For the Souffets
An account of a mission
to Fort Bugeater
As described by Xander
Magnificat
The Souffets, in their wisdom, have
seen fit to inquire as to the recent events that transpired during
what has been locally rumored as “the sack of Fort Bugeater”. As
the patriarch of House Khalid, who has been wisely summoned to give
testimony for our elected leaders (and citizens alike), it is my
pleasurable duty – as it should be for any citizen – to provide
this account, as it was accurately described to me, by my trusted
adviser and envoy, Xander Magnificat.
Before I proceed with this description,
be it known that the House of Khalid ... and I, Lord Dalinar, as my
forebears have before me ... ensconce our loyalty in Cothon-Gadeed.
Our most fervent desire is to lend our strength and honor to the
protection of these dual cities, and all the citizens therein. As
Cothon-Gadeed succeeds, so do we all.
Because of the evident and encroaching
threat that is rising, that which we call Red cloud, and their
inevitable, looming clash against our walls and citizens, I took it
upon myself to attempt a parlay with the K'Zin war-master/architect
formally named Eater of Bugs. Our ultimate desire was to entreat
Eater of Bugs to grant my envoy (Xander Magnificat) a boon of safe
passage to the main camp of Red Cloud, where a formal truce and
treaty might be at last initiated. One that would end, or at least
stall, the chaos of war, which we have all experienced too much of in
these recent times. It had come to my attention that Iqtadar Sesel,
Voice of the Survivors, intended to prove himself as a useful citizen
to the cities and the Souffets, by accomplishing a grand mission
against the formidable forces infesting Fort Bugeater, which has been
wreaking havoc on local river trade and traffic. Thus, it became my
design for Sesel and his compatriots to safely escort Xander
Magnificat to the gates of Fort Bugeater, and to assist him in
opening up a parlay (gaining much if successful). And if parlay could
not be achieved, then little, or nothing, would be lost. But know
this: for the purposes of House Khalid, Xander (and his escorts) were
operating solely as an envoy from our House, and they did not
maintain to have authority from the Souffets – thus allowing for
all burdens that might come from failure to rest solely upon House
Khalid, and the Souffets would remain outside of harm and blame.
Citizen Sesel accepted my covert
mission of parlay, and did, indeed, deliver the envoy safely to and
through the gates of Fort Bugeater. Yet, what Xander Magnificat has
reported seems altogether enigmatic, and decidedly foreboding. It
remains, alas, unexplained.
Upon their initial march to the fort,
it was found that the watch tower – which House Othmani currently
garrisons – was abandoned, yet without sign of siege or attack.
Just … empty. This was the first curiosity. Adding to the mystery,
no patrols were observed along the local forest trails, which before
had been reported as constant. Arrival at Fort Bugeater was decidedly
more disconcerting, and only continued to deepen the conundrum.
The fort was found eerily quiet and
like the watch tower – abandoned – with its massive gates
standing wide open. There was no trace of heated battle (e.g. no
blood pools, no entrails, no spattered remains), no trace of siege,
nor any sign of chaotic undisciplined departure. On the contrary,
tell-tale signs, such as meals left uneaten upon tables, chores
seemingly interrupted and left incomplete, and the lack of personal
belongings or lucrative material, suggested that the entire garrison
– or at least it's greater part – had simply, efficiently, and
quickly packed their gear and left. However, several items of the
most curious kind were noted. Within the walls of the fort were six
(6) biers of stacked bodies, perhaps as many as 25 individuals, which
had been burned almost beyond recognition. Their composition was that
of K'Zin and men, alike. A closer examination proved that the bodies
were all without heads. And those heads were later found, weighted
down in metal sacks, under the flowing waters of the river below.
Perhaps a burial rite I am unfamiliar with – yet, still disturbing,
at the least.
Xander reported that Sesel and his
compatriots made a thorough search of the fort and its internal
environs, and also destroyed and removed the contraption that was
used to control and harass river traffic. Upon inspection, they found
that the various protective siege weapons upon the walls were in fine
working order (8 ballistae, each with a bevy of ammunition), the
smithy of the fort was well stocked and its furnace still glowed
(albeit quietly), the well provided sweet, clean water, all of the
walls and housing were in good repair, the latrine was clean and
functioning, that the larders and pantries of the fort were laid out
in preparation of maintaining a rather large fighting force for a
period of approximately one year … and two prisoners. These
unfortunate and sourly unclean wretches were released from dank cells
hidden beneath the main feasting hall.
After it was determined that no harm
was present, Sir Durham sent runners to House Othmani (requesting
that they might garrison the watch tower), and Citizen Sesel sent
word to House Khalid, to provide garrison for the fort. I am told
that the released captives were cared for quite generously. One was
known to Sir Durham as Sister Kyssa, of the Confraternity of St.
Inistas. It was she who was assumed captured and possibly imprisoned
by a Red Cloud war party that attacked and destroyed Iqta Zaytun. She
was in dire need of medical assistance, and they feared she may not
survive. But providence prevailed, and I am to understand that she
has been reunited, joyfully, with her ecclesiastical family. The
other prisoner had most certainly been a poorly treated fellow – he
was (remains?) stark raving mad. Apparently he blathered on wildly
and incoherently in a language that none in their presence
understood. I do not have knowledge of what has befallen that fellow,
but assume that he is in the care of Iqtadar Sesel.
This is the entirety of information,
concerning the “sack of Fort Bugeater”, that Xander Magnificat
has truthfully recounted to me. I have no reason to doubt the
veracity of my adviser's report.
Finally, with the Souffet's leave, I
would like to propose to them the following, and implore their august
body to wisely consider:
Look with pleasure, fondness, and
gratitude to this fine Citizen – and these barbarians:
Iqtadar Sesel, Voice of the Survivors
Hansemann Durham, of the Ringing Anvil
Najm the fishmonger
the Mendicant, Fa Min
Heijo, of the ink-stained hands
They, and their comrades, risked their
lives to entertain and undertake an enterprise that was credibly
expected to be highly dangerous. While they certainly entered into
this enterprise with an eye toward a lucrative reward, their
expedition was solidly grounded in providing a great boon to the dual
cities of Cothon-Gadeed. While a mystery remains as to why the watch
tower and fort were abandoned, they did not have foreknowledge of
this, and fully expected to encounter and be subjected to a very
harsh and perhaps deadly reception at the fort, upon arrival there.
And their agreement to act as escorts for Xander Magnificat, came at
a personal request to me, who in turn has only ever acted in
providing himself and his House as a shield and strength to our great
citizens.
All rewards that have have been
accomplished (and provided proof for) should without prejudice, be
lauded upon these fine compatriots. All but one. We maintain that it
be honored, but with a caveat.
As for the handsome reward that the
Souffets have made promise of, concerning a rather impressive pile of
coin, and the delivery of the fort into the conqueror's control, I
make this proposal: That a full half of the promised cash reward be
immediately made (that being 75,000 gold dinar), to be split among
their company, as they see fit. That the other half of that monetary
reward be placed in deposit – to be used solely in maintenance of
Fort Bugeater, in the service of Cothon-Gadeed. Further, that the
fort, along with its local “environs” and materials, be deeded to
these same individuals, to be maintained and used as theirs in time
of peace, but provided in service to and under direction of
Cothon-Gadeed, when needs arise. The Souffets, in their wisdom would
always, of course, be the adjudicators and final arbiters of what a
“need” might be. The “environs” would include a circular
area, having the fort as its center, and a diameter equal to the
distance between the fort and the watch tower. The watch tower will
remain garrisoned and maintained by House Othmani. It will be the
responsibility of the fort to maintain river passage and safety of
goods and personnel throughout the stretch of river that runs through
their environs. In order to maintain this order and readiness, the
fort must be garrisoned at all times with a minimum of 125
men-at-arms, along with necessary support officers, specialists, and
staff (likely a minimum of 150 individuals). The hiring, housing,
equipping, training, and feeding of this garrison will be the
responsibility of those who accept this portion of the conditioned
agreement.
(Bottom line is – accept part of
75000 gp and walk away, or accept part of 75000 gp AND become “landed
responsible lords” of the fort and area, with a starting
maintenance fund of 75000 gp. But the fort must be kept in good
standing and well garrisoned, or you lose that deed, and forfeit what
money is left in the maintenance account. After the pool of 75000 gp
is spent in maintenance … well … the funding has to come from
somewhere!)
Finally, I would like to publicly honor
any of these fine, named individuals, the sponsorship of House
Khalid, if they should so desire it. And to each of them I produce a
gift of our House token, with which it will be known that they have
leave to enter the upper city, unhindered, to seek out my presence,
as well as to enjoy the hospitality and sanctuary within the walls of
House Khalid.
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