I looked at Gillfort and said, “So you’re a Druid, right?” and he nodded. And I looked at Jackwon and asked, “What trade do you practice?” And he replied, “I am a Barbarian, can’t you see?” “Oh, yes”, I replied, and turning to Tucker I said, “And you are a Wizard?” And Tucker nodded his head. “And where did you learn your craft?” And he replied, “I studied under a man living in a tower a little east of my village.” I looked at Vallen and said, “You sir, I would take to be a paladin. Do you have relations in the government?” And he replied, “Yes, but I choose not to discuss that preferring to earn my reputation without relying on their names. I hope you understand, it is a matter of honor.” I nodded my head. And I turned to Dravist and asked, “What profession do you practice?” “I am a cleric”, he said, “well, I’m just an acolyte right now, but I will be a notable cleric someday.” And finally I turned to Fordaire and asked, “You fancy yourself a cavalier, a rogue perhaps?” He looked at me and said, “Yes, I do, I am, a rogue, uh, my lord.”
I had all the information I wanted from the lot at present. They weren’t going anywhere until the following evening, and probably not until the morning after that, for they had not seen the Magistrate and their weapons were confiscated. I drank from my tankard and said, “I’ll finish my drink and make my apologies for I must beg your leave so I may get an early start tomorrow. I believe we will see each other again before you leave town. Take care gentlemen and enjoy.” And with that remark I stood up, drained my tankard, smiled, turned and walked to the stairs. And over my shoulder I could see they all took a drink from their tankards and began to discuss what just happened among themselves. I caught Tony’s eye, tapped my ear, and he nodded. I continued upstairs.
49th Planting, 221
A knock came at the door and I opened my eyes and said, “Thank you.” I swung my legs around and the voice came, “Would you like us to begin breakfast for you, my lord?” “Yes”, I replied, “that would be nice. I shall be down shortly.” The footsteps faded down the hallway. I lit a candle and stood, grabbed the candle and went to the table and light a second candle. I placed the first candle on my bedside table and walked to the dresser to wash my face. I put on clean clothes and headed downstairs after locking my room. Downstairs I saw my coffee was ready so I lifted the mug and had a sip. I put it down and walked over to the hearth to warm myself. In a short while Christina came around the corner with a plate of biscuits and a tub of butter. She placed them on my table and returned around the corner. Tony came out with two plates and set them on the table. He said, “I hope you don’t mind if I join you for breakfast.” I replied with a smile, “No Tony, I do not mind a bit. Please.” And he went back around the corner saying, “Just a moment, Bene.” He came back in an instant carrying all the flatwear and two napkins. He set the table and stepped over to the bar and grabbed a mug from behind the bar. He indicated the table with the palm of his hand and sat down himself. I went over and sat with Tony. He poured the coffee for both of us and waved at the honey pot. I took some honey and swirled it into my mug. He did the same and took a drink and smiled.
He invited me to have a biscuit, so I did with butter. He began, “I have been thinking about your advice to get involved with other brewers and expand my business here. I don’t know enough about the hamlets around here. Can you help me get in touch with someone in each hamlet that I could do business with?” I replied, “Of course, Tony. And I would like to start by recommending Gelfin in Smallarville. He either brews or has a friend that brews a very satisfying Stout. I would contact him straight away. Send a message with the Cleric, today if you can.” He smiled and said, “Thank you. I’ll do just that.” Next I said, “I don’t know if anyone in Pine Mill brews ale.” “Oh, don’t worry about that Bene”, Tony replied, “There is a family there that brews a wonderful cider. I am going to see if they will join my venture.” “Oh, very good.” I replied. “I am headed to the town that raises the sheep today. I think it is called Wool Corner. I will inquire with them if they have any brewers.” Tony thanked me.
I asked if he had thought about his own brewing supplies. If he were going to make more product his suppliers would have to supply more grain, barley, sugar, and whatever else he needed. He said he had thought about this. The grain was no problem; only a tiny portion of the provinces grain was used for his brewing. He was sure there was more than plenty. It was the barley he was concerned about. He had to order shipments. He could only receive as much as he could store. He wasn’t sure if his supplier could increase his shipments but if he were industrious, he could handle it without increasing his storage. I asked if he had considered approaching one or two farmers in the province. Tony had not thought of it and wanted to act on that as well today. He said, “Bene, you have a keen mind.”
With that I asked, “Tony, I expect to leave town soon. Not just this morning. I am telling you I will be sent to another town shortly as a messenger, I believe once Andante arrives. I think I will need to store some things here in a trunk until I work out my logistics for this job. Can you help me?” He replied, “Of course, Bene. I do the same for Andante. He keeps a trunk in my tavern all the time. I have it taken to his room whenever he arrives.” “That would be great”, I replied, “my friend.”
With that I headed outside to see if I could catch up with the cleric on his way to Wool Corner. I stepped over to the shrine and there were clerics gathering with their wagons. I waved a hand in greeting and one of them waved back. I noticed there were five clerics and four carts. I recognized Joseph and Jacob straight away. I greeted them and shook their hands, before I was introduced to their brethren. “Bene-Timber, let me introduce Baruch, Cyrus and Manahem.” Joseph then continued, “Cyrus, Baruch, Manahem, this is the hero Bene-Timber.” And we also shook hands. “Bene”, Joseph continued, we are just sorting out how we will break down the duties to visit the Hamlets. Our Lord and Master Thomas Quintus has decided that my sight is a grave problem and I must be helped. He wishes to send me to Pine Mill to live rather than travel back and forth each day. He is worried about me on this road. If I live in Pine Mill I can serve my flock but someone else should still need to make the trip every day. It is our way. But it will take some time to arrange for my lodging so until then I must make the trip and Manahem will go with me. He is new to our order and I am to guide him in The Rule while he guides me on the path. Where do you plan to go today?” I replied, “I would like to go to Wool Corner today. Who is headed that way?” Cyrus spoke, “I am going that way. They are my flock. I hope you will join us.” I said, “It would be my pleasure. Joseph, could you do me a favor? I need a fine wood carved bowl about this size from Pine Mill. Could you bring me one today?” Joseph answered, “Surely. And what does a bard need with a wooden bowl?” I replied, “Oh, it is for Cottern. I was supposed to bring him one the other day and forgot all about it. How much will they want for it?” Joseph replied, “If it were for you, I could get it for free. But for Cottern I would ask five coppers.” And I fished in my pouch and produced five coppers and handed them to Joseph. “Thank you very much. It is a cost of doing business for folk like me.” And we said our farewells and set off in our different directions.
As we started walking to the east gate, I remembered I should speak to Ben. I asked that Cyrus go ahead and I would catch up. So Cyrus led Fiorina down the road to the east. I turned and poked my head into the stable and heard Ben working in the back. I walked to the back and found Ben attending to my horse. I said, “Good morning, my friend.” And he turned and replied, “Good morning, my lord.” And he bowed his head to me. “I was going to head up to Wool Corner today. I realized my horse has been cooped up here for two full days and I figured he needed a good exercise. Let’s get him ready for a little trip.” And Ben bowed and replied, “Very good my lord.” Ben said I’ll have him saddled and ready in only a moment, and I remembered my saddle bags were still up in my room. I said, “Thank you. Can you bring him over to the Hawk? I must fetch my saddlebags.” He replied, I’ll have to ask Peter to walk him over. I must stay here and attend to other things. I turned and walked out to get my bags. Ben called out, “Peter, I have a task for you.”
I hurried over to the Hawk and went upstairs after waving at Christina as I entered the room. I ascended the stairs quickly and went to my room. I unlocked and opened the door to check my string and then pushed the door open fully. I grabbed my saddlebags, spun around and locked the door on my way back out. I took my time on the stairs and crossed the floor of the tavern. I put my hat on as I stepped out into the street. There was Peter waiting with my horse just as I asked. I thanked him and placed the saddlebags on the horse before mounting up. Peter waved and I turned the horse to head to the east gate.
As we approached the east gate many folks were moving out into the street to begin their day and they turned their faces to see who was riding a horse; the sound was both unmistakable and unusual. Seeing it was me, they waved and I waved in response. On the other side of the gate, I eased my horse into a trot to make up a little time and catch Cyrus. It wasn’t long before we had them in sight.
“Ho”, I said as I eased my horse back to a walk and I leaned forward a little and patted him on the neck. Cyrus looked over and said, “My that is a beautify horse.” I replied, “Yes, he is. Andante picked him out for me.” “Ah”, Cyrus responded, “Andante is a wise man and a good friend. How long have you known Andante?” I replied, “Only about a month. He was, or rather I was assigned to him as I was completing my training from the service school. He said he couldn’t join me right away saying he would follow along in a few days. He said I should make it as far as Stonebridge and wait for him.” Cyrus didn’t say anything right away.
We continued on as the road turned north-west and the land began to rise and fall a bit. We began to pass livestock farms, mostly sheep and goats. There were also many chickens, ducks, a few cows and horses. It was well past the early spring for planting and the children were out playing around the homes after the dreary day before. When they saw us coming, they usually stopped and stared. It is apparent that they are quite familiar with the routine of the clerics. Many men and women came out to wave at Cyrus and for those close enough to see it was clear they considered me a novelty in the area. For those further from the road it was probably because I was riding my horse on this road most accustomed to foot traffic. And when I got closer I could see they noticed I was a half-elf, although they may have thought I was a full elf and not familiar with the differences. Many of the adults were pointing at me and pointing at their ears when they turned to speak to their companions. Having grown up in a relatively cosmopolitan community, Tahgrum, composed of humans, elves and half-elves, on an important road to the elvish lands in Allenhalvania where many folks traveled to the elven lands and beyond, we saw many races other than those of our community; dwarves, halflings, an occasional half-orc, teifling or even a dragonborn. I played or sang to most of the children and they waved and laughed.
I noticed this road was well built and maintained unlike the road to Pine Mill. I asked Cyrus about it. “Oh, this is the army road”, he said. “Most of the soldiers that come to Stonebridge leave on this road. They continue past Wool Corner so far the people of Wool Corner don’t know where they go from there. We believe they are going somewhere to fight in a war against orcs but some folk say they face a fate more terrible than that. Because troops regularly use this road we don’t see as much banditry or other mischief out here. It is very good that we don’t because these animals are very important. Animals are a very attractive target to bandits and thieves, but also to any number of predators including some fearsome monsters. There was another feature on this road I had never seen before. Every mile or two there was a raised spot with a wooden barrel. It looked to me like water was being collected for travelers on this road. So I asked Cyrus about them.
“Yes”, he replied, “Those are water barrels for the army. They are set every league up to and beyond Wool Corner.” I wondered, “But how many men can draw water from a barrel at the average rate of rainfall here?” “Oh”, Cyrus replied, “They have a magic piece that cast a spell on the barrels. The piece can fill every barrel as the army passes. The army knows which group stops for water at each barrel and the rest of the army keeps marching and the men join in again at the rear of the column. They have special stops for the animals drawing carts and wagons and others for cavalry.” “So”, I asked, “You can tell where we are by looking at the barrels, I guess?” “As a matter of fact I can, as well as by looking at the fences or the homes.” He replied. “I have walked this stretch enough that I wonder if my feet can tell by the stiffness of the roadway beneath them. I know Fiorina would walk to the town without me after we left the town gate.
“What are you taking to them in this cart, anyway?” I asked. “Well”, he replied, “I’m sure you know why the hamlet has its name. The governor organized our communities for efficiency so the work could be done where the raw materials exist. After the sheep are shorn, for the shepherds know when it is time to do this, the wool is brought to a central facility where it is conditioned. After it is conditioned it is spun into thread. Next it is woven into fabric and the talented weavers of Wool Corner can make three grades of fabric from the wool threads. Once the fabric is woven it is colored is a wash. After that it is folded into bundles and prepared for storage before it is shipped to Stonebridge and beyond. I am bringing dyes to Wool Corner today along with some special packages for my friends here. I also carry my own provisions and my mace in the cart. The walk is long enough without carrying all that extra weight and Fiorina was born for pulling carts.”
“The wool shipments”, he continued, “Are brought back by the army carts. When the army comes out past Wool Corner, the carts often return. On the return trip, at the right time of year, they pick up the stored wool fabrics and bring them to Stonebridge. The system is very efficient and the governor should always be remembered for developing this method.” He looked up and saw a landmark and said, “We’ll be there in just a moment when we pass over that rise. I think you should begin playing. It will bring joy to their hearts to hear you play.” So I swung my lute around and began to play a joyous festival song.
As we crested the rise I could see from atop my horse a small village or hamlet with several small homes of white walls and thatch roofs. Children and chickens moved about in the sun around the homes. A few larger structures appeared to be businesses or, surprisingly, government buildings. Livestock could be seen in the hills around the village and gardens were plentiful among the homes but no crops. We were again in country dominated by men for the stone fences were straight, climbing the slopes and descending again with no regard to the presence of the hills. The fields appeared to be fairly uniform in size, I estimated about ten acres each. As we came closer I could see there were rocky ditches between the hills where the water collected and drained away, but nothing that appeared to be a steady stream or brook.
The village of Wool Corner was apparently prosperous for the buildings were in good condition. A low stone wall circled the village leaving much room for more structures within. The path we were on was well kept as the army road and it led to a gate on the near side of the village with a lone structure at the gate away from the village proper. Once again, the gate was built on the other side of a depression with a stone arch bridge leading into the settlement. Three members of the guard were in the road as we approached signaling for me to stop so they might have a word.
I stopped singing and playing as we stepped onto the bridge and the loud sound of the horse’s steps rang out. I pulled up short and the guard took hold of my horse’s reigns. I said, “Good morning my friends.” And I leaned forward in my saddle in the best motion of a bow I could manage before I continued. “My name is Bene-Timber, messenger and emissary to the Emperor, Alexander.” They just looked up at me. Knowing my credentials folder would be required of me, I dismounted slowly. I reached in my saddlebag and produced my credentials for the guard, who handed it to the better dressed guard behind him. I smiled and looked on. At this point, Cyrus had pulled up and stopped, and then said, “Giving you the once over, Bene?” And then turning to the guards he said, “Good morning, men. What do you think of our new Bard? He plays and sings well, you will see. He is a friend of Andante and has already attained the admiration of the townsfolk of Stonebridge, although I can’t tell you why. You will need to ask him.”
The leader walked past his subordinate and handed me my credentials folder and smiled to me and Cyrus. He first spoke to Cyrus saying, “Good morning. How was the road, Cyrus? Anything to report?” Cyrus replied, “No, nothing today. The sheep were all grazing happily in their fields and no soldiers have come to Stonebridge in days.” The soldier nodded his head and turned to me. “Good morning, Bene-Timber? You play the lute?” After an instant’s thought I rejected the idea to say something witty about my lute being used for cooking and replied, “Yes, I enjoy the lute and singing. Uh, sergeant …?” “My apologies, my lord”, he replied, “I am sergeant Slox, Edmund Slox. This is”, and he indicated to the soldier holding the reigns of my horse, “Timmino Bouch. That fellow is Howard Fletcher, the fourth son of a fletcher from another province. Your papers are in order so please proceed if you wish.” And he smiled and indicated to his me to give us way. I gave a slight nod and mounted my horse. Once aboard, I called down to him, “Where should I stable my horse, sergeant Slox?” And he said, “Ahead, on the left. You can’t miss it.” And I tipped my hat and urged my horse forward. As we cleared the immediate area of the guard house I pulled my lute around and began to play again.
Cyrus was behind me but I deliberately hesitated to allow him to take the lead. I wasn’t sure where he wanted to go with his cart. There were a few two-story buildings ahead. As we approached the closest of the village dwellings, I could see further down the road there was a prominent intersection of two roads with a large town circle and a well. There was a conspicuous planting of four trees at the well. All the other trees in the area grew around the low places between the hills, apparently where the water was abundant enough to support them. Cyrus looked up at me and said, “At the well we will turn right and I will set the cart to be unloaded. Then I will guide you to the stable. This is a major supply point for the armies that move through here. They have a granary, an armory, a weaponsmith, and a few warehouses. There is also another barracks here with soldiers enough to defend the granary. It also serves as an administrative office for the army commanders that lead the army to the west. If you have need of staying here, they can put you up in a room in the barracks, an officers private room.”
With that we turned right at the well and walked a few doors down to a large building on the left with two stories and a low porch covering the whole of the front of the building. There was nothing elegant about it; totally utilitarian. I estimated this was one of the warehouses Cyrus spoke about. A man came out the front door as we approached and I stopped playing. Cyrus stepped onto the porch and shook hands greeting the fellow, “Good morning, Unichai. This is our new Bard, Bene-Timber.” And again I leaned forward in my saddle and said, “Good morning. I am a loyal messenger to the Emperor on a tour of this lovely province. How fare you today, my friend?” And he waved toward me and said, “I’m well, thank you for asking.” And Cyrus continued, “We will leave Fiorina here and take his horse to the stable. We’ll be back in a moment. Please go ahead and unload.” And Unichai replied, “Sure thing, Cyrus.”
And Cyrus patted Fiorina a few times and turned to walk the other way down the road and I followed. As we walked a number of people poked their heads around the corner or through doorways and said hello to Cyrus. Many of the eyed me for several reasons, although they wouldn’t want to admit to all of them. I was with Cyrus, riding a horse, clearly a Bard and I was a half-elf, although I wasn’t sure if they knew a half-elf from a full elf. They just looked on knowing I wasn’t a man or halfling.
We arrived at the stable and I dismounted. A man in a dirty apron, a work shirt and brown work pants stepped out. Cyrus introduced me, “Bene-Timber, this is Howard Gault our stable-master. Howard, the is our new Bard, Bene-Timber.” I nodded and then extended my hand and he shook my hand giving me a good look over. Cyrus added, “Bene-Timber is with us to help Andante. You will want to come to our mid-day meal today to hear all about Bene-Timber.” And he replied, “Well now, I will, eh? My lord, what would you care for me to do with your horse.” I replied, “If you could please just have him unsaddled and watered, placed in the shade, he will be fine. We had a nice slow walk out here and I must get back early this evening to attend to some business. Thank you.” And Howard replied, “It will be done as you say, my lord.”
I turned to Cyrus, “Can you tell me about these buildings?” He replied, “Sure, we can walk about the village and I’ll point them out to you.” And we toured the village and he pointed out the barracks which was on the northwest corner as it was in Stonebridge. He pointed across the street from the barracks walking back saying this is an army warehouse, and this is the weaponsmith, and this is the armory, and behind that the two-story building is the granary. Next we have the home of the military commander, and next to that the home of the Magistrate’s Scribe, and next to that is our temple. Beyond the temple are several residences. On this street there are a few homes of the prominent community leaders including the mayor, the manager of our looms, the warehouse manager, you met Unichai, and our animal doctor. Across the street are the town craftsmen’s shops and the small goods shop. Behind those are their homes. And scattered about the perimeter of all this are the homes of many farmers that tend the herds and flocks around Wool Corner.” And as he finished we arrived back at the community warehouse where we left our cart. It was getting close to noon so I asked, “Where shall we be eating today?” Cyrus answered, “I thought we’d step into the tavern and enjoy a plate of mutton and have something that might LIFT our SPIRITS.” I responded with a grin, “Now you’re talking my language, Cyrus.” And so we stepped across the street into a doorway.
Many folks were inside already and there was a buzz when we entered. Cyrus said quietly to me, “Go play for them and I’ll get our lunch.” So I slid my lute around to my front and there was a cheer as I stepped over to the hearth. I removed my hat and bowed and the tavern became quiet. I said, “Good day one and all. I am Bene-Timber, messenger and traveler from the east. Our friend, Cyrus, has asked me to play for you …” <Cheer> “So, so … what shall it be?” And there were several songs called out and I raised my hand and said, “And so it shall be …” and I began to play and sing Lovers of Spring. The tavern quieted down and folks enjoyed their meals and grog and I took care to note the faces, and clothing and expressions and friends in the crowd while I played. It was an exercise we had to learn in diplomat training to speak (or sing) with all due sincerity while our minds were occupied on scanning the crowd. We performed this exercise many times for a grade at the school so that it became something like a game among the Bards to challenge one another to find the lady wearing the feather or some such thing. I played a second tune, Wild Rover, one of my favorites and sang before stopping to join Cyrus for the mid-day meal.
I sat down across from Cyrus and he was true to his promise. He had a plate and a mug waiting for me. He was sitting next to a man and talking about the weather when I sat down. “Bene”, he began to say to me, “allow me to introduce Red. Red is the manager of the townsfolk warehouse and looms of Wool Corner. Red, this is my friend Bene-Timber.” Red stood up and extended his hand so that I needed to stand up too. I took his hand and we shook hands before sitting down again. Nobody spoke so that I realized Red or Cyrus was waiting for me to speak first. “How did you get the name Red?” I asked. He responded, “Being in charge of the warehouse I can usually have any color fabric I wish for my clothes and I favor red so much everyone started calling me Red.” “So you have quite a variety of colors and fabrics here?” I asked. He said, “Oh yes, for the uniforms we get many different dyes. That allows us to make fabrics for the common folks of different colors too. There are many bits of fabric that are discarded in the uniform stalls and we make good use of it all.”
“I would like to ask a favor, Red. I would like to bring back to Stonebridge a few lengths of fabric for Isabell. She is a very sweet lady making a few shirts for me and I thought I would bring her some fabric back from Wool Corner. Do you know what she favors?” Cyrus spoke up saying, “Isabell, I think she favors a pale blue.” “What do you think her husband favors?” I asked. Cyrus answered again, “Renlamay, I believe he favors dark blue.” “Excellent”, I said, “I would have to believe you have those fabrics, do you not, Red?” “Of course”, he said, “And I will be happy to get some for you. I, uh”, and I cut him off, “No worry my friend. I would like a span of each color, no make that two spans. How much would that cost?” Red paused and said, “I believe that would be two silvers, my lord.” I fished in my purse and produced two silver coins and handed them to Red. “I must trouble you, Cyrus, to bring it back for me. I will need to ride quickly to return to Stonebridge on business this afternoon before it is late.” Cyrus replied, “Of course, Bene. I will take it to her unless you care to deliver it yourself.” And I responded, “Oh, that is a wonderful idea. I will swing by the chapel, er, temple and get it from you when you return and I will deliver it so I may see the both of them this evening. Thank you for that idea.” We continued eating, drinking and sharing small talk. I learned that Red had many relatives that cared for livestock in the area around Wool Corner. I learned that they had recently seen a rise in lost animals to the northeast of their town, which was odd because only a little further and you entered into the dwarven influenced lands. That almost had to be a result of wild animals, or bandits possibly, and not monsters. I made a note to speak with the Magistrate’s men and Andante about this.
As I finished my meal, I pulled out my credentials and withdrew the drawing I made of the amulet or pendent that Finlock was wearing. I showed it to Red and asked if he had seen an amulet like it before. He said, “You know, that looks familiar.” I pointed to the main jewel in the drawing and said, “There was a splendid pale blue jewel here and below, this fan area, was finished in gold, but these other bits were finished in silver. Does that help your memory?” He replied, “Y’know I think there was a fellow here thirty or forty days ago, but he was a dwarf not a half-elf like yourself, and he was wearing something much like that I believe. Let’s ask Jorden.” And Red signaled the barkeep who wiped his hands and walked over to talk to us. Red asked him, “Do you remember that dwarf that came though here about thirty or forty days ago?” And he said “Yes.” Red continued, “He was wearing some sort of pendent, remember? Do you think it looked kinda like this?” And he showed Jorden my sketch and Jorden said quickly, “Yes, I do remember that pendent. I was struck by the shape because it wasn’t the same on both sides from top to bottom, if you get what I’m saying. Jeweled things are always like that, the same every way around; but not this one.” I asked, “Can you tell me this dwarf’s name?” Jorden thought, “No I don’t think I can. We don’t write things down much here. He just showed me a map he had and asked how long it would take for him to walk to different places on the map from where we were in Wool Corner.” I responded, “I see. Was there any place on the map he wanted to talk about more than any others?” Jorden said, “No, I can’t say that I remember that. He did ask how long to get to Pine Mill if he went straight there. And then he asked if it would be quicker to take the road to Stonebridge and then to Pine Mill. Well I told him it’d be about the same either way. Then he asked if there was a place to get water if he went straight there passing the forest. I said, well not really. The only water in the forest area is at the ruins of the Druid Pack and that wasn’t on the edge of the forest, but deeper in. No, he’d have to carry water if he went that way.” I thanked him and folded my drawing and put it away, and then finished my pint.
After lunch I begged my leave and walked outside and down the street to the stables. I found my horse well cared for and had him saddled and made ready for the ride back. I got up on him and led him at a walk back to the southeast gate. On the other side of the bridge I eased him up to a cantor and we were back in Stonebridge well before the day was up. I eased my horse back to a walk before we entered the gate to Stonebridge and waved to the guards as I passed. We went straight to the stables, which was also very near the armorer. I dismounted and pulled a few things from my saddle bag before turning my horse back to Ben to be cared for in the stables.
I approached the armorer’s shop and gave a knock at the door, counted to two, and opened the door and stepped inside. Inside I found George futzing about with my leather armor. He looked up and got a smile on his face. “Good day, my lord.” He began, “I am glad to see you. I was eager to see you today so we could check the fit on your armor. What do you think?” I looked it over and it seemed better than I had hoped. The red bits were not too red to cause undue attention while still providing some visual interest. I wouldn’t be walking around looking like a peacock, but many people would stare at the colored bits and the shapes of the ornaments and lose themselves in thought while I was talking with them, possibly trying to get information. “Very nice indeed. You are a real artist.” He replied, “Well thank you my lord. Working on uniforms I don’t often have the opportunity to do ornamental work. I do fancy a challenge. Would you have a moment for a fitting?” I responded, “Of course. Should I leave my shirt on or take it off?” George said, “Oh, please leave it on my lord, since you wish to wear this armor to dinners, you would be wearing a shirt.” So we hoisted it up and over my shoulder and into place. I raised my left arm and he fastened the hooks and buckles before coming around for a look. I spread my arms and then placed my palms on my hips and said, “Well, how does it look to you, George?” He responded, “I think it looks fine sir. I wish I had a large glass for you, but I do have a small one.” He found a hand held mirror and handed it over to me. I looked myself over though the glass and handed it back to him with a nod and a smile.
He said, “I have used this armor to get the measurements for your studded armor. The first pieces are being dyed today by Gordon. Tomorrow I will begin measuring those pieces for their mating pieces so everything fits together well. Those pieces will be dyed the following day, and after that I can begin assembling the armor. It takes quite some time to assemble the pieces, but I could work later on that because once the pieces are measured sewing the bits together is just time consuming but not mentally taxing work.” I replied, with a slight bow, “Splendid, splendid, my friend. So I owe you five gold pieces today, correct?” “Oh, well yes sir, but the magistrate’s man said you shouldn’t pay for this.” I looked up into his face and raised my eyebrows saying, “You say the Magistrate sent a man over to say you shouldn’t be paid?” And he smiled and bowed his head, “Sorry, my lord, I must have said that wrong. He said he didn’t want You to pay me for the new armor. I believe the Magistrate will have it paid for from his resources. But I am still to receive the two gold pieces for the red bits of armor. They wish for you to remain responsible for that cost, my lord.” And I replied, “That will be no problem at all. Why with this gift from the governor I shall be in a better state when I leave Stonebridge than I thought. The tavern and the people of Stonebridge have been quite kind to me. Thank you, George.” And I extended my hand. “I must attend to other matters.” And we shook hands and I let myself out.
Out in the street I looked about and it appeared I would have time before the cloth arrived from Wool Corner. I decided I would look in on the adventurers I met the previous evening. I walked to the Adventurer’s Guild House across from the tavern, knocked, and stepped inside. It was bright and roomy in the foyer. There was a high desk inside to the right as I entered the door. The ceiling went up to the second floor just inside the doorway but there were stairs to a balcony and rooms beyond. A short fellow with a terrible scar and a missing eye was at the desk. He was not so old with dark brown hair which he didn’t keep well tended. He also needed a shave. He was wearing a white long sleeve shirt and garters on his sleeves as a clerk but nothing else about him suggested he was a clerk. This was a man comfortable in the outdoors, even the wild. I looked his way and he brightened up a little. I nodded in his direction and said, “Good day, my friend, I am Bene-Timber, musician and messenger, traveler from the east. Are you the proprietor of the Guild House?” And he responded in a deep voice, “Proprietor? No, my friend, I just work here. I was an adventurer for a short time until I git this”, and he pointed into his face indicating the scar and eye. He continued, “I was a little too eager to follow my prey in a cave and when I rounded a corner I was hit square in the face by an axe and knocked to the ground. I would be dead if my companions had not been following me so close. They killed the last three Bugbears in the cave and saved my life. Patched me up and we made it back here. The guild master had a talk with them and they set me up with this job since my days in the caves were done. They were good mates and wanted to make sure I was set for the good work we’d done together. But now there gone, went up north I hear, and I’m here, for good.” And he cast his eyes down. “Well”, I replied, “I’m sorry to hear of your misfortune, uh, I didn’t get your name?” And I extended my hand to him. He took my hand and replied, “Qonteygo, Qonteygo Scar Face now, they call me. It’s not a term of derision for the folk around here, but some respect for how I got the scar.” And I responded, “Well I am glad to make your acquaintance, Qonteygo. And where do you hail from? With a name like Qonteygo, I would figure you came from the islands.” And he answered, “Well, my family came here from the islands, yes. But that was my father, who brought us here. I was four years old. I grew up in Derlin, the fifth son of a fisherman. Our family had a small home and his fishing boat. That all went to my brother, so the other brothers had to become hands or find their own trade. I always enjoyed traveling on land. I was at home in the fields, in the trees, in the hills. So I wanted to become an adventurer. I love my family but I wasn’t going to become a hand on a ship and leave my destiny to others. And then the Fates gave me this”, and he placed his hand against the side of his face, “and the Guild Master gave me this.” He spread his arm indicating the foyer. I bowed my hear and shook it slightly before saying, “The last chapter has not been written in your story, Qonteygo, I know it. What was your specialty?” His eyes darted to the side and he said, “Oh, that. I was a sneaky son-of-a, er, sneaky member of the party, my lord. I was usually the one out in front of the party being extra quiet and listening, even smelling, to find the enemy. Why I can tell you stories about times when I was out front being quiet as a draft and one of my mates tripped in his armor making a terrible racket and we all froze. Usually we were well away from anyone hearing, but a couple times, well, those can really age you.” And I responded, “So you’re a bit of a Rogue, then? I can see we will become good friends. I have to sneak around a bit but I’m really no good at it”, <I lied> “and I would sure like to learn how its done by a professional. I bet you know all kinds of interesting stuff.” Qonteygo brightened up a bit. He waved his arm again indicating his surroundings, and said, “You see this? The Master let me display my equipment here in the foyer. This is all my stuff my mates let me keep. My sword, my armor, my bow, a few empty flasks. My tools are over there in that display case. I had to make the lock to keep others out of the case. I’ve made a small museum out of this room.” “That is splendid, and a very good idea. Would you come to the Hawk tonight and hear me play? I should like to tip a pint with you and hear more about your adventures.” And he smiled and said, “Why sure, my lord”, And I cut him off. “Please call me Bene. This MY Lord business won’t due for two friends. Come see me tonight. But I’m afraid I have an errand I must attend to right now. A party of adventurers came into Stonebridge later yesterday. They said they were staying here. I presume they are still unarmed and haven’t left the town yet, right?” Qonteygo nodded his head. “So they’re going to meet the Magistrate tonight?” He nodded again. “Do you know where I would find them?” He responded, “A couple of them are over at the Hawk I think. I’m not sure about the rest. They are very angry for being detained a day and left without their weapons.” I responded, “Yes, well that is the disposition of many adventurers. For their part, their aggression and impatience is part of the reason most adventurer’s take that path. I’m sure you recall the earliest days of living that life. But the Magistrate needs to know that when they come back from their adventures they know how to behave around common folk.” And he replied, “Well they don’t quite have enough time in the trade for that yet. They seem to act like it’s all ale and treasure and nobody better bother them or they’ll show ‘em how they treat a goblin.” I asked, “You think they’ll make it? Or are they too full of themselves?” He replied, “I wasn’t so full of myself when I got this axe. Right now, I think two or three of them won’t make it a year. The paladin, uh, Vallen, I think he’ll be fine if they don’t get him killed. Some of the others might do OK too.” I responded, “Well I want to go speak to them before they see the Magistrate or bad things might happen here, tonight.” And I saluted him and stepped back into the street.
I crossed the street and stepped into the Hawk, removed my hat, and scanned the room. Christina called out to me, “Bene, uh, my lord, you’re back a little early. Would you care for a tankard?” I looked her way, “Yes, thank you very much.” And I scanned the room and found Darvist and Vallen sitting together. I walked over to join them. “Good day friends. May I join you for a drink?” Vallen stood up and replied, “Yes, of course.” He extended his hand to me. As we shook hands he said, “My lord, Messenger is it? Please accept my apology for the behavior of my companion last evening. It was disgraceful that someone of your good humor and manners should be accused of theft, in public on top of that.” We both sat down. I replied, “Vallen, of course I accept your apology and I need no apology from the other fellows of your troupe. But that is something I wanted to discuss with you. I do hope you will not consider me too forward to discuss your affairs but I find most of you fellows to be good folk. I’ll get right to it.”
“Your party needs to either part ways, for some of you are not compatible, yes, I believe that is a good word for it, or, at the very least, you, Vallen, should take over serving as the spokesman for the party. I hate to press about your affairs. What do you think of that?” And he paused a moment, looked directly at me, glanced to Darvist, and then back to me before saying, “Well my lord, you are correct in all your points, and very diplomatic in your method of expressing it. I was just going to explore this subject with Darvist and now you’ve gone and laid it all on the table for us.” He turned to Darvist and said, “Darvist, do I need to explain why Bene-Timber offers Us such advice?” Darvist was surprised that he was now put on the spot to respond. He said, “I, uh, I don’t know. I thought Fordaire showed us he was the right man to hold the purse and speak for the party. I’m sorry too, my lord, for last night. You were such a pleasant fellow at the bar and then at our table you were almost as scary about us being banished as talking to an Ogre about what he’d like for dinner.”
Vallen took a drink and put it down, drew a breath and said, “Darvist, Bene-Timber is a trained diplomat, and as he said to us last night, a government official. He was doing his job by talking to us because he is responsible to know who is coming and going through the country. He needed to take our measure last night and using his diplomatic skill he exposed each of us for our character and flaws. He did that while most of us knew not what was even going on, such is his skill and training. He uses words as skillfully as I fight with the sword, you see. He created a situation that would cause a hot head, like our companion, to expose his weakness. After that, by measuring our reactions, each one of us, he was able to study our character as well. Anyway, I believe I need to be the party leader from here on forward. I regret that I appear to be asserting authority which is not mine, but if we are going to leave Stonebridge prepared to journey to Eros we must avoid a scene like the one that happened here last evening. If that were to happen at the dinner tonight, we would never see our weapons again, and that would only be one of our problems.” And with that he turned and nodded at me, then lifted his tankard and took another drink.
I looked at Darvist and said, “He speaks the truth. Fordaire thinks he has the charisma and intelligence to serve the troupe as the leader but he has neither the intelligence or wisdom for the task. He may enjoy some charisma but he doesn’t have the skill to represent you in court. I regret speaking in this way as to appear to spread rumors, but he also lacks the character to be a leader. He believed last night that he should be permitted to intimidate me regardless of the facts of the matter and that I should have handed over my coinage to him because he thought his position having his mates with him granted him the power to assert his will over me. He lacked the judgement to see it was I who had the power of all the local men behind me and he lacked the character to see it would immoral for him to just take my money through intimidation. Vallen is right, and your troupe needs to settle this matter before dinner tonight.” I took a drink from my tankard and waited.
Vallen spoke next. “Darvist and I are easily matched and I believe Gillfort and Jackwon are good folks too. I’m not too sure of Fordaire and I still don’t have a good read on Tucker. Both of them keep their background secret and they are not open to talking about things that happened before we met up. The rest of us have shared our history so that I know the names of your parents. But not those two, and that is a sign. Dravist, we should finish our drink and talk with everyone else.” With that I smiled and lifted my tankard and finished it. I said, “I must go attend to other business. I hope to see you again, tonight?” And with that I stood up. Vallen responded, “I hope so too, my lord. May I be so bold to call you Bene-Timber, my lord?” “Oh, please, call me Bene, except when we’re in court. I don’t know yet how the Magistrate feels about that.” He replied, “Very well, Bene, I know we’ll be in town for the night. There’s no reason we couldn’t come back here for a drink before we turn in.”
With that I stepped over to the bar and said good bye to Christine before heading outside. Once out in the street again I looked about and saw nothing out of the ordinary. The street was becoming busier, a sign that it was getting close to the end of the day. I walked over to the Temple to see if Cyrus had returned. On the way I waved and greeted many well-wishers. A small town like this gives one quick notoriety, for good or ill. I arrived at the temple and saw Cyrus and other outside with their carts. I walked over to Cyrus and asked about the fabric. He stepped behind his cart and retrieved the fabric; a nice dark blue and a soft pale blue as I had ordered. I thanked Cyrus, took the fabric and turned to walk to Renlamay’s home. Arriving there I knocked on the door and waited. I wanted to drop off the fabric and check on my order at the same time.
Isabell opened the door and smiled a broad smile. She stepped back and invited me inside. I stepped inside and she closed the door. She turned to face me and was looking at what I had in my arms. She asked, “What beautiful fabric, my lord. What would you have me make from this?” I responded with a smile, “I brought this to you as a gift. I had need to travel to Wool Corner and they said these were your favorite colors, so I brought enough that you could make a garment from each of them.” She smiled another broad smile and reached out her arms saying, “Oh, you did, my lord, for me? Thank you ever so much. This is beautiful fabric. I shall make something especially nice from it. Thank you, my lord.” And after a short pause she laid the cloth on a table and turned back to face me. I said, “I realize it has been only a day, but I was hoping you had good news about my clothes order.” She responded, “It has been the better part of two days my lord. I have finished one of your shirts and I may finish another before I go to sleep tonight. Let me show you, my lord.” And she picked up a shirt from her table and held it up for me to see. Then she asked if I would like to try it on just to make sure she got it just right. I was a little embarrassed because I did want to try it on. In my affairs my clothes often need to be perfect. But I had never dealt with a woman tailor before, and with this young woman I felt a little awkward. So I nodded and removed my outer garment and pulled the shirt on. It fit perfectly. She fussed over it a little, looking at it from many angles, and said with a smile, “My lord should take it at once.” I started to remove the shirt and said, “I shall wear it this evening. I believe I will be dining with the Magistrate again because he has new guests to speak to and I am the only Bard available to his lordship. I’ll wash off and put it on tonight.” After pulling on my other shirt I reached into my pouch and paid her a few coppers. Then I asked, “When shall the vests be available?” She responded, “If you like, I will have them ready after I finish these shirts.” I replied, “Yes, thank you.” She curtsied and I nodded to her. Next I turned toward the door and she quickly stepped over to open it for me. I smiled at her as I stepped through and she thanked me again for the fabric. And I stepped into the street carrying my new shirt.
Across the street there was a park. I had not the time to investigate the park and I wanted to enjoy a little time to walk. I was going to the mansion to see about being included on the guest list because of Vallen’s party, and I also needed to report I had learned something about the pendent. I figured a slow walk through the park might be a pleasant distraction. I noticed there were well kept gravel paths and the grass was also very well tended. I decided they wanted me to stay on the path so I did. The path took and angle toward my right, which was in the general direction of the mansion so I chose to follow that path. It led into a grove with smaller flowering trees around the edge and larger trees within. The trees were planted, not native, in neat rows and even spaces. As I walked along I noticed there was no one else walking in the park even though it was such a pleasant day in the planting season. I passed a stone statue of Alexander I, a likeness I was very familiar with. It was a fair piece, not as good as the ones I had seen in the capitol, but the likeness was still unmistakable. A few steps further and I came to a fountain. This was quite unusual. In the middle of the fountain was another statue, a bit larger, of Alexander III, the current Emperor. The likeness was again easy to see but also a little less quality than those found in the capitol. It was the fountain that I found intriguing. There were two guards at the edge of the path that led straight to the mansion. I pondered asking them about the fountain and decided I’d better ask someone inside the mansion. I nodded to them as I passed but they remained unmoving.
At the door of the mansion I again greeted the guards and then knocked. The heavy door opened and I stepped inside. I paused a moment for my eyes to adjust to the light and turned to the most senior guard in the atrium. “Pardon me, but who should I see about the guest list tonight with the Magistrate?” The guard responded, “I believe you should see the Steward, my lord.” And I answered, “Of course.” I was hoping not to see Cottern. After I spoke to him I would need to attempt to get an audience with the Magistrate and I didn’t want to go through Cottern for that, but it seemed I should so that nothing would appear unusual. So down the hall I went, still carrying my new shirt. I stepped into the outer office of the Steward and waved the scribe to remain seated. I asked, “May I go in to see the Steward?” He responded, “Well sir, if I don’t announce you …” I realized what he needed to tell me and I said, “Of course. Please announce me then.” The clerk stood and went to the door. He knocked three distinct knocks and then waited. He opened the door and poked his head inside. “Bene-Timber, my lord.” And the reply came, “Show him in.”
Inside I smiled at Cottern and stepped to his desk. He rose and we shook hands. I heard the door close behind me. I waited for him to take his seat. And he motioned for me to have a seat. I said, “I need only a moment. Would it be possible to have my name included on the guest list tonight?” He raised his eyebrows and replied, “You need not bother with another banquet, Bene. Wouldn’t you rather stay at the tavern and earn more coin?” I waved my hand like that was of little matter to me and replied, “I met the fellows that are coming to the banquet tonight, and I wanted to be on hand should anything from that encounter be important to Lord Ballinor.” He replied, “Oh, yes, I heard about that. So you want them thrown in jail a few days?” And he got a smile on his face. “I’m sure we could arrange that for you, Bene.” I replied, “Oh, I was hoping to make sure they didn’t get tossed unless they were to compound their error from last night. I guess I am a bit of a soft fellow for these things.” He responded, “A soft fellow? The man that killed eight bandits only two days earlier?” I said, “Well I only killed two myself, actually. Yes, I don’t want these new adventurers to have their careers ended so ignobly.” Cottern replied with a little bit of a frown, “Well, if you wish I will have your name added to the guest list. Please be here before six.” And I replied, “Thank you, very much, my friend. And I must also trouble you for I need to speak to the Magistrate before dinner as well. Could that be arranged?” His eyes widened a little, “The Magistrate? Before dinner? Why Bene, you’re a messenger. You want to bother the Magistrate before dinner?” I looked down trying to appear shy and said, “Well, yes, I would.” I looked up, “Could I see him before dinner, even now?” He looked at me with a surprised smile on his face, “If you must, go upstairs and see if the guard can help you. Bene, you’re a messenger. You can tell him tonight, whatever it is.” I smiled a big smile and said, “Oh, thank you, Cottern. I’ll see you tonight.” I turned to leave quickly to give the impression I was naively eager to have the Magistrate speak harshly to me for bothering him. I didn’t want ordinary folks to know the Magistrate trusted me so well. This would have both positive and negative consequences and I would ask Andante about it when I saw him.
Out the door I waved the scribe to keep his seat and he smiled as I stepped out into the corridor. I walked to the stairs and headed up. At the top of the stairs I walked to the room where I had found the Magistrate before. There was a guard at the door and I spoke to the guard. “I would like to see the Magistrate. May I go in?” The guard responded, “Please my lord, let me see if the Magistrate will see you.” The guard turned and knocked a distinct knock on the door. A voice called from inside bidding him to open the door. He did and poked his head inside, “Bene-Timber, my lord.” A booming voice, of Lord Martinex, came in reply, “Please show him in and close the door.” I stepped into the room and the door closed behind me. Lord Martinex and Lord Ballinor were waiting for me to speak. I bowed and Lord Ballinor said softly, “Bene, please step closer. No need for that.”
I stepped closer and said softly, “My lord, I wanted to report to you immediately before dinner that I have learned something more about the pendent. A fellow wearing a similar device came through Wool Corner recently, a few weeks ago perhaps. He was asking about journeying to Pine Mill and particularly about taking a direct route west to get there. He was advised to stick to the road and come through Stonebridge. Nobody I spoke with knew any more about him.” Lord Ballinor furrowed his brow but it was Lord Martinex to speak first. “Pine Mill? You should go there tomorrow and ask if they’ve seen anything like this as well. Having another of these pendants appear in our province and we don’t know what that is about, that is troubling. And one of them is being worn by our Wizard. Humph.” Lord Ballinor looked me in the eye and asked, “You want to say something Bene?” I replied, “Yes, my lord. I don’t think this is about Pine Mill but something between Pine Mill and Wool Corner. I think that is why this fellow asked about the trail between the two. Do you know what is along that path?” Lord Ballinor said, “There is nothing along that path. Half-way to Pine Mill you skirt along the edge of an old Druidic Wood. There is nothing in there until you reach the druids and they only tent to the trees. Why they’re still cleaning up some ruins just to have a place to sleep. Strange fellows, Druids. They don’t like settlements but most of them still like to sleep indoors.” I said, “Well, I will certainly make a trip tomorrow back to Pine Mill if it please your lordship?” Lord Martinex said, “Yes, Bene, please, go speak to the common folks in Pine Mill and see if they know this fellow.” I bowed.
Then I said to them, “My lords, I must trouble you to ask your advice. I am worried that if people in the mansion realize that I have access to you as I do, they may become curious about what we talk about. They will believe that my affairs are important to you, my lords. However, if they think you consider me a little bit of a nuisance they will think my affairs are trivial and they won’t be curious about them. However, if they believe I have your ear, they may tell me things in hopes I will share those things with you. So there are benefits to playing this either way. I do believe you will hear this other news one way or another. The information will only find its way to you through some other. Would your lordships wish to perpetuate a charade so that others take little interest in my investigations?” Lord Ballinor replied, “Bene, you are indeed a shroud investigator. Yes, let’s help keep your investigation quiet. What should you like us to do? Yell at you a bit when we open the door? Make them think you are a pest?” I replied, “Well something like that although a bit more subtle. Have Lord Martinex take me into the hallway and counsel me on my judgement for bothering your lordship. The news will get out quietly from the guard that overhears this, but it will be subtle enough that almost no one would think it was anything else.” And Lord Martinex said, “Oh Bene, you are really something. Why I am glad you are on our side. By the way, Andante should be here tomorrow evening or the following. We will say so again at the banquet tonight, but I wanted you to know as well.”
I said, “Oh there is one more thing. I have asked to come to the banquet tonight. I hope that isn’t presumptuous of me.” Lord Ballinor said, “Of course not, please feel free to join us when you like. We thought your duties required you among the commoners.” “I met the adventurers that are coming to see you. I suppose you heard about that.” Lord Ballinor replied, “Yes, we heard. I was planning on having a stern talk with this fellow, Fordane is it?” I replied, “Fordaire, my lord.” He continued, “Yes, Fordaire. He’s walking on thin ice with me.” I responded, “I think he and his partner, Tucker, may be trouble. The other fellows I believe are fine, and I think you will really like Vallen, a paladin like your lordships. I have since spoken to him and recommended he assume the duty as the spokesman for the party. If so you may wish to take special means to engage the others to get their measure.” Lord Ballinor said, “Very well, Bene, we’ll see to that. Thank you.” And I turned to look at Lord Martinex and said, “If your lordship is ready, I should leave now.” “Yes”, he said, “Let’s get on with it.” And we walked to the door.
At the door I held up my hand to have Lord Martinex pause and then I took hold of the doorknob and hurriedly opened the door and stepped into the hallway, my head bent as if I were both in a hurry to leave and worried. Lord Martinex followed closely behind. I stopped in the hallway and turned around with my head bent still. Lord Martinex closed the door and stepped a step closer to me. He said, “Bene-Timber, why couldn’t that wait till later? The Magistrate is Busy. He has much on his mind. Take these things to the Clerics or something. And not Lord Quintus. You need not bother him either. Goodness. I’m glad Andante will be here soon. Maybe he can talk to you. Excuse me.” And he turned and opened the door and went back inside. I turned and went back downstairs the way I came. I smiled a small smile. That was exactly what I wanted to develop the illusion.
Downstairs I headed down the corridor and on outside. Still carrying my new shirt I walked over to the Hawk so I could clean up for dinner. Inside the Hawk I said hello to Tony and headed upstairs. I checked the corridor and nothing was amiss. I unlocked my door and stepped inside my room leaving the door open. I tossed my new shirt onto my bed and began to remove my day clothes. Stripped down to shorts, I stood at the dresser and washed myself off. I sat down at the table and opened the book I borrowed to read about the history of the area. After a half-hour or so I was dry enough so I put my book back on the bedside table and dressed for dinner at the mansion.
Wearing good clean clothes and my new good shirt, I adjusted the pouches at my belt and my dagger and all to look my best. I picked up my credentials pouch and my instrument and walked into the hall to close my door. I secured the lock and turned to head downstairs. A short walk over to the mansion from the Green Hawk was pleasurable in the cool late afternoon early evening air. I was let into the mansion by one of the guards that recognized me and found myself in the atrium mingling with other dinner guests. I saw Lloyd the Herald and walked over to speak to him. He confirmed I was on the guest list and that I would be called in a little later, but a party of adventurers would be announced after I was inside. Next I could see the clerics were in attendance so I went to speak with them. Joseph was there and I started by asking him how he was doing. He replied that he was doing well and reminded me he had a carved wooden bowl for me. “Oh yes, I forgot. Thank you my friend.” I responded. And he said, “It is really nothing since I make the trip often.” And I asked him, “Who makes the trip tomorrow?” He replied, “Tomorrow, I believe it is Baruch that goes to Pine Mill.” And I asked, “And you will not go?” Joseph said, “Tomorrow I go to Grain Mill with Tang. Manahem will come with me.” I replied, “Oh, well I think I will visit a village tomorrow also. There are such warm and friendly people in this province. Excuse me.” And I bowed and stepped away to see Erick.
“Hail my lord, Erick. How fare you this beautiful planting season?” And Erick smiled and reached out his hand to me. We clasped hands and he said, “Good day to the man with the golden tongue. I hear you are charming almost everyone. But maybe last night you met your match? I heard of the disturbance in the Hawk. What say you of the event?” I responded quietly, “Well, not for a lack of trying, but one fellow in that party is a bit too full of himself and another fellow I will be keeping me eye on him too. Fordaire is the idiot who thought he could take advantage of me in the tavern and he has a friend with him, Tucker, a wizard, who has something to hide. So far he has succeeded but I haven’t given up trying. They are due tonight and I shall see if I can pop that secret pearl he is trying to hide from me.” Erick raised his eyebrows, “So, this may be an entertaining banquet after all. I’m really looking forward to this.” And there was a noise at the door and in stepped the visiting adventuring party. I picked up two glasses and handed one to Erick while I kept a close eye on them.
They were uncomfortable among the guests. They had no knowledge of such formal affairs and I had to suppress a feeling of superiority because of it. I watched them move to see what I might divine about their conversations about party leader that had occurred since I spoke with Vallen and Darvist. Fordaire was very quiet and isolated. I figured he had lost his position as leader and had nobody else here to talk to so he was keeping to himself. I said something to Erick about wood carvings just to appear engaged in conversation while I turned my attention to Vallen. He walked with confidence and was clearly more at home than any of the others. Darvist stayed with him. Vallen stepped over to speak to the Herald. Tucker was also standing alone and he was scanning the crowd carefully attempting to take the measure of some of the guests. As he brought his gaze in my direction I decided it was time to move in on him.
“Erick”, I said, “let me introduce you to an interesting fellow”, as I walked him over in that direction, “This is Tucker, or so he says that is what he is called. Tucker, this is Erick, an officer in the guard.” And Erick presented his hand and Tucker stepped back a half-step. Tucker regained his composure and extended his hand and they clasped. I went on, “I met Tucker last night at the Hawk. He favors a porter. I enjoy the ale, myself. How about you Erick?” He responded, “Me, oh I’m not much of a connoisseur of ales. I do enjoy mead, but it isn’t easy to find out this way.” “Mead”, I replied, “Why I’ve never tried it. Have you tried mead before, Tucker?” Tucker paused. It appeared he didn’t want to talk but understood he could not run away without being noticed by this officer for his ill manners. Tucker wanted anything other than to be noticed and in this crowded room. I had him just where I wanted him. He said, “No I haven’t tried it either, uh, uh, my lord.” I asked him, “What do you drink when you celebrate at your home? Where is your home, by the way, I don’t recall?” He stuttered a reply, “I, uh, I grew up in a town, uh, called Greyfield, uh, my lord.” “Greyfield?” I asked, “Greyfield is a town northwest of the capitol, if I recall, and you studied with a man that lived in a tower just to the east of Greyfield, which should put it close to the road to Allenhalvania.” I looked at Erick and asked, “Are you familiar with the road from the capitol to Allenhalvania? Is there a tower visible from that road?” Erick replied, “I am not familiar with a tower in that area, my friend.” Turning to Tucker he said, “What sort of tower are you speaking about? Is it a military outpost, a watch tower perhaps?” And Tucker got a rosy complexion being embarrassed. He said, “It was the tower of my mentor, a wizard.” And Erick understood I was trying to get the truth from Tucker so he pressed further. “And what sort of construction was this tower? Stone, I presume?” And Tucker replied very short, “Yes, my lord.” And Erick went on, “How high was this tower? Was it over four stories high?” And Tucker responded, “Y-yes, my lord.” Erick turned to me, “I have not traveled that road in some time but I don’t recall any stone tower visible from the road. A wizard’s tower in that area should be known to me for I studied in the capitol for a time. Geography of Confernos was a subject I was required to know. I wager there is no tower of that height along that road, or in that area. You are keeping something from us, and maybe from your friends as well, hmmm?” He looked away from Erick’s gaze and said “I believe my lord is having trouble with his memory for my mentor’s tower is certainly there. Clearly it has been some time since my lord traveled that way.” And he added for good measure to appear confident, “I should like to take you, uh, my lord, to see it sometime for it is an impressive structure.” And with that the herald tapped his great staff three time to invite the senior guests to begin the entrance. People began to move about to get in their place in line and Tucker used the commotion to slip away, he surely believed quite deftly away from his inquisitors.
I bowed to Erick and said, “We shall have to continue this some other time”, and as I raised my head and looked into Erick’s face, “Perhaps soon, my lord.” And I smiled at him as he turned to get into line himself. I knew I would be near the back of the line and near this party. I thought how I should undo them at the banquet.
The great doors opened and the senior guests were admitted with their ladies. After most of them were inside I looked about in a manner so as not to appear to look about and I noticed the whole party of visitors were in attendance and following just behind me in order of admittance. There were also two guests in front of me with their wives. The women were dressed in fine gowns with veils over their hair and down their shoulders as the current fashion. The men were dressed in courtly attire but bore no insignia I could see of a position. I wondered who these men were.
The doors closed and we waited outside. I turned to the nearer man, a fellow about five feet ten with pale skin but a well trimmed beard of dark strands matching his hair, wearing a fine green tunic and fine cloth pants, leather shoes not meant for travelling, and an over large ring on his left hand made of gold and a conspicuous gold necklace. I bowed and said, “I am Bene Timber, my lord, messenger and traveler from the east.” He smiled and bowed to me, but did not respond. I thought how strange he seemed.
The great door came open again and the herald said, “Randolph Exector, and the lady Gloria; Horatio Ballinor, and lady Mary, peers of his majesty, Lord Vanderbilt.” As they entered, everyone stood up and there was quiet as they walked in; their footsteps echoing in the large room. And the great door closed again. I was now standing alone with the adventurers behind me. I checked my clothes to make sure everything was smoothed out, tugging here and there to avoid any wrinkles.
After a longer delay the great door opened again and the herald said, “Bene Timber, Messenger and Emissary to the Emperor, his highness Emperor Alexander of Confernos.” Everyone not already facing my way turned to face the door and watch as I entered. I was self conscious and relieved that I had checked my clothes carefully. I stepped forward carrying my hat in my left hand and my lute slung over my back, slowly, and looked for some indication where I was supposed to sit. It appeared I would again sit in the spot I had been seated before, at the opposite end of the room from the Magistrate. I smiled a broad smile and nodded to a few of the guests I was better acquainted with and trying my best to appear at ease in such company. I noticed something surprising as I strode forth. The guests ahead of me were seated at the head table, an unusual or at least unexpected event. They must be very well connected to be so honored. I also noticed the room was arranged with many more seats and a stretch of seat along the table to my right were still vacant where I guessed the troupe, as they called themselves, would be seated. The head table still had two vacant seats, for the Magistrate and his wife of course. But there was also a vacant seat to the left of Thomas Quintus, between himself and his group of brothers. Everyone I expected was accounted for including Cottern and Finlock. Who is the mystery guest? I began to wonder if it were Vallen since he had connections in the government, although he didn’t wish to discuss that with me.
I arrived at my seat and an attendant approached and took my lute, hat and credentials, turned and waited along the wall. Lord Martinex smiled and indicated with his hand I should have a seat. As I reached out to pull my chair aside a servant quickly stepped up and pulled it out for me. More intrigue, for this level of ceremony was not evident on my previous two dinners in Stonebridge. These mystery guests must be better connected that I would have imagined. I sat and the servant adjusted my chair to help me be comfortable, then quickly stepped to the wall. There was a pause.
Lord Exector broke the silence. “Bene Timber, we hear you are a local hero. Would you please share an account of your adventure with us. We have only recently arrived in Stonebridge and have been told you acquitted yourself admirably.” I started to rise but Lord Martinex made a subtle hand gesture indicating that was not necessary. I was confused because only a moment ago we were at high ceremony and now Lord Martinex is indicating I should relax. I started with, “Pardon my lord.” And I reached for my water goblet and had a drink, replaced it and began my story. At the end I finished with “And I learned not to fret over my dirty clothes for Lord Quintus was most accommodating in having them mended for me.” And with that I smiled and made a small nod to Lord Quintus. And the new visitors all smiled broadly at me and nodded to each other and said things softly to one another indicating they admired my handling of the situation and enjoyed the manner in which I recounted the story.
And then the herald brought down his staff three times, [clomp, clomp, clomp] and said, “Lords, ladies and gentlemen, His Lordship the Governor of Stonebridge, Magistrate Ballinor, the lady Jullianne, and Peer of the Governor, Andante, Ambassador and Emissary of his highness Emperor Alexander of Confernos.” And everyone stood up and remained silent not turning to see the Magistrate’s entrance but facing forward. From my position I could see clearly the approach of the three of them, and two soldiers, one carrying a great shield and the other carrying nothing, and Andante, caught my eye wearing a broad smile. He strode in as a bard, making a little flourish of the parade, but also maintaining the decorum required, walking behind Lord Ballinor and his wife. Upon reaching his seat, an attendant pulled the chair for lady Jullianne and the other ladies present and also for the governor. The governor handed a great sword to the soldier carrying nothing and sat down. The ladies sat down. The head table sat down. The other guests sat down. The two soldiers went and stood along the wall behind Lord Ballinor, one holding the shield and the other holding the great sword. I noticed two other soldiers similarly positioned behind Lord Martinex.
There was a moment of silence when Lord Ballinor nodded greetings to a few of the guests with a smile. He cleared his throat and said, “Friends, we have been notified by the Lord Chamberlain that we are to recognize one of our own for his diligent actions in service to Stonebridge and the Empire. On this happy occasion I wish to give the honor of presiding over this ceremony to my long time friend, Andante. Andante, please proceed with your duty.” And with this mysterious prologue, Andante stood up and paused. An attendant came to pull his chair for him and Andante stepped clear of the table and into the center of the room. He looked at me and said, “Bene Timber, would you please step forward.” And everyone turned their heads and looked at me. I was struck for a moment and then I jerked my head to one side and saw many of the guests were smiling. An attendant quickly stepped forward to pull my chair for me and I stood as confidently as I could with everyone watching. I stepped back and walked to the center of the room and stood two steps before Andante. Andante stepped over and Cottern handed him something. He returned to the center of the room and unrolled a scroll and cleared his throat.
“Be it hearby know throughout Confernos that his loyal servant Bene Timber, member of the diplomatic corps, bard, messenger and emissary, has been recognized by Emperor Alexander of Confernos, Defender of the faithful, son of his highness Alexander II, Vanquisher of the Orcs, and third grandson of his highness Emperor Alexander I, Conqueror of the Andorean Plains, for distinguished service in the province of Stonebridge on the 47 Planting, in the year 221, given after sworn testimony from Lord Ballinor, Magistrate of Stonebridge, of great deeds in single combat defeating the bandit master on the road to Pine Mill. Given under the seal and by solemn oath of Lord Richard Cranmer, Imperial Chamberlain of Emperor Alexander III.” He stopped reading, rolled the scroll carefully and handed it to me. Then he twisted to retrieve something from a pouch at his belt. He began again, “Bene Timber, Emissary for the Emperor, is hearby allowed to wear the single gold rope for his service, having served the Emperor in the best traditions of the diplomatic corps, with his thanks, the thanks of the Lord Chamberlain, and”, he paused, “the thanks of his many close friends here today in Stonebridge.” And with that everyone stood, except the ladies, and applauded as Andante released his hand to show a gold chain not as wide as my smallest finger which hung down quite a way from his grasp. With the applause still going he indicated I should take a knee, and so doing, he placed the gold chain over my head to hang across my chest from my right shoulder. He reached down to take my hand and helped me to my feet before shaking it vigorously. I stood there with a bewildered smile on my face and the heat of blushing in my cheeks. The applause died down and everyone took their seat again. Andante handed me a new leaflet for my credentials folder. I looked it over. It seemed I was also promoted a level in the service, for I was no longer “messenger and emissary” but simply “emissary”. That didn’t mean I wasn’t still a messenger, but the subtle difference in title would be noted by all government officials and I might receive a tiny bit more notice for it. Andante slapped me on the shoulder and said Cottern would help me get my folder straight after dinner. He indicated we should return to our seats.
An attendant with my credentials folder, lute and hat approached and took the leaflet and scroll while the other attendant held my chair. All that being over, Cottern turned and nodded to the herald, who banged his staff again [clomp, clomp, clomp] saying, “Lords, ladies and gentlemen, I present the party called The Troupe, including Vallen, Dravist, Gillfort, Jackwon, Tucker and Fordaire.” The great doors opened and in stepped the adventurers. Vallen was at the head of the group walking in with his head held high and eyes straight ahead. The next two walked in behind him but were turning their heads this way and that to take it all in. Jackwon was behind them and not looking about much but simply following them to their seats. Tucker and Fordaire brought up the rear and they were walking in alternating looking around and looking at the floor in front of them. It was clear that Vallen understood the ceremonial requirements of the event and the others did not. Jackwon didn’t seem to know or even care, but at least he had found a normal cloth shirt to wear over his muscled torso. They arrived at their chairs and attendants helped them to be seated. Vallen had taken care to present himself in his best attire. The Governor greeted them asking if they had been comfortable for the day. Vallen spoke first saying, “The people of Stonebridge have been hospitable, my lord, and I regret we have forgotten our manners in a moment of weakness. We understand our responsibilities in the community as visitors and guests and beg your lordship’s forgiveness for our momentary lapse.” And with that Jackwoon turned to Vallen and said, “We what? Beg your lordship’s forgiveness? Why it was that asssss-sociate”, he caught himself just in time, “Fordaire …” And Vallen raised his hand slightly indicating Jackwon should remain quiet. Vallen turned to face the governor, bowed his head slightly and said, “My lord.” It was apparent Fordaire was going to join in the protest and Tucker likewise was ill at ease, but both of them thought better of it in the moment.
Lord Ballinor spoke. “I heard of the incident last evening in the Green Hawk.” Some of them shot a glance at me. “No”, Lord Ballinor continued, “Bene Timber did not come running to tell the tale even if you did assault him. You are quite a lucky Troupe. Our Emissary friend is quite capable of handling the whole group of you with the help of his friends in the tavern. If he had elected to return your manners in kind I believe three or four of you would be in jail still, and the others would not bother anyone again. No, the sordid tale came to me from other lips. This is my Province. I have eyes and ears all over. My people are happy people and they wish it to remain so. And here we are at dinner. You know what hangs in the balance. You will leave Stonebridge with your weapons, or you may not. You may be inhibited carrying weapons or you may not. As Governor it is my will. So what should my will be? I’ll think it over while we enjoy our dinner.” And with that a group of servants stepped into the room carrying any number of platters and trays of food. One better dressed servant stood and announced, “This evening’s meal will consist of beef steak, potatoes, butter and spices, mushrooms, beans, bread with peach preserves.” And the parade of servants and trays continued. The room broke into local small talk.
As everyone was being served I took turns glancing at the Troupe and Andante. Andante made some small talk with Lord Quintus but I could see he was concentrating on the members of the Troupe. I likewise tried to observe them carefully. I didn’t know what I expected to see but I was attentive to it nonetheless. I also shot a glance at Finlock. He seemed to be engaged in conversation and not interested in our new guests. I turned to look back at the party but grabbed my knife and twisted it in my fingers just so I could see the reflection of Finlock in the blade, and I caught him shooting a glance at me.
Well into the meal Lord Martinex said something to the Magistrate and he returned to talking with the party. “Vallen.” Vallen put down his bite and replied, “Yes, my lord?” The Magistrate said, “You studied with the college in the capitol?” He replied, “Yes, my lord.” The Magistrate continued, “How is Lord Graybeal? Is he still in charge of fencing and swordplay?” Vallen replied, “My lord? Lord Graybeal teaches battlefield tactics and leadership. I was unaware he taught swordsmanship.” Lord Ballinor asked, “Who is teaching swordsmanship then?” Vallen replied, “Lord Tascaria teaches swordsmanship, my lord.” “And what is your strongest subject, Vallen?” He replied, “I should not wish to boast but I believe single combat is one of my strengths, my lord.” And Lord Ballinor asked, “And what is your weakest subject from the college?” Vallen responded, “I’m sure it is Heraldry, my lord. I have some difficulty distinguishing colors I am told. Apparently Blue is notably distinct from Green, but I can’t see it, the distinction, my lord.” Lord Ballinor then got to the question he wanted to ask. “And what of these fellows you have joined with?”
The room got much quieter. Even the sound of eating utensils touching pottery seemed to cease. Vallen started to speak but the Magistrate held up his hand. Lord Ballinor said, “Dravist, I hear you are a friendly fellow. Where are you from?” And Dravist responded, “I am from Derlin, my lord.” And Lord Ballinor said, “Are you now?” while he turned his head to face Lord Martinex. Lord Martinex was next to speak. “What is your family about in Derlin?” And Dravist replied, “They are shipbuilders, my lord.” And Lord Martinex continued, “There are many immigrants in Derlin. How long has your family lived there?” And Dravist replied, “My father and his brother came to Derlin from across the water, my lord.” Lord Martinex turned his head to face Lord Quintus who spoke next. “I should like to see your credentials please. All of you, if you don’t mind.” And there was some shifting in their seats. Vallen quickly produced his folder, as did Gillfort and Tucker. Fordaire found his and then Dravist. Jackwon was embarrassed because he did not have his folder with him. When this became evident, Vallen stood up and bowed, saying, “I beg the pardon of your lordship, and Magistrate Ballinor. My travelling companion, Jackwon, forgot to bring his folder. It is not a custom in his birthplace to carry folders. They have a tradition of wearing tattoos that replaces the need for carrying folders.” And he stood erect and waited. Lord Ballinor waved his hand saying, “Please be seated, Vallen.”
A servant collected the folders and walked them around to Lord Quintus. Lord Martinex turned to speak to Jackwon. “Where are you from, young man?” Jackwon started to stand and Lord Martinex indicated with his hand, subtly, that he could remain seated, but he stood anyway. I believe he wanted to display his large frame to emphasize his intended reply. He said, “I am Jackwon, Barbarian and adventurer from Tigropen, a village north of the capitol not far from the Druidic grove we call Sprickel-Jove, but you call it Hollibliss. I am the oldest son of Jinkone, who is chief, after the recent death of my grandfather, Pontill. I have left my tribal village because as the chief’s son I can earn the right to be his successor by valiant deeds, which I must complete in the next five years. If I do not, my father’s brother is named successor, and his oldest son and my younger brother must compete for succession. It would be a tragedy to see such chaos of succession embroil my tribal village. For this reason and because stability among my people is of interest to the rulers of Confernos, I have been given “credentials” as you call them, to adventure for five years and then return to my village.” And Jackwon stood still and gazed at the men at the head table with no humility but only a little arrogance. Lord Quintus broke the tension saying, “Thank you, Jackwon. Please take your seat.” And Jackwon got a thin smile on his face believing he had made his point about what he considered to be silliness of this affair.
Thomas Quintus handed two folders to Andante and held up the other three in his hand. A servant came and took the folders from Lord Quintus and walked them back over to the adventurers. Andante quickly looked over the other folders and handed them to Thomas Quintus, who in turn passed them to Lord Ballinor. The two folders appeared to belong to Tucker and Fordaire. Andante spoke up saying, “My lord, I should like to lighten the mood for everyone so they may enjoy their evening and your hospitality even more. If I may?” And Lord Ballinor replied, “Of course. I’m sure we should all be glad for the entertainment. Please play softly.” And an attendant stepped forward and helped Andante from his chair. Another brought his lute. He slung the lute over his shoulder and began to check the tuning and I grinned remembering the “Boing-boing-boing” song of the merchants. Andante stepped to the back corner of the room near the Herald somewhat to the left and behind the adventurers. And as Andante began to play I noticed the song he played was a special lesson from the college. It is an elaborate finger picking song they taught us.
Lord Ballinor handed the credentials folders to Lord Martinex. Lord Ballinor spoke up, “Tell me Tucker, where are you from?” Tucker responded softly, “I am from a town north of the capitol, my lord.” Lord Ballinor responded with a note of irritation in his voice, “Yes, which town, Tucker?” Tucker could not help himself and shot a glance back at the Governor saying, “Greyfield. Greyfield, my lord, is my town that I am from.” At this, Finlock interjected, “And you studied wizardry? From whom?” Tucker turned to look at Finlock and noticed surely he was also a wizard. Tucker replied, “I studied under Torimar Ugechee, my friend.” Finlock nodded indicating he was acquainted with the man. Lord Ballinor turned to Finlock and asked, “What do you know of this man, this wizard?” Finlock replied, “I do not know much about him, my lord. I know he does not practice Necromancy and finds it quite distasteful.” Lord Ballinor continued, “Is that all? How deep is he into wizardry? How long has he been practicing?” Finlock replied, “My lord, I do not know how long, but for many years more than I myself.” Andante changed his tempo and then picked up the pace again. It was a signal. Then Andante said, “Tucker, do you know how long this fellow, Torimar Ugechee, has been practicing wizardry, to the nearest year? If you were to guess, how many years has he been practicing?” Tucker replied, “My lord, I believe it would be thirty years or more … “ and he began to cough. He stopped and took a sip from his water goblet. Lord Martinex understood what Andante was up to so he added, “How many more than thirty years, Tucker?” And Tucker became red in the face. He replied, “It may be even as much as fifty years … “ and he began to cough again. It stopped and he took another drink from his goblet. He took a breath and said clearly, “I believe he has been practicing for”, and he paused as if counting in his head something, “Sixty four years, my lords.”
I wiped my knife clean and turned it to show me Finlock’s face. I reached for my water goblet and took a sip and then my wine goblet and took a sip. I placed it on the table at my left hand. This was also a signal I believed only Andante would know indicating my attention was directed at someone in particular to my left, which was Finlock. Andante would know to look at the knife in my hand and understand I was looking at Finlock. It also indicated to Andante that I was engaged in my duty to observe carefully this questioning. He never stopped picking his lute but nodded ever so slightly indicating he noticed my signal.
Lord Martinex spoke up, “Sixty Four years. Well that is quite a bit more than thirty, isn’t it Tucker?” Tucker knew he had been caught trying to evade the questions but he didn’t understand how. It never occurred to him Andante was up to something and a master of interrogation. Tucker replied, “Yes, my lord. It is.” Lord Martinex followed up, “Sixty four years. So that makes him Eighty; eighty four, more?” Tucker replied, “Yes, my lord.” And at this point Lord Martinex was tired of playing cat and mouse with him. He banged his fist on the table and said, “Yes, my lord, what? Is he eighty-four?” Tucker looked like he wanted to run away but he knew he couldn’t. As a matter of fact, all the ladies and the gentlemen and even a couple others not accustomed to adversarial questioning were uneasy, but because they had been through this over dinner before they did a good job of not noticing or showing their individual discomfort. Tucker said, “I believe he is going to turn eighty-five before the harvest, my lord.”
Lord Ballinor spoke next. “Fordaire, what is your profession?” Fordaire also didn’t know what was happening but recognized this was no time to pick nits with the Governor. He responded, “I am a Rogue, my lord.” And the Lord continued, “And where do you hail from?” Fordaire paused and then said, “I am from the Coral Islands, my lord.” Andante nodded and continued in tempo playing his lute. This caused Dravist to look over at Fordaire. Apparently the Coral Islands held some significance to Dravist who grew up in a seafaring family. Lord Ballinor asked, “The Coral Islands? When did you come to Confernos?” Fordaire replied, “I came here five years ago, my lord.” And now Tucker turned his head to face him also. Lord Ballinor then asked, “Where did you get your credentials folder, Fordaire?” And Fordaire replied knowing he was about to be in big trouble. “I got that folder from a fellow in the capitol.”
At this point Lord Ballinor had heard enough for now. He turned his head and nodded to Lord Martinex. Lord Martinex turned his head and nodded to one of the officers seated at the table, Erick. Erick stood up and drew his sword. He nodded to a sergeant who waved his hand to two other soldiers. Erick said, “Fordaire, you are under arrest.” And Fordaire hung his head. There was a gasp from many in attendance and I continued to look at my knife reflecting the image of Finlock. Andante walked over to another part of the room to stand clear of the party in case there was a sudden move by someone. Fordaire stood up slowly. He stepped back from his chair. The two guards stepped over to him. Lord Martinex added, “Tucker, you are also under arrest.” Tucker’s head snapped over to look at Lord Martinex. Erick waved a hand and two more soldiers stepped forward. Tucker opened his mouth preparing to protest but nothing came out. He clasped his throat and moved his mouth and again no noise come from his mouth. He looked around wildly. And I noticed Finlock pick up his water goblet and slowly drink from it. Tucker stood up and waved his arms. The soldiers stepped close to him and one reached out and took hold of an arm. The party member, Jackwon, next to him scooted his chair away from Tucker.
Meanwhile the first two soldiers were easing Fordaire to the door. The herald had moved away and two more soldiers at the door had opened it. More soldiers were coming up the stairs. The two were ushered out with soldiers and Erick following behind and the doors were closed. The herald resumed his post near the door. The two soldiers resumed their silent vigil on either side. Andante continued to pluck his lute and slowly made his way back to his seat. An attendant approached Jackwon to help him replace his chair where it should be at the table. In only a moment everything was calm and there was no indication of trouble except for two empty chairs. And I watched as Finlock put his goblet back on the table in the reflection of my knife while I twisted my chair a few degrees to my left to sit square to the table.
“Andante”, Lord Ballinor spoke first, “with such a rare treat having two bards with us, would you care to perform something for us, please?” Of course, even though Andante was a peer of Lord Ballinor, it wasn’t really a request. Andante smiled, turned his head my way and nodded. I stood up and an attendant came rushing forward to help me with my chair. The second attendant with my lute came forward a bit more deliberately and handed me my lute. I slung my lute over my shoulder and walked around the table to Andante. We tuned our instruments together and he said very quietly, “Wild Rover, I’ll play the lead and sing the harmony.” I turned and looked him in the eye with a slight nod and we stepped into the center of the room. He began playing and after a measure I played the lower notes on my lute. We played a few measures getting accustomed to the tempo together and I nodded again. I began singing the verse.
I’ve been a Wild Rover, for many a year
An’ I’ spent all me money on whiskey and beer.
And now I’m returning with gold in great store
And I’ll never will play the wild rover no more.
And Andante joined in harmony to sing the chorus …
And it’s no, nay, never
No, nay, never, no more
That I’ll play the Wild Rover
No, never, no more.
All the guests had already forgotten the unpleasantness of moments before and many were tapping the beat of the song with their hands or their toes. We sang all the verses and there was a great applause from the guests and smiles and grins on the faces of the soldiers and attendants who dared not applaud. And we sang a song of a happy farmer who talked to his horse as he plowed. And we sang a song of disreputable fellows including a drunkard so objectionable that the pigs dared not be seen with him in the muddy ditch. And after a few songs it was becoming late. I wanted to find somewhere private to talk to Andante so that I could fill him in on matters in the province and to hear what news he brought.
The Magistrate applauded and then held his hand up for us to pause. He said, “Lords and ladies, gentlemen please, it is late and I must need speak with some guests in private before I turn in. I thank you for attending the evening’s banquet. But we must conclude our meeting.” And with that everyone stood up except the ladies and the Magistrate. The Magistrate stood up with an attendant pulling his chair, and other attendants approached to help the ladies. The Magistrate stepped away from the table and two soldiers stepped forward to return swords to Lords Ballinor and Martinex. Replacing their swords, they escorted their wives from the banquet and the other guests of high station also escorted their wives from the banquet room following after Lord Ballinor. Thomas Quintus followed after them.
At this point guests began to speak to one another and Andante stepped over to speak softly to me. He said, “I’ll be over to the Green Hawk in a bit to see you. Go have a pint and enjoy yourself till I get there. Don’t worry about any of this. We’ll talk.” I nodded and turned to find my path out the door. I noticed the attendant with my hat, credentials and my scroll of commendation was looking expectantly at me. I walked in his direction but remembered I had to see Cottern about my credentials folder. I looked around and saw Cottern, not speaking to anyone. I caught his eye and nodded in his direction with a small smile. He brightened up and nodded in return. It appeared he understood my meaning.
I retrieved my things from the attendant. He was most congratulatory and I was sure everyone in town would know what happened before another day had passed. I patiently worked my way out of the banquet room receiving many guests and their wishes for good health and a long life. I replied, “I’m a half-elf. My life will be quite long as it is. But to have good health for a long life would be a dream come true.” And once out of the banquet room I made my way to Cottern’s office where he was waiting for me. Cottern was in an unusually good humor and I wondered on it.
“Here, Bene”, Cottern began as he stretched out his hand, “Let me fix that folder up for you.” He must have had plenty of practice with this task for he had the elaborate braid which held the spine together open and undone in only a moment. He pulled a page from my folder, placed it back in reversed, set the new page inside, and tapped out the whole stack nice and even. He squeezed the folder back together and threaded the braid back in and had it all laced up nice, neat and tight for me. I received it back into my hand and turned the spine to look carefully at it. I said, “My, you sure made short work of that. It better than new.” Cottern smiled at the flattery, shrugged, and said, “I’ve had a lot of practice. And Lord Ballinor wouldn’t have me do any less. His is a stickler for many things. This happens to be one of them I took to quickly.” I touched my folder to my head in a sort of salute to him and said, “Well thank you again. I’ll be off to the Hawk now.” And Cottern nodded in return with a smile. I turned and made my way outside.
Replacing my hat, I carried my scroll carefully back to the inn. As I reached the door a patron was opening it to leave. When he saw me, he stepped back holding the door open for me and called out, “Bene Timber, everyone.” And a cheer came from inside. I stepped through the door and the cheer rose another level. I couldn’t help but get a big grin on my face and I raised the brim of my hat. But I needed to get to my room so I could put some of my things away. Many of the visitors were tapping me on the shoulder and wishing me well as I passed by. Tony caught my eye and made a motion like he was playing the lute and he raised his eyebrows in supplication for me to come back quickly and play for the crowd. It looked like I was making a lot of money for Tony.
I reached the stairs and went up carefully so I didn’t drop anything. At the head of the stairs I checked the hallway and noted there had been some activity up there since I left that morning. In addition to the hallway being swept, there was a small rug in front of my door and the others. Did Tony have other guests of importance? Surely not the peers of the Governor. They would stay in the mansion. I opened my door slowly and looked inside. I stepped in and placed my armload on the bed. Then I reached for a match to light candles. I put my new things away carefully including my scroll and my fine braided gold “rope” they called it. I wondered about it. It was so fine that it was either crafted with magical help or by one of the finest craftsmen in the Empire. I locked my chest and grabbed my hat and tip bag to return to the tavern downstairs.
Downstairs I went to see Tony. “Tony, how are you tonight?” Tony smiled and said he was doing well. Then he added, “I’ll be doing even better in a minute when you begin playing. Did you know last night when you started playing everyone ordered another round of drinks so they could ask the maids to put the change in your purse? You did well but I did even better. If you stay in town long enough I’ll find out where you’re headed and have another tavern built in that town too. Imagine folks asking when they reach a town, ‘Does the Green Hawk host a tavern here?’ Oh Bene! Now you go play and I’ll have your ale over straight away.” I asked Tony, “What is going on upstairs with the carpets?” He replied, “Oh that. I just wanted to fix things up for you. I want you to hurry back to Stonebridge every time you have to head off.” I answered, “Well, thank you very much.” And I walked over to the hearth to play.
I placed my things on the Bard’s table including my tip bag, of course, pulled my lute from my back and checked the tuning. I began to play a finger picking melody and watched the crowd. Just as Tony said, drinks were quickly delivered to the tables and my tips began to fill. I transitioned from my finger picking melody to a happy strumming pattern and began singing one of my bright festival tunes. The drinks flowed and the patrons all sang along as they were becoming familiar with my favorite tunes. A short time after I began playing the four fellows from the troupe came into the Hawk. They sat near the door at a table together and ordered a round of drinks. They smiled at me and talked quietly while they enjoyed the other flavors beside beer. It appeared they had succeeded in getting their approval to carry weapons again and I suspected they were discussing what to do about the other two members of their party.
I decided I would take a break from playing the lute and asked for four good bread rolls from the maid. She brought them back on a wooden plate with butter and a knife. I put my lute down and picked up three of the rolls and said to the crowd, “Being a bard is great fun, but it isn’t all song and dance …” And with that I began to juggle the three rolls all the while sharing a litany of well-rehearsed jokes. Then I said that I was a bit hungry and as one of the rolls reached my right hand I took a bite and continued to juggle the rolls. And the roll became smaller and smaller. And when it was hardly any size at all I tossed it up, lifted the fourth roll and began juggling while catching the last bite in my mouth. And there was a great cheer. Then I tried some of my other juggling tricks, like tossing one roll over my shoulder, and when I grew tired of that I put the rolls back on the plate. I picked up my lute and played another tune before taking a break.
I picked up my empty tankard and my wooden plate of bread and butter and went to sit with the troupe and see what was on their mind. They saw me approach and Vallen stood up. I greeted him with a nod saying, “Vallen, what is the news?” I wanted to know about Fordaire and Tucker but didn’t wish to be such an obnoxious dolt to ask directly. Vallen held out his hand bidding me to have a seat with them. As I sat down, Priscilla stepped over and picked up my tankard and took it to the bar. I looked into Vallen’s face and could see he was still reflecting on the events of the banquet. I looked at the others and they seemed less worried.
Vallen said, “I fear Tucker and Fordaire are doomed, and I’m not sure what evil has condemned them.” I replied, “The problem is the extent to which they wished to avoid speaking truthfully to Lord Ballinor. In the days and weeks you knew them, you still learned things about them tonight they never shared before, correct? And you learned that some of the things they told you were not true. You should not spend too much of yourself on their account.” Priscilla returned with my drink and I took a roll and cut it open applying a generous spot of butter, before offering the rolls to my friends. Vallen took one and tore it in half. Then he also applied butter to his piece and took a bite. I sipped my drink and continued saying, “I don’t think they are undone yet. I just think the Governor was tired of playing a game with them. They obviously thought they owed nothing to the governor, not even the truth. But you know about rulers in Confernos. They most especially expect the truth and good order from everyone. I suspect your … former … friends will only be detained long enough to get the truth from them unless they have done something illegal, which I doubt since they were travelling in your company, or they are keeping a deep dark secret, or possibly they just remain arrogant and defiant. At some point the governor may tire of their arrogance, and if they are lucky he will have them taken to a higher authority for more questioning.” I didn’t want to share with him that I would know of their fate in the short term and in the long term fairly soon through my contacts.
Gillfort said, “I was astonished the lord just stopped everything and arrested them. He was just tired of asking them questions so he sent them to jail?” I turned and had another sip of my ale. “Gillfort, do you understand Fordaire is a criminal? When he said he ‘got his folder from a man in the capitol’ he meant he either obtained it through fraud, counterfeiting, or he simply stole it. Whether the poor man was conscious, unconscious or dead, we don’t know.” And Gillfort got a surprised expression on his face. He said, “You mean he … is some … kind of bandit, or burgerler … “ And I finished the sentence, “Or possibly worse.” And at this Jackwon spoke up, “I always found him to be hard to like. He was only nice when we were travelling. Between towns he needed us to mind things in the camp. But once we arrived in a settlement he seemed to take on another way. I was never afraid of him because I could have crushed him like a bug, but he wasn’t easy to get along with. I will always remember this in the future. If someone is a different person one day against another, I’ll suspect they can’t be trusted.”
Dravist was also troubled. “A murderer or at least a thief. And what about Tucker. You could see they were friends.” And I asked him, “What about Tucker? He said he studied wizardry in a tower to the east of his village. There is no tower to the east of Greyfield. Have any of you heard of Torimar Ugechee?” And they all shook their heads except Jackwon. He drained his tankard, stout I think, and tapped the tankard twice on the table top indicating he wanted another. He apparently didn’t care what happened to them or who they were.
“Jackwon”, I asked, “your village is where? Near Hollibliss or Sprickel-Jove? And you call it Tigropen? Is the situation in your village as contentious as you made it sound during dinner?” Jackwon turned and smiled a small smile to me. “It isn’t that bad because I will come back having great deeds to report and the question of succession will not up again until it is my son who has to earn his rights. I have killed a bugbear already and I have his tusks. More trophies will hang from the wall in my lodge and I will be the chief.”
I turned back to Vallen. “You’re worried for Tucker and Fordaire. I don’t think you should dwell so on them. They are receiving their just rewards. They need only realize the governor is not playing a game with them.” And Vallen replied, “I would like to explain it to them. They were in my charge.” And I replied, “Well only technically. They are their own men. They deceived you. They did not wish to submit to your authority. I don’t think they would even now, even if you came down there and commanded the guards to release them. I think they would scurry away like rats. That is my mind about it.” New drinks arrived and I nodded and stood up to return to the hearth. “Please don’t leave. I have more to talk over with you.” And I returned to the hearth.
At the hearth I bowed and brought up my lute to play. I played for a spell and Andante came in the tavern. He smiled at me and leaned against the wall near the door removing his hat. A few maids noticed his entrance and stopped over to welcome him. I smiled and bowed a sweeping bow and I continued playing and singing. As I finished the tune I made a sweeping gesture to the door and announced that Andante was here to join us. There was an applause. Andante said in a lord voice, “I should like to hear The Ballad of Bene Timber, Bane of Thieves.” And these was another applause. And nodding to my mentor, I began my new ballad. A maid brought Andante a tankard, which was not a metal tankard nor like any other used in the tavern. Apparently, Tony kept a special tankard for Andante. The ballad being heard a few times in the town already was becoming more familiar to the folks. There were a few able to join in with the chorus and it was rewarding to hear it was catching on.
I finished my ballad and stepped away from the hearth, taking my bag of tips with me this time. I nodded to Andante and invited him to join me with the party. He shook his head and said, “We must talk a little first, and a little more later.” I stepped over to the party and asked if the were willing to stay a bit or if I should find them across the street in the morning. They said they wished to retire so I bid them a good evening and I turned to Tony and caught his eye. I swirled my finger in the air and pointed to the table, and he nodded in reply. I turned back to the party and said, “Don’t mind your bill. I have covered it. I will see you in the morning.” And they smiled and we shook hands warmly. They left quietly and I looked over to Andante. He nodded his head in the direction of a quiet corner of the tavern and I followed him over there. There were two tables in this corner that Tony reserved for special guests. We sat down and Priscilla came over to see to our needs. Andante still had much in his drink. I offered my empty tankard and she left with a smile. Andante pulled his lute around and began to play a finger picking tune of distraction so we would not be overheard. Then he asked, “What do you know of the Troupe?” I recounted the story of my interrogation from the previous evening and added that I didn’t think it wise to go further in spite of the fact that I knew I could press them further. I also mentioned that I had made a full report of the event to the Magistrate and Lord Martinex ahead of the banquet. Andante nodded his head.
I asked, “Will the two of them be held until they decide to reveal all to the guards? Or are they in for more severe treatment?” Andante replied, “It is up to them. If they are in an honest mood after one night in the jail then they may get out tomorrow. They have already forfeited their weapons, although Tucker only carried a dagger. If they persist in resisting it will become more and more difficult for them. Lord Martinex will be in charge of it. And before you ask, don’t interfere. Don’t ask to speak to them and smooth it over. Let them show their depth of wisdom.” I replied, “Depth of wisdom? Fordaire is doomed. He thought he should be the spokesman for the party but it was his rash actions last night that gave me the opening to conduct my interrogation of them. Tucker, I don’t know about him. He has been as quiet as a statue except for a few efforts on my part.” Priscilla arrived and dropped off my tankard.
Andante changed the subject. “What have you to report my not so young Emissary?” I grinned and took a drink while I collected my thoughts. “Well”, I began, “I travelled here in the company of Illihambur, a merchant from Colorova where they … “ Andante cut me off, “I have known Illihambur for many years. Which reminds me, do you have a bag of leaf?” I grinned again, “Yes, I do. It is up in …” And Andante cut me off again, “No trouble now. We’ll enjoy a pipe tomorrow before I leave. And I hear you crossed paths with Dravok. I hope he is well?” I replied after finishing another sip. “Yes, he appears to be in excellent health. He’s not much for conversation.” Andante smiled and said, “Yes, and I should like to see that map tomorrow too.” I began to wonder what Andante didn’t know. “And Gelfin?” I responded, “Why he’s one of the friendliest fellows I’ve ever met. He has the most beautiful tenor voice I’ve ever heard. Let me see, after Gelfin I arrived here and stayed the evening. There isn’t much to report about that. The banquet was very nice and I had no trouble with that. I’m sure I made a good impression on everyone. Cottern though …” Andante said, “Don’t mind Cottern. He is a tick. But don’t give him a reason to stick his sucker into you. And I hear you met Flint. How did that play out?” “Oh yes”, I continued, “Flint looked me up that very night right here at this table mind you. At first I thought he was very brusk, but then he told me you asked him to take my measure; I believe that is how he put it. How did you …” Andante said, “In addition to my many contacts, I have ways of sending and receiving messages to help me do the things I do. Oh, and that reminds me.” And he fished into a pouch on his belt and handed me a stone with a relief carving not unlike but not the same as the one I received from Flint. Andante handed it to me saying, “Here. Put that away.” And I took the stone and placed it in my pouch without even looking at it. I placed my tips bag in the middle of the table and began to count my coins.
I picked up a few coins and stacked them carefully and said, “Finlock was at the banquet every evening. I didn’t notice him much the first evening but the second evening I noticed he was wearing something around his neck or on his tunic. Upon closer inspection I found it was a pendent on a chain around his neck. It is an odd shaped thing like a fan hanging upside down with a stone at the top; a soft blue stone.” Andante said, “Yes, we’ll get to that. Tell me about Flint.” “Oh”, I answered, “I thought you two knew each other very well. Flint asked me to come see him the next morning in Pine Mill and on the way there we, uh, me and the cleric Joseph, we set upon by the bandits. Joseph is losing his eyesight. The bandits approached and they were nearly on us before he could see what was happening. I could tell there was trouble from the birds taking flight long before they were close enough to strike. He burned them up pretty well so I figured if I take out the leader the rest won’t have the stomach for any more. And that’s pretty much all there was to that.” Andante replied, “That band of thieves has been a bane to the Pine Mill road for quite some time. They had evaded any patrols sent to catch them. They appeared to have some sense for avoiding organized fighters. It was our luck that they underestimated you. Any other two fellows they would have killed and robbed, but you took care of them for good.”
“I didn’t realize they were notorious bandits. Well, how about that.” And I sat back and took another drink. I continued, “Well, you wanted to know about Flint. I met him after lunch walking up the sluice way. I sensed him and then heard him. He was impressed with my woodsman’s skills. Then we had a short fencing lesson. Flint can be a little touchy. He said the next time I come by he will teach me something of fighting beasts. And after that I returned with Joseph. Now about the fight, there were two things I regret. First, I lost my composure in front of Joseph after seeing how the bandit’s blood ruined my clothes. I hope you understand with my modest resources I can barely dress properly for dinner. I shall try to make sure I don’t lose my composure again, even for a good reason. But the second thing, more important, I forgot to search the bodies for identifying marks, papers or other potential information. They looked like bandits so I figured they WERE bandits. It should have occurred to me they might be aligned with other forces in the area. And that is part of why I took notice of Finlock. He asked me at dinner that evening if I had searched the bodies or noted any identifying marks on them. I later went to the Magistrate and asked him to secure the bodies so they could be searched the next morning. However, the signs I might have found could have been removed before that happened. Nothing was found in the search. But I’ve been keeping an eye on Finlock since.”
I continued, “Well, there was some fellow in the guard here in Stonebridge, and his name was or is Jaffort. He acted in a condescending manner toward me when we spoke about the need to guard the dead bodies. I understand from Cottern his career is over in Stonebridge and probably severely limited wherever he is going next. I’ve met a number of fine folks, mostly merchants and craftsmen, in Stonebridge and I am having a few things made for my wardrobe. I am even having a suit of studded leather armor made, curtesy of the Magistrate. I plan to wear it when I travel but keep this leather armor for wearing about when I’m in settlements. Well, getting back to Finlock, I made a sketch of his pendent. I have it up in my room. The Magistrate loaned me a volume on the history of these parts and I hope to find a connection between the pendent and something else so I may sort out this business with Finlock. The Magistrate and Lord Martinex are both weary of him. I took my sketch with me today to Wool Corner with Cyrus and met some fellows there, uh, Unichai, Red and Jorden. One of them recalled seeing a traveler wearing a similar pendent. That traveler was interested in the druidic woods to the north of here and Pine Mill where I met Flint. I reported these things to the Magistrate and Lord Martinex. I planned to visit Pine Mill soon and ask Flint and the leader there, Barker, if he remembered anything about a pendent like it. After that I have met the fellow across the way that runs the guildhall, Quonteygo, who seems to be a fine fellow with a tragic past and of course I have become acquainted with Tony and his family.”
And all the while Andante kept playing and I kept stacking coins carefully. He looked at me for a moment and then said, “That was a very thorough report. You have an eye for detail and the wisdom to know what could be important.” Andante paused his playing and took a drink from his tankard, replaced it on the table and began to play again. Then he said, “We want to ask you to venture into the druidic wood and see if you can find answers there, possibly among the druids themselves.” He paused. I responded, “I beg your pardon, but I don’t know that me and my fencing skills are up to a trek into such wilderness. I understand it is a band of druids so they have quite a bit more resources to deal with wild beasts or other, uh, hazards.” And Andante got a grin and replied, “So the Hero Bene-Timber is not ready to take a walk through the woods? No, I understand. I’m only having a moment of fun. Actually we think these other four adventurers would be just the escort you might need for this investigation. We know they are up to an adventure, they need money, and they have already decided you are more than worthy to lead them. You only need to ask and they will go with you. Meanwhile the authorities will sort out the matter of their companions. Is that agreeable?” I responded quickly, “Yes, I think with a small escort I would be happy to see if I can sort out this mystery with the druids.”
Andante then shared a report with me. “The orcs to the north of Confernos are again attempting to break our borders. These orcs are aligned with the ones Dravok spoke to you about. This is a fight that has spanned generations. The elves, your neighbors, are feared by the orcs and certainly our best defenders in the north. They are however, feeling a little neglected for their service to Confernos as the guardians of the north. Ambassadors have been dispatched to address these developments in the north. As a result I have new responsibilities and another Messenger and Emissary is being recruited to help me. I am going to make this area of Confernos your responsibility since you have established yourself so favorably. You will also be travelling to the north to become an Emissary to the Dwarves for the Emperor. These are the same dwarves Dravok belong to. Dwarfish culture is somewhat different from the culture of Confernos. You will need to establish yourselves with the dwarves as well as you have here. I will come to visit you here from time to time. You will report your news to Lords Ballinor, Martinex and Thomas Quintus. Quintus belongs to a network that can get any important messages to the Chamberlain and to me if it is worthy of our attention. You will only need to be your charming self, observant and diligent in your duties and you will serve us well. But before you head off to the north, we would like to understand this pendent business better. Lord Ballinor will know when to release you for your trip to the Sword Mountains. Oh, you do recall dwarves and elves are not so friendly? Well half-elves are a little easier for dwarves to like but you will be accepted mostly because you are a member of the Diplomatic Corps. So avoid making mention of your many elf friends and such things when you are up there.”
And with that Andante stopped playing and started making small talk signifying he had no more weighty subjects to discuss with me. He took a healthy drink from his tankard. Then he said, “Why don’t you finish yours. I’d like to see that scroll again and then we can fetch that pipe and bag of leaf and share a smoke.” And so I picked up my tankard and finished it. We put our tankards on the table upside down and I scooped up my tips and put them in my bag. We grabbed our things and went upstairs.
Upstairs I paused at the head of the stairs and looked. Nothing seemed amiss so I walked down the hall to me room. I unlocked it carefully and cracked the door slowly. I noted the string was in the proper position and let the door swing open. I scanned the room with my dark vision and then stepped inside. I lit two candles and Andante followed me inside and closed the door. He looked at me and placed a finger to his lips. He said softly, “the sketch?” And I said loudly, “Oh, here is the scroll. Isn’t it fine? They even used colors of ink.” And I produced my sketch for Andante. Then I turned to get my pipe and the bag of leaf. Andante motioned for me to pick up my weapons, which I did. He folded the sketch and handed it back to me. He shook his head slightly indicating he had no knowledge of the symbol either. We left our lutes in the room and took our hats. Downstairs we waved to Tony and stepped outside.
Outside Andante said “Go ahead and fill your pipe.” I filled my pipe and passed the bag to him. He filled his pipe, closed the pouch and handed it back to me. He held his pipe in front of him by the bowl and indicated I should also. He waved his hand and both flared up nicely. He grinned and brought his pipe to his lips and took a big draw. I raised my pipe and took a draw myself. Andante blew a big full smoke ring and smiled. Then he beckoned forward and we walked slowly in the direction of the mansion. He talked to me of some of his earliest days in the service. He told me a story of the time he was playing at a similar banquet and one of his strings broke. He immediately decided that although he always tended toward magic he might use in a fight, he was going to learn Mend so he might fix a broken string or any other mishap should the need arise. He noted how I should have liked to have Mend earlier in the week. He said it fixes things And does your laundry for you if need be. As we walked slowly he motioned that we should turn and walk through the “park” in front of the mansion even though it was night and difficult to see, well for him at least. The moon was in a quarter phase so there was a bit of light.
Andante told me he was Gelfin’s tutor on the lute. But he said I have given him sparing little instruction in singing. He has an extraordinary gift for singing already. Andante was even considering teaching Gelfin actual bardic lessons providing him some basics in magic. He would be able to use those lessons to help his people but it would require some dedicated time by Andante and Gelfin would need to practice as I well understood. I had one thought I wanted to understand better about Andante. I wanted to know how he received all his information. It wasn’t that he gathered it so much, that I understood from my lessons and knew I would improve with practice. I was astonished that he knew things about events where he wasn’t present. As I began to ask the question burning on my mind, he perceived where I was going and stopped me short. He silenced me and then shook his head. He put a hand to his ear and shook his head again. Then quietly he said, “In time you will come to know the things you want to know. Learn to observe the things around you. Learn to ask the right questions. Learn to listen, for people will tell you things and sometimes they will tell you by not telling you things. For example, a baby cries and throws his food. What is he telling you? He is not hungry? Oh no. He is hungry. He just doesn’t want to eat what was set before him. If he was not hungry he would just not eat. He would babble and shriek maybe because he wanted to escape his seat. Listen and see and you will see and hear more. Your other questions are for another time.” And he took another deep draw and blew another full smoke ring, and smiled. We turned and headed back to the Green Hawk and I pondered his words while we walked in silence.
We entered the Hawk and it was nearly empty of guests although the smell of smoke and ale still hung thick in the air. Tony motioned for me to come to the bar. He said, “Bene, good to see you. How did we do tonight?” I smiled and said, “Oh, pretty well, about as well as last night.” He smiled back and replied, “Good, good. Could you bring my share down …” and looking at me he added, “… in the morning, please, my lord.” I replied, “Certainly, Tony. I hope you won’t mind but I need to speak to Andante upstairs and then I will turn in.” And I turned to Andante and asked, “By the way, where are you staying tonight?” Andante said very matter-of-factly, “Oh, in the Mansion.” And I thought to myself, What a silly question! And we turned and walked up the stairs. We entered my room and I lit a few candles and we sat at the table. I retrieved my history book and the sketch and spread it out on the table again. Then I picked up my journal and opened it before remembering that Andante wanted to see my maps. I retrieved my map case and produced all three of my maps and laid them out on the table as well.
Andante leaned forward and studied Dravok’s map. He placed his finger on the map and said, “Here. This is where you will go when you first visit the Sword Mountains. There is a small trading settlement on this side of the mountains for men to visit and trade with the dwarves. They will prefer to receive you there first and then they will take you where they should like after that.” And I looked at the place where he put his finger and there was no indication of a settlement there at all. I asked, “You must have been there many times to remember the place so well without any markings on the map.” And Andante replied, “Not so many times. I know something of reading a dwarven map. Do you see the edge of this mountain figure, how it is shaded? Now look at the edge of this mountain and how it is shaded in reverse? See how the shading does not match the style of the other mountains in general? Extend these two lines, and where they meet is a point of interest to the Dwarves. And I happen to know there is a trading settlement at the base of the mountain range and these two lines point to the base of the mountain range. There is a road that goes there. It splits off this road and leads to the settlement. That is how you will get there. It is the safest way. If you ride your horse at a good pace, you can cross this distance while the sun is up. Depending on when you arrive, you may wish to stay an extra night in this town before you cross so your horse is well rested.”
Normally I would advise you to travel with others to the trading site, but in this case you need to arrive quietly by yourself. We don’t want spies knowing your position in relation to the Dwarves. We want them to think you are not visiting the Dwarves but headed to this community over here. After you meet the Dwarves, they will talk with you and then escort you to a place that will allow you to maintain the illusion of your journey to this village. Is that all plain enough? I looked at the map and found the two mountains that pointed to the village that wasn’t there. I then looked at the village that was marked on the map and the road, or path it may be, on the map that leads to another town but not where I am going. I had my map features figured out, so I asked Andante, “What sort of pathway leads off the left so I will know I have the right one?” Andante looked at the map and tried to remember. “I believe it appears to be a wagon path leading to a farmhouse with a thatched roof. The farm house always has smoke rising from the chimney no matter what day or night of the year. Even on a windy day it just seems to rise in a narrow straight wisp up into the heavens. The other feature I remember is if you get to the bridge on the path you begin taking, you have gone too far.”
I was bothered by this. A lone farmhouse that has no features except there is a fire burning in the fireplace? That only matches the description of thousands of farmhouses around these parts. I guess I’ll have to just guess and turn around at the bridge if I go too far. Andante had never led me astray but this was not a comforting idea of wandering around looking for the dwarves. I decided I wanted to talk of something else.
I asked, “What do you think of this drawing? Is it familiar in any way to you?” Andante stroked his chin and replied, “It is a nice drawing. But the pendant doesn’t remind me of anything. You haven’t found anything in the book?” I replied, “No, not yet. I’ve only had the book a day. I guess I may find out what it is about before I read about it, but I’ll keep plugging away.” Andante nodded his head, “Very well.”
“Look at this map from Illihambur.” He said. “Now that’s a nice map. Look how attractive it is.” I grinned and Andante grinned back at me. I said, “I drew that map. It is a copy of Illihambur’s map. But you knew that, didn’t you?” Andante said, “Of course. I recognized your line quality and fine script. You’re going to have to learn two or three other styles so you can’t be recognized just by your writing. The members of the service all study writing so they can devise who wrote a specific document. Some of the more careful nefarious leaders employ a scribe or two to prepare their documents so their handwriting is difficult to learn. If we come across a note they did write we wouldn’t know it because we have no samples of their writing to compare it with.” He continued, “Now in the meantime, before you have found ways of concealing your writing, if you need to send a note by courier and you can’t afford for someone to know who the author is, make a small fire or light a candle. Pick a straight stick of the right diameter and shave off the end with a sharp knife on an angle. Cut the very tip square. Place the stick in the fire until it begins to char. Blow out the flame and then use it to write with the char. If it become dull, place it in the flame again, blow it out and then rub it flat on something. Writing with a char stick is usually a good way to obscure your handwriting. Later, you can start using other lettering styles with a char stick and conceal your handwriting further.” He looked into my face while he spoke to make sure I understood the methods and reasons for taking such precautions.
He added, “Now I know you are used to writing with a quill and have a very well learned technique for making another for yourself at any time. Because of this, your lines are always the same, and I would add your writing and line quality is very fine indeed. If you were not fortunate enough to have entered the diplomatic service”, and he grinned, “I fear you would have been gobbled up by some member of the government as a scribe and spent many hours hunched over a desk copying documents. No, no, that would not have been a good use for a man, half-elf”, he corrected himself, “with so many other talents.” He paused and said “You will need to carry a few extra quills. Make them with a little less care. Cut the tip on a very slight angle. Yes, yes, I know it will ruin your line quality making it uneven and rather inelegant. But that is the point. Sometimes you will need to write notes that you want someone else to find. And other times you will need to write notes that you hope others won’t find, but are of such importance you dare not reveal they came from your hand. Use a quill that isn’t so well made and it will serve to conceal your handwriting a bit.”
Andante thought for a moment, “I wonder if you have an eye for counterfeiting? Here, let me make an experiment. Give me a clean sheet and your bottle.” I stood and gathered my writing kit, brought it and set it on the table. Andante opened the kit and pulled a sheet and a quill. Next he opened the ink bottle. I lifted the small bowl and filled it with water from my pitcher used for my cleaning water, and placed it next to the ink. He dipped the quill and wrote a few words. Then he skipped some space and wrote a few other words. When he was done he dipped the quill in the water. The ink soaked into the page and he turned it to me. “Now try to copy what I wrote, exactly, if you are able. Just write on the same page. I want to see if your writing is so fine because of your careful practice or if you have a talent with your eye to see such detail that you can guide your hand to counterfeit a document.” And I pulled the quill from the bowl and shook it out. I blew on the tip and shook it again. I raised it to my eye and inspected it before dipping it in the ink. I copied Andante’s words as carefully as I could. When I was done I placed the quill in the water. The ink soaked into the paper and he raised it up to inspect it.
“Yes, I believe you have the talent we need for this sort of work but you will need to develop your talent with practice.” Andante placed the page on the table and pointed to the first words. “See here, you copied my strokes almost perfectly except because you were writing slower the wider parts of the strokes are a little wavy. This is because you were slowly trying to copy my marks. If your hand were moving as quickly as mine, these would be a perfect match. This next bit, is different because I was using another style of letters, not a fine script of the scribes of Confernos as you learned in your youth. Your hand is not familiar with this style and you will need more practice. You couldn’t help but make the letters a little more beautiful. See how every stroke of yours that ends in a fat stroke is the same width. Now look at mine on this letter here,… and here. Ugly fat blobs. But when you counterfeit you have to make it just as ugly.”
“Now this last sample is my best attempt to write in Elven. As you know their writing is magnificent. You copied my writing exactly. You’ve written in Elven before, I can see. And frequently enough that you’re even a little better than I am. You know this is Elven and you know, even if you didn’t watch me, an elf didn’t write this, but it is still distinctly Elven. Because you have some practice already with Elven you copied my writing at the same tempo I used so the strokes all look the same. I’m going to see that you are given some extra supplies to help you practice counterfeiting, [A-hem] writing”, and he grinned at me, “so you can be used to write letters for us when the need arises. I will have some writing samples sent to you.”
Andante paused and picked up the book I had on loan from the Magistrate. “If you were not pressed to read this book, I’d ask you to copy a few pages practicing the lettering in this book. When you get to the Dwarven lands find Dravok if you can and tell him about my request to practice writing. Ask him for some writing samples and he will provide you with some letters to copy for practice. Remember that part of the challenge is to copy the tempo of the scrivener. This will allow you to match the line thickness. That is the first thing I check when I am trying to decide if I think something is a copy or forgery.”
Andante pushed back from the table. “But you don’t have the time for that tonight. You have a full day ahead of you. You know what to do, right?” I replied, “Yes. I need to convince the four adventurers to join me in a trip to the woods to the north. I am to find the druids and learn what I can about a traveler wearing a pendent like this. I assume I may trust the druids?” Andante nodded his head. “They won’t betray you but they have their own agenda of protecting the forest and restoring the harmony of the deep wood since the war. They will try to prevent you from interfering with that mission so be mindful their cooperation depends on your respect for their mission.” I replied, “Thank you. I’m sure to do that.” And Andante stood. “We’ve best get to bed. I also have things to do on the morn. Leave word with Thomas Quintus of your journey and I will hear of it soon after. We desire that this mystery be solved soon.” And with that he bowed to me and said, “My lord, Emissary. I bid you a good night.” And rising he smiled and reached out his hand. “Congratulations my friend.” And I shook his hand and bowed in return. He stepped out into the hall and I closed the door behind him.
I gathered my things and put everything away where it should be. I folded my pendent drawing and placed it inside the cover of the book and set the book on the table next to the head of the bed. Then I disrobed and washed up and hanging my clothes where they might dry and air out. I pulled my night shirt on and blew out all the candles except for the one next to the bed. I got in the bed and picked up the book for a little more reading. Not long after I replaced the book and blew out the candle, but I lay in bed thinking of the day for a while longer until I fell asleep.
50th Planting, 221
A knock came at the door. Tony spoke softly from the other side. “Bene? Bene, are you awake? We’re going to serve breakfast soon.” I answered, “Thank you Tony. I will be right down.” And I heard the sound of his footsteps recede down the hall. I swung my feet around and stood up. I bathed and dressed before grabbing my tips bag and heading into the hallway. I secured the door and went to breakfast.
Downstairs I saw my coffee waiting for me at my table. Before I sat down Tony came around the corner with a basket of biscuits and a tub of butter. I sat down and Tony sat down across from me. His wife came around the corner and brought two wood plates and a mug of coffee for Tony. He offered me a biscuit and then took one for himself. As we began to butter our biscuits he asked if we might divide the tips. I said sure thing and so we divided the tips. I counted in my head how much money I had and how much more I needed to pay for the clothes Isabell was making for me. I was getting close to having it all. After this was out of the way we talked and enjoyed the biscuits. Tony’s wife came back over with a container of honey and some other preserves, apparently Tony’s favorite. We ate biscuits and enjoyed some small talk. I let him talk and asked a few questions so that I might better know the history and current situation in Stonebridge.
I decided to ask Tony if he had seen a pendent like the one I was looking for. He said there was a dwarf that came through a few weeks ago asking about the woods too. He remembered something strange about the dwarf and thought the pendent might be like the one he wore. I asked if he knew the name of the dwarf and Tony shook his head. “Oh sorry Bene. We get so many folks through here. It would take an extraordinary fellow, like yourself, for me to remember a name.” I replied, “Well, I will be heading to the wood to be gathering information and attempting to solve this mystery. Please don’t mention this trip nor that I asked about the pendent. It could be very harmful to me if an enemy were to find out and come after me.” Tony had a shocked look on his face. “Oh, Bene, are you in trouble?” I responded “Tony, that’s my job, but I don’t think this is going to be a big deal. But, just in case …”, and I winked at him. I didn’t want to tell him Andante was sending me nor that I would be going with the adventurers across the street. But Tony being a tavern owner might have seen or heard something and I was in a spot where it could be the difference between success and failure.
Finishing breakfast I rose and thanked Tony. Then I told him I should be away for a few days. I asked what we could do with my things I wouldn’t be taking. I knew he might need to rent the room so I couldn’t expect him to just leave everything alone when I couldn’t earn money to repay him. Well he had a closet for storing chests for a few folks like me that visited the tavern regularly. He agreed for me to put my chest there and he would make sure it was locked up. I smiled, thanked him and headed upstairs.
In my room I packed the things I would need for a few days. The rest was stored neatly in my new chest. I was washed and packed and dressed, ready for an adventure. I grabbed the chest and headed downstairs. I placed it on a shelf in a locked cupboard in the back of the kitchen. After this I returned to my room and retrieved the rest of my things. I locked the door and put the key in my coin pouch on my belt. Downstairs again I explained to Tony I had locked the door. We shook hands and I left the tavern.
Outside I went straight across the street. Inside the guild I saw Qonteygo again. I asked how he was feeling and he was fit as a fiddle. I asked if the adventurers were all still inside. He replied they should be coming down shortly for breakfast. I took a seat at a table and retrieved my book from my saddlebags. Vallen and Dravist came downstairs together. I stood and invited them to sit with me. They accepted with a smile. A woman came over to greet us and asked after our needs. I asked for a cup of water and then changed my mind and asked for hot tea. They ordered coffee and breakfast. Soon after Jackwon came down and Gillfort was not far behind. Our hot drinks were delivered and they added their orders.
Vallen asked, “What brings you over here so early this morning, my lord?” I replied, “Oh, Bene, please call me Bene. I am about to take a short trip of a few days I hope, and I wanted to give you both an opportunity to earn some money and some goodwill with the Governor. It would also allow you to wait and rejoin your friends after they are released from the jail, so long as they cooperate with the guards and stop their foolish notion of concealing anything from the Governor.” Jackwon replied, “Who says we care a lick for them? They’re just trouble makers and we nearly got up to our necks in it for their sakes.” Vallen said in response, “We don’t really know what is up with them so let’s wait and see. Meanwhile this is an interesting offer while we wait. Why not get a little coin to help pay for our travels to Eros? Bene has always given us sound counsel. What more can you share about this trip, Bene?” I replied with a smile, “I have to go to the wood directly to the north and see if I can find out the answer to a mystery. I am told there are druids up there that may have information I can use. It will be about a days travel to the woods and I guess about another day to find the druids. After that, it will be at least two days to come back. If we spend a day with the druids, it should be a five day trip.” Dravist said, “Why not? So what are we going to be paid? You said we would earn some money.” I replied, “If we don’t run into any fighting I can pay you two silvers a day, each. If we run into fighting I’ll ask the governor to pay more.”
Gillfort said, “Druids? What kind? I’d like to meet some druids.” I responded, “I don’t know. Just regular old druids, I guess. You know, tree druids.” Gillfort laughed and said, “Oh, Bene, you are funny. There are all kinds of druids just like there are all kinds of clerics. We’re not all just tree druids. Some are more focused on natural growths of trees. Others are more into carefully tended gardens. Some prefer Aspens, or pines, or oaks, or birch. There are all kinds of druids.” “Well, I guess these are oak druids, because I believe I heard it was an old oak forest they were living in.” Jackwon came back in again, “Now wait a moment, two silvers a day? Why we’ll have to pay one silver for decent food for the trip and you don’t even know how long we’ll be on this trip. What about horses? Do you expect us to take a trip like this and carry so much water and food ourselves?” Vallen raised his hand a little and Jackwon stopped with a scowl. “Is the money in addition to mounts and rations?” I took a sip of my tea and thought. “I hadn’t thought about that for you. I carry rations as a matter of duty. I thought you would have some yourselves. As for the mount, again, I have already been given a horse for my duties. We should at least get a cart and an animal I guess. How much do you have to carry; besides the food we should bring?” Vallen responded, “Not so much. A cart should do.” I thought again, “And for a five day trip, I’ll throw in the rations. So that makes forty silvers and I provide the rations, a cart and a draft animal. When could we leave? I should like to leave soon so we may have time to set up our camp before it is too dark.” Vallen looked at his companions, turned to me and said, “We’ll be ready in an hour. Where will we find you?” I replied, “I’ll meet you at the shrine. The clerics meet up there and travel to the villages every day about that time.” And I looked at them and didn’t see any more needed to be discussed. I finished my tea and stood up. Their meals were arriving and I paid the woman for everything. Then I nodded to them and went outside.
Outside I walked over to the stables. I greeted Ben and asked him to have my horse ready to ride over by the shrine within the hour. I handed him my saddle bags and then asked about renting a cart and draft animal. He told me I could get both from the garrison. Then I asked about rations for five days for four men. He said I would need to either ask the garrison or talk to Moses. The garrison would be cheaper but Moses’ stuff would be better, more appealing. I thought on it and decided that I would see what the garrison offered. I left Ben and thanked him for his help.
I walked next door to the garrison. Inside I was greeted by three soldiers. One appeared to be the Sergeant of the Guard, another some sort of clerk and the third one was an orderly. I spoke to the Sergeant of the Guard. “Good day, sergeant. I need a little assistance. Who should I speak with about a cart, a draft animal and some rations?” The sergeant rose and said, “I can help you with all those things, my lord.” I smiled and replied, “Very good. I admire a man that is ready to make decisions and take charge. I believe the Captain of the Guard, Lord Martinex, is also pleased to know he has such men in his midst.” I glanced at the other men and turned back to the sergeant. “I need a cart, a draft animal, preferable not one so temperamental; I’m sure you understand what I mean – And twenty days rations so that I may make a journey of five days to the wood in the north and return. Do you have such things for loyal servants of the Emperor?” The sergeant replied, “I’m sure we have exactly what you need. Canadro, have the quartermaster complete the order for rations. We will send a cart over presently to receive them. Make sure he has a man ready to load the cart when it arrives.” And with that he turned to me and said, “Shall we walk next door to see Ben, my lord?” And I replied, “Of course.”
We went outside and back to the stables. Ben was placing the bit and bridle on my horse as we walked up. “Good morning, Ben”, the sergeant said. Ben turned and bowed slightly and responded, “Good morning my lord, and Sergeant Stuart. What may I do for you this fine morning?” Sergeant Stuart replied, “My lord, Bene Timber, needs a cart loaded with rations immediately so he may travel to the wood to the north. How long until you can have a cart ready for him?” Ben replied, “I could have it ready in half an hour ‘cept I need to get his lordship’s horse ready to travel as well. It may be the better part of forty-five minutes, Sergeant Stuart.” The sergeant said, “Please attend to the cart. After you make it ready, I need it brought to the quartermaster for loading. I will have someone come over and attend to Lord Bene Timber’s horse for you.” And he turned to me and said, “Everything shall be ready in time, my lord. You may go about your business but I must take my leave and send a soldier over to assist Ben.” I was refreshed at the efficiency of this sergeant. He was truly prepared to take charge of the matter and unafraid that he might need permission to dispatch a cart or draw rations for my adventure. I smiled and replied, “Very well Sergeant Stuart. I see that the Captain has placed his trust in the right man. I won’t forget this when I return for I am in a bit of a hurry.” With that I nodded my head and left through the street door as the sergeant left through the side door.
Out in the street I decided to walk over to the open market and see what sort of fresh foods might be available. I walked through the park staying to the gravel path on the near side. Beyond the wooded orchard there was a large open space for festivals and such open air events. Beyond that was the open market. Folks were busy raising awnings for their stalls for the sun looked to be rising into a clear sky. This late in the planting season it might become a very warm day. I had my flute with me so I pulled it out of a pouch and began to play as I approached the bustling market activity. It produced the effect I wanted as faces turned and peeked about to see where the music was coming from. Many women were busy, but not too busy to watch my passing. I winked at a few and bobbed my head to some others while I casually strode through the main pathway. I had forgot myself and realized this was not the time of year for fresh food because planting was only fully finished a few weeks prior. But there were many jars and pots of preserved foods, surely better fare than we would receive from the guards although their motives were pure. I wanted to bring some special treats along to lighten our spirits on the trip.
One man and his wife had set up their stall and they were setting their boxes in order to display their goods, which appeared to be only a single commodity in abundance; honey! This was just the sort of thing I was seeking. I pulled my flute down and held it in my left hand. I held out my right hand and said, “Good morrow to you my friend. How fare you this bright planting-tide?” And the man looked my way and extended his hand and we shook a good firm handshake. He replied, “We fare well, uh, mister bard. We’ve heard good things about you. To see you is to see they must all be true. I hope you fare well this morn?” And I replied, “Yes, very well, and knowing that my sweet-tooth will have much to be thankful for this day and through the week. How much for a heavy jar of the nectar of the bee?” My new friend smiled and said, “Why for this jar”, and he tapped a jar about the size of a volleyball, “You would not need to visit me again for a month, maybe more. And for you, mister bard, I would give it up for a silver piece. Is that a fair price for the finest bard in Stonebridge?”
I admired the fellow for his ability to bargain. He understood well the art of sweetening his words without making them lose their flavor. A bit of flattery but not so much that the average person would consider themselves too sticky. I replied, “Oh, a fair price indeed, for many of the jams and jellies in the market today. I’m sure many ladies have made much of their labors for the sake of others over the winter months. The beekeeper is truly blessed for the bee, the very epitome of hard work and duty to be called the busy bee, toils for the sake of wise men and hive alike making such a sweet treat and the beekeeper has only to use his wisdom to avoid the stinger while he makes room in the hive for more. Maybe I should sample the strawberry preserves, apple butter and peach jellies before I make such a choice?”
He responded, “Oh, a busy fellow like yourself hasn’t time for such indulgences. We’ve heard about the many trips you’ve taken, visiting all the towns and villages in our fair province. I shouldn’t want you to waste time when you’re in such a hurry for surely your caravan is readying to leave almost at once. I would be followed by a dark cloud if I were to hold you up so, or see you have to begin your journey without the fair nectar you spotted. To help you on your way in a timely manner, I should not wish to bicker with you, but rather would see you off with this jar for eight coppers?”
I almost laughed, suppressing my admiration for his technique and persistence, and instead smiling a broad smile. I reached in my coin pouch and fished out a few coins. I held them out in the palm of my hand letting the light of the sun glint off each coin. Then I said, “Oh you are a most generous and gracious trader, the likes of which I don’t get to meet as often as I should. And you are right that I have much to do. But such a large jar would be a hazard. I fear one good jolt of my cart and the whole body would be all over my things when the jar cracked. And such a jar might attract the biggest bears where I may need to travel. Why if you had a scale, that we might compare the value of one big jar to the value of four smaller jars. Then my risk would be reduced by four and my happiness made all the more.”
And at once a balance was found and set on a crate. And he placed his large jar on the crate while he looked for four similar smaller jars. Finding them, he placed them carefully on one side of the balance while his wife, who had been at my elbow almost the whole time, picked up and held the large jar on the other side gently. They carefully released the two sides and they were fairly balanced. I whistled. “I see you’ve done this before. So we’re agreed for seven copper pieces I may take the four jars … and you have a sack handy for me to carry them?” At this point his wife was about to burst. I could tell she wanted to close the deal fearing this fish was trying to wiggle off the hook. I played with a silver piece, making the silver reflect the sun’s rays against the large jar of honey. She jerked and produced a coarse burlap sack of the appropriate size, but her husband was determined to hold onto his price of eight coppers.
He drew a breath and was preparing to take another stab at the negotiations when I cut him off and decided to have some more fun. “Why madame, I wasn’t thinking. Why should I wish to buy a jar of honey and hurry away when I could use a fine bag also. What sort of bags do you have that I may carry my honey and enjoy myself even more for the empty parts later?” She blushed because all of a sudden she was the center of my attention. She turned her face away in embarrassment and looked about the things in the stall. She found a few other bags and plucked them up like a farmer choosing the first fruits of the season for a fresh meal. She turned and held them out for me to see. They were an odd array of colors and textures and the better fabrics were evident. Now she seemed a little worried that I might choose one of the bags she didn’t wish to sell. She clearly favored a few as she arranged and rearranged them laid on her forearms, hiding the best ones under some of the ugly ones. I touched one or two exposing the better fabrics, just to make her squirm. I turned slightly to one side so that I was facing both of them and took a step back.
I smiled at both of them and bowed. Then I said, “I have enjoyed our little game and I wish to compliment you both on your method of play. I am Bene Timber, Emissary to his Majesty, Alexander the Emperor of Confernos. Let it never be said that I was ungracious, unappreciative, or unfair in my negotiations with the fair citizens of this Province governed by the most fair Lord Ballinor. I have only one more question before I receive the four honey pots in the first crude bag you held up for me, for where I am going I have no need of fine things today, but four pots may well be better than one. Would you sir like a single silver coin or would you prefer the tinkling sound of ten coppers as they drop into the palm of your hand?” And the master stuttered and said, “Why I have no favor one for the other, but so we may be done, please my lord, if you could hand me the coppers I will polish them carefully and remember as long as I have one shining coin left among them what an experience I enjoyed talking with a real master.” And so holding out his hand, I dropped them in one at a time, and the crowd that had gathered began to count with the sound becoming louder and louder as the count grew … eight, Nine, TEN, and then ‘Clink’ ELEVEN! And everyone cheered for I had made such a spectacle of the honey sale for today. They handed me my sack and I smiled the broadest smile to them and the crowd as I turned to head over to the temple and find my traveling companions with my surprise.
With one hand full of burlap sack I couldn’t play the flute so I whistled as I walked. I admired the well kept grass in the plaza and the carefully tended trees in the orchard. Nobody, not adult or child walked the well raked path I was on. I thought it was strange that the Magistrate wished to keep such a thing from the people to enjoy. I made a note to myself to ask someone about this policy.
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I looked at Gillfort and said, “So you’re a Druid, right?” and he nodded. And I looked at Jackwon and asked, “What trade do you practice?” And he replied, “I am a Barbarian, can’t you see?” “Oh, yes”, I replied, and turning to Tucker I said, “And you are a Wizard?” And Tucker nodded his head. “And where did you learn your craft?” And he replied, “I studied under a man living in a tower a little east of my village.” I looked at Vallen and said, “You sir, I would take to be a paladin. Do you have relations in the government?” And he replied, “Yes, but I choose not to discuss that preferring to earn my reputation without relying on their names. I hope you understand, it is a matter of honor.” I nodded my head. And I turned to Dravist and asked, “What profession do you practice?” “I am a cleric”, he said, “well, I’m just an acolyte right now, but I will be a notable cleric someday.” And finally I turned to Fordaire and asked, “You fancy yourself a cavalier, a rogue perhaps?” He looked at me and said, “Yes, I do, I am, a rogue, uh, my lord.”
I had all the information I wanted from the lot at present. They weren’t going anywhere until the following evening, and probably not until the morning after that, for they had not seen the Magistrate and their weapons were confiscated. I drank from my tankard and said, “I’ll finish my drink and make my apologies for I must beg your leave so I may get an early start tomorrow. I believe we will see each other again before you leave town. Take care gentlemen and enjoy.” And with that remark I stood up, drained my tankard, smiled, turned and walked to the stairs. And over my shoulder I could see they all took a drink from their tankards and began to discuss what just happened among themselves. I caught Tony’s eye, tapped my ear, and he nodded. I continued upstairs.
49th Planting, 221
A knock came at the door and I opened my eyes and said, “Thank you.” I swung my legs around and the voice came, “Would you like us to begin breakfast for you, my lord?” “Yes”, I replied, “that would be nice. I shall be down shortly.” The footsteps faded down the hallway. I lit a candle and stood, grabbed the candle and went to the table and light a second candle. I placed the first candle on my bedside table and walked to the dresser to wash my face. I put on clean clothes and headed downstairs after locking my room. Downstairs I saw my coffee was ready so I lifted the mug and had a sip. I put it down and walked over to the hearth to warm myself. In a short while Christina came around the corner with a plate of biscuits and a tub of butter. She placed them on my table and returned around the corner. Tony came out with two plates and set them on the table. He said, “I hope you don’t mind if I join you for breakfast.” I replied with a smile, “No Tony, I do not mind a bit. Please.” And he went back around the corner saying, “Just a moment, Bene.” He came back in an instant carrying all the flatwear and two napkins. He set the table and stepped over to the bar and grabbed a mug from behind the bar. He indicated the table with the palm of his hand and sat down himself. I went over and sat with Tony. He poured the coffee for both of us and waved at the honey pot. I took some honey and swirled it into my mug. He did the same and took a drink and smiled.
He invited me to have a biscuit, so I did with butter. He began, “I have been thinking about your advice to get involved with other brewers and expand my business here. I don’t know enough about the hamlets around here. Can you help me get in touch with someone in each hamlet that I could do business with?” I replied, “Of course, Tony. And I would like to start by recommending Gelfin in Smallarville. He either brews or has a friend that brews a very satisfying Stout. I would contact him straight away. Send a message with the Cleric, today if you can.” He smiled and said, “Thank you. I’ll do just that.” Next I said, “I don’t know if anyone in Pine Mill brews ale.” “Oh, don’t worry about that Bene”, Tony replied, “There is a family there that brews a wonderful cider. I am going to see if they will join my venture.” “Oh, very good.” I replied. “I am headed to the town that raises the sheep today. I think it is called Wool Corner. I will inquire with them if they have any brewers.” Tony thanked me.
I asked if he had thought about his own brewing supplies. If he were going to make more product his suppliers would have to supply more grain, barley, sugar, and whatever else he needed. He said he had thought about this. The grain was no problem; only a tiny portion of the provinces grain was used for his brewing. He was sure there was more than plenty. It was the barley he was concerned about. He had to order shipments. He could only receive as much as he could store. He wasn’t sure if his supplier could increase his shipments but if he were industrious, he could handle it without increasing his storage. I asked if he had considered approaching one or two farmers in the province. Tony had not thought of it and wanted to act on that as well today. He said, “Bene, you have a keen mind.”
With that I asked, “Tony, I expect to leave town soon. Not just this morning. I am telling you I will be sent to another town shortly as a messenger, I believe once Andante arrives. I think I will need to store some things here in a trunk until I work out my logistics for this job. Can you help me?” He replied, “Of course, Bene. I do the same for Andante. He keeps a trunk in my tavern all the time. I have it taken to his room whenever he arrives.” “That would be great”, I replied, “my friend.”
With that I headed outside to see if I could catch up with the cleric on his way to Wool Corner. I stepped over to the shrine and there were clerics gathering with their wagons. I waved a hand in greeting and one of them waved back. I noticed there were five clerics and four carts. I recognized Joseph and Jacob straight away. I greeted them and shook their hands, before I was introduced to their brethren. “Bene-Timber, let me introduce Baruch, Cyrus and Manahem.” Joseph then continued, “Cyrus, Baruch, Manahem, this is the hero Bene-Timber.” And we also shook hands. “Bene”, Joseph continued, we are just sorting out how we will break down the duties to visit the Hamlets. Our Lord and Master Thomas Quintus has decided that my sight is a grave problem and I must be helped. He wishes to send me to Pine Mill to live rather than travel back and forth each day. He is worried about me on this road. If I live in Pine Mill I can serve my flock but someone else should still need to make the trip every day. It is our way. But it will take some time to arrange for my lodging so until then I must make the trip and Manahem will go with me. He is new to our order and I am to guide him in The Rule while he guides me on the path. Where do you plan to go today?” I replied, “I would like to go to Wool Corner today. Who is headed that way?” Cyrus spoke, “I am going that way. They are my flock. I hope you will join us.” I said, “It would be my pleasure. Joseph, could you do me a favor? I need a fine wood carved bowl about this size from Pine Mill. Could you bring me one today?” Joseph answered, “Surely. And what does a bard need with a wooden bowl?” I replied, “Oh, it is for Cottern. I was supposed to bring him one the other day and forgot all about it. How much will they want for it?” Joseph replied, “If it were for you, I could get it for free. But for Cottern I would ask five coppers.” And I fished in my pouch and produced five coppers and handed them to Joseph. “Thank you very much. It is a cost of doing business for folk like me.” And we said our farewells and set off in our different directions.
As we started walking to the east gate, I remembered I should speak to Ben. I asked that Cyrus go ahead and I would catch up. So Cyrus led Fiorina down the road to the east. I turned and poked my head into the stable and heard Ben working in the back. I walked to the back and found Ben attending to my horse. I said, “Good morning, my friend.” And he turned and replied, “Good morning, my lord.” And he bowed his head to me. “I was going to head up to Wool Corner today. I realized my horse has been cooped up here for two full days and I figured he needed a good exercise. Let’s get him ready for a little trip.” And Ben bowed and replied, “Very good my lord.” Ben said I’ll have him saddled and ready in only a moment, and I remembered my saddle bags were still up in my room. I said, “Thank you. Can you bring him over to the Hawk? I must fetch my saddlebags.” He replied, I’ll have to ask Peter to walk him over. I must stay here and attend to other things. I turned and walked out to get my bags. Ben called out, “Peter, I have a task for you.”
I hurried over to the Hawk and went upstairs after waving at Christina as I entered the room. I ascended the stairs quickly and went to my room. I unlocked and opened the door to check my string and then pushed the door open fully. I grabbed my saddlebags, spun around and locked the door on my way back out. I took my time on the stairs and crossed the floor of the tavern. I put my hat on as I stepped out into the street. There was Peter waiting with my horse just as I asked. I thanked him and placed the saddlebags on the horse before mounting up. Peter waved and I turned the horse to head to the east gate.
As we approached the east gate many folks were moving out into the street to begin their day and they turned their faces to see who was riding a horse; the sound was both unmistakable and unusual. Seeing it was me, they waved and I waved in response. On the other side of the gate, I eased my horse into a trot to make up a little time and catch Cyrus. It wasn’t long before we had them in sight.
“Ho”, I said as I eased my horse back to a walk and I leaned forward a little and patted him on the neck. Cyrus looked over and said, “My that is a beautify horse.” I replied, “Yes, he is. Andante picked him out for me.” “Ah”, Cyrus responded, “Andante is a wise man and a good friend. How long have you known Andante?” I replied, “Only about a month. He was, or rather I was assigned to him as I was completing my training from the service school. He said he couldn’t join me right away saying he would follow along in a few days. He said I should make it as far as Stonebridge and wait for him.” Cyrus didn’t say anything right away.
We continued on as the road turned north-west and the land began to rise and fall a bit. We began to pass livestock farms, mostly sheep and goats. There were also many chickens, ducks, a few cows and horses. It was well past the early spring for planting and the children were out playing around the homes after the dreary day before. When they saw us coming, they usually stopped and stared. It is apparent that they are quite familiar with the routine of the clerics. Many men and women came out to wave at Cyrus and for those close enough to see it was clear they considered me a novelty in the area. For those further from the road it was probably because I was riding my horse on this road most accustomed to foot traffic. And when I got closer I could see they noticed I was a half-elf, although they may have thought I was a full elf and not familiar with the differences. Many of the adults were pointing at me and pointing at their ears when they turned to speak to their companions. Having grown up in a relatively cosmopolitan community, Tahgrum, composed of humans, elves and half-elves, on an important road to the elvish lands in Allenhalvania where many folks traveled to the elven lands and beyond, we saw many races other than those of our community; dwarves, halflings, an occasional half-orc, teifling or even a dragonborn. I played or sang to most of the children and they waved and laughed.
I noticed this road was well built and maintained unlike the road to Pine Mill. I asked Cyrus about it. “Oh, this is the army road”, he said. “Most of the soldiers that come to Stonebridge leave on this road. They continue past Wool Corner so far the people of Wool Corner don’t know where they go from there. We believe they are going somewhere to fight in a war against orcs but some folk say they face a fate more terrible than that. Because troops regularly use this road we don’t see as much banditry or other mischief out here. It is very good that we don’t because these animals are very important. Animals are a very attractive target to bandits and thieves, but also to any number of predators including some fearsome monsters. There was another feature on this road I had never seen before. Every mile or two there was a raised spot with a wooden barrel. It looked to me like water was being collected for travelers on this road. So I asked Cyrus about them.
“Yes”, he replied, “Those are water barrels for the army. They are set every league up to and beyond Wool Corner.” I wondered, “But how many men can draw water from a barrel at the average rate of rainfall here?” “Oh”, Cyrus replied, “They have a magic piece that cast a spell on the barrels. The piece can fill every barrel as the army passes. The army knows which group stops for water at each barrel and the rest of the army keeps marching and the men join in again at the rear of the column. They have special stops for the animals drawing carts and wagons and others for cavalry.” “So”, I asked, “You can tell where we are by looking at the barrels, I guess?” “As a matter of fact I can, as well as by looking at the fences or the homes.” He replied. “I have walked this stretch enough that I wonder if my feet can tell by the stiffness of the roadway beneath them. I know Fiorina would walk to the town without me after we left the town gate.
“What are you taking to them in this cart, anyway?” I asked. “Well”, he replied, “I’m sure you know why the hamlet has its name. The governor organized our communities for efficiency so the work could be done where the raw materials exist. After the sheep are shorn, for the shepherds know when it is time to do this, the wool is brought to a central facility where it is conditioned. After it is conditioned it is spun into thread. Next it is woven into fabric and the talented weavers of Wool Corner can make three grades of fabric from the wool threads. Once the fabric is woven it is colored is a wash. After that it is folded into bundles and prepared for storage before it is shipped to Stonebridge and beyond. I am bringing dyes to Wool Corner today along with some special packages for my friends here. I also carry my own provisions and my mace in the cart. The walk is long enough without carrying all that extra weight and Fiorina was born for pulling carts.”
“The wool shipments”, he continued, “Are brought back by the army carts. When the army comes out past Wool Corner, the carts often return. On the return trip, at the right time of year, they pick up the stored wool fabrics and bring them to Stonebridge. The system is very efficient and the governor should always be remembered for developing this method.” He looked up and saw a landmark and said, “We’ll be there in just a moment when we pass over that rise. I think you should begin playing. It will bring joy to their hearts to hear you play.” So I swung my lute around and began to play a joyous festival song.
As we crested the rise I could see from atop my horse a small village or hamlet with several small homes of white walls and thatch roofs. Children and chickens moved about in the sun around the homes. A few larger structures appeared to be businesses or, surprisingly, government buildings. Livestock could be seen in the hills around the village and gardens were plentiful among the homes but no crops. We were again in country dominated by men for the stone fences were straight, climbing the slopes and descending again with no regard to the presence of the hills. The fields appeared to be fairly uniform in size, I estimated about ten acres each. As we came closer I could see there were rocky ditches between the hills where the water collected and drained away, but nothing that appeared to be a steady stream or brook.
The village of Wool Corner was apparently prosperous for the buildings were in good condition. A low stone wall circled the village leaving much room for more structures within. The path we were on was well kept as the army road and it led to a gate on the near side of the village with a lone structure at the gate away from the village proper. Once again, the gate was built on the other side of a depression with a stone arch bridge leading into the settlement. Three members of the guard were in the road as we approached signaling for me to stop so they might have a word.
I stopped singing and playing as we stepped onto the bridge and the loud sound of the horse’s steps rang out. I pulled up short and the guard took hold of my horse’s reigns. I said, “Good morning my friends.” And I leaned forward in my saddle in the best motion of a bow I could manage before I continued. “My name is Bene-Timber, messenger and emissary to the Emperor, Alexander.” They just looked up at me. Knowing my credentials folder would be required of me, I dismounted slowly. I reached in my saddlebag and produced my credentials for the guard, who handed it to the better dressed guard behind him. I smiled and looked on. At this point, Cyrus had pulled up and stopped, and then said, “Giving you the once over, Bene?” And then turning to the guards he said, “Good morning, men. What do you think of our new Bard? He plays and sings well, you will see. He is a friend of Andante and has already attained the admiration of the townsfolk of Stonebridge, although I can’t tell you why. You will need to ask him.”
The leader walked past his subordinate and handed me my credentials folder and smiled to me and Cyrus. He first spoke to Cyrus saying, “Good morning. How was the road, Cyrus? Anything to report?” Cyrus replied, “No, nothing today. The sheep were all grazing happily in their fields and no soldiers have come to Stonebridge in days.” The soldier nodded his head and turned to me. “Good morning, Bene-Timber? You play the lute?” After an instant’s thought I rejected the idea to say something witty about my lute being used for cooking and replied, “Yes, I enjoy the lute and singing. Uh, sergeant …?” “My apologies, my lord”, he replied, “I am sergeant Slox, Edmund Slox. This is”, and he indicated to the soldier holding the reigns of my horse, “Timmino Bouch. That fellow is Howard Fletcher, the fourth son of a fletcher from another province. Your papers are in order so please proceed if you wish.” And he smiled and indicated to his me to give us way. I gave a slight nod and mounted my horse. Once aboard, I called down to him, “Where should I stable my horse, sergeant Slox?” And he said, “Ahead, on the left. You can’t miss it.” And I tipped my hat and urged my horse forward. As we cleared the immediate area of the guard house I pulled my lute around and began to play again.
Cyrus was behind me but I deliberately hesitated to allow him to take the lead. I wasn’t sure where he wanted to go with his cart. There were a few two-story buildings ahead. As we approached the closest of the village dwellings, I could see further down the road there was a prominent intersection of two roads with a large town circle and a well. There was a conspicuous planting of four trees at the well. All the other trees in the area grew around the low places between the hills, apparently where the water was abundant enough to support them. Cyrus looked up at me and said, “At the well we will turn right and I will set the cart to be unloaded. Then I will guide you to the stable. This is a major supply point for the armies that move through here. They have a granary, an armory, a weaponsmith, and a few warehouses. There is also another barracks here with soldiers enough to defend the granary. It also serves as an administrative office for the army commanders that lead the army to the west. If you have need of staying here, they can put you up in a room in the barracks, an officers private room.”
With that we turned right at the well and walked a few doors down to a large building on the left with two stories and a low porch covering the whole of the front of the building. There was nothing elegant about it; totally utilitarian. I estimated this was one of the warehouses Cyrus spoke about. A man came out the front door as we approached and I stopped playing. Cyrus stepped onto the porch and shook hands greeting the fellow, “Good morning, Unichai. This is our new Bard, Bene-Timber.” And again I leaned forward in my saddle and said, “Good morning. I am a loyal messenger to the Emperor on a tour of this lovely province. How fare you today, my friend?” And he waved toward me and said, “I’m well, thank you for asking.” And Cyrus continued, “We will leave Fiorina here and take his horse to the stable. We’ll be back in a moment. Please go ahead and unload.” And Unichai replied, “Sure thing, Cyrus.”
And Cyrus patted Fiorina a few times and turned to walk the other way down the road and I followed. As we walked a number of people poked their heads around the corner or through doorways and said hello to Cyrus. Many of the eyed me for several reasons, although they wouldn’t want to admit to all of them. I was with Cyrus, riding a horse, clearly a Bard and I was a half-elf, although I wasn’t sure if they knew a half-elf from a full elf. They just looked on knowing I wasn’t a man or halfling.
We arrived at the stable and I dismounted. A man in a dirty apron, a work shirt and brown work pants stepped out. Cyrus introduced me, “Bene-Timber, this is Howard Gault our stable-master. Howard, the is our new Bard, Bene-Timber.” I nodded and then extended my hand and he shook my hand giving me a good look over. Cyrus added, “Bene-Timber is with us to help Andante. You will want to come to our mid-day meal today to hear all about Bene-Timber.” And he replied, “Well now, I will, eh? My lord, what would you care for me to do with your horse.” I replied, “If you could please just have him unsaddled and watered, placed in the shade, he will be fine. We had a nice slow walk out here and I must get back early this evening to attend to some business. Thank you.” And Howard replied, “It will be done as you say, my lord.”
I turned to Cyrus, “Can you tell me about these buildings?” He replied, “Sure, we can walk about the village and I’ll point them out to you.” And we toured the village and he pointed out the barracks which was on the northwest corner as it was in Stonebridge. He pointed across the street from the barracks walking back saying this is an army warehouse, and this is the weaponsmith, and this is the armory, and behind that the two-story building is the granary. Next we have the home of the military commander, and next to that the home of the Magistrate’s Scribe, and next to that is our temple. Beyond the temple are several residences. On this street there are a few homes of the prominent community leaders including the mayor, the manager of our looms, the warehouse manager, you met Unichai, and our animal doctor. Across the street are the town craftsmen’s shops and the small goods shop. Behind those are their homes. And scattered about the perimeter of all this are the homes of many farmers that tend the herds and flocks around Wool Corner.” And as he finished we arrived back at the community warehouse where we left our cart. It was getting close to noon so I asked, “Where shall we be eating today?” Cyrus answered, “I thought we’d step into the tavern and enjoy a plate of mutton and have something that might LIFT our SPIRITS.” I responded with a grin, “Now you’re talking my language, Cyrus.” And so we stepped across the street into a doorway.
Many folks were inside already and there was a buzz when we entered. Cyrus said quietly to me, “Go play for them and I’ll get our lunch.” So I slid my lute around to my front and there was a cheer as I stepped over to the hearth. I removed my hat and bowed and the tavern became quiet. I said, “Good day one and all. I am Bene-Timber, messenger and traveler from the east. Our friend, Cyrus, has asked me to play for you …” <Cheer> “So, so … what shall it be?” And there were several songs called out and I raised my hand and said, “And so it shall be …” and I began to play and sing Lovers of Spring. The tavern quieted down and folks enjoyed their meals and grog and I took care to note the faces, and clothing and expressions and friends in the crowd while I played. It was an exercise we had to learn in diplomat training to speak (or sing) with all due sincerity while our minds were occupied on scanning the crowd. We performed this exercise many times for a grade at the school so that it became something like a game among the Bards to challenge one another to find the lady wearing the feather or some such thing. I played a second tune, Wild Rover, one of my favorites and sang before stopping to join Cyrus for the mid-day meal.
I sat down across from Cyrus and he was true to his promise. He had a plate and a mug waiting for me. He was sitting next to a man and talking about the weather when I sat down. “Bene”, he began to say to me, “allow me to introduce Red. Red is the manager of the townsfolk warehouse and looms of Wool Corner. Red, this is my friend Bene-Timber.” Red stood up and extended his hand so that I needed to stand up too. I took his hand and we shook hands before sitting down again. Nobody spoke so that I realized Red or Cyrus was waiting for me to speak first. “How did you get the name Red?” I asked. He responded, “Being in charge of the warehouse I can usually have any color fabric I wish for my clothes and I favor red so much everyone started calling me Red.” “So you have quite a variety of colors and fabrics here?” I asked. He said, “Oh yes, for the uniforms we get many different dyes. That allows us to make fabrics for the common folks of different colors too. There are many bits of fabric that are discarded in the uniform stalls and we make good use of it all.”
“I would like to ask a favor, Red. I would like to bring back to Stonebridge a few lengths of fabric for Isabell. She is a very sweet lady making a few shirts for me and I thought I would bring her some fabric back from Wool Corner. Do you know what she favors?” Cyrus spoke up saying, “Isabell, I think she favors a pale blue.” “What do you think her husband favors?” I asked. Cyrus answered again, “Renlamay, I believe he favors dark blue.” “Excellent”, I said, “I would have to believe you have those fabrics, do you not, Red?” “Of course”, he said, “And I will be happy to get some for you. I, uh”, and I cut him off, “No worry my friend. I would like a span of each color, no make that two spans. How much would that cost?” Red paused and said, “I believe that would be two silvers, my lord.” I fished in my purse and produced two silver coins and handed them to Red. “I must trouble you, Cyrus, to bring it back for me. I will need to ride quickly to return to Stonebridge on business this afternoon before it is late.” Cyrus replied, “Of course, Bene. I will take it to her unless you care to deliver it yourself.” And I responded, “Oh, that is a wonderful idea. I will swing by the chapel, er, temple and get it from you when you return and I will deliver it so I may see the both of them this evening. Thank you for that idea.” We continued eating, drinking and sharing small talk. I learned that Red had many relatives that cared for livestock in the area around Wool Corner. I learned that they had recently seen a rise in lost animals to the northeast of their town, which was odd because only a little further and you entered into the dwarven influenced lands. That almost had to be a result of wild animals, or bandits possibly, and not monsters. I made a note to speak with the Magistrate’s men and Andante about this.
As I finished my meal, I pulled out my credentials and withdrew the drawing I made of the amulet or pendent that Finlock was wearing. I showed it to Red and asked if he had seen an amulet like it before. He said, “You know, that looks familiar.” I pointed to the main jewel in the drawing and said, “There was a splendid pale blue jewel here and below, this fan area, was finished in gold, but these other bits were finished in silver. Does that help your memory?” He replied, “Y’know I think there was a fellow here thirty or forty days ago, but he was a dwarf not a half-elf like yourself, and he was wearing something much like that I believe. Let’s ask Jorden.” And Red signaled the barkeep who wiped his hands and walked over to talk to us. Red asked him, “Do you remember that dwarf that came though here about thirty or forty days ago?” And he said “Yes.” Red continued, “He was wearing some sort of pendent, remember? Do you think it looked kinda like this?” And he showed Jorden my sketch and Jorden said quickly, “Yes, I do remember that pendent. I was struck by the shape because it wasn’t the same on both sides from top to bottom, if you get what I’m saying. Jeweled things are always like that, the same every way around; but not this one.” I asked, “Can you tell me this dwarf’s name?” Jorden thought, “No I don’t think I can. We don’t write things down much here. He just showed me a map he had and asked how long it would take for him to walk to different places on the map from where we were in Wool Corner.” I responded, “I see. Was there any place on the map he wanted to talk about more than any others?” Jorden said, “No, I can’t say that I remember that. He did ask how long to get to Pine Mill if he went straight there. And then he asked if it would be quicker to take the road to Stonebridge and then to Pine Mill. Well I told him it’d be about the same either way. Then he asked if there was a place to get water if he went straight there passing the forest. I said, well not really. The only water in the forest area is at the ruins of the Druid Pack and that wasn’t on the edge of the forest, but deeper in. No, he’d have to carry water if he went that way.” I thanked him and folded my drawing and put it away, and then finished my pint.
After lunch I begged my leave and walked outside and down the street to the stables. I found my horse well cared for and had him saddled and made ready for the ride back. I got up on him and led him at a walk back to the southeast gate. On the other side of the bridge I eased him up to a cantor and we were back in Stonebridge well before the day was up. I eased my horse back to a walk before we entered the gate to Stonebridge and waved to the guards as I passed. We went straight to the stables, which was also very near the armorer. I dismounted and pulled a few things from my saddle bag before turning my horse back to Ben to be cared for in the stables.
I approached the armorer’s shop and gave a knock at the door, counted to two, and opened the door and stepped inside. Inside I found George futzing about with my leather armor. He looked up and got a smile on his face. “Good day, my lord.” He began, “I am glad to see you. I was eager to see you today so we could check the fit on your armor. What do you think?” I looked it over and it seemed better than I had hoped. The red bits were not too red to cause undue attention while still providing some visual interest. I wouldn’t be walking around looking like a peacock, but many people would stare at the colored bits and the shapes of the ornaments and lose themselves in thought while I was talking with them, possibly trying to get information. “Very nice indeed. You are a real artist.” He replied, “Well thank you my lord. Working on uniforms I don’t often have the opportunity to do ornamental work. I do fancy a challenge. Would you have a moment for a fitting?” I responded, “Of course. Should I leave my shirt on or take it off?” George said, “Oh, please leave it on my lord, since you wish to wear this armor to dinners, you would be wearing a shirt.” So we hoisted it up and over my shoulder and into place. I raised my left arm and he fastened the hooks and buckles before coming around for a look. I spread my arms and then placed my palms on my hips and said, “Well, how does it look to you, George?” He responded, “I think it looks fine sir. I wish I had a large glass for you, but I do have a small one.” He found a hand held mirror and handed it over to me. I looked myself over though the glass and handed it back to him with a nod and a smile.
He said, “I have used this armor to get the measurements for your studded armor. The first pieces are being dyed today by Gordon. Tomorrow I will begin measuring those pieces for their mating pieces so everything fits together well. Those pieces will be dyed the following day, and after that I can begin assembling the armor. It takes quite some time to assemble the pieces, but I could work later on that because once the pieces are measured sewing the bits together is just time consuming but not mentally taxing work.” I replied, with a slight bow, “Splendid, splendid, my friend. So I owe you five gold pieces today, correct?” “Oh, well yes sir, but the magistrate’s man said you shouldn’t pay for this.” I looked up into his face and raised my eyebrows saying, “You say the Magistrate sent a man over to say you shouldn’t be paid?” And he smiled and bowed his head, “Sorry, my lord, I must have said that wrong. He said he didn’t want You to pay me for the new armor. I believe the Magistrate will have it paid for from his resources. But I am still to receive the two gold pieces for the red bits of armor. They wish for you to remain responsible for that cost, my lord.” And I replied, “That will be no problem at all. Why with this gift from the governor I shall be in a better state when I leave Stonebridge than I thought. The tavern and the people of Stonebridge have been quite kind to me. Thank you, George.” And I extended my hand. “I must attend to other matters.” And we shook hands and I let myself out.
Out in the street I looked about and it appeared I would have time before the cloth arrived from Wool Corner. I decided I would look in on the adventurers I met the previous evening. I walked to the Adventurer’s Guild House across from the tavern, knocked, and stepped inside. It was bright and roomy in the foyer. There was a high desk inside to the right as I entered the door. The ceiling went up to the second floor just inside the doorway but there were stairs to a balcony and rooms beyond. A short fellow with a terrible scar and a missing eye was at the desk. He was not so old with dark brown hair which he didn’t keep well tended. He also needed a shave. He was wearing a white long sleeve shirt and garters on his sleeves as a clerk but nothing else about him suggested he was a clerk. This was a man comfortable in the outdoors, even the wild. I looked his way and he brightened up a little. I nodded in his direction and said, “Good day, my friend, I am Bene-Timber, musician and messenger, traveler from the east. Are you the proprietor of the Guild House?” And he responded in a deep voice, “Proprietor? No, my friend, I just work here. I was an adventurer for a short time until I git this”, and he pointed into his face indicating the scar and eye. He continued, “I was a little too eager to follow my prey in a cave and when I rounded a corner I was hit square in the face by an axe and knocked to the ground. I would be dead if my companions had not been following me so close. They killed the last three Bugbears in the cave and saved my life. Patched me up and we made it back here. The guild master had a talk with them and they set me up with this job since my days in the caves were done. They were good mates and wanted to make sure I was set for the good work we’d done together. But now there gone, went up north I hear, and I’m here, for good.” And he cast his eyes down. “Well”, I replied, “I’m sorry to hear of your misfortune, uh, I didn’t get your name?” And I extended my hand to him. He took my hand and replied, “Qonteygo, Qonteygo Scar Face now, they call me. It’s not a term of derision for the folk around here, but some respect for how I got the scar.” And I responded, “Well I am glad to make your acquaintance, Qonteygo. And where do you hail from? With a name like Qonteygo, I would figure you came from the islands.” And he answered, “Well, my family came here from the islands, yes. But that was my father, who brought us here. I was four years old. I grew up in Derlin, the fifth son of a fisherman. Our family had a small home and his fishing boat. That all went to my brother, so the other brothers had to become hands or find their own trade. I always enjoyed traveling on land. I was at home in the fields, in the trees, in the hills. So I wanted to become an adventurer. I love my family but I wasn’t going to become a hand on a ship and leave my destiny to others. And then the Fates gave me this”, and he placed his hand against the side of his face, “and the Guild Master gave me this.” He spread his arm indicating the foyer. I bowed my hear and shook it slightly before saying, “The last chapter has not been written in your story, Qonteygo, I know it. What was your specialty?” His eyes darted to the side and he said, “Oh, that. I was a sneaky son-of-a, er, sneaky member of the party, my lord. I was usually the one out in front of the party being extra quiet and listening, even smelling, to find the enemy. Why I can tell you stories about times when I was out front being quiet as a draft and one of my mates tripped in his armor making a terrible racket and we all froze. Usually we were well away from anyone hearing, but a couple times, well, those can really age you.” And I responded, “So you’re a bit of a Rogue, then? I can see we will become good friends. I have to sneak around a bit but I’m really no good at it”, <I lied> “and I would sure like to learn how its done by a professional. I bet you know all kinds of interesting stuff.” Qonteygo brightened up a bit. He waved his arm again indicating his surroundings, and said, “You see this? The Master let me display my equipment here in the foyer. This is all my stuff my mates let me keep. My sword, my armor, my bow, a few empty flasks. My tools are over there in that display case. I had to make the lock to keep others out of the case. I’ve made a small museum out of this room.” “That is splendid, and a very good idea. Would you come to the Hawk tonight and hear me play? I should like to tip a pint with you and hear more about your adventures.” And he smiled and said, “Why sure, my lord”, And I cut him off. “Please call me Bene. This MY Lord business won’t due for two friends. Come see me tonight. But I’m afraid I have an errand I must attend to right now. A party of adventurers came into Stonebridge later yesterday. They said they were staying here. I presume they are still unarmed and haven’t left the town yet, right?” Qonteygo nodded his head. “So they’re going to meet the Magistrate tonight?” He nodded again. “Do you know where I would find them?” He responded, “A couple of them are over at the Hawk I think. I’m not sure about the rest. They are very angry for being detained a day and left without their weapons.” I responded, “Yes, well that is the disposition of many adventurers. For their part, their aggression and impatience is part of the reason most adventurer’s take that path. I’m sure you recall the earliest days of living that life. But the Magistrate needs to know that when they come back from their adventures they know how to behave around common folk.” And he replied, “Well they don’t quite have enough time in the trade for that yet. They seem to act like it’s all ale and treasure and nobody better bother them or they’ll show ‘em how they treat a goblin.” I asked, “You think they’ll make it? Or are they too full of themselves?” He replied, “I wasn’t so full of myself when I got this axe. Right now, I think two or three of them won’t make it a year. The paladin, uh, Vallen, I think he’ll be fine if they don’t get him killed. Some of the others might do OK too.” I responded, “Well I want to go speak to them before they see the Magistrate or bad things might happen here, tonight.” And I saluted him and stepped back into the street.
I crossed the street and stepped into the Hawk, removed my hat, and scanned the room. Christina called out to me, “Bene, uh, my lord, you’re back a little early. Would you care for a tankard?” I looked her way, “Yes, thank you very much.” And I scanned the room and found Darvist and Vallen sitting together. I walked over to join them. “Good day friends. May I join you for a drink?” Vallen stood up and replied, “Yes, of course.” He extended his hand to me. As we shook hands he said, “My lord, Messenger is it? Please accept my apology for the behavior of my companion last evening. It was disgraceful that someone of your good humor and manners should be accused of theft, in public on top of that.” We both sat down. I replied, “Vallen, of course I accept your apology and I need no apology from the other fellows of your troupe. But that is something I wanted to discuss with you. I do hope you will not consider me too forward to discuss your affairs but I find most of you fellows to be good folk. I’ll get right to it.”
“Your party needs to either part ways, for some of you are not compatible, yes, I believe that is a good word for it, or, at the very least, you, Vallen, should take over serving as the spokesman for the party. I hate to press about your affairs. What do you think of that?” And he paused a moment, looked directly at me, glanced to Darvist, and then back to me before saying, “Well my lord, you are correct in all your points, and very diplomatic in your method of expressing it. I was just going to explore this subject with Darvist and now you’ve gone and laid it all on the table for us.” He turned to Darvist and said, “Darvist, do I need to explain why Bene-Timber offers Us such advice?” Darvist was surprised that he was now put on the spot to respond. He said, “I, uh, I don’t know. I thought Fordaire showed us he was the right man to hold the purse and speak for the party. I’m sorry too, my lord, for last night. You were such a pleasant fellow at the bar and then at our table you were almost as scary about us being banished as talking to an Ogre about what he’d like for dinner.”
Vallen took a drink and put it down, drew a breath and said, “Darvist, Bene-Timber is a trained diplomat, and as he said to us last night, a government official. He was doing his job by talking to us because he is responsible to know who is coming and going through the country. He needed to take our measure last night and using his diplomatic skill he exposed each of us for our character and flaws. He did that while most of us knew not what was even going on, such is his skill and training. He uses words as skillfully as I fight with the sword, you see. He created a situation that would cause a hot head, like our companion, to expose his weakness. After that, by measuring our reactions, each one of us, he was able to study our character as well. Anyway, I believe I need to be the party leader from here on forward. I regret that I appear to be asserting authority which is not mine, but if we are going to leave Stonebridge prepared to journey to Eros we must avoid a scene like the one that happened here last evening. If that were to happen at the dinner tonight, we would never see our weapons again, and that would only be one of our problems.” And with that he turned and nodded at me, then lifted his tankard and took another drink.
I looked at Darvist and said, “He speaks the truth. Fordaire thinks he has the charisma and intelligence to serve the troupe as the leader but he has neither the intelligence or wisdom for the task. He may enjoy some charisma but he doesn’t have the skill to represent you in court. I regret speaking in this way as to appear to spread rumors, but he also lacks the character to be a leader. He believed last night that he should be permitted to intimidate me regardless of the facts of the matter and that I should have handed over my coinage to him because he thought his position having his mates with him granted him the power to assert his will over me. He lacked the judgement to see it was I who had the power of all the local men behind me and he lacked the character to see it would immoral for him to just take my money through intimidation. Vallen is right, and your troupe needs to settle this matter before dinner tonight.” I took a drink from my tankard and waited.
Vallen spoke next. “Darvist and I are easily matched and I believe Gillfort and Jackwon are good folks too. I’m not too sure of Fordaire and I still don’t have a good read on Tucker. Both of them keep their background secret and they are not open to talking about things that happened before we met up. The rest of us have shared our history so that I know the names of your parents. But not those two, and that is a sign. Dravist, we should finish our drink and talk with everyone else.” With that I smiled and lifted my tankard and finished it. I said, “I must go attend to other business. I hope to see you again, tonight?” And with that I stood up. Vallen responded, “I hope so too, my lord. May I be so bold to call you Bene-Timber, my lord?” “Oh, please, call me Bene, except when we’re in court. I don’t know yet how the Magistrate feels about that.” He replied, “Very well, Bene, I know we’ll be in town for the night. There’s no reason we couldn’t come back here for a drink before we turn in.”
With that I stepped over to the bar and said good bye to Christine before heading outside. Once out in the street again I looked about and saw nothing out of the ordinary. The street was becoming busier, a sign that it was getting close to the end of the day. I walked over to the Temple to see if Cyrus had returned. On the way I waved and greeted many well-wishers. A small town like this gives one quick notoriety, for good or ill. I arrived at the temple and saw Cyrus and other outside with their carts. I walked over to Cyrus and asked about the fabric. He stepped behind his cart and retrieved the fabric; a nice dark blue and a soft pale blue as I had ordered. I thanked Cyrus, took the fabric and turned to walk to Renlamay’s home. Arriving there I knocked on the door and waited. I wanted to drop off the fabric and check on my order at the same time.
Isabell opened the door and smiled a broad smile. She stepped back and invited me inside. I stepped inside and she closed the door. She turned to face me and was looking at what I had in my arms. She asked, “What beautiful fabric, my lord. What would you have me make from this?” I responded with a smile, “I brought this to you as a gift. I had need to travel to Wool Corner and they said these were your favorite colors, so I brought enough that you could make a garment from each of them.” She smiled another broad smile and reached out her arms saying, “Oh, you did, my lord, for me? Thank you ever so much. This is beautiful fabric. I shall make something especially nice from it. Thank you, my lord.” And after a short pause she laid the cloth on a table and turned back to face me. I said, “I realize it has been only a day, but I was hoping you had good news about my clothes order.” She responded, “It has been the better part of two days my lord. I have finished one of your shirts and I may finish another before I go to sleep tonight. Let me show you, my lord.” And she picked up a shirt from her table and held it up for me to see. Then she asked if I would like to try it on just to make sure she got it just right. I was a little embarrassed because I did want to try it on. In my affairs my clothes often need to be perfect. But I had never dealt with a woman tailor before, and with this young woman I felt a little awkward. So I nodded and removed my outer garment and pulled the shirt on. It fit perfectly. She fussed over it a little, looking at it from many angles, and said with a smile, “My lord should take it at once.” I started to remove the shirt and said, “I shall wear it this evening. I believe I will be dining with the Magistrate again because he has new guests to speak to and I am the only Bard available to his lordship. I’ll wash off and put it on tonight.” After pulling on my other shirt I reached into my pouch and paid her a few coppers. Then I asked, “When shall the vests be available?” She responded, “If you like, I will have them ready after I finish these shirts.” I replied, “Yes, thank you.” She curtsied and I nodded to her. Next I turned toward the door and she quickly stepped over to open it for me. I smiled at her as I stepped through and she thanked me again for the fabric. And I stepped into the street carrying my new shirt.
Across the street there was a park. I had not the time to investigate the park and I wanted to enjoy a little time to walk. I was going to the mansion to see about being included on the guest list because of Vallen’s party, and I also needed to report I had learned something about the pendent. I figured a slow walk through the park might be a pleasant distraction. I noticed there were well kept gravel paths and the grass was also very well tended. I decided they wanted me to stay on the path so I did. The path took and angle toward my right, which was in the general direction of the mansion so I chose to follow that path. It led into a grove with smaller flowering trees around the edge and larger trees within. The trees were planted, not native, in neat rows and even spaces. As I walked along I noticed there was no one else walking in the park even though it was such a pleasant day in the planting season. I passed a stone statue of Alexander I, a likeness I was very familiar with. It was a fair piece, not as good as the ones I had seen in the capitol, but the likeness was still unmistakable. A few steps further and I came to a fountain. This was quite unusual. In the middle of the fountain was another statue, a bit larger, of Alexander III, the current Emperor. The likeness was again easy to see but also a little less quality than those found in the capitol. It was the fountain that I found intriguing. There were two guards at the edge of the path that led straight to the mansion. I pondered asking them about the fountain and decided I’d better ask someone inside the mansion. I nodded to them as I passed but they remained unmoving.
At the door of the mansion I again greeted the guards and then knocked. The heavy door opened and I stepped inside. I paused a moment for my eyes to adjust to the light and turned to the most senior guard in the atrium. “Pardon me, but who should I see about the guest list tonight with the Magistrate?” The guard responded, “I believe you should see the Steward, my lord.” And I answered, “Of course.” I was hoping not to see Cottern. After I spoke to him I would need to attempt to get an audience with the Magistrate and I didn’t want to go through Cottern for that, but it seemed I should so that nothing would appear unusual. So down the hall I went, still carrying my new shirt. I stepped into the outer office of the Steward and waved the scribe to remain seated. I asked, “May I go in to see the Steward?” He responded, “Well sir, if I don’t announce you …” I realized what he needed to tell me and I said, “Of course. Please announce me then.” The clerk stood and went to the door. He knocked three distinct knocks and then waited. He opened the door and poked his head inside. “Bene-Timber, my lord.” And the reply came, “Show him in.”
Inside I smiled at Cottern and stepped to his desk. He rose and we shook hands. I heard the door close behind me. I waited for him to take his seat. And he motioned for me to have a seat. I said, “I need only a moment. Would it be possible to have my name included on the guest list tonight?” He raised his eyebrows and replied, “You need not bother with another banquet, Bene. Wouldn’t you rather stay at the tavern and earn more coin?” I waved my hand like that was of little matter to me and replied, “I met the fellows that are coming to the banquet tonight, and I wanted to be on hand should anything from that encounter be important to Lord Ballinor.” He replied, “Oh, yes, I heard about that. So you want them thrown in jail a few days?” And he got a smile on his face. “I’m sure we could arrange that for you, Bene.” I replied, “Oh, I was hoping to make sure they didn’t get tossed unless they were to compound their error from last night. I guess I am a bit of a soft fellow for these things.” He responded, “A soft fellow? The man that killed eight bandits only two days earlier?” I said, “Well I only killed two myself, actually. Yes, I don’t want these new adventurers to have their careers ended so ignobly.” Cottern replied with a little bit of a frown, “Well, if you wish I will have your name added to the guest list. Please be here before six.” And I replied, “Thank you, very much, my friend. And I must also trouble you for I need to speak to the Magistrate before dinner as well. Could that be arranged?” His eyes widened a little, “The Magistrate? Before dinner? Why Bene, you’re a messenger. You want to bother the Magistrate before dinner?” I looked down trying to appear shy and said, “Well, yes, I would.” I looked up, “Could I see him before dinner, even now?” He looked at me with a surprised smile on his face, “If you must, go upstairs and see if the guard can help you. Bene, you’re a messenger. You can tell him tonight, whatever it is.” I smiled a big smile and said, “Oh, thank you, Cottern. I’ll see you tonight.” I turned to leave quickly to give the impression I was naively eager to have the Magistrate speak harshly to me for bothering him. I didn’t want ordinary folks to know the Magistrate trusted me so well. This would have both positive and negative consequences and I would ask Andante about it when I saw him.
Out the door I waved the scribe to keep his seat and he smiled as I stepped out into the corridor. I walked to the stairs and headed up. At the top of the stairs I walked to the room where I had found the Magistrate before. There was a guard at the door and I spoke to the guard. “I would like to see the Magistrate. May I go in?” The guard responded, “Please my lord, let me see if the Magistrate will see you.” The guard turned and knocked a distinct knock on the door. A voice called from inside bidding him to open the door. He did and poked his head inside, “Bene-Timber, my lord.” A booming voice, of Lord Martinex, came in reply, “Please show him in and close the door.” I stepped into the room and the door closed behind me. Lord Martinex and Lord Ballinor were waiting for me to speak. I bowed and Lord Ballinor said softly, “Bene, please step closer. No need for that.”
I stepped closer and said softly, “My lord, I wanted to report to you immediately before dinner that I have learned something more about the pendent. A fellow wearing a similar device came through Wool Corner recently, a few weeks ago perhaps. He was asking about journeying to Pine Mill and particularly about taking a direct route west to get there. He was advised to stick to the road and come through Stonebridge. Nobody I spoke with knew any more about him.” Lord Ballinor furrowed his brow but it was Lord Martinex to speak first. “Pine Mill? You should go there tomorrow and ask if they’ve seen anything like this as well. Having another of these pendants appear in our province and we don’t know what that is about, that is troubling. And one of them is being worn by our Wizard. Humph.” Lord Ballinor looked me in the eye and asked, “You want to say something Bene?” I replied, “Yes, my lord. I don’t think this is about Pine Mill but something between Pine Mill and Wool Corner. I think that is why this fellow asked about the trail between the two. Do you know what is along that path?” Lord Ballinor said, “There is nothing along that path. Half-way to Pine Mill you skirt along the edge of an old Druidic Wood. There is nothing in there until you reach the druids and they only tent to the trees. Why they’re still cleaning up some ruins just to have a place to sleep. Strange fellows, Druids. They don’t like settlements but most of them still like to sleep indoors.” I said, “Well, I will certainly make a trip tomorrow back to Pine Mill if it please your lordship?” Lord Martinex said, “Yes, Bene, please, go speak to the common folks in Pine Mill and see if they know this fellow.” I bowed.
Then I said to them, “My lords, I must trouble you to ask your advice. I am worried that if people in the mansion realize that I have access to you as I do, they may become curious about what we talk about. They will believe that my affairs are important to you, my lords. However, if they think you consider me a little bit of a nuisance they will think my affairs are trivial and they won’t be curious about them. However, if they believe I have your ear, they may tell me things in hopes I will share those things with you. So there are benefits to playing this either way. I do believe you will hear this other news one way or another. The information will only find its way to you through some other. Would your lordships wish to perpetuate a charade so that others take little interest in my investigations?” Lord Ballinor replied, “Bene, you are indeed a shroud investigator. Yes, let’s help keep your investigation quiet. What should you like us to do? Yell at you a bit when we open the door? Make them think you are a pest?” I replied, “Well something like that although a bit more subtle. Have Lord Martinex take me into the hallway and counsel me on my judgement for bothering your lordship. The news will get out quietly from the guard that overhears this, but it will be subtle enough that almost no one would think it was anything else.” And Lord Martinex said, “Oh Bene, you are really something. Why I am glad you are on our side. By the way, Andante should be here tomorrow evening or the following. We will say so again at the banquet tonight, but I wanted you to know as well.”
I said, “Oh there is one more thing. I have asked to come to the banquet tonight. I hope that isn’t presumptuous of me.” Lord Ballinor said, “Of course not, please feel free to join us when you like. We thought your duties required you among the commoners.” “I met the adventurers that are coming to see you. I suppose you heard about that.” Lord Ballinor replied, “Yes, we heard. I was planning on having a stern talk with this fellow, Fordane is it?” I replied, “Fordaire, my lord.” He continued, “Yes, Fordaire. He’s walking on thin ice with me.” I responded, “I think he and his partner, Tucker, may be trouble. The other fellows I believe are fine, and I think you will really like Vallen, a paladin like your lordships. I have since spoken to him and recommended he assume the duty as the spokesman for the party. If so you may wish to take special means to engage the others to get their measure.” Lord Ballinor said, “Very well, Bene, we’ll see to that. Thank you.” And I turned to look at Lord Martinex and said, “If your lordship is ready, I should leave now.” “Yes”, he said, “Let’s get on with it.” And we walked to the door.
At the door I held up my hand to have Lord Martinex pause and then I took hold of the doorknob and hurriedly opened the door and stepped into the hallway, my head bent as if I were both in a hurry to leave and worried. Lord Martinex followed closely behind. I stopped in the hallway and turned around with my head bent still. Lord Martinex closed the door and stepped a step closer to me. He said, “Bene-Timber, why couldn’t that wait till later? The Magistrate is Busy. He has much on his mind. Take these things to the Clerics or something. And not Lord Quintus. You need not bother him either. Goodness. I’m glad Andante will be here soon. Maybe he can talk to you. Excuse me.” And he turned and opened the door and went back inside. I turned and went back downstairs the way I came. I smiled a small smile. That was exactly what I wanted to develop the illusion.
Downstairs I headed down the corridor and on outside. Still carrying my new shirt I walked over to the Hawk so I could clean up for dinner. Inside the Hawk I said hello to Tony and headed upstairs. I checked the corridor and nothing was amiss. I unlocked my door and stepped inside my room leaving the door open. I tossed my new shirt onto my bed and began to remove my day clothes. Stripped down to shorts, I stood at the dresser and washed myself off. I sat down at the table and opened the book I borrowed to read about the history of the area. After a half-hour or so I was dry enough so I put my book back on the bedside table and dressed for dinner at the mansion.
Wearing good clean clothes and my new good shirt, I adjusted the pouches at my belt and my dagger and all to look my best. I picked up my credentials pouch and my instrument and walked into the hall to close my door. I secured the lock and turned to head downstairs. A short walk over to the mansion from the Green Hawk was pleasurable in the cool late afternoon early evening air. I was let into the mansion by one of the guards that recognized me and found myself in the atrium mingling with other dinner guests. I saw Lloyd the Herald and walked over to speak to him. He confirmed I was on the guest list and that I would be called in a little later, but a party of adventurers would be announced after I was inside. Next I could see the clerics were in attendance so I went to speak with them. Joseph was there and I started by asking him how he was doing. He replied that he was doing well and reminded me he had a carved wooden bowl for me. “Oh yes, I forgot. Thank you my friend.” I responded. And he said, “It is really nothing since I make the trip often.” And I asked him, “Who makes the trip tomorrow?” He replied, “Tomorrow, I believe it is Baruch that goes to Pine Mill.” And I asked, “And you will not go?” Joseph said, “Tomorrow I go to Grain Mill with Tang. Manahem will come with me.” I replied, “Oh, well I think I will visit a village tomorrow also. There are such warm and friendly people in this province. Excuse me.” And I bowed and stepped away to see Erick.
“Hail my lord, Erick. How fare you this beautiful planting season?” And Erick smiled and reached out his hand to me. We clasped hands and he said, “Good day to the man with the golden tongue. I hear you are charming almost everyone. But maybe last night you met your match? I heard of the disturbance in the Hawk. What say you of the event?” I responded quietly, “Well, not for a lack of trying, but one fellow in that party is a bit too full of himself and another fellow I will be keeping me eye on him too. Fordaire is the idiot who thought he could take advantage of me in the tavern and he has a friend with him, Tucker, a wizard, who has something to hide. So far he has succeeded but I haven’t given up trying. They are due tonight and I shall see if I can pop that secret pearl he is trying to hide from me.” Erick raised his eyebrows, “So, this may be an entertaining banquet after all. I’m really looking forward to this.” And there was a noise at the door and in stepped the visiting adventuring party. I picked up two glasses and handed one to Erick while I kept a close eye on them.
They were uncomfortable among the guests. They had no knowledge of such formal affairs and I had to suppress a feeling of superiority because of it. I watched them move to see what I might divine about their conversations about party leader that had occurred since I spoke with Vallen and Darvist. Fordaire was very quiet and isolated. I figured he had lost his position as leader and had nobody else here to talk to so he was keeping to himself. I said something to Erick about wood carvings just to appear engaged in conversation while I turned my attention to Vallen. He walked with confidence and was clearly more at home than any of the others. Darvist stayed with him. Vallen stepped over to speak to the Herald. Tucker was also standing alone and he was scanning the crowd carefully attempting to take the measure of some of the guests. As he brought his gaze in my direction I decided it was time to move in on him.
“Erick”, I said, “let me introduce you to an interesting fellow”, as I walked him over in that direction, “This is Tucker, or so he says that is what he is called. Tucker, this is Erick, an officer in the guard.” And Erick presented his hand and Tucker stepped back a half-step. Tucker regained his composure and extended his hand and they clasped. I went on, “I met Tucker last night at the Hawk. He favors a porter. I enjoy the ale, myself. How about you Erick?” He responded, “Me, oh I’m not much of a connoisseur of ales. I do enjoy mead, but it isn’t easy to find out this way.” “Mead”, I replied, “Why I’ve never tried it. Have you tried mead before, Tucker?” Tucker paused. It appeared he didn’t want to talk but understood he could not run away without being noticed by this officer for his ill manners. Tucker wanted anything other than to be noticed and in this crowded room. I had him just where I wanted him. He said, “No I haven’t tried it either, uh, uh, my lord.” I asked him, “What do you drink when you celebrate at your home? Where is your home, by the way, I don’t recall?” He stuttered a reply, “I, uh, I grew up in a town, uh, called Greyfield, uh, my lord.” “Greyfield?” I asked, “Greyfield is a town northwest of the capitol, if I recall, and you studied with a man that lived in a tower just to the east of Greyfield, which should put it close to the road to Allenhalvania.” I looked at Erick and asked, “Are you familiar with the road from the capitol to Allenhalvania? Is there a tower visible from that road?” Erick replied, “I am not familiar with a tower in that area, my friend.” Turning to Tucker he said, “What sort of tower are you speaking about? Is it a military outpost, a watch tower perhaps?” And Tucker got a rosy complexion being embarrassed. He said, “It was the tower of my mentor, a wizard.” And Erick understood I was trying to get the truth from Tucker so he pressed further. “And what sort of construction was this tower? Stone, I presume?” And Tucker replied very short, “Yes, my lord.” And Erick went on, “How high was this tower? Was it over four stories high?” And Tucker responded, “Y-yes, my lord.” Erick turned to me, “I have not traveled that road in some time but I don’t recall any stone tower visible from the road. A wizard’s tower in that area should be known to me for I studied in the capitol for a time. Geography of Confernos was a subject I was required to know. I wager there is no tower of that height along that road, or in that area. You are keeping something from us, and maybe from your friends as well, hmmm?” He looked away from Erick’s gaze and said “I believe my lord is having trouble with his memory for my mentor’s tower is certainly there. Clearly it has been some time since my lord traveled that way.” And he added for good measure to appear confident, “I should like to take you, uh, my lord, to see it sometime for it is an impressive structure.” And with that the herald tapped his great staff three time to invite the senior guests to begin the entrance. People began to move about to get in their place in line and Tucker used the commotion to slip away, he surely believed quite deftly away from his inquisitors.
I bowed to Erick and said, “We shall have to continue this some other time”, and as I raised my head and looked into Erick’s face, “Perhaps soon, my lord.” And I smiled at him as he turned to get into line himself. I knew I would be near the back of the line and near this party. I thought how I should undo them at the banquet.
The great doors opened and the senior guests were admitted with their ladies. After most of them were inside I looked about in a manner so as not to appear to look about and I noticed the whole party of visitors were in attendance and following just behind me in order of admittance. There were also two guests in front of me with their wives. The women were dressed in fine gowns with veils over their hair and down their shoulders as the current fashion. The men were dressed in courtly attire but bore no insignia I could see of a position. I wondered who these men were.
The doors closed and we waited outside. I turned to the nearer man, a fellow about five feet ten with pale skin but a well trimmed beard of dark strands matching his hair, wearing a fine green tunic and fine cloth pants, leather shoes not meant for travelling, and an over large ring on his left hand made of gold and a conspicuous gold necklace. I bowed and said, “I am Bene Timber, my lord, messenger and traveler from the east.” He smiled and bowed to me, but did not respond. I thought how strange he seemed.
The great door came open again and the herald said, “Randolph Exector, and the lady Gloria; Horatio Ballinor, and lady Mary, peers of his majesty, Lord Vanderbilt.” As they entered, everyone stood up and there was quiet as they walked in; their footsteps echoing in the large room. And the great door closed again. I was now standing alone with the adventurers behind me. I checked my clothes to make sure everything was smoothed out, tugging here and there to avoid any wrinkles.
After a longer delay the great door opened again and the herald said, “Bene Timber, Messenger and Emissary to the Emperor, his highness Emperor Alexander of Confernos.” Everyone not already facing my way turned to face the door and watch as I entered. I was self conscious and relieved that I had checked my clothes carefully. I stepped forward carrying my hat in my left hand and my lute slung over my back, slowly, and looked for some indication where I was supposed to sit. It appeared I would again sit in the spot I had been seated before, at the opposite end of the room from the Magistrate. I smiled a broad smile and nodded to a few of the guests I was better acquainted with and trying my best to appear at ease in such company. I noticed something surprising as I strode forth. The guests ahead of me were seated at the head table, an unusual or at least unexpected event. They must be very well connected to be so honored. I also noticed the room was arranged with many more seats and a stretch of seat along the table to my right were still vacant where I guessed the troupe, as they called themselves, would be seated. The head table still had two vacant seats, for the Magistrate and his wife of course. But there was also a vacant seat to the left of Thomas Quintus, between himself and his group of brothers. Everyone I expected was accounted for including Cottern and Finlock. Who is the mystery guest? I began to wonder if it were Vallen since he had connections in the government, although he didn’t wish to discuss that with me.
I arrived at my seat and an attendant approached and took my lute, hat and credentials, turned and waited along the wall. Lord Martinex smiled and indicated with his hand I should have a seat. As I reached out to pull my chair aside a servant quickly stepped up and pulled it out for me. More intrigue, for this level of ceremony was not evident on my previous two dinners in Stonebridge. These mystery guests must be better connected that I would have imagined. I sat and the servant adjusted my chair to help me be comfortable, then quickly stepped to the wall. There was a pause.
Lord Exector broke the silence. “Bene Timber, we hear you are a local hero. Would you please share an account of your adventure with us. We have only recently arrived in Stonebridge and have been told you acquitted yourself admirably.” I started to rise but Lord Martinex made a subtle hand gesture indicating that was not necessary. I was confused because only a moment ago we were at high ceremony and now Lord Martinex is indicating I should relax. I started with, “Pardon my lord.” And I reached for my water goblet and had a drink, replaced it and began my story. At the end I finished with “And I learned not to fret over my dirty clothes for Lord Quintus was most accommodating in having them mended for me.” And with that I smiled and made a small nod to Lord Quintus. And the new visitors all smiled broadly at me and nodded to each other and said things softly to one another indicating they admired my handling of the situation and enjoyed the manner in which I recounted the story.
And then the herald brought down his staff three times, [clomp, clomp, clomp] and said, “Lords, ladies and gentlemen, His Lordship the Governor of Stonebridge, Magistrate Ballinor, the lady Jullianne, and Peer of the Governor, Andante, Ambassador and Emissary of his highness Emperor Alexander of Confernos.” And everyone stood up and remained silent not turning to see the Magistrate’s entrance but facing forward. From my position I could see clearly the approach of the three of them, and two soldiers, one carrying a great shield and the other carrying nothing, and Andante, caught my eye wearing a broad smile. He strode in as a bard, making a little flourish of the parade, but also maintaining the decorum required, walking behind Lord Ballinor and his wife. Upon reaching his seat, an attendant pulled the chair for lady Jullianne and the other ladies present and also for the governor. The governor handed a great sword to the soldier carrying nothing and sat down. The ladies sat down. The head table sat down. The other guests sat down. The two soldiers went and stood along the wall behind Lord Ballinor, one holding the shield and the other holding the great sword. I noticed two other soldiers similarly positioned behind Lord Martinex.
There was a moment of silence when Lord Ballinor nodded greetings to a few of the guests with a smile. He cleared his throat and said, “Friends, we have been notified by the Lord Chamberlain that we are to recognize one of our own for his diligent actions in service to Stonebridge and the Empire. On this happy occasion I wish to give the honor of presiding over this ceremony to my long time friend, Andante. Andante, please proceed with your duty.” And with this mysterious prologue, Andante stood up and paused. An attendant came to pull his chair for him and Andante stepped clear of the table and into the center of the room. He looked at me and said, “Bene Timber, would you please step forward.” And everyone turned their heads and looked at me. I was struck for a moment and then I jerked my head to one side and saw many of the guests were smiling. An attendant quickly stepped forward to pull my chair for me and I stood as confidently as I could with everyone watching. I stepped back and walked to the center of the room and stood two steps before Andante. Andante stepped over and Cottern handed him something. He returned to the center of the room and unrolled a scroll and cleared his throat.
“Be it hearby know throughout Confernos that his loyal servant Bene Timber, member of the diplomatic corps, bard, messenger and emissary, has been recognized by Emperor Alexander of Confernos, Defender of the faithful, son of his highness Alexander II, Vanquisher of the Orcs, and third grandson of his highness Emperor Alexander I, Conqueror of the Andorean Plains, for distinguished service in the province of Stonebridge on the 47 Planting, in the year 221, given after sworn testimony from Lord Ballinor, Magistrate of Stonebridge, of great deeds in single combat defeating the bandit master on the road to Pine Mill. Given under the seal and by solemn oath of Lord Richard Cranmer, Imperial Chamberlain of Emperor Alexander III.” He stopped reading, rolled the scroll carefully and handed it to me. Then he twisted to retrieve something from a pouch at his belt. He began again, “Bene Timber, Emissary for the Emperor, is hearby allowed to wear the single gold rope for his service, having served the Emperor in the best traditions of the diplomatic corps, with his thanks, the thanks of the Lord Chamberlain, and”, he paused, “the thanks of his many close friends here today in Stonebridge.” And with that everyone stood, except the ladies, and applauded as Andante released his hand to show a gold chain not as wide as my smallest finger which hung down quite a way from his grasp. With the applause still going he indicated I should take a knee, and so doing, he placed the gold chain over my head to hang across my chest from my right shoulder. He reached down to take my hand and helped me to my feet before shaking it vigorously. I stood there with a bewildered smile on my face and the heat of blushing in my cheeks. The applause died down and everyone took their seat again. Andante handed me a new leaflet for my credentials folder. I looked it over. It seemed I was also promoted a level in the service, for I was no longer “messenger and emissary” but simply “emissary”. That didn’t mean I wasn’t still a messenger, but the subtle difference in title would be noted by all government officials and I might receive a tiny bit more notice for it. Andante slapped me on the shoulder and said Cottern would help me get my folder straight after dinner. He indicated we should return to our seats.
An attendant with my credentials folder, lute and hat approached and took the leaflet and scroll while the other attendant held my chair. All that being over, Cottern turned and nodded to the herald, who banged his staff again [clomp, clomp, clomp] saying, “Lords, ladies and gentlemen, I present the party called The Troupe, including Vallen, Dravist, Gillfort, Jackwon, Tucker and Fordaire.” The great doors opened and in stepped the adventurers. Vallen was at the head of the group walking in with his head held high and eyes straight ahead. The next two walked in behind him but were turning their heads this way and that to take it all in. Jackwon was behind them and not looking about much but simply following them to their seats. Tucker and Fordaire brought up the rear and they were walking in alternating looking around and looking at the floor in front of them. It was clear that Vallen understood the ceremonial requirements of the event and the others did not. Jackwon didn’t seem to know or even care, but at least he had found a normal cloth shirt to wear over his muscled torso. They arrived at their chairs and attendants helped them to be seated. Vallen had taken care to present himself in his best attire. The Governor greeted them asking if they had been comfortable for the day. Vallen spoke first saying, “The people of Stonebridge have been hospitable, my lord, and I regret we have forgotten our manners in a moment of weakness. We understand our responsibilities in the community as visitors and guests and beg your lordship’s forgiveness for our momentary lapse.” And with that Jackwoon turned to Vallen and said, “We what? Beg your lordship’s forgiveness? Why it was that asssss-sociate”, he caught himself just in time, “Fordaire …” And Vallen raised his hand slightly indicating Jackwon should remain quiet. Vallen turned to face the governor, bowed his head slightly and said, “My lord.” It was apparent Fordaire was going to join in the protest and Tucker likewise was ill at ease, but both of them thought better of it in the moment.
Lord Ballinor spoke. “I heard of the incident last evening in the Green Hawk.” Some of them shot a glance at me. “No”, Lord Ballinor continued, “Bene Timber did not come running to tell the tale even if you did assault him. You are quite a lucky Troupe. Our Emissary friend is quite capable of handling the whole group of you with the help of his friends in the tavern. If he had elected to return your manners in kind I believe three or four of you would be in jail still, and the others would not bother anyone again. No, the sordid tale came to me from other lips. This is my Province. I have eyes and ears all over. My people are happy people and they wish it to remain so. And here we are at dinner. You know what hangs in the balance. You will leave Stonebridge with your weapons, or you may not. You may be inhibited carrying weapons or you may not. As Governor it is my will. So what should my will be? I’ll think it over while we enjoy our dinner.” And with that a group of servants stepped into the room carrying any number of platters and trays of food. One better dressed servant stood and announced, “This evening’s meal will consist of beef steak, potatoes, butter and spices, mushrooms, beans, bread with peach preserves.” And the parade of servants and trays continued. The room broke into local small talk.
As everyone was being served I took turns glancing at the Troupe and Andante. Andante made some small talk with Lord Quintus but I could see he was concentrating on the members of the Troupe. I likewise tried to observe them carefully. I didn’t know what I expected to see but I was attentive to it nonetheless. I also shot a glance at Finlock. He seemed to be engaged in conversation and not interested in our new guests. I turned to look back at the party but grabbed my knife and twisted it in my fingers just so I could see the reflection of Finlock in the blade, and I caught him shooting a glance at me.
Well into the meal Lord Martinex said something to the Magistrate and he returned to talking with the party. “Vallen.” Vallen put down his bite and replied, “Yes, my lord?” The Magistrate said, “You studied with the college in the capitol?” He replied, “Yes, my lord.” The Magistrate continued, “How is Lord Graybeal? Is he still in charge of fencing and swordplay?” Vallen replied, “My lord? Lord Graybeal teaches battlefield tactics and leadership. I was unaware he taught swordsmanship.” Lord Ballinor asked, “Who is teaching swordsmanship then?” Vallen replied, “Lord Tascaria teaches swordsmanship, my lord.” “And what is your strongest subject, Vallen?” He replied, “I should not wish to boast but I believe single combat is one of my strengths, my lord.” And Lord Ballinor asked, “And what is your weakest subject from the college?” Vallen responded, “I’m sure it is Heraldry, my lord. I have some difficulty distinguishing colors I am told. Apparently Blue is notably distinct from Green, but I can’t see it, the distinction, my lord.” Lord Ballinor then got to the question he wanted to ask. “And what of these fellows you have joined with?”
The room got much quieter. Even the sound of eating utensils touching pottery seemed to cease. Vallen started to speak but the Magistrate held up his hand. Lord Ballinor said, “Dravist, I hear you are a friendly fellow. Where are you from?” And Dravist responded, “I am from Derlin, my lord.” And Lord Ballinor said, “Are you now?” while he turned his head to face Lord Martinex. Lord Martinex was next to speak. “What is your family about in Derlin?” And Dravist replied, “They are shipbuilders, my lord.” And Lord Martinex continued, “There are many immigrants in Derlin. How long has your family lived there?” And Dravist replied, “My father and his brother came to Derlin from across the water, my lord.” Lord Martinex turned his head to face Lord Quintus who spoke next. “I should like to see your credentials please. All of you, if you don’t mind.” And there was some shifting in their seats. Vallen quickly produced his folder, as did Gillfort and Tucker. Fordaire found his and then Dravist. Jackwon was embarrassed because he did not have his folder with him. When this became evident, Vallen stood up and bowed, saying, “I beg the pardon of your lordship, and Magistrate Ballinor. My travelling companion, Jackwon, forgot to bring his folder. It is not a custom in his birthplace to carry folders. They have a tradition of wearing tattoos that replaces the need for carrying folders.” And he stood erect and waited. Lord Ballinor waved his hand saying, “Please be seated, Vallen.”
A servant collected the folders and walked them around to Lord Quintus. Lord Martinex turned to speak to Jackwon. “Where are you from, young man?” Jackwon started to stand and Lord Martinex indicated with his hand, subtly, that he could remain seated, but he stood anyway. I believe he wanted to display his large frame to emphasize his intended reply. He said, “I am Jackwon, Barbarian and adventurer from Tigropen, a village north of the capitol not far from the Druidic grove we call Sprickel-Jove, but you call it Hollibliss. I am the oldest son of Jinkone, who is chief, after the recent death of my grandfather, Pontill. I have left my tribal village because as the chief’s son I can earn the right to be his successor by valiant deeds, which I must complete in the next five years. If I do not, my father’s brother is named successor, and his oldest son and my younger brother must compete for succession. It would be a tragedy to see such chaos of succession embroil my tribal village. For this reason and because stability among my people is of interest to the rulers of Confernos, I have been given “credentials” as you call them, to adventure for five years and then return to my village.” And Jackwon stood still and gazed at the men at the head table with no humility but only a little arrogance. Lord Quintus broke the tension saying, “Thank you, Jackwon. Please take your seat.” And Jackwon got a thin smile on his face believing he had made his point about what he considered to be silliness of this affair.
Thomas Quintus handed two folders to Andante and held up the other three in his hand. A servant came and took the folders from Lord Quintus and walked them back over to the adventurers. Andante quickly looked over the other folders and handed them to Thomas Quintus, who in turn passed them to Lord Ballinor. The two folders appeared to belong to Tucker and Fordaire. Andante spoke up saying, “My lord, I should like to lighten the mood for everyone so they may enjoy their evening and your hospitality even more. If I may?” And Lord Ballinor replied, “Of course. I’m sure we should all be glad for the entertainment. Please play softly.” And an attendant stepped forward and helped Andante from his chair. Another brought his lute. He slung the lute over his shoulder and began to check the tuning and I grinned remembering the “Boing-boing-boing” song of the merchants. Andante stepped to the back corner of the room near the Herald somewhat to the left and behind the adventurers. And as Andante began to play I noticed the song he played was a special lesson from the college. It is an elaborate finger picking song they taught us.
Lord Ballinor handed the credentials folders to Lord Martinex. Lord Ballinor spoke up, “Tell me Tucker, where are you from?” Tucker responded softly, “I am from a town north of the capitol, my lord.” Lord Ballinor responded with a note of irritation in his voice, “Yes, which town, Tucker?” Tucker could not help himself and shot a glance back at the Governor saying, “Greyfield. Greyfield, my lord, is my town that I am from.” At this, Finlock interjected, “And you studied wizardry? From whom?” Tucker turned to look at Finlock and noticed surely he was also a wizard. Tucker replied, “I studied under Torimar Ugechee, my friend.” Finlock nodded indicating he was acquainted with the man. Lord Ballinor turned to Finlock and asked, “What do you know of this man, this wizard?” Finlock replied, “I do not know much about him, my lord. I know he does not practice Necromancy and finds it quite distasteful.” Lord Ballinor continued, “Is that all? How deep is he into wizardry? How long has he been practicing?” Finlock replied, “My lord, I do not know how long, but for many years more than I myself.” Andante changed his tempo and then picked up the pace again. It was a signal. Then Andante said, “Tucker, do you know how long this fellow, Torimar Ugechee, has been practicing wizardry, to the nearest year? If you were to guess, how many years has he been practicing?” Tucker replied, “My lord, I believe it would be thirty years or more … “ and he began to cough. He stopped and took a sip from his water goblet. Lord Martinex understood what Andante was up to so he added, “How many more than thirty years, Tucker?” And Tucker became red in the face. He replied, “It may be even as much as fifty years … “ and he began to cough again. It stopped and he took another drink from his goblet. He took a breath and said clearly, “I believe he has been practicing for”, and he paused as if counting in his head something, “Sixty four years, my lords.”
I wiped my knife clean and turned it to show me Finlock’s face. I reached for my water goblet and took a sip and then my wine goblet and took a sip. I placed it on the table at my left hand. This was also a signal I believed only Andante would know indicating my attention was directed at someone in particular to my left, which was Finlock. Andante would know to look at the knife in my hand and understand I was looking at Finlock. It also indicated to Andante that I was engaged in my duty to observe carefully this questioning. He never stopped picking his lute but nodded ever so slightly indicating he noticed my signal.
Lord Martinex spoke up, “Sixty Four years. Well that is quite a bit more than thirty, isn’t it Tucker?” Tucker knew he had been caught trying to evade the questions but he didn’t understand how. It never occurred to him Andante was up to something and a master of interrogation. Tucker replied, “Yes, my lord. It is.” Lord Martinex followed up, “Sixty four years. So that makes him Eighty; eighty four, more?” Tucker replied, “Yes, my lord.” And at this point Lord Martinex was tired of playing cat and mouse with him. He banged his fist on the table and said, “Yes, my lord, what? Is he eighty-four?” Tucker looked like he wanted to run away but he knew he couldn’t. As a matter of fact, all the ladies and the gentlemen and even a couple others not accustomed to adversarial questioning were uneasy, but because they had been through this over dinner before they did a good job of not noticing or showing their individual discomfort. Tucker said, “I believe he is going to turn eighty-five before the harvest, my lord.”
Lord Ballinor spoke next. “Fordaire, what is your profession?” Fordaire also didn’t know what was happening but recognized this was no time to pick nits with the Governor. He responded, “I am a Rogue, my lord.” And the Lord continued, “And where do you hail from?” Fordaire paused and then said, “I am from the Coral Islands, my lord.” Andante nodded and continued in tempo playing his lute. This caused Dravist to look over at Fordaire. Apparently the Coral Islands held some significance to Dravist who grew up in a seafaring family. Lord Ballinor asked, “The Coral Islands? When did you come to Confernos?” Fordaire replied, “I came here five years ago, my lord.” And now Tucker turned his head to face him also. Lord Ballinor then asked, “Where did you get your credentials folder, Fordaire?” And Fordaire replied knowing he was about to be in big trouble. “I got that folder from a fellow in the capitol.”
At this point Lord Ballinor had heard enough for now. He turned his head and nodded to Lord Martinex. Lord Martinex turned his head and nodded to one of the officers seated at the table, Erick. Erick stood up and drew his sword. He nodded to a sergeant who waved his hand to two other soldiers. Erick said, “Fordaire, you are under arrest.” And Fordaire hung his head. There was a gasp from many in attendance and I continued to look at my knife reflecting the image of Finlock. Andante walked over to another part of the room to stand clear of the party in case there was a sudden move by someone. Fordaire stood up slowly. He stepped back from his chair. The two guards stepped over to him. Lord Martinex added, “Tucker, you are also under arrest.” Tucker’s head snapped over to look at Lord Martinex. Erick waved a hand and two more soldiers stepped forward. Tucker opened his mouth preparing to protest but nothing came out. He clasped his throat and moved his mouth and again no noise come from his mouth. He looked around wildly. And I noticed Finlock pick up his water goblet and slowly drink from it. Tucker stood up and waved his arms. The soldiers stepped close to him and one reached out and took hold of an arm. The party member, Jackwon, next to him scooted his chair away from Tucker.
Meanwhile the first two soldiers were easing Fordaire to the door. The herald had moved away and two more soldiers at the door had opened it. More soldiers were coming up the stairs. The two were ushered out with soldiers and Erick following behind and the doors were closed. The herald resumed his post near the door. The two soldiers resumed their silent vigil on either side. Andante continued to pluck his lute and slowly made his way back to his seat. An attendant approached Jackwon to help him replace his chair where it should be at the table. In only a moment everything was calm and there was no indication of trouble except for two empty chairs. And I watched as Finlock put his goblet back on the table in the reflection of my knife while I twisted my chair a few degrees to my left to sit square to the table.
“Andante”, Lord Ballinor spoke first, “with such a rare treat having two bards with us, would you care to perform something for us, please?” Of course, even though Andante was a peer of Lord Ballinor, it wasn’t really a request. Andante smiled, turned his head my way and nodded. I stood up and an attendant came rushing forward to help me with my chair. The second attendant with my lute came forward a bit more deliberately and handed me my lute. I slung my lute over my shoulder and walked around the table to Andante. We tuned our instruments together and he said very quietly, “Wild Rover, I’ll play the lead and sing the harmony.” I turned and looked him in the eye with a slight nod and we stepped into the center of the room. He began playing and after a measure I played the lower notes on my lute. We played a few measures getting accustomed to the tempo together and I nodded again. I began singing the verse.
I’ve been a Wild Rover, for many a year
An’ I’ spent all me money on whiskey and beer.
And now I’m returning with gold in great store
And I’ll never will play the wild rover no more.
And Andante joined in harmony to sing the chorus …
And it’s no, nay, never
No, nay, never, no more
That I’ll play the Wild Rover
No, never, no more.
All the guests had already forgotten the unpleasantness of moments before and many were tapping the beat of the song with their hands or their toes. We sang all the verses and there was a great applause from the guests and smiles and grins on the faces of the soldiers and attendants who dared not applaud. And we sang a song of a happy farmer who talked to his horse as he plowed. And we sang a song of disreputable fellows including a drunkard so objectionable that the pigs dared not be seen with him in the muddy ditch. And after a few songs it was becoming late. I wanted to find somewhere private to talk to Andante so that I could fill him in on matters in the province and to hear what news he brought.
The Magistrate applauded and then held his hand up for us to pause. He said, “Lords and ladies, gentlemen please, it is late and I must need speak with some guests in private before I turn in. I thank you for attending the evening’s banquet. But we must conclude our meeting.” And with that everyone stood up except the ladies and the Magistrate. The Magistrate stood up with an attendant pulling his chair, and other attendants approached to help the ladies. The Magistrate stepped away from the table and two soldiers stepped forward to return swords to Lords Ballinor and Martinex. Replacing their swords, they escorted their wives from the banquet and the other guests of high station also escorted their wives from the banquet room following after Lord Ballinor. Thomas Quintus followed after them.
At this point guests began to speak to one another and Andante stepped over to speak softly to me. He said, “I’ll be over to the Green Hawk in a bit to see you. Go have a pint and enjoy yourself till I get there. Don’t worry about any of this. We’ll talk.” I nodded and turned to find my path out the door. I noticed the attendant with my hat, credentials and my scroll of commendation was looking expectantly at me. I walked in his direction but remembered I had to see Cottern about my credentials folder. I looked around and saw Cottern, not speaking to anyone. I caught his eye and nodded in his direction with a small smile. He brightened up and nodded in return. It appeared he understood my meaning.
I retrieved my things from the attendant. He was most congratulatory and I was sure everyone in town would know what happened before another day had passed. I patiently worked my way out of the banquet room receiving many guests and their wishes for good health and a long life. I replied, “I’m a half-elf. My life will be quite long as it is. But to have good health for a long life would be a dream come true.” And once out of the banquet room I made my way to Cottern’s office where he was waiting for me. Cottern was in an unusually good humor and I wondered on it.
“Here, Bene”, Cottern began as he stretched out his hand, “Let me fix that folder up for you.” He must have had plenty of practice with this task for he had the elaborate braid which held the spine together open and undone in only a moment. He pulled a page from my folder, placed it back in reversed, set the new page inside, and tapped out the whole stack nice and even. He squeezed the folder back together and threaded the braid back in and had it all laced up nice, neat and tight for me. I received it back into my hand and turned the spine to look carefully at it. I said, “My, you sure made short work of that. It better than new.” Cottern smiled at the flattery, shrugged, and said, “I’ve had a lot of practice. And Lord Ballinor wouldn’t have me do any less. His is a stickler for many things. This happens to be one of them I took to quickly.” I touched my folder to my head in a sort of salute to him and said, “Well thank you again. I’ll be off to the Hawk now.” And Cottern nodded in return with a smile. I turned and made my way outside.
Replacing my hat, I carried my scroll carefully back to the inn. As I reached the door a patron was opening it to leave. When he saw me, he stepped back holding the door open for me and called out, “Bene Timber, everyone.” And a cheer came from inside. I stepped through the door and the cheer rose another level. I couldn’t help but get a big grin on my face and I raised the brim of my hat. But I needed to get to my room so I could put some of my things away. Many of the visitors were tapping me on the shoulder and wishing me well as I passed by. Tony caught my eye and made a motion like he was playing the lute and he raised his eyebrows in supplication for me to come back quickly and play for the crowd. It looked like I was making a lot of money for Tony.
I reached the stairs and went up carefully so I didn’t drop anything. At the head of the stairs I checked the hallway and noted there had been some activity up there since I left that morning. In addition to the hallway being swept, there was a small rug in front of my door and the others. Did Tony have other guests of importance? Surely not the peers of the Governor. They would stay in the mansion. I opened my door slowly and looked inside. I stepped in and placed my armload on the bed. Then I reached for a match to light candles. I put my new things away carefully including my scroll and my fine braided gold “rope” they called it. I wondered about it. It was so fine that it was either crafted with magical help or by one of the finest craftsmen in the Empire. I locked my chest and grabbed my hat and tip bag to return to the tavern downstairs.
Downstairs I went to see Tony. “Tony, how are you tonight?” Tony smiled and said he was doing well. Then he added, “I’ll be doing even better in a minute when you begin playing. Did you know last night when you started playing everyone ordered another round of drinks so they could ask the maids to put the change in your purse? You did well but I did even better. If you stay in town long enough I’ll find out where you’re headed and have another tavern built in that town too. Imagine folks asking when they reach a town, ‘Does the Green Hawk host a tavern here?’ Oh Bene! Now you go play and I’ll have your ale over straight away.” I asked Tony, “What is going on upstairs with the carpets?” He replied, “Oh that. I just wanted to fix things up for you. I want you to hurry back to Stonebridge every time you have to head off.” I answered, “Well, thank you very much.” And I walked over to the hearth to play.
I placed my things on the Bard’s table including my tip bag, of course, pulled my lute from my back and checked the tuning. I began to play a finger picking melody and watched the crowd. Just as Tony said, drinks were quickly delivered to the tables and my tips began to fill. I transitioned from my finger picking melody to a happy strumming pattern and began singing one of my bright festival tunes. The drinks flowed and the patrons all sang along as they were becoming familiar with my favorite tunes. A short time after I began playing the four fellows from the troupe came into the Hawk. They sat near the door at a table together and ordered a round of drinks. They smiled at me and talked quietly while they enjoyed the other flavors beside beer. It appeared they had succeeded in getting their approval to carry weapons again and I suspected they were discussing what to do about the other two members of their party.
I decided I would take a break from playing the lute and asked for four good bread rolls from the maid. She brought them back on a wooden plate with butter and a knife. I put my lute down and picked up three of the rolls and said to the crowd, “Being a bard is great fun, but it isn’t all song and dance …” And with that I began to juggle the three rolls all the while sharing a litany of well-rehearsed jokes. Then I said that I was a bit hungry and as one of the rolls reached my right hand I took a bite and continued to juggle the rolls. And the roll became smaller and smaller. And when it was hardly any size at all I tossed it up, lifted the fourth roll and began juggling while catching the last bite in my mouth. And there was a great cheer. Then I tried some of my other juggling tricks, like tossing one roll over my shoulder, and when I grew tired of that I put the rolls back on the plate. I picked up my lute and played another tune before taking a break.
I picked up my empty tankard and my wooden plate of bread and butter and went to sit with the troupe and see what was on their mind. They saw me approach and Vallen stood up. I greeted him with a nod saying, “Vallen, what is the news?” I wanted to know about Fordaire and Tucker but didn’t wish to be such an obnoxious dolt to ask directly. Vallen held out his hand bidding me to have a seat with them. As I sat down, Priscilla stepped over and picked up my tankard and took it to the bar. I looked into Vallen’s face and could see he was still reflecting on the events of the banquet. I looked at the others and they seemed less worried.
Vallen said, “I fear Tucker and Fordaire are doomed, and I’m not sure what evil has condemned them.” I replied, “The problem is the extent to which they wished to avoid speaking truthfully to Lord Ballinor. In the days and weeks you knew them, you still learned things about them tonight they never shared before, correct? And you learned that some of the things they told you were not true. You should not spend too much of yourself on their account.” Priscilla returned with my drink and I took a roll and cut it open applying a generous spot of butter, before offering the rolls to my friends. Vallen took one and tore it in half. Then he also applied butter to his piece and took a bite. I sipped my drink and continued saying, “I don’t think they are undone yet. I just think the Governor was tired of playing a game with them. They obviously thought they owed nothing to the governor, not even the truth. But you know about rulers in Confernos. They most especially expect the truth and good order from everyone. I suspect your … former … friends will only be detained long enough to get the truth from them unless they have done something illegal, which I doubt since they were travelling in your company, or they are keeping a deep dark secret, or possibly they just remain arrogant and defiant. At some point the governor may tire of their arrogance, and if they are lucky he will have them taken to a higher authority for more questioning.” I didn’t want to share with him that I would know of their fate in the short term and in the long term fairly soon through my contacts.
Gillfort said, “I was astonished the lord just stopped everything and arrested them. He was just tired of asking them questions so he sent them to jail?” I turned and had another sip of my ale. “Gillfort, do you understand Fordaire is a criminal? When he said he ‘got his folder from a man in the capitol’ he meant he either obtained it through fraud, counterfeiting, or he simply stole it. Whether the poor man was conscious, unconscious or dead, we don’t know.” And Gillfort got a surprised expression on his face. He said, “You mean he … is some … kind of bandit, or burgerler … “ And I finished the sentence, “Or possibly worse.” And at this Jackwon spoke up, “I always found him to be hard to like. He was only nice when we were travelling. Between towns he needed us to mind things in the camp. But once we arrived in a settlement he seemed to take on another way. I was never afraid of him because I could have crushed him like a bug, but he wasn’t easy to get along with. I will always remember this in the future. If someone is a different person one day against another, I’ll suspect they can’t be trusted.”
Dravist was also troubled. “A murderer or at least a thief. And what about Tucker. You could see they were friends.” And I asked him, “What about Tucker? He said he studied wizardry in a tower to the east of his village. There is no tower to the east of Greyfield. Have any of you heard of Torimar Ugechee?” And they all shook their heads except Jackwon. He drained his tankard, stout I think, and tapped the tankard twice on the table top indicating he wanted another. He apparently didn’t care what happened to them or who they were.
“Jackwon”, I asked, “your village is where? Near Hollibliss or Sprickel-Jove? And you call it Tigropen? Is the situation in your village as contentious as you made it sound during dinner?” Jackwon turned and smiled a small smile to me. “It isn’t that bad because I will come back having great deeds to report and the question of succession will not up again until it is my son who has to earn his rights. I have killed a bugbear already and I have his tusks. More trophies will hang from the wall in my lodge and I will be the chief.”
I turned back to Vallen. “You’re worried for Tucker and Fordaire. I don’t think you should dwell so on them. They are receiving their just rewards. They need only realize the governor is not playing a game with them.” And Vallen replied, “I would like to explain it to them. They were in my charge.” And I replied, “Well only technically. They are their own men. They deceived you. They did not wish to submit to your authority. I don’t think they would even now, even if you came down there and commanded the guards to release them. I think they would scurry away like rats. That is my mind about it.” New drinks arrived and I nodded and stood up to return to the hearth. “Please don’t leave. I have more to talk over with you.” And I returned to the hearth.
At the hearth I bowed and brought up my lute to play. I played for a spell and Andante came in the tavern. He smiled at me and leaned against the wall near the door removing his hat. A few maids noticed his entrance and stopped over to welcome him. I smiled and bowed a sweeping bow and I continued playing and singing. As I finished the tune I made a sweeping gesture to the door and announced that Andante was here to join us. There was an applause. Andante said in a lord voice, “I should like to hear The Ballad of Bene Timber, Bane of Thieves.” And these was another applause. And nodding to my mentor, I began my new ballad. A maid brought Andante a tankard, which was not a metal tankard nor like any other used in the tavern. Apparently, Tony kept a special tankard for Andante. The ballad being heard a few times in the town already was becoming more familiar to the folks. There were a few able to join in with the chorus and it was rewarding to hear it was catching on.
I finished my ballad and stepped away from the hearth, taking my bag of tips with me this time. I nodded to Andante and invited him to join me with the party. He shook his head and said, “We must talk a little first, and a little more later.” I stepped over to the party and asked if the were willing to stay a bit or if I should find them across the street in the morning. They said they wished to retire so I bid them a good evening and I turned to Tony and caught his eye. I swirled my finger in the air and pointed to the table, and he nodded in reply. I turned back to the party and said, “Don’t mind your bill. I have covered it. I will see you in the morning.” And they smiled and we shook hands warmly. They left quietly and I looked over to Andante. He nodded his head in the direction of a quiet corner of the tavern and I followed him over there. There were two tables in this corner that Tony reserved for special guests. We sat down and Priscilla came over to see to our needs. Andante still had much in his drink. I offered my empty tankard and she left with a smile. Andante pulled his lute around and began to play a finger picking tune of distraction so we would not be overheard. Then he asked, “What do you know of the Troupe?” I recounted the story of my interrogation from the previous evening and added that I didn’t think it wise to go further in spite of the fact that I knew I could press them further. I also mentioned that I had made a full report of the event to the Magistrate and Lord Martinex ahead of the banquet. Andante nodded his head.
I asked, “Will the two of them be held until they decide to reveal all to the guards? Or are they in for more severe treatment?” Andante replied, “It is up to them. If they are in an honest mood after one night in the jail then they may get out tomorrow. They have already forfeited their weapons, although Tucker only carried a dagger. If they persist in resisting it will become more and more difficult for them. Lord Martinex will be in charge of it. And before you ask, don’t interfere. Don’t ask to speak to them and smooth it over. Let them show their depth of wisdom.” I replied, “Depth of wisdom? Fordaire is doomed. He thought he should be the spokesman for the party but it was his rash actions last night that gave me the opening to conduct my interrogation of them. Tucker, I don’t know about him. He has been as quiet as a statue except for a few efforts on my part.” Priscilla arrived and dropped off my tankard.
Andante changed the subject. “What have you to report my not so young Emissary?” I grinned and took a drink while I collected my thoughts. “Well”, I began, “I travelled here in the company of Illihambur, a merchant from Colorova where they … “ Andante cut me off, “I have known Illihambur for many years. Which reminds me, do you have a bag of leaf?” I grinned again, “Yes, I do. It is up in …” And Andante cut me off again, “No trouble now. We’ll enjoy a pipe tomorrow before I leave. And I hear you crossed paths with Dravok. I hope he is well?” I replied after finishing another sip. “Yes, he appears to be in excellent health. He’s not much for conversation.” Andante smiled and said, “Yes, and I should like to see that map tomorrow too.” I began to wonder what Andante didn’t know. “And Gelfin?” I responded, “Why he’s one of the friendliest fellows I’ve ever met. He has the most beautiful tenor voice I’ve ever heard. Let me see, after Gelfin I arrived here and stayed the evening. There isn’t much to report about that. The banquet was very nice and I had no trouble with that. I’m sure I made a good impression on everyone. Cottern though …” Andante said, “Don’t mind Cottern. He is a tick. But don’t give him a reason to stick his sucker into you. And I hear you met Flint. How did that play out?” “Oh yes”, I continued, “Flint looked me up that very night right here at this table mind you. At first I thought he was very brusk, but then he told me you asked him to take my measure; I believe that is how he put it. How did you …” Andante said, “In addition to my many contacts, I have ways of sending and receiving messages to help me do the things I do. Oh, and that reminds me.” And he fished into a pouch on his belt and handed me a stone with a relief carving not unlike but not the same as the one I received from Flint. Andante handed it to me saying, “Here. Put that away.” And I took the stone and placed it in my pouch without even looking at it. I placed my tips bag in the middle of the table and began to count my coins.
I picked up a few coins and stacked them carefully and said, “Finlock was at the banquet every evening. I didn’t notice him much the first evening but the second evening I noticed he was wearing something around his neck or on his tunic. Upon closer inspection I found it was a pendent on a chain around his neck. It is an odd shaped thing like a fan hanging upside down with a stone at the top; a soft blue stone.” Andante said, “Yes, we’ll get to that. Tell me about Flint.” “Oh”, I answered, “I thought you two knew each other very well. Flint asked me to come see him the next morning in Pine Mill and on the way there we, uh, me and the cleric Joseph, we set upon by the bandits. Joseph is losing his eyesight. The bandits approached and they were nearly on us before he could see what was happening. I could tell there was trouble from the birds taking flight long before they were close enough to strike. He burned them up pretty well so I figured if I take out the leader the rest won’t have the stomach for any more. And that’s pretty much all there was to that.” Andante replied, “That band of thieves has been a bane to the Pine Mill road for quite some time. They had evaded any patrols sent to catch them. They appeared to have some sense for avoiding organized fighters. It was our luck that they underestimated you. Any other two fellows they would have killed and robbed, but you took care of them for good.”
“I didn’t realize they were notorious bandits. Well, how about that.” And I sat back and took another drink. I continued, “Well, you wanted to know about Flint. I met him after lunch walking up the sluice way. I sensed him and then heard him. He was impressed with my woodsman’s skills. Then we had a short fencing lesson. Flint can be a little touchy. He said the next time I come by he will teach me something of fighting beasts. And after that I returned with Joseph. Now about the fight, there were two things I regret. First, I lost my composure in front of Joseph after seeing how the bandit’s blood ruined my clothes. I hope you understand with my modest resources I can barely dress properly for dinner. I shall try to make sure I don’t lose my composure again, even for a good reason. But the second thing, more important, I forgot to search the bodies for identifying marks, papers or other potential information. They looked like bandits so I figured they WERE bandits. It should have occurred to me they might be aligned with other forces in the area. And that is part of why I took notice of Finlock. He asked me at dinner that evening if I had searched the bodies or noted any identifying marks on them. I later went to the Magistrate and asked him to secure the bodies so they could be searched the next morning. However, the signs I might have found could have been removed before that happened. Nothing was found in the search. But I’ve been keeping an eye on Finlock since.”
I continued, “Well, there was some fellow in the guard here in Stonebridge, and his name was or is Jaffort. He acted in a condescending manner toward me when we spoke about the need to guard the dead bodies. I understand from Cottern his career is over in Stonebridge and probably severely limited wherever he is going next. I’ve met a number of fine folks, mostly merchants and craftsmen, in Stonebridge and I am having a few things made for my wardrobe. I am even having a suit of studded leather armor made, curtesy of the Magistrate. I plan to wear it when I travel but keep this leather armor for wearing about when I’m in settlements. Well, getting back to Finlock, I made a sketch of his pendent. I have it up in my room. The Magistrate loaned me a volume on the history of these parts and I hope to find a connection between the pendent and something else so I may sort out this business with Finlock. The Magistrate and Lord Martinex are both weary of him. I took my sketch with me today to Wool Corner with Cyrus and met some fellows there, uh, Unichai, Red and Jorden. One of them recalled seeing a traveler wearing a similar pendent. That traveler was interested in the druidic woods to the north of here and Pine Mill where I met Flint. I reported these things to the Magistrate and Lord Martinex. I planned to visit Pine Mill soon and ask Flint and the leader there, Barker, if he remembered anything about a pendent like it. After that I have met the fellow across the way that runs the guildhall, Quonteygo, who seems to be a fine fellow with a tragic past and of course I have become acquainted with Tony and his family.”
And all the while Andante kept playing and I kept stacking coins carefully. He looked at me for a moment and then said, “That was a very thorough report. You have an eye for detail and the wisdom to know what could be important.” Andante paused his playing and took a drink from his tankard, replaced it on the table and began to play again. Then he said, “We want to ask you to venture into the druidic wood and see if you can find answers there, possibly among the druids themselves.” He paused. I responded, “I beg your pardon, but I don’t know that me and my fencing skills are up to a trek into such wilderness. I understand it is a band of druids so they have quite a bit more resources to deal with wild beasts or other, uh, hazards.” And Andante got a grin and replied, “So the Hero Bene-Timber is not ready to take a walk through the woods? No, I understand. I’m only having a moment of fun. Actually we think these other four adventurers would be just the escort you might need for this investigation. We know they are up to an adventure, they need money, and they have already decided you are more than worthy to lead them. You only need to ask and they will go with you. Meanwhile the authorities will sort out the matter of their companions. Is that agreeable?” I responded quickly, “Yes, I think with a small escort I would be happy to see if I can sort out this mystery with the druids.”
Andante then shared a report with me. “The orcs to the north of Confernos are again attempting to break our borders. These orcs are aligned with the ones Dravok spoke to you about. This is a fight that has spanned generations. The elves, your neighbors, are feared by the orcs and certainly our best defenders in the north. They are however, feeling a little neglected for their service to Confernos as the guardians of the north. Ambassadors have been dispatched to address these developments in the north. As a result I have new responsibilities and another Messenger and Emissary is being recruited to help me. I am going to make this area of Confernos your responsibility since you have established yourself so favorably. You will also be travelling to the north to become an Emissary to the Dwarves for the Emperor. These are the same dwarves Dravok belong to. Dwarfish culture is somewhat different from the culture of Confernos. You will need to establish yourselves with the dwarves as well as you have here. I will come to visit you here from time to time. You will report your news to Lords Ballinor, Martinex and Thomas Quintus. Quintus belongs to a network that can get any important messages to the Chamberlain and to me if it is worthy of our attention. You will only need to be your charming self, observant and diligent in your duties and you will serve us well. But before you head off to the north, we would like to understand this pendent business better. Lord Ballinor will know when to release you for your trip to the Sword Mountains. Oh, you do recall dwarves and elves are not so friendly? Well half-elves are a little easier for dwarves to like but you will be accepted mostly because you are a member of the Diplomatic Corps. So avoid making mention of your many elf friends and such things when you are up there.”
And with that Andante stopped playing and started making small talk signifying he had no more weighty subjects to discuss with me. He took a healthy drink from his tankard. Then he said, “Why don’t you finish yours. I’d like to see that scroll again and then we can fetch that pipe and bag of leaf and share a smoke.” And so I picked up my tankard and finished it. We put our tankards on the table upside down and I scooped up my tips and put them in my bag. We grabbed our things and went upstairs.
Upstairs I paused at the head of the stairs and looked. Nothing seemed amiss so I walked down the hall to me room. I unlocked it carefully and cracked the door slowly. I noted the string was in the proper position and let the door swing open. I scanned the room with my dark vision and then stepped inside. I lit two candles and Andante followed me inside and closed the door. He looked at me and placed a finger to his lips. He said softly, “the sketch?” And I said loudly, “Oh, here is the scroll. Isn’t it fine? They even used colors of ink.” And I produced my sketch for Andante. Then I turned to get my pipe and the bag of leaf. Andante motioned for me to pick up my weapons, which I did. He folded the sketch and handed it back to me. He shook his head slightly indicating he had no knowledge of the symbol either. We left our lutes in the room and took our hats. Downstairs we waved to Tony and stepped outside.
Outside Andante said “Go ahead and fill your pipe.” I filled my pipe and passed the bag to him. He filled his pipe, closed the pouch and handed it back to me. He held his pipe in front of him by the bowl and indicated I should also. He waved his hand and both flared up nicely. He grinned and brought his pipe to his lips and took a big draw. I raised my pipe and took a draw myself. Andante blew a big full smoke ring and smiled. Then he beckoned forward and we walked slowly in the direction of the mansion. He talked to me of some of his earliest days in the service. He told me a story of the time he was playing at a similar banquet and one of his strings broke. He immediately decided that although he always tended toward magic he might use in a fight, he was going to learn Mend so he might fix a broken string or any other mishap should the need arise. He noted how I should have liked to have Mend earlier in the week. He said it fixes things And does your laundry for you if need be. As we walked slowly he motioned that we should turn and walk through the “park” in front of the mansion even though it was night and difficult to see, well for him at least. The moon was in a quarter phase so there was a bit of light.
Andante told me he was Gelfin’s tutor on the lute. But he said I have given him sparing little instruction in singing. He has an extraordinary gift for singing already. Andante was even considering teaching Gelfin actual bardic lessons providing him some basics in magic. He would be able to use those lessons to help his people but it would require some dedicated time by Andante and Gelfin would need to practice as I well understood. I had one thought I wanted to understand better about Andante. I wanted to know how he received all his information. It wasn’t that he gathered it so much, that I understood from my lessons and knew I would improve with practice. I was astonished that he knew things about events where he wasn’t present. As I began to ask the question burning on my mind, he perceived where I was going and stopped me short. He silenced me and then shook his head. He put a hand to his ear and shook his head again. Then quietly he said, “In time you will come to know the things you want to know. Learn to observe the things around you. Learn to ask the right questions. Learn to listen, for people will tell you things and sometimes they will tell you by not telling you things. For example, a baby cries and throws his food. What is he telling you? He is not hungry? Oh no. He is hungry. He just doesn’t want to eat what was set before him. If he was not hungry he would just not eat. He would babble and shriek maybe because he wanted to escape his seat. Listen and see and you will see and hear more. Your other questions are for another time.” And he took another deep draw and blew another full smoke ring, and smiled. We turned and headed back to the Green Hawk and I pondered his words while we walked in silence.
We entered the Hawk and it was nearly empty of guests although the smell of smoke and ale still hung thick in the air. Tony motioned for me to come to the bar. He said, “Bene, good to see you. How did we do tonight?” I smiled and said, “Oh, pretty well, about as well as last night.” He smiled back and replied, “Good, good. Could you bring my share down …” and looking at me he added, “… in the morning, please, my lord.” I replied, “Certainly, Tony. I hope you won’t mind but I need to speak to Andante upstairs and then I will turn in.” And I turned to Andante and asked, “By the way, where are you staying tonight?” Andante said very matter-of-factly, “Oh, in the Mansion.” And I thought to myself, What a silly question! And we turned and walked up the stairs. We entered my room and I lit a few candles and we sat at the table. I retrieved my history book and the sketch and spread it out on the table again. Then I picked up my journal and opened it before remembering that Andante wanted to see my maps. I retrieved my map case and produced all three of my maps and laid them out on the table as well.
Andante leaned forward and studied Dravok’s map. He placed his finger on the map and said, “Here. This is where you will go when you first visit the Sword Mountains. There is a small trading settlement on this side of the mountains for men to visit and trade with the dwarves. They will prefer to receive you there first and then they will take you where they should like after that.” And I looked at the place where he put his finger and there was no indication of a settlement there at all. I asked, “You must have been there many times to remember the place so well without any markings on the map.” And Andante replied, “Not so many times. I know something of reading a dwarven map. Do you see the edge of this mountain figure, how it is shaded? Now look at the edge of this mountain and how it is shaded in reverse? See how the shading does not match the style of the other mountains in general? Extend these two lines, and where they meet is a point of interest to the Dwarves. And I happen to know there is a trading settlement at the base of the mountain range and these two lines point to the base of the mountain range. There is a road that goes there. It splits off this road and leads to the settlement. That is how you will get there. It is the safest way. If you ride your horse at a good pace, you can cross this distance while the sun is up. Depending on when you arrive, you may wish to stay an extra night in this town before you cross so your horse is well rested.”
Normally I would advise you to travel with others to the trading site, but in this case you need to arrive quietly by yourself. We don’t want spies knowing your position in relation to the Dwarves. We want them to think you are not visiting the Dwarves but headed to this community over here. After you meet the Dwarves, they will talk with you and then escort you to a place that will allow you to maintain the illusion of your journey to this village. Is that all plain enough? I looked at the map and found the two mountains that pointed to the village that wasn’t there. I then looked at the village that was marked on the map and the road, or path it may be, on the map that leads to another town but not where I am going. I had my map features figured out, so I asked Andante, “What sort of pathway leads off the left so I will know I have the right one?” Andante looked at the map and tried to remember. “I believe it appears to be a wagon path leading to a farmhouse with a thatched roof. The farm house always has smoke rising from the chimney no matter what day or night of the year. Even on a windy day it just seems to rise in a narrow straight wisp up into the heavens. The other feature I remember is if you get to the bridge on the path you begin taking, you have gone too far.”
I was bothered by this. A lone farmhouse that has no features except there is a fire burning in the fireplace? That only matches the description of thousands of farmhouses around these parts. I guess I’ll have to just guess and turn around at the bridge if I go too far. Andante had never led me astray but this was not a comforting idea of wandering around looking for the dwarves. I decided I wanted to talk of something else.
I asked, “What do you think of this drawing? Is it familiar in any way to you?” Andante stroked his chin and replied, “It is a nice drawing. But the pendant doesn’t remind me of anything. You haven’t found anything in the book?” I replied, “No, not yet. I’ve only had the book a day. I guess I may find out what it is about before I read about it, but I’ll keep plugging away.” Andante nodded his head, “Very well.”
“Look at this map from Illihambur.” He said. “Now that’s a nice map. Look how attractive it is.” I grinned and Andante grinned back at me. I said, “I drew that map. It is a copy of Illihambur’s map. But you knew that, didn’t you?” Andante said, “Of course. I recognized your line quality and fine script. You’re going to have to learn two or three other styles so you can’t be recognized just by your writing. The members of the service all study writing so they can devise who wrote a specific document. Some of the more careful nefarious leaders employ a scribe or two to prepare their documents so their handwriting is difficult to learn. If we come across a note they did write we wouldn’t know it because we have no samples of their writing to compare it with.” He continued, “Now in the meantime, before you have found ways of concealing your writing, if you need to send a note by courier and you can’t afford for someone to know who the author is, make a small fire or light a candle. Pick a straight stick of the right diameter and shave off the end with a sharp knife on an angle. Cut the very tip square. Place the stick in the fire until it begins to char. Blow out the flame and then use it to write with the char. If it become dull, place it in the flame again, blow it out and then rub it flat on something. Writing with a char stick is usually a good way to obscure your handwriting. Later, you can start using other lettering styles with a char stick and conceal your handwriting further.” He looked into my face while he spoke to make sure I understood the methods and reasons for taking such precautions.
He added, “Now I know you are used to writing with a quill and have a very well learned technique for making another for yourself at any time. Because of this, your lines are always the same, and I would add your writing and line quality is very fine indeed. If you were not fortunate enough to have entered the diplomatic service”, and he grinned, “I fear you would have been gobbled up by some member of the government as a scribe and spent many hours hunched over a desk copying documents. No, no, that would not have been a good use for a man, half-elf”, he corrected himself, “with so many other talents.” He paused and said “You will need to carry a few extra quills. Make them with a little less care. Cut the tip on a very slight angle. Yes, yes, I know it will ruin your line quality making it uneven and rather inelegant. But that is the point. Sometimes you will need to write notes that you want someone else to find. And other times you will need to write notes that you hope others won’t find, but are of such importance you dare not reveal they came from your hand. Use a quill that isn’t so well made and it will serve to conceal your handwriting a bit.”
Andante thought for a moment, “I wonder if you have an eye for counterfeiting? Here, let me make an experiment. Give me a clean sheet and your bottle.” I stood and gathered my writing kit, brought it and set it on the table. Andante opened the kit and pulled a sheet and a quill. Next he opened the ink bottle. I lifted the small bowl and filled it with water from my pitcher used for my cleaning water, and placed it next to the ink. He dipped the quill and wrote a few words. Then he skipped some space and wrote a few other words. When he was done he dipped the quill in the water. The ink soaked into the page and he turned it to me. “Now try to copy what I wrote, exactly, if you are able. Just write on the same page. I want to see if your writing is so fine because of your careful practice or if you have a talent with your eye to see such detail that you can guide your hand to counterfeit a document.” And I pulled the quill from the bowl and shook it out. I blew on the tip and shook it again. I raised it to my eye and inspected it before dipping it in the ink. I copied Andante’s words as carefully as I could. When I was done I placed the quill in the water. The ink soaked into the paper and he raised it up to inspect it.
“Yes, I believe you have the talent we need for this sort of work but you will need to develop your talent with practice.” Andante placed the page on the table and pointed to the first words. “See here, you copied my strokes almost perfectly except because you were writing slower the wider parts of the strokes are a little wavy. This is because you were slowly trying to copy my marks. If your hand were moving as quickly as mine, these would be a perfect match. This next bit, is different because I was using another style of letters, not a fine script of the scribes of Confernos as you learned in your youth. Your hand is not familiar with this style and you will need more practice. You couldn’t help but make the letters a little more beautiful. See how every stroke of yours that ends in a fat stroke is the same width. Now look at mine on this letter here,… and here. Ugly fat blobs. But when you counterfeit you have to make it just as ugly.”
“Now this last sample is my best attempt to write in Elven. As you know their writing is magnificent. You copied my writing exactly. You’ve written in Elven before, I can see. And frequently enough that you’re even a little better than I am. You know this is Elven and you know, even if you didn’t watch me, an elf didn’t write this, but it is still distinctly Elven. Because you have some practice already with Elven you copied my writing at the same tempo I used so the strokes all look the same. I’m going to see that you are given some extra supplies to help you practice counterfeiting, [A-hem] writing”, and he grinned at me, “so you can be used to write letters for us when the need arises. I will have some writing samples sent to you.”
Andante paused and picked up the book I had on loan from the Magistrate. “If you were not pressed to read this book, I’d ask you to copy a few pages practicing the lettering in this book. When you get to the Dwarven lands find Dravok if you can and tell him about my request to practice writing. Ask him for some writing samples and he will provide you with some letters to copy for practice. Remember that part of the challenge is to copy the tempo of the scrivener. This will allow you to match the line thickness. That is the first thing I check when I am trying to decide if I think something is a copy or forgery.”
Andante pushed back from the table. “But you don’t have the time for that tonight. You have a full day ahead of you. You know what to do, right?” I replied, “Yes. I need to convince the four adventurers to join me in a trip to the woods to the north. I am to find the druids and learn what I can about a traveler wearing a pendent like this. I assume I may trust the druids?” Andante nodded his head. “They won’t betray you but they have their own agenda of protecting the forest and restoring the harmony of the deep wood since the war. They will try to prevent you from interfering with that mission so be mindful their cooperation depends on your respect for their mission.” I replied, “Thank you. I’m sure to do that.” And Andante stood. “We’ve best get to bed. I also have things to do on the morn. Leave word with Thomas Quintus of your journey and I will hear of it soon after. We desire that this mystery be solved soon.” And with that he bowed to me and said, “My lord, Emissary. I bid you a good night.” And rising he smiled and reached out his hand. “Congratulations my friend.” And I shook his hand and bowed in return. He stepped out into the hall and I closed the door behind him.
I gathered my things and put everything away where it should be. I folded my pendent drawing and placed it inside the cover of the book and set the book on the table next to the head of the bed. Then I disrobed and washed up and hanging my clothes where they might dry and air out. I pulled my night shirt on and blew out all the candles except for the one next to the bed. I got in the bed and picked up the book for a little more reading. Not long after I replaced the book and blew out the candle, but I lay in bed thinking of the day for a while longer until I fell asleep.
50th Planting, 221
A knock came at the door. Tony spoke softly from the other side. “Bene? Bene, are you awake? We’re going to serve breakfast soon.” I answered, “Thank you Tony. I will be right down.” And I heard the sound of his footsteps recede down the hall. I swung my feet around and stood up. I bathed and dressed before grabbing my tips bag and heading into the hallway. I secured the door and went to breakfast.
Downstairs I saw my coffee waiting for me at my table. Before I sat down Tony came around the corner with a basket of biscuits and a tub of butter. I sat down and Tony sat down across from me. His wife came around the corner and brought two wood plates and a mug of coffee for Tony. He offered me a biscuit and then took one for himself. As we began to butter our biscuits he asked if we might divide the tips. I said sure thing and so we divided the tips. I counted in my head how much money I had and how much more I needed to pay for the clothes Isabell was making for me. I was getting close to having it all. After this was out of the way we talked and enjoyed the biscuits. Tony’s wife came back over with a container of honey and some other preserves, apparently Tony’s favorite. We ate biscuits and enjoyed some small talk. I let him talk and asked a few questions so that I might better know the history and current situation in Stonebridge.
I decided to ask Tony if he had seen a pendent like the one I was looking for. He said there was a dwarf that came through a few weeks ago asking about the woods too. He remembered something strange about the dwarf and thought the pendent might be like the one he wore. I asked if he knew the name of the dwarf and Tony shook his head. “Oh sorry Bene. We get so many folks through here. It would take an extraordinary fellow, like yourself, for me to remember a name.” I replied, “Well, I will be heading to the wood to be gathering information and attempting to solve this mystery. Please don’t mention this trip nor that I asked about the pendent. It could be very harmful to me if an enemy were to find out and come after me.” Tony had a shocked look on his face. “Oh, Bene, are you in trouble?” I responded “Tony, that’s my job, but I don’t think this is going to be a big deal. But, just in case …”, and I winked at him. I didn’t want to tell him Andante was sending me nor that I would be going with the adventurers across the street. But Tony being a tavern owner might have seen or heard something and I was in a spot where it could be the difference between success and failure.
Finishing breakfast I rose and thanked Tony. Then I told him I should be away for a few days. I asked what we could do with my things I wouldn’t be taking. I knew he might need to rent the room so I couldn’t expect him to just leave everything alone when I couldn’t earn money to repay him. Well he had a closet for storing chests for a few folks like me that visited the tavern regularly. He agreed for me to put my chest there and he would make sure it was locked up. I smiled, thanked him and headed upstairs.
In my room I packed the things I would need for a few days. The rest was stored neatly in my new chest. I was washed and packed and dressed, ready for an adventure. I grabbed the chest and headed downstairs. I placed it on a shelf in a locked cupboard in the back of the kitchen. After this I returned to my room and retrieved the rest of my things. I locked the door and put the key in my coin pouch on my belt. Downstairs again I explained to Tony I had locked the door. We shook hands and I left the tavern.
Outside I went straight across the street. Inside the guild I saw Qonteygo again. I asked how he was feeling and he was fit as a fiddle. I asked if the adventurers were all still inside. He replied they should be coming down shortly for breakfast. I took a seat at a table and retrieved my book from my saddlebags. Vallen and Dravist came downstairs together. I stood and invited them to sit with me. They accepted with a smile. A woman came over to greet us and asked after our needs. I asked for a cup of water and then changed my mind and asked for hot tea. They ordered coffee and breakfast. Soon after Jackwon came down and Gillfort was not far behind. Our hot drinks were delivered and they added their orders.
Vallen asked, “What brings you over here so early this morning, my lord?” I replied, “Oh, Bene, please call me Bene. I am about to take a short trip of a few days I hope, and I wanted to give you both an opportunity to earn some money and some goodwill with the Governor. It would also allow you to wait and rejoin your friends after they are released from the jail, so long as they cooperate with the guards and stop their foolish notion of concealing anything from the Governor.” Jackwon replied, “Who says we care a lick for them? They’re just trouble makers and we nearly got up to our necks in it for their sakes.” Vallen said in response, “We don’t really know what is up with them so let’s wait and see. Meanwhile this is an interesting offer while we wait. Why not get a little coin to help pay for our travels to Eros? Bene has always given us sound counsel. What more can you share about this trip, Bene?” I replied with a smile, “I have to go to the wood directly to the north and see if I can find out the answer to a mystery. I am told there are druids up there that may have information I can use. It will be about a days travel to the woods and I guess about another day to find the druids. After that, it will be at least two days to come back. If we spend a day with the druids, it should be a five day trip.” Dravist said, “Why not? So what are we going to be paid? You said we would earn some money.” I replied, “If we don’t run into any fighting I can pay you two silvers a day, each. If we run into fighting I’ll ask the governor to pay more.”
Gillfort said, “Druids? What kind? I’d like to meet some druids.” I responded, “I don’t know. Just regular old druids, I guess. You know, tree druids.” Gillfort laughed and said, “Oh, Bene, you are funny. There are all kinds of druids just like there are all kinds of clerics. We’re not all just tree druids. Some are more focused on natural growths of trees. Others are more into carefully tended gardens. Some prefer Aspens, or pines, or oaks, or birch. There are all kinds of druids.” “Well, I guess these are oak druids, because I believe I heard it was an old oak forest they were living in.” Jackwon came back in again, “Now wait a moment, two silvers a day? Why we’ll have to pay one silver for decent food for the trip and you don’t even know how long we’ll be on this trip. What about horses? Do you expect us to take a trip like this and carry so much water and food ourselves?” Vallen raised his hand a little and Jackwon stopped with a scowl. “Is the money in addition to mounts and rations?” I took a sip of my tea and thought. “I hadn’t thought about that for you. I carry rations as a matter of duty. I thought you would have some yourselves. As for the mount, again, I have already been given a horse for my duties. We should at least get a cart and an animal I guess. How much do you have to carry; besides the food we should bring?” Vallen responded, “Not so much. A cart should do.” I thought again, “And for a five day trip, I’ll throw in the rations. So that makes forty silvers and I provide the rations, a cart and a draft animal. When could we leave? I should like to leave soon so we may have time to set up our camp before it is too dark.” Vallen looked at his companions, turned to me and said, “We’ll be ready in an hour. Where will we find you?” I replied, “I’ll meet you at the shrine. The clerics meet up there and travel to the villages every day about that time.” And I looked at them and didn’t see any more needed to be discussed. I finished my tea and stood up. Their meals were arriving and I paid the woman for everything. Then I nodded to them and went outside.
Outside I walked over to the stables. I greeted Ben and asked him to have my horse ready to ride over by the shrine within the hour. I handed him my saddle bags and then asked about renting a cart and draft animal. He told me I could get both from the garrison. Then I asked about rations for five days for four men. He said I would need to either ask the garrison or talk to Moses. The garrison would be cheaper but Moses’ stuff would be better, more appealing. I thought on it and decided that I would see what the garrison offered. I left Ben and thanked him for his help.
I walked next door to the garrison. Inside I was greeted by three soldiers. One appeared to be the Sergeant of the Guard, another some sort of clerk and the third one was an orderly. I spoke to the Sergeant of the Guard. “Good day, sergeant. I need a little assistance. Who should I speak with about a cart, a draft animal and some rations?” The sergeant rose and said, “I can help you with all those things, my lord.” I smiled and replied, “Very good. I admire a man that is ready to make decisions and take charge. I believe the Captain of the Guard, Lord Martinex, is also pleased to know he has such men in his midst.” I glanced at the other men and turned back to the sergeant. “I need a cart, a draft animal, preferable not one so temperamental; I’m sure you understand what I mean – And twenty days rations so that I may make a journey of five days to the wood in the north and return. Do you have such things for loyal servants of the Emperor?” The sergeant replied, “I’m sure we have exactly what you need. Canadro, have the quartermaster complete the order for rations. We will send a cart over presently to receive them. Make sure he has a man ready to load the cart when it arrives.” And with that he turned to me and said, “Shall we walk next door to see Ben, my lord?” And I replied, “Of course.”
We went outside and back to the stables. Ben was placing the bit and bridle on my horse as we walked up. “Good morning, Ben”, the sergeant said. Ben turned and bowed slightly and responded, “Good morning my lord, and Sergeant Stuart. What may I do for you this fine morning?” Sergeant Stuart replied, “My lord, Bene Timber, needs a cart loaded with rations immediately so he may travel to the wood to the north. How long until you can have a cart ready for him?” Ben replied, “I could have it ready in half an hour ‘cept I need to get his lordship’s horse ready to travel as well. It may be the better part of forty-five minutes, Sergeant Stuart.” The sergeant said, “Please attend to the cart. After you make it ready, I need it brought to the quartermaster for loading. I will have someone come over and attend to Lord Bene Timber’s horse for you.” And he turned to me and said, “Everything shall be ready in time, my lord. You may go about your business but I must take my leave and send a soldier over to assist Ben.” I was refreshed at the efficiency of this sergeant. He was truly prepared to take charge of the matter and unafraid that he might need permission to dispatch a cart or draw rations for my adventure. I smiled and replied, “Very well Sergeant Stuart. I see that the Captain has placed his trust in the right man. I won’t forget this when I return for I am in a bit of a hurry.” With that I nodded my head and left through the street door as the sergeant left through the side door.
Out in the street I decided to walk over to the open market and see what sort of fresh foods might be available. I walked through the park staying to the gravel path on the near side. Beyond the wooded orchard there was a large open space for festivals and such open air events. Beyond that was the open market. Folks were busy raising awnings for their stalls for the sun looked to be rising into a clear sky. This late in the planting season it might become a very warm day. I had my flute with me so I pulled it out of a pouch and began to play as I approached the bustling market activity. It produced the effect I wanted as faces turned and peeked about to see where the music was coming from. Many women were busy, but not too busy to watch my passing. I winked at a few and bobbed my head to some others while I casually strode through the main pathway. I had forgot myself and realized this was not the time of year for fresh food because planting was only fully finished a few weeks prior. But there were many jars and pots of preserved foods, surely better fare than we would receive from the guards although their motives were pure. I wanted to bring some special treats along to lighten our spirits on the trip.
One man and his wife had set up their stall and they were setting their boxes in order to display their goods, which appeared to be only a single commodity in abundance; honey! This was just the sort of thing I was seeking. I pulled my flute down and held it in my left hand. I held out my right hand and said, “Good morrow to you my friend. How fare you this bright planting-tide?” And the man looked my way and extended his hand and we shook a good firm handshake. He replied, “We fare well, uh, mister bard. We’ve heard good things about you. To see you is to see they must all be true. I hope you fare well this morn?” And I replied, “Yes, very well, and knowing that my sweet-tooth will have much to be thankful for this day and through the week. How much for a heavy jar of the nectar of the bee?” My new friend smiled and said, “Why for this jar”, and he tapped a jar about the size of a volleyball, “You would not need to visit me again for a month, maybe more. And for you, mister bard, I would give it up for a silver piece. Is that a fair price for the finest bard in Stonebridge?”
I admired the fellow for his ability to bargain. He understood well the art of sweetening his words without making them lose their flavor. A bit of flattery but not so much that the average person would consider themselves too sticky. I replied, “Oh, a fair price indeed, for many of the jams and jellies in the market today. I’m sure many ladies have made much of their labors for the sake of others over the winter months. The beekeeper is truly blessed for the bee, the very epitome of hard work and duty to be called the busy bee, toils for the sake of wise men and hive alike making such a sweet treat and the beekeeper has only to use his wisdom to avoid the stinger while he makes room in the hive for more. Maybe I should sample the strawberry preserves, apple butter and peach jellies before I make such a choice?”
He responded, “Oh, a busy fellow like yourself hasn’t time for such indulgences. We’ve heard about the many trips you’ve taken, visiting all the towns and villages in our fair province. I shouldn’t want you to waste time when you’re in such a hurry for surely your caravan is readying to leave almost at once. I would be followed by a dark cloud if I were to hold you up so, or see you have to begin your journey without the fair nectar you spotted. To help you on your way in a timely manner, I should not wish to bicker with you, but rather would see you off with this jar for eight coppers?”
I almost laughed, suppressing my admiration for his technique and persistence, and instead smiling a broad smile. I reached in my coin pouch and fished out a few coins. I held them out in the palm of my hand letting the light of the sun glint off each coin. Then I said, “Oh you are a most generous and gracious trader, the likes of which I don’t get to meet as often as I should. And you are right that I have much to do. But such a large jar would be a hazard. I fear one good jolt of my cart and the whole body would be all over my things when the jar cracked. And such a jar might attract the biggest bears where I may need to travel. Why if you had a scale, that we might compare the value of one big jar to the value of four smaller jars. Then my risk would be reduced by four and my happiness made all the more.”
And at once a balance was found and set on a crate. And he placed his large jar on the crate while he looked for four similar smaller jars. Finding them, he placed them carefully on one side of the balance while his wife, who had been at my elbow almost the whole time, picked up and held the large jar on the other side gently. They carefully released the two sides and they were fairly balanced. I whistled. “I see you’ve done this before. So we’re agreed for seven copper pieces I may take the four jars … and you have a sack handy for me to carry them?” At this point his wife was about to burst. I could tell she wanted to close the deal fearing this fish was trying to wiggle off the hook. I played with a silver piece, making the silver reflect the sun’s rays against the large jar of honey. She jerked and produced a coarse burlap sack of the appropriate size, but her husband was determined to hold onto his price of eight coppers.
He drew a breath and was preparing to take another stab at the negotiations when I cut him off and decided to have some more fun. “Why madame, I wasn’t thinking. Why should I wish to buy a jar of honey and hurry away when I could use a fine bag also. What sort of bags do you have that I may carry my honey and enjoy myself even more for the empty parts later?” She blushed because all of a sudden she was the center of my attention. She turned her face away in embarrassment and looked about the things in the stall. She found a few other bags and plucked them up like a farmer choosing the first fruits of the season for a fresh meal. She turned and held them out for me to see. They were an odd array of colors and textures and the better fabrics were evident. Now she seemed a little worried that I might choose one of the bags she didn’t wish to sell. She clearly favored a few as she arranged and rearranged them laid on her forearms, hiding the best ones under some of the ugly ones. I touched one or two exposing the better fabrics, just to make her squirm. I turned slightly to one side so that I was facing both of them and took a step back.
I smiled at both of them and bowed. Then I said, “I have enjoyed our little game and I wish to compliment you both on your method of play. I am Bene Timber, Emissary to his Majesty, Alexander the Emperor of Confernos. Let it never be said that I was ungracious, unappreciative, or unfair in my negotiations with the fair citizens of this Province governed by the most fair Lord Ballinor. I have only one more question before I receive the four honey pots in the first crude bag you held up for me, for where I am going I have no need of fine things today, but four pots may well be better than one. Would you sir like a single silver coin or would you prefer the tinkling sound of ten coppers as they drop into the palm of your hand?” And the master stuttered and said, “Why I have no favor one for the other, but so we may be done, please my lord, if you could hand me the coppers I will polish them carefully and remember as long as I have one shining coin left among them what an experience I enjoyed talking with a real master.” And so holding out his hand, I dropped them in one at a time, and the crowd that had gathered began to count with the sound becoming louder and louder as the count grew … eight, Nine, TEN, and then ‘Clink’ ELEVEN! And everyone cheered for I had made such a spectacle of the honey sale for today. They handed me my sack and I smiled the broadest smile to them and the crowd as I turned to head over to the temple and find my traveling companions with my surprise.
With one hand full of burlap sack I couldn’t play the flute so I whistled as I walked. I admired the well kept grass in the plaza and the carefully tended trees in the orchard. Nobody, not adult or child walked the well raked path I was on. I thought it was strange that the Magistrate wished to keep such a thing from the people to enjoy. I made a note to myself to ask someone about this policy.