The Fall of FreeholdBR31December 684

Durthos yelled in excitement as the horse crossed the finish line. He had made a tidy sum of money this last week betting on the relay races hosted by the tribe called LegioIX. That his people were on uneasy terms with the tribe and all other members of the North Born did not bother him one bit, any political nonsense between their leaders and Freehold was none of his concern. Freehold may have made a mistake in leaving the North Born Alliance but it was all surely in the past now. The money he had made on their fine horses had given him enough to pay off his debts to the merchants guild, and maybe even buy back his business. He had even considered moving south and setting up shop in Shadows Rest as many of the quality traders had fled when the Iron Empire freed its people from their tyrant.His time for musing on his fortunes was cut short. As the bookkeeper paid him his winnings he heard the cheers turn to screams around him. He pocketed his money and turned to see what had caused this commotion, he was forced to push his way through the now fleeing crowds. Durthos was shocked to see the horsemen had formed up into well-disciplined ranks and were almost upon the gates of Freehold. He was sure there was still time to close the gates, but the horsemen rode straight through without any hassle.He now had a bit of a predicament. On the one hand it was unlikely he would need to pay off his debt now that Freehold was going to have new merchants taking over the districts, so he was free to do what he wanted with his earnings. On the other he was stood outside the settlement by himself with rather a lot of money, and the large blocks of armed men that were now forming up and moving to secure the settlement would easily catch him and most likely take those earnings from him. He had little time to make a decision, but it came swiftly enough to his desperate mind. He opened his mouth and hoped that he would live through the pain of what he was about to swallow.The next day passed in a bit of a blur. Freehold had fallen in only a few hours, and most of that time had been spent clearing out the few strongholds of the guard. Most of the settlement had been caught completely unaware, and eventually those that resisted were either killed or forced to surrender. The inhabitants of Freehold were all organised into groups and put under guard, with the remaining watch under the guard of what must have been the veterans.There were other banners flying alongside those of LegioIX. The people around Durthos told him that there were three tribes of the North Born here at Freehold. The other two were the Tungrians and the Wildlings. They told him that the leaders of Freehold had been slain in their homes before the race was even finished, and men hidden in empty warehouses had attacked the gatehouse and let the cavalry in. The guard had been caught completely unawares, and most of them surrender before they had time to don their armour. Durthos was now feeling very uncomfortable. He had held his bowels for two nights and was not sure how much longer he could last. He needed to get back to his home. It was unclear why they were being kept outside the settlement but their questions were soon answered. Those around him noticed that materials were being removed from the settlement, not in small amounts either. It didnt take him long to realise what the North Born were doing, and the others around him were shocked by his explanation. The North Born Alliance was taking Freehold apart. Words from their captors soon answered why.For months you have been fed lies regarding the North Born and how the savages of the North are a threat to Clantium. To set the record straight. The North Born were formed to protect the people of the north who wanted to prosper in peace in their homeland. Any aggressors who threaten these people or lands have been met with deadly force be it human, troll or merfolk.

Many armies would have left a battlefield of blood when attacking a settlement who ejected their followers into the wilderness, it is testament that you are stood here today to the discipline and beliefs of the North Born. Instead of killing people who have been misled we have taken the decision to dismantle the settlement of Freehold. Many of you are wondering what the future holds that decision is not in my hands. You will be escorted to the settlement of Broughton where the leader who I know is a fair and just man will give you a choice.

We have treated you with respect. During the journey you will be provided with food and water and will be treated well. If you abuse this trust and seek to harm or leave the escort be warned. We will not be lenient and retribution will be issued to those people and their family members.

The words took a while to sink in. Durthos and his people were shoved into a crude line and the long march began.