Bold O'Ginn - Wolf of the Plain - Chapter XXXVI posted

[Thane_of_Dhirim]

@Divilly, no offense, but I think you're pedant. You act like you are trying to find a mistake. 

Twenty sixth of his name - that means he is the twenty sixth ruler from his house ( dinasty of Damodreds).

 

[Bruce Almighty]

I didn't understand this:

Yaroglek Damodred, twenty sixth of his name, Lord of Reyvadin, King of all Vaegirs

It's as Thane said... He is twenty sixth ruler of Kingdom of Vaegirs..
You can spot the same in the names of some historical rulers (Alexios Komnenus of Byzantium, Tsar Dusan of Serbia, Holy Roman Emperors...) there are many others..
Do you understand now?

 

[Bruce Almighty]

Chapter XXVI - Marshal's scout





Feast at the end july made a boyar out of Bold. On a ceremony which was held the day after feast, Bold was officially given a title of Boyar. Deep in the endless plain of the steppe, a town of Tulbuk had no lord, and was perfect town for Bold, who was it's current ruler. Town of Tulbuk is also known as a home town to the one of Great Tribes, Taichuits. Taichuits were renowned archers, and were most powerful tribe during early life of Batu-Khan.

Batu-Khan had a brother, Battar-Khan. Batu was the Khan of Wolves, while Bataar was the Khan of Khergits. Before their father's death, those two tribes were one tribe. Batu then created a clan, named O'Ginn, in honor of his father.

--

Before going to Tulbuk, Bold ensured a strong army, counting more than a thousand soldiers. Many Vaegirs joined him after he became a lord. Bold wanted to train these men in the way of horse archery, but Vaegirs simply can't be taught it. Bold ordered his tailors to create a banner, a banner of a white wolf on the blue field. A banner of his father. A banner of O'Ginn
They are not the people of the steppe. A man born in steppe will learn how to ride a horse as soon as he learns to walk. When he learns how to ride a horse properly, his next task is to become an horse archer.
Bold still didn't bought a heavy armor. He still wears a chainmail, as most of his soldiers. There are only about twenty knights that wear plate, and when they wear it, a man would think it's made of feather. Bold remembered his experience a year ago when he wore an armor of Vaegir Knight during siege of Dramug castle. He barely managed to walk normally. His knights have told me that it will gets lighter with time.


As Bold got to the coast in the north of the Kingdom, he spotted that Sea Raiders actually found a new leader, even better than last one. Gunnar was the name of Sea Raider who led them for a 20 years before Bold killed him.
Now, Sea Raiders are led by a young rogue named Hagrun, whose father was Hagny, minor noble from Wercheg. Bold heard rumors in Reyvadin. One man told him about this Hagrun, a man whose goal isn't only to pillage and raid, but is to kill Ragnar, because Ragnar killed his father Hagny eighteen years ago in the 'Battle of Wercheg peninsula'.

Hagny Hjorgunn, a rebel who almost defeated the king of Nords. He led a biggest rebellion in the history of Kingdom of Nords. He started rebellion in 1236th, when he was banished from Wercheg with his family. His most loyal men were banished as well. He plotted revenge and gathered Nords under his banner, the red hammer on a blue field. For a year, his small army of two hundreds Nords were attacking patrols and caravans. After a year, five thousands men joined him. He constantly fought Nord lords. Not even one of lords wanted to join him, but yet, he managed to defeat them all after three years. In the july 26th of the 1239th of the New Age, he had fifty thousand men to fight for him. He conquered whole kingdom of Nords, every single city and castle except Wercheg. He even killed King Asgeir in the siege of Sargoth. Asgeir's son Ragnar found refuge in city of Wercheg. He was only seventeen years old at that time.

Hagny's army marched towards Wercheg. Fifty thousands men, ready to die for Hagny. When they reached the walls of Wercheg, they spotted a young warrior standing in front of gates of Wercheg. He wore a royal armor of Nordic kings, a plate armor with a golden crow engraved at the chest. In his hands he held a two-handed axe, a weapon used by Nordic kings for centuries.
Hagny ordered his men to attack, since the gates of Wercheg were opened. Then all of suddenly, out of Wercheg emerged ten thousands Nordic warriors, loyal to their king, Ragnar. Ragnar charged, as well as Hagny. Battle finished with Ragnar showed Hagny's head to the people of Wercheg.
In the less than a month, remainings of Hagny's mighty army were killed. Hagny's eldest son, Albin, was crucified in front of people of Sargoth.
After Hagny's defeat, every single Nordic lord in Calradia became Ragnar's vassal, as they believed he is the one who will unite the empire.

But they were wrong. Yaroglek of Vaegirs has defeated main Nordic army in the fields of Alburq castle on the august 2nd and is waiting for Marshal Naldera to lay siege to the castle itself.
Bold recieved a message from Marshal Naldera, in which he orders him to help him in the siege of Alburq castle, a castle located in the north-eastern part of the kingdom on the border with Kingdom of Vaegirs, away from Wercheg peninsula only a few hours of walk,

As Bold rode into the camp of white and gray tents, sun has raised on the eastern horizon. He spotted Naldera on his warhorse, in his elite Vaegir armor. Marshal Nalera ordered his men to prepare war machines for the assault.
As Bold rode to him, Marshal Naldera spotted his banner, raised his hand and placed it on his chest ''Boyar Bold O'Ginn.''
Bold nodded to him and bowed his head to the King Yaroglek, who was standing next to his black horse ''My king...''

''You must've recieved my message, lord O'Ginn.'', Naldera said ''I'm happy to have you in my army.''
Bold smiled ''You ordered me to come. Only thing I could do was to accompany you in the siege.''

''Will you come to my tent, lord O'Ginn?'', Naldera said when he turned his horse and rode in direction of the tent.
Bold followed him all the way until he arrived in the front of the same tent there was under the walls of Sungetche castle.
As he got in, fresh air turned into a stifling one. Bold also spotted a few young maidens in the tent. Except two of them, only people present were these women. Every lord was preparing his army for the assault.
''Spoils of war...'', Naldera explained and smiled, as he saw Bold looking in the one of Nord maidens ''From the battle we won yesterday. They proved to be good in bed.''

Bold raised his eyebrow ''I do not care about these women, my lord. Why did you called me?''
''I have a quest for you.'', Naldera answered immediately ''I need you to scout a certain area.''
Bold opened his mouth, but didn't knew what to answer. To scout certain area? Main Nordic army is defeated, what is he afraid of?
''My lord, why do you want me to scout that certain area?'', Bold asked confusingly.

''Well...'', Naldera said and filled the cup of wine and sipped from it ''Two days ago, my scouts have reported me about remainings of Nordic army, fifteen thousands to be precise... in the area around Sargoth and Fenada. So, I decided to send you there to scout the area, and since your army is consisting of only horsemen, it's the fastest one in the whole Kingdom. If Nords try to attack you, you'll escape easily. Nords don't use horses.''
Bold hesitated for a few moments. Aftera Naldera filled another cup of wine and sipped it once, Bold asked ''Marshal, you said 'you decided to send me to scout the area. Does that mean I can't refuse?''
Naldera laughed ''Well, you can refuse. But that will decrease your status in kingdom. You know, you better listen to your Marshal. Otherwise... I have not been Marshal of Vaegirs for two years for doing nothing, you know. Many have tried to oppose me. Not much survived. I expect report in the dusk.''

Bold had no choice but to do as Marshal orders. He left tent without saying goodbye. As he mounted his horse, he ordered his men to follow him and explained to Kushi and Desmondes what their quest is.

--

As Bold passed through the forest and across the Ismirala bridge, he found himself at the edge of tundra. If he strains his eyes, he could see an end of tundra and the green plain, Kingdom of Nords.
Another blizzard has caught him while traveled through the tundra. Three of his men were frozen to death.
Those three were not Vaegirs, but Rhodoks. Vaegir soldiers said that they endure this with ease.
A scout came galloping towards Bold ''My lord! My lord!''

He jumped off his horse and kneeled in front of Bold. ''Speak!'', Bold ordered.
''Nord army, led by Jarl Aeric. I recognized the banner.
Bold frowned ''How many men he has in his army.''
Scout raised his head and looked at Bold. He was Vaegir ''Three thousand men, my lord.''

Bold looked at Kushi, who was riding alongside him as well as Desmondes ''Three thousand men. All of them infantry... I don't think this will be so hard.''
Kushi shrugged ''I think we can win without much casualties.''
Bold turned his head to Desmondes. ''After an hour, these Nords will be but corpses.''
Bold smiled and drew sword out of it's sheath. ''Then, I order you to attack.''


First charge is most important. Yesugei was always saying that. If you do your charge properly, you'll not only kill your enemiese and breach their line, but they will be afraid of you. They might turn away and try to escape. Bold's first charge against the Nords was marvelous. Aeric's men left their positions even before Bold's cavarly squashed them.
Nords are said to be best fighters on the foot, because of their heavy armor and big round shields. But they are weak against cavalry. Unlike Rhodoks, who survived charges mainly becuase of their long spears, Nords have absolutely no chance against cavarly.
Bold lost about fifty men in this battle and has defeated over two thousands Nords, mainly because Nords left their positions and tried to escape. That's the reason of their defeat.

In the evening, Bold scouted both Fenada and Sargoth. Only army there was was an army of Jarl Dirigun. Two armies, Bold's and Dirigun's clashed in front of Sargoth. Dirigun's two thousands were defeated with ease. As a prisoner, he was brought to Bold.
Bold looked at him while sitting on his horse. He looked at Nordic lord, who led a big army moment ago. Now he is only a prisoner.
''You better release me, Boyar. My father, Raemald will squash you like a bug!'', Dirigun threatened, which caused Kushi to slap him so hard that his head turned.
''Don't you know who I am, lord Dirigun?'', Bold asked. This idiot probably didn't knew who he was. ''Do you see this banner of mine?''
Dirigun raised his head and widened his eyes when he realised who is the man in front of him ''For the Holy Hammer of the God! Banner of O'Ginn!''

Bold smiled and nodded his head slowly ''That's right. I am O'Ginn, lord Dirigun. And I release you.''
Guards removed chains from Dirigun's hands and he confusingly looked at Bold. ''Why did you do this?''
''Go before I change my mind.'', Bold just said.
Dirigun smiled ''You're good man, Bold O'Ginn. So, everything my sister talked about you was true.''
Bold widened his eyes, as well as Kushi. Instead of being surprised, Desmondes evily looked at Bold and smiled silently ''I didn't knew you have ladies on Nordic court.''
''Neither do I. Who is your sister, Dirigun?'', Bold asked curiously.
''Lady Thera of course!'', Dirigun answered rapidly.
Bold opened his mouth of surprise ''Thera? She is a daughter of a lord?''

Dirigun nodded his eyes ''What did you expected, lord O'Ginn? She is not ordinary daughter of a lord, many young lords wanted to marry her. She refused them all, with help of my father of course. He is still searching for a man of honor who will marry her.''
''Wait, she said to me that her parents were Vaegir refugees.''

''Well, that's what she said when she was kidnapped. She didn't wanted to return home for a few months, I don't really know why. Her father and mine is Jarl Raemald, a Nord of noble birth, and our mother is Lady Eir, a Vaegir.''
Bold nodded his head proving that he understood. She lied to me all that time?
''Go now, Dirigun. I don't need you anymore.'', Bold ordered and Nordic lord left.

--

As Bold returned to Alburq castle, he realised that Vaegirs are already storming the keep. So he joined the assault himself and liberated defenders inside keep.
Marshal Naldera was satisfied with reports, although he said ''You should have returned few hours ago.'', but he wasn't angry when he heard that Bold defeated two lords of Kingdom of Nords.
He can't yet go to search for Thera. Firstly, campaign needs to end and peace should be signed.

Then, Bold is going to search for a woman he loves.


--

Author's notes:

Well, Alburq castle falls. I do a favor for Marshal Naldera (scouting the area) I also had to scout the Alburq castle, but I found that unnecessary so I wrote only about scouting Fenada and Sargoth.
I hope you like this chapter.


Cheers,
Bruce  Almighty

 

[Thane_of_Dhirim]

Of course I like this chapter, one of the bests!
I am glad to hear that Thera is not dead, an to be honest, I expected that she is a noble from start

 

[Bruce Almighty]

She isn't dead.... yet I'm joking..
Maybe she die in future, maybe not.. Who knows?

 

[Thane_of_Dhirim]

Just you

 

[Bruce Almighty]

Just you

Well, that's true. But still... sometimes I think it's better to see her dead, and sometimes I think it's good for her and Bold to have bright future..
In the end, I'm undecided...

 

[Seven of Spades]

Well... the cheatmenu let you divorce from your wife, so maybe you could marry her and someday let her die (and divorce her in game)

 

[Divilly]

@Divilly, no offense, but I think you're pedant. You act like you are trying to find a mistake. 

Twenty sixth of his name - that means he is the twenty sixth ruler from his house ( dinasty of Damodreds).

If don't want my critiques, Ok i accept your opinions.

 

[Thane_of_Dhirim]

@Divilly, no offense, but I think you're pedant. You act like you are trying to find a mistake. 

Twenty sixth of his name - that means he is the twenty sixth ruler from his house ( dinasty of Damodreds).

If don't want my critiques, Ok i accept your opinions.

Base your critics on the quality of the storyline, not on the silly grammatical errors.

 

[Bruce Almighty]

Well... the cheatmenu let you divorce from your wife, so maybe you could marry her and someday let her die (and divorce her in game)

I am not using cheats in this aar, nor cheat menu. If Thera marries to the other one, it's okay.

 

[Bruce Almighty]

Chapter XXVII - Lord O'Ginn





Wercheg, once a capital to the Kingdom of Nords. The stories say that Nords are people coming from Nordland, a land far away across the ocean.
Campaign against Nords ended few days ago after fall of Alburq. Nords are scattered across their kingdom. Ragnar retreaded to Sargoth after another defeat. Vaegirs are not merciful as some thought. They have burnt every single village on the path from Alburq castle to the Wercheg.

A spy was in Wercheg. He had reports about Nords' next move. Yaroglek tasked Bold with getting that reports. Two days ago, another two hundreds joined his army, as a reward from King Yaroglek for defeating Jarl Turya.
For recognising the spy Bold has to ask ''I'm selling these fine Khergit tapestries. Would you like to buy some?'' The counterphrase is ''Yes I would, do you have any in blue?''
Bold sneaked in the city during daylight, since at night everyone is sleeping, including spy. Wooden walls of Wercheg aren't providing with good protection. A catapult or two can breach them with two shots.

As he walked through the endless streets of Wercheg, Bold spotted a hundreds of people. He had no choice but to go and ask them the secret phrase one per one.
In the end, after a whole day of searching, he found the spy in the narrow alley which led to the sewers. Bold's army was still at the Alburq castle, as he was on the hostile territory and would never sneak in the city if his army was outside the city's walls.

Escaping castle was an easy part. Bold just acted as a normal beggar who is leaving the city and simply passed through the gates. Guards standing at the gates just looked at him as they would look at ordinary peasant.

Finding Yaroglek was hard. Firstly, Bold was told that Yaroglek was in Alburq castle. When he arrived there, he spotted no one but a few guards, three hundreds most left to defend the castle.
Then, Bold traveled to Ismirala castle, but King Yaroglek was of course not there. A lady at Ismirala informed Bold that King is in the field of Tehlorg castle. As Bold galloped towards the fields of Tehlorg castle, he recieved a message that King is at Reyvadin.
He was so angry that he slapped his messanger when he reported.

Finally, when Bold arrived at Reyvadin, King was there. As Bold waited in palace, he found a king walking towards him in his bahtrobe. Then he looked behind King, seeing a young woman, half-naked, walking towards the golden gates of the palace.
''My king...'', Bold greeted his king and bowed his head ''I brought you reports from the spy.''
Yaroglek raised an eyebrow ''Did you? Let me take a loot at them.''

As Bold gave a piece of parchement to Yaroglek, Yaroglek started reading immediately. After he finished, he smiled ''I see...''
''What are Nords planning to do next, my king?'', Bold asked.
Yaroglek smiled ''They are going to mobilise their army at Sargoth. Twenty thousands men will be there. We have over fifty thousands men. You defeated over five thousands Nords with barely two hundreds casualties. This was an easy war, Bold O'Ginn, which we have won already!''
Bold smiled. Yaroglek filled a cup of wine himself, since it was on the table next to him and offered a cup to Bold. Two of them drained their cups immediately.
''I would ask for a permission, my king.'', Bold said after some time ''Do you allow me to go to the border with Khergits. I wish to visit town of Tulbuk, since I am it's lord now. One more thing, my king. Have you received a message from Khergits?''
''What message?'', Yaroglek asked with curiosity.
Bold walked around the table ''I heard rumors that Khergits are declaring war.''
Yaroglek spat wine out of his mouth ''What did you say? They declare war? Again?''
Bold nodded. He was happy about these news ''That's why I want to go to the border. To check if rumor is true.''
''But truce isn't finished yet!'', Yaroglek yelled.

''Sanjar is dishonourable bastard. I wish to go to the steppe again and to crush Khergits, my king.'', Bold explained and squeezed his fists. His greater desire was to kill every Khergit he finds, and now he has an army strong enough to defeat Khergits. But what am I going to do with Bahesthur?, Bold asked that question to himself countless times. Warrior was a Khergit. He was loyal to Bold and would die for him surely. But he is Khergit. They're people that Bold wants to exterminate. To kill them all. But yet, Bahesthur was his companion, one of most trusted companions.
He had no time to think right now. A Khergits are waiting in steppe to be killed.
''Go then.'', Yaroglek simply said with his eyes half-closed. ''Naldera will lead our armies to victory against Nords again. I place my hopes in you that you will defeat those Khergit dogs. Go then, O'Ginn and kill as many Khergits as you can.''

Bold nodded his head ''I will do it, my king.'' Naldera will lead our armies to victory? Why don't Yaroglek do it himself? After all, he is the king, not Naldera
As Bold walked out of palace, he spotted Desmondes waiting for him. Desmondes approached him asking ''What is our next move, Bold?''
Bold didn't looked at Desmondes while answering ''Once again, we are going to the steppe. This time we are really going to kill a lot of Khergits. Where is Kushi?''

Desmondes sighed ''I knew you'd ask that. He is outside the town in your camp. He is training new recruits.''
Bold raised his eyebrows ''Good. How are they progressing? I had not much time last few days to check them.''
''Well...'', Desmondes started ''Those new recruits are proving to be fast-learners. They will be horsemen as all others. They're practicing on their horses. Although not many are good at fighting on horse using a sword.''
Bold started thinking about that. If they're not good with sword... they're better with axe, but axe isn't that good to be used on horseback.
''Bardiche. Give them bardiche.'', Bold ordered and smiled.
Desmondes looked at Bold with his eyebrows raised ''Bardiche? You want to give them bardiche? You really think they'll learn how to fight properly with bardiche? Even I do not know how to use bardiche properly.''
''Nor do I, Desmondes. Do as I say.'', Bold ordered simply and smiled ''Wanna bet that they'll learn it soon?''

Desmondes smiled and nodded his head ''Fifty denars. It's a whole purse.''
Bold laughed and two shaked hands ''They will learn.'' ''No, they won't.''

--

As Bold's army crossed Sungetche pass, army was in steppe. Kushi jumped off the horse and kissed the ground, happy to finally be at home.
Bold loved the steppe but this was not his real home. His real home lies near the mountains across which is Sarranid desert. A red mountain. That's how his father called it, and every Khan before him. A habitat of his tribe. A place where Wolves still lives. A place where he should be by now. A place now ruled by Ogadai Mandukhai, murderer of Yesugei O'Ginn, a former Khan of Wolves. If Yesuge survived, a steppe would be ruled by Wolves by now. If he was alive, Khergit dogs would be exiled from the steppe itself.
Yesugei O'Ginn, a man whom Bold loved the most in this world. Now dead, he left him the title of Khan. Bold was supposed to be Khan of Wolves. He was supposed to lead them in the war against Khergit, to overthrow their rule. But no, bastard Ogadai Mandukhai stripped him of that title, by exiling him from the tribe because he killed a man who raped his wife.

''Stand up, Kushi.'', Bold ordered with malice in his voice ''This is a land of Khergits. You can't call this your homeland, our homeland.''
Kushi confusingly looked at Bold ''What do you mean? The whole steppe is our home.''
''It was!'', Bold bursted ''Before fall of Batu-Khan, who ruled the whole steppe in the name of the Wolves. Our home lies beneath the Red mountain, it always did!''

After finishing his speech, Bold rode in front of his men, ordering ''We still have a long way to go, Kushi. Spread the order to the others that we are moving.''
Kushi nodded and rode to his captains to tell them about the Bold's orders.
Bold's army continued moving. Wind carried a banner, a banner of white wolf on a blue field.

--


In the afternoon of August 16th, Bold arrived to Tulbuk, a town Yaroglek gave him as he became a lord. After army got in the town, Bold was surprised with his servants. Not even one bothered to turn his head and look at Bold. What is with these people?
Desmondes rode in front of the army and yelled ''Look at your lord! That's an order!''

No one did anything, and right when Desmondes wanted to yell even more, Bold ordered him not to, and rode into the crowd of his servants by himself.
When townsmen saw it, they finally turned and looked at Bold confusingly. Bold suspected that these people may have hidden knives under their clothes, so he proceeded with caution. After all, they were Taichuits, once a most powerful tribe in the steppe, counting few hundreds thousand people. Now, there is barely twenty thousands of them.
Townsmen formed some form of a wall, blocking the way in the heart of a town. They did that, although they knew that Bold and his army can kill them all in the matter of seconds. Then, an elderly man stepped in front of the people of Tulbuk. He was probably their elder.

''Who are you?'', elderly man said. He barely talked, probably of his age.
Desmondes squeezed his teeth and drew sword out of it's sheath ''I'll cut your tongue when you talk like that to your lord!'', and charged towards the elder.
''Desmondes!'', Bold shouted ''Stop. We are not murderers.''

''Then you must be so called lord of our town.'', elder respondes to Bold's and Desmondes' words.
Bold nodded his head ''Yes, I am.''
Elder frowned, saying ''First of all, we were servants of Khergits for more than a thousand years. Now, we have to serve Vaegirs.''
''You are not serving Vaegirs! From this day on, you will serve me! My name is Bold O'Ginn! I am your master and protector! You can believe in me.''

Many those men were surprised when they heard that their master is O'Ginn.
''O'Ginn! He is O'Ginn!'', many have said ''Batu-Khan was founder of O'Ginn clan. He destroyed us in past! Because of him, we are weak!''
These people were a bit right. After all, Batu was the one who destroyed main Taichuit army, once a mightiest army in the history of the steppe. Three hundreds thousands horsemen made the earth tremble. But Batu defeated them in the heart of the steppe.


Bold's soldiers started drawing their swords. Many have rode next to Bold in order to protect him, but Bold ordered them to stand their ground and do nothing. ''It is true that Batu-Khan destroyed you in past and took your glory. But I am the one who shall raise you and believe me. If you place your hopes in me, I'll restore your former glory, I swear to you!''

For a moment, townsmen stared at Bold, surprised. Then, they all started cheering Bold's name. A moment later after cheering silenced, a man came galloping towards the elder.
He jumped off his horse that he almost fell, and continued running towards the townsmen. He spotted Bold and his army, but didn't reacted.
''Imirza Noyan! He is coming again!''
Elder widened his eyes when he heard ''Imirza?'', then he looked at Bold ''I hope everything you said is true, my lord O'Ginn.''

Scout confusingly looked at Bold ''Our lord is O'Ginn?'', but no one answered him
Bold nodded ''It is all true, elder. Do you know how many men Imirza has?''
''Over five thousands my lords. As I can see, you barely have two thousands.''
Bold nodded and smiled to the elder ''It's enough to defeat even bigger army. Desmondes, Kushi. Spread the order to the other captains that we are going to ride in battle. Tell them that a fresh Khergit men have came to slaughter.''

 

[Divilly]

Bold laughed and two shaked hands ''They will learn.'' ''No, they won't.''

Hahaha 
Did they learned to use bardiche?

 

[Bruce Almighty]

Bold laughed and two shaked hands ''They will learn.'' ''No, they won't.''

Hahaha 
Did they learned to use bardiche?

They're not a knights yet, but they will learn for sure.
After all, Bold said that 

 

[Thane_of_Dhirim]

"Tell them that a fresh Khergit men have came to slaughter.'' - Such an epic quote. 

 

[Bruce Almighty]

"Tell them that a fresh Khergit men have came to slaughter.'' - Such an epic quote. 

hehe, that's a something I always wanted to write. I came up with it when I was writing chapter 3 few months ago.

 

[Bruce Almighty]

Chapter XXVIII - A claim has been made





  Elder of Tulbuk, Bartan was his name, was in his house, sitting next to the fireplace on his pillow, reading a book ''History of our home'', written by Khuchar Childun of the Wolves in 423rd of the New Age. It was the history of steppe, a history of clan O'Ginn.
For centuries, Khans of the O'Ginn clan waged wars against Khergits. Khergits would always attack their habitat beneath the Red mountain, but wars always finished with defeat of Khergits.
Most praised of all Khans of the O'Ginn clan was it's founder, Batu-Khan, who defeated self-proclaimed emperor of Swadia, Andronicus II the Cruel.

  Stories say that Andronicus wanted to unite the Calradia and restore ancient Calrad empire. He conquered Kingdoms of Rhodoks, Vaegirs and Nords, killed Sarranid Sultan and conquered the desert. Steppe was the only free place on Calradia. But leader of Wolves, Batu O'Ginn, led his army of 100,000 horsemen against over 500,000 Swadians. He killed Andronicus and Swadian so called ''Empire'' collapsed. Conquered kingdoms declared independency and attacked Swadia. After Andronicus' death, his son became next king of Swadia. His name was Demetrios the Wise. He defeated invading armies and under his rule, Swadia prospered.

After his father died, Swadia had no more but 50,000 soldiers. At the end of Demetrios' reign, it had over 470,000, but they were lost as well after dinasty of Doukid came to rule. Reign of Doukids ended after Alexios Damodred, killed king Alexandros and became next king of Swadia. Alexios was also the founder of Second Calrad Empire, but he is defeated by his cousin Ioannes Damodred and Calradia was divided once again.

The second most praised was Batu's son, Bold O'Ginn, who led scattered Wolves to victory against Khergits after assassination of his father and a whole family. Some called him a 'Wolf of the Plain' but he died young, at the cliffs of Red mountain because of illness. So title of 'Wolf of the Plain' was stripped from him.

The third most praised Khan of the clan O'Ginn was Bekhter-Khan. He defeated united armies of all tribes in steppe, which counted more than a 200,000 horsemen with his army of 70,000 in 747th of the New Age. It is said that Bekhter had six wives, three sons with each one. But they were all killed in one night when Khergit Khan sent assassins, all of them, except Arslan, Khan's youngest son. He led Wolves to another victory in 765th against Khergits.

The fourth and the one who is said to have capability of uniting the Calradian Empire was Yesugei O'Ginn, father of Bold O'Ginn. He was the one who defeated Swadians in fields of Dhirim in 1249th with his army of 15,000 horsemen. Harlaus led over 100,000 Swadians. He had strongest army in Calradia, in with that 100,000 he was able to unite the Calradia, but Yesugei defeated him. That resulted with his defeat.
Yesugei O'Ginn was assassinated in 1251th by his most trusted companion, Ogadai Mandukhai. His sons were stripped of title Khan and were exiled.

But many are telling stories about young man, who was just a boy few years ago, who was exiled. He had nothing to help him survive, but he survived with his family. He went to army almost two years ago. He deserted after he learnt that his family is murdered. Then, he became outlaw in Khergit Khanate and raided Khergit caravans and attacked their patrols.
Then, he fled to Kingdom of Vaegirs and there, he earned respect of the people of the Northern coast. He defeated Sea Raiders and raised small army. Then he became a mercenary serving King Yaroglek. He returned to steppe, but he was defeated. After few months, he became a lord and vassal of King Yaroglek. He raised his army again and returned to steppe, ready for his revenge.

''Father...'', elder's son said and sat next to him ''You're reading a book about O'Ginn clan again?''
Elder nodded his head and showed a book to his son. ''Yes, Khans of O'Ginn clan really are amazing people.''
''Our lord is amazing man, father.'', young man said.
  Elder smiled and nodded his head slowly. He knew that he will die soon. He was too old. ''Yes, after his victory over Imirza, Bold O'Ginn has earned my respect, my son. Many will tell stories about him. He is the one, my son. I feel it.''
''What, father?'', young man asked again.
Elder leaned and coughed. His son ran into the kitchen and carried him salty tea, a drink people of steppe like the most after black brandy, which is drank only during celebrations.
After elder sipped some tea from his cup, he continued ''My son, I feel it. He is among us. Wolf of The Plain is among us.


--


''What do you say, Artimenner?'', Bold asked his master engineer. A man spoke to him about claims and ways how to get to the throne.
  Artimenner rode all the morning alonside him, talking him along the way ''Well, my lord, you pay your men on time, when you can, generally speaking. That's best qualification for kingship there is in my book. You show some respect for the rights of the others.''

  Bold raised his eyebrows. He surely didn't knew all Artimenner told him now, although he was doing that. Showing respect for the rights of the others? He was just paying them their wages which they earned with blood and sweat.
''So you want to say that you want to support that you would support my cause?'', Bold asked, still confused.
Artimenner nodded his head and smiled ''Of course I would, my lord. Some people may say that you don't have a royal blood in you, but you do, my lord. You're an O'Ginn after all, my lord. Some kings and nobles will take out loans or commission building projects without half a thought to how they're ever going to pay back all commoners who expect to eat after an honest day's work. If you ask me, a honest tongue makes a man king, not some fancy pedigree.''

Bold pursed his lips and looked at something in distance. ''Well-spoken, Artimenner. Go then and.... spread your words about how I pay wages on time and show respect to the other's rights.''

Artimenner bowed on his saddle ''Your wish, my lord.'', and rode away.


''Do you really think he will spread a word about your claim?'', Kushi then asked. He was riding alongside Bold all the time and listened to Artimenner's words carefully.
''He will not betray me, Kushi.'', Bold answered immediately ''He is afraid of me now, Kushi, as many are who faced me on battlefield.''
Kushi smiled. ''What are you smiling at?''

''I remember...'', Kushi then started ''Soon it will be two years. When you came to Ulusamai's army. I remember you, you challenged me to a duel at all times. But you would never best me. I remember your attempts. You always finished laying on the dusty ground.''

Bold smiled to these words. All of them are true. Even now, when he is far better swordsman than two years ago, he cannot best Kushi. Still, he wants a rematch with Desmondes since prison break at Halmar.


  Three Noyans more suffered defeat from the hand of Bold. Everyone of them had more than a three thousands horsemen in the army, but Bold defeated them all, using his usual tactics, with sound signs.
He decided to return to tundra. He is finished with his business here in steppe.

--

  City of Curaw is renowned for it's iron, which is known as the hardest iron in whole Calradia. Here, Bold ordered armors and weapons for his soldiers. He has his own ironworks and more than a hundred smiths. It will all be finished for a week. Here, he ordered an heavy armor for himself as well, since his chainmail armor isn't providing him with much defence as he thought so.

Bold went to keep, Desmondes and Kushi who accompany. Inside the keep, there was no lords, but Bold spotted two ladies.
He approached them and bowed ''Greetings, my ladies. My name is...''
''Bold O'Ginn!'', one shouted. Guards present confusingly looked at her ''My brother boyar Crahask talked about you so much. I am Tamar and I would really like if we could see each other more.''

Bold smiled to her and turned his head to the other one. ''I am lady Brin. I am daughter of lord Olaf, who was exiled from Kingdom of Nords by King Ragnar. My father said that Ragnar will die one day, by hands of his fellow Nords.''
Bold raised his eyebrows and pursed his lips ''Ragnar indeed will die soon. He was a valiant warrior in past, when he defeated the mighty armies of rebel Hagny. But he suffered defeat at the hands of Vaegirs few days ago. His main army is gone. Nords have weakest army in whole Calradia by now, after Khergits.''

Lady Bryn smiled ''I heard that you are a capable commander, my lord O'Ginn.''
Bold laughed and nodded his head ''What you heard is true my lady.''
''It won't be a surprise if you become a ruler of these lands.'', lady Tamar then said ''I often heard stories, my lord O'Ginn. Mostly about you.''

''Oh..'', Bold smiled, revealing two rows of crystal white teeth ''... and what have you heard, my lady?''
Tamar smiled evily to Bold ''I heard that you defeated over fifteen thousands Khergits with an army of just two thousands. After all, I've heard much more intimate things about you, my lord.''

Intimate things?, Bold thought and smiled.
Desmondes stabbed Bold with his elbow and smiled quetly. ''This lady is interested in you, my lord O'Ginn., Desmondes whispered and mocked. Two ladies were not able to hear his words.
''So what, Desmondes?'', Bold answered a bit loudly.

Tamar widened her eyes when Bold spoke Desmondes' name ''You're Desmondes, the 'Uncrowned King of Swadia'?''
Desmondes confusingly looked at her. He surely didn't knew he was this popular. ''Yes I am, my lady. I am honored that such a beautiful lady knows about my title.''
''It is not only I...'', Tamar said and smiled ''But all of my friends the other ladies as well. I've heard stories that ladies at Rhodok court are especially interested in you.''

''Really?'', Desmondes asked. He still couldn't believe that he is this popular.
Now Bold stabbed Desmondes with an elbow. ''They're interested in you as well.'', he whispered and evily smiled.
Desmondes frowned and dragged Bold in side ''Are you mad?'', he then bursted, but not too much loud. He talked so that ladies couldn't hear him ''I am trying to fill our beds for tonight!''
Bold started laughing ''I knew what are you doing all the time. But it was so funny to see your attempts.''

Desmondes frowned again ''I don't know for you, but if you refuse a bed with a lady herself, there will be more for me then.''
''More for you?'', Bold asked with anger in his voice ''Like I'll ever allow you to have two for yourself. I'll take Bryn, you take Tamar, all right?''
Desmondes nodded his head and smiled ''Deal.'', two shaked their hands and returned to business.''

--


  Bold opened his eyes only to found himself laying in the bed. He remembered his last night and smiled. He turned his head to see Bryn liyng next to him. She put her head on Bold's chest. They were nude, Bold felt that under the blanket. Bryn snuggled to him. Bold felt her warm body. But he will meet his end if someone catches him in a bed with a lady which was supposed to be 'clean' until her marriage. Well, now she is dirty.

Bold stood up and dressed his clothes, white shirt, pants and boots. He had his knife all the night under the pillow, just in case. Then, he slowly sneaked out of room in keep of Curaw. One guard spotted him and widened his eyes. Bold was lucky to have few coins with him ''Take these coins. There is at least 10 denars there. But tell no one about this, all right?''
Guard nodded his head and smiled ''I will not, my lord.''
Bold smiled to him and pat his shoulders.

Outside the keep, Bold saw Desmondes, sitting on a bench, smiling. ''Hey Desmondes!''
Desmondes immediately turned his head and raised his arm ''My lord O'Ginn!'''

Bold approached him and sat next to him on the bench. ''It was good night. I will always remember it.''
''So will I.'', Desmondes answered ''Although a guard spotted me. I had to give him a whole purse of 40 denars to keep him quiet.''
''Well...'', Bold started ''You're unlucky then. I had to pay only 10 denars.''
Desmondes widened is eyes ''What? Only 10 denars? Oh, then I'm going to take back my 30 denars.''

''Not now. First we are going to breakfast.'', Bold ordered.
Desmondes sighed ''What are we going to eat now?''
''Our usual. A pork and chicken.''

--


Author's note:

Well guys, I decided to add a bit of humor in this chapter, and I hope you like it. As for pork and chicken at the end of the chapter, I ripped that from Floris
You can expect next chapter soon. Until then...
Cheers.

 

[Thane_of_Dhirim]

Hahah, great chapter 
But I can not help to myself but to wonder what was Kushi doing during that night, as he was there with them  . 

 

[Bruce Almighty]

Kushi? He will reveal it in next chapter. I won't spoil anything

 

[Seven of Spades]

Can I recomend you a woman? Use lady Tabath next night, hahaha!