After Krug's well-put objection
: How are we told that code phrase?
Eternalknight said:
["]After all," he says, shooting a glance the Cloeasian womans way, "trust is not something that comes instantly."
Jesabela flashes a cocky grin at Silver Wind. "As it should be. After all, our task calls for a cloak-and-dagger mentality ..."
* * *
After the audience is over, she takes another bow and then leaves the throne room with the others.
Krug said:
Hoagar turns to his companions. "Well fair met. Since we'll have much time to converse on our journey, allow me leave to explore."
"Well, take care in dark alleys, then, Master Longbeard!" Jesabela winks. "Won't do to have Holmgard's guards out of work in the morning, after all. Oh, and should you plan on having a last civilized ...
evening meal in town, I know a few good taverns near the harbour. Some even have dwarven specialities ..."
Relenoir said:
["]What about you. . . was it Jesabela? What can you tell us about yourself, and how you might be able to help us on our journey?"
"Hmm?" Jesabela turns to the young Kai lord and studies her. "Aye, that is my name. I'm from Kadan. Your sovereign probably wanted me in the crew because of my experience with ... less-than-straightforward missions."
She leans forward and lowers her voice. "You see, I have worked for the Zultan of Cloeasia - though not directly, of course - on a privateer ship. We were hunting Vassagonian slavers on the main, from the Kuri Sea to the Gulf of Tentarium. We had to keep our allegiance secret, as our beloved Zultan cannot risk open war on the Vassagonian Empire. Nevertheless he could not just stand there and watch the cruelty of the Vassagonians, as you can certainly understand! But he did support us covertly - and after a few years of such work, you do pick up a few things ..." Jesabela winks at Moon's Brand. "And even a daughter of the upper classes can get somewhat rusty in matters of etiquette when she's among rugged sea dogs since she was not much older than you are now."
Jesabela straightens up again. "But I have the feeling that your brooding companion has something on his mind. What troubles you, Dark Hawk? Was it wrong to approach His Majesty's mission matter-of-factly, to make sure we can accomplish it as best we can?" she asks, raising an eyebrow.