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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Kriskrafts" data-source="post: 740952" data-attributes="member: 10674">Chapter 16, “The Ancient Keep“, July 5, 1016, 1:00 P.M.The carriages travel north for approximately two miles, ending in an area with sizeable estates due west of the Lordholder’s Castle.    They approach another castle, with an ornate gold-plated sign above the exterior iron gates that reads “The Ancient Keep”.   Entering through the gates, they travel through a courtyard filled with trees and gardens, and then approach a 30-foot high stone wall with a pair of oak gates in the front.   The gates are currently open, but a dozen Jawlt Army troops are blocking the opening.  After identifying the occupants of the carriages the soldiers let them pass. Inside of the wall they pass through what appears to be the outer bailey of the castle, seeing stables to the left, more gardens, and some small buildings along the far wall.   They stop at a carriage house beside the stables, and the group exit from the carriages.   A group of servants of the keep come forward to get the Queen’s luggage, placing it on hand carts.   Ki leads the group on the short walk through the courtyard to the next gate, which is along a 25-foot high interior wall.   On the other side of the wall they see the top of a 50-foot high tower, which had been constructed to defend this gate.   A quartet of guards attired differently than the soldiers, open this gate for Ki and the others.  They enter into the main living area of the keep.  The wall runs in the shape of an oval, 400 feet at its widest point.   A three-story stone manor house comprises most of the interior, and a second tower is along the far wall opposite the first tower.    “Interesting place,” Fiona states.  Ki tells the group a brief history of the keep, stating that this castle is over 500 years old, and the only older human-built structure in Jawlt being his own castle in Gelorynth.   He says that the castle was the home of the Jawltorn City Lord up until 150 years ago, when the current Lordholder’s Castle was constructed.   Following that, the castle changed hands a number of times, and was converted into an inn around 45 years earlier.   He explains the front tower is used as a residence for the owners and employees and the rear tower house keep’s kitchen, formal dining room and a library.   The Manor house itself has 18 spacious rooms for the guests.   They enter the manor house, which is decorated, as one would expect an ancient castle to look.  The walls have elaborate tapestries, and all of the furniture is well made antiques.  An older woman in a velvet gown is waiting in the lobby, and welcomes Queen Jennifer and her entourage to the inn.  She gives General Aaron a ring with multiple keys, stating that the rooms on the third floor are for the Queen and her party.  The party head towards the Queen’s suite, which is comprised of four bedrooms a living room, and a meeting room.   They all go to the meeting room, where a spread of food and beverages has been left for them.   Timothy does a quick check on the food to make sure that none of it has been poisoned. As they sit down to eat, Narg asks the Queen “So, what’s going on Jenny?”  She tells the group that it was important for her to make an appearance at this auction, what with all of the visiting heads of state coming to it.  She says that the construction of the hospital is also a charitable cause that she supports.  Lastly, she adds “And I many also want to purchase some of the items.”Serita says, “I trust that you’ve been briefed about the International League of Assassins.  Do you have your sword?”  Jennifer replies, “Yes, I have my shortsword that detects Assassins with me.  In fact, I’m wearing it right now, you just can’t see it beneath my dress.” Mojo begins to make a comment to that, but is quickly elbowed by Narg into keeping it to himself.   Ki-Geloryn adds “Protection of the Queen is our top concern.  There are fancier inns than this one in the city, but none that are more secure.   The second floor has been reserved for Lord Aldorn’s party.  I am staying on the ground level.    “And all the rooms are taken?” Fiona asks.   “They are now,” Ki adds, “There are still a few on the group floor still being unused, but I’ve reserved them to keep away unwanted guests.”   “Like the King,” Mojo interjects.  “Exactly,” Ki replies.  Narg then says “So, what exactly is going on with (expletive)-face?”    The whole table bursts out laughing at the new nickname for the King.   Queen Jennifer says “Not much.  My making him an Admiral in the Navy seems to have pacified him for now.”  “Nice of you to do that for him,” Fiona comments.  “Well, he did own half of the warships on the continent,” is her reply, “Better that they be part of my navy than opposing it.”  “And his advisors, those covert followers of Loviatar?” Timothy asks.   She smiles, saying “When he stopped being the ruler of the continent Lady Pamela and her cronies abandoned him.  They’ve all moved back to the coastal city of Dunn.”  “And who exactly are that couple that are now with him?” Serita asks.  Jennifer replies “Thomas and Antoinette Khorram.  When Pamela left they moved in to fill the vacuum.”   Narg comments “Yeah, he’s always had someone pulling his strings, before Pamela it was his brother Toronas.  “And his father Henri prior to that,” Ki adds.   “So, who exactly are these Khorrams?” Serita asks.  Jennifer replies “Wealthy aristocrats from the city of Pirna.  She’s old money, he’s new money.  They’ve been married for about 15 years, and appear to now hate each other.  I’m not sure what their interest is in Matthan, but they’ve been sticking to him like glue for the past few months."   The group finishes up their meal, and prepares to depart, except for Mojo who chooses to stay behind for a private consultation with Jennifer.</blockquote>

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