Morning.
Sir Martin knocks on Gabriel’s door. It is 5 am.
Gabriel says, “Come in, Sir Martin.”
Sir Martin enters looking pale and sweaty. Gabriel’s room is plain except for utilitarian furniture: bed, desk and chair and chest. Nothing adorns the walls. Gabriel is sitting on his bed.
Gabriel: “Have a seat.”
Gabriel gets up and closes the door behind Sir Martin.
Sir Martin: “I need to talk to you and I need you to hear what I have to say and consider it before you tell it to the Duke.”
Gabriel: “Go ahead.”
Sir Martin: “I’m tending to believe that the recent events are true. That they are not from a dream, that since everyone has witnessed them, lends credence to their truth. Ever since I came back from France, I’ve been having dreams that are very disturbing and they’re getting worse.
Gabriel nods for Sir Martin to continue.
Sir Martin: “I don’t know who to talk to. I’ve never been in a situation like this before. I can’t talk to the Archbishop because I’m afraid I will be burned at the stake. I can’t talk to anyone in the group for various reasons, and I’m not really sure I should talk to you, but I need to get this off my chest. I’m starting to think that the dreams that I have been having are not dreams, but memories and that they’re all true. I’m really concerned about the ramifications of them being true.”
<Sir Martin explains about his dream>
Sir Martin: “I’m concerned that the force of Darkness have set their sights on York to make a play for York. And I don’t know what my role in this is.”
Gabriel: “So far, you have been defender. How will that change?”
Sir Martin: “If what Gwynedd says is true, if my dreams are true, then I’m not sure how to deal with this. I’ve been trained for the battlefield, not this.”
Gabriel: “I would take you to the Archbishop or Quillius or Vivienne or to the wise folk of the villages.”
Sir Martin: “The Archbishop answers to the Pope. The Pope is very clear about what this means.”
Gabriel: “I understand. I’m just telling you what your options are. Of all of them, I trust the wise folk the most.”
Sir Martin: “They meant to use me as a tool against the Duke. I will not betray the Duke. I will not bring dishonor to my family who has been allied with the Duke’s family for generations. You have to understand that.”
Gabriel: “You have never acted otherwise.”
Sir Martin: “I don’t know if I can trust Quillius.”
Gabriel: “The Duke trusts Quillius.”
Sir Martin: “I can’t be certain other people in our group ... do not have the taint.”
Gabriel: “Gwynedd and Vivienne only saw it on you. If there was something to see on the others, they would have seen it. "
Sir Martin: “Unless it was hidden.”
Gabriel: “Quillius made a point of chastising Vivienne in our presence.”
Sir Martin: “For not realizing the truth sooner.”
Gabriel: “He didn’t say that she missed anyone else.”
Sir Martin: “I’m starting to understand that the headaches I’ve been having are connected to my dreams and memories that are coming back to the surface. And I seem to be affected by those things that are Infernal.”
Gabriel: “You were clear about what you felt about the man we faced last night.”
Sir Martin: “I thought I had met him, her, it before. I’m concerned that it followed me here. That I led it here.”
Gabriel: “York is a big city on every map of Europe.”
Sir Martin: “I pray for guidance everyday, I try to follow the word of our Lord. But if what you say is true, if what the others say is true, then I am marked by him.”
Gabriel: “Everyone who acts has enemies. It is a simple truth.”
Sir Martin: “I am at a loss. I don’t know what to do.”
Gabriel: “You won the battle in your dream. While will it be different when you are awake?”
Sir Martin: “Maybe Quillius has answers.”
Gabriel: “No. I suspect he’ll only have questions.”
Sir Martin: “Keep this to yourself unless you see fit to share it. For whatever reason, I trust your judgment.”
Gabriel: “I am honored.”
The two shake. Sir Martin leaves for church. Gabriel, Thomas and Gwynedd also head for mass. Thomas is still in a great deal of pain from the day before including his hang over.
Donal arrives back in York early in the morning. His dreams are better now. He still feels a little paranoia while in the city. He heads to the castle to take care of some business, then heads to his apartments.
Laurens goes to report on last nights events to Quillius.
Vivienne gets up to investigate the book left in her possession and discovers it is missing. She is hung over from the night before. She looks all over her apartments, but turns up nothing. She hears a very loud knock at the door. She stumbles over to the door. It is Laurens.
Laurens: “Is Quillius here?”
Vivienne: “I haven’t seen him.”
Laurens: “Find him, please.”
Vivienne looks for him, but doesn’t find him. She thinks that is odd.
Vivienne: “Master Quillius isn’t here.”
Laurens: “Where is he?”
Vivienne: “I don’t know. He’s usually around at this time .”
Laurens: “Tell him I was looking for him. Are you nervous?”
Vivienne; “Perhaps.”
Laurens: “Why?” Vivienne: “I’ve heard these stories about you.”
Laurens: “They are true. Why are you afraid?”
Vivienne: “You have quite a fearsome reputation.”
Laurens: “Good.”
Laurens turns and leaves. Vivienne breathes a sigh of relief and begins looking for clues as to Quillius’ whereabouts. She checks his chambers and finds etched with chalk a sign of Mercury which means travel or thieves. She senses a faint magic in the sign. She senses Quillius and someone else.
Vivienne extends her search for Quillius and the book to the rest of the castle. She’s looking for Gabriel and Thomas in particular after mass.
Laurens sits idle until after mass.
Sir Martin asks Thomas, “What the hell happened to you?” People notice Sir Martin for his language near the house of the Lord.
Thomas: “Laurens, Laurens was bullying me. He took my book away. And burned it”
Sir Martin: “What? Why?”
Thomas: “I don’t know. He couldn’t find any puppies to punt?”
Sir Martin: “What exactly led up to him beating you?”
Thomas: “When does Laurens need any excuse for anything?”
Sir Martin: “Laurens is under the auspicious of the Duke.”
Thomas: “Laurens with his narrow little mind sometimes misinterprets things.”
Sir Martin: “What did you do to him?”
Thomas: “I didn’t do anything to him. Who would even try to do anything to Laurens. Plus I was up all night working on something. You’ve got to see this. It’s really neat”
Church ensues.
Sir Martin and Gabriel head for breakfast together. Vivienne sees Thomas and Gabriel exit church. She heads for Gabriel.
Vivienne: “Good day sirs.”
Thomas: “Vivienne, I didn’t see you in church.”
Vivienne: “That’s right.”
Gabriel: “I see you both are feeling so much better this morning.”
Thomas: “What can I do for you, maiden Vivienne?”
Vivienne ignores Thomas’ question. She asks Gabriel, “Last night when you dropped me off at my chamber did you happen to take Thomas’ book with you?”
Gabriel: “No.”
Vivienne: “Did anybody accompany us to my chambers? "
Thomas backs away from Vivienne and Gabriel to give them their privacy.
Gabriel: “No one came with us. I didn’t take anything with me. (I didn’t take anything from you.) Is something amiss?”
Vivienne: “Thomas’ book is missing.”
Sir Martin: “Why did you have Thomas’ book?”
Vivienne: “The Duke had sent it to us to investigate it.”
Sir Martin checks how far Thomas is away from the group.
Sir Martin: “... When were you given the book?”
Vivienne: “Yesterday afternoon.”
Sir Martin: “Did this have anything to do with Laurens?”
Vivienne: “I don’t know. The book was delivered by the Duke’s messenger.”
Sir Martin: “Hmmm. Thomas claims that it was Laurens who beat him yesterday. He claims he has no idea why.”
Vivienne: “Perhaps you should talk to Thomas.”
Sir Martin: “Perhaps not.”
Gabriel notices Laurens watching surreptitiously.
Vivienne: “The book was entrusted to my care and it is now missing.”
Sir Martin: “The book with the sketches that he used on the battlefield in Scotland is now missing?”
Vivienne: “Yes, the very same.”
Sir Martin looks for Thomas.
Gabriel, Vivienne and Sir Martin follow Thomas off to breakfast.
Sir Martin: “Thomas may have already gone to his room. He was terribly excited about showing me something he made overnight.”
Laurens falls into step with Gabriel. Gabriel and Laurens acknowledge each other. Vivienne does her best to put people between her and Laurens.
* Alan: “Is that puppy on your shoe?” *
Laurens: “After our adventure last night.. A priest .. "
Gabriel interrupts Laurens with the details of what Laurens was about to say.
Gabriel: “Father Barnabas sent by the Archbishop to investigate Dark Forces in the square and said we were always welcome to talk to the Archbishop. Vivienne filled me in.”
Laurens: “... Yes. And would you like to go?”
Gabriel: “Sure. What time is our appointment?”
Laurens: “I’ll have to check with Vivienne. No time was set.”
Gabriel: “We should not go on an empty stomach. It could take a long time with the Archbishop.”
Laurens: “I agree.”
Sir Martin: “Laurens, did you visit Thomas yesterday?”
Laurens: “I don’t usually discuss the Duke’s business.”
Sir Martin: “Thomas did. Was it on Duke’s business?”
Laurens: “I don’t usually discuss the Duke’s business. I’m sure if you wish to inquire into the affair you can see him yourself.”
Sir Martin: “No. You’ve already answered my question.”
Laurens, Gabriel, Sir Martin and Vivienne sit down at a table for breakfast. Vivienne eats very lightly, as usual.
Laurens: “Did you find Quillius yet?”
Vivienne: “No, I have not.”
Laurens: “Did you find out where he went?”
Vivienne: “No, I have not.”
Laurens: “What have you been doing all morning?”
Vivienne: “I’ve been looking for Quillius.”
Sir Martin: “Quillius is missing?”
Vivienne: “He does travel from time to time, but normally he informs me.”
Gabriel: “What happened at the tavern after I left?”
Laurens: “You’ll have to ask Vivienne why the man decided to leave. When he got I up, I offered to buy him a drink at the bar and was repulsed. Witchcraft.”
Donal enters and grabs some food. He sees the four sitting at table eating breakfast together. He walks over to join them.
Donal: “What’s going on in the fine town of York?”
Gabriel: “A man with the heart of a beast or a beast of with the face of a man bursting into flame.”
Laurens: “You’ve been gone?”
Donal: “A man bursting into flame?”
Gabriel: “From the inside out.”
Vivienne: “Just last night.”
Sir Martin: “Spawn of Satan.”
Donal: “Another of Quillius’ jobs?”
Sir Martin: “No this one came to us.”
Laurens: “Gwynedd’s job.”
Donal: “Where’s the artist?”
Gabriel: “Do you miss his company?”
Donal; “Just curious.”
Gabriel: “As far as we know he went back to his rooms and decided not to eat breakfast with us. So you’ve been gone from York?”
Donal: “I left right after I returned on business.”
Sir Martin: “Well, it may be a coincidence, but I don’t believe in coincidences”
Laurens: “God controls all.”
Sir Martin: “I believe that whatever evil we encountered in Scotland may have followed us back.”
Donal: “Things felt a little different when I returned.”
Sir Martin: “In what way?”
Donal: “I don’t know. I was just having nightmares and the towns a little strange.”
Sir Martin: “What nightmares?”
Donal: “Bodies rising from the dead.”
Sir Martin: “You started having these nightmares upon returning to York. Not immediately after our quest.”
Donal: “Well, the first night after our return.”
Sir Martin: “So it could be just from shock from what occurred up north.”
Donal: “It could be. Or it could be something else.”
Vivienne: “And what might that be?”
Donal: “I’m sure I wouldn’t know what tricks you and Quillius have up your sleeves.”
Vivienne: “I know not of what you speak.”
Laurens: “She can’t even find Quillius.”
Donal: “Quillius is gone? Have you seen him since we’ve been back?”
Sir Martin: “Vivienne discovered this morning he had disappeared.”
Donal: “You have anything else happen besides strange men bursting into flames?”
Sir Martin: “Who called himself the Lord of the Flies.”
Donal: “That means nothing to me.”
Sir Martin: “The man said that the ‘Witch’ and the power of Darkness have designs for our group. Then he burned.”
Laurens: “The ‘Witch’ had high hopes for me.”
Donal: “So we’re a group now, huh?”
Sir Martin: “We’re bound by something.”
Laurens: “Quillius’ dark magic.”
Donal: “Where’s Quillius?”
Vivienne: “I know not. I’m not overly concerned. He does not always inform me of his plans.”
Sir Martin: “Has anyone seen Gwynedd?”
Gabriel: “Not since she walked us to the castle last night.”
Meanwhile in the world of Gwynedd.
Gwynedd takes her leave of the Wolf’s Head Inn and heads for the castle on her way out of town.
Sir Martin heads to see Thomas along with Vivienne. Laurens and Gabriel head to see the Archbishop. Donal follows along as far as the gate where they see Gwynedd. Laurens tells Donal of the details of last nights events as they walk to the gates.
Donal is still feeling paranoid about being in town.
Gabriel, Laurens and Donal encounter Gwynedd at the gate.
Laurens: “What time is our appointment with the Archbishop.”
Gwynedd: “I didn’t know you were going to visit him.”
Donal and Gwynedd talk about last nights events.
Donal: “We’re all full of surprises.”
Gwynedd: “It’s a professional hazard for me.”
Laurens: “Me not so much.”
Donal: “What are you up to now?”
Gwynedd: “I was going to share a word with Vivienne before leaving town. I’m going to investigate the strange forest that we found the ogre in. I’m not sure what the cause was, but if malevolent things are heading to York...”
Donal: “Are you leaving today?”
Laurens: “I’d like to invite you to come visit the Archbishop.”
Gwynedd: “Is there any reason why the Archbishop would like to see me, us?”
Laurens: “Well, you because our friend seem to take a particular interest in you.”
Gwynedd; “Very well, I’m not one to let down the Archbishop.”
Donal signals to Gwynedd to run as fast as she can, then takes his leave and heads into town for the Merchant Adventurers Guild.
Meanwhile, Vivienne and Sir Martin arrive at Thomas’ door. They knock at the door. Thomas makes sure that he is wearing his ring.
Thomas; “Hello? Yes? Come in, you’ve got to see this.”
The two enter and see the Thomas clutter. Things have changed somewhat since yesterday. Thomas pulls out some oil paintings.
Sir Martin: “Where are we going?”
Thomas: “We’re not going anywhere.”
Sir Martin: “Why are you pulling out the paintings if we are not going to travel?”
Thomas: “Not unless you want to. You should recognize this one.”
Thomas shows a picture of Raby Castle. It is a picture from across the lake.
Sir Martin: “That is astounding.”
Sir Martin stares at it for a moment. He begins to smell the breeze from the ocean and sees birds take flight.
Sir Martin: “Can you put away the painting...”
Thomas pulls out sketches of ravens. Sir Martin looks to see if the sketches come to life.
Thomas: “Ones a sketch as opposed to a sketch. I’m not explaining this very well.”
Sir Martin: “No.”
Thomas: “You see, you can just do a sketch. A sketch can just be a sketch. But the book was more a drawing of the inner self of Donal.”
Vivienne: “Ah, yes, Master Thomas, about the book.”
Sir Martin: “This is fascinating. What specifically did you want to show us?”
Thomas: “This bird. But it’s not a bird. It won’t be a bird. But it is a bird. You see if you ...”
Vivienne is looking at Thomas trying to be polite.
Thomas: “... You see ... “. He picks up a heavy book. " ... This is a book. But what makes it a book. It’s a book because it thinks it’s a book. So if you make it think it is something else like a bird, you can make a book that thinks it’s a bird, but that wouldn’t be any different than a bird that thinks it’s a book.”
Sir Martin: “Like a beast with the face of a man or a man with a heart of a beast.”
Thomas: “Huh, An interesting observation.”
Sir Martin: “You could draw a sketch of your book per se?”
Thomas: “Why would I do that? I have a bird that’s a book.”
Sir Martin: “Your old book.”
Thomas: “Laurens took that.”
Vivienne: “Do you know where your book is now?”
Thomas does a good job obfuscating here.
Thomas; “I’m supposed to get it back from the Duke. Laurens burned the book.”
Sir Martin: “Why did Laurens burn the book?”
Thomas: “I don’t know because he’s Laurens. He misunderstood or the Duke misunderstood, or he led the Duke wrong. Laurens is so ... LAURENS! But, I’ll get my book back from the Duke he said. And I have these wonderful paintings to impress the Duke with. Look at them!”
Sir Martin tries to get Thomas to stop and listen.
Sir Martin: “He came and beat you, burned the book and then took it and gave it to the Duke.”
Thomas: “Well he said he would. I don’t know. Well he said I would get it back from the Duke.”
Sir Martin: “Why did he burn the book?”
Thomas: “He was making no sense. Obviously, his ...”
Sir Martin: “Thomas! Thomas, what did he say?”
Thomas: “He seemed confused about something, but the paintings are the answer. The paintings. See Laurens misunderstood the drawings, and I think he confused the Duke. But, then he’s only Laurens. So we have the paintings. Look at ...”
Vivienne: “Master Thomas, please be quiet.”
Thomas is quiet. Thomas contemplates his paintings.
Vivienne: “We’re going to ask you a few questions and you will answer succinctly and without side tracking. Your answers will be short and to the point. Do you know the whereabouts of the sketchbook Laurens took from you yesterday?”
Thomas: “I don’t have the sketchbook. It’s gone. Laurens took it.”
Vivienne: “Did the book return to your possession after Laurens took it from you?”
Thomas: “I wanted my book back. It had lots of dangerous stuff in it in the wrong hands. Kind of like the knife in Gabriel’s hands. So I had to get rid of it.”
Sir Martin: “You had to get rid of it?”
Thomas: “Yeah.”
Sir Martin: “So you destroyed it?”
Thomas: “Yes.”
Sir Martin: “You destroyed the book.”
Thomas: “Not the heart of the book. Here,” pointing at the paintings ” is the important part of the book. The true important part of the book.”
Sir Martin: “Where is the book that was in Vivienne’s possession last night?”
Thomas: “It’s gone.”
Sir Martin: “You destroyed it?”
Thomas: “Yeah, it’s gone. It made these.”
Sir Martin: “So no one else has possession or copies of the book.”
Thomas: “Well, no. What is left of the book is here.”
Vivienne: “I understand. Thank you very much. Master Thomas. Sir Martin. You’ll both forget that I was here this morning.”
Both forget about her presence. Vivienne turns to walk away. She sees Sir Martin’s eyes glow red momentarily. Thomas just looks his usual glazed.
Sir Martin: “I don’t feel so good ...”
Thomas: “The book that thinks it’s a bird. Don’t forget that.”
Sir Martin: “I’ll talk to you later.”
Sir Martin leaves.
Thomas feels bothered that he told Sir Martin that he took the book back and destroyed it. He wonders that there is something strange about Sir Martin.
Sir Martin goes outside and tosses his knightly cookies.
Gabriel, Gwynedd and Laurens head to the Archbishop. They arrive at the offices of the church at 1 p.m. and are taken to the Archbishop. The Archbishop walks up and holds out his ring. Gabriel kneels and kisses the ring. Gwynedd follows Gabriel’s example. Laurens is surprised the ring is still held out for him to kiss. He kisses and doesn’t catch on fire.
The Archbishop, Charles Dean, walks with a limp on his right. He has sharp features, thin, blue eyes and grey hair.
Archbishop: “Greetings. You brought friends.”
Laurens introduces Gabriel and Gwynedd.
Archbishop: “The Duke’s messenger. The Duke has told many things of you. And the Welsh singer.”
Gwynedd: “Your Grace.”
Archbishop: “I’m told your voice rivals that of the angels.”
Gwynedd: “I certainly hope never to find out.”
Archbishop: “You expect to travel a different direction?”
Gwynedd: “I mean not anytime soon.”
The Archbishop invites everyone to come over and sit in the fine chairs in his office. The walls of his office have wooden panels and one is covered completely in books.
The Archbishop asks for a full account of the previous night’s events. Laurens says that Gwynedd should begin.
Gwynedd: “I am gifted at seeing what’s there which is sometimes more than most people see. And this man who had come to the tavern seemed not to be a normal man. He seemed to have the heart of a beast. I caught sight of him later in the market and had the same impression of him. It seemed an unsettling thing to find in York. So from a previous errand I had run from Quillius, I knew these folks were in the Dukes service so I went to speak to them to tell them of the matter. We resolved to lay in wait for him in the Inn in case he returned, and he did. He seemed very intent upon me. Gabriel came to me and said that the man seemed to be speaking something in Latin. He seemed to be repeating something that had a sinister design. So I asked him to send for Quillius’ apprentice.”
Archbishop: “What did he say?”
Gwynedd: “‘Dread day, that day of ire, when the world shall melt in fire.’ So at some point during my next song he went to leave. I had had enough of his meddling about and incantations. We confronted him outside the tavern. He said that he was an agent of the Lord of the Flies. He was quite faster than an ordinary sort of man. I did take a swing at him for his rudeness. Laurens drew a sword on him, then Gabriel arrived and threw a knife at him and though it went in to his chest, he drew it out. And there were flames around the wound. He fought quickly, but was disarmed and then Laurens ran him through and pinned him to a wall which seemed not to bother him. He carried on a conversation as long as his tongue remained intact in his mouth. He said that we had come to notice.”
Archbishop: “The phrase he spoke, I have thoughts on that. Recent stories have come to me from around our fair city that we are beset upon from many sides. I had begun to think that it was the work of Infernal agents. Then recently I heard differently disturbing news that a group of druids had travelled from the Emerald Isle to here with dark designs. I believe it is they who have been tormenting the villages with their magicks. I believe that in this ‘the day of ire’ means their day. It sounds as if this dark man of yours is either in league with them or supporting them. I believe it is they who set foul creatures against us.”
Laurens: “Are you speaking of the ogre or an ogre like beast?”
Archbishop: “You encountered an ogre?”
Laurens: “Yes on our trip to Scotland.”
Archbishop: “I had heard stories of you traveling to Scotland, but I had dismissed them. You’re in the Duke’s service.”
Laurens: “You never want to dismiss the stories about me, Your Grace.”
Archbishop: “I’ll remember that.”
Laurens: “We journeyed north to Mount Grace. The villagers spoke of something troubling them. The church officials dismissed the idea out of hand. We went and killed the ogre and made them revise their opinion.”
Archbishop: “This does indeed sound like their work. I had not heard this story. But I have heard others.”
Laurens: “The druid theory lends itself well. The forest itself seemed to fight against us.”
Archbishop: “They have found themselves in league with the Infernal and seek to destroy us. They somehow have designs upon you?”
Laurens: “Me?”
Archbishop: “At least you and your companions.”
Laurens: “The creature that we encountered said the ‘Witch’ had high hopes for me. Expectations for me. So in addition to the Lord of the Flies there is also a witch of some note that was mentioned by the creature who also said he’d be back.”
Archbishop: “Do you know of whom it spoke?”
Laurens: “No.”
Archbishop: “The only witch I have knowledge of is the protege of Quillius. I understand that she was with you.”
The three notice that the Archbishop says Quillius almost like a swear word.
Laurens: “I will keep an eye on her.”
Gwynedd believes the Archbishop is sincere in his beliefs.
Laurens: “Has there been an area that has been bothered more than others so that we can begin our search there? Or do you have a suggestion for where to begin our search?”
Archbishop: “The problems are centered more north and west than south and east. But they have spread to all of the areas around here. Even the city itself, some have felt an air of ‘wrongness’.”
Laurens: “Any more obvious displays of the Infernal?”
Archbishop: “No. There are stories of beasts. Unnatural creatures attacking the villages and making off with children. But, I have grave feelings it will get worse.”
Laurens: “Does Barnabas have this information as well?”
Archbishop: “He’s in my confidence.”
Laurens: “Will he be joining us as well?”
Archbishop: “If you wish it.”
Laurens: “I wish it.”
Archbishop: “Excellent. I would appreciate him there.”
At the mention of the Archbishop’s personal confidante joining the group, Gwynedd briefly looks like a deer caught in a headlight.
Archbishop: “I hope for your sake that the witch of whom we spoke is not Quillius’ apprentice. That would cause complications. The Duke holds the old man in some manner of esteem. We have been unable to dissuade him of this.”
Laurens: “It would be very bad for York if evil was so highly placed.”
Archbishop: “Do not keep your notion completely out of mind either. Many are the stories about Quillius and his assistant.”
Laurens: “I will remove any threat to the Duke.”
The three bow, kiss the ring and exit.
Sir Martin is at the practice field building new dummies as penance.
When the 3 are out of hearing range of the church and all of its occupants.
Gabriel: “I believe we just experienced the same thing we did in Mount Grace.”
Gwynedd: “The Archbishop certainly has impassioned views on the subject. His concern for York is notable. Some of the stories I have heard of druids and ogres do not point to the Infernal although it may connect to unkind things that have no fondness for the city.”
Gwynedd plans to speak with Vivienne then go to Mount Grace to investigate the forest.
Laurens is going to go inform the Duke.
The three walk quickly to the castle. Gwynedd heads to speak with Vivienne. Laurens and Gabriel head to speak with the Duke. It takes about 15 minutes to get an audience with the Duke in a small private chamber.
Duke: “You have news of import I have been told. How odd that it comes from both of you at once.”
Laurens: “We were singled out of the group by allies as well as enemies.”
Laurens tells the Duke everything about the events of last night including this afternoons visit to the Archbishop. He does not hold back any details. Gabriel is quiet except to make minor corrections to what Laurens says. The Duke glances periodically over to verify Gabriel’s assent to the story. The Duke takes it very seriously. The Duke cracks a smile at the comments about Quillius.
Duke: “The Archbishop has never been fond of Quillius. Neither was his predecessor. But Quillius is beyond reproach. I’ll make that clear to both of you.”
Gabriel: “I never had a question about Quillius.”
Duke: “As for the rest, I have only recent experience with the Infernal, and you two saved me from that as well. If there is some alliance with forces from Ireland, it could do great harm to our lands. I would hope that I can trust both of you to get to the bottom of this as quickly as possible.”
Laurens: “You need only give the word.”
Duke: “Tell me what resources you need. And they are yours.”
Gabriel: “I am not much for fate, but it is striking that this is landing at our feet when all of us came together, so I will say that what we need is the seven again.”
Duke: “Quillius gathered you with purpose. I don’t always know where his plans will take. But, I agree there were reasons he pulled all of you together. You all helped in the travels north from your reports.”
Gabriel: “We could not have done what we did without everyone present.”
Duke: “I have concerns about some of your seven, but if you feel you need them, they are yours.”
Gabriel: “They did not mislead us in the field. And I don’t know what happened with Thomas, but I know what the consequence was, so I can guess.”
Duke: “I spoke with him of that which you told me. And he thought to deceive me on that.” The Duke glances over at Laurens. “I hope he has learned the error of that.”
Gabriel: “From what I witnessed he has.”
Duke: “I will not tolerate deception.”
Meanwhile in Donal’s world.
Donal is continuing to get a creepy feeling about the city. Donal senses a wrongness. Donal heads up to the castle to talk to Quillius.
Vivienne is back in her chambers after discovering what happened to the book. She is imagining Quillius’ reaction at her losing the book. She makes a batch of tea to settle her hangover and does some writing. There is a knock at the door. Vivienne answers. It’s Donal.
Vivienne: “Good afternoon.”
Donal: “Good afternoon. Is Quillius about?”
Vivienne: “Not today.”
Donal: “Is he coming back?”
Vivienne: “I know not.”
Donal: “Have you been out in town?”
Vivienne: “I have not been out in town today.”
Donal: “I would have normally asked this of Quillius, but seeing as he is not here, could you do me a favor?”
Vivienne: “I can try.”
Donal: “Walk with me, please.”
Vivienne: “Where shall we go?”
Donal: “Just down on the wall for a moment.”
Vivienne: “Alright.”
Vivienne closes up the room and goes with Donal out onto the wall.
Donal: “Do you see the city? Look deeply. Is there anything strange about it?”
Vivienne: “It’s pretty much the usual. Is there something I should be looking for?”
Donal: “It’s not right. Are you sure?”
Vivienne: “I do not sense anything out of the ordinary.”
Donal: “I’ve tried to ask you out for dinner how many times?”
Vivienne: “I seem to have lost count. Is this another ploy?”
Donal: “Is there something wrong with me?”
Vivienne: “No, Master Donal, there’s nothing wrong with you.”
Donal: “Thank you.”
Vivienne: “Your welcome.”
Donal: “Dinner?”
Vivienne: “I think not.”
Donal somewhat dejected walks her back to her apartments.
Vivienne: “I mean no offense, Master Donal, but my studies do not permit me and my master does not ...”
Donal: “Your master is out of town.”
Vivienne: “He has his ways of knowing what I do.”
As they are returning, Gwynedd meets them. They greet each other.
Gwynedd: “I wanted to let you know I’m going to be heading out to Mount Grace to look at that forest that we encountered. With the word of all the strange doings around the town I thought I would see if there is something around there.”
Donal: “There is something strange going on in town.”
Gwynedd: “You think so?”
Donal: “Yeah.”
Gwynedd takes a moment to listen to the sound of the city and the castle. She doesn’t notice anything new or unusual while at the castle.
Gwynedd: “I can’t really find anything amiss myself. But usually, I only find glimpses of things.”
Donal: “Hmmm. Okay. When are you leaving?”
Gwynedd: “I was thinking of heading out today.”
Donal: “Okay.”
Gwynedd: “I wanted to speak with Vivienne about a particular matter and also find out if there are means for dealing with Infernal sorts of being or unseely forests or that ilk before heading off.”
Donal: “I wish you luck.”
Vivienne: “Good day to you, Master Donal.”
Donal: “And same to you.”
Vivienne: “Care for some tea before you head out on your trip?”
Gwynedd accepts.
Laurens and Gabriel take leave of the Duke with the authority to assemble what they need for their trip. They head to the Chancellor to request the presence of the others at Quillius’ chambers. Laurens and Gabriel head to Quillius’.
Vivienne and Gwynedd have sat down and have just barely begun to sip their tea when there is a knock at the door. They here a recognizable knock. Vivienne answers the door. There are salutations. Laurens walks in without invitation. Gabriel waits to be invited.
Gabriel: “Vivienne, may we come in.”
Vivienne: “Of course.”
Laurens: “The Duke has order us to investigate the Infernal actions and follow up on the Archbishop’s information. He has ordered the group assembled that travelled to Scotland. I have sent out messages for them to meet here.”
Vivienne: “Very well I will prepare for their arrival.”
Sir Martin receives a message.
Messenger: “Sir Martin, your presence has been requested in the chambers of Quillius.”
Sir Martin: “At what time?”
Messenger: “As soon as possible.”
Sir Martin: “Thank you. You’re dismissed.”
There’s a polite knock on Thomas’s door. Thomas opens the door.
Messenger: “Your presence is requested in the chamber’s of Quillius.”
Thomas: “What time is the appointment?”
Messenger: “As soon as possible.”
Thomas: “Who makes the request?”
Messenger: “By order of the Duke.”
Thomas makes preparations for the meeting. He takes out a bag and places the paintings in it. He then heads to Quillius’.
Sir Martin and Thomas arrive at Quillius’ chambers. Thomas tries to put as many people as possible between himself and Laurens.
Laurens sensing Thomas’ fear says, “Vivienne, the church suspects you of being a witch.”
Thomas tries to find a point in the room equidistant from Laurens and Vivienne.
Vivienne: “I’m not surprised. But the church has been wrong before.”
Laurens: “You question the church? Sir Martin, what do you think of this?”
Martin is pointedly ignoring the bait.
Gabriel: “Are you intent on sowing dissent just to see what will happen?”
Laurens: “No. I’m intent on finding out where the witch stands.”
Gabriel: “I think she showed her colors today by not going to church.”
Donal receives a message from a page. “Your presence is required as soon as possible in Quillius’ chambers by order of the Duke.”
Donal: “The Duke gave you this message?”
Messenger: “No. Laurens, servant of the Marshal.”
Donal: “Thank you.”
Donal arrives at Quillius’ chambers. There is a knock and Vivienne answers. She invites Donal in.
Sir Martin: “Has Quillius returned?”
Vivienne: “No he has not.”
Donal: “Why did you summon us here in the Duke’s name?”
Laurens: “Because the Duke ordered us assembled.”
Donal: “For what purpose?”
Laurens launches into a briefing of everything.