After the events that took place during the Gathering held in Erin in the year 1094, I feel I must put pen to paper to in some way chronicle the happenings at that event and some of the history that led to these deeds.
I am Elspeth Karlennon, currently Regent to Lord General Elias Karlennon, Keeper of Eaton and my son. There are those who would, I have no doubt, dispute my account but what I tell has in most part been personally witnessed by me, or has been told to me by others whose word cannot be doubted. The Master Colour Mages and the Grand Master Mage himself have told me most of what I did not witness.
I begin my account at the Gathering held in Eaton, the year 1092. My dear husband, Elias, was hosting this Gathering held near the Wellspring of Life, a most powerful ritual circle.
The event started well and peacefully. The usual border disputes were to be discussed but with the ritual of peace in place all was at least on the surface friendly. Even Duke Desmond D'Arby of Roe appeared to have finally put aside his jealousy of my husband (at one time Desmond had hoped to take me for his wife). Schadel of Manaheim now a famed and revered vampire hunter was present and this was fortuitous because we were told of vampires at the Gathering. I saw Schadel on the Sunday morning and informed my husband of his presence that he may be asked to deal with the foul Unliving. This was the last time I saw my husband alive.
Shortly after telling my husband of Schadel's presence I was given a message that a young servant from the castle was at a nearby village and was having a most difficult delivery. The poor child was unmarried and I had sent her to "study" with a herbalist friend of mine since she was most concerned that her family did not find out. I knew that it was before her due time and fearing that the girl would be alone but for the old herbalist, I agreed to go to her at once.
Since my husband was now involved in another matter I took Celadore my household mage with me and we hired a group of adventurers to accompany us to her, leaving a message for Elias. We ran across a few brigands as one would expect around the place of the Gathering, but the adventurers fought off everything well. As we neared his abode I saw Hastel the Herbalist coming towards me, he was asking me to hurry since Caitlin was in great need. And then everything became unreal and distant. I know I was led away for sometime but then I remember nothing more for a period that I am told was as much as one week.
Meanwhile back at the Gathering somebody who looked exactly like me was committing murder, the victim was Master Indigo Mage, Alam Harlis. Having done the deed the assassin calmly walked up the field and vanished.
I understand that during this foul murder someone stole the Quarter of Earth, causing a hurricane to cause devastation to the area.
My husband was now placed on trial for what appeared to be my misdeed. Of the Lord Generals present, half were in Elias' favour, half against. Therefore it was decided that a trial by combat would take place the following day. Unfortunately due to the theft of the Quarter of Earth, Grand Master Mage, Floris Ilias, was unable to renew the ritual of peace that eve, thus those who took the field would be in mortal danger.
As battle commenced, my Uncle Lord General Corvus commanded the side for my husband, there was a great slaughter but my uncle was victorious. My dearest Elias was proven free from all guilt but as cheers were being given he was callously and cowardly struck from behind, while his bodyguards were distracted. His head was hewn from his shoulders and taken by his slayers. Thus on Monday 31 August 1092 Lord General Elias Karlennon, Keeper of Eaton, my beloved husband, was murdered and I was not there or even aware of it.
Much happened to me during the next year. When I came to my senses, September was proceeding well. I had been held captive for close to one month in a rude forest hut, I had begun planning my escape but was much hindered by a weakness and sickness for most of the time. I suspected I was being slowly poisoned. I know different now as my infirmity was the result of my early pregnancy. One cold and damp evening I heard a scuffle outside, then obvious sounds of fighting, the door burst open and there stood Brogar Gruss of Scow, a merchant from the south of Albion, and my rescuer. I remember little of the details of our journey but Brogar conveyed me with great care and much solicitude to a warm and friendly farm where I was allowed to gather my strength and where I began to suspect the real reason for my infirmity. After a few days we left by ritual circle to the Keep of Marchwood, to the south of Albion. Once there, Brogar told me of the events of the Gathering and the death of Elias. He advised me to remain with him safe and hidden at least until I was properly well and able to defend myself.
This proved to be sound advice. I was unwell throughout my pregnancy and was close to losing the babe on more than one occasion. But Brogar saw that I was well cared for and the year turned, winter became spring and spring turned towards summer. Brogar brought me reports that all was well in Eaton and that the Gathering was to be held in Norhault, Eaton's neighbour.
I had hoped to go at once to my Uncle Corvus once I was delivered of the babe but this proved impossible. On 19th May 1093 after a lying in of 2 days I was finally delivered of a son, named for the father who will never. The birth had been hard on both of us and it was July before I could even consider travelling. Even then it would not have been wise.
Brogar counselled to wait until the Gathering and then seek the protection of my uncle or Grand Master Floris Ilias. He told me that a friend of his, a ritualist, would soon come to stay at Marchwood and when the time came he would convey us all to the ritual circle at the Gathering in Norhault.
By this time a second Quarter of Magic had been stolen from Grand Master Floris Ilias.
