7th Seas Once Again!
May. 28th, 2009 04:05 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
realsorienHere's the latest- 6 pages of notes to 11 1/3 pages of writeup.
In our last episode, our mismatched quartet went to a supposedly-formal ball, stopped a robbery, won a contest and left mostly unscathed... Well, except for Erik’s frustration at the frippery of the affair. So, to relieve his tension, the four went on another hunt for gang-members, this time with Illyana showing everyone what her magic allowed her to do by becoming a huge owl!
While that worked well, the fight that followed could have gone better. For the first time they met a brigand who actually was capable of putting up a real fight! In the end, they prevailed, but once again Erik and Zora are wounded...
The morning dawns; Djiel goes downstairs and out to the mead hall. He’s been helping with the work, the carpenter having marked the boards that need to be cut for him. Of course, she’s not there, being it’s Sunday. Illyana wakes to the sound of his work and after dressing goes down for breakfast. Erik and Zora are both still asleep and recovering from the conflict of the previous night. Shortly after she starts her meal she is joined by Djiel, who has run out of marked boards to cut. Their quiet meal is thereafter interrupted by the ringing of the door chime. Armand answers, bringing an introductory card to Illyana. She looks it over: ‘WMF Barrister’ is on the card. “A... Lawyer. We have lawyer at door?” She sighs. “I will speak to him.” Armand brings him in.
“I am William Frey, madame. Are you the owner of this property?” “No. I am Illyana Kiralov. May I ask why you are here?” He remains standing, holding a thick folder of papers under his arm. “Are you able to speak for the property owner? “That would depend...” She begins, but he rolls on- “Good. I represent several parties who have retained me to retrieve liens against this property.” “So... We are to be held responsible for debts of previous owners?” He nods. “Who is sueing us?” “It’s all in the papers, Madame.” Illyana glowers. “Then why can you not tell me?” To this he simply doesn’t answer. “How much is owed?” He flips a page. “Twenty thousand Guilders.” Illyana is stunned by the amount for a moment. “Twenty thousand?” He nods again in confirmation.
“Armand.” Illyana snaps. “We will need lawyer. A good one.” “Very good ma’am.”
Armand then disappears once again. She looks to Barrister Frey; “You may go.” He makes a slight, perfunctory bow and turns to leave. Illyana mutters under her breath, “Maybe if I killed them all then would be simpler... But no.” Unfortunately, Djiel hears her, understanding only the word ‘killed’! “Faloum?” He says, brandishing his spear at the hapless lawyer! “The man squeaks in fear, freezing in place! “No, Djiel,” Illyana says, disappointing the spearman terribly. The man leaves thereafter in great haste, and the pair return to breakfast.
But the morning is not destined to be a peaceful one, as the doorbell rings again. This time its significantly more pleasant, as its Madame Dubiset of the Adventurer’s Guild. Armand shows her in. “Ah. Wecome,” says Illyana. “I have a meeting with Lord Drachenheim today?” “Da. I am afraid that after we left, we had encounter with gang again; he was wounded and is still asleep.” “Ah. Well, it is a dangerous hobby that you have.”
“I am sorry that he is not able to see you now. Would you like breakfast?” She shakes her head. “No, I’ve eaten. Could you have a runner sent when he is awake? “I can do that. I am sorry for trouble.” Djiel then jumps in, in his own language; “Hello, beautiful woman wearing stones of jungle!” She nods, taken aback by the sudden greeting. He tries to talk with her a bit, but the conversation peters out and she makes her exit.
Djiel goes back out to the mead hall, and Illyana returns to finishing her breakfast. Disturbing her thoughts are just how she’s going to explain the matter of the debt to Erik; she KNOWS it isn’t going to go over well. Djiel goes through the hall, trying to find something more to do, and STILL the carpenter hasn’t appeared! He hasn’t a clue that most people don’t work on Sunday. Realizing that there isn’t anything left for him to do, and Erik is still out cold, he decides on a little exploration on his own.
Wandering through the city in a direction not taken by any in the group so far, he is presented with an incredible sight- a massive skeleton of some strange beast lying within the city! It gets stranger when he sees that the thing has had a building constructed within and around it! Though he is unaware of it, this IS the skeleton of a dragon, and is the local Cathedral of the Vatacine Church. He starts to enter, and is hailed by a guard; he doesn’t understand the man, but the man gestures to Djiel’s spear.
Seeing the rack of weapons behind the guard and people both leaving and retrieving weapons, Djiel gets the idea and checks his spear in. He passes within the massive structure, puzzled by all the people alternately singing, standing and kneeling! He tries to mimic this behavior as best he can, thinking that it’s proper behavior where he is; he’s eventually given a cross on a chain to wear, and exits the service. Once out on the grounds of the cathedral, he explores a vast hedge-maze and generally enjoys himself.
Back at the manor, Erik wakens; its several hours later, and while he feels a touch sore, he’s mostly recovered from his injuries. He comes downstairs with a vast stretch-and-yawn, and is greeted by Armand. “I have kept breakfast warm for you, sir,” presenting the Vestin with a covered platter laden with sausages and other Eisen fare. Erik seats himself and digs in, for the moment not really thinking about much else. He glances at Illyana, who is going through the papers left by the lawyer. “I was in bad shape, wasn’t I.” “Da. I thought it wisest to let you rest. I was dealing with (she gestures to the papers) ...This. He nods and continues to shovel food. While he eats, she also fills him in on Madame Dubiset’s visit, and asks Armand to send runner for her as arranged earlier.
Zora follows Erik down shortly thereafter, also being offered breakfast by Armand. She notes Illyana reading through the paperwork; “What are you doing?” Illyana looks up. “I will explain after breakfast.” Erik notes her tone, and with a look to her shoves his plate back. Illyana sighs. “Now? Da, okay. We had lawyer come to door. I talked to him, and he said you owe twenty thousand guilders to various creditors.” Erik raises an eyebrow. “We have a saying in Vestin- Kill the lawyers!” Illyana takes a breath and continues. “I think is matter we can deal with. Maybe talk to people and see what can be worked out.” While she says this, Erik is taking and crumpling page after page, then starts tearing some up!”
“Wait- I think this is problem that we can solve. I asked Armand to find lawyer...” Erik looks down at her. “If they have a problem they can talk to ME.” “I do not think it is meant as insult. I think is just how things are done here.” “Fine. They can talk to me directly if they want the money.” Illyana sighs. Zora steps back into the fray, and at least gets him to the point of NOT planning on just exterminating the creditors and the lawyer. The matter is tabled until later, and Erik pulls his plate back.
Finishing his meal, Erik goes out to the rainbarrel to clean up. Naturally, the door chime rings again! Armand answers it, and this time the caller is for Illyana! Curious, she has him let in. Erik stalks back in as Armand leads the very large bearded man in, looking eye to eye. “Who is this?” He growls. Armand replies, “He is calling for Illyana.” “Oh. Okay.” And he walks off. The man, obviously Ussuran, is guided to Illyana. “Dosvadanya,” she says. “Dosvidanya. Do you know of Herr Gruber?” “The... General? Da. Why?” The man looks down at her. “He will be in a parade tomorrow through the center of the city. It would be a good thing to embarass him.” “... Wait. That would be unwise.” “He is the enemy of our people. He has killed thousands!” “Da. But he is mercenary.” “He is no mercenary.” “It is a bad thing what you suggest. It would make things worse.” “Only if you get caught.” “If _I_ get caught? You want ME to do this? NO!” “Do whatever you want. But if you change your mind you have my address.”
Illyana is left staring at his back as he exits. Erik looks questioningly at Illyana, who grumbles, “I should start following your example as to who to kill.” He grunts noncommittally in return. Maybe seconds, perhaps a minute pass before the bell rings once more. While Armand answers the summons Erik says, “This time _I_ will deal with it.”
Meanwhile, Djiel is outside. He’d gone outside earlier, just before Illyana’s caller arrived. He spots the latest ‘intruder’, and is there staring at the man as Armand opens the door! Of course, the poor sot is terrified; there’s a huge, black half-naked man with a spear glaring at him! He moves with some trepidation within the manor, and is led to the sitting room- with Djiel in close accompaniment.
Erik lets the man stew a while, then goes with Zora in tow to find out what he wants. As it turns out, he’s a salesmen of a sort- he’s offering a service to introduce Erik to the well-to-do within Freiburg. This almost gets a laugh from the Vestin, and he starts turning the man down; but the man interrupts- “Its alright. I know when the answer is no. Keep my card please?” Zora says they will, and he leaves. Or he would, if Djiel were not on guard. With a bit of convincing, Djiel allows the man to make a very hasty retreat out of the house.
After this, Zora and Erik are alone. “Erik, what do you think of this situation?” She asks. “Which?” “Illyana’s.” “I think that kiling the general won’t help anything... But if he can be embarrassed with no connection to Ussura, it won’t hurt either.” Zora takes this in, but still has the desire to kill the man. They talk a bit more, and the bell rings again! From the front room Illyana snarls, “What is with that damned bell today?” Moments after, Erik shouts, “Don’t these people know it’s SUNDAY?” This latest visitor says to Armand as the door is opened, “Um... I’ll come back another time.” With that, he flees the vicinity.
The entire household is now on edge. “I need something to do.” Says Erik, looking to work off some of the rising desire to kill someone. “You could do some work around the yard?” Suggests Zora. This gives him the idea to do some gardening. He gets the requisite tools and goes to work on the hedge, doing a creditable job of trimming. This takes an hour or so, by which time he’s calmed down some. He fetches a post and a board, and with Zora to assist in the spelling he starts carving a sign- ‘No Solicitors on Sunday’.
He carves happily away, perhaps seeing the image of dying lawyers and salesmen beneath the strokes of his hammer and chisel; by the time he’s about two-thirds done the rest of the quartet os also outside, enjoying the rare sunny day with lemonade provided by Armand. This is not-unpleasantly interrupted by there is another caller, this one expected and desired- Madame Dubiset has returned for her delayed appointment.
“Do you wish all to be here, or just Erik?” Illyana asks. “We can all hear this I think.” Is Erik’s reply. Then, to Madame Dubiset he says, “Please, sit. Join us and have some lemonade!” She does, and begins. “I have heard of some of your escapades, and might be interested in acquiring your services for the purposes of exploration. This would take you out of Eisen; would you be interested? Almost in unison, Erik, Zora and Illyana say “YES!” Startling her back! “... Well. Thats good. We in the Guild are seeking out artifacts from the past. Illyana looks up. “Syr... Syrneth?” “Yes.”
“We found such a place; an island, on our way back here.” Says Zora. “I must see this place! Do you have a map?” Sensing that the discussion refers to the strange isle where he found the mysterious mechanical device, Djiel produces the thing for Madame Dubiset; she’s utterly fascinated with it. “May I?” She asks, and Djiel allows her to examine it. She looks it over with obvious concentration, poking it with a metal probe (which causes Djiel to jump back and others to wince) and otherwise investigating it as thoroughly as she can. Finally, she sets it down, the device having done nothing whatsoever.
Illyana fetches the navigational maps that they obtained during their less-than-pleasant sojourn south; when she gets back, Madame Dubiset is given a rough outline of their capture as slaves by the local gangs and their eventual return. They show her roughly where the island was on the maps. “Do you have the coordinates?” The answer to that question is no. “Perhaps the captain of the vessel you returned in; what ship, and who was the Captain? Erik says, “Captain Arrow.” She almost moans in frustration. “You know him?” “Yes. Unfortunately.”
She shakes her head, then offers to buy the artifact from Djiel. With a bit of haggling, he ends up getting 500 guilders for it. She puts it away, and continues her discussion. ““There is a man here in Freiburg who has stolen an artifact from the Guild. I want it back. He is Alberto Costanza, who is in service to a Vodacce lord. He has... intercepted several of our couriers here in town, and has now vanished. THe locals think that his manor is haunted- we think he may have activated an artifact that he couldn’t control. We have a watcher on the house, but so far nobody has gone in or out in weeks.”
“And you want us to go in?” Asks Zora. “Why should we?” “Well, you will be paid, of course.” Erik agrees to take on the adventure in the next few days, with the others agreeing as well. “As soon as you have something for us to do that will get us out of here, let us know.” Madame Dubiset nods. “I don’t currently have a ship available for such an endeavour.” Erik grins. “I can GET a ship. Armand! Send a runner to watch the harbor; I want to know the moment a Vestin ship makes port!”
Zora asks, “So... For this work, what will we be paid?” Madame Dubiset is vague at best, but indicates that part of payment for the first job here in Freiburg will be membership in the Guild, which will, in turn, allw her to justify larger rewards for their work. Thereafter, pleasantries are exchanged and she departs.
“So... About embarrassing this general...” Erik says to Illyana. She blinks. “I did not say that I was going to do this...” Erik grins, loving the idea of mischief to be performed. “Well, I don’t think it would be such a hard thing.” Illyana frowns. “But it may not be the right thing! This man who saw me... He came from nowhere. I do not know if he can be trusted.” Erik has essentially decided that he’s going to DO this thing, though he doesn’t specifically say such. However, Illyana knows he’s now interested in it, and the thought terrifies her! “Matushka... She has no sense of humor. She is NOT subtle. When she acts to defend the land, often her own people suffer as well... He was NOT acting in Her name. So I do not think this is wise.” Erik gives her a look. “Well, I am not one to tell you what to do- But if your INaction causes the group of us trouble, I will throw you out of this house. And maybe kill you.” She nods... Not at all happy, and bothered that her not wanting to be a fool is what could drive her away.
Leaving Illyana to her thoughts, Erik decides that getting a catapult to launch manure at the general is an excellent plan. Zora agrees, and he, Zora and Djiel go to the carpenter. They have the ‘excuse’ that one of the temporary support-spars cracked in the mead hall. She is at first surprised that they’re bothering her on SUnday, and then horrified that Erik wants to construct an engine of war in the middle of the city! However, she can’t build one overnight... Which is likely fortunate for her.
The first idea having failed, they decide to talk to Herr Trague, the Eisenfurst of Freiburg! The guards don’t believe their story of having an invitation to see him, but eventually they’re convinced... After the story is confirmed with Herr Trague’s scribe. They’re led inside, and are told to “Close your eyes and do NOT open them, no matter what you hear. Do NOT open them until you reach the further door!” They comply, and they hear a door open before them. There is a warmish breeze blowing towards them, and a coppery, metallic scent. They step forward, and the stench increases, and their steps ‘squelch’ in something wet and horrible. Distant agonized screams echo around them, and while his companions only hear the screams, Djiel hears more. In his own language, a voice comes to him: “Don’t trust them. Open your eyes... They’re leading you to your death- they’re going to KILL you!” He tenses and nearly breaks free of his companions, only his trust of Erik (and Erik’s death-grip on him) prevent his bolting into the unknown.
Erik’s boot finally steps on something properly solid, and he knows he’s through- but he can’t recall exactly when he should open his eyes! He feels ahead, and his hand encounters a wooden door. He opens his eyes, and before him is a normal door. He looks to where they came from, and sees a hideous red-and black tear in space, with a bloody trail leading out of it to him and his companions. He says nothing until he leads his companions through the door, then tells them they can open their eyes.
The room they’ve entered is essentially an office. Herr Trague’s personal scribe welcomes them. “You can go right in; he’s in his usual mood, staring out the window.” The trio look at each other, then enter.
Sure enough, the Eisenfurst is sitting on the windowsill of the tower chamber, his face clouded with a mix of disgust and depression. He is also in just the perfect position that if someone chose, they could easily eliminate Herr Trague with a little shove...
“Look out there. My city. What do you think of it?” Erik looks out. “I think... That it is a festering hellhole where the wealthy become richer at the expense of those below, and the poor are crushed and unable to escape.” Trague looks at Erik. “Not the answer I expected, but honest. I used to believe that people, if given true freedom, would reach for greatness. My mistake. So why are you here? Our appointment was for tomorrow, wasn’t it?” Erik grins. “It is. I need a catapult. Can I borrow one from the castle wall?” This stops Trague in his tracks. “A... Catapult? I have catapults? I thought I had cannons!” “You have both.”
“Huh. I didn’t know that. What do you need it for?” Erik nearly giggles. “Its a secret. Can we borrow it?” “Hmm. You’re not going to start a riot, are you?” “No.” “No fires?” Erik continues to grin. “No.” Well, I could rent you one. Go to Wilhelmina and work out the price.” Erik tries to work past this, but Herr Trague won’t budge. When they come back to him with the agreement, he’ll approve it and they’ll have their catapult.
Now, how to get back down? They decide to NOT go back through the sickening portal, and take the long way- a spiral stair that winds around the tower, on the outside until they’re half the way down. The tower being impossibly high, it’s nearly 45 minutes before they reach bottom. They rest a bit, then head for City Hall and Wilhelmina Probst.
And in the cause of creating havoc, sacrifices must be made. In this case, it is in the form of a LONG line to see the Steward! Erik takes his place with ill grace. Djiel, seeing the fouling of his leader’s mood goes out and fetches two pitchers of mead from a nearby tavern. Erik’s mood brightens considerably with his spearman’s gift, and soon he’s guzzling. An idea springs to his mind to hurry himself forward in line as he drinks. Wiping his mouth, he acts as well as looks the part of a barbarian by letting out a vast, sausage-and-saurkraut fueled fart! The resultant pungency clears out almost half of the people waiting in one go.
But this is only the beginning. He continues, eating eyeballs that Djiel took from their gangster-hunting! That clears a few more, and even more leave when he vomits from eating the semi-rancid orbs. He continues to carry on, but he is finally stymied by one little old lady sitting on the bench. He tries to proximity-intimidate her, but no dice- she just gives him a dirty look. “Excuse me, why are you here?” Zora asks as Erik, slightly chagrined, backs off. “Oh, my house burned down... Mittens started the stove on fire.” “Mittens?” “My kitty.” Zora tells Erik what she’s been told, and Erik perks up!
“So her house burned down?” “Yes.” “Ask her if she’d like a position in the household- what can she do?” Zora passes the question on. “I used to be a professional fighter until I took a spear in the chest...” Upon hearing this, Erik grins. “Ask her if she’d like to be the chief of security at the Manor...” Zora looks at the woman, then again at Erik. “Are you sure?” He just grins. She shrugs and asks. “Would you like to work at the manor?” “I don’t do no damned servant work.” “You’d be the chief of security.” “How much would I be paid?” She asks after a moment. Zora asks Erik. “Tell her... 10 guilder a month, the first 10 in advance of course.”
The woman looks at Erik with perhaps a bit more respect. “So you’re the new Baron Drachenheim, eh? I’ll do it on the condition that I answer only to YOU.” Erik mulls this, and Zora says, “What about Armand?” “We’ll deal with it later” Replies Erik. With that, he gives the woman (who’s name they didn’t get) ten guilder and she hobbles off, leaving Erik at the front of the diminished line!
While all of this plays out, Illyana has made her way to the Explorer’s Guild, hoping to find more information on the general- she s hoping to find something to help determine a course of action. Hopefully, a course that won’t be as chaotic as what Erik may be planning. Unfortunately, the building is closed (being Sunday). Having a bit of a brainstorm (Illyana not exactly being street-smart), she starts hunting for an information broker, lucking out in a nearby bar.
It costs her a total of 25 guilders, but she does learn a good deal. First off, the general is NOT a nice man. His footsoldiers generally hate him for his cruelty, while his commanders like him for his ‘leadership’; in other words, its profitable to serve with him. His forces are camped to the north of Freiburg, between the city and the hellish slums- not an enviable place to be. All of this leads to the understanding that the general will be removed as a threat to Ussura by scattering his forces, and this can be accomplished simply by eiminating the payroll for the army!
Of course, NOTHING is ever quite as simple as it sounds. She makes her way back to the manor, planning her next move.
There is a new sign at the gate when she arrives: ‘Trespassers will be shot- Survivors will be shot again!’ She raises an eyebrow at that, and starts to pass the gate- when she does, a woman’s voice commands, “IDENTIFY YOURSELF!” She stops, then says, “I am Illyana Kiralov.” “State your business!” Illyana snaps back, “I LIVE here!” “PROVE it!” Illyana glares towards the voice. “ARMAND!” He pops into view immediately. “Yes, lady?” “Call her off!” “Oh. Yes. Yes, she lives here.” The woman steps into view, holding a blunderbuss. “Fine. Come in. Wipe your feet!”
Illyana shakes her head. “I hate this place,” She mutters in her own tongue. “Armand? Can you change my appearance?” Armand looks at her questioningly. “You mean... Like punching you in the face?” Illyana blinks. “No. To conceal my face, my hair. Do you have dark cloak?” Armand brightens. “Ah, yes ma’am.” He fetches the cloak, and heads towards the north border of the city.
Returning to the others, they have finally reached Wilhelmina Probst. As they’re announced, she looks up with a strange smile. “Ah, Prince Erik. I see that you have a... Unique... Methodology for moving through a line!” Erik just grins, taking a seat. “So what do you need from me?” Erik gets down to business, not quite able to wipe the grin from his face. “We want to rent a catapult.” Wilhelmina to her credit only hesitates for a moment. “Why do you want a catapult?” “Fireworks to celebrate the parade!” She frowns. “Wouldn’t you want a cannon for that?” “Ah, but that might cause a fire...” The Steward doesn’t really believe the story, but after being assured that they aren’t planning to incite a riot she concedes- 20 guilder to rent the catapult, and 1000 more as a deposit. Erik provides half of this, with Djiel providing the rest. He doesn’t know WHY the White Devil needs the money, but he trusts Erik.
With the agreement secured they make their way back to Herr Trague, once again choosing to take the ramp rather than the hellish portal. This proves to perhaps not be the best of choices, as they reach the top barely able to stand. Once they’ve rested enough to move, they re-enter the Scribe’s office and proceed to Herr Trague. Once again he’s in his window, gazing morosely at his ‘experiment in freedom’.
“Fireworks. That was the BEST you could come up with?” Erik is once again grinning from ear to ear. “Alright, you have your catapult, though I think I’m going to regret all of this.” “I think you may enjoy it,” Erik replies. “That would be a change,” quips the Eisenfurst. They leave with the document for the catapult, and an open invitation to visit anytime they please. Erik is quite pleased with himself, but is less so when he sees that they once again face the great staircase.
They do make it down, but the multiple trips are making the portal they used the first time more and more attractive. At the manor, they see the new sign, and Erik is pleased that he hasn’t just tossed the money away, and instead DOES have a new security chief. “Armand! We are starving! We have been three times up and down the Tower, and need food!” Armand nods, and moments later comes out with a tray of finger-sandwiches. “Dinner is being prepared.” They tuck in to the sandwiches in anticipation of the meal to come.
Illyana has reached the northern edge of the city, and can see the sprawling tents of the encamped forces. Getting out of sight, she shifts to owlform to scout the situation out. At the center of the camp she locates her goal- four large tents. One is obviously that of the General himself, one is equally-obvious as the mess tent. The remaining two are better guarded, but she is able to tell that one is the armoury, and the other is the pursers tent- her target! She swoops away, none of the men of the camp even noticing the silent, swooping form above them.
Putting a bit of distance between the camp and herself, she looks for a rat. Given where she is, this doesn’t take long. She lands near it, and nearly kills it out of raw fear!” “DON’T EAT ME!” It chitters! “I will not eat you.” “But you’re an owl!” Illyana fluffs a bit. “I am talking to you. I serve Matushka.” The rat stares. “Oh! One of THOSE owls. Okay. What do you want?” “I need your help.” And she tells him of the army camp. “I need you and your friends to chew through the rope of the four big tents to make them drop. You can eat whatever food you find.” “Are you crazy? There are humans there!” Illyana headtilts. “I will get you a 20# bag of grain.” The rat stops dead. “... Do you know where Stinky Rock is?” “No, but you can show me.” This the rat does, and the agreement is made. The rat goes his way to gather friends, and Illyana heads back home. The plan is to happen at midnight.
She arrives just as Armand is serving dinner. “Ah, there you are. What have you been up to?” Illyana smiles, just barely. “I have been arranging things. Something I think will deal with General.” “So have we!” Illyana loses the smile. “...I do not think I will like this, will I...” “You first,” Erik says. “I have made plan to remove payroll from army.” “WHAT?” Yells Erik! “Are you insane?” Illyana gets the smile back. “No. Not really. Plan may not work, but if it does, will keep army out of Ussura.” Erik frowns. “So what is this plan?” Illyana explains what she’s arranged, telling how she can actually speak with any animal at will, and also understand them. “Current idea is to go in while chaos erupts.”
Zora hears the plan, and when Illyana finishes has her own suggestions. “You can talk to animals?” “Da.” Well, why not get something like a badger to dig under the chest and get it out that way? You’ll not have to go in then.” Shocked, Illyana is silent a moment. “... I did not think of that. Thank you. THANK you! We can do this!” With the finish of the meal she heads off once again as an owl, this time to locate the suggested badger.
At the same time Erik goes out on a quest for the components for his own twisted plan- Oiled leather sacks for the manure (plus one for Illyana’s grain-donation to the rats- she’s giving 100# of grain, but the rats don’t know that yet), the manure itself and something to haul the lot. Zora also goes out on an errand with Djiel, to recruit children to throw eggs after the manure hits! Armand is working to arrange the eggs.
It takes Illyana nearly an hour, but she finally locates a lone badger trundling through the woods. She lands nearby, startling the creature but hardly getting the reaction of the rat. It takes some explaining, but she does convince the creature to help her by tunneling in, digging under the chest with the payroll and burying it deep according to the rough schedule. There is a price for this- a warm place to spend the winter and a goodly haunch of meat.
With the varied quests finished, they all return to the manor for a rest before the first of the chaos starts with Illyana’s plan at midnight. There is a slight problem with Erik’s, however- he wanted to have the eggs on hand this evening, and the best Armand could do was the morning- the hens need time to lay! Time will tell if this delay will affect the plan.
To be continued!
In our last episode, our mismatched quartet went to a supposedly-formal ball, stopped a robbery, won a contest and left mostly unscathed... Well, except for Erik’s frustration at the frippery of the affair. So, to relieve his tension, the four went on another hunt for gang-members, this time with Illyana showing everyone what her magic allowed her to do by becoming a huge owl!
While that worked well, the fight that followed could have gone better. For the first time they met a brigand who actually was capable of putting up a real fight! In the end, they prevailed, but once again Erik and Zora are wounded...
The morning dawns; Djiel goes downstairs and out to the mead hall. He’s been helping with the work, the carpenter having marked the boards that need to be cut for him. Of course, she’s not there, being it’s Sunday. Illyana wakes to the sound of his work and after dressing goes down for breakfast. Erik and Zora are both still asleep and recovering from the conflict of the previous night. Shortly after she starts her meal she is joined by Djiel, who has run out of marked boards to cut. Their quiet meal is thereafter interrupted by the ringing of the door chime. Armand answers, bringing an introductory card to Illyana. She looks it over: ‘WMF Barrister’ is on the card. “A... Lawyer. We have lawyer at door?” She sighs. “I will speak to him.” Armand brings him in.
“I am William Frey, madame. Are you the owner of this property?” “No. I am Illyana Kiralov. May I ask why you are here?” He remains standing, holding a thick folder of papers under his arm. “Are you able to speak for the property owner? “That would depend...” She begins, but he rolls on- “Good. I represent several parties who have retained me to retrieve liens against this property.” “So... We are to be held responsible for debts of previous owners?” He nods. “Who is sueing us?” “It’s all in the papers, Madame.” Illyana glowers. “Then why can you not tell me?” To this he simply doesn’t answer. “How much is owed?” He flips a page. “Twenty thousand Guilders.” Illyana is stunned by the amount for a moment. “Twenty thousand?” He nods again in confirmation.
“Armand.” Illyana snaps. “We will need lawyer. A good one.” “Very good ma’am.”
Armand then disappears once again. She looks to Barrister Frey; “You may go.” He makes a slight, perfunctory bow and turns to leave. Illyana mutters under her breath, “Maybe if I killed them all then would be simpler... But no.” Unfortunately, Djiel hears her, understanding only the word ‘killed’! “Faloum?” He says, brandishing his spear at the hapless lawyer! “The man squeaks in fear, freezing in place! “No, Djiel,” Illyana says, disappointing the spearman terribly. The man leaves thereafter in great haste, and the pair return to breakfast.
But the morning is not destined to be a peaceful one, as the doorbell rings again. This time its significantly more pleasant, as its Madame Dubiset of the Adventurer’s Guild. Armand shows her in. “Ah. Wecome,” says Illyana. “I have a meeting with Lord Drachenheim today?” “Da. I am afraid that after we left, we had encounter with gang again; he was wounded and is still asleep.” “Ah. Well, it is a dangerous hobby that you have.”
“I am sorry that he is not able to see you now. Would you like breakfast?” She shakes her head. “No, I’ve eaten. Could you have a runner sent when he is awake? “I can do that. I am sorry for trouble.” Djiel then jumps in, in his own language; “Hello, beautiful woman wearing stones of jungle!” She nods, taken aback by the sudden greeting. He tries to talk with her a bit, but the conversation peters out and she makes her exit.
Djiel goes back out to the mead hall, and Illyana returns to finishing her breakfast. Disturbing her thoughts are just how she’s going to explain the matter of the debt to Erik; she KNOWS it isn’t going to go over well. Djiel goes through the hall, trying to find something more to do, and STILL the carpenter hasn’t appeared! He hasn’t a clue that most people don’t work on Sunday. Realizing that there isn’t anything left for him to do, and Erik is still out cold, he decides on a little exploration on his own.
Wandering through the city in a direction not taken by any in the group so far, he is presented with an incredible sight- a massive skeleton of some strange beast lying within the city! It gets stranger when he sees that the thing has had a building constructed within and around it! Though he is unaware of it, this IS the skeleton of a dragon, and is the local Cathedral of the Vatacine Church. He starts to enter, and is hailed by a guard; he doesn’t understand the man, but the man gestures to Djiel’s spear.
Seeing the rack of weapons behind the guard and people both leaving and retrieving weapons, Djiel gets the idea and checks his spear in. He passes within the massive structure, puzzled by all the people alternately singing, standing and kneeling! He tries to mimic this behavior as best he can, thinking that it’s proper behavior where he is; he’s eventually given a cross on a chain to wear, and exits the service. Once out on the grounds of the cathedral, he explores a vast hedge-maze and generally enjoys himself.
Back at the manor, Erik wakens; its several hours later, and while he feels a touch sore, he’s mostly recovered from his injuries. He comes downstairs with a vast stretch-and-yawn, and is greeted by Armand. “I have kept breakfast warm for you, sir,” presenting the Vestin with a covered platter laden with sausages and other Eisen fare. Erik seats himself and digs in, for the moment not really thinking about much else. He glances at Illyana, who is going through the papers left by the lawyer. “I was in bad shape, wasn’t I.” “Da. I thought it wisest to let you rest. I was dealing with (she gestures to the papers) ...This. He nods and continues to shovel food. While he eats, she also fills him in on Madame Dubiset’s visit, and asks Armand to send runner for her as arranged earlier.
Zora follows Erik down shortly thereafter, also being offered breakfast by Armand. She notes Illyana reading through the paperwork; “What are you doing?” Illyana looks up. “I will explain after breakfast.” Erik notes her tone, and with a look to her shoves his plate back. Illyana sighs. “Now? Da, okay. We had lawyer come to door. I talked to him, and he said you owe twenty thousand guilders to various creditors.” Erik raises an eyebrow. “We have a saying in Vestin- Kill the lawyers!” Illyana takes a breath and continues. “I think is matter we can deal with. Maybe talk to people and see what can be worked out.” While she says this, Erik is taking and crumpling page after page, then starts tearing some up!”
“Wait- I think this is problem that we can solve. I asked Armand to find lawyer...” Erik looks down at her. “If they have a problem they can talk to ME.” “I do not think it is meant as insult. I think is just how things are done here.” “Fine. They can talk to me directly if they want the money.” Illyana sighs. Zora steps back into the fray, and at least gets him to the point of NOT planning on just exterminating the creditors and the lawyer. The matter is tabled until later, and Erik pulls his plate back.
Finishing his meal, Erik goes out to the rainbarrel to clean up. Naturally, the door chime rings again! Armand answers it, and this time the caller is for Illyana! Curious, she has him let in. Erik stalks back in as Armand leads the very large bearded man in, looking eye to eye. “Who is this?” He growls. Armand replies, “He is calling for Illyana.” “Oh. Okay.” And he walks off. The man, obviously Ussuran, is guided to Illyana. “Dosvadanya,” she says. “Dosvidanya. Do you know of Herr Gruber?” “The... General? Da. Why?” The man looks down at her. “He will be in a parade tomorrow through the center of the city. It would be a good thing to embarass him.” “... Wait. That would be unwise.” “He is the enemy of our people. He has killed thousands!” “Da. But he is mercenary.” “He is no mercenary.” “It is a bad thing what you suggest. It would make things worse.” “Only if you get caught.” “If _I_ get caught? You want ME to do this? NO!” “Do whatever you want. But if you change your mind you have my address.”
Illyana is left staring at his back as he exits. Erik looks questioningly at Illyana, who grumbles, “I should start following your example as to who to kill.” He grunts noncommittally in return. Maybe seconds, perhaps a minute pass before the bell rings once more. While Armand answers the summons Erik says, “This time _I_ will deal with it.”
Meanwhile, Djiel is outside. He’d gone outside earlier, just before Illyana’s caller arrived. He spots the latest ‘intruder’, and is there staring at the man as Armand opens the door! Of course, the poor sot is terrified; there’s a huge, black half-naked man with a spear glaring at him! He moves with some trepidation within the manor, and is led to the sitting room- with Djiel in close accompaniment.
Erik lets the man stew a while, then goes with Zora in tow to find out what he wants. As it turns out, he’s a salesmen of a sort- he’s offering a service to introduce Erik to the well-to-do within Freiburg. This almost gets a laugh from the Vestin, and he starts turning the man down; but the man interrupts- “Its alright. I know when the answer is no. Keep my card please?” Zora says they will, and he leaves. Or he would, if Djiel were not on guard. With a bit of convincing, Djiel allows the man to make a very hasty retreat out of the house.
After this, Zora and Erik are alone. “Erik, what do you think of this situation?” She asks. “Which?” “Illyana’s.” “I think that kiling the general won’t help anything... But if he can be embarrassed with no connection to Ussura, it won’t hurt either.” Zora takes this in, but still has the desire to kill the man. They talk a bit more, and the bell rings again! From the front room Illyana snarls, “What is with that damned bell today?” Moments after, Erik shouts, “Don’t these people know it’s SUNDAY?” This latest visitor says to Armand as the door is opened, “Um... I’ll come back another time.” With that, he flees the vicinity.
The entire household is now on edge. “I need something to do.” Says Erik, looking to work off some of the rising desire to kill someone. “You could do some work around the yard?” Suggests Zora. This gives him the idea to do some gardening. He gets the requisite tools and goes to work on the hedge, doing a creditable job of trimming. This takes an hour or so, by which time he’s calmed down some. He fetches a post and a board, and with Zora to assist in the spelling he starts carving a sign- ‘No Solicitors on Sunday’.
He carves happily away, perhaps seeing the image of dying lawyers and salesmen beneath the strokes of his hammer and chisel; by the time he’s about two-thirds done the rest of the quartet os also outside, enjoying the rare sunny day with lemonade provided by Armand. This is not-unpleasantly interrupted by there is another caller, this one expected and desired- Madame Dubiset has returned for her delayed appointment.
“Do you wish all to be here, or just Erik?” Illyana asks. “We can all hear this I think.” Is Erik’s reply. Then, to Madame Dubiset he says, “Please, sit. Join us and have some lemonade!” She does, and begins. “I have heard of some of your escapades, and might be interested in acquiring your services for the purposes of exploration. This would take you out of Eisen; would you be interested? Almost in unison, Erik, Zora and Illyana say “YES!” Startling her back! “... Well. Thats good. We in the Guild are seeking out artifacts from the past. Illyana looks up. “Syr... Syrneth?” “Yes.”
“We found such a place; an island, on our way back here.” Says Zora. “I must see this place! Do you have a map?” Sensing that the discussion refers to the strange isle where he found the mysterious mechanical device, Djiel produces the thing for Madame Dubiset; she’s utterly fascinated with it. “May I?” She asks, and Djiel allows her to examine it. She looks it over with obvious concentration, poking it with a metal probe (which causes Djiel to jump back and others to wince) and otherwise investigating it as thoroughly as she can. Finally, she sets it down, the device having done nothing whatsoever.
Illyana fetches the navigational maps that they obtained during their less-than-pleasant sojourn south; when she gets back, Madame Dubiset is given a rough outline of their capture as slaves by the local gangs and their eventual return. They show her roughly where the island was on the maps. “Do you have the coordinates?” The answer to that question is no. “Perhaps the captain of the vessel you returned in; what ship, and who was the Captain? Erik says, “Captain Arrow.” She almost moans in frustration. “You know him?” “Yes. Unfortunately.”
She shakes her head, then offers to buy the artifact from Djiel. With a bit of haggling, he ends up getting 500 guilders for it. She puts it away, and continues her discussion. ““There is a man here in Freiburg who has stolen an artifact from the Guild. I want it back. He is Alberto Costanza, who is in service to a Vodacce lord. He has... intercepted several of our couriers here in town, and has now vanished. THe locals think that his manor is haunted- we think he may have activated an artifact that he couldn’t control. We have a watcher on the house, but so far nobody has gone in or out in weeks.”
“And you want us to go in?” Asks Zora. “Why should we?” “Well, you will be paid, of course.” Erik agrees to take on the adventure in the next few days, with the others agreeing as well. “As soon as you have something for us to do that will get us out of here, let us know.” Madame Dubiset nods. “I don’t currently have a ship available for such an endeavour.” Erik grins. “I can GET a ship. Armand! Send a runner to watch the harbor; I want to know the moment a Vestin ship makes port!”
Zora asks, “So... For this work, what will we be paid?” Madame Dubiset is vague at best, but indicates that part of payment for the first job here in Freiburg will be membership in the Guild, which will, in turn, allw her to justify larger rewards for their work. Thereafter, pleasantries are exchanged and she departs.
“So... About embarrassing this general...” Erik says to Illyana. She blinks. “I did not say that I was going to do this...” Erik grins, loving the idea of mischief to be performed. “Well, I don’t think it would be such a hard thing.” Illyana frowns. “But it may not be the right thing! This man who saw me... He came from nowhere. I do not know if he can be trusted.” Erik has essentially decided that he’s going to DO this thing, though he doesn’t specifically say such. However, Illyana knows he’s now interested in it, and the thought terrifies her! “Matushka... She has no sense of humor. She is NOT subtle. When she acts to defend the land, often her own people suffer as well... He was NOT acting in Her name. So I do not think this is wise.” Erik gives her a look. “Well, I am not one to tell you what to do- But if your INaction causes the group of us trouble, I will throw you out of this house. And maybe kill you.” She nods... Not at all happy, and bothered that her not wanting to be a fool is what could drive her away.
Leaving Illyana to her thoughts, Erik decides that getting a catapult to launch manure at the general is an excellent plan. Zora agrees, and he, Zora and Djiel go to the carpenter. They have the ‘excuse’ that one of the temporary support-spars cracked in the mead hall. She is at first surprised that they’re bothering her on SUnday, and then horrified that Erik wants to construct an engine of war in the middle of the city! However, she can’t build one overnight... Which is likely fortunate for her.
The first idea having failed, they decide to talk to Herr Trague, the Eisenfurst of Freiburg! The guards don’t believe their story of having an invitation to see him, but eventually they’re convinced... After the story is confirmed with Herr Trague’s scribe. They’re led inside, and are told to “Close your eyes and do NOT open them, no matter what you hear. Do NOT open them until you reach the further door!” They comply, and they hear a door open before them. There is a warmish breeze blowing towards them, and a coppery, metallic scent. They step forward, and the stench increases, and their steps ‘squelch’ in something wet and horrible. Distant agonized screams echo around them, and while his companions only hear the screams, Djiel hears more. In his own language, a voice comes to him: “Don’t trust them. Open your eyes... They’re leading you to your death- they’re going to KILL you!” He tenses and nearly breaks free of his companions, only his trust of Erik (and Erik’s death-grip on him) prevent his bolting into the unknown.
Erik’s boot finally steps on something properly solid, and he knows he’s through- but he can’t recall exactly when he should open his eyes! He feels ahead, and his hand encounters a wooden door. He opens his eyes, and before him is a normal door. He looks to where they came from, and sees a hideous red-and black tear in space, with a bloody trail leading out of it to him and his companions. He says nothing until he leads his companions through the door, then tells them they can open their eyes.
The room they’ve entered is essentially an office. Herr Trague’s personal scribe welcomes them. “You can go right in; he’s in his usual mood, staring out the window.” The trio look at each other, then enter.
Sure enough, the Eisenfurst is sitting on the windowsill of the tower chamber, his face clouded with a mix of disgust and depression. He is also in just the perfect position that if someone chose, they could easily eliminate Herr Trague with a little shove...
“Look out there. My city. What do you think of it?” Erik looks out. “I think... That it is a festering hellhole where the wealthy become richer at the expense of those below, and the poor are crushed and unable to escape.” Trague looks at Erik. “Not the answer I expected, but honest. I used to believe that people, if given true freedom, would reach for greatness. My mistake. So why are you here? Our appointment was for tomorrow, wasn’t it?” Erik grins. “It is. I need a catapult. Can I borrow one from the castle wall?” This stops Trague in his tracks. “A... Catapult? I have catapults? I thought I had cannons!” “You have both.”
“Huh. I didn’t know that. What do you need it for?” Erik nearly giggles. “Its a secret. Can we borrow it?” “Hmm. You’re not going to start a riot, are you?” “No.” “No fires?” Erik continues to grin. “No.” Well, I could rent you one. Go to Wilhelmina and work out the price.” Erik tries to work past this, but Herr Trague won’t budge. When they come back to him with the agreement, he’ll approve it and they’ll have their catapult.
Now, how to get back down? They decide to NOT go back through the sickening portal, and take the long way- a spiral stair that winds around the tower, on the outside until they’re half the way down. The tower being impossibly high, it’s nearly 45 minutes before they reach bottom. They rest a bit, then head for City Hall and Wilhelmina Probst.
And in the cause of creating havoc, sacrifices must be made. In this case, it is in the form of a LONG line to see the Steward! Erik takes his place with ill grace. Djiel, seeing the fouling of his leader’s mood goes out and fetches two pitchers of mead from a nearby tavern. Erik’s mood brightens considerably with his spearman’s gift, and soon he’s guzzling. An idea springs to his mind to hurry himself forward in line as he drinks. Wiping his mouth, he acts as well as looks the part of a barbarian by letting out a vast, sausage-and-saurkraut fueled fart! The resultant pungency clears out almost half of the people waiting in one go.
But this is only the beginning. He continues, eating eyeballs that Djiel took from their gangster-hunting! That clears a few more, and even more leave when he vomits from eating the semi-rancid orbs. He continues to carry on, but he is finally stymied by one little old lady sitting on the bench. He tries to proximity-intimidate her, but no dice- she just gives him a dirty look. “Excuse me, why are you here?” Zora asks as Erik, slightly chagrined, backs off. “Oh, my house burned down... Mittens started the stove on fire.” “Mittens?” “My kitty.” Zora tells Erik what she’s been told, and Erik perks up!
“So her house burned down?” “Yes.” “Ask her if she’d like a position in the household- what can she do?” Zora passes the question on. “I used to be a professional fighter until I took a spear in the chest...” Upon hearing this, Erik grins. “Ask her if she’d like to be the chief of security at the Manor...” Zora looks at the woman, then again at Erik. “Are you sure?” He just grins. She shrugs and asks. “Would you like to work at the manor?” “I don’t do no damned servant work.” “You’d be the chief of security.” “How much would I be paid?” She asks after a moment. Zora asks Erik. “Tell her... 10 guilder a month, the first 10 in advance of course.”
The woman looks at Erik with perhaps a bit more respect. “So you’re the new Baron Drachenheim, eh? I’ll do it on the condition that I answer only to YOU.” Erik mulls this, and Zora says, “What about Armand?” “We’ll deal with it later” Replies Erik. With that, he gives the woman (who’s name they didn’t get) ten guilder and she hobbles off, leaving Erik at the front of the diminished line!
While all of this plays out, Illyana has made her way to the Explorer’s Guild, hoping to find more information on the general- she s hoping to find something to help determine a course of action. Hopefully, a course that won’t be as chaotic as what Erik may be planning. Unfortunately, the building is closed (being Sunday). Having a bit of a brainstorm (Illyana not exactly being street-smart), she starts hunting for an information broker, lucking out in a nearby bar.
It costs her a total of 25 guilders, but she does learn a good deal. First off, the general is NOT a nice man. His footsoldiers generally hate him for his cruelty, while his commanders like him for his ‘leadership’; in other words, its profitable to serve with him. His forces are camped to the north of Freiburg, between the city and the hellish slums- not an enviable place to be. All of this leads to the understanding that the general will be removed as a threat to Ussura by scattering his forces, and this can be accomplished simply by eiminating the payroll for the army!
Of course, NOTHING is ever quite as simple as it sounds. She makes her way back to the manor, planning her next move.
There is a new sign at the gate when she arrives: ‘Trespassers will be shot- Survivors will be shot again!’ She raises an eyebrow at that, and starts to pass the gate- when she does, a woman’s voice commands, “IDENTIFY YOURSELF!” She stops, then says, “I am Illyana Kiralov.” “State your business!” Illyana snaps back, “I LIVE here!” “PROVE it!” Illyana glares towards the voice. “ARMAND!” He pops into view immediately. “Yes, lady?” “Call her off!” “Oh. Yes. Yes, she lives here.” The woman steps into view, holding a blunderbuss. “Fine. Come in. Wipe your feet!”
Illyana shakes her head. “I hate this place,” She mutters in her own tongue. “Armand? Can you change my appearance?” Armand looks at her questioningly. “You mean... Like punching you in the face?” Illyana blinks. “No. To conceal my face, my hair. Do you have dark cloak?” Armand brightens. “Ah, yes ma’am.” He fetches the cloak, and heads towards the north border of the city.
Returning to the others, they have finally reached Wilhelmina Probst. As they’re announced, she looks up with a strange smile. “Ah, Prince Erik. I see that you have a... Unique... Methodology for moving through a line!” Erik just grins, taking a seat. “So what do you need from me?” Erik gets down to business, not quite able to wipe the grin from his face. “We want to rent a catapult.” Wilhelmina to her credit only hesitates for a moment. “Why do you want a catapult?” “Fireworks to celebrate the parade!” She frowns. “Wouldn’t you want a cannon for that?” “Ah, but that might cause a fire...” The Steward doesn’t really believe the story, but after being assured that they aren’t planning to incite a riot she concedes- 20 guilder to rent the catapult, and 1000 more as a deposit. Erik provides half of this, with Djiel providing the rest. He doesn’t know WHY the White Devil needs the money, but he trusts Erik.
With the agreement secured they make their way back to Herr Trague, once again choosing to take the ramp rather than the hellish portal. This proves to perhaps not be the best of choices, as they reach the top barely able to stand. Once they’ve rested enough to move, they re-enter the Scribe’s office and proceed to Herr Trague. Once again he’s in his window, gazing morosely at his ‘experiment in freedom’.
“Fireworks. That was the BEST you could come up with?” Erik is once again grinning from ear to ear. “Alright, you have your catapult, though I think I’m going to regret all of this.” “I think you may enjoy it,” Erik replies. “That would be a change,” quips the Eisenfurst. They leave with the document for the catapult, and an open invitation to visit anytime they please. Erik is quite pleased with himself, but is less so when he sees that they once again face the great staircase.
They do make it down, but the multiple trips are making the portal they used the first time more and more attractive. At the manor, they see the new sign, and Erik is pleased that he hasn’t just tossed the money away, and instead DOES have a new security chief. “Armand! We are starving! We have been three times up and down the Tower, and need food!” Armand nods, and moments later comes out with a tray of finger-sandwiches. “Dinner is being prepared.” They tuck in to the sandwiches in anticipation of the meal to come.
Illyana has reached the northern edge of the city, and can see the sprawling tents of the encamped forces. Getting out of sight, she shifts to owlform to scout the situation out. At the center of the camp she locates her goal- four large tents. One is obviously that of the General himself, one is equally-obvious as the mess tent. The remaining two are better guarded, but she is able to tell that one is the armoury, and the other is the pursers tent- her target! She swoops away, none of the men of the camp even noticing the silent, swooping form above them.
Putting a bit of distance between the camp and herself, she looks for a rat. Given where she is, this doesn’t take long. She lands near it, and nearly kills it out of raw fear!” “DON’T EAT ME!” It chitters! “I will not eat you.” “But you’re an owl!” Illyana fluffs a bit. “I am talking to you. I serve Matushka.” The rat stares. “Oh! One of THOSE owls. Okay. What do you want?” “I need your help.” And she tells him of the army camp. “I need you and your friends to chew through the rope of the four big tents to make them drop. You can eat whatever food you find.” “Are you crazy? There are humans there!” Illyana headtilts. “I will get you a 20# bag of grain.” The rat stops dead. “... Do you know where Stinky Rock is?” “No, but you can show me.” This the rat does, and the agreement is made. The rat goes his way to gather friends, and Illyana heads back home. The plan is to happen at midnight.
She arrives just as Armand is serving dinner. “Ah, there you are. What have you been up to?” Illyana smiles, just barely. “I have been arranging things. Something I think will deal with General.” “So have we!” Illyana loses the smile. “...I do not think I will like this, will I...” “You first,” Erik says. “I have made plan to remove payroll from army.” “WHAT?” Yells Erik! “Are you insane?” Illyana gets the smile back. “No. Not really. Plan may not work, but if it does, will keep army out of Ussura.” Erik frowns. “So what is this plan?” Illyana explains what she’s arranged, telling how she can actually speak with any animal at will, and also understand them. “Current idea is to go in while chaos erupts.”
Zora hears the plan, and when Illyana finishes has her own suggestions. “You can talk to animals?” “Da.” Well, why not get something like a badger to dig under the chest and get it out that way? You’ll not have to go in then.” Shocked, Illyana is silent a moment. “... I did not think of that. Thank you. THANK you! We can do this!” With the finish of the meal she heads off once again as an owl, this time to locate the suggested badger.
At the same time Erik goes out on a quest for the components for his own twisted plan- Oiled leather sacks for the manure (plus one for Illyana’s grain-donation to the rats- she’s giving 100# of grain, but the rats don’t know that yet), the manure itself and something to haul the lot. Zora also goes out on an errand with Djiel, to recruit children to throw eggs after the manure hits! Armand is working to arrange the eggs.
It takes Illyana nearly an hour, but she finally locates a lone badger trundling through the woods. She lands nearby, startling the creature but hardly getting the reaction of the rat. It takes some explaining, but she does convince the creature to help her by tunneling in, digging under the chest with the payroll and burying it deep according to the rough schedule. There is a price for this- a warm place to spend the winter and a goodly haunch of meat.
With the varied quests finished, they all return to the manor for a rest before the first of the chaos starts with Illyana’s plan at midnight. There is a slight problem with Erik’s, however- he wanted to have the eggs on hand this evening, and the best Armand could do was the morning- the hens need time to lay! Time will tell if this delay will affect the plan.
To be continued!
