Thierulf Arrives

[King Roland I]

From the lands of the west came an entourage of Frankish warriors, bearing the colours of the region of Aquitaine. At their head, the Lord Thierulf approached the Hun capital, dismounted and bowed deeply - he had learned of Hunnic ways from Roland long ago, in the event that an opportunity for better relations would arise, and knew the more respect he showed, the more welcome he would be.

"I come on behalf of King Roland of the Franks," he announced. "I humbly request an audience with your lords, so I may pass on his message."

[QaraGan]

Gauds before the gates of Budapest looked down at the men from there horses and nodded. They smiled at there show or respect and signaled for the gate to be opened.

“Come, you are fortunate for the council of Tribal leaders are all in today though you must hurry for one of our great lords is soon to leave for conquest.” Said one of the guards as he waved the men in.

Inside the walls another man met them this time on foot and dressed in full hunnish armor and fur. “Follow” was all he had to say as he led them through the busy crowded streets. As they move through them those around stepped aside to make way for the emissaries . Many of the common people commented on the strangeness of the foreigners cloths but some of the venders and even children with bead necklaces approached as close as possible and offered there wares.

The man brought them quickly to the central council chambers then left without word.

Only a few moments passed but suddenly a well dressed man with a strong and stern face came out and looked them over.

“Who are you and whence do you come from kívülállós?” said the man that unknown to them was Qaragan, tribal leader and member of the council having just left from addressing his fellow tribal leaders.

(Translation: kívülállós = outsiders/foreigners)

[King Roland I]

Stepping forward, Thierulf again bowed deeply towards the Hun that spoke to him, thankful at his luck. "Greetings noble and strong lords, whose deeds reach us even in our far away lands," he said. "I am Thierulf, Lord of the Aquitanians under the rule of King Roland I of the Franks. He sends me in his stead only because he is currently being wed and cannot make it- he sends his apologies. However, he wishes me to tell you he desires closer relations between Huns and Franks, and at the earliest possible convenience will come personally to make terms, if that is acceptable to your lordships?"

[QaraGan]

Qaragan looked the man over and smirked. “You speak with a noble and respectful tongue, This is good, I was about to leave but this matter shall be handled before I go. Apartments will be made for you in the city and you shall be taken to them.” he said and motioned for nearby guard.

“Take these men and find grand lodgings for them, make sure they are treated well and given there desires, have women and food sent to them as soon as they are settled.” he ordered the guard. The guard bowed in compliance and took a step beside Thierulf.

Qaragan turned back to Thierulf and nodded. “I shall take this matter before my fellow Tribal leaders. You will be our guests and when we have decided to discuss this matter you will be called before us all. Till then your desires shall be met if it is within out powers and law. I am Qaragan a leader of the Huns I welcome you to our lands” his voice though low and powerful took on a genuine tone of welcome for the men as he spoke and motioned for him to follow the guard.

[King Roland I]

"I thank you for your hospitality," Thierulf replied, bowing again and smiling politely. Indeed this would be a good journey after all - food, wine, and women aplenty if he needed it. Perhaps these Huns would make fine allies to the Frankish Empire... nodding his head to Qaragan, he said then, "I shall take my leave, thank you again for your kindness. I shall await patiently your deliberations." And with that, he left - met outside by a pair of fine-looking women, who escorted him to his accomodation.

[QaraGan]

Though it took only a day and night soon men were sent to fetch the Frankish emissaries to greet the council of Tribal leaders.

All were there including Qaragan though now clad in full battle dress. He nodded the men as they were brought before them and he looked to his kinsmen seeing them give similar greeting.

“Your Though we have heard your request from our fellow tribal leader we wish to hear it from your own lips now kívülállós” spoke Nemuri as he looked upon the foreigners with his aged eyes.

“I am against this!, these are slaves of Rome. We turned away the Roman emissary but now we have talk with those who bend knee to there Pope, there Christ and perhaps even there disznó Emperor” shouted Hasat.

“Hold your Tongue! You act like an idióta Not all Christians are Roman slaves…. Allow men to worship as they wish, there creed does not matter… Now let them speak!” Qaragan shouted back to him which shut up Hasat completely.

All turned now and waited for the Franks to speak.

(Translation: kívülállós = outsiders/foreigners, disznó = pig, idióta = idiot)

[King Roland I]

Thierulf paid no heed to teh words of their more ignorant council member, and instead turned to the eldest to speak his words. "King Roland I of the Franks sends me in his stead only because he is currently being wed and cannot make it- he sends his apologies. However, he wishes me to tell you he desires closer relations between Huns and Franks, and at the earliest possible convenience will come personally to make terms, if that is acceptable to your lordships. And we are not slaves to Rome - our land, our empire is our own and nobody else's. Both Rome and Vandal ask our aid in their war, which shows our stature in the West as free people and strong people."

[QaraGan]

“As I said, He speaks with a noble, respectful and learned tongue.” said Qaragan with a smirk as he looked to Nemuri.

“Indeed, But so does a kobrakígyó, You trust him?” asked Nemuri turning to his young nephew.

“No, not yet, but what is the harm in waiting for this King to come before us and speak his peace, if he turns out to be false and not as this man says we can turn him away then.” Qaragan replied then stood from the long table and looked at everyone including the Franks. “I Go now…. I have said my peace I now lead our people to take back what is rightfully ours.”

He moved around the table and began to leave only stopping once to nod to the emissary then quickly moving past and out the door.

Nemuri nodded and slowly stood with an aged groan. “ Then its decided, we accept your kings apologies and invite him to come before us and speak his mind. Go now, Return to your king and give him our invitation, as well give him our congratulations on his marriage.”

(Translation: kobrakígyó = Cobra or Hooded Snake)

[King Roland I]

Bowing deeply, Thierulf said, "I will at once, noble warriors and leaders. My King shall come when he is first able to - I speak on his behalf when I say he looks forward to it." Then, turning, he left the hall and met up with his bodyguards, leaving for Paris within the hour.

[QaraGan]

A guide was sent to the who led them back to the city gates. “My Lord Qaragan was much impressed with your knowledge of our ways through your manner and tongue. Before he left for war he bid me ask you where you learned them for he could see well they were practiced far before you came to our gates.”

[King Roland I]

"My liege, King Roland I, believes knowledge is power, and has studied Roman history - as much as we could lay hands upon," Thierulf replied. "Particularly those great Roman generals and those 'barbarians' who created their own empires - Attila was one of his favourites I believe. He tutored me briefly before he departed on Hunnic ways, of which he may know more - i do not know. Once he was satisfied he sent me on my way here."

[QaraGan]

The guide nodded with a hearty laugh. “Yes the Great Attila’s name still strikes fear and wonder in the hearts of men even to this day. He was Lord Nemuri’s Father and Lord Qaragans grandfather. In fact all our leaders are of his blood. His strength and fire flows still through there veins but in no one more then Qaragan.”

The guide then handed them some dried meats, fresh bread, a flask of water and skin of wine. “My lord bade me give you these for your journey, He was, as I said, impressed and wishes to meet this knowledgeable lord of yours as soon as he returns from war. Good journey to you.”

[King Roland I]

"And he shall," Thierulf replied, taking the supplies. "Many thanks for these supplies, they should help us greatly on our way." Then, mounting his horse, he said, "Farewell for now Huns. We shall return."