Session Fifty-One - November 4, 2007

[Matt]

Agrazhar 21, 731

At the morning breakfast meeting the party discusses the events that transpired last night. Cekiya informs Ewen of the events in the dungeon and in the Iron Bell, giving him her opinion of Lady C. Ewen merely nods his head while the rest of the party tries to hold back their mirth. After her report, Cekiya announces that she is going to hunt down Daymon today, since she wasn’t successful last night. This brings up the discussion of how to find Daymon. After a few ideas and issues are thrown around the party agrees to be a little more discreet in their inquires this time and give the urchins a description of him and have them keep an eye out for him. Since Daymon first made contact with Oris at the Spurs, and urchin should also be sent to Halime to find out if he still frequents Halime’s establishment.

The next order of business is what to do with Neph’s proposal. Ewen can not renege on the deal at the moment without looking like a first-class rake, so the questions lead to the Baron of Stimos and to Tharda. Should the party just give Neph the information to discredit Stimos, as a public humiliation is what Neph seems to have in mind; or should the party inform Stimos of what Neph has in mind and perhaps some sort of double-cross game could be played; or perhaps Stimos is looking to head back to Coranan soon and he wouldn’t care? The party, while having its own agenda, does not want to disrupt any plans that Tharda has in motion (just yet) and they decide that the best course of action is to talk with Lord Graver about Stimos and his purpose in Kaldor. Ewen tells the group that he will head to Coranan to have a talk with Graver, later. First he needs to head to the Iron Bell to see if he needs to do any damage control from Cekiya and Arnys’ visit last night. Cekiya tells him that he doesn’t need to go, and that she is going with him.

The rest of the party makes their day’s plans as well. Baris volunteers to go speak with Elsa about Oris and perhaps learn something more on Daymon. Kaelyn is going to go the Guild of Arcane Lore to get some background information on the Treasure War, the succession, and anything else that might be of interest. Imarë offers to go with her, as feeding the urchins won’t take that long, and having an extra set of eyes would speed up the process.

A little while after breakfast but still a couple hours from the noon meal, Baris heads to Galopea’s Feast to speak with Elsa. As he enters the common room he sees that it is fairly empty, most likely because the establishment’s normal clientele are still abed. There is a light breakfast crowd, but as he finishes scanning the room he notices that Mak is not visible. As he is walking to a table he overhears a conversation focusing mainly on the special party that is being held here tonight. One of the men curses the nobles and their damn elite parties. The other agrees and mentions something that manages to catch Baris’ full attention. The man mentions that there is to be 25 dancing Halean priestesses at the party. Baris stops his trek to a table and asks the men if they know the reason for this party. The men look at the large knight and bluntly ask if they know him. Baris admits that he managed to overhear their conversation and the words 25, Halean priestesses and dancing caught his attention. The men laugh and say that is all they know but with Halean priestesses in attendance that is all they need to know about any party. The first man comments that if he, Baris, knew some high and mighty lord then perhaps he could gain entry to the party. Baris thanks the men and walks to his seat trying to come up ways to convince Ewen that they need to go to this party. His attention is brought back to the present with the arrival of a serving wench. He asks her if Elsa is available as he orders something to drink. The wench makes a remark that it’s a little early, and he comes back with the statement that he is an early riser. The wench doesn’t even crack a smile but walks off to fulfill Baris’ request for a drink and a date. Ten minutes later another serving person comes down the stairs and asks Baris his name. This seems to match the one she had been given and tells Baris to follow her. When they reach Elsa’s room on the third floor the serving girl leaves and Elsa and Baris exchange a few pleasantries before Baris gets to the heart of the reason of his visit. Baris asks her if she had a customer by the name of Oris who said he worked in the castle and that she may have demanded proof of such a claim. Elsa replies that she remembers him. She describes him as an irritating little man with no money or anything else for that matter, and that she just assumed his entire story was made up in a feeble attempt to impress her. Baris comments that he sounds boring. Elsa agrees and says that she told him to bring papers to prove he did work in the castle, she thought that would get him to leave her alone. Baris wonders if the idea was Elsa’s or if someone else suggested it to her. Elsa really doesn’t remember she just remembers wanting to get rid of Oris. Baris wonders if he saw any of the other women here. Elsa laughs and says sure he did, but that was before she came in. Baris continues his questioning by asking if Oris ever discussed anything else beside his supposed job in the castle, for example people he worked with or others he knew. Elsa says no and reminds Baris that she can pick and choose her clientele. That comment brings Baris to ask if she every met Daymon, and he describes him for her. She says that she never met him and that she would definitely remember someone like that. With the Oris/Daymon subject pretty much concluded Baris and Elsa discuss other town gossip, like they did when she was still in Ewen’s employ. Baris finds out that there was a man in the other night that seemed to Elsa to be a member of a nobleman’s entourage. The man had business at the temple of Halea and wore very fine clothing, but no livery to identify him. Other than that there has been not a whole lot of news that Baris would be interested in. Before Baris leaves, he asks her if she has any plans for the evening, and she mentions the party that is happening tonight. She and the other girls are for the most part off-duty but are to be backup if the Haleans can’t take care of everyone. Baris pays her double her normal rate and mentions that he’d come back if she has any more information for them, about the party; about Oris or Daymon; or anything else. Elsa takes her payment and tells Baris that he is welcome back anytime.

Back at Gray House, Kaelyn asks Ewen for some funding for her and Imarë’s foray to the Guild of Arcane Lore. Ewen hands over 60d at Kaelyn’s request and the ladies depart. At the Guild Kaelyn donates 6d and she and Imarë begin their research; looking for any information on the Treasure War, Neph’s family, the succession, or just a good history of Kaldor. Imarë quickly finds a annotated list of the Earls of Neph that goes back a ways. She reads that the current Earl of Neph is called the Lion of the North, and that his home, Gardiren, was once the capitol of a kingdom called Serelind. The Kingdom of Serelind has been extinct since 188 and had only two rulers. The first was named Calsten, and the second was Medrik of the Dynasty of Tane. King Medrik merged Serelind with two other kingdoms to form present day Kaldor in 188, and the house of Tane ruled Kaldor until 362. The first Earl of Neph (539) was Masen Curo. His son, Rerth married the Queen’s younger sister, Selein Artane, in 553. The book indicates that a Curo married a princess of the Tane Dynasty, but this information is subject to speculation. There is a note in the margin that the current Earl of Neph takes this as an article of faith. The rest of the record lists the Earls from Rerth the current Earl. Imarë notices that list is an unbroken male line of descent.

A while later, Kaelyn comes across information on the Treasure War. In late 674 the sword of Calsten, a precious and allegedly enchanted heirloom was stolen from Torastra’s treasury. It was heard that it had been sold in Burzyn to a Chybisan nobleman. King Torastra made a demand to the then King of Chybisa, Balesir, to return the weapon. Balesir ignored the demand and Torastra declared war. A Kaldoric army was mustered in the spring of 675 and they crossed the Ulmerien River on both sides of Burzyn. The Chybisans withdrew into the castle and were under siege for three years. Finally, with plague and rebellion rife within the walls, Balesir surrendered and went into exile in Melderyn. Chybisa became an earldom held by Torastra but the stolen sword that sparked the war was never recovered. Twelve years later, Balesir raised an army in Melderyn and routed Torastra’s forces at the Battle of Geda in 687. Balesir regained his kingdom. Torastra denounced Balesir as a treacherous churl and never renounced his title of Earl of Chybisa.

Finally the ladies come up with some information on the succession. They find information stating that Haldan III came to the throne because the Archbishop released him from the oath he took when he got married. Imarë and Kaelyn think this is interesting because the Archbishop is the Earl of Neph’s brother-in-law and the Earl of Balim’s good friend. Another volume of information gives a short genealogy and it is the author’s opinion that illegitimate children, like Malden, not be allowed to succeed. The author states that if Haldan did not take the throne then the next choice would have been Lady Cheselyne.

During the lunch hours, Ewen and Cekiya head off to the Iron Bell. As Ewen enters, he is greeted by Rosak with the statement ‘there is never a wait for you.’ As Rosak escorts Ewen to his table Ewen tells Rosak ‘It seems I owe you an apology. Sometimes the young lady can be overzealous on those little tasks I give her,’ Ewen gestures to Cekiya who is following close behind. Rosak immediately apologies to Ewen for not realizing that she was on an errand for him and if he had paid more attention then things might have progressed more to everyone’s satisfaction. As Ewen is talking with Rosak, he notices the Lady C and her now widowed daughter who are lunching in their regular table in the northeast corner of the room. Ewen notices that Pesera is also at the Bell today with two other guildsmen. There is another table with a few guildsmen seating at it, otherwise Ewen sees no one of interest. Ewen begins to continue Cekiya’s mission by questioning Rosak if he had seen Daymon, whom Ewen describes.

“I have seen him. He was with a very attractive lady. Unfortunately, I have no idea who she was.”

“So he dined here then?”

“Actually she dined. There were two others with her briefly. I assumed they were just bodyguards. As I said, attractive but slight in stature. She sat at that table.” Rosak points to the table that Cekiya saw the Ilvirans dining at last night.

“Was this recent?”

“A couple of days ago. The day before yesterday in fact.” Ewen pushes Rosak for more information on how Daymon was involved. Rosak mentions that the man that Ewen describe came to her table and spoke briefly with her before leaving. As Rosak is talking, Cekiya whispers to Ewen that no one would really notice or care if Rosak went away. Ewen elbows her.

On the way to their table, Ewen greets Pesera and is introduced to the other two guildsmen. After a few moments of chit-chat Ewen has an appointment to meet with Pesera tomorrow afternoon to discuss the business aspect of his new estate. Ewen then stops to say hello to Lady C and her daughter. Lady Cheselyne greets Ewen and remarks that its nice to see him and his little shadow. The young widow greets Ewen with an edge to her voice and is slightly curt. Her mother ignores her attitude and continues to talk with Ewen, mentioning that she overheard the discussion with Rosak about that awful woman in blue. When Ewen inquires about the ladies identify, Lady C informs him (and by default Rosak) that ‘if I ever sees her in here again, I’ll stop coming here. The mere thought of a Halean priestess in here is simply intolerable.’ Ewen quickly changes the subject to dullness of this time of year, and how he misses the excitement of the earlier social season. The Lady Cheselyne quickly agrees and mentions the fact that she may even start the season earlier with winters being so boring. Sir Ewen should do something interesting this year like bring a dwarf. Ewen nods, and mentions that since the Lady was here last night perhaps she could confirm the puzzling bit of news that his “shadow” told him. ‘She said there were Ilvirans in here last night.’

“Oh yes, mendicants, not from the temple here you know. I imagine they were shocked when the bill came.”

Ewen chuckles and thanks the Lady for her time and bows to both mother and daughter, before taking his seat.

Later that evening, the urchins that were sent to the Spurs return with the news that Halime has never seen anyone matching that description. Kaelyn leaves to attend the evening service at the temple of Save-K’nor. The discussion that evening was focus on Natural and Revealed Philosophy. Baris manages to succeed in convincing Ewen that they need to crash the party at Galopea’s Feast this evening and the two knights leave with Cekiya trailing behind them. As they approach they see that Galopea’s Feast is lit up and that there are bouncers at each of the doors. There is a small group of guildsmen trying to get in at the door that most usually use. The bouncers look over Ewen and Baris before demanding 6d each from them. Ewen tries to use his name to get a discount to no avail. Inside, the common room is full. The tables have been pushed to the right as much as possible to make more room for everyone. There are some women, who aren’t Haleans, present, but the general population is mostly male. Some of the patrons are wearing masks and some are in full costume. About half of the Haleans are dancing downstairs, with the rest mingling with the crowd. On the tables, there is food of fine quality laid out, and after a few moments a serving girl comes over and brings the knights some ale. As Ewen pays, he notices that the prices have gone up for tonight’s festivities. After a few more minutes of nursing their ales and looking around the room, the knights see no one they recognize, although they do notice that the patrons are all finely dressed. They also notice that a few people are going upstairs and there is another bouncer taking money at the base of the stairs. Ewen and Baris look at each other, shrug and head over. The bouncer demands their names, which Ewen provides. He ponders a moment and then tells them that it is 1s apiece.

Upstairs they find that the patron population is a bit closer to normal, a little crowded, but much more manageable. There is another two dozen Halean priestesses dancing, wearing much less than their downstairs counterparts. In addition there are a few guards standing around the room. Baris recognizes a couple of them from the Spurs, the Lia-Kavair type of guys that hang around the Spurs. As Baris and Ewen scans the room they recognize Prehil Firith, Scina and Karison Dariune, as well as a couple of other knights they vaguely recognize such as Sir Tenden Ryselith and Sir Rohn. Ewen tries to find out if there are other Deryni in the room but cannot find any. Baris notices that from time to time there are serving people going into the private room and some of the dancers periodically go into the room on the left. They notice that the, while the food was of excellent quality downstairs, the food up here is better and the serving girls bring them brandy instead of ale. Ewen and Baris approach Sir Rohn and greet him. Ewen exclaims that it is a delight to see him again. Sir Rohn remarks that he didn’t expect to see the First Knight of Kaldor appearing at the tawdriest night of the year. Ewen tries to make small talk, saying that he likes to see all of the city out and about. Sir Rohn merely pulls out a list to which he adds Ewen’s name. Ewen tries to crack a joke about Rohn always working, but Rohn doesn’t rise to the bait and tells Ewen that he will be taking a break later. Baris chortles slightly and Sir Rohn’s attention is now focused on him. Sir Rohn quickly rattles off that Sir Baris was a member of the 16, that he is from Melderyn and that an request has been sent so that Kaldor’s records are up-to-date. Ewen asks him if Coranan was of any help. Sir Rohn tartly replies that he hasn’t heard anything from them yet. He also informs Ewen that there has been more interest in his genealogy. Ewen remarks that he is flattered. Rohn looks pointedly at Ewen and says that he has had three of them asking about you. Ewen makes the flippant remark that a couple more and he’d have the full set.

“I suspect that they want me to keep quiet. In fact the reason that I bring it up is that I’m mildly curious about the notoriety you are gaining.”

“Notoriety is fine, it’s being notorious that I don’t like. I think that the fact that I am a foreigner is making everyone curious.”

“I would be remiss if I didn’t mention some interest about you from the distaff side of a family tree. Sir Rollard came to make some inquires on behalf of his employer. No doubt I am going to have to open an entire ledger just for you and the interest you are generating.”

“Well, if I can be of any assistance with getting Coranan to help …”Ewen trails off, realizing that this conversation is probably not going to end well.

“If you remember we spoke at length about your father?” Rohn prompts leaning closer to Ewen.

“I don’t think we talked that long.”

“Well we never did get to the bottom of that, in fact there seems to be a rather large gaping hole in that subject.”

“I am not a genealogist, but I suspect that the parental side is up to 50%.”

“Sir Ewen, you have put your finger on the problem, and as your mother is somewhat of a mystery we are looking at 100%.”

“Well, Sir Rohn, I have sent my own message to Coranan to make sure that you get some help with this,” and as Sir Rohn looks horribly perplexed at this statement, Ewen walks away. Sir Prehil happened to be walking by and overhears the latter part of the conversation. He greets Sir Ewen with a slap on the back saying “That was spectacular! He needs nothing more than a mystery. That deserves a glass of wine.” Prehil leads Ewen to the wine table.

Baris, having abandoned Ewen to his conversation with Sir Rohn, has been circulating around the room and at one point overhears one of the Haleans asking after the Aramia. The response that she is given is that she is in Mak’s chamber entertaining an important guest. Baris looks around the room some more and notices that Halime’s brother, Ardail, comes out of the private room and goes to the kitchen only to come back a few minutes later with a big jug and re-enters the private room. Baris attempts to get a look into the room, but is not able to see anything. Baris now has come up to where the Dariunes are standing.

“You are Sir Baris, correct?” One of the Dariunes asks.

“Yes, this has been quite a get together.”

The brothers laugh, “We’ve upped the entertainment quality tonight, normally it’s just the girls upstairs.”

Baris takes this opportunity to mention Elsa. After determining that neither of the brothers have met her, Baris gives a glowing report of her skills. The brothers are slightly intrigued and thank Baris for this information. The talk then disintegrates to small talk, mainly about what each has done since the tournament and the lack of entertainment nowadays.

Back with Prehil and Ewen at the wine table, Ewen is asking the young Firith how his father is. He replies that he is as fierce as ever and that the last he heard his father was down at Oselmarch now that there is a new Earl. Ewen asks him how the new Earl is doing. Prehil replies that he is making a grand tour and that should keep him busy for months. Ewen sympathizes and mentions that he has been just granted a manor.

“I heard. Congratulations. My father has been talking of coming next month and taking a hunt, would you be interested?”

“I’d be delighted.”

“You know my father was most taken with you.”

“How have you been?”

“I have been keeping busy, and you? Is all your attention on the new manor or are you finding other pursuits?”

“I actually had dinner at the Earl of Neph’s last night.”

“How did the old lion treat you?”

“Magnificently.”

“Trapping you in the soufflé no doubt.”

“He is a wily man.”

Prehil drops his voice and leans in closer to Ewen, “They call Balim the Spider Earl, but I’m not sure that’s right.”

“He does seem to have his fingers in many pies.”

“All the way from Gardiren to Minarsas. They say his fights with his wife are legendary. She completely disapproves of him.”

“It seems that Neph is not the most famous Laranian.”

“Actually I am surprised that he is not here. He ought to have been a Halean.”

Ewen agrees and notices that the Haleans in the private room have come out and are speaking with others before they begin to dance. A while later the party begins to break up and Baris and Ewen head home.

Agrazhar 22, 731

At the morning breakfast meeting, the small woman who met with Daymon at the Bell is discussed. The group found out from Lady C that she was not taller than Cekiya if not shorter. Baris mentions that one of the priestesses at the party whom he overheard was on the short side, but he doesn’t remember if she was that short. Not much is discussed as everyone has plans from yesterday’s breakfast meeting. Cekiya is going to go to the Spurs and speak with Halime about getting the Lia-Kavair in on the hunt for Daymon. Imarë is going to go to the Halean temple to look for short priestesses. Baris is going to go back to bed, as a flare-up of the gout is last thing anyone wants and Kaelyn is going to go through the notes she and Imarë collected yesterday.

Cekiya first goes to the safe house, just to be unpredictable, but she finds the door closed and barred and no one answers her knocking. As she comes out of the alleyway a couple of thugs coming from the general direction of the Spurs approach her.

“Hey girlie, seen anyone in that alley?” One of the thugs asks.

“Are you looking for someone?”

“Could be looking for you.”

“I hope so, its been slow lately.” Cekiya replies with a slight grin.

“Let’s take a step back then.”

Cekiya bored with the general direction of the conversation now asks them, “What do you want? Do you boys work for Halime?”

One of the thugs mentions that they don’t know any Halime.

At this Cekiya sighs and is slightly disappointed and as she walks away tells the boys to ‘stop wasting my time.’ The thugs are dumbfounded for a moment and try to stop her, but by the time that they come out of their stupor she is already to the door.

Cekiya walks in the front door of the Spurs and sees Halime by the bar talking with his brother. Halime looks up and the word ‘Oh No’ are forming on his lips as Cekiya walks through the now silent bar.

“I have business with you. Do you want to go someplace private?” Cekiya asks seemingly trying to be polite, or she just messing with Halime’s head?

“Oh no, this is fine,” Halime replies, slightly nervous.

“No business aired in public, were your words. Our business is your business.”

“Not worth it. What business does the master have today,” Halime sardonically replies.

“Looking for a guy…”

“Had a kid looking for him but they fished him out of the Kald this morning.”

“Demise?”

“Stabbed.”

“Talk.”

“Nope, it was an unauthorized job. I am not happy about it. The watch has been cracking down the past couple of days and it’s been bad for business.”

“About the papers?”

“Ewen didn’t steal the papers?”

“No, just interested.”

“But you are involved. I should of known.” Halime smacks himself in the forehead.

“Ewen was just thrust into it.”

“Ok, what have you been told? Never mind, here is what I know. The documents were stolen and the city watched has cracked down. They thought it was a LK job, but it wasn’t. I got a shilling on everyone involved and all I have is one name. A Taum: he works for a woman.”

“Do you know any five foot Haleans?” Cekiya apparently and suddenly switches the subject.

“You’re kidding right? This guy Taum, who apparently met with this Daymon guy, they met at the Iron Bell. Could be freelancers. They tried to stay at a safe house as they are persona non grata with their mistress. The word at the safe houses is that they are worth a shilling and my favor, which is a lot. The lady, I believe was from out of town.”

“How so?”

“When she was talking to Ilvirans they were talking about up north.” Halime stops talking for a moment and looks at Cekiya, “What’s your interest in all this?”

“We can try to take some of the heat off of you, but then again, you stopped sending information.” Cekiya sighs, not really answering Halime.

“Have I ever let…when did I stop sending information?”

“You didn’t tell us Daymon was a floater.”

“I thought that another urchin would be by and I’d tell them. They’re everywhere.”

Cekiya just looks at Halime, as if trying to decide if he’s lying and what form of punishment would be appropriate, when she hears some of the people behind her. ‘Gods, she scares me!’ ‘Of course, she’s crazy as a loon.’ Cekiya turns and looks at the two offenders and then looks over her shoulder at Halime, grins and walks out.

Imarë has made it to the Temple of Halea. The gates stand open and two Corathar are standing there. One of them asks Imarë her business. Imarë merely replies that she is looking for someone for her master. The two look confused but tell her that she wishes to speak with one of the priestesses. Imarë smiles at them and asks if she could, as her master has specific tastes. One of the Corithars leads her to the building up a short flight of stairs into a vestibule of sorts. There is a chamber to the right and one to the left and a door straight a head. In the chamber to the right there is a statue of a women with a brazier burning incense. The Corathar asks Imarë to wait here while she fetches a priestess.

After a few moment a Shenasene comes in and says, ‘I understand you are here on an errand?’

“Yes, my master say a woman whom he thought was Halean caught his interest, but he did not catch her name.”

“We are not common courtesans you know.”

“I know. He just wishes to speak with her.”

“He must have odd tastes if he is not satisfied with one such as you in his employ.”

“I am really much too tall for him. This women was dressed all in blue and about five feet tall”

“When did he see her; was it at Galopea’s Feast last night?”

“No, it was at the Iron Bell two nights ago.”

“Five feet, you say. We have no priestesses that height, just one acolyte, but she is not permitted to leave the temple.”

“Thank you for your time. He must have been mistaken, unless she comes from a temple outside the city.”

“I know of no priestess who has recently entered the city. Perhaps it was one of the courtesans.”

Imarë thanks the Shenasene once more and makes her way back to Gray house. Along the way she meets up with Cekiya and they combine their information.

In the afternoon, Ewen heads off to meet with Pesera. Once at Pesera’s shop he is taken upstairs to a more private counting room. The furniture is made out of solid oak and there is a green cloth covering the table. There are three solid chairs, two on one side of the table and the other facing them. A tapestry on the wall depicts a women carrying an abacus. Ewen thinks it might be a handmaiden of Halea.

Pesera enters the room, “Sir Ewen, I am at your service.”

“Thank you, I have been meaning to speak to you about Varayne for some time.”

“So have I,” Pesera takes the chair sitting by itself and motions for Ewen to sit in one of the others.

“I can’t be so hands-on as I’d like there.”

Pesera winks, “that is not what the Archbishop had in mind I suspect. Of course I’ll be happy to oblige. I have taken the liberty of sending a journeymen to look at the books. Your bailiff was most cooperative. Of course, Lady Afaewynn and I have prior relationship and I heartily approve your choice.”

Ewen asks how Pesera knows Lady Afaewynn.

“She’s a client of mine. But, back to your new manor. I have good news. The serfs were not happy with the old bailiff, and are pleased with Lady Afaewynn. The old bailiff was quiet and let the estate run itself. The dues, since you are Knight, are different than when the bailiff was running the place. Actually, this works to your benefit, as you are going to get more of a profit.”

“You have about 2,000 gross acres; 960 acres are used for the demesne; 640 for the tenants; the rest is either woods or water. The land quality is excellent.” Pesera goes on to list the highlights of Varayne. He finally gets to the end and tells Ewen that by his estimation the fief should produce about 42,000d a year or £175 annually.

Ewen remarks that number will grant him a greater flexibility than his lord realizes. Pesera agrees and begins to tell Ewen the deal he has for him.

“In exchange to sell all the produce of the manor, I’ll pay you £100 a year. All the excess is my fee and anything else is my problem. In addition to that number, you have 400 acres of woods, which are your exclusive hunting grounds, and the peasants have foraging rights, so you should eat quite well at the manor for three months out of the year, without having to buy food.”

“That sounds quite nice. Now that three months includes any retinue I might bring.”

“Of course, that is expected.”

“When I say retinue, I mean a company.”

Pesera looks at Ewen and says “Define ‘company’“

As Ewen explains, he begins to truth-read Pesera.

Pesera thinks for a moment before beginning again, “Yes, you can do that, but you’d have to expect a substantially lower income, in the consumables not in silver. That would cut your income in half. I could make allowances but it would most likely reduce your income to £40.”

“If may make one point about the knights, they are not for any vanity reason, they are simply coming because I have generated a certain level of curiosity in Tashal.”

“Yes, I have noticed that you are not narcissistic.”

“If I may trust you to complete secrecy…”

Pesera interrupts, “I am a man of business for Hag Hall as you well know. I know where my bread is buttered.”

Ewen nods and motions for him to continue.

“I’ll deliver your annual fee one month after harvest, which would be the first of Ilvin. Since you have an account with this house, I’ll put it into that account. There is one thing more. Lady Rahel says that once you receive your first payment your credit line stops.”

“I understand. There is one thing, on a lesser business note. Since you frequent the Iron Bell, would you happen to recall a diminutive attractive lady wearing a blue dress?”

“I do. I don’t know her name, but she was an attractive young lady with long brown hair, bright eyes and a coterie of men.”

“I suppose she was an out of town traveler then. Thank you Pesera, it’s been a pleasure.”

“Thank you Sir Ewen, it has been a pleasure. I shall detail one of our journeymen to Varayne.” Pesera escorts Ewen to the door and Ewen returns home to Gray House.

Back at Gray House, Ewen decides that a letter should be sent to Lady Afaewynn. At Ewen’s request Imarë writes the letter and does a beautiful job.

Agrazhar 23, 731

During the regular breakfast meeting a plan is formed to attempt to find out more about the mysterious woman in blue. Imarë, Cekiya and Ewen are going to head to Hag Hall to speak with Rahel about how to get in touch with Owain, and Ewen to use the portal to Coranan. Baris decides to check the various Inns in Tashal to find out if this woman stayed at one or if they are really lucky, still there. Kaelyn wants to head to the College of Heralds to find out more information on Neph and others.

At the College of Heralds, Kaelyn steals a page from Imarë’s book and claims she is on business for Sir Baris of Tyrestal. As she enters the hall she sees the statues of the six previous King of Arms of the College. After a few moments of cooling her heels, a young scribe comes to see what she wants.

“I would like to look at the genealogies of the Earls of Kaldor.”

“How far back would you like to go, some of the genealogies are quite extensive.”

“I am here for Sir Baris, he would like enough information to avoid stepping on the toes of the nobles, so no farther back than the last hundred years.”

“Do you realize that will take all day, and tomorrow and most likely the day after?”

“Yes, I know. By the way what is your name? It just doesn’t seem proper to call you ‘hey you.’”

The scribe tells her that his name is Shunel as he leads her to a room off to the left with a few tables within it. When he asks if there is a particular Earl she would like to start with, she mentions that since Neph is in town, she’d like to start with him. Shunel leaves the room and comes back a short while later with one large volume. He tells her that in one sense she is in luck, the Earl is very much into his genealogy, in fact one of his sons just graduated from the College. As Kaelyn reads the record she finds no significant gape in the records. She does find that Neph is a legitimate descendent from clan Artane and the spurious claim that he is a descendent of clan Tane is indeed fact. His ancestors go back to King Medrik in a unbroken line. Kaelyn wonders why the Tanes are not still the ruling family. Shunel explains that in the fourth century a conflict arose between the crown and the barons. When the king at the time, Maranos, died his successor was considered a weak man. Maranos had a bastard brother who promised great autonomy to the barons in return for their support. A civil war lasted for 15 years and the legitimate son lost and was executed. Firth retained the crown but had to keep bribing the barons. He was assassinated and the crown was restored to the house of Tane in 406 to the surviving son of Aidrik who took the name Aidrik III. Artane rule lasted until 599 when King Iemald died without an heir. There were then 12 different claimants to the throne. Civil war lasted for many years and eventually clan Elendsa won and the current Elendsa scion is Haldan III.

At Hag Hall Ewen briefs Rahel on his meeting with Neph, the deal he made and his plans to talk with Lord Graver. Rahel cautions against talking to Graver at the moment as Neph definitely has something up his sleeve and Graver will most certainly say no. Rahel suspects that there are several layers to Neph’s plan with compromising Ewen not the least of it. Ewen discusses the possibility of feeding Neph misinformation. Rahel mentions that might be a good idea, but he should talk with Stimos first, and that can wait until tomorrow.

Down in the kitchen, Imarë and Cekiya talk with Oleir on the possibility that she might know where to find Owain. Oleir know exactly where to find Owain, as he is their charcoaler. She then proceeds to give very confusing directions before coming to the conclusion that the place is a little difficult to find if you don’t know what you’re looking for and she’ll send someone with them to show them.

They are led to a house at the end of an alley off of Chelebin St. The door is on the right side of the house and is a stout oak door that is iron bound. Cekiya and Imarë have a short argument while looking at the front of the house. Cekiya wants to break in and Imarë says they should knock first. Imarë wins the argument and knocks on the door. They hear a ‘who is it?’ through the door. Imarë announces her self, adding that she is looking for Owain. The voice asks why? Imarë tells the man behind the door that they were sent from Hag Hall, but the voice doesn’t recognize the name. Imarë insists that Owain would if he were told. The voice asks them if they are buying charcoal. Imarë says that they do need to speak to the charcoaler and the voice goes, so you are buying charcoal. Cekiya takes this moment to pipe up with a “yes.” This unfortunately confuses the voice and he asks who are you? Imarë informs the man that Cekiya is her companion. The voice asks for reassurance that they are both women before inviting them in.

Inside the entry way they can just make out a staircase going up. There is a curtained off room to the left. The room has a small round table with a couple of chairs, a fireplace with some hanging meats. The ladies are left alone for a while before Owain pushes back the curtain. At the sight of Imarë in the room, Owain hits his doorman, “Opo you idiot!” and greets Imarë “ Oh my friend how wonderful to see you again, but here you come for more jewelry not charcoal haven’t you?” Owain looks at Cekiya and asks her who she is.

“The newest follower”

“Aren’t you a little small for a shadow?”

“I’m highly specialized and local.”

“Yeah, I’ve seen you before.”

“We are actually looking for a person named Taum,” Imarë tells Owain. At the mention of the name Taum, both Cekiya and Imarë notice that Owain loses his attitude for a brief blink of an eye, before replying, “Taum? Why would you want this person. Surely he doesn’t have better jewelry than I do?”

“No, but he has access to some reading materials we’re interested in.” Imarë replies.

“Oh really?”

“How do you know him?” Cekiya asks and when Owain denies knowing him she mentions that he has dimples when he lies. It is now Imarë’s turn to do damage control and explains that Cekiya just bursts out things without thinking them all the way through. Owain does not seem convinced and he and Cekiya have a mini stare down. “I don’t think she wants to mess with me,” Owain says to Imarë. Before Cekiya can object, Imarë continues that they are looking for Taum, the papers he has, and any information on his female employer.

“What’s in it for me?”

“Halime is offering one shilling for any information…” and before Imarë can continue with her offer, Owain interrupts with a “Who?” Imarë looks at Owain, a little skeptically and continues, “We will offer a pound for information and may be convinced to slide the scale up with the more information, mainly a live body.”

“I need to know the price when I am discussing it with the appropriate people.” Owain counters. He and Imarë dance around the price for a while until it becomes evident that a firm agreement will not be made. “I’d suggest that you or Sir Ewen return here in three hours. I’ll make the appropriate inquires. Bring £4 with you. If all I can get is information, then the price is £1, but if I can produce Taum then the price is £4. Use this knock when you come back.” Owain then shows Imarë and Cekiya a patterned knock. Imarë and Cekiya agree and leave Owain’s house.

Imarë returns to Hag Hall by herself as Cekiya wants to stay and watch the house. Once back at Hag Hall, a servant lets her in and offers to see if Ewen is available and one discreet knock later, Ewen comes down. Imarë briefs him on the situation. Once done, Imarë says she will go see if Baris has made it back from his tour of the Inns of Tashal and will met Ewen later.

Meanwhile Baris has begun his tours of the various Inns of Tashal. A few of the Inns were ruled out at the morning breakfast meeting due to their core group of clientele. Baris starts with the closest Inn, the Seven Stars. As he approaches he sees that the sign to the Inn is a ring of seven stars on a field of blue. Inside the first thing Baris notices is the unbelievably large tavern keeper. The man behind the bar is easily seven feet tall, making Baris feel short. The wall behind the bar has some shields and spears hanging on it. Baris notices that the customers seem to be primarily journeymen and a few scholarly types.

“Aah, a worthy fellow. As long as you are not an Ivinian,” he says to Baris.

“Perish the thought.”

“Then be welcomed and be served. You seem to be a fine strapping fellow. Dafydd of Ewen is my name.”

“I am Sir Baris.”

“You’re a knight? We don’t get many a knight here. We could of used you in Orbaal to fight the Ivinians.”

“Tharda made use of me in the rebellion, so I was not able to make it to Orbaal. How is it that you are not in Orbaal fighting the Ivinians?”

“My sympathies were hard on me, so I came south.”

Baris seeing a way to build camaraderie tells Dafydd of his fighting in Golotha. Dafydd tells Baris that the Thard is a sewer and Baris replies that is the kindest thing said of the Thard. Baris talks for a few more minutes before Dafydd interrupts “Where are my manners? You have been talking and I haven’t even served you. Now you said perish the thought when I asked you if you were Ilviran, I have to admit that I hate them; won’t serve ‘em in here.” As Dafydd pulls Baris a pint, he speaks of the various religions and of the Ilvirans and their belief.

As Baris takes his pint he tries to turn the conversation from religion and fighting to women, namely the short woman in blue.

“You like them short? Well, let me ask you this, you’re from Tharda right? How do you feel about Jarin independence? They say there is a rumor of a Thardan army up there in Jara as we speak.”

Baris takes moment to get the parties involved straight. “I hate the Vikings. The army, if there, is to destroy the oppressors and then leave, not occupy.”

“That’s what I wanted to hear! Now, you are looking for a short woman with long brown hair? It’s hard for me to notice those short women as they are so far below me.”

“That is trouble. I’d really like to find her, she was beautiful and caught my eye. Unfortunately I didn’t even get the chance to ask her name, let alone where she was staying in Tashal.”

“I am afraid that I can’t help you Sir Baris. That description does not strike my memory.”

“That saddens my heart, but thank you for your help. Let me buy a round for Jarin freedom and for the beauty of women.”

The bar cheers as they hear ‘free beer’ and the serving women brings ales to everyone and Baris pays 4d for the round. The patrons are willing to talk with Baris, but no one knows anything more about the lady in blue. Baris stays for a little while longer before heading off to the Tower, where he drinks a bit more and comes up with nothing in the way of information.

Back in the alley, Cekiya is still keeping watch, but sees nothing. She thinks this a little odd, until she remembers that there a possible sewer access below the house. She is slightly annoyed at herself and is not in the happiest of mood when the rest of the group show up. Imarë has picked up the slightly drunk Sir Baris from Gray house and informed him what is going on. Baris the armed himself with two throwing axes and one regular axe. Ewen met Imarë and Baris along the way, and gave Imarë the money that Rahel provided.

At the door, Imarë does the pattern knock and the little doorman, Opo, opens the door telling the group that Owain is waiting for them.

Owain comes down the stairs once all are inside. “Hail, Hail the gang’s all here. Ah Sir Ewen, it’s so nice to see you again.”

“I have little time for your attitude and pleasantries,” Ewen snaps.

“Well then, if you have the money, I have the body.” Owain says.

Ewen nods to Imarë and she tosses the pouch to Owain. “This might take a while to count.”

“You don’t trust me?” Ewen asks not really surprised.

“For now I will,” is Owain’s reply, “Opo, go get him.” Opo comes back a few moments later with a man, bound and gagged. The man is nondescript with a flat face and nose that had been broken sometime in the past. “There he is. May I present Taum of Theryk: he’s all yours.” The man glares at Owain with hatred in his eyes. “Now you may have trouble taking him where your going, but I have thought ahead.” Owain pulls out a brown robe with a hood and throws it over Taum.

The party leaves Owain’s house with their new acquisition. Ewen sends Cekiya ahead to Dickon house to brief Dickon and make sure all is ready when they arrive. Ewen and Baris escort Taum with Imarë taking point.

As Imarë moves toward Chelebin Street, she notices what appears to be a couple members of the watch coming towards her. She acts slightly drunk and continues on her way down the street. The watch sees her and one comments that she is a lady of easy virtue and that they should arrest her and interrogate her themselves. Imarë ignores their comments and continues to walk past them and down the street. Ewen hearing the exchange of the watch ducks back into the alley out of sight. He shakes his head sadly, disappointed even, at the way the situation was handled. The watch moves on and the group continues their way to Dickon house with out any other incidents.

Dickon and a couple of men at arms greet Ewen and Baris at the head of the alley. Ewen asks Dickon if Cekiya briefed him and Dickon confirms that he is aware that Ewen would like to question the prisoner and takes him into custody. Taum struggles briefly before realizing that is futile.

At Dickon house, Taum is thrown into the first cell. He is the only prisoner at the moment.

“What are you instructions Sir Ewen?” Dickon asks, standing away from the cell.

“Make sure he is secure and I think that we will ask him to speak for himself before moving to more coercive methods.”

“Very well. I have one man that is a little more skilled than the others in interrogation. With your permission?”

Ewen nods and Dickon summons the man. The trio then moves into the inquiry area, which Taum has a clear view of. The man at arms stokes the brazier saying nothing to Taum. Taum watches the man at arms as he completes his show of getting the questioning implements ready. The man at arms then takes the key to the cell and goes in. He begins to question Taum in a quiet, non-threatening voice and manner. Taum is obviously frightened and reassures the man that he has one goal: to stay alive. The man at arms asks Taum if they have an agreement as he goes to stroke the fire some more, they can do this the easy or the hard way, and the man assumes that Taum wants to do this the easy way.

“I’ll tell you anything,” Taum agrees. The man at arms looks at Ewen and tells him that he is ready for his questions.

“Who have you been working for?” Ewen asks attempting and failing to truth read Taum’s response.
“The Lady.”

“What is her name?”

“Kryste, is all I know.” Taum replies. Ewen asks him how long he has know her and Taum replies that he has only known her a week or two, really not all that long.

“Where did you meet her?”

“She recruited me and my friend Gwenin. We were at this tavern, the Busted Nut, and she came in looking for muscle. She said it wasn’t for anything major, and she was a looker.”

“Do you have any names of people she met with or was associated with.”

“She talked to a bunch of people at the Iron Bell. I think she knew them from Orbaal.”

“What were they talking about? Ewen continues. Taum confesses that he isn’t sure. He thinks they mentioned money for some cause, but he didn’t know what cause.

“Where is she staying?”

“She was staying at the Seven Stars, but must be gone by now. Her job was done, and before you ask, she didn’t tell me what that was, and frankly I didn’t want to know.

“I watched her kill Daymon and it scared me something fierce. So, I followed her around a bit, and I think she was trying to meet up with some high priestess of Halea.”

“Where is your companion, Gwenin, was it?”

“I think he was smart and fled the city.” Taum replies in a tone that indicates that he wished he did the same. Ewen goes back to questioning Taum about when exactly he was hired. Taum says it was probably a week ago, he can’t remember the exact date, but it was around then. Ewen asks where he went with Kryste. Taum replies that they were mainly at the Seven Stars, Busted Nut and at the Iron Bell. He reiterates that she hired them for protection, but she didn’t seem to need it. Imarë whispers to Ewen to ask Taum about the papers. Ewen nods and does so.

“She took it from him,” Taum corrects himself, “she took it off him. Scrolls and pieces of paper that were folded.”

“Where they official papers?”

“I don’t know. We were going to meet him in the sewers when some guys came out from behind him. She stabbed and searched him. To tell the truth, I fled. I don’t know what made me do it, but I followed her and then went to Owain. I wanted to go to a safe house but that bastard betrayed me.”

“Talk about the other men in the sewer,” Ewen persists.

“It was dark, I couldn’t see much. I guess they were average. They didn’t do much, she’s the one who did the killing. Then she went back to the Seven Stars and didn’t come out until dark. She was dressed in blue, and not a lot of it, if you understand. This was a the day before yesterday.”

“Go back to Daymon. How do you know him?”

“I knew him like you know anyone. He was a wannabe that never really was.”

“How do you know Owain?”

Taum gives a snort and says that he guesses that Ewen could call Taum a wannabe too. Ewen goes back to talking about Daymon.

“We were to contact him at the Iron Bell. Well, he wanted to contact us there, but Kryste said that it can’t be in public, they had to meet in private.”

“Do you know where she went?”

Taum shakes his head, “I can’t say for sure, but probably not back to the north. She was going to pass the papers on once she made a copy for herself. She said something about Chybisa.”

“About Owain, did he question you?”

“No, funny thing about that. The second I said my name he clasped me in irons and fed me once a day, which is two less than I’d like.”

“What about the Seven Stars? What can you tell me about the people there and Kryste?”

“Dafydd is the owner, he is a Jarin patriot. He is all about kicking the Vikings out of Orbaal. He wouldn’t give any help to anyone if he didn’t think it was furthering the cause in Orbaal.” Upon hearing this, Baris is a little chagrined as he was just there, and evidently didn’t do enough to convince Dafydd that he was for the cause.

Ewen continues to question Taum about any important people that Kryste met with. Taum doesn’t recall any names. He does know she met with a Halean High Priestess and gave her gold. He thinks they met at Galopea’s Feast to pass on the papers. She was talking to the Ilvirans about that. He thinks that the Ilvirans were from the north. Ewen asks Taum where he is from. Taum replies that he came here when he was about 16 or 17 and he’s been here for about a year. He adds that he is from south of here and that he is a free man. Ewen makes a remark that he heard that Daymon was person non grata with his mistress and asks Taum if that were true. Taum looks confused until Ewen explains that he meant that Daymon was unpopular with his mistress. Taum agrees and wishes that someone would of clued him in on it before he accepted the job. Ewen tells Taum that he is done with his questions and that they are going to keep Taum here until they can confirm his story. Taum doesn’t have a problem with that as long as he’s still breathing at the end of the day. Ewen tells Dickon to feed Taum enough to sustain him and then looks to Taum and tells him that if he remembers anything about the matters they discussed then he is to tell this man, indicating Dickon. Taum agrees and the party leaves.