Birthright: Tuornen, Chapter Ten

[ewancummins]

INTERVIEW


Roald eyes widen in surprise, and then narrow. What is this old man playing at?

"Correct me if I'm wrong, Your Grace. But did you just offer me the hand of your daughter, the Lady Soraene?"

"You heard me just fine, kinsman."

Carilon turns both hands over, palms facing upward.

"There's no dishonor in such a match for my house, for Duke Devlin has already recognized you as a legitimate member of House Flaertes before his court. You are Duke Gilgaed's son, and while your mother was not of noble birth, at least she was a human being. If you want peace, this is your best chance. My daughter to be your bride, and a reasonable sum of money to be paid from my treasury to that of your half-brother. Indeed, we can make that a wedding gift to your liege lord, to save the pride of my bannerman who will have to cough up funds. I don't get to rule Tuornen, it's true, but at least I come out looking like a statesman. Your own prestige would hardly suffer from wedding the daughter of a duke."

[RocEter]

The Duke's Command Tent


The cat-man says nothing, he keeps his eyes on the Duke the whole time while sipping wine from the green and blue crystal goblet he holds in his hand.

"We will catch up when we can, Grand Master." Foerde says. "I have yet to work out all the details but I do have a few people who will be helping me."

[ewancummins]

The Duke's Command Tent


The cat-man says nothing, he keeps his eyes on the Duke the whole time while sipping wine from the green and blue crystal goblet he holds in his hand.

"We will catch up when we can, Grand Master." Foerde says. "I have yet to work out all the details but I do have a few people who will be helping me."

Fhylie tells Foerde,
"Yes, of course. Later, when there is time, we will speak of these matters."

She, too, turns her attention to the Duke.
"I will continue preparations for an assault, costly as it may be, should negotiations fail. "

[ewancummins]

MORGAN

After returning to the city, Morgan was picked up in a carriage and taken to the Cathedral of Haelyn, where a deacon gives him a small coffer.
"His Holiness wants you to know that he is well pleased by your recent accomplishments, and your bravery in staying behind in Lofton not once but twice to cover or aid the escape of your fellow operatives."
Looking within the coffer, Morgan finds it filled with coins: copper, silver, gold, and polished precious stones.
"His Holiness may have new work for you again very soon. In the meantime, he would like a written report on the matter of the Gorgon's Crown tavern killer. Was it a gnole?"

The man waits patiently for some response from Morgan.

[Varrus the Ethical]

INTERVIEW

"There's no dishonor in such a match for my house, for Duke Devlin has already recognized you as a legitimate member of House Flaertes before his court. You are Duke Gilgaed's son, and while your mother was not of noble birth, at least she was a human being. If you want peace, this is your best chance. My daughter to be your bride, and a reasonable sum of money to be paid from my treasury to that of your half-brother. Indeed, we can make that a wedding gift to your liege lord, to save the pride of my bannerman who will have to cough up funds. I don't get to rule Tuornen, it's true, but at least I come out looking like a statesman. Your own prestige would hardly suffer from wedding the daughter of a duke."

"True," Roald says, scratching his beard. "Though I wonder what Lady Soraene would think about this arrangement. I doubt I'm the sort of man she expected to marry."

[ewancummins]

INTERVIEW

"There's no dishonor in such a match for my house, for Duke Devlin has already recognized you as a legitimate member of House Flaertes before his court. You are Duke Gilgaed's son, and while your mother was not of noble birth, at least she was a human being. If you want peace, this is your best chance. My daughter to be your bride, and a reasonable sum of money to be paid from my treasury to that of your half-brother. Indeed, we can make that a wedding gift to your liege lord, to save the pride of my bannerman who will have to cough up funds. I don't get to rule Tuornen, it's true, but at least I come out looking like a statesman. Your own prestige would hardly suffer from wedding the daughter of a duke."

"True," Roald says, scratching his beard. "Though I wonder what Lady Soraene would think about this arrangement. I doubt I'm the sort of man she expected to marry."

Carilon shrugs,

"She'll do as I bid her do."

He takes another sip from his cup.

"Soraene is young, fair looking, and a maiden. You'll find her quite suitable for purposes of begetting heirs. There is more. She's skilled at needlework, managing household affairs, singing, playing the harp, and so on. Not only that, but she can do figures and read and write as well as any clerk. The best bards and governesses educated her. You may find such a well-schooled wife a great advantage in Devlin's court, and a great help in tending to your estate."

The old duke sets down his goblet.

"If you will consent to the match, we can have peace in a matter of mere days. Peace for the crops to grow in the summer sun, rather than burn under the torches of two armies."

[Varrus the Ethical]

INTERVIEW

Roald smirks. "And we all know how much you like the idea of burning, Your Grace."

He clears his throat.

"Fine, assuming Duke Devlin approves, and that your offer is an honest one, I consent. Now if you will excuse me Your Grace. There are letters to be written and couriers to be sent off."

He stands up from the table.

"This has been...interesting speaking with you, Your Grace."

[ewancummins]

INTERVIEW

Roald smirks. "And we all know how much you like the idea of burning, Your Grace."

He clears his throat.

"Fine, assuming Duke Devlin approves, and that your offer is an honest one, I consent. Now if you will excuse me Your Grace. There are letters to be written and couriers to be sent off."

He stands up from the table.

"This has been...interesting speaking with you, Your Grace."

"Likewise."


Carilon collects the cards and shuffles them.

As Roald exits the room, the old man begins another solitaire game.

Outside, a guard informs Roald that Lord Filbert has returned to Caer Haes.

[VAN]

Filbert asks the guard to go to Militia Headquarters and tell Captain Rennault that Lord Filbert wants urgently talk to him. The halfling doesn't give the single hint to the guard about the reason he calls for Renn because he prefers to be cautious and afraid of spies. Then goes to Sir Rory' s chamber where Carilon is held and knocks the door asking any guards that are gurding the Duke that he wants to talk with Sir Roald Siegebraker.

[ewancummins]

Filbert asks the guard to go to Militia Headquarters and tell Captain Rennault that Lord Filbert wants urgently talk to him. The halfling doesn't give the single hint to the guard about the reason he calls for Renn because he prefers to be cautious and afraid of spies. Then goes to Sir Rory' s chamber where Carilon is held and knocks the door asking any guards that are gurding the Duke that he wants to talk with Sir Roald Siegebraker.

The guards tell Filbert that he just missed Sir Roald the Siegebreaker.

"He went down that hall'', one of them says helpfully, pointing.

[VAN]

"Right. Thank you very much. Keep a close eye at the Duke."

Filbertt hurries down the hall trying to catch Roald. Luckily enough Roald isn't in hurry so Filbert manages to find him soon. Calling his name to get the man's attention.

"Sir Roald, may I have a word with you.It's rather important."

[ewancummins]

"Right. Thank you very much. Keep a close eye at the Duke."

Filbertt hurries down the hall trying to catch Roald. Luckily enough Roald isn't in hurry so Filbert manages to find him soon. Calling his name to get the man's attention.

"Sir Roald, may I have a word with you.It's rather important."

By running, Lord Filbert catches up with the Siegebreaker...

[Varrus the Ethical]

ROALD AND FILBERT


Roald stops and turns to look down at Filbert. He give the halfling a warm smile.

"Lord Ambassador, of course. You won't believe the day I've had. What is it that you wanted to discuss?"

[kintire]

Safana drops into a low curtsey, lowering her eyes and smiling pleasantly

"My Lord, and gentles all. It is my honour that you have gone to such trouble for my company. How may I be of service?"

Her eyes flick from one to another noting mannerisms or physical oddities that might allow her to recognise these men.

[ewancummins]

SAFANA

"You have already been of service."
That sounded like the one on the far left.


"We wish to reward you." That voice seemed to come from the middle of the half-circle.


"Choose one of three things to be your guerdon: wealth, rank, or secret knowledge." Definitely the one seated at the far left; his voice is deeper and raspier.