After leaving his father Hemlock heads to his room with Mal and Chastity. There she apologises for any trouble she has caused with his father, while he regrets the concept that she might be in any way to blame and they both console themselves with the fact that they share difficult relationships with their fathers. Hemlock then tries to question Mal about his father's comments that the Hawkwood is an "enemy of the church". Mal is typically evasive but does confess that he doesn't get on well with the church or it's clergy.
Meanwhile Hasimir and Virssu are hiding in "The Endless Turn" the explorer class ship that Mister Lawrence had hidden on a landing platform in Sector 42. Hasimir questions Virssu about what exactly his duties and mission are. Virssu confirms that it is to keep Hasimir safe and able to continue working for the House. Hasimir then uses the ship's comms suite to call Hemlock on his sqwarker. They share information and update each other on what is happening but it transpires that no one knows where Sir Tarquin Justinian is.
Hemlock leaves his room to make arrangements to leave the barony to find that Sir Al-Salih Ishmael Al Malik has arrived with his entourage; a large, bald and dark skinned male human servant and an astute and reserved looking Ur-Obun. Hemlock is spotted and has to go to greet him, as does Baron Tochiro. The Al Malik knight speaks frequently in The Graceful Tongue, which the Baron seems fluent in. Hemlock is struck that his father seems far more deferential to this knight than a Baron should be. Dinner is arranged and Hemlock is requested to join them.
Hasimir calls home to his Torrenson liege but has to leave a message and then calls Baron Christopher. The Baron is already seemingly convinced of his innocence and says he will extend asylum and amnesty to hasimir until this is all sorted out. Hasimir mentions that Tarquin's location is currently unknown but Christopher seems unperturbed, he advises the knight that information has come into his possession which should resolve these matters for them. Hasimir advises that he will return to the fief the following day.
Hemlock and company prepare to leave. Hemlock calls Baron Christopher to entreat on Hasimir's behalf and after some initial confusion he discovers that they have been in touch and all is OK for now.
That evening Hemlock sits through a difficult meal with his father and their guest. They speak at length in the metaphor and simile of The Graceful Tongue while Hemlock sits and listens. he starts to glean from his father's manner that while said with a pleasant and affable intonation Al-Salih is being less than complimentary to the Baron and his home, while the Baron is just taking it. The Al Malik then presents "Gifts" to his hosts; for Tochiro a new grazer energy pistol and for Hemlock a family portrait picture he remembers as a child from his sitting room mantelpiece, still in the original charred and damaged frame, apparently from Al-Salih's family collection. Overcome with anger and grief Hemlock excuses himself and returns to his friends.
Hasimir receives a call from his direct Torenson superior; Baronet Atriedes Torrenson. They speak at length and clears up some matters of priority and purpose, including who Hasimir should be representing, based on the fact that he works for the Midden Barony rather than a specific noble.
Hemlock and company leave the mansion. On the way out they meet Master Alfredo who wishes to speak with Hemlock and so walks out with them. He explains some of what has gone on between Baron Tochiro & Al-Salih and how it relates to the attack on the mansion during Hemlock's childhood. He believes that Al-Salih represents whomever was behind the attack and that it was intended as a punishment for something Tochiro had done. The presentation of the gifts were further metaphors that other punishments may be due and that Hemlock's life may be in danger. Alfredo believes that the Baron was therefore culpable in some way for the attack on the mansion but that he is driven by power He wants to lead the Justinians on Ravenna nad he has sought the Al Malik and Duke Cassius Hawkwood's support to enable him to do so. Even if it comes with a great personal cost.
The party says farewell to the householder and moves on to the inn in the fief where they have arranged to stay the night; "The Penitent Miner". The Amalthean Protos Cobblestone is drinking in the inn and asks if he may join them. He mentions the visit he has had from a Decados "benefactor" and that he identified Hemlock's hand in it. The priest considers that his penance is complete as he now has the funds to build his church/hospital. Hemlock says he will do what he can to help further and Cobblestone accepts. However the priest advises that he will need to travel to seek materials and suppliers, try to recruit workers and possibly even new cult members. He fully expects that if Saint Amalthea and the Pancreator wish it their paths will cross again.
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