Session thirty-one - Lots of post and messages

While Hemlock has "retired to bed" (is visiting Chastity) a young boy (one of Father Helsing's altar boys) arrives from the Midden Barony with a message from the priest for Hasimir. The knight pays the child for his trouble and reads the message. Tarquin excuses himself and bumps into Sir Hemlock running from his room. Shortly after a high pitched scream of "Hemlock!" is heard. Hasimir & Virssu go to investigate and find Hemlock curled up in a corridor hugging a tattered cuddly toy.  He regains some of his composure and explains that this is "Keats" one of the few things to survive the fire that torched the mansion, claimed the life of Hemlock's sister, Tiger-lily, and caused him to be shuttled off into the care of the Charioteers.

Above: The various prop letters and message packs I made for the session.

After taking some time to calm down Hemlock returns to his room to find Chastity awake and waiting for him.  She apologises for her conduct and explains that she was brought up to treat sex as a non-comittal, pleasurable act, but she over stepped a mark.  She didn't mean to cause offence as she values Hemlock as a friend (and nothing more).  he accepts the apology and apologises for his hasty and sudden departure and the matter is settled and the air between them cleared.

After breakfast the following day Hasimir, Hemlock and Mal get involved in a length discussion about what to do about Sir Tarquin and The Midden Barony.  Mal is concerned that supporting the "revolution" could lead to greater loss of life while Sir Hasimir outlines his current plan to implicate Tarquin in the revolution, remove Baron Christopher after his wedding and rule as regent for Lady Stephanie (the grieving widow). Hemlock is concerned as to why The Folly has closed it's borders to The Midden Barony and wants to learn for himself to identify how it impacts on any plans they wish to make. Hasimir decides that word needs to be sent to Father Helsing, from Sir Tarquin and goes to draft a letter.

During this time Hemlock receives a letter indicating that a new guest, Sir As Salih Ishmael Al-Malik (a cousin on Hemlock's mother's side and fellow guest at the St Gavin's Day Tournament) is coming to visit, having heard of how welcoming Hemlock has been to others.

Sir Mal and Sir Hemlock visit Baron Turmeric, ruler of The Folly and find him to be a welcoming host.  He is reluctant to have Mal (as a Hawkwood) in his home but Mal convinces him of his good intentions (and how he is considered a renegade by his own House).  The Baron tells them of how the Hawkwood army under Baron Christopher has grown and how he hears word that they are planning to invade, therefore he has taken action to defend his borders.  He is a non-traditionalist Justinian and feels that he is not listened to by the established and traditional Earl and barons and that they are ignoring his warnings.  He is seriously considering a pre-emptive strike on the Hawkwoods in order to provoke a reaction and make the other Justinian barons rally around him, as there is nothing that can pull Justinians together more than an attack on one of their own.

While Hemlock and Mal are out a Scraver visits with a packet for Hasimir.  It is a delivery from Lawrence, updating Hasimir on what he has found out so far (with supporting evidence) and word that he is going to follow the lead to try to identify the Decados responsible for the theft of their ship. Lawrence believes that this is a dangerous task and it may be possible that this is the last Hasimir will hear of him.

Mal and Hemlock return from The Folly and update Sir Hasimir.  They recommence their debate over what to do next when a sudden explosion rocks the mansion.

Above: Unwelcome Hawkwood visitors...

A group of Hawkwoods troops arrive, regular marines and heavily armoured Marauders, led by Sir Bedevere (who appears wounded).  They have come, he announces, to arrest Hasimir for "Conspiracy to conduct Piracy and aiding and abetting a known Traitor to the Crown".  He alleges that Hasimir's ship "The Questionable Intent" has resurfaced and has been striking at Hawkwood shipping and that Bedevere was caught in such an attack on his waty back from an assault on SOE/8807. The pirate ship appears to be captained by non other than Dame Arcadia.  Bedevere accuses Hasimir of being party to faking her death and being in league with her.  

We then jump to a short epilogue in the Midden Barony.  It appears that the Marquis de Havilland has been captured for "spying" by the Hawkwood troops and is brought, beaten and bound as a prisoner before Baron Christopher...

And that's where we'll leave it over the holiday period....we shall return with new sessions in the new year...Lux Splendour, children of the Pancreator.

Session thirty - How to cook a baker's boy or "Don't eat the pies."

Hemlock and Chastity are disturbed by another knock on the bedroom door; it is Master Alfredo.  The Baker is here to see Sir Hemlock after he summoned the delivery boy.  Hemlock speaks with the man, who turns out to be the baker that the Protos was treating earlier in the day. He says that there has been a terrible accident and the boy Hemlock wished to speak to "fell in the oven".  The baker tried to save him, burning his hand in the process, but it was too late.  Hemlock presses the man (suspecting foul play) but it appears he knows no more.

In preparation for their plan to fake Chastity's death, during dinner that evening she is moved to Hemlock's room.

The following day Hemlock, Hasimir & Mal catch up and Hemlock learns all that has gone on or been discussed while he was indisposed and Mal confirms to him that he has occult gifts and can detect, and may be able to cancel, the abilities of others.  They debate at length what to do about Tarquin and whether he was acting of his own volition.

Mal also receives a letter but keeps its contents private for the time being.

The nobles also discuss the assassination attempts made by the Scravers and Hemlock determines to approach them formally on the subject "as a noble would". He and Mal head into the fief to the Scraver Guild Hall and meet with the local Boss, a middle aged scholarly man named Marcus.

Mal can tell that the man knows more than he is letting on but he professes ignorance and reinforces that the Scravers are a guild of individuals and so parties may get up to things he is not aware of.  He does take on board Hemlock's pledge that they have no intention of digging further into matters that precipitated the attacks, and that Hemlock is greatly aggrieved at the attacks on his guests, and says he will do what he can to pass word around.

That night Chastity "dies".  In the morning Hemlock feigns distress (helped in the ruse by Hasimir and Mal) while Tarquin seems to be both stunned and filled with a renewed pride. He determines to go for a ride and is accompanied by Hasimir and Virssu.

Protos visits daily, on the pretence of leading Hemlock in a study of the Omega Gospels, and finally asks Hemlock for a penance in exchange for his care and treatment.  He wishes to have a permanent hospice for the treatment of the locals, and for the worship of Saint Amalthea, so he asks Hemlock to build him a church.  The knight agrees.

Tarquin and Hasimir return and Hasimir is accosted by a huge bear of a man.  It appears that he is "The Grand Marquis" Barabas Trusnikron.  It turns out that he is Hemlock's father's Beastmaster and trainer but has been away for some months in his home country of North Follari.  He is the anti-thesis of Hasimir's cultured ways and seems determined to wind up the "waiter" Torenson.

News also reaches the fief that one of the Justinian territories bordering The Midden Barony, "The Folly" has closed its border to the Hawkwood administered land and is preventing all access to and from the fief.

Hemlock has been spending what time he can with Chastity, keeping her appraised of what is happening while she recovers.  She is healing well and the majority of her cybernetics are back online.  While they are sat together on Hemlock's bed she attempts to slip her hand into his trousers, he pulls back, saying “We all have our secrets", but she urges him not too. He lets her touch him and her eyes widen in shock.  At which point she smiles and says "No, this is better…" but before she can act further Hemlock rushes to get up and runs from the room...

Session twenty-nine - Secrets and revelations

With Lady Chastity stabilized Sir Hemlock sends servants into the city to get aid from a Sanctuary Aeon priest rumoured to be working among the poor.

Sir Mal confronts Tarquin, and is joined by Hasimir & Virssu. The boy is unrepentant and convinced of the appropriateness of his actions.  He decries Hasimir's attempts to rebuke him reminding him of "his place" in the employ of his barony and pouring scorn on the "landless Torenson's inability to recognise the honour in what he has done". He feels that by slaying a traditional enemy of his House, his actions make him a hero and they seem to have given him a new confidence. Sir Tarquin moves off to have lunch leaving Mal and Hasimir to discuss matters further. Hasimir confronts the Hawkwood about his knowledge of his psychic gifts and Mal allows Hasimir to read his mind, revealing his own psychic gifts and how he was previously a prisoner of the church.

The servants return to say that the priest will not come so Mal and Hemlock set out to fetch him. They find him ministering to a baker who has been injured with sever burns. Hemlock explains the situation and the priest, Protos Cobblestone, concedes to come now that he understands it is a serious issue and not just nobility wasting his time with trifles.

Upon their return to the mansion Cobblestone sets up a variety of instruments, tools and religious paraphernalia and requests water, towels and food (he hasn't eaten). He reassures Hemlock and tells him to do three things: rest and take care of himself, look after his other guests and finally pray.

It was around that point that Marquis Anton De Havilland Hawkwood returns. He spends a lengthy time filling in the others about his activities in Suryada and being briefed in turn about what has been happening in his absence.

While in Suryada De Havilland made contact with Lawrence and advised him of the hit list. The Scraver then passed on what he’d already found about the identity of Lady Yelizaveta Decados. At De Haviland's request he located an Ur-Obun scholar, Velike Sho Bahkran, who was able to explain the identity and story surrounding Eokésmen ma Dohlenni (Tonbei's last words). Lawrence also advises that he hears on the Scraver gossip network that things are happening in Deepcore 104 and that the Guild is rattled.

The Marquis has also learnt that while Arcadia's father is getting a high profile socially as a dinner guest and socialite after his release, there is no word on the fate of her mother.

Sir Mal attempts to sense if Tarquin had been affected by an occult power and after some attempts he detects he has, but it was some days ago.

Protos Cobblestone advises that Chastity is stable but that her cybernetics will take time to recover and/or repair.  She have been mumbling a name; is there an "Arcadia" here? Hemlock goes to sit with her and after a time she regains consciousness calling out "Arcadia...Mother!" before realising it is Hemlock beside her. He promises to remain beside her while she sleeps.

Sir Mal receives a note from a Scraver saying that his boss has died and that he owed him the following unfinished work - the partial translations of some more of the intercepted messages. Mal assumes that Mitnick was the other assassins' target.

Mal takes Tarquin to one side and tries to work out when or by whom he was affected.  Tarquin is convinced that he is fine and eventually excuses himself, going upstairs to unpack. Before he does so he knocks on the door of Chastity's room, demanding to be allowed in to see her.  But, after a tense confrontation with Hemlock, he withdraws.

De Havilland is now aware of the fact that Hasimir has been acting as a go-between between the Baron and a rising number of dissenters who would want the Baron overthrown/killed.  Hasimir tells him that he has been feeding the Baron information on the 'rebel scum' in an attempt to keep him increasingly nervous and appreciative of the information and up until recently the Torenson knight had the intention of supporting Tarquin's claim for the right to rule if an attempt is made to remove the Baron.  The Marquis was not happy that the Baron would be harmed and suggested that if this uprising came about, as a Phoenix Knight he would feel somewhat compelled to ensure that the baron came to no direct and immediate harm for as far as he was aware, the Baron had not warranted such treatment.  Hasimir then detailed why the peasantry had such feelings of angst against the Baron, and mentioned that the people of the Midden Barony had been driven to the point of despair.  De Havilland then determined that he would need to see this for himself since he had a duty to protect the innocent and also avenge the wronged.  A certain degree of "mistreatment" might be standard for any new Hawkwood ruler and so he would have to look at the matter and the level of hardship that the people were being forced to bear.  The Marquis did say that he would not be comfortable overthrowing the Baron himself unless it was clear that there was good reason for doing so, and also reminded Sir Hasimir to be mindful of the Baron's sponsor, the Duke.  Hasimir then mentioned the increasing martial training within the barony plus the change of peasant staff.  De Havilland believed it had all the signs of a massacre.  Hasimir then went on to describe that if the uprising did take place and if Sir Tarquin happened to be killed during the proceedings that a Torenson stand-in was an entirely honourable option as an interim, at least until a replacement was determined.

Their discussions turned to Tarquin again and they believe that it may be prudent to pretend that his attempt to kill Chastity actually succeeded and put the lady in hiding for the time being to protect her while they also decide what to do with the boy.

Interlude - Lord Tochiro receives a message

"Your correspondence, m'lud." the servant laid the silver platter containing the days reports, missives, sundry epistles and letters down on the desk beside the breakfast plate his master was still picking from, absent-mindedly.

"Hmm? Very well Jensen." The baron's eyes remained fixed on today's Celdor Cryer's Guild news sheet.

The servant withdrew, as was expected.

The Baron continued his reading; more on the Leminkainen trade delegation's arrival (must ensure they received their gifts), details of the St Oswystry's Day remembrance services (have Jensen ensure that his more austere and reverential dress robes are laundered and pressed in preparation), article lauding the (buffoon) father of the "Justinian traitor" for confessing all and falling on the mercy of the church and state (pitiful idiot, but serves his purpose), social pages full of the Duke's recent visits and social calendar (the local "season" is in full swing, must ensure the diary is full; lots of ground work still to be done), oh and look in the court announcements; the lapdog Hawkwood "baron" has got himself engaged to the Traitor's little sister.  Well played, boy. Wonder if that Torenson you inherited had anything to do with that? Can't have, I suppose, he was last seen swanning off into space.

The remains of the breakfast are cold now. He folds the news sheet neatly and places it to one side and idly flicks through the correspondence.

Copies of Guild financial reports (increase in marble exports, best to refocus some of the mining efforts to capitalize in the short term, long term stick with metals for security). Formal correspondence about the expansion requests (positive, but a way to go yet). Introduction letters from the Leminkainen delegates (yadda yadda). No word yet from Sir Jutland on the Austrum Situation.  Odd (has that old goose, Samuel, got to him?), possibly delayed (hmmm, might need to find additional sources). Strange and unusual, a transcribed message, taken a while to be decrypted.
(Stupid bastard son of a whore)

"Are you well, my dahhrling?" his wife purred demurely as she looked up from the chaise longue on the other side of the room. The cotton candy coloured fur ball of a creature on her lap perked up it's ears. "Your countenance appears to have discoloured with anguish."

"That Prophet Cursed idiot!"

"Which particliere eediot, sweetness?" She was already starting to focus back on petting the creature on her lap.

"I told him to leave things alone but it appears he may have acted unwisely, Devils take the man!"

"Which "man" my love?" She swung her legs from the seat and strode towards him, her graceful gait and perfect, sculptured figure belying her age. Her pet yipped as if trying to underline it’s mistresses question.

"That imbecile Alfredo, I don't know what he's done but from the sounds of things there is a mess back at home."

"Home? Which home?"

"The mansion, in our fief, where our SON is." His frustration was beginning to be redirected towards her.  He immediately checked himself. THAT would be a dangerous path to take. He back tracked. "Sorry.  My humble apologies, I spoke rashly."

She reached out and stroked his cheek. He felt the cool of her touch and the bejewelled rings on her slender hands.  She always seemed to have such cold fingers (warm heart).
"I may need to return there."

"At thees time of year, but the season?  The delegation?"

"I know, I don't want to but I fear I have to. Things demand the Baron's attention and I fear the damage that could be done if matters are left unchecked. You will have to take charge of things in my absence I'm afraid." He placed his hand gently on hers.

She pouted "But thees is why I marry you, so I do not have to do thees things."

He chuckled "I know my dear, but you and I know you are eminently better at it than I anyway.  Who could refuse you?"
 

"Well, you could not"

(No. I couldn't, could I?)

Interlude - A heavy boot

One heavy boot lands solidly on the waterlogged landing pad, and is joined shortly after by another.  The winds are fierce this evening and driving rains whip into the face of the traveller.  They had told him that the trek was almost suicidal whilst the storm was still raging but he had little choice in the matter.  All the signs were there just as she had warned him, and this time he had been smart enough not to trust in his own judgement. 

The pilot had been extremely well paid, of course, and was very happy to power down and sit the storm out for the evening.  They shouted across to each other, the traveller trying to make himself heard whilst driving winds tried to force themselves into his eyes and mouth.  How on earth had they managed to survive this trip?  Was it a sign?  Did he still believe in such things?  The traveller points repeatedly in the direction of a building on a hill not far away and the pilot says something and then nods, giving a thumbs up.  With that, the traveller pulls away from the transport and fades away from the crafts lights and into the stormy night.

A storm-screen is pulled aside and a rushing noise can be heard.  The inner door is opened shortly afterwards and pupil Anton Hawkwood brings himself into Airi’s house.  He closes all the doors behind him, takes off his shoes and places them neatly on a small rack.  He bows and waits patiently.  Airi is working on a tiny white orchid.  She keeps him standing there for a while as she gets to a place where she is satisfied to stop.  She sits back and admires her handiwork carefully, taking in each line and assessing each colour and shade in context.  It is imperfect, but she enjoys the sensation nonetheless.  Airi peers across to the boy over the top of a set of small round glasses.

“So Anton…fighting again then?” 

The side of the boy’s face is ruddy and scratched and his hands are marked and cut.  He doesn’t raise his head, just nods whilst it is still lowered.

“The same boys again?” she asks.

He just nods again.  She can tell that he is still full of rage and yet the fact he has come here demonstrates a sense of shame as well.  “He’s doing okay” she contents herself and nods in thought.
“Pass me that small knife will you Anton?”  He raises his head and walks over to a small rack of tools on one side of the room.  He knows the knife she is needing; he feels he knows her well.  He is mistaken.

He passes her the knife and leans in to look over the plant, readying himself to assist in whatever careful work they are about to undertake.  Airi takes the blade to the orchid but twists it in her fingers, forcing it outwards and moves her hand towards Anton so that it is pointing towards the boy’s face.  His reflexes force him to flinch and instinctively lean back but she has grabbed his arm and pulled him back towards the knife.  It is close now, so close to his eye and it is all he can think of to get away.  But for reasons he cannot fathom his glance momentarily looks up into Airi’s face and he can see that she is smiling warmly.  So he stops, relaxes; the blade sitting just before him.  He trusts her.  He doesn’t know why, but he does.  She nods, pleased by what she sees.

“You know Anton, if only you had been born to a good Li Halan family.  Such a shame…” she shakes her head but smiles at him and lifts up his face.  He laughs briefly, the moment is broken.  Another lesson provided but one he must think hard on to understand.  Always with her the lessons came draped in confusion, but he remembered more from her than he did from any of his actual tutors.

The screen is moved back and the inner door opens.  The Marquis De Havilland bends over slightly and steps into the small room.  He shuts out the storm behind him and takes off his sodden boots.  He removes the waterproof cloak and rolls a pack off from his back, and unfastens his swords and shotgun.  It smells just as he remembered it in here, the earthy compost and fragrant flowers around the workbench fill the air.  He hasn’t been back for years now and feels a twinge of guilt about that.  The Marquis doesn’t hear anything but waits patiently nonetheless. Time passes and he’s beginning to feel a little concerned now.

“Airi…?  Are you here?”

The door suddenly opens behind him and a short heavily cloaked figure steps into the room.  Airi stamps down on the ground and removes her weatherall and coat.  She coughs and moves over to a warm glowing stove in the corner of the room.  She removes the lid with a short metal rod and throws more fuel in, placing the top down carefully and rubbing her hands together.

“I’m feeling the cold more than I used to; never thought that would happen.”

The Marquis looks over at the old lady.  “Never thought you’d feel the cold?”

“Never thought I’d ever live long enough to grow old”, she answers.  Airi sits down in a chair near to the fire and rubs water droplets from her face with a small towel.

“There’s a hell of a storm out there Airi, why were you out there anyway?”

Airi looks over at her old pupil and nods to the doorway.  On the floor is a small pot of near clear blue flowers.  The Marquis lets out a breath and stoops to pick them up.

 
“Cholarynn; I can’t believe you still pick this?  It’ll kill you foraging for this in a storm.  Where did you find it?”

The old lady seems pleased with herself.  “Found it up near Reverential falls.  And you can’t really find it unless it is wet weather, you know that.”

The Marquis steps into the room and walks over to a small sewing stool in the corner of the room.  He flips the lid of the stool and takes out two small clay cups and a small flat pot.  He tips a liquid into both cups and passes one to Airi before sitting down.

“You remembered then?” she asks, taking a sip and relaxing back into her chair.

“I still dream of it”, he answers, “You can’t get plum brandy like it anywhere else.”

They sit in silence for a few moments whilst the stove flashes out streaks of red and yellow light.  It is Airi who starts talking first.

“So, you’re a Phoenix Knight now I hear.  How are you finding that?”  She keeps her gaze at the stove but he knows she is watching him intently, looking for any signs.

“I’m doing as well as can be expected” he answers, deliberately guarded and an obvious parry of the deceptively keen first strike.

“I hear that you have a travelling companion?  Where is he?”  The Marquis tries not to flinch but his mind is whirring trying to figure out if she has heard anything and if so, how.  It had been far too soon for anyone to have heard rumours of Tonbei’s death, but every moment he sat here she was soaking up small moments of his life as though she inhaled it.  The Marquis had assumed in early life that Airi was a psychic or that she employed theurgic rituals or some other un-godly power in order to read people so clearly.  But she had over the long years revealed the small means of the ability, and it was solely down to an exceptional technique.  Quite how she had gleaned that ability was never touched upon and he felt that, and most of her history, would go to the grave with her.  She was very much like Tonbei in that regards perhaps, something of a mystery.  Did he seem to gravitate to those sorts of personalities he wondered?

“He’s not here Airi.  He didn’t make the journey with me”, he answered curtly.

 ‘She’d know from that response’, he cursed himself.  ‘I’m out of practice, not putting up much of a fight against the old lady on this occasion.  Maybe I’m just a bit better now than I thought though?’ 

De Havilland thought to move things on a bit but he had just let a lonely woman into his life again and she was obviously not as used to having company as she once was.  She wanted to spar.

“So how did it happen then?” she asks, and turns to him sipping her brandy.

The Marquis knocks back the contents of his cup and knows the game is up on this one line but he can be better prepared for any others.

“He attacked someone I was monitoring.  He failed, and was killed.”  The Marquis looks into the bottom of his cup as though he were searching for tea leaves to read, but all he can see is the glazed thumb print of the sculptor who made the cup.

“Ah, I see” she answers, her voice trailing off slightly.  He hated it when she said that.  She was judging him incompetent no doubt, much like he had done so himself.  He really hated that.

“I know I’ve been stupid here.  I know it’s all my fault.  I take complete responsibility….” He jumps in, ready to dampen down any sparks as early as possible.

Airi turns round and looks him in the eye.  “How little you still know yourself Anton.  In some things you are learn’ed I’m sure, but when it comes to your own thoughts and feelings about yourself, even now you fall short of the mark.  Why did you come here?”

The question is an easy one to answer.  “Because I wanted to see you and seek your advice...” he answers

“Mnya, mnya, mnya…” says Airi looking wildly about the room and pulling a comical face.  “You are still the silly little boy sometimes Anton.  You came here to seek my council?  Really?  On what matter precisely?” She asks, her piercing eyes boring into him.

The Marquis tries to find some words but is unable to find the verses.

“You didn’t come here to seek my advice Anton, you already have everything you need to determine your own destiny.  You come to me now like you did when your father died, to expect me to punish you and make you feel bad because you have guilt.”

She looks at him, her breath heavy and laboured as the weight of emotion pours from her.  It was hard for her to say that, he could tell.  He sat back into his chair taking in the words, his mind partially blanked by the shock of it.  He couldn’t get his thoughts together.

“You have to forgive yourself Anton, it was not your fault that he died; Not your father or this so-called friend.  You are not always responsible.  You may feel accountable, but you are NOT responsible.  Not for this or the war either….”

They spent much of the night talking together in that way.  Airi took care to spend time with her young pupil in his moment of careful vulnerability.  She knew when he left the next day that she would have made him an infinitely better pupil than when he had left the school all those years ago.  If only he had been born to a good Li Halan family…

Session twenty-eight - running into an ambush

Hemlock wakes to discover that an intruder has been in his room.  Locks have been picked, drawers and cupboards opened but it doesn't appear that anything has been stolen.  He checks on Sir Mal and Lady Chastity; both are well and it appears that the intruder only targeted himself. Sir Mal offers to help and he goes outside to look for signs of the intruder's entry or exit.  On the way he discovers that the night watchmen are both asleep at their station. Hemlock goes to speak with Master Alfredo who seems horrified at events and is both furious with the guards and concerned that, considering Hemlock's history with the attack on the home during his childhood, he will be distraught and rightly upset. Mal discovers that it appears that the intruder escaped out of Hemlock's bedroom window (it's what Mal would have done...) but there's no telling where they went after that. It appears that the guards may have been poisoned by something in their tea and Hemlock leaves their questioning in the hands of Master Alfredo (with instructions to go easy on them) while he, Mal & Chastity prepare for their scheduled run before breakfast.

Meanwhile in The Midden Barony Sir Hasimir Fenrig Torenson makes preparation to take Sir Tarquin to visit his cousin, Sir Hemlock. He speaks with the Baron to get his formal approval and confirms his progress with the ongoing wedding preparations. Hasimir, Virssu and Sir Tarquin then ride out but divert on route to pay and arranged visit to Father Helsing.

They discuss plans to over throw the Baron and institute Justinian rule once more.  It seems to finally dawn on Sir Tarquin (and the priest) that this may well mean the Baron's death, possibly by the hand of another party (in order to divorce them from direct involvement and blame). Tarquin seems concerned by this but seems to accept it as a necessity. Helsing agrees to contact the other "conspiritors"; Potter and Clodius and get them to advise Hasimir of their plans. Hasimir also mentions Virssus' observations about the staffing changes at the mansion.  The priest says that it's an odd coincidence that he hasn't seen any of the old staff in the evening or morning prayers either.

Hasimir & Tarquin bid farewell to Father Helsing and ride out to Sector 42 noticing as they pass through the Barony that one of Christopher's knights is drilling a large group of fully armed and armoured Hawkwood troops.

 

An ambush awaits...

In Sector 42 Hemlock and company's morning run quickly turns sour as Mal notices what appears to be a sniper waiting in ambush ahead of them.  He alerts his companions and they realise that there are two well equipped attackers. Hemlock immediately charges at one (the crowded nature of the city scape of the running route meaning that they were already quite close in order to draw a line of fire on the runners) and incapacitates him with Keat's knife. Sir Mal interposes himself between the attackers and Lady Chastity (figuring that is what Hemlock would want him to do).  The second attack opens up with a three round burst from his advanced SMG at Hemlock but his shield (the gift from Lady Chastity) flares to life and protects him. The lady herself moves gracefully and extremely swiftly past Mal Hawkwood and, following Hemlock's lead, assaults the man who attacked him, a slender Viper sword blade extending from her forearm. She attacks with unbridled ferocity, finishing the attacker by decapitating him.

Hemlock manages to bring the other attacker around but he is obviously dying. Mal manages to question him in his last moments and he tells them that "The Guild" has ordered that Hemlock and he be killed to stop their meddling. Meanwhile Lady Chasity has broken down in tears as she apparently never wanted Hemlock to see her like this. He comforts her as best he can while Mal takes weapons and gear from the fallen attackers.

They head slowly back home to find Master Alfredo waiting for them, obviously concerned that they had been gone longer than expected. He is devastated to hear that they were attacked and immediately summons staff to assist.  Lady Chastity retires to her room but sends word that she is alright while Hemlock and Mal take breakfast and discuss events.  While Mal is stashing the gear in his room the wrist squawker he took from one of the assailants blurts into life.  He doesn't answer but he hears the man at the other end say that they have killed theirs, has he finished his? Mal tells Hemlock and they ponder whom it could refer to. Hemlock also thanks Mal for trying to protect Chastity; he was both surprised and quite flattered that Mal would put himself at risk (unarmoured as he was) for them. Hemlock also has a realisation that after seeing him discussing a mixed up order with master Alfredo earlier that day the boy he saw in the stables yesterday was the lad who delivers bread to the estate.  He asks Alfredo request that the boy comes to speak with him.

Hemlock has also received a response from Baron Samuel about his request to visit his library in "Quentin's Retreat":

 

Mr dear young fellow,

How felicitous to be in receipt of your delightful epistle. For too long the void of untamed expanse between our fiefs has been both figurative as well as literal. Am I to assume that your father has finally bequeathed his lands and territories to you, allowing them to be properly managed and maintained whilst he conducts his, obviously essential, business elsewhere?

I would, of course, be most enamoured to allow you admission to my meagre collection of tomes and scrolls.  I have recently had course to host our mutual cousin, the charming and astute Lady Althea, who made most expeditious use of my academic resources. When I mentioned your correspondence she spoke highly of your good character and admirable nature and quite reversed my previous reluctance to engage with you.

I trust that you will prove her reference to be both appropriate and accurate when you arrive.

 

Deo volente

 

Baron Samuel Justinian,
Lord of Quentin's Retreat and its environs and borders
Hero of Cadragathia,
Holder of the medal of Aspatria,
Doctor of Archeo-sociological Humanities, University of Celdor

 

Hasimir and Tarquin arrive around lunch time and are welcomed into the drawing room to see Hemlock and Mal.  They update each other on recent events and speculate on who the assailants might have been.  Mal is sure it was the Scravers and believes that the other target may have been Mitnick. Discussions move to the Midden Barony and Hasimir's plan to help Sir Tarquin overthrow the Baron.  They ask if they can count on Hemlock and Mal's aid, which they consent to give.  Tarquin is concerned that, as a Hawkwood, Mal is a risk but Mal reassures him that no love is lost between him and his family (especially the Baron) and Sir Hasimir advises that he'd never trust Mal but he does know him and can rely on him in this matter. Tarquin also seems to distrust Lady Chastity.  The Decados are the "old enemy" of the Justinians as many believe that they were responsible for closing the jumpgate to the House's home world of Paradise. Hemlock tries to reassure him but Tarquin casts aspersions on Hemlock's opinions when it comes to women, citing similarities with his sister, Dame Arcadia.  The bell goes for lunch and Tarquin asks if he may visit Lady Chastity before they dine (as a representative of his House and barony he feels it would be proper etiquette, as she is the ranking member of her own House locally and it may help put his mind at rest).  Hasimir suggests it would be correct protocol and Hemlock checks with the staff that she is happy to receive him.  He is escorted upstairs while Hemlock, Hasimir and Mal continue to discuss what to do about recent events.
   

In the drawing room again.

Their conversation is interrupted by screams from above and they rush up the stairs, passing Tarquin coming back down.  The screams are from the maid, Sasha, who attends Chasity.  She has re-entered the room to find the lady unconscious on the floor with wounds to her abdomen and throat.  Hemlock calls for aid and he and Mal try to stabilize the wounded noble. Hasimir comes and reads her surface thoughts as Master Alfredo rushes in and starts to organise staff to help. Hasimir "sees" in her mind the same moments playing over and over; Tarquin enters, greets her politely, draws his short sword (engaging its shock charge) and stabs her by surprise.  The electric shock scrambles her cyber ware, leaving her convulsing on the floor as he leans over her and slashes her throat "Our Houses will always be enemies."  

Session twenty-seven - Wedding plans and amateur athletics (I think it's fair to say I never thought the game would go this way)

Yet another talky-heavy session, I hope I've managed to capture the salient points...

Turning the clock back a little to when Mal first returned to the Sector 42 mansion after his run in with the Scravers, Hemlock questions the Hawkwood knight some more about what had happened, if he was OK and what he had learnt. He expressed that he was indebted to Mal, and embarrassed that he, as his guest, had come to harm in his father’s barony.  Afterwards Hemlock began his planned patrols of the mansion and it's grounds to try to discover whomever was sending the messages but his initial search proved fruitless.

The following morning sees Hemlock back out on the prowl again and once again he doesn't find his culprit. As he comes to the end of his stalking around he finds Chastity going to the stables. She comments how she likes to be with the animals as it reminds her of home.  Hemlock says he doesn't ride and asks if she will teach him. She shyly agrees. He goes to breakfast joins Mal. They are then joined by Lady Chastity. She advises Hemlock that, as per their discussion the previous day (a little retcon on our part) she had decided to dismiss her Muster guards (both to save money and for fear that they might betray her after Lawrence and Hasimir's experiences)and they have left on good terms but she seems emotional as this is a severing of one of the last connections she had with her home. In conversation, at the mention of how she would occupy her day and the younger sister she has left behind, she becomes upset, excuses herself and leaves. Mal is terribly sensitive as one might expect.....or not.

Meanwhile in the Midden Barony Virssu answers his master's door to an invitation for Hasimir to dine in private with Victor & Hugo Hawkwood.  He accepts and they attend in the twins' quarters. They appear to suspect that the Torenson is up to *something* and want to know what it is and what bearing it has on the "Club". Hasimir reassures them it isn't club business. merely politics and that they don't need to concern themselves. They seem unsure but let the matter rest but advise him that they will be departing later that day on a diplomatic mission but when then return they don't expect to come back to find that he has deceived them.

After breakfast Virssu shares with Hasimir that he has noticed that the peasant staff are all new faces. They discuss what this might mean but agree it could be a normal change of staff or could indicate that someone is purposefully changing people out for those more loyal, but to whom remains a mystery for now.

Sir Hasimir then pays a visit to Sir Tarquin, but as he reaches the door to his chambers one of the twins emerges (Virssu notes he looks a little pale and tired, unlike at breakfast).  They exchange pleasantries and he leaves. Hasimir and Virssu find Tarquin well and it appears that (as protocol would dictate) Victor/Hugo came to thank him for his home's hospitality and advise that they would be leaving for now.  Hasimir turns discussion to the peasant support for the young lord and what they need to do next.  He plans to meet with Father Konrad but to also take Tarquin to visit Hemlock.  He fears that Tarquin will be watched closer than ever and his movements monitored more closely.  Hasimir suggests that for now he write to his cousin, Hemlock, and reassure him that he is well and that he plans to visit soon.

The Torenson knight then pays a visit to Baron Christopher Hawkwood, who is engaged with the business of the fief (recent days having occupied him away from the general day to day management of things).  He doesn't seem to want to spend time listening to Hasimir but charges him with conducting the wedding arrangements (a task eminently suited to a Torenson and one less "mundane" thing for Christopher to have to deal with).  He suggests that Hasimir arrange it for about two months time. The knight accepts the task and goes to see the bride-to-be.

Lady Stephanie is very excited at the prospect of her wedding and seems to consider the Baron to be the man of her dreams. She wants a big cathedral wedding in Celdor and would like her father, General Sir Anthony Masseri Justinian to be able to give her away.  She is scornful of her mother, the Baroness, though and doesn't want her anywhere near "her day".

Throughout all this time Mal and Hemlock have been working to decode the rest of the messages Mitnick managed to get, with some success. At one point Master Alfredo comes in and seems concerned when Hemlock tells him that they are looking through estate records (to cover up the existence of the messages).  The Householder offers to help but they turn him away.  Hemlock then shares with Mal the notebook that Hubbard, the elderly peasant woman gave him, thinking it may in someway be related.  While Mal carries on working Hemlock stops for an evening meal and he is joined by Lady Chastity (seemingly the first time she has could out of her room since breakfast). She apologises for her rash emotion and expresses fears and doubts that in sending her guards away she is implying that she expects Hemlock to protect her and she does not wish to be a burden upon him.  Hemlock reassures her that he is glad to have her and Sir Mal’s company, that without them the estates might be terribly lonely, and that he enjoys being with her. They talk openly and once again we seem to see their friendship beginning to blossom. Chastity mentions that back at home she enjoyed athletics, initially as part of her "recovery" but that she got a taste for it. Hemlock suggests that they go running the following day and she eagerly agrees. That evening, rather than patrolling Hemlock maps possible running routes and manages to convince Sir Mal to accompany them.  Mal in the meantime has made great progress with the remaining portions of the messages.

The following morning Sir Hemlock renews his patrols and this time seems to have some success.  He finds the servant boy he recognises from the mansion in the stables using some sort of tech device to tap out what seems to be a message.  Hemlock watches him but does not interfere.

Sir Hasimir plans to visit Father Konrad and take Tarquin to see Hemlock the next day so spends his day working on wedding preparations. While that morning Mal, Hemlock & Chasity go for their run.  Chastity seems invigorated by the exercise and recalls most of what Hemlock had previously told her about the area and the childhood tales he told her about himself and Arcadia there. In fact she seems to be the most capable distance runner of the three and is barely tired when they return to the mansion.

Later Hemlock manages to speak with Master Alfredo to ask him about the "Agreement" which is alluded too in Mitnick's messages and whether his father has some sort of arrangement with the Scravers.  The Householder is apologetic and evasive and suggests that he really ought to speak to his father about such things.

Mitnick's translations

As it might be useful here's the two partial translations Sir Mal received from Mitnick the Scraver...

Master, Pancreator's blessings upon you.

I trust my lord's work proceeds well and bears fruits for your labours. Things proceed as ever within your domain. As you know I would not seek to trouble you over trivialities but I received your word that the young master would be arriving to shepherd matters here for the time being.

I would not dare to question my lord's plans but does this not risk the Agreement? Would he accept what has been arranged?

Upon his previous return you, yourself were keen to keep him from the mansion lest it bring back memories of what transpired. I hesitate to query your commands, as you know, but is this truly the best option, and the safest for the boy?

Your eternal servant.

 

Chief, sorry to use this line but things may be about to go fubar. His nibs is sending the prodigal back and he's not averse to drama or salacious adventures (you'll remember how much effort I had keeping his involvement with the Arcadia cock up out of the Town Cryer's proclamations). He's the sort of inquisitive fledgling that'll stick his nose right in where it has no business to be. Your advice is welcomed and if sanctions are to be applied I've no qualms in doing it again.

Session twenty-six - Mawwiage...

Earlier in the day Hemlock approached Lady Chastity and suggested that he take her to visit one of his neighbours, specifically his cousin, Sir Tarquin.  Chastity notes that that is the domain where Baron Christopher rules as Regent and Hemlock agrees, mentioning that it would be good form for her to meet socially with the local nobility. He also quietly mentions that the more public she is the more protection she may have.  She asks Hemlock who he thinks would want to attack her and they discuss her guards.  She reveals that they are not House Decados men but are hired Muster. Hemlock warns her that he has had mixed experiences with the Muster. He then approached Sir Mal to accompany them, he agrees before Hemlock has even finished speaking, knowing full well how much his presence will annoy Baron Christopher.

Hemlock's party travel to the Midden Barony and pass some border guards who send word to the Baron that they will be coming. As they approach the mansion they note that colourful bunting has been put out.  It looks like they will recieve a warm welcome.

When they enter the mansion they realise that there are other guests (whom the flags were intended for).  Baron Christopher is recieving two of his cousins; the identical twins Sir Victor & Sir Hugo Windsor Hawkwood.  Sir Mal appears to recognise them and uses his Turning to scan them. He can tell that they are both psychics and that one is skilled in Psyche, Sympathy and Sixth Sense. The twins have brought news for Baron Christopher in the form of a letter, news which seems to please him immensely. He announces that General Sir Anthony Masseri Justinian has given his consent for the Baron to marry his daughter, the fourteen year old Stephanie. His mood is dampened somewhat when he sees Mal though and he speaks strongly to Hemlock about bringing "that" into his home. Hemlock defends Mal as his own guest and before Christopher can take the discussion further the doors to the entrance hall burst open and in strides young Sir Tarquin Midden Justinian (followed a short way behind by Sir Hasimir and Virssu).  The youthful knight launches into an immediate and impassioned tirade demanding stating that he has seen the state of the peasantry and the Baron has been neglectful and abusive of "his" (Tarquin's) people. 

Sir Tarquin Midden Justinian confronts Baron Christopher Windsor Hawkwood

The Baron approaches the boy menacingly and suggests that as he is here by the decree of the Planetary Duke he is a representative of the Duke's authority, therefore any issue the boy has with his rule is by default an issue with the Duke, and that sounds strangely like the sort of behaviour that got his elder sister into trouble. Is he walking the same seditious path? Hemlock moves to put himself between Christopher and his cousin as it looks like matters will escalate rapidly. Sir Hasimir manages to calm things somewhat (even after Tarquin saying it was he who helped him to meet with Father Helsing and see the state of affairs) and convinces Christopher to speak with him in private.  Hemlock and company are taken to a lounge with the twins to await the outcome.

As the door to his study closes Christopher immediately begins to lay into Sir Hasimir; what is he doing assisting the boy, filling his head with these ideas?  Why would he dare to stay the baron's hand? Hasimir is by no means cowed or daunted and calmly argues that he was trying to ensure that there was sufficient evidence to prove undeniably that Sir Tarquin is fomenting rebellion and that if they give him a little space he will not only hand himself to them but will also lead them to all the rebellious elements amongst the people. His words manage to convince the Baron who then asks what Hasimir suggests he does. The Torenson knight outlines a plan to keep an eye on Tarquin but to allow him the freedom to implicate himself possibly even permitting him to visit Sir Hemlock to regain his confidence. Reluctantly, as it means backing down, Christopher agrees.

They return to the lobby and the Baron says that his emotional state from hearing the wonderful news of his impending nuptials caused him to act rashly and spoke out of turn. He suggests that Sir Tarquin be accompanied to his room by some of the guard, where he can have a chance to chat with his cousin in private.  He will ensure that they are called down when lunch is served.

Hemlock and Tarquin (accompanied by Chastity and Mal) take the chance to talk. Tarquin asks about Hemlock's memories of his eldest sister, Arcadia and Hemlock seeks to comfort and support him.  Lady Chastity actually puts an arm around him and comforts him too.

Lunch is a reasonably quiet affair, with the staff and host completely ignoring Mal, the Baron raising a toast to his future bride and Chastity asking Hemlock if they can please leave as soon as the meal is over. On their way out Mal tries to speak with the twins, Victor & Hugo, quietly but they make a huge fuss about why would they want to speak to "his sort"?  They refuse to engage with him at all.
Hasimir manages to catch Tarquin privately and tells him that he is on his side.  He tells the young knight that he is playing the Baron and that his actions will buy them time to prosper a true revolution.  If Tarquin will allow he will help guide him into what to do and help him to plan his next moves.  He will also chaperone him on visits to his cousin Hemlock. The boy appears convinced and encouraged by Sir Hasimirs intent.

When Hemlock and his party return to his mansion it is late afternoon and a note has arrived for Sir Mal.  It is a message from Mitnick, the Scraver, suggesting he has made progress and he want's Mal to come and see him.  Mal goes to meditate for a while before setting out.

Meanwhile Hemlock asks Chastity for a moment to have a talk in private.  She agrees and he tries to return the shield generator she gave him.  She refuses saying that it was a gift to thank him for his kindness.  He persists, saying it's too much but she explains that while she cannot say how he feels about her she considers him to be possibly her only true friend.  He has taken care of her and taken her in when he didn't need to and when she was honest with him he could have cast her out but has remained true to her.  In any case he should consider it in her best interests; if he is going to continue to protect and look out for her this guarantees that he will survive long enough to do so! He finally relents and accepts the gift graciously.

Mal heads to see Mitnick, bumping into Hemlock on his way out and mentioning where he is going. The Scraver tells Mal that he has been able to partially translate the first two messages as he discovered "It was an old Scraver code, but it checks out." he gives Mal a pair of printouts but then says that it has left him with a problem.  As its a Scraver code, and he's a Scraver he's had to let people in the Guild know...at which point two thugs appear, armed with clubs and looking to teach Mal not to stick his nose into things that shouldn't concern him.  Mal draws his sword and they begin to fight (while Mitnick returns to his work).

Beware of Scravers bearing clubs...

The two ruffians manage to land a few ineffectual blows (thanks to Mal's studded armour) while Mal wounds one thug and the other is accidentally wounded by his friend! To end this stalemate Mal asks what these two boys are getting paid and offers them triple to forget all about it.  He is a charismatic chap and the two thugs graciously take the money, wish him well and leave. Mal, slightly bruised and beaten heads to tell Hemlock what he has found.

Upon Mal's return to the Mansion house Hemlock sees him and that Mal has been in a fight.  He questions the Hawkwood knight as to what happened and Mal shows him the message print outs.  They possibly relate to Hemlock.

That night Hasimir has a strange and frightening dream, he is at a soiree where every person turns into the ghost of Arcadia and they all approach and surround him screeching "I'm back, I'm back....I'm baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaack!" He wakes, screaming in a cold sweat. Virssu bursts in, gun drawn, sees he's unharmed and just walks back to bed.

Interlude - A carriage conversation

A carriage rocked from side to side as the four horse pack drove forwards on what constituted for a road in rural Ravenna. Dust and grit spat from under the hard rimmed wheels as the coach roared on.
The only two passengers within could be mistaken for a single man staring into a mirror. They were, in every practical physical way, identical even down to the brocade on their impeccable jackets and the broaches on their chests.
The man facing the rear of the carriage was idly watching through the side windows while his twin sat facing forwards paging through the latest sensationalist publications of the Town Criers.

"We'll be in the moutains soon." The window starer mentioned in a bored tone.
"Yes."
"Not too long now then."
"No."
"Anything interesting in the press?"
"Obviously not, the usual agricola nonsense. At least they've taken less of it harping on about that Justinian girl" The paper reader cast his diversion aside onto the cushions beside him.
The window starer didn't even look back into the carriage, remaining transfixed by the rolling hills passing by. His companion could clearly read that he was extremely bored, possibly more so than himself.
He broke from his window gazing to look at his companion; "Why on Earth has our honourable cousin stuck himself all the way out here?"
"It was a "reward", you know that."
"He could have turned it down."
"Pah."
"Asked for a cash alternative?"
"Don't be foolish."
"That's right, that's your job isn't it?"
"You always get insulting when you are bored."
There was no immediate reply.  He could be petty when he felt like it, they both could, but there was no other company so he soon relented.
"Why are we doing this again?"
"You know why."
"We're just glorified messenger boys."
"He asked us to aid him and, as you well know, it suits the plan."
"Whose?"
"You are being foolish again. Both our plans. We scratch backs and have ours scratched in return."
"I don't like it."
"Neither do I but at least he got the answer he wanted."
"You've read the letter?"
"I didn't need to."
"I don't understand the urgency nor the necessity for this to be done in person."
"You fret too much, it's all for the greater good"
"I hope so."
"We'll make it so."
"Yes, I suppose we will." With that he lent forward and picked up the discarded Town Cryer pages while his companion took his turn to stare out of the window.
 
The coach driver shifted nervously on his bench seat. His Mate, sat beside him, budged up against him jabbing him in the ribs with his elbow.  "Stoppit willya.  you can't keep still this run."
"Course an' I can't. I don' like it." He screwed up his face as he said the words, as if tasting sour milk.
"Wos not ta loike?  We be gettin' our shillin' fer tha' work."
"Ay, but is unnatural work" The driver instinctively drew in the reins a little as he made the sign of the Jumpgate cross.
"Wot you mean.  They jus' be nobles."
"Yeah, but how come they ain't said a word the whole journey?"

Achievement awarded...

 

Volume one...

While it might not seem much like it we've reached the end of an era in "The Trails and Tribulations of Arcadia Justinian".  My customized Fading Suns notebook, constant companion, campaign confident and keeper of secrets is now full...after twenty-five sessions of play.  It seems like a milestone (and one I'm quite proud of, to be honest) so I thought a few reflective thoughts might be in order.

 

In my head this means we've finished "Volume One" of the campaign. That's probably been about 63 hours of play (give or take). When I started I figured I had about a year's worth (50 sessions, or thereabouts) of plot in my head and I think that may well have been an underestimate...this stuff just keeps coming and there's no end in sight.  Yes, certain story lines may reach an eventual conclusion but I can see us following these characters, and their impact on the Known Worlds, for some time to come. In large part I have a great group of players to thank for that, they have really invested their characters with personalities beyond the numbers on the page and are constantly coming at things in ways I didn't expect or suggesting ideas which dovetail with and compliment what I already have planned.  It truly has been a collective effort to get this far and to make it so much fun in the process.

 

I also think that the hiatus that we had earlier this year really benefitted the game.  I was writing myself in circles trying to manage all the pieces I had in play and the way the group had physically separated. I tried using extra secondary player characters (to essentially create a second cadre) but I don't think any of us really related to or enjoyed those characters.  We needed to follow the "heroes" of the tale not a supporting cast. Fast forwarding some plot (the events on SOE/8807 and the loss of the Galliot) allowed me to re-synchronise where we were with everyone and slightly alter the direction of the campaign. It seemed risky at the time and there was disappointment about not playing through some of that material but I think hindsight has shown it was the right decision.

 

I'm sometimes asked if things have happened as I intended and simply speaking no, they haven't, but part of that is I had little expectations or firm plans as to what would happen. There's the old adage when letting off a firework: "Light blue touch paper and stand well back" and in a way that's what I set out to do.  I presented a situation to the players (the initial "murder mystery at the tournament") and waited to see where they went with it.  They could have immediately gone on the run, hoping to prove Arcadia's innocence while ducking from pursuers, they could have dumped her like a sack of rubbish and got on with their lives....it was almost a test to see what we had here and where the players wanted to take things.  At the time I had no real idea that that meant assassination attempts, betrayals, ancient AIs, Second Republic Golems, Husks, recovery of broken star ships, trips into space, duels, psychic peasants, church inquisitors and political intrigue... But I fully expect there's that and more yet to come.

 

The title of campaign remains "The Trails and Tribulations of Arcadia Justinian" even though she's been dead since session 18 (and publically believed dead since session 13) and that remains an intentional choice on my part. The reasons are numerous but the main one is that Arcadia's impact will still be felt for some time to come. She was the trigger that brought these individuals together and her life, and death, has had direct impacts, some of which have yet to be revealed.

 

Going back to the notebook itself it now carries the moniker of "Volume I" and I have a now already in use "Volume II" (suitably customized). But there are NPC stats, unused ideas and plot lines that are in motion but yet to be revealed all still within "Volume I".  It's not about to be retired yet. However it now stands, a bit like this blog, as a testimony to what has already happened and a foundation for what is yet to come. Volume II (and III, IV, etc) look to be an exciting prospect but we wouldn't have got here without the tales documented in this simple little notebook.

Session twenty-five - Duels and duality

We begin at dawn on the surface of Deep Core 104 as the drizzle rains down and, in the background De Havilland lifts off in the Explorer to head to Suryada.

 

The duelling ground as the fighters face off from one another.

 

Baron Christopher has gone all out and invited a host of luminaries and socialites from the Midden Barony to watch the spectacle of the duel.  His men have erected a pavilion for him, covered stands for his guests and are busy serving breakfast.

Hemlock, on the other hand is stood in the rain accompanied by two retainers, Sir Mal and Lady Chastity (with her guards).

Ralph, the Baron's aide, advises Hemlock they are ready to begin when he is and so Hemlock announces his charge against the Baron, that he showed disrespect and ungraciousness when a guest in Hemlock's home. The Baron responds that he refutes the charge and accepts the challenge. He questions who Hemlock's Second is and is disgusted, as are most of the assembled throng, to hear that it is the outcast Sir Mal Hawkwood. The Baron, as is formality confirms his second is Sir Hasimir.

The two Seconds review the weapons to be used and check for any malefaction, deceit or treachery.  While this is going on Lady Chastity approaches Sir Hemlock and asks if, as he has been so kind to her, he would agree to wear a token from her for luck, during the duel.  He agrees and she pins a small but fine looking brooch on his cape.

The Field of Honour is cleared and the two combatants draw their blades, salute and begin...with remarkable speed Hemlock gets the drop on the defensive Baron, rushes to him, steps within his guard and slips his rapier slowly through the Hawkwood’s shield, cutting his tunic and grazing his side.  Blood is drawn and honour satisfied. There is a moment of stillness as the crowd awaits the Baron's response.  He stops, pulls back and salutes Hemlock. The duel is over in moments. There is polite applause from the spectators and Hemlock and company pack up to leave.

Sir Hasimir is enjoying the breakfast feast when he overhears the Baron's raised voice coming from his pavilion tent. He goes to see what is up and finds the Baron ranting, not that he lost, but that Hemlock didn't put on a proper show of it.  He expected, and wanted, a decent fight. As far as he is concerned going in to win straight away was disrespectful and frankly rude.  He knows Hemlock's reputation as a competitive fencer and he was expecting a real bout, to be toyed with and to spar properly, getting the measure of each other and having a too and fro.  Essentially he thinks Hemlock spoiled what could have been an exciting spectacle with a worthy adversary. He was "playing to win" rather than for the sport. He says that this is typical of upstart, corrupt Justinians and he punctuates his dialogue with thrown objects and smashing the contents of the tent. Hasimir tries to calm him and has some success, the knight's words seem to divert the baron from rage but he then turns on Hasimir and demands to know how his investigations are proceeding. He responds by outlining what he and De Havilland discussed and that he is certain that the Marquis had no part in Tonbei's actions.  He also says that his investigation into Sir Tarquin continues, but slowly. He then delivers the message from Father Helsing to ask that the Baron considers being more lenient with the peasantry.  Christopher seems unconcerned and practically mocks the priest's concerns. He asks Hasimir what he would do in his situation and he duly outlines two possible routes; continue as he is (and risk rebellion) or spare the rod to appear a more caring ruler. This seems to ignite inspiration for a plan in the Baron who suggests that there is a third way.  He tells a servant to notify a "Sir Terrance" that he wants to speak with him when they return to the barony.  

Meanwhile Hemlock and his party are travelling back to Sector 42. They chat pleasantly and Lady Chastity seems to be far more relaxed since her confession to Hemlock the day before.  Mal speaks to Hemlock about who he should consult if he wants to discuss communications in the fief and Hemlock suggests contacting any local guilders.  Chastity asks if they will have their postponed tour of the lands today and Hemlock agrees to show her the city (or at least his family's part of it).

 

It was Sir Hasimir, in the library with the cunning scheme...

 

When they reach the Midden Mansion Hasimir and Virssu locate Sir Tarquin studying in his library.  Hasimir passes on to the young noble that he has spoken to Father Helsing and the priest's concern for the people.  Tarquin is obviously moved and wants to meet with Helsing but his movement outside the mansion is watched and heavily controlled.  Hasimir convinces him to write a letter to the priest, expressing his intentions to meet and leave the details to him.  The letter is dispatched and they await a response.

Before leaving for the city Hemlock takes the time to show Sir Mal and Lady Chastity a photo of Hemlock, his twin sister Tiger Lily and Arcadia as children. The photo obviously means a lot to him and he notices that Chastity seems to linger over the image of Arcadia. Hemlock also offers her favour back to Chastity but she declines, saying that he should take it as a gift of thanks for taking her in and treating her so well.

Once in the city, Mal makes enquiries as to the best person to speak to about communications traffic in Sector 42 and he is directed to Mitnick, the Scraver he spoke to the previous day. The Scraver deals in information and as such he monitors telecomms, telegraph and squawker traffic using a host of Think Machines to catalogue and collate the data. Mal deals with the Scraver using a combination of his Streetwise smarts, natural presence and hefty bribes to find out that there has been some irregular scrambled or encrypted traffic that Mitnick has tracked but been unable to decode.  It started about nine days ago, just before Mal and Hemlock returned to the fief and the last message was yesterday (after Tonbei's death).  The messages seem to originate from the mansion and mostly occur in the early morning or late evening. Mal pays the Scraver to try to decode the messages (he had given up doing so as there was no potential profit in it).

While Mal is busy Sir Hemlock shows Lady Chastity (and her guards) around the fief.  She seems politely interested in everything he shows her, particularly his anecdotes about his childhood.  She walks with her arm in his and seems genuinely to consider him a friend and seems to neither be flattering nor attempting to ingratiate herself with him, nor be attempting to portray a persona or mask.

When they return to Hemlock's family mansion Mal waits until he can get Hemlock alone and reports back to him about what he has found.  Hemlock suggests that he may need to make some investigations at the times the messages are being sent to see if he can find the culprit. He also takes the time to examine the favour Chastity had presented him and discovers that it is a high quality duelling shield! Mal is intrigued, immediately thinking of it's possible resale value...

Back in the Midden Barony Tarquin accosts Hasimir after dinner to advise him that he has heard back from Father Helsing and he can visit him the following day.  Hasimir and Virssu plan to sneak the knight out of a window and manage to do so the following morning. They manage to sneak away and meet with the priest who is over joyed to see Sir Tarquin safe and sound.  They speak at length with the young knight who is obviously moved by the plight of his people. They are then joined by Potter, Dame Helena's old major domo (now on the run from Hawkwood forces) and Clodius, the peasant leader that Hasimir previously encountered with Dame Arcadia. They are keen to impress on Tarquin that there are people who stand ready to fight for him, if he will lead them.  Encouraged by this Tarquin seems energized and roused to action and says that he needs to speak with Baron Christopher. 

Interlude - She said what?

“She said what…?” the words came as though they had literally fallen from his lips.  De Havilland stared at a rather thoughtful Hemlock and an unsettling silence suddenly fell upon the room.

“That is what she claims, at least” followed Hemlock, “Although I am not really certain whether she is telling me the truth of the matter.”  De Havilland stood awestruck, the weight of the words gently pressing out from his mind as he began to search out all the possible implications of this latest revelation.

“I really didn’t expect that” he finally managed to answer.  “I know I asked her if she had any thoughts on the matter, but that was because I wanted to judge whether she knew a little more about the subject than she was letting on.  I mean, certainly when she left the room I thought that perhaps…”, De Havilland trailed off. 

“But do you actually believe her?” queries Hemlock, obviously keen to hear another person’s opinion on the matter.  De Havilland shifts uneasily and then starts to walk slowly around the room, his hand to his chin and his forefinger playing wistfully with his moustache.

“Certainly, I think I might” follows Hemlock as he watches De Havilland walking in wide circles.  “Obviously I know she’s a Decados and I have heard that they are not always to be trusted.  But to me, she just seems, well,…”  Hemlock frowns a little and tilts his head to one side, trying to find the right word.  De Havilland looks over sharply, searching out Hemlock; trying to determine his friend’s true feelings about this woman.

“Crooked?” comes a voice from the edge of the room, followed by a large clink and a rolling noise as Sir Mal takes his shot on the billiard table.  He raises himself from the table and carries on with his commentary, keen that his audience is entertained a little further.  “I mean, you can’t tell me you actually trust her?  I know I certainly don’t” he states, “She’s a Decados after all!”

Hemlock raises one eyebrow, “From what I have seen of her so far Sir Mal she seems very much the Lady and perfectly respectable.  Not everyone in my father’s estate has managed to fare quite so well so far…”  De Havilland grins at that and gives his cousin a knowing nod to suggest it was a ‘good hit, well landed’.  Mal harrumphs and continues, “Well if anyone is ever going to listen to me about anything then let me just say that I certainly know a rogue when I see one, and that woman is definitely trouble.”

“I think we can agree on that particular word”, continues Hemlock, “…for there is little doubt she brings trouble with her.  But what are we going to do about what she has said about her father?”

Finally De Havilland finds the words he has been looking for and moves over and leans onto the edge of the billiard table.  “Personally I’m not sure what to think.  My own judgement has been shown to be somewhat lacking of late and I’m not sure I trust my own thinking any more.  But I will share my thoughts with you both before I head off as not to do so would possibly be a little self-indulgent of me and possibly not very fair.”

De Havilland takes a moment to compose himself.  To the searching eyes of Hemlock he can see that his comrade is very much hurting with the betrayal of the Imperial Cohort, Tonbei.  Hemlock’s own mind immediately flashes back to memories of the loss of Dame Arcadia, and his own tortured feelings concerning her bitter end.

De Havilland looks down at the billiard table deep in thought.  “I have no clear mind whether she is telling the truth or not.  On the one side, she could indeed be telling the truth.  She could have wanted to find somewhere to run away and seek refuge from the torments of a father who had broken her in some way…”

Hemlock nods knowingly, thinking through the situation in his own mind.

“But…”, continues De Havilland, “…do you believe for one moment that of all the places she could have run to hide, to seek refuge from a man who is the preeminent leader of his family on this world that she would choose to pick your father’s barony?”  He looks up, the light from the billiard table now casting half of his face in shadow.

“Think on it Hemlock.  Why here.  Why you?” finished De Havilland.

“Me?” follows Hemlock, “You just said it yourself, she’s here as it is my Father’s barony, not for me.”

De Havilland shakes his head slightly as though trying to think through a fog.  “I just don’t see it Hemlock.  I could be wrong, and as I’ve said already tonight I tend to be making a good habit of it.  I think she wants to be near to you, or us all perhaps, but certainly here in Deepcore 104.”

The room went quiet as everyone started to turn their thoughts onto the dark paths of Decados politicking.  It was a dangerous game to try to twist your mind into a Decados plot; and generally often completely fruitless as well.

“What if she hasn’t left her father at all?  What if she’s here under his orders, working on one of his schemes?” De Havilland followed on.

Hemlock puffs out thoughtfully, “But why would she incriminate him like that?  That doesn’t make any sense at all?”

“I have absolutely no idea”, answered De Havilland, “But just imagine for one moment, that after sitting with us today she leaves, and rather than returning to her room to meditate and recuperate, she instead picks up some clever communications device she has hidden in her room and speaks with him, tells him everything she has just heard from us and he comes back with these very instructions.  For her to claim that he had paid this  Slayers Guild to execute Selwyn and a number of others on that list.”

“Well, if I’m honest that isn’t the question I really need answering though” jumps in Mal.  “I’d just really like to know what on Urth Hemlock thinks he’s wearing?”  Suddenly the room shifts focus, to look over at the Justinian at the head of the billiard table.  He looks down at himself, at the charcoal and scarlet jacket he has on.  The straps and buckles make him look slightly like a deranged spider.

“Ah…yes…I had quite forgotten about that” Hemlock responds, pulling a rather disgusted face and stretching his arms outward, sideways.  He clears his throat as though about to make an important announcement.  “Apparently this is my family’s ancestral duelling jacket.” 

Mal smirks unashamedly.  De Havilland chews his mouth, nervously.  The jacket wasn’t entirely a disgrace, it was just that Hemlock was somewhat smaller than its original occupant, and had insisted on putting it on by himself.  After finally asking for help, he found even the staff had forgotten how to secure it all, likely due to its age.  It was probably quite a sophisticated item in its day but in its current state it was likely to prove more of a hindrance than anything else.

“Its…its…” pondered De Havilland;  “An utter shambles” exasperated Hemlock.  “I am only wearing it now to prove how ridiculous it is.  How by The Pancreator would I ever be able to move around in it?”

Suddenly Mal shoots a gaze over at the doorway to the billiard room and in a matter of moments a figure emerges.  The member of household staff clears his throat.

“I know, I know, the time!” responds Hemlock.  He looks back over at De Havilland and the two share a gaze that suggests they both realise the peril they both face in the coming hours, days and perhaps weeks, if they manage to live that long.  Nothing more is said. 

Hemlock looks at them both and then leaves.

Once a quiet has settled on the room again De Havilland walks over to a corner and picks up a large travel bag and swings it over his left shoulder.  He gathers up a long coat and walks over to Mal.  De Havilland punches Mal on the arm playfully.  His cousin surprised him by punching him back forcefully in the gut.  Anton stares down at his stomach in shock but as he raises his eyes to meet Mal’s his mouth has spread to a broad grin.  He leans in to his cousin's ear and whispers to him.

“…I want you to keep one eye out for Hemlock, Mal.  A really good eye on him.  I don’t want you seen doing it though, so keep as much distance as you can as I fear there may be agents working in this place.”

“Right…”, pauses Sir Mal pulling away deliberately, “…and what would I be getting out of doing that then?”

De Havilland looked around the room quickly and then whispered in his cousin's ear again.  “You get three square meals a day Mal, and the chance to try your skills against a very worthy adversary.  Plus you might actually earn the respect of some very worthy people.”

Mal didn’t look all that impressed so far.  He had only spent a little time with his cousin over the last few weeks and noted that those around him all seemed to be in some form of danger at the moment; either that or actually dead.  The omens were not looking all that good for him, presently.

“Yeah, I’m still not seeing why I should.” he responded.  De Havilland rolled his eyes, obviously keen to be getting going on his way to the transporter awaiting him, and he was bitterly missing having someone around that he could issue a direct order to.  But then look how that one had ended.  “Mal, just make sure you see he’s safe until I return.  That’s not too much to ask of you is it?  I mean you do think you might actually be capable of managing that?”

Mal thought it over.  He now felt as though he didn’t want his cousin to think of him as completely useless.  Too many people were judging him as such at the moment.  Perhaps this moment was an opportunity to show some talent.  He gave a heavy and laboured sigh “Alright Anton, I’ll do it.  What about Hasimir though, you want me to do the same with him?”

De Havilland shook his head slightly, “No, you are to keep out of his way unless he makes an attempt to contact either you or Sir Hemlock. Hasimir is in a dangerous place right now.  I trust him to manage that as best as anyone can.  You being about is going to cause him more trouble than he needs right now.  No, keep out of his way but make yourself available if he asks for help.  Do you think you can manage that?”

Mal nodded.  He felt sure that was well within his powers, and actually slightly less interesting than he now felt he would have liked.  Actually, as he thought about it, he could really do with something a bit more interesting to do whilst De Havilland swanned off to Suryada to do whatever it was he was up to.  He blurted out, “So no real secret missions for me then?  I actually do feel slightly left out at the moment to be honest, especially if you are leaving me here alone.”

De Havilland smiled and started to walk towards the door of the room.  He stopped abruptly, turns and is about to speak when he suddenly appears to reconsider things, shakes his head, says “nah….” and walks out.  Mal is left standing there pondering what might have been.  Half of him says not to worry about it and to find himself another drink somewhere and another part of him sends prickles down his back at the prospect of another coup being pulled off.

Half an hour later The Marquis makes his way to a safe area just outside of the take-off pad of the Explorer craft.  The engines are running on the transport in preparation and he can see Sir Mal making his way over through the haze of the engine jetwash.  He pretends not to notice and hands his bag over to the pilot, but waits patiently for Mal to arrive.  His cousin walks up to him and looks at him indignantly.  He has to shout over the noise of the engine but the message is clear, “Okay Anton, spit it out.  What do you really want?”

They lean over to one side of the pad but have to shout into each other's ears to be heard.

“Mal, I want you to find someone here who is an expert on local communications who understands the normal chatter.  Maybe it’s that Scraver guy we met yesterday, or maybe it’s someone else.  I want you to find out if there have been any unusual new transmissions taking place recently.  Take as much time as you need to determine if that is happening and then I want you to see if you can work out where these communications are coming from and who they are going to.  If you find something interesting and you have time you may just be lucky enough to crack one…”

Mal looked at his cousin carefully, weighing up this request.  On the face of it, it sounded simple enough.  However the scale of the task was unknown, and the outcome completely unpredictable.  It could even potentially be quite dangerous, nosing around like that was never a good idea. If he ever got found out he could be in trouble;  Even more trouble than usual.