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<blockquote data-quote="Cerebral Paladin" data-source="post: 2814008" data-attributes="member: 3448"><p>Session 4</p><p></p><p>The following morning, Dame Brionna visited with her family. As she expected, her family was proud of her achievements but a little reserved. Her family was a prosperous noble family once, but that was before the skaven took her homeland away. Now, they only have their pride and their honor. The honors bestowed upon Dame Brionna are a fine thing, of course, but father's old titles are no less worthy than those bestowed by the Archduchy of Canberry. Indeed, they are more noble, coming from a king and being part of the family's honor for generations. What matter that the lands that her family holds title to are far away and occupied by enemies?</p><p></p><p>Dame Brionna spent most of her visit with her older sister, Marietta. "How have things been since I left?"</p><p></p><p>"Well enough, I suppose. If you believe the rumors, the skaven are raiding in the south of the refugee camps. Some say that the ratmen are reopening our grain fields to feed their filth. They certainly keep taking young and strong captives." Dame Brionna's sister grimaced. "As you know... I didn't mean to bring up any sad feelings about your betrothed. I think I'm glad that I know that my husband died cleanly..."</p><p></p><p>Dame Brionna looked down. "I can only pray that Glordiadel will light his way back to us." Her sister nodded, a little awkward about Brionna's much greater faith. "What of the Noldar?" Brionna continued. "Do they continue to enslave our people?"</p><p></p><p>"There's a bright thought at least. The slaves they took have not been heard of again, but their slave raids have all but stopped. The late prince's final battle seems to have done that much good, at least. I suppose that's at least something fine to say about your Canberry."</p><p></p><p>Dame Brionna smiled, ignoring the dig as best as she could. "Welcome news, indeed. But enough of such things. How has Abigail been?"</p><p></p><p>"A handful, as always. She's smart and good-hearted, but I can't do a thing to make her behave. If you don't have two eyes on her, and one hand on her shoulder, she'll find trouble. She's always running off and..." She paused. "I don't mean to sound too angry. I just worry... She's all I have left of her father. But we can't help her if her antics anger someone powerful."</p><p></p><p>"Perhaps I could help. I could ask Lord Alistair if he could find a position for her. She's old enough to be ready."</p><p></p><p>"That might be for the best. But not as a servant, mind you. We are nobles and deserve to be treated as such..."</p><p></p><p>* * *</p><p></p><p>Upon her return to Alistair's apartments in the ducal palace, Dame Brionna approached Alistair formally. A nimble, wiry girl of about ten followed a few steps behind, her eyes wide but also darting around to take in everything. Dame Brionna bowed formally. "Your Highness, I wish to ask a boon."</p><p></p><p>Alistair smiled, a bit puzzled by Dame Brionna's formality. "Of course, Dame Brionna. What do you desire?"</p><p></p><p>"I would like to present my niece, Abigail, to your highness. My niece is a talented young lady, but we have not been able to find an appropriate place for her. I wondered if you might be able to arrange something for her. Curtsy, Abigail."</p><p></p><p>The girl stepped forward and nervously dropped a deep curtsy. "I am honored by this audience, your highness," she said, carefully delivering the line that Dame Brionna had drilled into her. The effect was somewhat spoiled by her continuing to look about at the surroundings.</p><p></p><p>Alistair smiled. "Welcome, Lady Abigail." Dame Brionna's eyes shown with gratitude at the honorific, so often omitted when the lords of Canberry addressed the former nobility of the Southern Kingdoms. "Any kin of Dame Brionna's is welcome in my service. At your age, I think a posting as a page would be best." He paused in thought. The highest honor would be to make her one of his pages, but that could be politically awkward. "What skills has your niece shown thus far, Dame Brionna? Do you wish to see her trained as a knight?"</p><p></p><p>"I would be happy if she became a knight, and she certainly will have the strength for it, but I'm not certain that's where her talents would best be used. She's very bright and reads well, but so far she's gotten herself into a lot of trouble."</p><p></p><p>Abigail looked indignant. "I gave that Baron his purse back. I just wanted to see if I could get it without him noticing, and HE didn't notice..."</p><p></p><p>"Hush, Abigail. They don't want to hear about that," Dame Brionna interjected, ignoring the amused smiles on the faces of Alistair and Kit.</p><p></p><p>"If she reads well, perhaps she should be tested for magical aptitude. We can always use more wizards. But in the meantime... perhaps it would be best for her to be a page to Dame Katherine. It would be appropriate to Dame Katherine's station, and it seems like she would give the right sort of guidance to Lady Abigail. Dame Katherine?"</p><p></p><p>Kit smiled. "I'd be happy to have her as a page. I'm sure she'll work out great."</p><p></p><p>"My thanks, your highness, Dame Katherine," Dame Brionna said. "Now, Abigail, you must do whatever Dame Katherine says. You should be sure to stay out of trouble, and I don't want to hear about you sneaking into the kitchen for snacks or..."</p><p></p><p>"Dame Brionna." Alistair interrupted firmly. "Abigail is a page to Dame Katherine now. Dame Katherine will instruct her on her duties and discipline her page as she sees fit."</p><p></p><p>"Of course, your highness. My apologies, Dame Katherine."</p><p></p><p>"Come along, Abigail. I'll show you around and explain your duties," Kit said.</p><p></p><p>"Yes, Dame Katherine," replied Abigail, curtsying again.</p><p></p><p>As soon as they were around the corner, Kit smiled winningly at Abigail. "We're going to have so much fun together. C'mon. Let's start off with the secret doors. You'll need to know where they are, and which ones you can go through..."</p><p></p><p>"The secret doors, Dame Katherine?" Abigail's voice quivered with anticipation.</p><p></p><p>"Any page of mine needs to be good at secret doors. And just call me Kit when other people aren't around. Also, I don't want you stealing from anyone unless I tell you to. Don't worry... I'll make sure you get plenty of chances..."</p><p></p><p>* * *</p><p></p><p>Recruiting the remainder of the household filled much of the remainder of the morning. A priestess of Glordiadel, Mother Honore, arrived with a letter of introduction from the Archbishop to serve as chaplain. Jet and Marcus arrived, having decided that following their acquaintances to Canberry City offered much more than remaining in Cobblesford would have. Kit and Dame Brionna quickly welcomed them in to the household, appointing Jet as cook and Marcus as Alistair's scribe.</p><p></p><p>Alistair looked at Mother Honore. "I assume, Mother, that you are trained in the healing arts?"</p><p></p><p>"Of course. Why do you ask?"</p><p></p><p>"Am I correct in believing that rats are known to spread disease?"</p><p></p><p>"They are."</p><p></p><p>Kit rolled her eyes. "I could have told you that. Plenty of rats, and plenty of disease, where I grew up."</p><p></p><p>"I've been thinking about the ratmen we fought on the way in, and the skaven attacks in the south that Dame Brionna mentioned. The skaven we fought had an accurate description of me, which means that they have spies within the Archduchy. I think if we make war on the rats, ostensibly as a disease control measure, we'll make life hard on the skaven as well. Just posting a bounty should do it."</p><p></p><p>Kit nodded. "I like it. It doesn't do much to tip our hand, but it takes care of the problems."</p><p></p><p>"How much seems reasonable? A silver per rat?"</p><p></p><p>Jet looked pained. "I think a copper per pair of rats would get everyone's attention. You're not asking nobles to hunt rats, after all."</p><p></p><p>Alistair nodded. "Good. A copper per pair. And then we'll mention bonuses for particularly big rats-- that should be enough to make people particularly interested in any ratmen that may be hiding in Canberry. Marcus, I'll need you to keep track of records of the rats that are turned in-- if we get particularly large numbers, or actual skaven, from any specific area, we'll want to know about it." Alistair sent for the Chancellor. "How are the Archduchy's finances?"</p><p></p><p>"Your Highness, the Archduchy's coffers are flush. Both House Canberry's holdings themselves and most of the other duchies have been prosperous of late, and your grandmother has always maintained a sound and frugal budget. As a result, we have ample financial reserves."</p><p></p><p>"Excellent. So we would be able to offer a bounty of a copper piece for each pair of rats killed and brought in? They're dirty creatures that spread disease."</p><p></p><p>"Of course, your highness. If your scribe would provide a stack of posters, I'll see that they are posted throughout House Canberry's lands."</p><p></p><p>"Ah. I was actually hoping to make this a policy throughout the Archduchy. I assume we can still afford that?"</p><p></p><p>"Yes, your highness, I see. In that case, perhaps your scribe could accompany me? After he produces the master, we'll need a whole body of scribes to produce copies to then distribute throughout the Archduchy. It will take some time to get them posted in the further duchies, but it will be no difficulty."</p><p></p><p>"Good. See to it."</p><p></p><p>"Very good, your highness. If I may impose, your highness, there are several other matters of account that we should discuss." The Chancellor led Lord Alistair to a private office where he began a long account of the finances of the Archduchy. Lord Alistair did his best to not seem completely bored.</p><p></p><p>The remainder of the household looked after other organizational details. A middle-aged, nondescript man stepped out of the shadows next to Kit while she was on an errand outside of the apartments. "If I may have a word with you? There are a few things we should discuss."</p><p></p><p>"Do I know you?"</p><p></p><p>The man smiled. "You didn't. The guilds have chosen me as your contact. While we do not have the official status of the craftguilds, we, too, are an important and loyal part of Archduchy's people. My guildmaster has long believed that critical intelligence should find its way to someone close to the monarch. He wishes you to be his conduit. And should there be any tasks that my guild can undertake for his highness, let me know, and it will be done."</p><p></p><p>"I understand," said Kit, thinking to herself that she should have known that Canberry was too large to not have a thieves' guild. At least they're our thieves' guild. "Do you have any information that we need to know?"</p><p></p><p>"Perhaps. The Duke of Brightspan finances many of the Field Armies within the Federated Army, as you may know. Over the course of the last year, Brightspan has slowly and carefully moved legions from the field armies that he finances into Canberry City, including the Third Federated Field Army, under the command of his third son, Field Marshal Sir Derrick Brightspan. While the Federated Army is completely pledged to the Archduchy's service, nonetheless, more than half of the units currently within the capital are financed by Brightspan, and it may be worth thinking on whether they have more loyalty to their oaths or to the coin that pays them. And when the Duke comes himself, he will surely bring a substantial honor guard from his own army. We thought you should know."</p><p></p><p>"Thank you. That information will be most helpful. Please tell your master that we are most grateful for the continued assistance of your guild."</p><p></p><p>The man smiled. "I will pass on that message. Also remember that I can pass information to another guild besides my own. Should you need a message, or orders, to reach the Master of Assassins, you need only tell me. You will never find it difficult to find me with a little looking in out of the way places."</p><p></p><p>Kit swallowed quietly. "Thank you. I'll remember that."</p><p></p><p>Kit returned to the apartments, where Dame Brionna and Jet were vigorously working on rearranging the kitchen against any possible rats and checking the provisions. Jet nodded at Kit, with a friendly smile, "Glad you're back. I'll be sleeping in the kitchen as a safeguard, but I'd appreciate it if you could lend your eye to our efforts to stamp out any rats in here. Dame Brionna thinks we should only eat food cooked in here from a private stock of supplies... no point taking chances with poison. After we're done with the physical adjustments, we'll be going to hire new scullery maids."</p><p></p><p>Dame Brionna nodded, "We need to make sure there's no chance of evil among them, and I'll judge them each in the light of Glordiadel."</p><p></p><p>"And we can make sure that none of them are pretty, while we're at it," Kit said.</p><p></p><p>"My thought exactly. Why ask for trouble?" replied Dame Brionna. "In fact, it's probably best that we make sure they're all ugly."</p><p></p><p>* * *</p><p></p><p>After Kit described the worrisome news about Brightspan's army (neglecting to mention where she heard those reports), the threat of impending civil war occupied everyone's attention.</p><p></p><p>"One of the keys to the whole situation is Sir Derrick Brightspan," noted Alistair. "If he is loyal to the Archduchy, his father's actions are much less of a threat. Unfortunately, I know little of him. He has an excellent repution as a general and is reputed to be chivalrous. He fought in some of the orc battles protecting the Duchy of Westmarch."</p><p></p><p>"Any family of his own?" asked Dame Brionna.</p><p></p><p>"He's unmarried but has had a consort for many years. She's of far lower birth, and he thus couldn't marry her," Alistair replied, carefully not looking at Kit.</p><p></p><p>Mother Honore steepled her fingers in thought. "The field army that he directly commands has many Glordiadelian chaplains assigned to it; by all accounts, Field Marshall Brightspan is personally devout. Perhaps I could get one of them to open up about him."</p><p></p><p>"Why don't you do that. I plan to meet with each of the three field marshals, partly to get their opinions about our military situation overall but also to get reports on Sir Derrick and the opportunity to judge him myself. I'll go in order of seniority, since that gives me a convenient excuse to meet him last."</p><p></p><p>Dame Brionna nodded. "If I may, I would like to join you for those meetings, Lord Alistair."</p><p></p><p>"Of course. I think that would be a wise idea."</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Cerebral Paladin, post: 2814008, member: 3448"] Session 4 The following morning, Dame Brionna visited with her family. As she expected, her family was proud of her achievements but a little reserved. Her family was a prosperous noble family once, but that was before the skaven took her homeland away. Now, they only have their pride and their honor. The honors bestowed upon Dame Brionna are a fine thing, of course, but father's old titles are no less worthy than those bestowed by the Archduchy of Canberry. Indeed, they are more noble, coming from a king and being part of the family's honor for generations. What matter that the lands that her family holds title to are far away and occupied by enemies? Dame Brionna spent most of her visit with her older sister, Marietta. "How have things been since I left?" "Well enough, I suppose. If you believe the rumors, the skaven are raiding in the south of the refugee camps. Some say that the ratmen are reopening our grain fields to feed their filth. They certainly keep taking young and strong captives." Dame Brionna's sister grimaced. "As you know... I didn't mean to bring up any sad feelings about your betrothed. I think I'm glad that I know that my husband died cleanly..." Dame Brionna looked down. "I can only pray that Glordiadel will light his way back to us." Her sister nodded, a little awkward about Brionna's much greater faith. "What of the Noldar?" Brionna continued. "Do they continue to enslave our people?" "There's a bright thought at least. The slaves they took have not been heard of again, but their slave raids have all but stopped. The late prince's final battle seems to have done that much good, at least. I suppose that's at least something fine to say about your Canberry." Dame Brionna smiled, ignoring the dig as best as she could. "Welcome news, indeed. But enough of such things. How has Abigail been?" "A handful, as always. She's smart and good-hearted, but I can't do a thing to make her behave. If you don't have two eyes on her, and one hand on her shoulder, she'll find trouble. She's always running off and..." She paused. "I don't mean to sound too angry. I just worry... She's all I have left of her father. But we can't help her if her antics anger someone powerful." "Perhaps I could help. I could ask Lord Alistair if he could find a position for her. She's old enough to be ready." "That might be for the best. But not as a servant, mind you. We are nobles and deserve to be treated as such..." * * * Upon her return to Alistair's apartments in the ducal palace, Dame Brionna approached Alistair formally. A nimble, wiry girl of about ten followed a few steps behind, her eyes wide but also darting around to take in everything. Dame Brionna bowed formally. "Your Highness, I wish to ask a boon." Alistair smiled, a bit puzzled by Dame Brionna's formality. "Of course, Dame Brionna. What do you desire?" "I would like to present my niece, Abigail, to your highness. My niece is a talented young lady, but we have not been able to find an appropriate place for her. I wondered if you might be able to arrange something for her. Curtsy, Abigail." The girl stepped forward and nervously dropped a deep curtsy. "I am honored by this audience, your highness," she said, carefully delivering the line that Dame Brionna had drilled into her. The effect was somewhat spoiled by her continuing to look about at the surroundings. Alistair smiled. "Welcome, Lady Abigail." Dame Brionna's eyes shown with gratitude at the honorific, so often omitted when the lords of Canberry addressed the former nobility of the Southern Kingdoms. "Any kin of Dame Brionna's is welcome in my service. At your age, I think a posting as a page would be best." He paused in thought. The highest honor would be to make her one of his pages, but that could be politically awkward. "What skills has your niece shown thus far, Dame Brionna? Do you wish to see her trained as a knight?" "I would be happy if she became a knight, and she certainly will have the strength for it, but I'm not certain that's where her talents would best be used. She's very bright and reads well, but so far she's gotten herself into a lot of trouble." Abigail looked indignant. "I gave that Baron his purse back. I just wanted to see if I could get it without him noticing, and HE didn't notice..." "Hush, Abigail. They don't want to hear about that," Dame Brionna interjected, ignoring the amused smiles on the faces of Alistair and Kit. "If she reads well, perhaps she should be tested for magical aptitude. We can always use more wizards. But in the meantime... perhaps it would be best for her to be a page to Dame Katherine. It would be appropriate to Dame Katherine's station, and it seems like she would give the right sort of guidance to Lady Abigail. Dame Katherine?" Kit smiled. "I'd be happy to have her as a page. I'm sure she'll work out great." "My thanks, your highness, Dame Katherine," Dame Brionna said. "Now, Abigail, you must do whatever Dame Katherine says. You should be sure to stay out of trouble, and I don't want to hear about you sneaking into the kitchen for snacks or..." "Dame Brionna." Alistair interrupted firmly. "Abigail is a page to Dame Katherine now. Dame Katherine will instruct her on her duties and discipline her page as she sees fit." "Of course, your highness. My apologies, Dame Katherine." "Come along, Abigail. I'll show you around and explain your duties," Kit said. "Yes, Dame Katherine," replied Abigail, curtsying again. As soon as they were around the corner, Kit smiled winningly at Abigail. "We're going to have so much fun together. C'mon. Let's start off with the secret doors. You'll need to know where they are, and which ones you can go through..." "The secret doors, Dame Katherine?" Abigail's voice quivered with anticipation. "Any page of mine needs to be good at secret doors. And just call me Kit when other people aren't around. Also, I don't want you stealing from anyone unless I tell you to. Don't worry... I'll make sure you get plenty of chances..." * * * Recruiting the remainder of the household filled much of the remainder of the morning. A priestess of Glordiadel, Mother Honore, arrived with a letter of introduction from the Archbishop to serve as chaplain. Jet and Marcus arrived, having decided that following their acquaintances to Canberry City offered much more than remaining in Cobblesford would have. Kit and Dame Brionna quickly welcomed them in to the household, appointing Jet as cook and Marcus as Alistair's scribe. Alistair looked at Mother Honore. "I assume, Mother, that you are trained in the healing arts?" "Of course. Why do you ask?" "Am I correct in believing that rats are known to spread disease?" "They are." Kit rolled her eyes. "I could have told you that. Plenty of rats, and plenty of disease, where I grew up." "I've been thinking about the ratmen we fought on the way in, and the skaven attacks in the south that Dame Brionna mentioned. The skaven we fought had an accurate description of me, which means that they have spies within the Archduchy. I think if we make war on the rats, ostensibly as a disease control measure, we'll make life hard on the skaven as well. Just posting a bounty should do it." Kit nodded. "I like it. It doesn't do much to tip our hand, but it takes care of the problems." "How much seems reasonable? A silver per rat?" Jet looked pained. "I think a copper per pair of rats would get everyone's attention. You're not asking nobles to hunt rats, after all." Alistair nodded. "Good. A copper per pair. And then we'll mention bonuses for particularly big rats-- that should be enough to make people particularly interested in any ratmen that may be hiding in Canberry. Marcus, I'll need you to keep track of records of the rats that are turned in-- if we get particularly large numbers, or actual skaven, from any specific area, we'll want to know about it." Alistair sent for the Chancellor. "How are the Archduchy's finances?" "Your Highness, the Archduchy's coffers are flush. Both House Canberry's holdings themselves and most of the other duchies have been prosperous of late, and your grandmother has always maintained a sound and frugal budget. As a result, we have ample financial reserves." "Excellent. So we would be able to offer a bounty of a copper piece for each pair of rats killed and brought in? They're dirty creatures that spread disease." "Of course, your highness. If your scribe would provide a stack of posters, I'll see that they are posted throughout House Canberry's lands." "Ah. I was actually hoping to make this a policy throughout the Archduchy. I assume we can still afford that?" "Yes, your highness, I see. In that case, perhaps your scribe could accompany me? After he produces the master, we'll need a whole body of scribes to produce copies to then distribute throughout the Archduchy. It will take some time to get them posted in the further duchies, but it will be no difficulty." "Good. See to it." "Very good, your highness. If I may impose, your highness, there are several other matters of account that we should discuss." The Chancellor led Lord Alistair to a private office where he began a long account of the finances of the Archduchy. Lord Alistair did his best to not seem completely bored. The remainder of the household looked after other organizational details. A middle-aged, nondescript man stepped out of the shadows next to Kit while she was on an errand outside of the apartments. "If I may have a word with you? There are a few things we should discuss." "Do I know you?" The man smiled. "You didn't. The guilds have chosen me as your contact. While we do not have the official status of the craftguilds, we, too, are an important and loyal part of Archduchy's people. My guildmaster has long believed that critical intelligence should find its way to someone close to the monarch. He wishes you to be his conduit. And should there be any tasks that my guild can undertake for his highness, let me know, and it will be done." "I understand," said Kit, thinking to herself that she should have known that Canberry was too large to not have a thieves' guild. At least they're our thieves' guild. "Do you have any information that we need to know?" "Perhaps. The Duke of Brightspan finances many of the Field Armies within the Federated Army, as you may know. Over the course of the last year, Brightspan has slowly and carefully moved legions from the field armies that he finances into Canberry City, including the Third Federated Field Army, under the command of his third son, Field Marshal Sir Derrick Brightspan. While the Federated Army is completely pledged to the Archduchy's service, nonetheless, more than half of the units currently within the capital are financed by Brightspan, and it may be worth thinking on whether they have more loyalty to their oaths or to the coin that pays them. And when the Duke comes himself, he will surely bring a substantial honor guard from his own army. We thought you should know." "Thank you. That information will be most helpful. Please tell your master that we are most grateful for the continued assistance of your guild." The man smiled. "I will pass on that message. Also remember that I can pass information to another guild besides my own. Should you need a message, or orders, to reach the Master of Assassins, you need only tell me. You will never find it difficult to find me with a little looking in out of the way places." Kit swallowed quietly. "Thank you. I'll remember that." Kit returned to the apartments, where Dame Brionna and Jet were vigorously working on rearranging the kitchen against any possible rats and checking the provisions. Jet nodded at Kit, with a friendly smile, "Glad you're back. I'll be sleeping in the kitchen as a safeguard, but I'd appreciate it if you could lend your eye to our efforts to stamp out any rats in here. Dame Brionna thinks we should only eat food cooked in here from a private stock of supplies... no point taking chances with poison. After we're done with the physical adjustments, we'll be going to hire new scullery maids." Dame Brionna nodded, "We need to make sure there's no chance of evil among them, and I'll judge them each in the light of Glordiadel." "And we can make sure that none of them are pretty, while we're at it," Kit said. "My thought exactly. Why ask for trouble?" replied Dame Brionna. "In fact, it's probably best that we make sure they're all ugly." * * * After Kit described the worrisome news about Brightspan's army (neglecting to mention where she heard those reports), the threat of impending civil war occupied everyone's attention. "One of the keys to the whole situation is Sir Derrick Brightspan," noted Alistair. "If he is loyal to the Archduchy, his father's actions are much less of a threat. Unfortunately, I know little of him. He has an excellent repution as a general and is reputed to be chivalrous. He fought in some of the orc battles protecting the Duchy of Westmarch." "Any family of his own?" asked Dame Brionna. "He's unmarried but has had a consort for many years. She's of far lower birth, and he thus couldn't marry her," Alistair replied, carefully not looking at Kit. Mother Honore steepled her fingers in thought. "The field army that he directly commands has many Glordiadelian chaplains assigned to it; by all accounts, Field Marshall Brightspan is personally devout. Perhaps I could get one of them to open up about him." "Why don't you do that. I plan to meet with each of the three field marshals, partly to get their opinions about our military situation overall but also to get reports on Sir Derrick and the opportunity to judge him myself. I'll go in order of seniority, since that gives me a convenient excuse to meet him last." Dame Brionna nodded. "If I may, I would like to join you for those meetings, Lord Alistair." "Of course. I think that would be a wise idea." [/QUOTE]
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Aphonion Tales (New posts 6/13, 6/15, 6/19)
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