Dalinar al Khalid on the Sack of Fort Bugeater

 

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.