Amber of York: session 18, 12/13/2005
Role call:
- Dan: Laurens of Rocque
- Brad: Thomas Gray
- Brett: Gwynedd
- Alan: Sir Martin Neville
- Patrick: Gabriel of Brittany
- Makul: Donal Rourke
- Mike: Vivienne Avondale
Answering the Challenge
Start Date: Morning, Thursday, May 24th, 1431
A week passes without incident. Laurens spends the time doing his normal training. During the week he moves on to fighting multiple opponents and defeating them soundly. Gabriel spends the week investigating locally the rumors of Norfolk trying to kill York. He begins investigating the attack on Simon, Thomas’ assistant. He also spends time working with Thomas on their Trump project. Vivienne and Quillius are talking with the young boy/powerful spirit, Vincent. Sir Martin spends the week as a cat spying on John de Mowbray and Katherine. Donal returns from his trip south and continues being a dutiful servant to the Duke.
* Patrick: “Kiss ass.” *
* Makul: “Narc.” *
Sir Martin confirms what Gabriel told him about the rumors. He finds out that John defers to Katherine as far as the local campaign is concerned. He sees that Katherine is playing a game to win.
Sir Martin spent sometime arranging for someone from Raby to come down. He leaves someone else waiting on Cecily.
Sir Martin spends sometime trying to console Cecily. Sir Martin discloses to her the source of the rumors. He tries to convince her to take a deep breathe and figure out an appropriate way of dealing with the situation. He tells her that he has a couple of things in motion. He tries to convince her to deal with her anger before she starts dealing with the situation. She is incredibly angry. She calms quickly.
Cecily: “You’re absolutely right. I need to figure out an appropriate way to deal with this.”
Sir Martin: “I have an idea ...”
Cecily: “I have a few of my own.”
Sir Martin: “Before you put any of them into play, at least hear me out, and let me know before I suddenly need to stop something from burning.”
Cecily: “I won’t cause any burning.”
Sir Martin: “You know what I mean, Sis.”
While investigating what happened to Simon, Gabriel finds a few towns folk who saw the aftermath of what happened to Simon. He gets the idea of what part of town the “assault” happened in. It happened in the south west part of town.
Gabriel: “What was Simon doing in that part of town by himself.”
Thomas: “He usually runs errands to get stuff. I don’t know what specifically he was doing because he is a castle page. He has that stuff to do, too.”
Gabriel: “So he wasn’t doing anything in particular for you that day?”
Thomas: “No.”
Gabriel: “And he answers to the Chamberlain or the Chancellor?”
Thomas: “I have no idea.”
Gabriel finds out that Simon answers to the Chamberlain. Gabriel breaks into the Chamberlain’s office to see what Simon was assigned to do. He finds out Simon was sent to the Guild Hall landing to check on some wines from France. Nothing unusual, though. Gabriel finds out the shipment did arrive later that day. He disguises himself as a local townsfolk and spends time talking to the people of that area. He doesn’t find out anything unusual. Most haven’t heard of the assault and are surprised that would happen. Most think it was a mugging. Gabriel concludes there was something particular about Simon that got him attacked. He also realizes that Simon was missing for 3 hours based on the times found in the Chamberlain’s notes.
Vivienne and Quillius have not made any headway in discovering what the contained spirit is. They’ve managed to stop the growth of the power of the spirit in the child. Sir Martin sees the boy kept inside the circle in spite of being just a small boy who is friendly and playful.
When Vivienne and Laurens return from Leeds part of the Duchy of York, Laurens sends a request for the arrest of the bookseller who sold the book to the father of Vincent.
After finishing his fight with the latest three guards, Laurens heads for some lunch through the castle. While walking, Cecily falls into step with him.
Laurens: “Yes, Lady Neville?”
Cecily: “I have a task I need performed. I don’t know who is capable of such a deed. I know my brother values your ... judgment. So, I ask for your help in this.”
Laurens: “When did he start valuing my judgment?”
Cecily: “Sometime between when you threw me at him and now.”
Laurens: “What do you need performed?”
Cecily: “I need someone to die.”
Laurens: “Your brother?”
Cecily: “That I can do myself. I need my niece to die.”
Laurens: “That may be a bit embarrassing for the Duke that his guest would die.”
Cecily: “She fights me on a field that I cannot win.”
Laurens: “What’s the reason for your dislike of your niece?”
Cecily: “Because she seeks my destruction. And wants me to live to see it.”
Laurens: “How is she doing that?”
Cecily: “I do not wish her to survive hers.”
Laurens: “What exactly has she done to earn your wrath?”
Cecily: “Brought up this battle with me. Isn’t that enough?”
Laurens: “What battle is that?”
Cecily: “I believe she seeks the Duke for herself.”
Laurens: “Jealous are you?”
Cecily: “As I understand it, some discussions have been had regarding my future ...”
Laurens: “There are rumors of you being in the Duke’s chamber.”
Cecily: “Those were of her invention.”
Laurens: “Does the Duke know about this?”
Cecily: “Which piece of this do you refer to?”
Laurens: “The rumors.”
Cecily: “I don’t know. He seems a smart enough man. I assume he’s heard some of them if not discerned their source.”
Laurens: “My lady, I think it is safe to assume that he has heard all of them. If anything were to happen to your niece it would not be considered happenstance. Little happens in this castle that he does not know about.”
* Makul: “Jerk!” *
Cecily: “Are you suggesting I should seek else where if I want her destroyed without evidence?”
Laurens: “If you want her killed? Yes. If you want some help with this situation ...”
Cecily: “You have other suggestions?”
Laurens: “Oh, I’m sure I could come up with something. Does she merely try to discredit you in the Duke’s eyes or does she try to win him over with her own ... beauty.”
Cecily: “I suspect both. She has many things to offer that I cannot compete with.”
Laurens: “Has she ever had the pox as a child?”
Cecily: “I don’t believe so.”
Laurens: “We’ll see if we can get her sent back to Norfolk.”
Cecily: “You’ll have my gratitude for any help you can render.”
Laurens: “I’ll ask you for a favor one day, my lady. Don’t doubt it.”
Cecily: “I expect no less.”
Cecily nods and heads off on her own way.
Laurens heads off to see Vivienne.
* Alan: “This is a clear case where you call Henchy.” *
Gabriel knocks on Donal’s door.
Donal: “Come in.”
Gabriel: “Hello.”
Donal: “What can I do for you?”
Gabriel: “There was a page assaulted 3 days ago. His name is Simon. He’s the assistant to Thomas. He was sent down to check on a shipment of wine. But, apparently disappeared for 3 hours and returned beaten. I wonder if you’ve heard anything of this.”
Donal: “I’d heard of the assault. I didn’t think anything of it.”
Gabriel: “Well, the 3 hours makes it seem more than an assault. It’s possible that the way it happened, he lay unconscious for awhile, then came to his senses and walked away. But it turns out that while Thomas was taking the trip you sent him on ... It might be because of what happened to Thomas while he was in France. Are you aware of that story?”
Donal: “No.”
Gabriel: “The king’s men pulled him out ... took him out of his carriage and took him to an inn. Then two members of the clergy questioned him for 2 hours. The questions they asked Thomas were not about wrong doing he might have done, but about all of us. About the Duchy of York. What the Duke intends by surrounding himself with such a collection of people.”
Donal: “Why did you come to me with this?”
Gabriel: “You might be able to find out information that I can’t.”
Donal: “I’ll look into it and see what I can find out. Is there anything else?”
Gabriel: “No, Donal, that’s all.”
Donal: “Have a good day.”
Gabriel turns and leaves.
* Hank: “That oath just stripped all the cheer of Donal.” *
* Patrick: “All the smart ass, too.” *
Later that day, Donal goes down to talk to Latham.
Donal: “Do you know anything about the boy who got roughed up a couple of days ago.”
Latham: “You mean the Duke’s pup?”
Donal: “Yup.”
Latham: “Yeah, there are bits and pieces here and there.”
Donal: “Do you know who was involved?”
Latham: “I have a suspicion. No one who saw anything who will say anything. But there are a few guys from out of town.”
Donal: “Did they leave afterward or are they still around?”
Latham: “No, they’re still around.”
Donal: “Do you know where they’re staying?”
Latham: “Over by Fisher Gate. A couple of tough guys. Londoners by the feel of them. That’s what I’ve heard anyway.”
Donal: “Have they made any moves beyond ... roughing up the boy?”
Latham: “They’ve dropped some coin here and there. They’re starting to put together a little net, nothing to be worried about yet.”
Donal: “To what end?”
Latham: “I think just to get the lay of the land. They’ll hear what we want them to hear. At least from the people they’ve been paying so far.”
Donal: “I think I’ll go pay a visit to Fisher Gate.”
Latham: “Enjoy yourself. Mind the nose.”
Gwynedd feels like Mount Grace is well on its way to recovery. (Except for one deer.) She says her, “Good-byes” and heads back to York. She passes through Wass and hears that the livestock has arrived. She also hears that they paid a healthy price for the animals. She finds out the price that was paid.
* Alan: “Yarr! I be from the Duke.” *
Gwynedd hears the story of what happened. It appears that Lauren battled an angel in the graveyard and killed it. His taint killed the livestock. Gwynedd decides to create a tune to go with the story because she feels like Laurens will get a kick out of it.
Laurens: “Can you cast glamours on people?”
Vivienne: “I think so, yeah. What did you have in mind?”
Laurens: “Something to make a woman appear the most unattractive as possible. Pox, canker, pus, pregnant ...”
Vivienne: “It’s certainly possible.”
Laurens then goes to talk to Gabriel. He finds Gabriel in the castle yard on his way to the stables.
Laurens: “It would seem the castle rumors are getting out of hand.”
Gabriel: “It’s bound to start a fight soon.”
Laurens: “It already has. Lady Neville had requested me to eliminate her niece. Before I took the rumors at her word, I thought I would check with you. You seem to know things about the castle.”
Gabriel: “I verified that most of the rumors start with the hand maiden of Lady Katherine of Norfolk.”
Laurens: “Lady Neville feels that Lady Katherine is trying to take her place at the castle. Is this a match the Duke wants?”
Gabriel: “I can’t answer that. He doesn’t tell me who he wants to marry. I give him information.”
Laurens: “It might disappoint him if I eliminate someone he wants to marry.”
Gabriel: “It might embarrass him, too.”
Laurens: “Oh, I have a way of sending her back in a way that she may not want made known to everyone.”
Gabriel: “Well, it would ... perhaps would look bad if you did it twice.”
Laurens: “Why would I do it twice?”
Gabriel: “There is Lady Marguerite. I’m not passing judgment. I just making an observation. "
Laurens: “We have problems with hand maidens here.”
Gabriel: “I think that’s true of every castle since why do the dirty work yourself if you can send someone expendable?”
Laurens: “Well, Lady Marguerite didn’t necessarily send her hand maiden.”
Gabriel: “It’s true. But the Dark Man didn’t do it himself. I think it makes the Duke look bad, and I think it looks bad for this rumor mongering to go on in the castle.”
Laurens: “That’s true. So, I should kill the hand maiden. Thank you.”
Laurens turns and leaves. Gabriel watches somewhat chagrined at the turn of the conversation.
Sir Martin seeks out the two serving girls he originally heard the rumors from. When he does, he’ll find a place to turn into Katherine’s hand maiden. Then, he’ll begin having a conversation with the two. He starts the conversation with some rumors that are easily found to be outrageous, then adds eventually that he saw the brother and sister, John de Mowbray and Katherine, kissing passionately.
Sir Martin Hand Maiden: “Of course, I don’t know how the nobles are behind closed doors, but you wonder ...”
Serving girl: “We heard stories like that.”
Sir Martin Hand Maiden: “He was quite physical with her. It was ... I, of course, closed the door quietly and left as soon as I could.”
Serving girl: “We heard it was Cecily’s rejections that drove Sir Martin into the hands of the messenger. Just this morning.”
Sir Martin Hand Maiden: “I just don’t know what to believe. But, I tell you this. Somethings odd with those nobles.”
Serving girl: “As long as they keep paying us.”
Sir Martin Hand Maiden: “Keep the bread coming. We don’t care.”
Sir Martin eventually takes his leave and turns into another servant, then spreads the same rumor.
Sir Martin Servant: “I heard from the hand maiden of the two ...”
He spreads the rumor with two others who are from separate parts of the castle. He hears that Cecily was crying in the garden because she is pregnant. And on and on.
Sir Martin goes to talk to Cecily around high tea. He knocks on the door, and Claretta answers.
Sir Martin: “Is Cecily in?”
Claretta: “Yes. She just recently returned.”
Sir Martin: “Oh. ... A moment of her time if she is available.”
Claretta: “Of course.”
Sir Martin is ushered in. Cecily comes out.
Cecily: “Hello, brother.”
Sir Martin: “I would think that inviting Katherine for tea would be useful.”
Cecily: “Alright.”
Sir Martin: “I’ve heard the most scandalous rumors ... over heard from two serving girls.”
Cecily: “How you spend your time is your own affair, brother.”
Sir Martin: “I think you’ll like this rumor.”
He tells her about the passionate kiss rumor.
Sir Martin: “Make sure we are all present when we have tea.”
Cecily: “Alright. I’ll call her for tomorrow.”
Laurens goes back to Vivienne and changes the target of the glamour from Katherine to Katherine’s hand maiden. She will become visually repulsive. Vivienne is certain she can arrange that. Laurens will make sure that she is sent away as part of the diagnosis. He’ll make sure to meet her on the road. The glamour will build over night. Vivienne performs the glamour that afternoon.
Gwynedd performs that evening at dinner. She sees that Katherine is definitely intent on attracting the Duke’s attention. She also sees that the hand maiden doesn’t look all that well. Gwynedd notices that a spell is causing it. Gwynedd sees Quillius there, and he doesn’t appear to be taking much notice of the spell on the hand maiden. Gwynedd doesn’t think the spell is infernal, druidic or of the church.
Later that evening, she goes to see Gabriel.
Gwynedd: “It seems like Lady Katherine’s hand maiden is suffering from an odd malady that doesn’t seem entirely natural. Perhaps, you can mention it to Vivienne?”
Gabriel: “I would bet that Vivienne already knows. And I would be that this particular malady is a disease caused by running your mouth off at the request of your lady. There have been a number of rumors spread throughout the castle about Cecily and the Duke. The hand maiden was the source of the rumors.”
Gwynedd: “Somebody’s spreading rumors about Cecily?”
Gabriel: “Lady Katherine is Cecily’s niece and is trying to win the Duke as well. That’s what I would guess. I’m happy she’s still around for you to see, though, because the last conversation I had implied that she might not live to see tomorrow.”
Gwynedd: “Well, she looks bad, but she seems perfectly healthy.”
Gabriel: “You know what might do well in this situation?”
Gwynedd: “What?”
Gabriel: “Is for you to tell a story of a hand maiden that spread rumors, and the consequences it had on her and all those that helped spread the rumors.”
Gwynedd: “Oh I had ... there’s a song that perhaps I’ll make sure gets started in the kitchen and spreading around and about. Forest animals telling each other stories that they swear they saw with their own two eyes, and it gets exceedingly ridiculous and ...”
Gabriel: “Because there is a wild fire of rumors in the castle right now. And it needs to stop.”
Gwynedd: “I’ll see if I can’t get a song circulating through people’s minds to put things in perspective a bit.”
Gabriel: “You would do the Duke well if you could do that.”
Gwynedd, on her way out, tells Gabriel her tale of bandits on the road from Castle Raby to Mount Grace. Gabriel thanks her for the information and says he’ll make sure the information gets passed on.
Gwynedd wends her way down to the kitchen. She finds herself a corner to entertain the kitchen staff to get some leftovers and she sings the song of the animals that spread a tale that becomes ridiculous. She has a good old time with it. Some of the staff catch the meaning.
Donal takes a trip down to Fisher Gate. He finds inn where the two he was looking for are. Donal goes up to the bar and starts grousing about life in the castle. He tells stories of crazies running about, and people dying in the prisons and ... At one point, one of the two makes his way over to Donal.
Londoner: “I can’t help but overhearing. It sounds like an insane place to work. Why do you stay?”
Donal: “You know. I have to do a job.”
Londoner: “We’ve been hearing many tales of the goings on there. Strange magickal creatures. We thought they all were tales of fancy.”
Donal: “I don’t know about that. I just know there is a lot of crazy stuff going on inside that castle.”
The Londoner orders Donal a drink and sits down to hear more tales. Donal continues to lead him on and complains a lot about how he’s not making enough. He brings up stories of the “Butcher” and sees if the Londoner is leading in anyway. He finds the Londoner is just gathering information. Donal gets the Londoner’s name, Tobias. The other Londoner is Hugh.
Donal: “It’s getting so bad now that one of the pages got jumped the other day.”
Tobias: “We heard about that. It’s a break down of order.”
Donal: “It would be great if someone could do something about that.”
Tobias: “We think the tales are true. The Duke’s trafficking in dark forces, and it is damaging the whole city.”
Donal: “Really?”
Tobias: “Well, these tales you’re telling me. That’s certainly the place all of it leads. There’s the Butcher and his influences. Some artist that draws magickal drawings we’ve heard. Some sort of ancient sorcerer. The tales are the stuff of a child’s fantasies.”
Donal: “Wow. I didn’t know about this strange artist. I’ve got to be careful.”
Tobias: “You need to be.”
Donal: “You seem to know ... you guys are hearing all of that from the south?”
Tobias: “We heard some of it on our way hear. We’ve been hearing more of it since we’ve arrived. Keep an eye out. Be safe. Consider somewhere else for your working.”
Donal: “I might have to. Thanks. You’ve given me a lot to think about.”
Tobias: “Well, it was a great conversation. Thank you. It makes us worry about our time here as well.”
Donal stumbles out, acting more drunk than he is. No one seems to follow him. Donal waits in the shadows for Tobias and Hugh to leave. He follows them back to their inn. He hears them say it was a good night. He finds the room they are staying in. Donal tries to spy on them, but they go to sleep. He heads back to the castle and tries to find the messenger.
Thomas finishes his latest project that evening.
Gwynedd stops in to say, “Hello” to Vivienne. Gwynedd sees that Vivienne has a small boy trapped in a circle who looks hungry. She sees the power of the circle that is holding the boy.
Gwynedd: “New apprentice?”
Vivienne: “Not exactly.”
Gwynedd: “I’m sorry you missed dinner. I was playing. I noticed that Lady Katherine’s hand maiden had a minor ailment ...”
Vivienne: “It’s just a glamour.”
Gwynedd: “Why is there a small boy in the circle?”
Vivienne: “It just looks like a small boy.”
Gwynedd: “That’s a very bright circle ...”
Vivienne: “It’s a very powerful being we encountered. Apparently, the boy let free a some sort of powerful spirit. It merged with him. Quillius and I are attempting to see what can be done about this.”
Gwynedd: “So the boy has been afflicted with a powerful spirit, so you have to put him in a circle to keep everyone safe.”
Vivienne: “Yes. The town of Leeds was basically dancing to his whim when Laurens and I found him there.”
Gwynedd: “Ah. I can see why you wouldn’t want a spirit like that running around loose.”
Vivienne: “We’re trying to be careful.”
Gwynedd: “That’s good to know. So is that your circle or one of Quillius’ making?”
Vivienne: “It’s mine.”
Gwynedd: “Things seem to be quiet in Mount Grace, now.”
Vivienne: “That’s good to know.”
Gwynedd: “I’m back in York for the time being. If you need anything, just let me know.”
Vivienne: “I’m glad you’re back.”
Gwynedd: “I don’t think you’ll need anything from me, but if you do ...”
Gwynedd turns to talk to the boy.
Gwynedd: “How do you do? I’m Gwynedd.”
Vivienne: “Don’t tell it your true name!”
Vincent: “I’m Vincent.”
Gwynedd: “Nice to meet you, Vincent. I wish it were under different circumstances, but ...”
Vincent: “Can I have some cake?”
Gwynedd: “I don’t actually ... You know I haven’t had cake myself in the longest time. Perhaps Vivienne can get you some cake at some point. I’m afraid all I can do for you is tell you a little story.”
Vincent: “I like stories.”
Gwynedd proceeds to tell him a story.
Gwynedd: “Good night, Vincent.”
Donal knocks on Gabriel’s door late at night.
Gabriel: “Come in.”
Donal opens the door and steps in.
Donal: “You are looking for Tobias and Hugh. They are down at Fisher Gate. They know an awful lot about us.”
Gabriel: “Send Vivienne down to talk to them?”
Donal: “It’s your call. Good night.”
Donal turns and leaves, closing the door behind him.
The next morning the hand maiden looks considerably more ill. She is encouraged to head south to Norfolk. Laurens arranges escort for her. Laurens rides on ahead of the escort. When they reach him, he sends them a head to stall appropriately as if they took her to convalesce.
Laurens: “You will tell me exactly what your lady’s orders were.”
Hand maiden: “Alright. In what regard?”
Laurens: “Regarding the rumors you’ve been spreading throughout the castle.”
Hand maiden: “She’s merely trying to get Cecily to leave York. She wants the Duke for herself. He’s of the right age. It would be a powerful alliance between her family and his ...”
Laurens: “Who else is in on her plans?”
Hand maiden: “Just ... just her brother and herself. The three of us were sent here to do this thing.”
Laurens: “Sent by who?”
Hand maiden: “Her mother.”
Laurens: “You will tell me everyone who is in on this plan.”
Hand maiden: “That’s truly it as far as I know. Her mother wishes her daughter to sit here as Duchess and not her sister.”
Laurens: “What are all the details of her mother’s plans?”
Hand maiden: “I only know what they shared with me, milord. That we were to spread rumors about Lady Cecily and Sir Martin. To diminish them at court and encourage them to leave.”
Laurens: “What have you over heard between your mistress and her brother?”
Hand maiden: “In this milord?”
Laurens: “About any nefarious act against the Duchy of York.”
Hand maiden: “I’m sorry. This is not an act against the Duchy of York. They want to encourage an alliance.”
Laurens: “What other acts have you heard against the Duchy of York.”
Hand maiden: “I’ve heard none against the Duchy. Who would act against the Duke.”
Laurens feels like she is being sincere.
Laurens: “What other plans have you heard concerning the Duchy of York?”
Hand maiden: “The only plans I have discussed are those that they sent me upon, milord. This is merely about discrediting milady’s uncle and aunt to encourage their departure. My lady’s asked me certain questions about her dress and appearance in order to flatter the Duke’s attention, but this is nothing in ... against him at all. I think they are right in the strength of this alliance given the things that are being said about the Duke.”
Laurens: “What is being said about the Duke.”
Hand maiden: “There are stories from here to London about ... the things happen in his court. That there are evil things afoot in York and in the Duchy. And the Duke seems powerless to prevent them.”
Laurens: “How far were you willing to go to get rid of Cecily?”
Hand maiden: “It was merely unkind words, sir. There was nothing else that I know of ...”
Laurens looks the hand maiden dead in the eyes.
Laurens: “Tell me the truth, or I will gut you here on the road.”
Hand maiden: “Ahh ... truly, my lord, I care greatly for my life, my lord. We merely spoke of ill rumors. If my lord or lady had other plans they did not share them with me.”
Laurens: “I will take you to a place to stay for a week. By then your disease will have passed. When you return to your lady’s service, you will spy for me.”
Hand maiden: “As you say, my lord.”
Laurens: “And you will tell no one of this.”
Hand maiden: “Of course.”
Laurens: “And you will forget that I stopped you on the road.”
Hand maiden: “Very well.”
Laurens takes her down the road to a place to hide her during her recovery. He continues to threaten her along the way there.
Thomas goes down to the practice yard early with an escort to talk to Sir Martin and Laurens. He only finds Sir Martin practicing.
Sir Martin: “Hold! Thomas?”
Thomas: “I’m wondering if my new retainer my spar with you a bit so that I can assess his level of skill.”
Sir Martin: “Your retainer doesn’t speak for himself, Thomas?”
Thomas: “He’s standing back ... you know I’m not a good judge of combat ability, so I value your opinion. And I’d like to know what he would be capable of if we get in a tight spot.”
Sir Martin: “Sir? Your name?”
The escort doesn’t say anything. He looks at Thomas then turns back to Sir Martin and pulls out his sword. Sir Martin prepares to engage.
Thomas to the retainer: “Sparring only.”
Sir Martin fights defensively to get a feel of the retainer. The retainer is very fast. He puts Sir Martin on the defensive in any case. Sir Martin attempts to wear down his opponent. After 10 to 15 minutes the retainer hasn’t broken a sweat. Sir Martin is starting to feel the beginnings of a very minor twinge of fatigue.
Sir Martin: “Thomas, stop this.”
Thomas: “That’s enough.”
The retainer jumps out of the ring, salutes Sir Martin and sheathes his sword.
Retainer: “Did that show you what you needed to know?”
Thomas: “More than I needed to know. Excellent.”
Sir Martin: “Do you worry about ending up like your assistant?”
Thomas: “I have had reason lately to worry about my safety.”
Sir Martin: “Why did you seek me out? And not Laurens?”
Thomas: “I didn’t think he was quite as skilled as that.”
Sir Martin: “Laurens?”
Thomas: “Well, I wanted a true soldier’s opinion. Laurens is more of a ... winning through sly trickery than honest combat.”
Sir Martin: “Thomas, that is what happens on the battlefield. Sly trickery.”
Thomas: “Oh.”
Sir Martin: “Thomas, have you ... hired this individual?”
Thomas: “He and his three other friends are on retainer.”
Sir Martin: “Have you told the Master at Arms?”
Thomas: “Ooh, that’s a good point. I should probably mention it.”
Sir Martin: “Yeah. I should think so. Four unknown individuals showing up at the castle, and you haven’t told the Master of Arms ...”
Thomas: “See. That’s why I thought I should talk to you. You keep track of these details.”
Sir Martin: “Where have you been, anyway?”
Thomas: “Working. I had some projects I wished to complete. I had the feeling that the circumstances were beginning to get complicated again.”
Sir Martin: “Have you been working on your bird?”
Thomas: “The bird is good enough.”
Sir Martin: “What exactly did you want to see here?”
Thomas: “I wasn’t exactly sure of their skill level.”
Sir Martin: “You hired them unseen.”
Thomas: “Yes. My ability to judge their abilities is a bit ... limited.”
Sir Martin: “I strongly suggest you go to the Master at Arms immediately.”
Thomas: “Yes. I’ll go get the other three and introduce them.”
Sir Martin: “Where are they now?”
Thomas: “Ahh, the other three are in my room.”
Sir Martin is left dumbfounded for a moment.
Sir Martin: “Well, good day.”
Thomas: “Thank you, Sir Martin.”
Sir Martin: “Thomas.”
Thomas collects his other three retainers and introduces them to the Master at Arms.
Thomas: “I have retained them for protection for when I am out in the town or out on the road.”
Master: “Okay. And where would you like them housed? Should they be with the troops? Should they be ...”
Thomas: “No, I think they’ll be ... I’ll summon them from town when I need them. They have their own room.”
Master: “We’ll introduce them to the gate guard and such and give them proper paper.”
Thomas: “Thank you.”
Sir Martin goes to look for Laurens and cannot find him. Sir Martin then goes to talk to Sir Andrew about Laurens’ whereabouts.
Sir Andrew: “He left before dawn.”
Sir Martin: “Let me know, would you, if he returns.
Gabriel sends a message to the Sheriff about the bandits. Gwynedd passes a message to Lady Cecily to let her know that she is available should she need her services.
Gabriel goes to talk to Donal in the morning.
Donal: “Come in.”
Gabriel: “Good morning.”
Donal: “Good morning.”
Gabriel: “Is there any business that the castle will be doing near Fisher Gate today where a page or a messenger may need to be sent?”
Donal: “I wouldn’t know. Why don’t you ask the Chamberlain.”
Gabriel: “Well, you were involved in the shipment that Simon was sent to pick up.”
Donal: “What?”
Gabriel: “You were involved in the shipment that Simon was sent to pick up.”
Donal: “How was I involved.”
Gabriel: “Not you in particular, I guess. You had to arrange for the shipment to be sent, and when it was going to arrive and all that.”
Donal: “I’m sure we’ve purchase many goods on behalf of the Chamberlain of the house hold. What are you getting at?”
Gabriel: “I was trying to make myself a target while doing true Duke’s business.”
Donal: “Okay. I need 20 lbs of cod.”
Donal hands Gabriel an official requisition.
Gabriel: “Thanks.”
Gabriel turns to leave.
Donal: “Do you want help?”
Gabriel: “I thought you didn’t do that kind of work?”
Donal: “Watching you buy cod could be really entertaining.”
Gabriel: “It’s always better to have back up in these situations.”
The two head down to Fisher Gate to purchase cod. Gabriel is dressed in the Duke’s colors and is in plain sight. Donal is trailing behind surreptitiously. Gabriel is acting in such a way that he invites an assault. Gabriel and Donal notice that Tobias and Hugh are following on the way down to get the cod. They are good at their craft. Gabriel takes back alleys on the way back to look like he is trying to take the fastest way back. He looks to be laboring under the twenty pounds of cod. Tobias and Hugh stop Gabriel in one of the deserted allies.
Tobias: “You. Good Sir.”
Gabriel: “Yes?”
Tobias: “You wear the Duke’s colors. Are you in his service.”
Gabriel: “I am.”
Gabriel puts the fish down and stands up taller.
Tobias: “Excellent. We have a few questions as future employees ourselves.”
They move in close. Gabriel backs away clumsily. They move swiftly to disable Gabriel. Gabriel does not resist. Hugh puts on Gabriel’s uniform. The two then carry Gabriel away. Donal follows. They take Gabriel to a small building nearby. They don’t expect to be stopped since they appear to be a Duke’s servant helping someone in need. The building is small, but could be of use for storing some goods. Donal goes in through the back door.
Tobias and Hugh tie Gabriel to a chair tightly. Gabriel is going to wait for the questions to act. They wake Gabriel up.
Gabriel: “What ... what have I done?”
Tobias: “You’re merely convenient.”
Gabriel: “I’m a messenger of the Duke. He’ll hear about this.”
Tobias: “You won’t be able to return any messages to the Duke.”
Gabriel: “You’re going to kill me?”
Tobias: “It all depends on the answers you give.”
Gabriel: “What do you want to know?”
Tobias and Hugh start asking pointed questions about Laurens, Thomas, Vivienne, Quillius and Sir Martin.
Gabriel: “They’re all ... they’re all loyal servants of the ...”
Hugh hits Gabriel with a series of strong blows. During the strikes Gabriel frees his hands. Tobias asks the questions again. Gabriel responds in the same way. This time when the strong blow comes, Gabriel catches it.
Gabriel: “Why don’t I ask you a few questions.”
Gabriel puts Hugh down to the ground as hard as he can.
Donal: “You could have waited to see if there was someone else.”
Gabriel: “Well if there is, they’re going to be leaving right now, so maybe you better check.”
Donal didn’t notice anyone else.
Hugh is down, but not out. The two are reasonably trained fighters. In spite of fighting hand to hand, Donal and Gabriel take them down with absolutely no trouble.
Gabriel: “Do you think we need to take them back to the castle and have Vivienne talk to them?”
Donal: “Last time Vivienne interrogated someone ...”
Gabriel: “Okay. They are still scraping them off the wall, aren’t they.”
Donal: “The dungeons haven’t been quite the same.”
Gabriel puts Hugh back in the chair.
Gabriel: “It’s us or Vivienne. Your choice.”
Hugh: “Neither of you can get anything from me.”
Gabriel: “You just assaulted a servant of the Duke. That means you intend the Duke harm. That means I am free to do as I see fit to get information from you.” Gabriel grabs his hand. “And just to prove that you understand what I am saying ...” Gabriel breaks his little finger. “Just to show I’m not kidding around ...” Gabriel breaks his other little finger. “Okay, that’s to show you I’m serious.”
* Dan: “I didn’t torture the hand maiden.” *
* Makul: “Uh, ‘You will tell me everything you know or I will gut you like a fish.’” *
Gabriel spends some time extracting information. Donal didn’t realize the extent of Gabriel’s abilities. Tobias dies. Hugh ends up whimpering by the end. Donal and Gabriel finds out that they are in the service of William de la Pole, the Duke of Suffolk. They were paid a huge sum of money to gather information through any means necessary to determine the Duke’s personal defenses. They are reporting to someone(XXX) in the Suffolk household. They are responsible for beating Simon.
Gabriel and Donal get a wagon and bring the body and the survivor and the cod back to the castle for further questioning. They are taken to the castle dungeon. Gabriel gets cleaned up to report to the Duke. Gabriel reports everything he found out to the Duke.
Duke: “He’s certainly the head of the plot you uncovered. I’m certain the assassination plot is coming from him and not from Norfolk.”
Gabriel: “It seemed unlikely that it would be coming from Norfolk.”
Duke: “Yes. Given their blatant attempts at courtship.”
Gabriel: “I was thinking that we should send Vivienne to interrogate the last one to get as much information out of his head. We have all kinds of opportunities at our disposal.”
Duke: “William de la Pole was captured in France a number of years ago in one of the battles. When he came up for ransom, I refused the ransom because I think he is a prick. I hoped they would take care of him. Finally someone ransomed him in last few months. He must have discovered those who refused and decided on a course of action. I’m not surprised by the animosity.”
Gabriel: “I am at your disposal when you decide how you wish to respond.”
Duke: “I’ll give it some thought.”
Gabriel: “I’ll go and tell Vivienne she has some work to do.”
Gabriel makes a point of telling the Duke that Donal was instrumental in discovering this information.
Duke: “Excellent. Already being of great use.”
Laurens returns in the late afternoon. Sir Martin gets word and heads to Laurens quarters. He knocks at the door and is admitted. Laurens is changing clothes.
* Patrick thinks while entering the notes, “A very convenient time for Sir Martin.” *
Sir Martin: “How was your ride?”
Laurens: “Fine.”
Sir Martin: “Um, Katherine and John, the two who have come recently from Norfolk ...”
Laurens: “Are under orders from your sister to subvert the relationship between your sister and the Duke.”
Sir Martin: “I figured it was only a matter of time before you found out yourself. Otherwise, why would the Duke have you in his employ?”
Laurens: “Well, I haven’t killed them, yet.”
Sir Martin: “That may create complications ...”
Laurens: “True.”
Sir Martin: “We don’t want that. I just wanted to let you know there may be a third party manipulating them.”
Laurens: “Who’s the third party?”
Sir Martin: “I don’t know. Beyond my dear sister? I don’t know. Not Cecily. Katherine.”
Laurens: “Their mother? Yeah.”
Sir Martin: “I’m saying beyond her.”
Laurens: “Do you have any idea who that would be?”
Sir Martin: “No. Not as of yet. But, I’m still looking into it. I just wanted to let you know in case there is movement against the Duke’s person.”
Laurens: “Will your niece or nephew know who this person is? The threat to the Duke?”
Sir Martin: “I don’t think they do. I’ve been surreptitiously spying on them all this week. They act as if it is all their plan, but I have a hunch, but they don’t know anything.”
Laurens: “Your sister wanted me to kill your niece.”
Sir Martin: “I suspected it. I was hoping she wouldn’t do that. Thank you for telling me though.”
Laurens: “The hand maiden is indisposed for a week or so as well.”
Sir Martin: “How so?”
Laurens: “She has come down with a terrible illness and requires a convalescence outside the castle.”
Sir Martin: “Sudden?”
Laurens: “Very sudden.”
Sir Martin: “Accelerated?”
Laurens: “Castles are very drafty.”
Sir Martin: “How unfortunate.”
Laurens: “It will be interesting to see who takes her place.”
Sir Martin: “Hmm. It would be wouldn’t it. May find out soon. Thank you.”
Laurens nods.
Stick Figure Theater
