hunting knight’s charge quicker and ran up behind Reynard before he could turn his horse around for the next charge, granting Mallobaude the perfect opportunity to stab him in the back. After finishing Reynard off moments later, Mallobaude went over to where Eustache was tied up and released him, the two returning to the campfire where Ennar was still fast asleep in the barn…..

• Laugh React: The hunting dogs continued to pounce on the serpent knight, tearing at his limbs and giving Reynard ample opportunity to dismount and walk over to Mallobaude with his boar-spear in hand. From there, he thrust his spear through Mallobaude’s chestplate, killing him.

With Mallobaude dealt with Reynard got back on his horse to capture Ennar, instructing his hounds to take care of the tied up Eustache while he was gone. The two wolves ran off in Eustache’s direction and proceeded to feast. Meanwhile, Reynard rode into the village and began searching for Ennar. Fortunately, Ennar heard he was being looked for and so proceeded to creep away from the barn.A few minutes later once Reynard looked around the barn where Ennar had been staying and found a set of footprints. He decided to follow Ennar’s tracks which promptly led him to the nearby banks of the river. Thinking that Ennar must have crossed somehow given that the tracks ended here, Reynard instructed his horse to take a run-up and jump over the river. However, just as he began to take flight over the water he was suddenly ambushed as the fearsome Dracoleech sprouted up from the water and pulled both him and his horse down to drown.

Ennar looked on from his hiding place, a small crevice in the river bank from the village’s side, and watched for a while as the knight desperately tried to fight off the bog-monster. However, the Dracoleech was too strong and ended up pulling both him and his horse down to a watery grave. From there Ennar decided to run away before someone else (or Reynard’s hunting hounds) came for him.