So to Challenge Field and the Test Military.  The mock battlefield is around 2 miles long by a mile and a half wide with four keeps, two on each side.  The challenge is usually to seize the flag held by the opposition but on this occasion an additional victory element of a hostage was introduced so my squire Timon was exchanged for my brother's squire, Ganton.  Thus to win, either rescuing the hostage or seizing the flag would be sufficient for victory.

We established our base at the Red Keep in the Northern end of the field and Dom Pierre, sent his familiar to scout the land.  We saw my father's troops occupy the Blue Keep in the south, a ruse as it turned out for his real base was the White Keep.  Hours passed waiting and watching until the Duke drew us out and our plans for battle were thrown into disarray - what would normally have been a fatal error but as events turned out, my father's pride and dare I say, rash actions underestimated his opposition and through martial prowess and bravery, my companions finally won the day. 

For my own part I claim none of the glory and my heart grew heavy at the end of the day.  War, even mock war, is a dangerous enterprise and one that nearly cost my father his life.  My brother paid the ultimate price, falling to a deadly blow from Vera the Red's sword.  I would I had been there to stop it but fate can be cruel and the Creator moves in mysterious ways.  That, I suppose is the most generous interpretation of the events on the Field.  This Test in particular was my chance to see the best and worst of my companions and I spent my time watching the interaction between us all.  Here is what I believe I learned:

Baron Tamar

The Baron is decisive but prone to procrastination.  He is also a dangerous opponent in battle who unhorsed my father and damn nearly killed him too.  The cunning that seems native to the Rokari is, I suppose what makes them so potent a foe.  That and their grim acceptance of the brutality of existence. I am not sure he is the wisest of men but he listens and leads and people tend to follow.

Dom Pierre

The Rokari Priest may be small in stature but he is a giant in terms of magical expertise and arcane thought.  I also think he sees well into the heart and mind of his master and is well educated in the ways of the world.

Sir Rene Bellebois

My first impression of this Rokari Knight was that he was an idiot.  A deadly one but an idiot nonetheless.  This impression has now been confirmed.

Fenix Sigvardsson

I had expected the death warriors of Humakt to be more rigid and frankly uncontrollable on the field but Fen is a reminder that not every pagan behaves the same way.  Fen is personable, cunning and totally without fear.

Vera The Red

Vera is always full of ideas and thoughts that flow freely like a river in flood.  I could see she had issues with the Baron on occasion and is passionate in support of her beliefs.  Possibly prone to thinking too much and maybe acting from the heart rather than from her head she is truly a force of nature.

After the events on the Field we were separated and my father and I retired to our estate in Ease to lay my brother to rest.  It was a difficult time, not least because I fear we blame each other - my father for embarking on what he thinks is a fool's mission and I for his own hubris.  Would that things were different but they are not.

As for my companions, I understand that the Baron's King has agreed to return his lands if he returns successful from the Quest - a powerful incentive indeed.

Fenix was honoured with elevation to Rune Level - a Thane among his people and is now named Sword Fenix.  Vera was equally honoured and has become a Daughter of Vinga.  I believe the Pagans need our quest to be successful to have any hope of prevailing against the Nightmare Sorcerors, sons of the Devil who now plague Ralios.  It seems our fates are irrevocably entwined and Gaiseron's wise counsel to the Queen seems to confirm this is the first battle in a war that will define our age.