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.
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).
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.
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.
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| Sir Tarquin Midden Justinian confronts Baron Christopher Windsor Hawkwood |
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).
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| Beware of Scravers bearing clubs... |
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.
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