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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Cerebral Paladin" data-source="post: 3117712" data-attributes="member: 3448">Since you asked for more.... <img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" />----Back at the palace, Alistair and the rest of the Archducal Council prepared carefully for their busy schedule.  The Duke of Brightspan would be joining them for lunch, and then the Princess of Stormreach would be their guest for dinner.  It was hard to say which guest inspired greater feelings of trepidation, though for completely different reasons.Before the Duke arrived, they carefully planned the luncheon.  In addition to the Archducal Council, Princess Cecilia would join them to be certain that they only needed to fear Brightspan’s political loyalty.  They also asked Father Waters, Alistair’s father’s chaplain, to join them.  If his reputation was accurate, the Duke’s best characteristic was his piety, and a show of faith might have substantial value.  Additionally, avoiding the appearance of Alistair surrounded by a crowd of women would help prevent Alistair’s reputation from creating any more problems than it would inevitably.The guard at the door announced Duke Gary Brightspan as he strode confidently into the room.  The Duke was in middle age, and had allowed his waistline to expand with his years, but remained a strong and determined figure.  The resemblance to his son was remarkable, even with the heavy beard that the Duke wore.  And even for this private function, the Duke wore his cornet that was almost a crown.“Your Grace, welcome and thanks for attending upon us,” said Alistair.The Duke of Brightspan bowed his head slightly-- somewhat short of even the bow that an equal deserved, let alone proper respect for his liege-lord.  “Your Eminent Grace.”Alistair’s head dipped, barely perceptibly returning the honor and replying in kind to the insult.  “Please join us at the table.  We have much to discuss, but that can wait until after we have said grace and begun the meal.”“Indeed.”  The Duke drew forward, handing a large wrapped package to Dame Brionna as he took his seat.  While Father Waters stood to say the blessing, the Duke checked carefully that his periapt remained around his neck.  But he then bowed his head in reverence for the prayer, repeating along with each familiar invocation of Glor’diadel.<<Princess Cecilia is thinking the same things about him that we already know,>> Kit sent to Alistair.  <<He hasn’t a shred of loyalty to the Archduchy, and his resentment towards you borders on hate.  But the prayers are heart-felt, and he’s as nervous about this meeting as we are, or more.>><<At least he’s not in league with the demons…>> replied Alistair mentally.  As Abigail brought out the first course, Alistair looked directly at the Duke.  “Your Grace, we have learned that dismaying things are afoot in Brightspan.  There are demons active in your Duchy, including a powerful demon beneath the City, in the catacombs.”“You know of that?” said the Duke in surprise.  “We have been struggling against it for some time, but I would not have thought you would concern yourself.  It could only be a distraction for Brightspan if our conflict became open.”Alistair leaned forward, his face serious.  “We know that you have no loyalty to my House beyond fear of our troops.  But my House made a commitment to yours when your father swore loyalty.  And we will never abandon yours.  When you stand against the demons of Borsh’tro, we stand with you, whether you would have our aid or no.”“My father’s cowardly decision…”  The Duke took a moment to gather himself.  “Yes, we have been fighting the demons.  I have allowed my wife to convince me to let her handle the threat, and her friends have been very effective.”  Doubt shadowed his face as he mentioned his wife’s “friends.”“Yes, we know of her friends.  How many of them has she brought in?”“Nearly a hundred, your eminent grace.  And they are effective, even though they are not of the Light.  They have managed to drive out some of those who have been causing difficulties, but not all.”“Why did you not ask the Archbishop for aid?” asked Dame Brionna with a hint of accusation.The Duke frowned.  “I’ve consulted with the local bishop, but we’ve been hesitant to ask for additional church support.”“Why, your grace?” asked Alistair.“They have my heir.”</blockquote>

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