Black Hart

To Kill A King

Chapter 12 - In the Study

Goosebumps and hackles raised, Akhan was sent hurtling from sleep into wakedness in an instant. Someone was in his room!
He listened intently and heard a slowly moving door, but the infravision form his one eye, the magical one being covered by the patch for sleep, showed the door was firmly shut.
As Ash, sleeping at his side, started to raise his head and growl softly, Akhan put a hand to his snout and the dog stopped.
"A well-trained dog there," Akhan thought, as his other hand quietly drew Kagnstir from its sheath.
Looking to his left he saw the intruder, emerging from a secret panel in the wall.
"Gadsooths, are these damned passages everywhere here?" Akhan thought.
Then his heart skipped a beat as the intruder's face was revealed.
As the Countess fully entered the bedroom, closing the door behind her, he could smell her perfume now, intoxicating, see every line of her scantily clad form as it moved quietly closer to his bed. She could undoubtedly see him too, as she slipped gracefully under the bedsheets and slid up to him, one arm moving over his quivering body.
"Master Bherruliann," she whispered in tones that sent shivers down Akhan's spine, her use of the Olven tongue a delight to hear. "Are you going to kill me with your blade? I have a far better idea."
Akhan heard Ash up and move away from beside the bed into the far corner. As he turned to her, Hanali's mouth moved up and closed over his own.
"A very well-trained dog," Akhan thought.

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Hanali seemed to have no qualms about not whispering as she spoke to Akhan.
"My husband and I have not slept together for years." she told him as she dressed.
This woman was likely twice Akhan's age, but thanks to Olven longevity her beautiful form was still in its prime.
"I grew tired of his lecherous ways, and we stay together as a facade, for the children and the County. Apparently his latest slut is a priestess on his hellforsaken rock of a trading post, Fim-Sular."
She seemed bitter when mentioning Fimuth, and Akhan knew better than to quiz her further.
"I must ask you," she said sincerely, pausing to kiss Akhan softly on the forehead, "what your intentions are? An affair with a Countess is a serious affair, Master Akhan. My husband cares not for my affections, but would not stand for another to have them. I am somewhat smitten by you, but you must think about this afore we continue."
She arose from the edge of the bed, moving back over to the secret door.
"It must be on my terms," she continued. "I will come back for your answer another time."
She smiled at Akhan before opening the door and disappearing into the darkness. Ash stirred from the corner and returned to his sleeping position by the bed, shooting a solemn look at Akhan before closing his eyes.

************************

Eloi had slept well, despite the horrendously uncomfortable Palace bed, with its clean sheets and soft pillows. By the time he awoke it was mid-morning.
Without washing he wandered down to the kitchens for breakfast. On the way he ran into Thoggin.
"Remember the tailors, at eleven, Eloi," the gnome said. "And the King will see you at two this afternoon now. I will send someone to fetch you for both."
Eloi groaned mentally at the thought.
"Mind you, as long as the King's thanks involves several hundred gold pieces," he thought.
Into the kitchen he went, and after filching some of the more disgusting items he fancied for breakfast he ran into Patrach. Eloi asked him of Ariall.
Patrach shook his head saying, "Nobody has seen or heard of her, Eloi. The Housekeeper is furious that she never appeared for work, and her roommates say she never slept there last night. Do you think there is something wrong?"
Eloi recalled the pouch of gold she had dropped in the passageway, but reassured Patrach that she was probably in some drunken Lord's bed, sleeping off the festivities. Heading upstairs he met the others, whom he gathered had been waiting for some time. He had barely finished his food when they marched him off to the study to meet the Mareschal, although Wissig was not yet there.

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The debate in the study, despite having gone over no new ground, was becoming very vociferous.
Akhan sat in the study, thinking, with a glance at his overfull belly of the hearty meal he had just scoffed, with a dreamy look of sly contentment on his face.
As Mordekei and the others discussed the previous days' events he began to look bored and started rummaging around in his pockets before emerging triumphantly with a cloth and proceeding to buff up his Eye.
Bermen joined in half-heartedly with the others about the possibilities of conspirators. As the discussion progressed, he seemed to grow more subdued and looked heartily sick of the entire proceedings. While Akhan sat rubbing away at his ludicrously shiny Eye, Bermen turned from the rest to look at the war dog sitting patiently on the floor.
"You and I are very much alike," Bermen thought to himself.
"Both of us have no use for endless talk. We are loyal - you to this undeserving magpie and I to my lord. We are bred for battle and glory in our strength. Ach, what wouldn't I give to be rid of all this sneaking and spying and have an honest fight for a change!"
Taking out a whetstone Bermen proceeded to work up a good edge on his weapons, studiously staying out of the pointless speculation that the others were embracing so thoughtlessly.
The talk had reached the suspicions of Wissig, a theory proposed on the main by Mordekei.
"I heartily agree with your sentiments Master Mordekei," Jean-Paul added. "I would agree that Wissig is the prime candidate as a suspect, but I would not yet rule out our other suspects."
"If we were to discount the others Wissig might become suspicious of our motives. Whatever we decide to do we must aim to do it as covertly as possible. We can trust no one at the moment."
Eloi was feeling none-too-pleased at having his morning nose-bag interrupted. He listened fairly inattentively to Mordekei and J-P and coughed loudly before speaking up.
"If its Wissig why the feck don't we just kill the bastard and get it over with? In fact why don't we just fecking kill Thoggin, Fimuth, Arganass and Wissig and be done? At least we'd be right about one of them!"
"Perhaps you are right, Mordekei," Hamman said, ignoring Eloi's rant. "But just to add my two Fennig's worth, what actual evidence do we have that links Wissig to it all? Does he meet up with Bermen's description of weight, height etc? Does he have a motive? Is he a mage?"
"I'm not saying you're wrong, but I'd prefer proof before sending a man to the gallows, not speculation or a mere lack of suspects. And besides, who says it is a man? Arganass's mage is an Olven mage. I think we are limiting ourselves too much here."
Akhan paused in his squeaking task and joined in.
"Being suspicious of Wissig doesn't really move us any further forward though, does it? We still have to find the figure I saw in the woods and whose voice I heard in the ballroom. We can keep our eyes peeled."
He briefly scratched the Eye.
"But that's really just an admission of ignorance. We've got to force this bastard's hand. Or claw? Or claws?"
Akhan shrugged impatiently and stuffed the cloth back into a pocket.
Starting to pass a few leftover scraps of food he'd saved to attentive Ash, he continued.
"As for one of our prime suspects, the Count Fimuth, I did some private digging on my own last night, and have discovered that his present mistress is a priestess from his trading post Fim-Sular. It'd be interesting to know just what sort of deity this woman worships, no?"
Akhan leaned back in his seat, placing his boots on the table and swinging back and forth in a precarious manner.
Jean-Paul looked thoughtful.
"Your news regarding Fimuth having a priestess as a mistress is interesting, but from the information that we have there is no indication that one of the perpetrators of this deed was a woman. Indeed, from the eyewitness accounts they were all men."
"Hey, Mordekei," Akhan asked, for once in his life sounding very serious. "Just as a matter of curiosity, what would have happened to this pit fiend or whatever when it failed to kill the King? Did it just amble back to the Pit or would it have gnashed its teeth for a bit? Could it still be holed up someplace? Tell you what I'm going to do while you lot are having a good search though. Ash and I are going to get that cloak Bermen found outside and we're going to see if we can't sniff out our traitor. Aren't we Ash!"
"In reply to your question, Akhan," Mordekei said, "I'm not sure what would happen if he failed but did not die. Keep trying I suppose. But now he is dead I believe the Fiend must regrow in Hell. He should be quite unable to return though unless summoned again. And if I were the summoner I wouldn't risk that!"
Jean-Paul smiled somewhat at Akhan and Mordekei's apparent lack of knowledge about matters fiendish.
"Akhan, my friend, the pit-fiend was vanquished by my own hands, it has returned to its own plane and cannot return to this one unless it is summoned again."
Akhan ruffled the war dog's head affectionately.
"However if we're no further forward after all this looking then we're going to have to come up with a plan to flush out this conspiracy. They seem to be fairly efficient and ruthless about covering their tracks. The were-rat was eliminated and that wench of Eloi's has vanished seemingly too."
Akhan sat for a little longer digesting his meal and listening to the conspiracy theories being discussed. After a bit he and Ash decided to go in search of the cloak, after asking Bermen if he knew who had it.
"Come with me and I will see if I may help also. It may be that my eyes for tracks and this one's nose for traitors may make a good combination," Bermen replied, thankful, if for nothing else, to be away from the claustrophobic confines of the study. It was becoming somewhat rank with the smell of their bodies and, in particular, those long-winded farts that Eloi was so proud of.
The two got up and left the room, followed closely by the effervescent Ash. When they were gone, Jean-Paul continued his pontifications.
"I suggest that we discretely gather information about Wissig, his past, allegiances, how he came to be chief Mareschal? There must be several members of the Palace guard and palace servants who have a grudge against Wissig perhaps Bermen and Eloi could test the water with some of them?"
He paused and took a drink of the flagon of milk he had brought from the kitchen.
"We must also speak to our other suspects without arousing suspicions. We must try to get someone to slip up with their events of the proceedings last night."
"Akhan's suspicions regarding the Drow are just but I do not think that they would remain in the castle after the events."
He summed up, looking at what remained of the party.
"I think we should proceed as planned last night, we will do a thorough search of the wine cellar and secret passages to see if we can gather any further clues. We must speak with Thoggin, Fimuth and Arganass and we must also keep close tabs on Wissig. I suggest that one of us maintain a presence in the company of Wissig at all times. He must not know of our suspicions regarding him as our position here might easily be reversed."
He finished, looking at the remainder of the party for any further comment.
"I will happily speak to a few of the palace guards and servants. I know several non-violent ways to loosen tongues."
Eloi cocked his head, and let a sly grin cross his face, obviously thrilled by the nauseated response of Mordekei.
"Most of them involve drink, drugs and women. Anyways you have my full attention and skills at your disposal until 2 this afters then I have an appointment. I think I'll also 'ave to piss off about elevenses to go get a new suit of clothes or sumthink. Can't really think what's wrong with me old ones."
Eloi too seemed to get more serious as he continued.
"I am a bit concerned 'bout the girl I shagged yesterday, she seems to be missing. Not that I am sentimental about these things, but it would be a shame if a top bit of ass like that was to turn up dead or worse. If she is still alive she may have some information that may be of use to us, remember she witnessed the summoning as well before we got split up."
With that Eloi shrugged and returned to shoving his hands down the front of his trousers. He appeared to be adjusting something that seemed to be giving him considerable problems, and in no uncertain terms, a high level of discomfort.
With everyone content that they'd said their piece they left to scour the passageways.

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Bermen had thought that Wissig had the robe, but a thorough search of the Palace found him nowhere. As they wandered back to the room they met Darrak Thurnsyte, the other Mareschal they knew. The pair quizzed him about Wissig and the robe.
"Wissig?" he asked. "I haven't a clue, just got back from searching the woods though. Nothing - its as though they disappeared without a trace. I do know where the robe is though, I'll get it for you."
A few minutes later, Darrak returned with the scarlet robe.
Bermen and Akhan went outside, followed by Darrak and the ebullient Ash, who sensed somehow that a game was afoot.
"Here it is, Ash," Akhan said enthusiastically.
He waved the robe in front of him, but Ash sat with a puzzled look on his canine face.
"The robe," he said, rubbing the dog's face in it. "Find its owner."
A look of joy came over the hound's face and he lunged at Akhan, grabbing hold of the robe with a firm mouthful.
"No you stupid fuck," Akhan screamed.
Akhan pulled it from his mouth, but Ash, thinking it was the game, reattached himself and started tearing it to pieces.
Bermen stood aghast at first, then heard the roaring laughter from behind.
Darrak was rolling about on the ground at the sight, Akhan screaming at the dog to let go, the dog getting even more excited. Bermen started to laugh, but forced himself to hold it in to spare his friend's feelings.
"It's a wardog, Akhan," the Dwer Mareschal said. "Not a hunting dog!"
"I fucking realise that now!" Akhan said angrily. "Let go, Ash, come on, let go now!"
Still shouting at it, Akhan pulled the dog back inside the study, the robe being shredded as they played their game of tug o' war. He intended to get Mordekei to paralyse or put to sleep the damned mongrel before it shredded the entire robe.
Bermen followed them in, leaving the Mareschal in fits of laughter, unable to rise to his feet.

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Thoggin's boy kept pestering Eloi, who in turn kept sending him away, until the boy returned with one of the Palace Guards to enforce his will.
"Bloody snitch!" Eloi said to the boy as he walked off, leaving the others to finish the search, which was a wild goose chase anyway.
The boy led him back to a room upstairs, a sort of antechamber where a half dozen tailors were busy making a pompous velvet suit for him, like the ones he saw the poofy nobles wearing the other night. It was black, with a red line on the trouser leg. Its matching cape had a red shield emblazoned thereon, bearing a fearsome black boar's head on it.
Eloi stood still for fear of injury as the tailors whizzed about him with shears flashing, knifes slashing and pins sticking. His hair was cut and groomed, despite his remonstrations, and he soon found himself fully kitted out, with very uncomfortable new leather boots too.
From outside he heard a dog barking and growling viciously while a voice, which sounded like Akhan's, was shouting at it to let go. Peering disheartedly in the mirror he looked more like one of Akhan's poofing buddies than the warrior-rogue he was. Another servant was hanging a gilded rapier by his side. He was almost respectable looking!

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The search had been disappointing - nothing of note was found, although Mordekei personally had not expected anything new to be found. They had several clues already, probably most of what was there to be found. The only thing of note was a fresh, torn piece of cloth in the secret passageways, which Eloi, before leaving for his meeting with the King, had confirmed was similar to the serving wench's.
Perhaps slightly depressed by their lack of progress, Hamman, Jean-Paul and Mordekei departed to the study, where they expected to find Wissig waiting angrily.
The study was empty. After half an hour of waiting, Hamman got to his feet and started pacing the floor impatiently.
"Something is wrong," he said. "Perhaps you are right dear mage, this Wissig may not be one to be trusted. It seems convenient he has kept us here while he goes about some other task. He is over an hour late."
As he fumed, the door opened, and Bermen, Akhan and the dog, Ash, walked in.
Bermen was trying desperately to suppress his amusement, and Akhan, with a face like thunder, was shouting at the dog while dragging it about by a piece of scarlet silk, apparently trying to get it out the dog's mouth.
"Let go, damn you!" he shouted. "Give it ba..."
Suddenly the dog let go, and Akhan was hurtling through the air, only stopping as he collided with a table, then a book-case. The decanters and glasses on the table went everywhere, covering the room, and its inhabitants, in spirits. As Akhan opened his eyes, slumped against the bookcase, a teetering book lost its fight with gravity and fell onto his head.
Akhan did not look happy.
Just then the door opened again, and Thoggin stuck his head around the door.
"What's all the fucking noise?" he hissed.
One glance at Akhan answered his question and a look of dismay came over the gnome's face.
"We're waiting for Wissig," Bermen said, thinking quickly.
He seemed to have overcome his laughter fit.
"Any idea where he is?" Hamman asked.
Thoggin paused for a second.
"He's at the inn. With Arganass. Haven't you heard?" he replied mysteriously.
Everyone shook their heads. Akhan started to his feet, noticing the dog was cowering under an armchair near the door.
Thoggin sighed, coming into the study and closing the door, as though warding against prying ears.
"I can't wait, the King is receiving Eloi soon," he explained. "Arganass was found dead in his room this morning - hanged himself. We think he couldn't take his involvement in the deeds of last night. His magist, Kaurel'ay, has been arrested. We found some items in her room that may link her, and a scarlet robe amongst the Baron's belongings."
The party all stood agape, stunned at the revelations. Thoggin opened the door and looked outside.
"Wissig should be here soon," he told them. "Obviously tied up with the search, but not a word of this to anyone. Oh and Sir Pascal, a man has been asking after you, says he is your squire. He's at the servant's quarters if you need him."
Without waiting to listen to their barrage of questions, he walked out, again closing the door.
"Has Wissig some reason to keep these events from us?" Mordekei asked. "Perhaps we would see through them."

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Eloi was about to pull the dreadful clothes off when Thoggin entered the room.
"Bear with 'em Eloi," he said, shuffling through some sheets of vellum. "Sign here and don't question me."
Eloi glanced at the papers, which were written in some weird tongue he had never seen before. Thoggin handed him a quill and Eloi scratched out his name, which was about the only thing he could write. Thoggin ushered everyone else out of the room, taking a seat and urging Eloi to do likewise.
"Alright," the gnome said. "Here's the score. I have been informed by several captured prisoners and injured men that you were fighting on the side of Iuz during the battle, is that so?"
Eloi almost fell off the chair, and for the first time in his life was silent.
"Well, your look answers for you. No matter, I am here to offer you a deal. The King awaits you on the other side of that door with your reward. Baron Arganass has been found dead, apparently by his own hand. He leaves no heirs so his lands are the King's to do with as he wishes. He wishes to give them to you."
Eloi felt very, very unwell.
"You can either go through there, accept the reward and live the rest of your life as a loyal servant of the King, or..."
"Or?" Eloi questioned.
"Or I will have them start the gallows tonight!" Thoggin replied.
"Baron it is then," Eloi stated.
Thoggin smiled, and Eloi cursed his life a thousand times over.
"So, you are Baron Eloi Brandt of Ammara, one of the Northern Baronies. And no, I didn't mispronounce your name - Brand is a Furyondyan name, Brandt is Keoish - it will go down better with the other noblemen. I took the liberty of choosing your shield device, I thought it suited."
Eloi glanced down at the boar's head. Quite awesome, at least the short-arse had some taste.
"Finally," Thoggin said. "The catch!"
Eloi sighed with despair. Of course, there had to be a catch.
"You work for me now, Eloi. You are loyal to the King, but you work for me. I have sent those who know our little secret to the front, their homes or to the gallows. Only I know, and only I can bring you down."
Eloi involuntarily glanced to his rapier as the thought ran through his head.
"I don't think so, Eloi. If something happens to me they will eventually get my files. And you don't want that. Anyway, you wouldn't last two minutes."
"That is something," Eloi thought, "I would like the chance to find out one of these days."
There was a trumpet fanfare in the next room. Thoggin jumped to his feet.
"That's us," he said, shuffling over to the door.
As Eloi caught him up, Thoggin gave a gentle knock on the door.
"It's your majesty, by the way." Thoggin told him. "Him, not me! There's a thought, Eloi. After today I'll have to call you Your Prominence, or Your Lordship."
The doors opened before Eloi had time to comment.
They stepped in, and a servant announced them both. Eloi flinched as they mispronounced his name.
Thoggin led him forward, and presented him to the King, seated on a large throne-like chair at the end of the hall. The Queen sat to his left, and Fimuth to his right.
"Your servant, Majesty," Thoggin said, kneeling and bowing as he did so.
Eloi quickly copied.
"And I," the King said to Eloi, "Am in your debt forever, Eloi."
The King did not seem so badly injured as Eloi expected him to be.
"I think he deserves some show of my gratitude though, eh Fimuth?" he continued. Fimuth smiled and nodded.
"All our gratitude," Fimuth replied.
Something in the way Fimuth said it caught Eloi's attention. There was a hint of Olven sarcasm in his voice - whether contempt towards Eloi or the King he could not tell.
"Your sword, Eloi Brandt," the King said, holding out his right hand.
Eloi clumsily pulled out his sword, passing it handle first to the King.
The King then dubbed him across the shoulders.
"Arise, Baron Eloi Brandt of Ammar," he said.
Eloi stood, receiving the rapier back to its scabbard, and there was a gentle round of applause from the men within the room, mostly guards, but a few nobles too.
"Your Majesty," Thoggin said as the applause died down. "The Baron has some urgent business in defence of your realm, and I would ask that he be excused from the celebrations."
"In fact, I'd like that chance right now!" thought Eloi.
The King nodded and Eloi was hustled back to the antechamber by Thoggin.
"Alright, your lordship," Thoggin said. "Here's the situation. Wissig suspects that Arganass was murdered and framed. The serving wench, Ariall, we fear for her safety, she may have seen more than you, perhaps the traitor's identity. She comes from Niole Dra, and Bermen will be going with you there to find her. Fetch your things and return down to the study where he awaits you."
As Eloi turned to walk away, Thoggin said, "And the fancy dress is optional. But I'd see a good tailor in Niole Dra, perhaps then you'll get something closer to what you like."
"So long as it's got your head on it," Eloi thought, pulling off the crippling boots. He quickly changed back into this old gear, discarding all but the cloak, which looked rather impressive.

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Akhan sat looking sourly at Ash and thinking, "I'd have been better off with one of those ridiculous fluffy dogs those high-born women carry around as I was with you. Still, even if you can't follow a trail to save yourself I'm going to make damn sure we get our lines of communication straight after this little episode. I want to know what sort of commands you can actually understand. I don't want to be telling you to attack when you think I'm saying walkies... Maybe I'll ask around the Mareschals and see if anyone knows the proper commands."
Speaking to the dog in a low whisper he said, " What about 'castrate'? Maybe there's a command for that, eh?"
The door opened again, and Wissig strode in.
"Thoggin says you know the score, " he said hurriedly. "I sent a messenger to find you, he said there was nobody here when he came. Pull up a seat, gentlemen."
Wissig sat on the chair under which Ash lay, and beckoned the others to be seated. Slowly, all thinking of Mordekei's earlier warnings, they all sat down.
"To be frank, I am not happy, " the Mareschal said. "This is all too convenient. The Scarlet robe in the Baron's room, the chalk like at the summoning in the mage's room, pages written in some secret code, all damning evidence. Too damning!"
"Someone has killed the Baron and is framing him and his mage, of that I am sure. The problem I, I mean we, have, is to find out who that someone is. Arganass was very drunk when he returned last night, so much so it would likely be easy to kill him without a struggle. Magical investigations have revealed nothing - someone has deliberately blanked any opportunity to interrogate him from beyond the grave. Possibly his mage, or other accomplices, but I personally think not."
"And the barman cannot tell when they returned, just late, that's all he can say. We need more to go on than this, I think. Furthermore I have worries for Eloi's serving wench - if she was there when Eloi left to save the King, perhaps she saw the true identity of the summoner. Obviously it scared her so, and I think this is why she left. Her roommates confirmed she did not return that night and none of her scant possessions, including some saved monies, are gone. Something made her run for her life without planning."
"I propose that Major Zladek and Baron Brandt go to search for the girl."
Everyone stopped in disbelief and Wissig sensed their confusion. He smiled a mocking grin.
"Of course, you don't know, " he said.
"Well, Baron Arganass has no heir, and that makes his territory Royal property. And the King has decided to award it to Eloi in thanks for saving his life! He is now Baron Brandt of Ammara, one of the Northern Baronies that protects the realm from the dreads of the Rushmoor."
Mordekei shook his head, muttering, "My father's new neighbour! That wretch!"
"Anyway," Wissig continued, "I think you should head south towards Niole Dra, Bermen. Apparently the girl was quite a traveller, for a serving wench, and originally came from the city. She may head in that direction, and anyway it would give you a chance to investigate those roots you found on the ratman."
He turned from Bermen to the others who were still in shock.
"I would appreciate the help of the rest of you here, there is much to be done. I know you will have your own ideas, so you may follow them for now, and I'll contact you if I need your help. Anyone got some suggestions, or any questions?"
Jean-Paul was amazed at the revelation that Eloi has been made a Baron, but was quietly happy as Eloi seemed a decent sort. He was however troubled by Wissig's information regarding Baron Arganass. Either Wissig was innocent or he was damned clever. Whatever, he didn't like it one bit!
As he went to speak, Eloi ponced into the study with his new cloak billowing impressively behind him.
"There is no need to bow, gentlemen, but you can now call me your eminence."
Everyone looked thoroughly unimpressed.
"Only joking, guys, a title ain't going change me. Bermen, Thoggin thinks that the wench I shagged may have fled back home to Niole Dra. Strange, I didn't think I was that bad! Thoggin believes that she might be a key witness to the perpetrat.. perpet.. arsehole who tried to kill the King. Anyways we are to go to Niole Dra to find her before any harm comes to her and bring her back here in one piece."
Flopping down in a big comfy seat he added, "So, it looks like old Baron Arganass has been framed, who by though, Wissig? Fimuth? Fimuth drew me an absolutely filthy look when I was being Baronised, so, my moneys on him, and there should now be considerably more than that now that I'm a Baron!"
"I guess we should now make arrangements to go to Niole Dra, Bermen, I want to head down to the servant's quarters and kitchen to see if anyone knows the likely whereabouts of the girl in Niole Dra, someone must know an address or something."
Bermen sighed with satisfaction at the thought of a straightforward pursuit.
"This must needs be a swift pursuit however: if we know the woman has gone then we can be fairly sure our traitor knows too. If we're not to go hunting a corpse therefore we must leave now."
Talking quickly with Eloi about his needs for the journey Bermen agreed to meet Eloi immediately after he finished his questioning of the staff.
"But you must be swift Baron or we will surely be overtaken."
Saying a brief farewell to the rest of the party (and ensuring he collected his belongings and the Ratman's smelly roots) Bermen hurried off to arrange horses and provisions for everyone.
Seeing Eloi 's demeanour on his return put a grin of undisguised mischief back on Akhan's face.
"Congratulations Baron Brandt, " he greeted Eloi giving him his most courtly bow.
"One hopes you will not now be too caught up in the business of corrupting your vassals and seducing their wives to lend us hoi-polloi a hand. Incidentally, if you find yourself in need of a Treasurer then I am at your service - my financial credentials are impeccable."
"I may just do that," Eloi replied, with all the monies I'll be getting in my new position of respectability. You'll forgive me though, Akhan, if I choose someone a little less qualified in the ways of theft."
Wissig laughed.
"I think you may find yourself disappointed at the pecuniary implications of a barony, your Lordship. Baron Arganass was not a wealthy man, and his slight savings will become the property of the King, not yours. On the other hand, there are repairs to be done to your keep, undoubtedly, servants to be paid, taxes collected. It is not all pomp and ceremony as a Baron in the Northern Baronies - they are, after all, an important line of defence."
"If I can interrupt the congratulations, Jean-Paul said, "Perhaps we can get back to the point. Wissig, all the information, points towards Arganass, but as you say all that seems far too convenient. This somewhat leaves a blank in your investigation. I would ask your permission to visit the inn where the Baron was murdered, perhaps we can gain a clearer idea of what has happened here. I would also ask that one of us is permitted to sit in on the interrogation of the Baron's magist."
"I hadn't really thought about interviewing her," he replied. "Very well, if that's how you wish to proceed, it sounds good enough to me."
Wissig lost his smile as something crossed his mind.
"Finally, I was thinking and I would like to introduce another possibility into the swirling mess. Anarchists!"
Everyone looked in a puzzled manner at each other.
"It is not a problem we have much here in the north, but in the south, in particular around Gradsul, there has always been a strong anti-royalist feeling in the south, after the civil war many centuries ago, when the line they supported was defeated by the current line. In particular, one group, who call themselves 'Redemption', have been particularly successful of late, and are very popular."
"They suspended their activities for the war efforts, but have been active in the past week, setting fire to the Admiralty in Gradsul, although thankfully the fire was stopped after destroying but a few rooms."
"But what troubles me are recent reports that an outlaw by the name of Shebbedd O'Harle has been seen in the Axewood area lately. He is a newer member of Redemption, and a former Captain in the Count of Flen's Light Horse. He was decorated for his fighting in Furyondy during the war, and promoted for his actions in the Trail of Tears during the retreat from there."
"His men held off the Hordes until the Dwer in the pass could set up their ambush. Despite losing half his men, whom he commanded once their captain was killed, they held the Hordes, the faked a route, leading them into the sights of the Dwer who massacred the Hordes' vanguard, allowing the allied troops to retreat."
"Unfortunately, the Captain's brother was not made of the same stuff. He deserted the Count's Heavy Foot before the Battle of Thornward, and was caught in Flen three weeks ago. He was hanged, and Shebbedd discovered this before the Battle of Galden Field. He then deserted himself, taking most of his unit with them, and they seem to have become Redemption members since then. I think he is in this area for a purpose, and I don't think it is to re-enlist."
As he headed for the door, Wissig paused.
"Just watch your backs, and put your trust in each other and good steel!"
Wissig walked out, closing the door behind him.

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Akhan waited a few seconds after Wissig left before speaking.
"For now I thnk those of us that are left here should have a look at this mage of Arganass's but I'm inclined to agree with Wissig that it will lead nowhere as our traitor is covering tracks very well so far. Afterwards we need to discuss our clues so far and narrow down our field of suspects."
"I am disturbed," Jean-Paul declared. "It would seem that last evenings events discount Wissig as the traitor. I do not think that he would cast his own doubts as to the authenticity of the evidence against Baron Arganass if he had planted it himself. I would suggest that Fimuth should now be our chief suspect, though let's leave our options open regarding the innocence of Wissig?"
"I suggest that as we have seemingly exhausted our search at the palace that we go to the inn. There may be some scrap of information that Wissig's men have overlooked."
"Are we done then?" Eloi asked. "I have a buxom wench to find!"
With that, they all left the study to prepare for their tasks.

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