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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Cerebral Paladin" data-source="post: 2888419" data-attributes="member: 3448">King Erich's daughter definitely looks like a strong possibility.  We haven't actually gotten to meet her yet, though, so for all we know she's an insane Borsh'tro worshipper.  But it does have such good political possibilities...-------A wounded young guard met the group at the palace gates. "Dame Brionna! We attacked Father Giorgio in the Archbishop's entourage, and he was indeed a ratman assassin. We slew the assassin, but not before several guards and a few of the priests were slain. The Archbishop is safe." "Good work," replied Dame Brionna. "Have your wounds attended to. You've done well. You've surely saved the Archbishop's life and may have saved the Archduchy." "Thank you, Captain." Her words brightened him up. He never noticed the grimace on Alistair's face as he thought about the terrible butcher's bill of the last few days. Back in Alistair's chambers, the group discussed what to do about the Duke of Brightspan. "You can't possibly marry his daughter now," said Kit. "It won't do much good, and it might get you killed." Dame Brionna nodded vigorously as well. "I know. From what we know, he's turned his heir-apparent against us already, but we don't think his grandsons are hostile yet, right?" asked Alistair. When the others nodded, he continued. "I think it's time we honored the boys with positions as my pages. We'll give similar positions to the future heirs of the other duchies as well. They won't be able to refuse the honor, but it will still mean that the future Duke of Brightspan will grow up in our household, not theirs, and will end up loyal to Canberry." "An excellent idea, Lord Alistair," said Dame Brionna. "And Kit, you might suggest that Abigail make friends with the Brightspan pages." Kit nodded. "I like it. If anything fishy starts happening, Abigail would let me know right off." The Chancellor entered and interrupted. "Your highness. The Archduchess has slipped into sleep. The priests do not expect her to awaken." Alistair slumped in his chair, the weight of both his sorrow and the heavy burdens he would soon assume pressing on his shoulders. Kit squeezed his hand, drawing a slight smile. "I'm sorry. She was a very special lady, and I wish I had known her better." "Thank you. I wish so, too." Alistair faced the Chancellor. "Thank you for telling me. Inform me immediately if she awakens. Otherwise, just let me know when it's finished." "Of course, your highness. I will leave you to your mourning, while I prepare for my own."</blockquote>

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