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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Cerebral Paladin" data-source="post: 2080183" data-attributes="member: 3448">Alistair, Mahler, and Delbon returned to Delbon's family home in Glitterdomes.  The wealthy Enclave at the southern edge of the city provided a perfect place to regroup and plan their trip back to Canberry, so after settling in at Delbon's home, the three of them had set off to arrange for mounts for the long journey.  None of them, least of all Alistair, had any great desire to make it back to Canberry quickly, but the long overland journey would give them the opportunity to see the world and enjoy time away from the court while still preserving peace by returning eventually.  After negotiating fair prices for two horses, as Stithis had no need for a mount and Delbon already had a rather more exotic steed, they returned, looking forward to an opportunity to relax in a home with all of the luxuries typical in Glitterdomes.Glibrod, the gnomish servant who had inexplicably attached himself to the group, greeted them eagerly at the door.  "Welcome back, good masters who treat Glibrod well.  Come in, come in."The three enter a sitting room.  Delbon looks confusedly at Kit, who leaps up to introduce herself.  "Stithis, what is she doing in my house?"Alistair interjected with a smile, "Not that we're objecting to the arrival of such a lovely young lady.""She said that the nice Glordiadelian priest had sent her to help us fight the slavers.  So I thought that you would want her to join us."Kit smiled awkwardly, wondering if she was supposed to curtsy, or hold out her hand, or something.  She settled on just introducing herself.  "I'm Kit.  I hear that you've also been rescuing the kidnapped children and thought we should work together.""An excellent idea.  I'm sure that you will add a great deal to our efforts.  I'm Jer Pardon, and this is Delbon Glittercheeks, who is our host, Mahler Fife, and you've met Stithis."As the introductions were concluding, the clapper on the door sounded loudly.  Before anyone else could react, Glibrod swung the door open, and bowed deeply, "Welcome, welcome, can I do anything for your ladyship?"A proud knight, wearing a brilliantly white surcoat emblazoned with Glordiadel's Sun over her full armor, strode in.  "Thank you.  Please take me to see his lordship immediately."Glibrod fawned at her boots.  "Oh yes, wondrous mistress, right this way." He quickly led her into the sitting room.The knight looked over the room and focused on the two human men.  "May I ask which of you is Lord Alistair?  My order has sent me to serve as his lordship's bodyguard on the return to Canberry."Mahler and Alistair looked at each other in confusion and dismay.  The secrecy of their location seemed rather less impressive than would have been hoped.  After a moment, Alistair shrugged and pointed dejectedly at Mahler.  "He is."Mahler largely took it in stride.  "Ah, hmm, yes, I am Lord Alistair." As Kit boggled at the new information, he continued.  "I have been travelling incognito under the name 'Mahler' to reduce the danger to myself, my companions, and the innocents around us.""Of course, my lord," the knight said as she knelt before Mahler.  "I am Dame Brionna of the Order of Valor, at your service.  The Church has ordered me to keep your lordship safe on your journey back to Canberry.""I see.  Thank you, although that will not really be necessary."Dame Brionna arose.  "I am afraid that I must insist, my lord.  The Church considers this a vital mission.""Very well, then."Alistair leaned in to speak to Mahler.  "M'lord, may I have a few words with you?""Of course.  Let's step into the other room to discuss matters."Kit, Dame Brionna, Delbon, and Glibrod all pushed to follow them, but Alistair quickly spun the door closed behind them and threw the bolt before they could follow.  While Dame Brionna thought about how long she should respect Lord Alistair's privacy before breaking the door down to ensure his safety, Mahler and Lord Alistair quickly discussed matters in urgent whispers."We have to leave quickly.  Far too many people know that we're here; it could be dangerous to stay here," Mahler began."It's worse than that.  Somehow I doubt that a church knight is going to be fond of our plan to travel slowly back, and I don't really look forward to either of us being knocked over the head and thrown into an airship."Mahler nodded.  "Look, why don't you slip out quietly?  She still thinks that I'm you, so she shouldn't be too worked up about it.  But if you stick around, someone will slip and she'll figure it out.  You can grab one of the horses and take off south, and Delbon, Stithis, and I will meet up with you in a few days.  If Dame Brionna will be a problem, we'll give her the slip before we head out.""Right.  I'll find a place to stay two or three days south of the City, and I'll watch the main road and join you when you pass.  Try not to travel late into the evening so I don't miss you." Alistair paused.  "And if the cute girl wants to come along, too, that wouldn't be a bad thing at all.  She seems like much better company than the knight.""I'll see what I can do.  If you don't contact us, we'll stop three full days south of the City and wait for you." "Thanks, Mahler.  I'll see you on the road." Alistair clapped Mahler on the shoulder, and quietly slipped out a window into the yard.  Less than an hour later, he passed through the great gates of the City and rode south.</blockquote>

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