(Quite a talky session with some great in character moments)
We begin in the drawing room of Hemlock's family home. There is a awkward silence as De Havilland, Mal, Hemlock and Lady Chastity sit together. Eventually the silence is broken and the nobles converse politely, Lady Chastity seems particularly facinated with Hemlock's tales of his travels with the Charioteers, however mundane. The telling of the stories seems to relax the young knight, helped by De Havilland prompting him, although he seems to avoid personal details. Lady Chastity spends the evening seemingly hanging of his every word, enthralled by his "exotic" experiences beyond Ravenna.
Entertaining Lady Chastity
We then turn the clock back a few hours to Hasimir and Virssu's return from examining Beorn's body. Hasimir takes opportunity of the journey to speak with Baron Christopher on a few "issues of etiquette", advising him to put Justinian banners back up (possibly alongside the Hawkwood ones he is displaying) and to go slowly with any accusations against Sir Tarquin. He finds a friendly ear with the Baron who seems to be appreciating his "wise council". Hasimir also apologises for his reluctance in initially accepting the continuation of his service in the Barony. He also requests the Baron's indulgence to allow him to visit De Havilland the following day. The Baron agrees and offers him the use of horses from the stable to speed his journey.
Hasimir also privately charges Virssu with checking their suite for listening devices. He figures that they will be being monitored but he'd like to try to find out who would be doing it.
Over dinner Hasimir speaks with Sir Tarquin and his sister Stephanie. Tarquin seems to be a devout and well educated boy, unused to the weight of leadership which looks likely to be placed upon him. He is a student and scholar who had previously contemplated joining the Orthodoxy but that seems unlikely with the passing of his older siblings. Baron Christopher seems to be watching the young boy closely.
During the night (early in the morning in fact) Hasimir and Virssu are woken by the Baron calling for aid, followed by the sound of an energy discharge (which turns out to be a personal shield activating). Virssu will not let Hasimir enter the Baron's chambers, as he could put himself at risk but the Torenson knight orders his valet in.
Sir Hasimir and Virssu find Baron Christopher under attack
Virssu sees and reports back that the Baron is under attack by a mysterious assailant. Hasimir ignores Virssu's advice and burts in, sword in hand. The reluctant householder follows, gun drawn. Combat ensues with the assailant brought down with a combination of Virssu's shooting and finally being run through by Hasimir. As he dies the attacker cries "For Eokésmen ma Dohlenni!". Virssu shoots the body in the head, just to make sure. They then see that the attacker was none other than De Havilland's cohort, the Ur-Obun Tonbei vo Khaan. He had managed to stab Baron Christopher with an Ukari knife with a Slayer's guild symbol tied to it similar to those used to kill Sir Selwyn and Beorn) and while his guards, who have now arrived upon the scene, treat his wound he starts screaming blue murder upon De Havilland, seeking to blame him as this was "his man".
The guards finally arrive on the scene.
He tells Hasimir that come the morning he will be paying the Phoenix Knight a visit with him. Meanwhile Virssu spots a folded piece of paper tucked into Tonbei's armour. he removes it and gives it to Hasimir. It appears to be a hit list, with the first two names crossed through:
•Sir Selwyn Midden Justinian
•Beorn of the Muster
•Baronet Christopher Windsor Hawkwood
•Lawrence of the Scravers
•Sir Hasimir Fenrig Torenson
Hasimir order the body taken to where he and Virssu can examine it and they check his body and belongings. All he seems to have on him are his weapons, the paper and his Imperial Cohort badge. Hasimir manages to radio ahead to De Havilland to tell him what has happened and to expect their arrival in the morning.
An impromptu examination of the cadaver.
Over breakfast De Havilland tells Hemlock that they will be receiving a visit shortly before Sir Hasimir, Virssu, Baron Christopher and some of his guard arrive.
In the drawing room once more, this time with added accusations.
Mal uses his gifts to scan the Baron and Hasimir and learns that Haismir is a psychic adept at Psyche.
The Baron wastes no time in accusing De Havilland of attempting to murder him (and by association possibly Sir Selwyn and Beorn too) while Hasimir tries to keep things calm and explain teh facts of the matter. He also draws their attention to the "hit list" and the fact that the reference to "Baronet" Christopher could date the list or it could indicate someone who did not accept the validity of his rise in rank.
Mal once again uses his psychic powers to try to determine if anyone there had recently been subject to occult gifts (in case "Tonbei" was an illusion or otherwise masked) and he identifies only Baron Christopher and Sir Hasimir, as he had just used his powers on them.
The baron continues to accuse De Havilland and questions his loyal;ty and motives (having "betrayed" his House by joining the Order of the Phoenix) and tells them that he has sent word to De Havilland's brother about what has happened...
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