In-game year: 483
Player synopsis
Summary
With Lady Ellen returned to Sarum and her marriage to Count Roderick approaching, Uther holds a grand Easter court. Powerful figures attend, including Uther, Archbishop Dubricus, Sir Madoc, and Baroness Pomponia.
The knighthood of a child
Pomponia presents her son Lucius (Duke of Saxon Shore), barely four years old. Uther knights the child and proclaims him Duke of the Saxon Shore, appointing the boy’s aunt as regent—an overt political play to secure the frontier.
Rivalries and courtly games
Millicent displays her new gold tooth and continues bold flirtation with Madoc, drawing icy attention from Lady Rhianneth (wife of Sir Marius of Caerwent, a much older knight commander). Liam attempts to court Lady Dilwen (rebuffed). Geraint exchanges stories with Rachel of Carbonog. Drustin gives alms and speaks carefully of Ellen when Roderick asks about passions.
Garden intrigue
In Sarum’s gardens, Millicent/Drustin/Geraint witness Rhianneth force her attentions on Madoc; she kisses him before slipping away.
Counsel of the archbishop
Drustin, still emotionally turbulent over Ellen, seeks guidance from Dubricus, who urges him toward marriage and introduces Lady Triamors (heiress of Lickeyend). Drustin rejects the match dramatically.
The duel of Sir Marius
Asterius’ attempted subtle poetic criticism of Rhianneth is taken as flirtation; Marius throws down the gauntlet. Rhianneth privately reveals a weakness in her husband’s stance.
When Marius later sees Rhianneth sitting provocatively on Asterius’s lap, he demands satisfaction immediately. The duel begins—and in a single brutal stroke, Asterius decapitates Sir Marius. Rhianneth laughs softly, seeming satisfied; whether she engineered the conflict remains unclear.
Timeline entries to add
- (483) — Easter Court at Sarum; Lucius (age 4) is knighted and made Duke of Saxon Shore with a regent. (Source: Session 014 - Easter Court at Sarum and the Duel of Sir Marius)
- (483) — Asterius duels and beheads Sir Marius of Caerwent; Lady Rhianneth’s involvement remains suspicious. (Source: Session 014 - Easter Court at Sarum and the Duel of Sir Marius)
Next: Session 015 - The Road to York and the Ambush in Sherwood