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"Second Son of a Second Son" - An Aquerra Story Hour (*finally* Updated 04/19)
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<blockquote data-quote="el-remmen" data-source="post: 4641833" data-attributes="member: 11"><p><strong>Session #30 – “The Vineyard Vales”(part 1 of 3)</strong> [sup]1[/sup]</p><p></p><p>“Do you think these locusts could represent some form of the savage tide?” Markos asked. The Scions of Thricia were riding as fast as they dared westward on Moraes Heng’s lower road. Soon the Tarchon Steads came into view. Though the gloom of evening was only just gathering, they carried lit torches in case they ran across more of the insects.</p><p></p><p>“We do not know what this <em>savage tide</em> is,” Bleys said.</p><p></p><p>“We know that it has something to do with the ‘pearl of power’ that the bullywugs venerated,” Markos explained. “And we know the pearl transformed the smuggler’s of Kraken’s Cove into some kind of monstrous frog-men… Sounds like a savage tide to me…”[sup]#[/sup]</p><p></p><p>“And do not forget what the <a href="http://aquerra.wikispaces.com/The+Mind+of+Oberah" target="_blank">Mind of Oberah</a> told us,” Laarus said.[sup]#[/sup]</p><p></p><p>The Tarchon Steads were much larger than any of the other estates they had passed. A wide road led towards a great grid of fields and vineyards.</p><p></p><p>The steward was one Baxter Morningfire. He was suspicious of the Signers at first, and as a result they were suspicious of him. But his attitude changed when he saw the note from the viceroy and learned they were there to investigate the infestation of locusts. Also, he knew of them by reputation.</p><p></p><p>“It is you who aided my master’s son when his master had gone missing…” Baxter said.</p><p></p><p>”Who is you master?” Bleys asked.</p><p></p><p>“Sir Valerius Euthymius Tarchon,” the steward replied.[sup]#[/sup] The knight was not present, as he had rode off to the bog with his men when the news of Sir Quintus Gosprey’s disappearance (and that of his son) had reached him. “He should be returning tomorrow at some time, at least temporarily. You are welcome to make camp on our lands and await his arrival. I am sure my master would be honored to meet you…”</p><p></p><p>“Thank you for your generosity,” Laarus replied. “Tell us, how has the plagues of locusts effected these lands?”</p><p></p><p>“We have been fortunate…” Baxter said. “While these steads have suffered some, the size of our lands has made it possible for us to harvest some of our late season crops… Other smaller steads have not been so lucky…”</p><p></p><p>Telémahkos and Timotheus were for staying the night, but the others wanted to move on immediately when Baxter Morningfire confirmed Kelsey Winter’s estimation of the men working at the Vanderboren Estate.[sup]2[/sup]</p><p></p><p>“Lavinia has reason to be cautious,” Telémahkos said after they thanked the steward and hurried on their way. Night was falling more rapidly, Ra’s Glory racing towards its rest in the Realm of Anubis for the night. “Perhaps the standoffishness of her men is on her order…”</p><p></p><p>“Perhaps,” replied Bleys. “But that remains to be seen…”</p><p></p><p>---------------------------------------------------------------------------</p><p></p><p>“Hold! Hail! Well met!” One of the stead hands called out to them as they made their way up the road towards the long house near the entrance to the Vanderboren Stead. In the dying light, they could see men milling around the long low building and its nearby smaller structures. Along their left was a row of huge cylindrical hay bales, spaced about ten to fifteen apart and running about 150 yards out to the buildings. The man remained a good eighty feet ahead of them.</p><p></p><p>“We are the Scions of Thricia,” Timotheus called out, taking a moment to sneer at his cousin as he said the name. “Also known as the Signers of the Charter of Schiereiland! We are investigating the troubles here in Moraes Heng!”</p><p></p><p>“No troubles here!” The man called back.</p><p></p><p>“Giant bugs?” Timotheus asked.</p><p></p><p>“No issues,” the man called back. The young nobles all looked at each other with suspicion in their eyes.</p><p></p><p>“We are also looking to stay the night here,” Timotheus said. “Night is falling and we have traveled far…”</p><p></p><p>“Not possible…” the man said. “We have strict orders from the owners of this land…” </p><p></p><p>“I am Telémahkos of House Briareus, friend of Lavinia Vanderboren. Bring your master to us…”</p><p></p><p>”Of course!” The man called back. “Please wait where you are!” He turned and began to march quickly towards the longhouse. He gave a few sharp whistles and signaled with a finger. Some of the workers milling around began to jog out to the other side of the great hay bails, and there was some other activity that was hard to make out in the growing gloom. Bleys lit a torch and held it aloft, as Markos cast <em>prestidigitation</em>. The watch-mage then cast <em>protection from arrows</em> on Timotheus, wary of the men who have moved out of view.</p><p></p><p>“Bleys, if we are attacked do we fight or do we leave?” Timotheus asked quietly.</p><p></p><p>“When I am attacked, I make it a practice of fighting back,” Bleys answered.</p><p></p><p>“You’re the boss!” Tim replied.</p><p></p><p>“He is <em>not</em> the boss!” Markos complained.</p><p></p><p>“We did once agree that he would be party leader…” Telémahkos responded, and the two of them fell to bickering on the matter.</p><p></p><p>“Shaddap!” Timotheus barked. “This is not the time! We need to keep our eyes and ears open!” </p><p></p><p>Two figures were approaching from the longhouse. One stopped about 100 feet away, but the second approached to about thirty feet, waving a greeting. </p><p></p><p>Timotheus noticed yet another figure moving out behind the coils of hay. “This does not feel right,” he murmured.</p><p></p><p>“Victoria…” Bleys turned and whispered to the militant. “Ride casually around the back of the hay… Send word back of what you see…”</p><p></p><p>Victoria of Anhur nodded, and slowly turned her horse, Ironsides, to go around the back of the line of hay.</p><p></p><p>“Telémahkos accompany her part of the way,” the watch-mage signaled, and the blond Briareus obeyed.</p><p></p><p>“Where are your friends riding off to?” the approaching man asked. He was perhaps 30 years old, with long brown hair and a long drooping mustache. He had a hard look, carried himself with confidence. He wore studded leather armor and carried a long sword at his side.</p><p></p><p>“We did not want to appear too intimidating in our discussions,” Bleys answered. “They are just looking around…”</p><p></p><p>“We would rather you did not,” the man said, and he called to them. “Please halt!” Victoria stopped at the edge of the track, and Telémahkos turned his horse to ride back.</p><p></p><p>“Who are you?” Timotheus asked.</p><p></p><p>“I am called Gerloch. I am the foreman here…” He answered. “I am sorry if we seem unwelcoming, but the owners have left strict instructions that no uninvited guests be allowed on the property… There have been unsavory sorts around…”</p><p></p><p>“Unsavory sorts?” Bleys asked.</p><p></p><p>“People seeking to purchase this land from our masters…” Gerloch replied. </p><p></p><p>“And the locusts? Have they not made this land less valuable?” Bleys asked.</p><p></p><p>“This land has lain fallow for a season, and thus the locusts had nothing to eat here,” Gerloch explained. “They quickly moved on and we are closing the land down until our masters decide to sell, or prepare for planting in the spring…”</p><p></p><p>“Well, I am Telémahkos Briareus, of House Briareus and a friend of your mistress, Lavinia Vanderboren,” Telémahkos said, as he rode back up, hearing the end of what the foreman said. “We have been traveling long on the viceroy’s business and need rest. I invoke our rights as nobles to camp on this land, as I know Miss Vanderboren would grant us that if she were here…”</p><p></p><p>Gerloch shook his head. “Only the <a href="http://aquerra.wikispaces.com/House+Swann" target="_blank">Swanns</a> may invoke such a right, sir… My apologies…” He spoke with a flatness that belied any actual regret.</p><p></p><p>Telémahkos drew the viceroy’s letter from his toga and rode up some more and handed it to the man. “We have a letter with the Viceroy’s mark granting us leave in these lands to investigate these plagues,” he said to the foreman. Gerloch barely looked and handed it back, sighing.</p><p></p><p>“Very well…” the man said. “Please wait here while I make arrangements for a place for you to make camp…” </p><p></p><p>“May I compensate you for your troubles?” Telémahkos asked.</p><p></p><p>“Certainly!” The man perked up and held out a hand into which Telémahkos dropped a silver piece.</p><p></p><p>Gerloch looked at it, smirked and turned, walking with no hurry back to the long house.</p><p></p><p>As they waited, Tymon lit up a torch as well, and Tavius, who remained in the rear, hefted a hooded lantern, casting long bouncing shadows of the Signers and their horses.</p><p></p><p>The young nobles had been waiting a while when Bleys turned his horse and rode slowly back up the track parallel to the great coils of hay. It was then the he saw a shadowy figure race between two of the coils behind the party’s position. Casting <em>message</em>, he warned Telémahkos, Timotheus and Markos with three short whispers. He rode closer to the stacks as he passed them trying to get a better look, and then whispered to his companions again, when he heard low sharp whistles on the other side of the hay.</p><p></p><p>“Let’s not jump to conclusions,” Telémahkos said quietly. “Remember, Lavinia has reason to be cautious and hire mercenaries to aid her…” He turned his horse again, to move towards Bleys.</p><p></p><p>“She has done it before…” Timotheus nodded.[sup]3[/sup]</p><p></p><p>“I can hear you skulking there…” Bleys said to the man between the large bales. The watch-mage urged his horse forward and raised his torch to see the man trying to look casual leaning against the great coil. He held a short bow upright on the left side of his body, failing to obscure it from sight.</p><p></p><p>”I’m not skulking,” the man replied. “Just…uh… checking on the hay bales” He smiled weakly.</p><p></p><p>“We’re just looking for some flat ground to camp on,” Telémahkos bluffed coming over beside Bleys.</p><p></p><p>“I am sure the foreman will find you an adequate spot… Wouldn’t want you to get in our way, or have us disturb your rest with our work…” The man turned and put his hand on the coil behind him. “Yep! This bale looks good…” The man began to walk off.</p><p></p><p>“You know, Brother Laarus…” Tavius moved his pony over adjacent to the young priest. “I didn’t get that good a look at him, but I am pretty sure that foreman is one of MacHaven’s men…” He spoke quietly, looking around with caution.</p><p></p><p>Laarus nodded and moved next to Timotheus to pass the news. Tim passed the news on to Bleys via the <em>message</em> spell.</p><p></p><p>“Why would Lavinia have dealings with such men?” Laarus asked Timotheus.</p><p></p><p>“Because she doesn’t know… Or doesn’t ‘have dealings’… Or, Tavius is wrong,” Timotheus dismissed the suggestion.</p><p></p><p>“Do you think we’d be in our rights to demand to see whatever papers were signed for these workers’ contractual obligation?” Markos asked Bleys and Telémahkos, riding over to them.</p><p></p><p>“We are under the viceroy’s aegis,” Telémahkos replied. “We have the right to investigate as we see fit…”</p><p></p><p>Bleys did not respond, but urged his horse through the dark alley between the tall bales and followed the man who had been lurking there, now moving steadily back in the direction of the longhouse.</p><p></p><p>“You there! How long until your term of employment is done?” the watch-mage called after him.</p><p></p><p>“Huh?” The man turned, but continued to take a few steps back. “Until we’re done closing down for the winter, I guess… Maybe another week or two? Gerloch would know best…”</p><p></p><p>As Bleys continued to question the man, who claimed ignorance on all logistical details of his work, Telémahkos and Markos rode up slowly along the other side of the bails. Markos noticed another of the ‘workers’ lurking in the shadows of the bales and called out to him. “You! Come on out!”</p><p></p><p>The man was startled and turning, he began to run out the other side of the bales and towards the longhouse.</p><p></p><p>“Bleys! Should I detain him?” Markos asked by way of the <em>message</em> spell, but the watch-mage noticed the man emerging from the row of hay bales, and left the man he questioned to spur his horse and chase after the runner.</p><p></p><p>“Stop!” Bleys commanded and the man obeyed when he realized he could not outrun a horse. “Why do you run?”</p><p></p><p>“I…uh… got startled by your friend,” the man replied. “I thought he was going to jump me…”</p><p></p><p>“Why would you think that?” Bleys asked. “We are friends of Lavinia Vanderboren and are only seeking a place to stay the night…”</p><p></p><p>“Sometimes people can pretend to be someone who’s not who they really are…” the man replied.</p><p></p><p>“What were you doing there in the dark?”</p><p></p><p>“Keeping an eye on you all to make sure you didn’t try anything sneaky while Gerloch makes arrangements,” the man answered.</p><p></p><p>After a few more questions, Bleys let the man leave and rode back to join the others, along with Telémahkos and Markos. As he made his way back, Gerloch emerged from the longhouse and called out to them.</p><p></p><p>“Master Bleys! We have found a place for you to camp!” Gerloch said, approaching. He had another man with him. “Domas, here will lead you there…”</p><p></p><p>“Gerloch…” Telémahkos said. “We realized we’d be remiss if we did not check your papers for the viceroy…”</p><p></p><p>”Papers?” Gerloch asked.</p><p></p><p>“Your contract for work… Anything giving you authority here in the Vanderborens’ absence…” Telémahkos replied.</p><p></p><p>”Oh… That might take some time to find…” Gerloch said.</p><p></p><p>“Can you tell us about the circumstances of your hiring?” Bleys asked.</p><p></p><p>Gerloch explained that a broker who was hired by Lavinia Vanderboren had contacted him and his men. “Soon after we arrived, she and her brother came to check on us and sign the agreement…”</p><p></p><p>At the mention of Lavinia’s brother, the Signers all looked at each other.</p><p></p><p>“You mean her brother Lowell?” Bleys asked.</p><p></p><p>“If they have a brother named Lowell, I don’t know him,” Gerloch replied. “I could have sworn they were orphans…”</p><p></p><p>“Being orphans doesn’t mean they don’t have other siblings…” Telémahkos said.</p><p></p><p>“I mean… they are the only Vanderborens left…” Gerloch said. “Vanthus and Lavinia…”</p><p></p><p>“And they came here, together?” Bleys asked. The foreman nodded. The young nobles all looked to each other again, skeptical. </p><p></p><p>“Just go and get the papers,” Markos insisted. Gerloch nodded and headed back, signaling for another of the armed field hands to join Domas in front of the party.</p><p></p><p><em>…to be continued…</em></p><p></p><p>------------------------------------------------------------------</p><p><strong>Notes:</strong></p><p></p><p>[sup]1[/sup] Session #30 was played Saturday, April 26, 2008 in Maplewood, New Jersey.</p><p></p><p>[sup]2[/sup] In Session #29, Kelsey Winter described them as “hard men” who were very stand-offish.</p><p></p><p>[sup]3[/sup] Timotheus was referring to Lavinia’s hiring of <a href="http://aquerra.wikispaces.com/The+Jade+Ravens" target="_blank">the Jade Ravens</a>. See Session #8.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="el-remmen, post: 4641833, member: 11"] [b]Session #30 – “The Vineyard Vales”(part 1 of 3)[/b] [sup]1[/sup] “Do you think these locusts could represent some form of the savage tide?” Markos asked. The Scions of Thricia were riding as fast as they dared westward on Moraes Heng’s lower road. Soon the Tarchon Steads came into view. Though the gloom of evening was only just gathering, they carried lit torches in case they ran across more of the insects. “We do not know what this [I]savage tide[/I] is,” Bleys said. “We know that it has something to do with the ‘pearl of power’ that the bullywugs venerated,” Markos explained. “And we know the pearl transformed the smuggler’s of Kraken’s Cove into some kind of monstrous frog-men… Sounds like a savage tide to me…”[sup]#[/sup] “And do not forget what the [url= http://aquerra.wikispaces.com/The+Mind+of+Oberah]Mind of Oberah[/url] told us,” Laarus said.[sup]#[/sup] The Tarchon Steads were much larger than any of the other estates they had passed. A wide road led towards a great grid of fields and vineyards. The steward was one Baxter Morningfire. He was suspicious of the Signers at first, and as a result they were suspicious of him. But his attitude changed when he saw the note from the viceroy and learned they were there to investigate the infestation of locusts. Also, he knew of them by reputation. “It is you who aided my master’s son when his master had gone missing…” Baxter said. ”Who is you master?” Bleys asked. “Sir Valerius Euthymius Tarchon,” the steward replied.[sup]#[/sup] The knight was not present, as he had rode off to the bog with his men when the news of Sir Quintus Gosprey’s disappearance (and that of his son) had reached him. “He should be returning tomorrow at some time, at least temporarily. You are welcome to make camp on our lands and await his arrival. I am sure my master would be honored to meet you…” “Thank you for your generosity,” Laarus replied. “Tell us, how has the plagues of locusts effected these lands?” “We have been fortunate…” Baxter said. “While these steads have suffered some, the size of our lands has made it possible for us to harvest some of our late season crops… Other smaller steads have not been so lucky…” Telémahkos and Timotheus were for staying the night, but the others wanted to move on immediately when Baxter Morningfire confirmed Kelsey Winter’s estimation of the men working at the Vanderboren Estate.[sup]2[/sup] “Lavinia has reason to be cautious,” Telémahkos said after they thanked the steward and hurried on their way. Night was falling more rapidly, Ra’s Glory racing towards its rest in the Realm of Anubis for the night. “Perhaps the standoffishness of her men is on her order…” “Perhaps,” replied Bleys. “But that remains to be seen…” --------------------------------------------------------------------------- “Hold! Hail! Well met!” One of the stead hands called out to them as they made their way up the road towards the long house near the entrance to the Vanderboren Stead. In the dying light, they could see men milling around the long low building and its nearby smaller structures. Along their left was a row of huge cylindrical hay bales, spaced about ten to fifteen apart and running about 150 yards out to the buildings. The man remained a good eighty feet ahead of them. “We are the Scions of Thricia,” Timotheus called out, taking a moment to sneer at his cousin as he said the name. “Also known as the Signers of the Charter of Schiereiland! We are investigating the troubles here in Moraes Heng!” “No troubles here!” The man called back. “Giant bugs?” Timotheus asked. “No issues,” the man called back. The young nobles all looked at each other with suspicion in their eyes. “We are also looking to stay the night here,” Timotheus said. “Night is falling and we have traveled far…” “Not possible…” the man said. “We have strict orders from the owners of this land…” “I am Telémahkos of House Briareus, friend of Lavinia Vanderboren. Bring your master to us…” ”Of course!” The man called back. “Please wait where you are!” He turned and began to march quickly towards the longhouse. He gave a few sharp whistles and signaled with a finger. Some of the workers milling around began to jog out to the other side of the great hay bails, and there was some other activity that was hard to make out in the growing gloom. Bleys lit a torch and held it aloft, as Markos cast [I]prestidigitation[/I]. The watch-mage then cast [I]protection from arrows[/I] on Timotheus, wary of the men who have moved out of view. “Bleys, if we are attacked do we fight or do we leave?” Timotheus asked quietly. “When I am attacked, I make it a practice of fighting back,” Bleys answered. “You’re the boss!” Tim replied. “He is [I]not[/I] the boss!” Markos complained. “We did once agree that he would be party leader…” Telémahkos responded, and the two of them fell to bickering on the matter. “Shaddap!” Timotheus barked. “This is not the time! We need to keep our eyes and ears open!” Two figures were approaching from the longhouse. One stopped about 100 feet away, but the second approached to about thirty feet, waving a greeting. Timotheus noticed yet another figure moving out behind the coils of hay. “This does not feel right,” he murmured. “Victoria…” Bleys turned and whispered to the militant. “Ride casually around the back of the hay… Send word back of what you see…” Victoria of Anhur nodded, and slowly turned her horse, Ironsides, to go around the back of the line of hay. “Telémahkos accompany her part of the way,” the watch-mage signaled, and the blond Briareus obeyed. “Where are your friends riding off to?” the approaching man asked. He was perhaps 30 years old, with long brown hair and a long drooping mustache. He had a hard look, carried himself with confidence. He wore studded leather armor and carried a long sword at his side. “We did not want to appear too intimidating in our discussions,” Bleys answered. “They are just looking around…” “We would rather you did not,” the man said, and he called to them. “Please halt!” Victoria stopped at the edge of the track, and Telémahkos turned his horse to ride back. “Who are you?” Timotheus asked. “I am called Gerloch. I am the foreman here…” He answered. “I am sorry if we seem unwelcoming, but the owners have left strict instructions that no uninvited guests be allowed on the property… There have been unsavory sorts around…” “Unsavory sorts?” Bleys asked. “People seeking to purchase this land from our masters…” Gerloch replied. “And the locusts? Have they not made this land less valuable?” Bleys asked. “This land has lain fallow for a season, and thus the locusts had nothing to eat here,” Gerloch explained. “They quickly moved on and we are closing the land down until our masters decide to sell, or prepare for planting in the spring…” “Well, I am Telémahkos Briareus, of House Briareus and a friend of your mistress, Lavinia Vanderboren,” Telémahkos said, as he rode back up, hearing the end of what the foreman said. “We have been traveling long on the viceroy’s business and need rest. I invoke our rights as nobles to camp on this land, as I know Miss Vanderboren would grant us that if she were here…” Gerloch shook his head. “Only the [url=http://aquerra.wikispaces.com/House+Swann]Swanns[/url] may invoke such a right, sir… My apologies…” He spoke with a flatness that belied any actual regret. Telémahkos drew the viceroy’s letter from his toga and rode up some more and handed it to the man. “We have a letter with the Viceroy’s mark granting us leave in these lands to investigate these plagues,” he said to the foreman. Gerloch barely looked and handed it back, sighing. “Very well…” the man said. “Please wait here while I make arrangements for a place for you to make camp…” “May I compensate you for your troubles?” Telémahkos asked. “Certainly!” The man perked up and held out a hand into which Telémahkos dropped a silver piece. Gerloch looked at it, smirked and turned, walking with no hurry back to the long house. As they waited, Tymon lit up a torch as well, and Tavius, who remained in the rear, hefted a hooded lantern, casting long bouncing shadows of the Signers and their horses. The young nobles had been waiting a while when Bleys turned his horse and rode slowly back up the track parallel to the great coils of hay. It was then the he saw a shadowy figure race between two of the coils behind the party’s position. Casting [I]message[/I], he warned Telémahkos, Timotheus and Markos with three short whispers. He rode closer to the stacks as he passed them trying to get a better look, and then whispered to his companions again, when he heard low sharp whistles on the other side of the hay. “Let’s not jump to conclusions,” Telémahkos said quietly. “Remember, Lavinia has reason to be cautious and hire mercenaries to aid her…” He turned his horse again, to move towards Bleys. “She has done it before…” Timotheus nodded.[sup]3[/sup] “I can hear you skulking there…” Bleys said to the man between the large bales. The watch-mage urged his horse forward and raised his torch to see the man trying to look casual leaning against the great coil. He held a short bow upright on the left side of his body, failing to obscure it from sight. ”I’m not skulking,” the man replied. “Just…uh… checking on the hay bales” He smiled weakly. “We’re just looking for some flat ground to camp on,” Telémahkos bluffed coming over beside Bleys. “I am sure the foreman will find you an adequate spot… Wouldn’t want you to get in our way, or have us disturb your rest with our work…” The man turned and put his hand on the coil behind him. “Yep! This bale looks good…” The man began to walk off. “You know, Brother Laarus…” Tavius moved his pony over adjacent to the young priest. “I didn’t get that good a look at him, but I am pretty sure that foreman is one of MacHaven’s men…” He spoke quietly, looking around with caution. Laarus nodded and moved next to Timotheus to pass the news. Tim passed the news on to Bleys via the [I]message[/I] spell. “Why would Lavinia have dealings with such men?” Laarus asked Timotheus. “Because she doesn’t know… Or doesn’t ‘have dealings’… Or, Tavius is wrong,” Timotheus dismissed the suggestion. “Do you think we’d be in our rights to demand to see whatever papers were signed for these workers’ contractual obligation?” Markos asked Bleys and Telémahkos, riding over to them. “We are under the viceroy’s aegis,” Telémahkos replied. “We have the right to investigate as we see fit…” Bleys did not respond, but urged his horse through the dark alley between the tall bales and followed the man who had been lurking there, now moving steadily back in the direction of the longhouse. “You there! How long until your term of employment is done?” the watch-mage called after him. “Huh?” The man turned, but continued to take a few steps back. “Until we’re done closing down for the winter, I guess… Maybe another week or two? Gerloch would know best…” As Bleys continued to question the man, who claimed ignorance on all logistical details of his work, Telémahkos and Markos rode up slowly along the other side of the bails. Markos noticed another of the ‘workers’ lurking in the shadows of the bales and called out to him. “You! Come on out!” The man was startled and turning, he began to run out the other side of the bales and towards the longhouse. “Bleys! Should I detain him?” Markos asked by way of the [I]message[/I] spell, but the watch-mage noticed the man emerging from the row of hay bales, and left the man he questioned to spur his horse and chase after the runner. “Stop!” Bleys commanded and the man obeyed when he realized he could not outrun a horse. “Why do you run?” “I…uh… got startled by your friend,” the man replied. “I thought he was going to jump me…” “Why would you think that?” Bleys asked. “We are friends of Lavinia Vanderboren and are only seeking a place to stay the night…” “Sometimes people can pretend to be someone who’s not who they really are…” the man replied. “What were you doing there in the dark?” “Keeping an eye on you all to make sure you didn’t try anything sneaky while Gerloch makes arrangements,” the man answered. After a few more questions, Bleys let the man leave and rode back to join the others, along with Telémahkos and Markos. As he made his way back, Gerloch emerged from the longhouse and called out to them. “Master Bleys! We have found a place for you to camp!” Gerloch said, approaching. He had another man with him. “Domas, here will lead you there…” “Gerloch…” Telémahkos said. “We realized we’d be remiss if we did not check your papers for the viceroy…” ”Papers?” Gerloch asked. “Your contract for work… Anything giving you authority here in the Vanderborens’ absence…” Telémahkos replied. ”Oh… That might take some time to find…” Gerloch said. “Can you tell us about the circumstances of your hiring?” Bleys asked. Gerloch explained that a broker who was hired by Lavinia Vanderboren had contacted him and his men. “Soon after we arrived, she and her brother came to check on us and sign the agreement…” At the mention of Lavinia’s brother, the Signers all looked at each other. “You mean her brother Lowell?” Bleys asked. “If they have a brother named Lowell, I don’t know him,” Gerloch replied. “I could have sworn they were orphans…” “Being orphans doesn’t mean they don’t have other siblings…” Telémahkos said. “I mean… they are the only Vanderborens left…” Gerloch said. “Vanthus and Lavinia…” “And they came here, together?” Bleys asked. The foreman nodded. The young nobles all looked to each other again, skeptical. “Just go and get the papers,” Markos insisted. Gerloch nodded and headed back, signaling for another of the armed field hands to join Domas in front of the party. [I]…to be continued…[/I] ------------------------------------------------------------------ [b]Notes:[/b] [sup]1[/sup] Session #30 was played Saturday, April 26, 2008 in Maplewood, New Jersey. [sup]2[/sup] In Session #29, Kelsey Winter described them as “hard men” who were very stand-offish. [sup]3[/sup] Timotheus was referring to Lavinia’s hiring of [url=http://aquerra.wikispaces.com/The+Jade+Ravens]the Jade Ravens[/url]. See Session #8. [/QUOTE]
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