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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Lanefan" data-source="post: 7160821" data-attributes="member: 29398">Char-Ging's day had gone from dull to excellent to completely awful all in the space of a minute:Dull, as one could only sit around in a rural tavern for so long and not get bored.Then excellent, as the fugitives who had fled this place a few days ago did exactly what she knew they would, and returned right into her trap.Then completely awful, as not only were her guards co-opted by the fugitives (and when did he become Duke, she wondered, and what happened to the old one?) but her prized hat - a hat the mere sight of which instilled fear into any law-abiding resident of the realm but had no effect at all on tax avoiders - was burnt to a crisp.And then even worse, as she saw her good-for-nothing brother Pur-Ging skulking among the criminals.  With no choice available but surrender she stepped back and put up her hands, but she didn't stop talking..."Pur!  I should have known you'd come to a bad end, running with criminals and never doing an honest day's work!  Our mother would be ashamed of you if she saw you now, and that's saying something because that woman had no shame at all!  Our father would be humiliated - he'd never show his face in public again!  You're a disgrace, Pur; and you're no brother of mine!".  At this point she realized her hands were now tied together above her head - while Char-Ging was busy yelling, Keyes had been busy tying - and the prisoner now descended into incoherent screaming.  Keyes had also done some looting; and a few of the party's lost possessions found their way back to some happy owners while Char-Ging's impressive fan found its way to Jericho for safekeeping.Duke Cholmondley stepped up to Char-Ging, after her shrieking had subsided to occasional sobs:  "Madam, let me assure you: the only disgrace surrounding Pur-Ging is that he has to have you for a sister.  While you have been sitting here taking your ease in our tavern - after using dishonour, deceit and trickery to remove us from it, let me add - he along with all of us has faced incredible dangers, has been of the greatest assistance to us all, and has shown exemplary bravery and initiative throughout.  As a result, Madam, he has my commendation.  Further, he has a position in my realm should he ever want for such.  As for you, your tax collecting days are over."  Cholmondley looked to be finished, but then something else occurred to him.  "Also, with the experience he gained during our recent adventures I think by level he now outranks you.  I believe that holds some meaning to you, hmm?"  With this Char-Ging's last resistance disappeared and she slumped to the ground.Try as he might, the stoic Pur-Ging just could not stop a small smile of satisfaction from taking up residence on his face and staying firmly put there."This one might make half a decent Duke yet", Jericho quietly observed to no-one in particular........</blockquote>

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