You put spurs to your horse! The Bard's arms are tight around you as you race from the woods. The trees thin, then part. Ahead are patchwork fields and dozing villages. A mill wheel turns against the sky. And there in the distance: Châteaux Serault, tall on its river-crag...
Return to the castle
When he's sure the woods are behind you, the Bard slumps in relief.
Tall tales
As you ride for home beneath a purple twilight, he talks your ear off with stories about his time as the Horned Knight's hostage.
"Sweet-bosomed Andraste, it's good to be back! As employers go, the Horned Knight is kind enough - although mad as a badger - but I'm too old for sleeping on greensward and drinking spring water. You! Fetch me a mattress. No, three mattresses!
"And some sodding wine!"
Available actions[]
1.
Welcome him home What did the Horned Knight want with him?
(Uses an action)
Result: Back to form "Ask your questions quickly, Scholar/Huntress. I've been sober for days and I'm starting to remember things. Unless I drink an elephantine quantity of your very worst wines I might regain the capacity to feel guilt. "You know what the so-called 'Lord of the Forest' had me doing? Penning a ballad called 'The Shame of Serault'. He's obsessed with it. Both the event and the man. Thinks of nothing else."
+1 Secret, +1 Favor from the Wayward Bard, unlocks An Invitation, Your bard is restored to you, A new chapter opens in the story of the Lord of the Forest
2.
Kiss him
(Available if the Bard was taken as a Lover) You've missed him.
This will restore the Bard as your lover.
(Uses an action)
Result: Warm welcome He returns your welcome, his careful hands cradling your face. "Sweeter than an Amaranthine red," he declares afterwards. "Good job I wasn't alone in the woods when the Knight took me, eh?" He says, with the grace to look sheepish. "I'm glad my...travelling companion was able to get word to you. You know what the so-called 'Lord of the Forest' had me doing? Penning a ballad called 'The Shame of Serault'. He's obsessed with it. Both the event and the man. Thinks of nothing else."
+1 Secret, +1 Favor from the Wayward Bard, Bard becomes Lover with +20 Cunning, unlocks An Invitation, The Bard winks at you, fondly, A new chapter opens in the story of the Lord of the Forest, Your bard is restored to you!, You have taken a lover
3.
Greet him frostily
(Available if the Bard was taken as a Lover) You haven't forgotten his dalliance with the peasant girl. The one with the ringlets.
You will not take the Bard back as your lover. Instead you will gain Authority.
(Uses an action)
Result: Broken He's so keen to tell you about his abduction that at first he doesn't notice your mood. "You know what the so-called 'Lord of the Forest' had me doing? Penning a ballad called 'The Shame of Serault'. He's obsessed with it. Both the event and the man. Thinks of nothing else." He moves forward to kiss you. Your glare stops him dead. "Ah. Yes. Of course. Rather buggered that up, didn't I?" He starts to apologise, thinks better of it. "Thank you for rescuing me, your Grace. My service, as ever, is yours." He makes a sheepish exit, with a last, regretful look over his shoulder.
+1 Secret, +1 Favor from the Wayward Bard, +1 Authority, unlocks An Invitation, A new chapter opens in the story of the Lord of the Forest, Your bard is restored to you!
