Pillar of the North : Background

The alliance between Chimène and Zoraya has saved Turan from a grave threat.  When Chimène offers to the Turanian diplomat to travel back west with her, the latter willingly agrees, seeing an opportunity to strengthen ties with the North.  The two women, with their companions Brude and Kerim, set out for the Brythunian city of Ardon, on whom Rudraige is lord.

Ardon is a place of vital importance, as it is a pillar of support to all those who resist Hyperborean evil in the North.  It was Rudraige who, along with Kerim, founded the Watch.  His house brings constant support to the Aifreweia, contributing as much to its stock of knowledge as to its finances.  Last of all, the Brythunian lord never hesitated to step up himself, using his "hunting trips" to strike directly at Hyperborea and the threats roving south from its icy wastes.

When the travellers arrive after their long journey, they find Ardon is in great turmoil...for Rudraige is dead.  This is a terrible shock for Chimène, who had no inkling of what had happened, after the adventurers had separated.

Rudraige having died heirless is a situation that his numerous enemies gleefully exploited, until his oldest companion, Gawayn, the Night Chaser, stepped up in a bid for leadership.  Backed by his new friend, Eadric, the Captain of the Guard managed to beat down all resistance, and was formally acknowledged as Eorl of Ardon by his people in their assembly.

 

Chimène's arrival is initially a cause of great celebration, as she is a respected warrior.  This joy turns sour, when she announces that not only were Rudraige and her secretly married at the Aifreweia, she is also with his child.  Word is sent to Rashar, Abbot of the Aifreweia, and despite the weakness caused by his recent wounds, he travels personally to Ardon, accompanied and protected by Ygritte, to confirm that he presided over the wedding vows.

As Lady of Ardon, Chimène would, through her friendship with Zoraya, bring Turan into the Northern Alliance.  Eadric himself urged Gawayn to step down...yet there are dark powers at work here.  They play upon Gawayn's resentment that Rudraige never made him eorl, even of a handful of villages.  He has been acclaimed Eorl of Ardon, by the ancient rite, and none must take it from him.