17 September

Suiting action to words, Tar calls Shasivin over, and Tar pulls out the map upon which Ostri’s Chief Surveyor marked their various holdings. He shows Shasivin the locations of the lands, and tells him to guide them thence. Fortunately, their holdings are not very far off their original path, so their extra time on the road will be minimal.

25 September

27 September

30 September

07 October

16 October

When they do open the letter, they find a note of congratulations from Lord Aphic on a job well done. He also sends condolences on the loss of Morven. Above all else, however, is a sense of urgency that Tar should make all haste to return to Greyhawk as soon as possible. He has news of great import that he must deliver in person, news that will have extreme repercussions for both Tar and his Company. The message is certainly intriguing, but also frustrating as it offers not a single hint about what the big news might be; just the constant repetition of the need to return as speedily as possible.

Tar and Firena discuss what could possibly be behind the note, but without any actual facts to back up any of their suppositions, the conversation is necessarily short-lived.

21 October-29 November

On 26 October, the Company leaves Veluna behind and experiences their first truly cold night of the season. Although there is no snow coming, it easily cold enough to support snow, were the conditions otherwise right for it. However, the next day is just as warm as others have been lately, and the cold night is soon forgotten.

And so the trip goes, with the temperature gradually dropping as the days pass by. By the time they enter Dyvers on 23 November, most days have difficulty reaching above the “cool” level, and the nights are consistently low enough to make the breath visible.

With Greyhawk now only a few days away, Tar is unsurprised when Firena finds him at a familiar Dyvers watering hole and asks to speak to him. Her attitude and his empathy tell him instantly that this is the conversation he has been expecting since they left Ciraline. He treats her to her favorite drink, a Dwarven whiskey, which she downs in one gulp before she speaks. When she does, her first words stun him:

Firena:

Tar, I don’t know how to say this well, so I’m just going to say it. I’m finished. I’m done with this life. I need something different. Please understand that I wouldn’t have traded our time together for anything, but I don’t want to spend the rest of my life on the back of a horse lurching from crisis to crisis in one far off-land or another. I just can’t do it. I need to get back to the Guild. I need to concentrate on my healing. I need to let Lord Aphic know that I have no intention of permanently becoming a Knight or an ambassador or whatever else he has in mind for me. I wanted you to know first. I need you to know that it’s nothing personal. You’re a great leader Tar—the kind of leader these people need. The kind I’ll never be. You and the Company will go on to do great things, of that I’m sure. But not with me. This isn’t my life.

Tar considers for along moment, weighing his words and his thoughts. Finally, he speaks:

I understand. I have a feeling that the Company will be drastically changed in the next couple of weeks. The time on the road has been hard and we will stay in Greyhawk for months before we leave—but leave we must. We’ve lost two dear comrades—Juvi and Morven. Both dear to me—and that weighs heavily. Marky is gone now and Vanith will be as well. I have already talked to her about it. She will settle down on a farm somewhere. I am hoping to employ her myself, but I don’t know that I will have the estate to support her. Shasivin has been moody, but I don’t think he will leave. I am sure that Plynsen will look toward the Mage Guild and Korkyn, to Nyra’s Grove. I’m not certain if you are aware of it or not, but Nyra won’t be re-joining us either. [He sighs.] The Golden Era of Tar’s Company is over. [He raises his glass in salute and stands.] I, Sir Tar of Maven and Captain of Tar’s Company do salute the finest Lieutenant that I could have had in this time. You, Firena, I count as a great friend and a great leader. I will be sad to lose you, your advice, and your comfort. Still, life moves on. Know this: I will always have you back and support you in your endeavors if you choose not to return. As the bankers say: L’chaim, To life!

Firena downs a second Dwarven ale in response to his toast before responding:

We’ve come a long way, haven’t we? We didn’t shake the world, but we did make some very powerful people sit up and take notice. I’m proud to have been a part of it. [She shakes her head.] Tar the animal handler. Tar the Master. Tar the Knight. I don’t doubt that you are going to continue to rise, and I will always to follow your career with interest. Then, one day I will tell people that I once traveled with Lord Tar, and they will not believe me. But no matter. No one can ever take away what I had. I know not where I may end up or what my situation may be, but know that I will always stand ready to assist you in any way I may. ... [She offers him one of her very rare smiles.] Well, within reason anyway. I know you far too well to leave any offer that wide open… [She pauses, but sensing that she isn’t finished, Tar does not respond.] I am proud to call you my friend, Tar.

They drink companionably for a while, engaging in something neither generally does – reminisce. They talk about the places they have seen and the people they met. They talk about the things they have accomplished and things they have left undone. They talk about successes they have had and mistakes they made. They talk about Juvy, and they talk about Morven. They talk for a long time, and when they are done talking, they simply sit quietly for another round, neither speaking, each engrossed in their own thoughts. Finally, they pay the bill and head back to the inn where the Company is spending the night. Neither needs to say another word, and neither does.

29 Nov

The crowd continues to cheer as Alonso reaches Lord Aphic and officially requests permission for the armed party to enter the city, permission which Lord Aphic gives with a smile. … After sitting through a nearly endless series of unavoidable official ceremonies, Tar finally walks through the front door of his own house as the sun is setting. He has an awards ceremony at noon tomorrow, and afterward—an appointment to meet with Lord Aphic, but this evening is all for him.

His first task is to ensure that all the new Company members have adequate housing. Yalinari readily agrees to put up a few of the newcomers at his house—though Tar doubts they will actually get much sleep. The rest are found rooms at an inn that Tar knows well—the Silver Spoon.

With that seen to, Tar heads home to spend a quiet evening with his mother and father. Fortunately, Lord Aphic saw to it that Tar’s parents were present at the official telling of the Company’s tale (courtesy of Sir Yalinari, of course), so he is not required to spend more time than necessary in idle chatter. Grateful to be in his own environment again, he retires early, and even the ceaseless thoughts about what tomorrow’s meeting might have in store are not sufficient to keep him awake for long.

30 Nov

• For valor in the face the enemy, the Greyhawk Medal for Valor, 3^rd Class is awarded to: Drathon (DG), Miles, Alonso, and Marky (in absentia)
• For services rendered to the Independent City of Greyhawk, the following medals are awarded:
  • The Meritorious Service Award with Crown and Swords to Sir Tar, Dame Firena, and Sir Yalinari
  • The Exemplary Service Award with Crown and Swords (posthumously) to Lady Morven
  • The Lord Mayor’s Commendation Medal with Crown and Swords to Drathon (DG) and Dreune
  • The Superior Service Award with Crown and Swords to Miles
  • The Significant Contribution Citation with Crown and Swords to Hanar (DG), Shasivin (DG), Edmund, and Nyra
  • The Meritorious Service Award with Swords to Vanith
  • The Exemplary Service Award with Swords to Cust (DG), Alonso, Benito, Gustuv, Ladbrooke, Orvin, William, Korkyn, Plynsen, Marky (in absentia), and Juvy (posthumously)
• The Exemplary Service Award to Parnalam and Tovish

• Finally, for services in direct support of the Lord Mayor of the Independent City of Greyhawk, the Superior Service Award with Crown is awarded to Dame Firena and Nyra

An hour after the ceremony has been concluded, Tar sits in Lord Aphic’s private office while the Lord Mayor outlines his plans to expand Greyhawk into a County, and what that means for the Company. He explains that the treaty Dame Amian negotiated with the Duchy of Urnst includes a year-long transition of territory to the new County. In order to best prepare them to execute their official duties, the County’s most senior people will be put in place up to a year early. In practice this means that those who will be granted titles and hold Aphic’s Court positions will be needed this coming January (1212). Sheriffs will be placed in April. By July, the Masters of Arms need to be in place. Finally, Ambassadors will be appointed in September. The actual stand-up of the County will happen in January of 1213.

This schedule has very severe immediate repercussions for the Company.

• He wants Tar to fill a Court position and accept appointment as the sole 1^st Class holder of the new Order of the Lion. As the County’s Lord High Chancellor, he will be responsible for keeping order in the County.
• He will tap Sir Yalinari as the first Baronet of Halverine Province. It won’t be a demanding job. As the Baronetcy nearest the capital, the most important duty of the Baronet will be to entertain and generally keep people happy. Sir Yalinari should be able to do that well.

• Several times over the past 24 hours Aphic has managed to have extended conversations with Miles, and has been very impressed. Tar can’t have missed noticing a certain regality in the man, and he has an iron hard center that make him perfect to be the first baronet of Omlarr Province. The province is immediately next to the new border between the County and the Duchy of Urnst, so Aphic can see a real potential for trouble in that area, and Miles, he feels, has the fortitude to deal with it.

Assuming all these people accept these roles, that gives Tar a month to transition the Company to new leadership, but there is more he intends to do, so Tar’s Company will have to be flexible. In April, they will lose two more senior positions, as Aphic has nominated Drathon and Edmund to be two of his four new Sheriffs—the Sheriffs of Halverine and Olmarr Provinces. Three monts later, in July, two more Company members will be picked to serve as Masters of Arms of the same two Provinces—Hanar and Shasivin. Finally, in October Dreune will be asked to be Aphic’s Ambassador to the Mage Guild.

If Tar has been playing close attention, he will have noticed that that means Company members will fill all the most senior positions in Halverine and Olmarr Provinces. The only position that will not be filled by a Company member in the north half of the County will be the new Baron of Selintan. Who will move into that seat? Animal Handler Guild King Keoren. Aphic’s goal is to have very loyal, trustworthy people under him.

When he leaves Aphic’s office, Tar finds Firena waiting for him. When she sees him, oddly for her, she begins talking a mile a minute, to the point that he wouldn’t be able to get a word in edgewise, even had he wanted to interrupt her (which he doesn’t). He learns that she’s spent her time since the ceremony ended at the Healers’ Guild building. She promised herself while she was on the road that she would take her Craftsman test as soon as she could after returning to Greyhawk. She did, and she passed. Not spectacularly, but she did pass. Well, in a way she barely passed, but in another way, she did incredibly well. She barely achieved the level of expertise required in her primary skill (magical healing), but actually did better at her secondary skill demonstration (first aid) than she did at her primary, and did almost as well with her tertiary skill (infection removal). The Masters said that her breadth of skill was impressive, but she definitely needs much more depth in any one of her skills before she could be considered for Master. She has taken this to heart and has decided to put all her efforts into developing her magical healing skill. She thought about going back to the clinic, but the people she turned it over to are doing such an excellent job there, and she does want to diversify. She really doesn’t know yet what she is going to do, but she’s keeping her options open. She is sure something will turn up. She finally winds down, still more excited than Tar has ever seen her before (though oddly, still only barely smiling!).

Tar:

Congratulations, I knew you could do it. This calls for a celebration. I know, you’re not much into celebrating, but we really must … and I know just the person to throw it too!

Firena:

Thank you. I know who you’re thinking of. And normally I’d say, “Not a chance,” but maybe just this once, I’ll give in. We can make it a farewell party, too. Hell, he’ll probably be happy to see me go anyway.

Tar:

Great! I will set it up for you. Have you thought of what you will do? If you haven’t I have some ideas that may fit in well with the Company’s future. What are you going to specialize in?

Firena:

Well, yes and no. That is, I’ve thought much in recent months about what I’d do if I passed, but now that it’s actually happened, I just don’t know. The thought I keep coming back to is opening a family clinic for Greyhawk’s poorer citizens. The rich are already well looked after. Most of the healers that cater to the less well off are mundane practitioners. Now there’s nothing wrong with those who practice the non-magical arts, of course, but why should only the rich have access to magical healing? ... But I haven’t really decided. ... Why? What did you have in mind?

Tar:

Well, Aphic’s got some plans for some of us. OK, to be honest a lot of us. [He fills her in on the promotions.] Tar’s Company as we know it is done. Oh, the Company will live on, I will see to that and continue to be its sponsor. However, it, as well as those under me, will continue to need help. I like your idea for a clinic in the Dregs. It suits you and your temperament. I also have a more ulterior motive. The Company and my folks will need you from time to time. I plan on having Tovish work some things out of Greyhawk. Dame Permas will also work out of Greyhawk, but also Castle Greyhawk as it will be. I’d love to be able to continue seeing you on a regular basis and this will ensure that that happens. Much, much better than you as an ambassador in the Vale, if you ask me. I’m glad that you chose to come back and enhance your healing arts.

Firena:

It seems congratulations are in order all around … your Lordship. [She shakes her head.] ... Wow. I did say you’d be “Lord Tar” eventually; I just didn’t think it would happen so soon. It looks as if you were right about the Golden Age of the Company being over. At least for now. Who knows what the future may hold for it? ... As for you, I will be deeply disappointed if you don’t drop in once in a while, for I would love to see you. And I think it bodes well for you to consider my healing services at your people’s disposal. If I know anything about you at all, they’ll need it. And if I’m going to be catering to the poor, it will be nice to have someone I can overcharge for services rendered on a regular basis.

Tar laughs heartily:

Overcharge, huh? Count me down as a benefactor. I’ll send you 20% of the operating expenses. My gift to you. I expect that I will not be seeing you anywhere near as much and that saddens me. I will truly regret not having our nightly chats or your face when you’re chastising me. But for, now? We have a party to plan. Let’s be off to see our irrepressible friend!

Firena:

As much as I’m looking forward to this, bittersweet as it will be, I believe I’ll leave the planning to you and our Bakluni friend. You’re much better at that than I am, and I have some properties to look at. I need to find a location, hire an architect, talk to Lord Aphic and the Healers’ Guild about financing, and lots of other things. For now, you can contact me at the Silver Spoon. I’m back in my same old room. ... You do realize that this may well be the last time we are all able to get together, don’t you?

At 7 bells Sir Tar, Sir Yalinari, and Dame Firena are summoned to the Throne Room for a short meeting, followed by the official ambassadorial induction ceremony. This is followed by a procession that begins at the campsite, and ends with all the foreign contingents massed amidst a huge press of Ciraline citizens.

At 9 bells, several dignitaries give short speeches, after which Ostri presents the awards to the Company members. The awards are particularly poignant, with the head of Shallum, now two days old, clearly visible on a spike on the nearby courtroom roof. Although the ceremony is actually quite short for each individual, the number of awards keeps the crowds in place until 10 bells, when they are released to reconvene at the tournament grounds.

The tournament continues until half past 7 bells in the evening. Ostri is then called upon to present medals to the winners as follows:

• In wrestling:
  • 1^st place: Sir Pietro from Bissel
  • 2^nd place: Private Ashleigh from Yeomanry
  • 3^rd place: Private Callee from Ket
• 4^th place: Count Golligan from Furyondy
• In boxing:
• 1^st place: Private Luka from Ekbir
• 2^nd place: Private O’Brian from Sterich
• 3^rd place: Private Bartomeios from Furyondy
• 4^th place: Private Carissa from Keoland
• In archery afoot:
• 1^st place: Lieutenant Hekabe from Ekbir
• 2^nd place: Sergeant Edmund from Greyhawk
• 3^rd place: Count Lwandle from Bissel
• 4^th place: Private Jimena from Geoff
• In dueling afoot:
• 1^st place: Sergeant Miles from Greyhawk
• 2^nd place: Private Humar from Geoff
• 3^rd place: Private Jzef from Sterich
• 4^th place: Private Kornel from Ket
• In archery mounted:
• 1^st place: Private Themba from Keoland
• 2^nd place: Private Issar from Bissel
• 3^rd place: Sergeant Weret-Imtes from Aerdy
• 4^th place: Private Carissa from Keoland
• In dueling mounted:
• 1^st place: Private Ermanno from Geoff
• 2^nd place: Baroness Atalante from Bissel
• 3^rd place: Lieutenant Richardi from Sterich
• 4^th place: Private Barnabas from Bissel
• In jousting:
• 1^st place: Private Slavomir from Yeomanry
• 2^nd place: Dame Ardashes from Veluna
• 3^rd place: Private Bartomeios from Furyondy

• 4^th place: Sir Barnard from Geoff

After the awards presentation, the senior members of the contingents relocate to the castle for a great feast and a grand ball. Although the mood is light, the food and music excellent, and the company unparalleled, Sir Tar and Dame Firena are not really in the mood for a party, and retire early to their apartments, to begin their last night in Ciraline. Even Yalinari seems off his game, and joins them in the apartments before midnight. Half an hour later, the only Company members still awake are those on guard duty, and even those, for once, are only half paying attention. Fortunately for them, this is one night that it doesn’t matter.

Midnight-1:00am

Between Tar using his mental abilities and Miles and Drathon making liberal use of Shallum’s broken knee, it doesn’t take long to elicit the following facts:

1. Shallum is the brother of Drivian, the former Lord Khalista, whose titles and lands were stripped after Uriel II died, and who killed himself a month later.
2. Shallum lived extravagantly while Drivian lived, and ran up huge gambling debts. With his brother closely tied to the crown, he expected to ride the gravy train for some time to come.
1. After Uriel’s death, he still expected to profit from the contacts his brother made while living at Ciraline Castle. After Ostri stripped Drivian’s titles, he was shunned in the finer social circles, and his contacts dried up.
2. Shallum always blamed Ostri for ruining him, ruining his family, and causing his brother to kill himself. He privately vowed to get even, and had just the means for doing so.
   • He studied to be a mining mage in Veluna, under the great Master Dilinar. Dilinar is a nasty old man today, but always claimed that in his youth, he spent time in the Scarlet Brotherhood, and had powerful ties to the government of that country; people who owed him favors. He told Shallum on several occasions that if he ever wanted someone killed, he knew how to do it. He told him of the Grigoros Thanatos sect, and claimed to know how to get in touch with them. Drivian always thought the old man was just blowing smoke, but when he decided to kill Ostri, he contacted Dilinar, sending a pigeon by which the old man could respond. He never received a reply, so he thought Master Dilinar had blown him off. It seemed that as he expected, the old man was just a lying windbag.

• However, about two weeks ago he met a man (Mitesh) at the Jester’s Arms who didn’t identify himself. The man bore greetings from Dilinar. He didn’t say much, and didn’t give any specific message, but Shallum knew why he was there – to kill Ostri. He decided then that he would stay away from Ciraline until after the Opening.

Happy with the outcome of the interview, Tar summons Sir Anduvial, and turns Shallum over, warning him that Shallum’s a mage and needs to be kept securely. He also requests to meet with the Laird first thing in the morning. The captain promises to pass the message on, thanks Sir Tar for his efforts, and removes Shallum.

After stopping by the campsite to ensure that Edmund and Benito are resting peacefully (they are), Tar returns to his room, and for the first time since Morven’s death, manages to get a good, if short, night’s sleep.

The next morning, a footman finds Tar in the Inner Bailey, running his dogs in the limited space available, and summons him to the Laird’s private study, where Tar fills him in on the events that led to the capture of Shallum. Well… most of them anyway. Ostri is very appreciative, and verifies that his own methods have revealed much the same as Tar has just reported, though in much less detail, of course. He informs Tar that on the day of the Tournament, when he is making all his other announcements, he will make the following appointments:

1. Posthumous award of the title Rauwth to Morven.
• There is no equivalent rank outside Ciraline. It is roughly analagous to a knight in precedence, but it is not a knighthood. Inside the valley, Morven will henceforth always be referred to as Lady Morven, though he does not know how the rank is treated in the broader Flanaess.
• The following people will be awarded grants of Royal land. In title, they will be Wardsmen/women, and will be entitled inside the valley to append the honorific “Esquire” after their name. All the Wards they are being granted are in the North Riding:
• Sir Tar, Esq. will henceforth be known as the Esquire of Coldrun Stream, North Vilim, and Craggy Newsome.
• Sir Yalinari, Esq. will henceforth be known as Esquire of Hundeth and The Bottleneck.
• Drathon, Esq. will henceforth be known as Esquire of Narin.
• Vanith, Esq. will henceforth be known as Esquiress of Grundy Flats.
• Miles, Esq. will henceforth be known as Esquire of Bluefields.
• The following people will be guardians of Royal land. In title, they will be Tithesman/women. This gentleman/woman’s rank gives them the right to use the honorific Mister/Mistress before their name (unless superceded by another title):
• Dame Firena will henceforth be known as a Titheswoman in Hundeth Ward.
• Mister Cust will henceforth be known as a Tithesman in Coldrun Stream Ward.
• Mister Shasivin will henceforth be known as a Tithesman in Hundeth Ward.

• Mistress Nyra will henceforth be known as a Titheswoman in North Vilim Ward.

Tar thanks Ostri, but tells him that he can not accept on behalf of his people. He will make this offer to them, and leave it up to them whether to accept the honors or not. He wants to make sure that in accepting the rewards, particularly the titles, they are not obligating themselves in any way to Ciraline or Ostri. Ostri assures him that the rewards come with no strings. In fact, the Wardsmen receive a decent income, plus a small estate. Tithesmen also receive an income, although a much more modest one.

Tar thanks Ostri again, and takes his leave, intent on having his first full Company meeting in quite some time.

When the tournament practice breaks for lunch, Tar calls everyone to attention. He spends some time outlining the major events of the past few days. Mixed emotions run deep. All are still somewhat shocked by Morven’s sudden death, but glad they found the guilty party. Firena informs them that she has just heard that Shallum is due to be executed for High Treason the day after tomorrow. Silence reigns briefly, then an excited chattering breaks out briefly before Firena quiets them with a look.

Tar thanks Firena, then resumes his brief, explaining the rewards that Ostri has proposed, and asking whether anyone has any opposition to accepting them. Unsurprisingly, none do. He then informs them that over the next few days, one of Ostri’s people will summon each award recipient to explain the official procedures for the ceremony.

Finally, he congratulates all on a job well done, and explains that he fully explains to be headed back to Greyhawk within a week. Everyone who left Greyhawk almost a year ago is wildly excited about the prospect. Yalinari spontaneously offers to by their drinks tonight, which makes Tar smile. He knows that the money will be coming out of the Company coffers, but he doesn’t really mind this time.

13 September (3 days until the Opening)

September 13^th is mostly occupied with various company members being interviewed, questioned, debriefed, and double-checked on every aspect of their investigation. Truth mages are called to verify their statements, statements are taken and sworn to, and their stories are cross-checked. When all is said and done, despite the fact that most were involved in the Company’s portion of the investigation, all are grateful when Ciraline’s official investigation is over.

Mixed in amongst all this are the irregular summonses for one member or another who will be recognized on the day of the Opening ceremonies. After verifying that each recipient is willing to accept the awards being offered, they each receive instructions on how the awards ceremony will go, and what is expected of them. Finally, towards evening, all awardees are called together and they receive further instructions. It is obvious that very little will be left to chance on the big day.

When all official functions have terminated for the night, the majority of the Company finds themselves occupying a third of the seats in the Jester’s Arms for the second night running.

14 September (2 days until the Opening)

Before the sun has set on the 14^th, two important events have transpired. The first is that Shallum is no longer among the living. He was beheaded in the central square at noon. None in the company are sorry to hear it.

The second is that the tournament practice sessions have come to a close. No events will be held tomorrow, so that the tournament participants can have a day to rest before the big event. In the end, based on the results of the previous 10 days or so of practice, the top 32 contestants in seven different events have been chosen and ranked. The events, and the Company representation, are:

• Wrestling
• No Company representation
• Boxing
• No Company representation
• Archery afoot
• Edmund – #1 seed
• Nyra – #6 seed
• Dueling afoot
• Hanar – #5 seed
• Gustuv – #8 seed
• Cust – #10 seed
• Miles – #12 seed
• Drathon – #16 seed
• Shasivin – #17 seed
• Archery mounted
• Edmund – #1 seed
• Dueling mounted
• Nyra – #4 seed
• Gustuv – #10 seed
• Miles – #30 seed
• Jousting

• Miles – #3 seed

15 September (1 day until the Opening)

The 15th passes very slowly. There are no events to take up the time. To keep the Company members occupied, Drathon has everyone preparing their gear for departure. Repairing what needs it, cleaning and polishing the rest, accounting for everything, and double checking it all when that is done. The current plan is to leave in two days, the first day after the Opening ceremonies. In short, the day is uneventful and dull. It makes tomorrow’s prospective events all the more enticing in contrast.

In the evening, Tar calls for one more Company meeting (a conclave, to use Firena’s term), fully aware that this is likely the last time he will have to talk to everyone at once. For some time he says nothing at all, then at a gesture, Alonso steps forward and opens the Company Journal. He opens to the first page and reads the very first entry that Morven made:

Tar’s Company was officially and legally founded on the 4th day of February, in the year 1210 (F.C.). That is the Company’s legal name, despite the fact that its eponymous Captain is a Knight of the Order of the Ram, and as such, is properly addressed as Sir Tar. I will use the Company’s legal name in this Journal.
Tar’s Company is currently comprised of:

• Sir Tar Larson of Maven, KOR4 – Captain
• Firena – Lieutenant
• Sir Yalinari Dishine, KOR4 – Equerry
• Drathon, DG – Sergeant, Infantry
• Hanar, DG – Sergeant, Cavalry
• Nyra the Huntress – Sergeant, Archery
• Morven – Magic Support and Journalist
• Shasivin, DG – Infantry

• Cust, DG – Infantry

Nine names that all in the room know very well. Everyone looks around at the eight who remain and maintain a level of silence that is as thick as a bugbear’s hide. Alonso then turns pages and begins reading excerpts: every paragraph that features Morven in any significant way. The silence remains unbroken except for small sounds of sniffing until they reach the passage describing the battle with the goblins and wargs, at which time, spontaneous applause erupts. Several minutes pass before he can continue, and again the silence becomes unbroken as Alonso concludes the last entry Morven ever penned, and continues on with one more entry. One written in his own hand, in which he describes the manner in which the Journalist died. A full five minutes after Alonso has closed the Journal and sat back down, still not a sound has been uttered. Without another word, Tar dismisses the Company.

Having ridden through the night, by early morning, the Company detachment under command of Sergeant Miles has topped a small rise and can see Ag Mannon in the distance. By changing horses twice at way-stations, they managed to make very good time, and accomplish a 10-12 hour ride is just over 8 hours. They are all exhausted, but excited at the same time, and are anxious to find their quarry. Still, Miles deems it wise to get some rest before they begin. He orders a break for four hours to allow his team to get a little rest. He isn’t sure he’ll be able to sleep himself, but the combination of no sleep last night and a long night in the saddle work their magic, and he is soon slumbering peacefully with the others.

It is William who awakens the group an hour before lunch. Somewhat refreshed, the group mount up and begin the last short ride. They arrive in Ag Mannon fifteen minutes later. It is a small town (or a large village), boasting a fair number of stone houses amongst the wooden ones, though most have thatch roofs. The only exceptions seem to be a couple large government buildings, a large estate, and two temples. The central square is filled with market stalls, and is bordered with businesses, including one small inn and two taverns.

The small group enters the larger of the two taverns, whose sign is so faded, there is no telling what the name is. At lunchtime, the place is nearly deserted, but William strikes up as much of conversation with the barman as he is capable of. When he returns, he says that most of the man’s conversation was complete gibberish to him but that Shallum lives, with his wife and children in one of the large houses near the estate. It has a blue roof, so they can’t miss it. Miles and the others head that way, and sure enough, there is a house 2-3 times the size of the average dwelling with a blue roof facing the street just down the road from the estate house. A pretty young lady is hanging washing in the side yard with a baby in a basket near her feet while a 1- or 2-year-old child plays a game involving whacking one stone against another nearby.

At Miles’ request Edmund asks the woman where Shallum is, doing his best to pretend, with his limited language skills that he and his friends need to talk to him about a job. She is obviously suspicious of the foursome, and doesn’t want to tell them, but Edmund can be more persuasive than many people, and before long she gives them directions to a nearby mountain, where Shallum can be found, working with his crew.

Miles and the others follow the woman’s directions, and before long, they find themselves at the bottom of a steep hillside, looking up at a rectangular hole about the size of a large double door. The sounds of men shouting can intermittently be heard coming from the opening. William says that they should take the direct approach, go in and bring Shallum out. Edmund, offers the opposite opinion, that they can’t know who or how many are inside the mine; that they should wait until Shallum comes out and they can get him alone. Benito remains silent, obviously waiting for guidance.

Miles pauses for a second to try to count the voices emanating from the mine, and makes out three different voices clearly, and may two others, three at the outside. He says they will wait, for the moment at least. They don’t want to get lost in the mine. We can take him at the entrance or when he comes out. William asks whether they should simply try calling Shallum out. He prefers the direct approach, and even if Miles count of voices is low, there can’t be more than 8 or 10 miners. If they come out spoiling for a fight, he and Edmund can level the playing field with their bows before the men get close.

Miles likes William’s direct approach, but in the end, it’s a moot point, even as the quiet conversation outside the mine dies down, the conversation inside begins to get louder. Apparently the men are coming out. Miles tells Edmund and Wiliiam to prepare their bows and be ready to fire, but stand easy for the moment. ... Then, with a final burst of laughter, the first of the men appears at the mine entrance. A total of four men have appeared before the first of them notices the four Company members, and stops suddenly. A whisper passes back and forth between them before one of them, the largest one yells something that causes Edmund to comment, “About what you’d think. Wants to know who we are and what we want, though there’s more to it. Doesn’t sound friendly though.”

Miles:

We were sent to talk to Shallum about a business matter…if he’s interested.

Stranger:

You don’t look like businessmen. You look like warriors, bearing swords, bows strung. I would know your business before I send Shallum to you.

Miles:

As I said, we were sent to make a business proposition to Shallum. You think our master would send unarmed men into giant-infested mountains?

Stranger:

Hmph. And who can I say sent you?

Miles:

Baron Drathon.

Stranger:

Ah. With that rank, he’s a foreigner. I’ll give him your message. He’ll decide if he wants to speak to you.

With that, the stranger returns to the mine. Several minutes pass before the miners emerge again – a total of 8 of them. Miles observes them carefully as they descend and notes that two of them match the vague description given by the bartender at the Jester’s Arms. One is dressed in the same fashion as the others, the second is dressed much more nicely, and is clothes not ordinarily considered compatible with mining. Miles selects him as the most likely to be Shallum, as the clothing is a better match for the large house he visited earlier.

The men descend to the level of the plain, and begin to head toward Miles, and the town beyond him. As they get close, the man who spoke before addresses Miles:

I’m sorry. Shallum has decided not to speak with you. Please express his wishes to your Baron.

Miles drops his purse to the ground:

The Baron can make it worth his while.

The men stop and stare from it to the man speaking to Miles, and around at each other. Clearly the money is a strong incentive, but will it be strong enough? Thirty seconds or so is all it takes to answer that question, as first some muttering starts amongst the miners, and then the well-dressed man speaks up:

Shallum:

I am Shallum. What does your Baron want with me?

Before answering, Miles tells Edmund and William to lower their weapons, at which point, Shallum says something quietly to one of the other men, who runs for town.

Miles: I don’t know the full details. I’m a messenger and a guard to ensure that nothing befalls you.

Shallum doesn’t believe MIles, and is pretty blunt about telling him so, but Miles sticks to his story, and before long, convinces Shallum to step aside with him, for privacy. Perhaps it was the threat to this family couched in the casual question about where he resides that convinced him. When they are far enough from the group to allow their conversation to remain unheard, Miles repeats his original story, but Shallum still doesn’t buy the story. In the end, he only agree to go until Miles sends the offered money home to his wife.

Miles and the others mount and ride off with Shallum on the spare horse. A dozen strides into the ride, however, the plains around the four Company horses erupt into spikes and small holes. Miles’ horse hits a hole and stumbles. Only Miles’ excellent horsemanship allows him to stay in the saddle. Edmund’s horse goes down, taking Edmund with it, knocking out his breath and causing what on later inspection from Firena to be three cracked ribs. Benito’s horse steps directly on a spike and goes down hard, inflicting severe damage to one leg. Firena will later diagnose this as torn cartilage. William’s horse is not affected, fortunately for the Company.

Hoping to leave the mayhem far behind him, Shallum wheels and rides hard toward the town, but the escape is not to be. Miles shakes his head and orders William to take out the horse, then he himself starts walking his horse to where he expects the man to fall, flail in hand. William aims a shot carefully, and a second later, his arrow embeds itself into the horse’s shoulder, causing it to scream and rear, throwing Shallum, who hits the ground hard. Obviously already in pain, he starts to roll over, but Wiliam rides up with an arrow trained on his chest. Shallum surrenders.

The men near the mine look begin to move toward the scene, but an cleverly placed arrow from Edmund’s bow causes them to reconsider their rescue attempt, and they instead scurry for town.

Reaching Shallum, Miles dismounts and wordlessly swings his flail, which makes clean contact with the man’s knee. The sound of its dull thud and the loud crack are immediately drowned out by the pitch and volume of the man’s scream, and no doubt the length of the scream would have been impressive, too, if not for the gag that Miles shoves into it, cutting off the sound. Seemingly impervious to the man’s pain, MIles quickly trusses him, and after making sure the gag is secure, Miles quickly inspects the two wounded horses, and concludes that although neither can be ridden, both can be healed by a competent veterinary healer.

Then, noticing that there are definite signs of movement at the edge of town, he orders the others to throw Shallum on the back of Miles’ horse. William and Benito will share the second horse, while Edmund will proceed alone, leading the two injured horses. The decision turns out to be a wise one, for as the men from town begin to close the distance, Edmund’s unencumbered seat allows him the freedom to send their way a few disincentives to continue the pursuit. So before long, they are riding through the early afternoon with no unwanted escort.

Fast forward to about an hour before midnight, when the small group, tired to the point of exhaustion and in some cases extreme pain, arrive back in Ciraline. They are stopped briefly at the city wall, but Miles Greyhawk ribbon works like a magic charm, and before long, he is standing in Sir Tar’s bedroom, Shallum having been left behind at the Campsite under close guard. There is no sign of Sir Yalinari, but it is, after all, not even midnight yet. Tar orders Shallum taken to the library, where they will work on questioning him. After a moment’s pause, he also orders that in fiteen minutes, Lady Firena is to be awoken so she can see to Edmund and Benito.

And with that, Tar accompanies Miles and Drathon, eagerly looking forward to the forthcoming conversation.

At first light, Miles is surprised when a totally bald Master Sergeant Drathon enters the command post, and without preamble demands to be filled in on all actions regarding the investigation to date. Miles complies, disappointed that his brief taste of command is over, and is then surprised when the Master Sergeant tells him to carry on. He is officially making Miles’ appointment as the leader of the investigation permanent. Miles nods and mentions that DA should by now be en route the campsite to begin the next stage. Drathon acknowledges the news, and informs Miles that he is going to inspect the campsite’s defenses.

A quarter of an hour later, DA is shown in to the command post. After a brief, “Good morning,” she launches into the results of her evening’s activities. She begins by reporting that she now officially reports directly to the Velunan ambassador; the Earl has been left out of the loop for now. He can be brought up to speed later, when they have some solid information.

Miles nods his approval, and DA continues. DA asked Dame Alli, who says that to she asked the Earl, who says that he has no logical reason for not trusting Mitesh. It’s jst a feeling he had. Mitesh never seemed to be happy. He never laughed; never even smiled or told a joke. Also, he was a watcher. He always seemed to pay very close attention to everything. It made him slightly uncomfortable. Not enough to dispense with Mitesh, but enough to keep him at a bit of a distance.

Miles nods, then, given the near certainty of a Veluna connection, asks DA to identify the Earl’s holdings on the map. She does so, as Miles explains that he is trying to determine the bird’s destination. Unfortunately, to get from Veluna to Ciraline you have to go westward. Going further west beyond the place the bird was found leads only to mountains, and beyond them, Paynims and Ull, neither of which have representatives in Ciraline. In other words, if the point of origin really was Veluna, the destination was certainly in the Valley itself.

Disappointed, Miles mentions that his people will be surreptitiously questioning some of the Velunan servants and junior guards. He wants to double-check Mitesh’s story and track his movements as closely as he can for the last week. DA considers this for a second, but rather than commenting, simply suggests they head to the Harpers’ Guild.

Miles, DA, and four large soldiers (including Shasivin, Miles is happy to note, completely bald, but otherwise apparently unchanged) enter the Harper’s Guild at almost exactly six bells. They explain their purpose briefly, and with little doubt that they do not intend to take “No” for an answer. They meet with three successive levels of leadership before they are able to get the answer they are looking for, which is that Mitesh sent two messages to the Harpers’ Guild in the capital of the Scarlet Brotherhood, on the 1st of September (the day after Veluna arrived) and on the 9th—both times around 9:00 at night. The senior Harper apologizes, but it is the policy of the Guild that message sent from their facilities are not kept, for privacy reasons. He happened to be on duty both times Mitesh took advantage of the service, and remembers the destination because it was so unusual.

At 7:00, Firena arrives and offering Tar one of her very rare smiles, and says that she’s happy to report that she is officially releasing him from the hospital wing. She then loses the smile and warns him that he is to go to the Greyhawk apartments and rest. He is not to leave the apartment. Tomorrow morning he will be cleared to return to full duty, but only if she is satisfied that he has followed her instructions.

Back at the campsite, Miles calls in Tovish to see what, if anything, he managed to find out from his canvassing of the bars. He had some success at a tavern called the Jester’s Arms. The evening bartender may have seen him two or three nights ago. He came in, ordered a dark ale, and sat at one of the smaller tables with another man, who the bartender couldn’t identify. He did mention that the other man was greeted by one or two men, so they obviously knew him. Unfortunately, they didn’t show up last night, and the bartender didn’t know their names or where they might live. His description of the men leaves little doubt that all three were local, reinforcing the certainty of a Ciraline connection. Tovish plans to return tonight to see if he can make contact with one of the two men.

He returns to the command center to report the results to Miles, who tells him that not only will he be going back tonight, but so will Yalinari, Edmund, and Parnalam. Their goal will be to find the men who know the man Mitesh met, and if they are not there, to question the regulars and find out where they can find the men.

About the same time as a mage knocks on the door of the Greyhawk apartments, sent by Ostri to help Tar re-grow his hair, Orvin arrives at the command post to inform Miles and Master Sergeant Drathon that the Ket contingent has arrived boasting 1 Knight, 1 Officer, 1 Sergeant, and 5 Soldiers. There are no servants, and was not immediately clear which person was the ambassador, though it is likely to be the Knight.

Immediately after lunch, Ulmarit arrives to pass on the results of his latest research. In rsponse to Miles’ question regarding the Ketite leadership, he has found that the county’s leader is the Beygraf Sinafel I. Other powerful nobles include the Beys Sumayyah, Abdul-Majid, Nabell, Rabi’ah, and Fatin. Ketites who have arrived in town include Lieutenant (Ambassador) Ermesinda; Sergeant Amare; and Privates Callee, Derron, Kornel, Martin, and Prima.

In response to the request to consolidate the references to Veluna that have been turned up by the investigation so far, he only has the following two references:

1. ”The records do not say where Mannis and Drivian went when they traveled together, although since they apparently traveled with Uriel, Ulmarit questioned his sisters Puccia and Havia, who both say the shorter trip was to the County of Geoff, while the longer trip was to Bissel and Ket. Puccia remembers one of them mentioning that they also went to Veluna on this trip, though Havia has no such recollection.”

1. “Bird flight direction indicates origin in Bissel, Ket, Veluna most likely; Gran March and Furyondy also possible.”

Finally, Ulmarit reports that he has no further information on the creature that Nyra described. He’s sent a description to an expert on demons, and expects a response soon. Miles thanks him and returns to his planning, though with practically everyone out of camp, there would be little he could accomplish, even were he able to think of something positive to do. After about an hour, he decides to head up to the Greyhawk apartments to brief Sir Tar on the progress of the investigation, especially about the participation of Drathon and Shasivin. If he is surprised at all by the sudden return of Sir Tar’s hair, he does not show it.

Shortly after 5 bells, Sir Yalinari sweeps into the command center on his way to the Jester’s Arms to report what he, Vanith, and Parnalam discovered this day. Apart from confirming everything that DA and Firena have already reported, he has little, except for a near certainty that Mitesh never left the castle, indeed, rarely left the Veluna apartments except in the company of the Earl, for the entirety of his stay. Amongst those who accompanied the Earl to Ciraline who had any opinion of Mitesh at all, he was not well liked. This appeared to be the case at home as well. It’s not that he did anything specific, he just kept himself apart. He rarely interacted with others and never joined in anything he could avoid.

As far as anyone knew, he was not married, and never had been. Nobody is aware of any family or friends. That being said, he appeared to have his own lodging back in Veluna; that is, he didn’t live at the Earl’s estate, though nobody can remember anyone ever being invited to Mitesh’s home.

Miles thanks Sir Yalinari as the Bakluni departs to begin his evening’s assigned duties.

After Yalinari leaves, Miles spends some time pacing in the command post, but he can’t settle down. There’s so much going on, and he desperately wants to have something concrete to give to Sir Tar tomorrow. He’s unsure why he feels such an urgency to prove himself to the giant. He’s never felt that way about any of his previous commanders – not even Drathon, who he respects as a fighter and a sergeant. He just can’t come to terms with it, and in the end, grabs his light cloak—more for concealment than for a need for protection from the elements, although it does feel as if it might rain—and after verifying that everything at the campsite is as it should be, strides purposefully toward the Jester’s Arms.

Little would be gained in describing the tavern or its clientele. Such descriptions have been offered a hundred times in a hundred locations, with only subtle variation. Miles orders a large local brew and settles to watch his people work.

Personally, he finds fault with all their approaches. Yalinari is far too visible; practically every eye in the place is on him. Tovish is too clumsy and unrefined. He’ll never get that pretty teenager anywhere near a dark corner, and though lack of persistence is not one of the lad’s faults, subtlety is. Edmund is too noisy, laughing too loudly, holding brief shouted conversations across the room with people Miles wonders how he knows. Parnalam is too reticent—the man barely moves, and Miles doesn’t believe he has spoken to anyone apart from the serving maids. He begins to despair, wondering why Sir Tar places such confidence in such men. He begins to suspect that he will have to take matters into his own hands.

However, it’s not necessary. Before long, Tovish wanders by and whispers that one of the men they are looking for is called Hupset, a carpenter who lives in someplace called “The Corners”. He’s expected in tonight. He usually comes in every other night, and tonight is his night. Linna, the shorter, prettier serving girl with the large breasts will let him know when Hupset arrives. Shortly after that, Edmund drops by to say (in a quiet tone, Miles is happy to hear) that their man is called Ven, a jack-of-all-trades. He’s here most nights, but hasn’t been seen in two nights. Odds are he’ll show up tonight, and when he does, the bartender Chassorl will let him know.

Miles slightly revises his estimation of at least two of his team members, and settles back down to wait some more, and is nursing his third drink by the time he sees that both Tovish and Edmund are deep in conversation with men who meet the descriptions of the men who greeted the man Mitesh came here to meet. Comparing notes afterward they agree that the man is named Shallum, and that neither really knows him all that well. He’s a free-lance, small-time gold miner who lives in Ag Mannon, but comes to Ciraline once a week or so to sell his diggings. He started dropping into the Jester last spring, and although he’s okay to drink with, he’s not really a lot of fun. He’s a man who’s been hard done by fate, and isn’t afraid to let people know it. Had a sister and brother die young and a baby stillborn, owes a bunch of money to some hard characters because of some gambling debt, that sort of thing. He was just in town earlier in the week, so they don’t expect to see him for some time.

Miles tells Tovish to find out who runs the Miners’ Guild, and Edmund to find out more about the stillborn child and the dead siblings. A few minutes later, he has one answer: The name of the leader of the local miner’s guild is Guild Baron Troomith. He maintains apartments at the Miners’ Guild house and has his own house in the Goldenrod Fields (the rich district of town). Unfortunately, nobody seems to know the story behind the dead family members. Shallum only mentioned them when he was particularly blue, which is to say when he got especially drunk. He’s a sloppy drunk, and nobody wants much to do with him when he’s in that state, so people tend to drift away and leave him alone at that point.

Even though Ag Manon is about a day’s ride away, Miles decides its time to go for a ride to pick up Shallum. He goes to speak with Drathon, whose sole comment is, “Bring him alive,” and Sir Tar, who is also in favor of the journey. Miles gathers up Edmund, William, and Benito, and the four head off in the direction of Ag Mannon.

09 September (7 days until the Opening)

Tar opens his eyes, but cannot otherwise move. The pain is simply too great. His entire body feels as if it has been abraded. It hurts to blink, to breath, to turn his head. But turn it he does. The weak light of early morning is filtering through some large windows that he cannot remember having seen before. Even with that light, the room is very dark. He can make out several beds to his right and left, people moving about quietly, a mage murmuring softly from a chair next to the bed to the left of his. On the right, between his own bed and the next one along, a familiar shape is fast asleep in another chair; Firena.

He knows without even thinking about it that she is exhausted from healing, and briefly considers waking her, but discards the thought almost as soon as he has it. Even if he wanted to wake her, he isn’t sure how he would manage. He still can’t move. He tries to speak instead, but is unable. He closes his eyes briefly, considering his next move.

Miles decides to forego the usual morning meeting, having nothing to add to the meeting that took place last night, and not really being sure what the command staff usually met about. Instead he and Dreune go up to the new Greyhawk apartments to brief Firena. They find Sergeant Ladbrooke and Benito on guard at the door who tell them that Firena is asleep inside. That being the case, they settle down to wait, quietly discussing possible courses of action as they fill the hour or so until they hear noise from the bedchamber that indicates the Lieutenant is stirring.

They find Firena looking rough, having obviously had a long night and little sleep. She fills them in on the health status of the patients before Miles passes on his suspicions of the Earl Dewayne. Firena cautions him unnecessarily to be careful, then directs that all Company members be consolidated in the Inner Bailey; easier for Nyra to set Spirit guards for protection, in case of reprisals for loss of the assassin.

Firena barely has time to emphasize how important it is that Miles succeed in his endeavors before a page shows up to inform them that Sir Tar is awake. Dreune leaves the others to send Yalinari and Ulmarit to Miles, then begin preparations to move the Company to the Inner Bailey, while Firena and Miles head for the sickroom, but not before Miles tells Dreune to make sure Ulmarit cross-checks all references in his notes to Veluna. Dreune rolls his eyes, and heads off.

Ostri:

[To a nearby page] Is time. Fetch Greyhawk ambassador. [Then, to Tar] No, do not try to speak, Sir Tar. We will speak later. Were you to speak now, Dame Firena would be very angry. I have no wish to face that again. ... Now you must rest. She will examine you before we may speak. For now, is enough for me to know you are awake.

Tar nods, weakly and painfully, and Ostri exits.

In the Greyhawk apartments, Dreune finds Yalinari fast asleep—it is, after all, just after 9 bells. He informs the Bakluni about the morning’s happenings, and asks Yalinari’s to enquire about any potential political or personal ties between Ket, Velnua, Bissel, Geoff, and the Vale. Yalinari promises to do so as soon as he’s had a decent night’s sleep, and rolls over, until Dreune threatens him. Grumbling about the general lack of basic human decency these days, Yalinari reluctantly rises and begins to get ready for his day.

Dreune then heads off to find Ulmarit, asking him the same question, plus passing on Miles’ request about the Veluna references. The scholar promises to look in the records, but unless any of the personalities involved are actual Royal family members, he is doubtful that he’ll uncover anything. If they are just people with titles, the odds that any of them will appear in the Valley’s records are pretty low. He will of course be happy to compile his notes about Veluna.

Dreune mentions that he needs to see Klalan urgently. It turns out Klalan is already in the castle, and is currently meeting with the Laird in his office off the throne room. They wait in the entry outside the throne room until Klalan emerges.

When Klalan does emerge, the trio returns to Ulmarit’s office to have a private conversation. Once there, Dreune inquires about the magical protections on the castle, at which Klalan seems very upset. He informs Dreune that there is no way a fireball could have gone off in the castle, even in an out of the way room like Greyhawk’s sitting room. Dreune presses for a little more information, and Klalan tells him huffily that he has just finished making a complete report to Laird Ostri. Anything Dreune wants to know, he can hear from the Laird. He has no time for trivia games right now; he has to inspect the rooms to see what went wrong and make sure it doesn’t go wrong again. Why was a fireball able to explode in the castle, he asks rhetorically to himself as he leaves.

As Klalan departs, Dreune casually mentions to Ulmarit that Sergeant Miles of Tar’s Company would like to speak to him. Ulmarit nods and heads off to find Miles.

=

Firena and Miles arrive at the hospital room to find Tar swathed in head to toe bandages, but very much awake and in a great deal of pain. After catching up (via mental link) on events past and actions present, Firena promises to send Nyra to Tar to deal with the “demon” that Tar freed from Mitesh’s mind, then gives him a sedative to induce sleep again.

After he falls asleep once more, the three exit, and head back to the apartments, where Firena briefs Miles on what Tar said. For Miles, who has no experience with Tar’s ability to communicate mentally, it appeared for all the world as if Firena and Tar did not speak at all, but he does not waste time asking how Firena got her information, and she does not feel obligated to tell him.

Meanwhile, Miles asks Firena to talk with the Veluna leadership about having a high-ranking knight assist in the investigation. Firena agrees to do so, commenting that it would be good for relations between the countries if they can work together on this. Miles holds his tongue; he doesn’t care a lick about international relations; he’s simply looking for a tool that will help him make people talk, but is happy to let Dame Firena think about it any way she wants.

He does add that it would be good if she could ask around about Mitesh’s background and whether he met with anyone Vale. Firena agrees to this, too, and bids Miles farewell for now. She has a few tasks to perform before she has to go “play Ambassador”.

Firena and Miles then head down to the campground, and upon arrival, split up to pursue their separate goals. Firena finds Nyra and tells her that she can go up at noon to speak with Tar. Then, fulfilling the promise she made, she heads for Tar’s tent, finds his vast collection of small rubber balls, and spends half an hour letting his dogs chase them over and over again. She uses the time in quiet contemplation of her future, but has not come to any firm conclusions before the beasts begin to appear suitably tired.

Miles heads directly to Sir Tar’s tent to set up his impromptu command post. Sir Tar won’t be needing it, and people are used to coming here anyway. He has only begun making plans, when Dame Firena enters, and either ignoring him or not noticing him, heads for a large wooden chest, which she rummages in for a few seconds, and pockets something that appears to Miles to be several small, brightly colored balls, well chewed. She then departs without a word. He shrugs and returns to his planning, which for him involves voluminous notes, crossings out, arrows, underlinings, circles, and exclamation points.

He has not gotten very far before Sergeant Edmund interrupts to announce Ulmarit. Miles asks the scholar to track down a few pieces of information for him, as quickly as possible. Ulmarit scurries off to the library to do the requested research.

Miles returns to his planning, and has almost reached a conclusion when his ruminations are again interrupted by Sergeant Edmund, this time arriving to announce the appearance of a Dame Ardashes (DA), a Knight Companion from Veluna. Miles asks the sergeant to show her in, and rises and bows in greeting. She announces that she has been asked by Dame Alli, the Velunan ambassador, to assist in this investigation. Although she has of course heard rumors, she has not been formally briefed, and so would like to know where the investigation stands at the moment. Miles’ initial impression is that she is very energetic and has a keen eye that misses little, but is in a bit of a fluster.

Miles quickly discovers that DA cares as little about the politics as he does; they both lost people and want to know why. DA doesn’t believe Greyhawk had anything to do with it, so Miles gives her the usual background story about a plot to kill Dame Firena, with enough details to convince her to provide some background information on Mitesh, which she will have to research.

DA asks the expected questions; primarily how did an assassin come to be placed in Veluna, and what was that assassin doing in the Valley targeted against a Greyhawk ambassador? Miles has no answers, of course, since the claim is fictitious, but he blames his lack of knowledge on the fact that he hasn’t had the chance to talk to Sir Tar yet, and has only begun to look through his notes. He speculates, but has no real answers. DA makes it quite clear that he’d better come up with some, or at least some useful information for her if he wants her assistance with Mitesh.

Miles explains that Sir Tar was questioning Mitesh because of his recognition of this symbol (he shows her the triangle-on-palm symbol). DA recognizes it, but can’t place it. That is, she’s seen it; she just doesn’t know where. Miles believes she is telling the truth.

Miles asks DA for her ideas on tracking down the person behind these killings, but her answer isn’t very helpful, as it involves gathering the same sort of information that Miles has already started having people collect. Very little else is added, except that DA says she will return this evening before the feast to see what Miles has managed to accomplish.

While many people are running around, moving the Greyhawk campsite into the Inner Bailey and looking for answers to questions they barely know, Nyra responds to Tar’s summons, and is allowed into the sick room. She is shocked by the sight of Tar wrapped in bandages and barely able to move, though if she only knew it, he is markedly improved from when he had his mental conversation with Firena just three hours ago.

Tar greets Nyra as warmly as he is capable of, and after offering her a very brief insight into the events of the past day and the healing process to date, he sends her a mental picture of the creature he saw briefly when Mitesh’s mental ward was broken. Nyra has never seen its like, but promises to do what she can to try to track down its identity.

When she leaves her Captain and (nearly) friend, Nyra finds a quiet corner to settle down and do a little looking around in the Astral realm. Surprised, she finds a rather ominous looking Hearth Spirit occupying the castle. The Spirit, surprisingly, has little interest in answering her questions, refuses to do anything special to look after Tar, and is generally of a disagreeable nature. Nyra feels he knows something, but for whatever reason won’t say, and there’s little she can do about it. On the other hand, once outside, she summons a perfectly pleasant Sun Spirit, who quickly tells her that the creature she pictures is a ((says a word Nyra cannot understand or reproduce)), a minor fire demon. The ((says the word again)) is a nearly uncontrollable being of pure hate and malice.

This time passes very quickly for Miles in his new command post (formerly known as Tar’s tent), especially after the long, slow afternoon of waiting. First, he is visited by Dame Firena, who passes on the information she has managed to gather about Mitesh’s past.

Apparently nobody knew him that well, but piecing together information from several sources produces the following story: Mitesh was born in Tain, a small town in southern Veluna. After he was orphaned at an early age, he was looked after by an elderly couple, who hired him off as a lackey in the house of the Earl of Devarnish, where he later became a driver, and still later, the personal valet for Lord Huxton, the Earl’s third or fourth son. Lord Huxton traveled frequently and for extended periods, and Mitesh always accompanied him. A decade later, when Mitesh was in his 30’s, Lord Huxton died in a bandit attack that killed about half his retinue. At Mitesh’s request, the Earl gave Mitesh a reference to seek employment with Grendin, 8th Earl of Lorrish. Grendin took Mitesh on as a junior valet for his son, Dewayne, when the lad was around 15. Some 8 or 9 years later, the 8th Earl died after being poisoned, and Dewayne became the 9th Earl. Mitesh was easily the Earl’s longest serving valet, though many felt Dewayne never trusted Mitesh completely, which is why he never became the Earl’s primary valet.

In any case, as the Earl’s valet on this trip, he naturally had a fair amount of free time, but nobody Firena spoke to is aware of any meetings he may have had with anyone locally.

Before she leaves, Firena mentions that she has arranged a meeting with the Laird at 8:30; after the banquet, but before the ball begins at 9:00. She will be sure to brief Miles before she attends the ball.

=

Firena has barely left, when Dame Ardashes arrives to pass on the results of her initial research, though she will not say anything until Miles shares some information with her.

The two swap information back and forth for a time with Miles ultimately telling her everything except that the target of the Laird. Instead he sticks to the story that Dame Firena is the target. He’s not really interested in why she is the target—that is for someone else to investigate. His job is to ensure that there are no more assassins; that Mitesh was working alone. That’s his sole concern.

If DA doubts that Dame Firena is the target, she keeps it to herself, but she does pass on her fair share of information. Most of what she tells Miles is the same as what Firena already reported, or at least is very similar. The details that differ are very minor and easily written off as people misremembering.

The most significant point of difference lies in one detail that DA has that Firena did not uncover: DA mentions a Private Desirae, who saw Mitesh slip out of the castle twice: once shortly after arrival, and another time just yesterday. Yesterday Desirae was suspicious of Mitesh, and followed him to the Harpers’ Guild house. She waited outside for fear of being seen inside, and when he came out 20 minutes later, she followed him back to the castle. She reported what she had seen to Sergeant Allyn, who felt that he was likely on a mission for the Earl, so didn’t report it up the chain.

Miles suggests that he and DA each bring 2-3 good fighters and go to have a talk with the Harper’s Guild, a suggestion that DA willingly accepts. They set a time for early in the morning for their social call.

Briefly they also discuss several possible connections: primarily Geoff and the Baron Sadaqat (or maybe even someone higher), and Ket. However, as that is little more than idle speculation at this point, the two separate for now, after also agreeing to join forces to re-question the Velunan servants and Private Desirae.

Their planning at an end for the moment, DA leaves, with Miles according her a grudging respect. The knight certainly knows how to get her money’s worth out of a trade. She has no sooner left the Company’s new Inner Bailey campsite than Miles summons Tovish. The lad initially looks nervous at being summoned by someone besides Tar, but he needn’t worry. His task is one much to his taste: he is to canvass the local bars with a description of Mitesh to see if anyone remembers him stopping in. Tovish smiles and heads off to “work”.

=

No more than half an hour later, with about 20 minutes remaining before 6 bells, Yalinari stops in on his way to the banquet to report that he was able to find out the following about the relationships between (1) Dewayne, (2) Sobieslaw, (3) Sadaqat, and (4) Sasha:

1. 1 knows 2 socially, never met 3 or 4
2. 2 likes 1, knows 4 socially, never met 3
3. 3 is good friends with 4, never met 1 or 2

1. 4 is good friends with 3, views 2 with contempt, never met 1

=

Finally, Ulmarit arrives while Yalinari is still present, but Miles asks him to wait. He knows there is no way Sir Yalinari is going to be late for the banquet, and sure enough, Yalinari, usually very talkative, wraps up his report quickly and departs with at least 5 minutes to spare before 6 bells. Miles calls in Ulmarit, who reports that despite voluminous research with maps, he is unable to show that there are any logical connections between the estates of Earl Dewayne, Earl Sobieslaw, Baron Sadaqat, and Dame Sasha that overfly any portion of the Valley.

There are also no records showing that any of the above maintains any sort of residence anywhere in Ket.

Finally, Ulmarit believes that the Ket contingent will be small, judging from the fact that they had originally been assigned lodgings similar in size to Greyhawks own. He believes no one higher ranking than a senior knight or possibly a Baronet will show up. More senior personages tend to announce their imminent arrivals to ensure their needs can be met. Ulmarit is unaware of any such notices being received from Ket. Miles asks him to look into who may be in charge of Ket. He’s looking for any important personages whose last name begins with an S or a D. Ulmarit promises to do his best.

Ulmarit also reports that the Royal Mage has determined that it is impossible to tell for sure what magic was attached to the note at this late date. The most likely explanation is that it concealed the existence or meaning of the note or the symbols. He apologizes that he has not had time to look through his notes for references to Veluna, but he promises to have that first thing in the morning. He asks Miles whether they should continue to meet here, or at the site Sir Tar and he used before the incident?

At 8 bells, Ostri stands casually by while two junior healers unwrap Tar’s bandages. When they are finished, Ostri’s face gives nothing away, and he casually comments that the healers have done their job well. He hands Tar a mirror. Tar takes the mirror and pauses for a few moments, steeling himself for the worst, before glancing at it. When he does, his worst fears turn out to be unfounded. Staring back at him is the reflection of a smooth-faced young man. True, he has not a single hair on that otherwise perfect head, but he expected to have a horribly scarred visage looking back at him. He looks at Ostri, speechless, confused.

The Laird informs him that in that first hour after the attack, Dame Firena categorically refused to let anyone else treat Tar and the other Company members. When she had done all that she could do by herself, she demanded that a team of healers be brought in; the best in the city. To ensure action, she presented the guard on duty with a voucher she personally signed guaranteeing payment in full, no questions asked, and embellished it with her personal seal. Ostri smiles and hands the voucher to Tar, saying that obviously there is no way he can allow Dame Firena to foot the bill for any of the Company members’ healing.

Tar takes the voucher and thanks the Laird profusely, but Ostri casually waves aside the thanks. It’s the least he can do. Tar then asks about the others who came in with him, and is told that the guards who had been in the hall have already been released. Drathon and Shasivin are expected to be released later tonight, as soon as Firena approves. Barring late complications, Tar is scheduled to be released in the morning. The news surprises Tar, but taking stock of himself, he discovers he’s actually feeling much better. The pain is fading fast. It is still bad, but it’s manageable. He almost doesn’t hear Ostri as he continues his report, mentioning that Cust will be re-evaluated in the morning, but is expected to be released by tomorrow afternoon. His high constitution slowed the beginning of the healing process by about 8 hours, so he is now where Tar was first thing this morning in his healing.

He asks if there is anything else he can do for Tar, to which the giant makes two requests: a proper meal, and means to re-grow his Master’s knot. Ostri laughs and immediately sends a page to fetch whatever Tar and the others might want from the larder. He also promises to have a hair-growing mage sent from town first thing in the morning.

Ostri then turns serious and tells Tar that he and his Company have earned his gratitude and the gratitude of the Valley. He will be awarding them appropriately at a separate ceremony on the day of the Opening. He would like Tar’s recommendation on who performed at levels requiring special recognition, and also mentions that special recognition will be accorded (though not publicly mentioned) for previous services to the throne as well.

Tar thinks for a few moments, then answers that he would like to see recognition for Sir Yalinari (for exemplary service); Vanith (for duties above and beyond those expected of a civilian, courage, and honor); and Cust, Shasivin, and Drathon (for wounds sustained in the line of duty). Finally, he would like Morven rewarded for courage and honor. He then says that he would also like to nominate Morven for an award in Greyhawk as wel, and would like Ostri’s recommendation.

Ostri replies that it would be his honor to make sure this happens. He will personally write Morven the finest recommendation of which he is capable. Tar promises to hand carry it back to Greyhawk so that it does not arrive before any details are released publically.

The two part, Tar feeling tired, but looking forward to the meal that shows up very
shortly afterward.

=

Shortly before 9 bells, Dame Firena drops by the command post on her way to the Ball. Miles eyes with mixed interest and revulsion the deeply cut gown she that reveals far more than he would have thought she would normally want to reveal, given that every inch of bare flesh is covered with the same scaly grey scarring that has ruined her face.

Suddenly he realizes that she is speaking to him, and he silently chastises himself for allowing the distraction. He tunes in to the task at hand and concentrates on assimilating the information she gleaned from her meeting with Laird Ostri:

1. Nothing has changed as far as Ostri’s plans. There was always a chance that leaders of other contingents may have been involved, and really, there is still no proof that they are involved. He is glad the assassin is dead, of course. He will worry far less now, but it doesn’t change his plans at all.
2. Ostri is well aware that while the leaders of all countries he has been in contact with are publically in favor of the Opening, that there are some who for personal reasons are less happy.
   1. All are aware of the Valley’s ongoing war with the giants and ogres, and several neighboring rulers, particularly those of Geoff, Bissel, and Gran March are fearful of being drawn into the conflict, spending their money and the lives of their soldiers in a foreign country with little to be gained for their countries.
1. The Valley is not rich, but they do mine small quantities of precious metals and gemstones from the surrounding mountains. Several neighbors, including Geoff, Bissel, and Sterich are worried about competition.
2. On the other hand, Ostri is counting on the merchant trade bringing the countries closer. He has already proposed a trade alliance with Bissel, Gran March, Sterich, and Geoff, similar to the Iron League in the east. This news is still a private conversation, and Firena was forbidden from mentioning it outside senior Company members. She is including Miles in that list as acting commander.
3. He feels he has firm support from the leaders of Sterich and Bissel, and lukewarm support from Geoff. He has not yet received an answer from the leader of Gran March, but feels it’s only a matter of time before they agree.

1. As for whom he trusts, he is suspicious of Grand Duke Owen of Geoff. The Grand Duke agrees too readily, considers too cursorily. Ostri isn’t sure f he is planning a double-cross, or if he is simply weak and never says no to anyone. Either is possible, but he’s leaning toward the latter.

Before she leaves, she tells Miles that she has released Drathon and Shasivin from hospital care. They will be returning to the campsite, but she has given them stict orders that they are to rest until morning. She will visit them in the morning to certify them fit to return to duty. Until she does, they are on restricted duty, which involves nothing more than rest and recovery. Miles is not to allow either of them to try to bully him into going back to work. She makes Miles promise to comply with this before she leaves.

As she turns to go, Miles asks about seeing Sir Tar, which causes Firena to pause, then she tells him that he may go, but he is not allowed to remain longer than half an hour. Again, Miles must give his word to obey this command. Then she is gone. Miles feels drained. She wears him out more than any commander he has ever served under, that’s for sure.

=

He is not so tired, however, that he delays going to see Sir Tar. Less than 5 minutes later, he is entering the sick room, and 20 minutes later, both fully briefed on the ongoing events, he leaves, satisfied that Sir Tar is pleased with his brief stint as acting Captain.

Yalinari reports that he met with Dame Alli, one of Veluna’s Knights (also, by the way, Veluna’s Ambassador and a very attractive woman) at the ball last night, and asked about the Earl’s servant Mitesh. Apparently, he’s been with the Earl for 15 years or so, and is what most would consider completely trustworthy, but he isn’t the Earl’s valet. The valet, a man called Trillif, was taken ill a few days before the Veluna contingent set out for the valley. Mitesh took his place at the last minute.

Tar tells him that he’ll need to speak with Dame Alli as soon as possible in order to set up a re-interview with Mitesh. Yalinari will try to schedule her for 1:00, between the day’s interview sessions.

Drathon reports that Hanar seems to be about the same combat skill level as private Danilo (Gran March; Mirna’s friend). She’ll challenge him to mock combat, then, if things go well will offer to meet for supper and after-dinner drinks tonight. He recommends some of the younger Company members who aren’t aware of the set-up (he’s thinking primarily of Ladbrooke, Orvin, and Benito) accompany her. Hanar can use the evening to find a way to get Mirna to a place and at a time of Tar’s choosing.

Tar is fine with Drathon’s recommendations, and tells him to get Hanar to ensure that Danilo comes along with Mirna, and that she needs to get them someplace where they can … uh … be private and not disturbed. Drathon nods knowingly, while Firena, unusually for her, seems to understand his meaning, which is much darker. She points out that their position here is politically tenuous, and Drathon (she says while looking at Tar) would do well to keep that in mind. Drathon simply smiles and nods.

There is not much from Ulmarit, who tells Tar that he has arranged a meeting time for him with the Laird. He and Dame Firena are to present himself at the Laird’s private apartments at 7:00.

Tar thanks Ulmarit, but has nothing more for him to do. Apparently, the research-heavy part of the investigation is over, and they have moved more into leg-work. He thanks Ulmarit for his support and requests that they continue to have these meetings in case something comes up. Ulmarit agrees, and a few minutes later, he leaves by the front door as usual, leaving the Company members to go out the back way.

Hanar takes on private Danilo in a few sword matches as planned—Hanar using her gladius; Danilo wielding a wickedly curved short sword. The two are roughly evenly matched. The fight has apparently put the Halfling is in a good humor, so Hanar mentions that she and some friends are meeting for supper and after-dinner drinks tonight at the Crowded Pond Tavern, and invites the Gran Marchers along. Danilo smiles and accepts willingly, and the two split up until their scheduled meeting tonight.

Tar sighs as the first of the new interviewees shuffle into the room. It’s going to be another long day for him. By the time he is able to break for lunch, he has interviewed the new arrivals from Furyondy, plus those from Sterich, Bissel, Aerdy, Yeomanry, Keoland, and Ciraline who missed their earlier scheduled appointments. In doing so, he uncovered the following leads that will need to be chased down later:

1. Weak recognition: Privates Peyton (Bissel), Rhys (Furyondy), Issac (Bissel), and Altulfo (Aerdy), and a Ciraline Chambermaid, Naliah

1. Strong recognition: Private Marika (Furyondy)

Tar, with Morven translating, meets with Sir Alroy of Veluna, whom Tar quickly categorizes as an anal-retentive fop. Apparently, Dame Alli couldn’t make the meeting due to her ambassadorial duties, but Sir Alroy has been authorized to make any decisions regarding this matter that need to be made.

The two knights exchange barbs, basically annoying each other, but since both of them want essentially the same thing (a fair interrogation, not a scapegoat “show trial”) they quickly come to an agreement. Sir Alroy will return at 4:30 with Sibill, Veluna’s mage, who will ensure that the interview situation is not tampered with. Also, as a control subject, a second servant, Ugo, will accompany Mitesh, Tar’s primary target.

As Drathon begins to explain the procedure to the two men, Morven begins her truth spell while Tar slips into Mitesh’s mind much more strongly than before. In fact, he puts everything he has into a “Telereceive” spell, which should allow him access to the thoughts hidden behind the block he ran into before.

The barrier resists briefly before the force of Tar’s spell pushes through it, at which point, Tar sees something he has never encountered before – all scales and teeth and malevolence. It seems startled briefly, then … for want of a better word, erupts. At the same time, Mitesh screams, “No! You …” before he is silenced forever, fire filling his body from within. Briefly, his skin glows like a paper lantern before the flames melt his flesh and shoot forth in every direction.

Simultaneously, Sibill starts to say something urgent, but falls silent in shock as the flames that now surround Mitesh gather into a solid stream that surges directly at Morven. She manages to open her mouth to scream, but the sound is muffled by the torrent of flame that enters it. Half a second later, she explodes into a fireball that fills the room.

Tar is briefly cognizant of an intense heat, many screams including his own, severe pain far beyond anything he can remember ever enduring before, and the feeling of large swathes of clothing, skin, muscle, and hair igniting, charring, vaporizing. Mercifully, the agony lasts a few mere seconds before he slips into a welcoming blackness.

The most senior Company member that can be quickly rounded up is Sergeant Miles, who goes to the temporary hospital that has been set up in a small room off the Gallery to the west of the throne room. He immediately sends a page to fetch Dreune, as none of the other Command Staff can immediately be located. They are still arguing over who is in charge of the situation when Laird Ostri, ashen faced, but very much in control and in charge, shows up with Dame Firena. She points at Miles, informes him and Dreune that he is in control of the Company until she says different, and goes with the Laird into the room.

Dreune excuses himself to go up to the Greyhawk apartments and looks Astrally at the site. He can easily see that some, though not all of the castle’s defenses cover those rooms, though he still can’t clearly make out what those spells are. He can detect no other residue, and remembers from his own long-ago training that too much time has passed for him to gain any information that way. Disappointed, he returns to report the information to Miles, who is furiously trying to formulate ideas about how to proceed. A few minutes later, Firena re-emerges, looking far more dire than either man has seen her before.

Firena:

It’s bad. A fireball hit our apartments. Tar and Cust are in jeopardy. Drathon and Shasvin are also badly hurt, but they’ll survive. Gustuv has minor injuries. He was outside the door, as were two Aerdish guards from across the hall. Another man – a knight from his dress, died before a healer could see to him. There are two other bodies, burned beyond recognition. ... I want you to account for every company member. I want to know who was in that room. And dammit, I want to know what the hell happened. You have some time. I’ll be here at least until tomorrow morning.

Miles asks about talking with Drathon, but Firena won’t hear of it. The conversation is short, but intense. Neither party is willing to back down easily, but in the end, Firena gets her way, her trump card being the fact that the patients have been sedated, and will stay that way until at least tomorrow morning. Miles must content himself with questioning Gustuv for now.

Miles discovers that Gustuv escaped serious injury when the door to the Greyhawk apartments fell on him, protecting him from the fire that shot out of the sitting room and burned the two Aerdish guards across the hall. As for the room’s inhabitants, he reports that Tar, Drathon, Morven, Cust, and Shasivin went in while he was on duty. He doesn’t know if any others were inside before he arrived. The “visitors” were a knight, a mage, and two servants from Veluna, but he didn’t get their names.

He also reports that Firena was working on Tar as he left the sick room. She was uncommunicative, so he isn’t sure how that was going, but he feels that the fact that she was still working on him is a positive sign.

Next, Miles thanks Gustuv and talks to Yalinari, who refers him to Dame Alli, from whom Miles gets the names of the people involved from the Veluna side. Naturally, the Velunan ambassador is NOT happy about the turn of events – in fact, she’s downright pissed, and blames Greyhawk for killing her people. She promises to look into this, and if there’s even a hint that this was intentional, Veluna will several official ties with Greyhawk, possibly worse.

That, thinks Miles, is a worry for Firena. Today she can actually start earning her ambassadorial pay. He leaves Dame Alli to her dark mood and threats, and finds a few Company members, whom he tells to gather the entire Company for an emergency meeting. Everyone is to be there unless they are in the sick room; no exceptions, no excuses.

At the meeting, everyone is present except those Firena mentioned as being in the sick room and Morven, who Gustuv confirmed had been in the apartments. He pushes aside the obvious conclusion. Firena will need to know, but for now he prefers to concentrate on the task at hand. To start, he provides a very brief rundown of what they know about the situation; what happened, and the status of their fellow company members (leaving out only his suspicions about Morven). Then, to provide leadership while most of the Command Staff is unavailable, he announces that Alonso and Ladbrooke will be temporarily promoted to sergeant.

Next, to address some of their most immediate concerns, he makes the following assignments:

1. Sergeant Edmund will oversee activities at the campsite. Those activities will include Nyra and Korkyn setting and maintaining Spirit guards for the area around the camp.
2. Sergeant Ladbrooke, Sergeant Alonso, Benito, and Orvin will occupy the Greyhawk tent in the Inner Bailey, and swap guard shifts at the new Greyhawk apartments, which are located two floors immediately above their previous apartments. They were due to be occupied by the contingent from Ket, but those individuals have not yet arrived in Ciraline.
3. Sergeant Hanar, Tovish, Nyra, and William will pull guard shifts at the sick room.

1. Parnalam, Yalinari, and Vanith will investigate the incident. Miles will personally brief them later.

Miles asks if there are any questions, and much to his surprise, there aren’t. He had expected someone to ask about Morven. Since they didn’t ask, he doesn’t feel obligated to bring it up, so he dismisses them to begin their new tasks, though he asks Yalinari to remain behind. When the two are alone, he asks for a complete run-down of Tar’s activities. Yalinari is happy to fill him in. They spend half an hour looking over all the details that Tar has gathered, and comparing notes.

One item that catches his eye is the transcript of the note Ostri showed Tar in his official study: “S. Be at peace. G.T. will ease your burden at Opening. D.” He also notices that the Earl of Bissel’s name is Sobieslaw, while the Earl of Veluna’s name is Dewayne. S and D. It’s not much, but it’s something to follow up on.

When his conversation with Yalinari is over, Miles heads back to the sick room to brief Firena. A nearby clock tower chimes 8 bells as he passes through the Inner Bailey, the sound a reminder of the rapidly passing hours. He arrives at the sick room to find that he is destined to be disappointed in this particular endeavor; the Company healer is sequestered behind a locked sick room door and has left orders that nobody is to come or go from the room until she personally unlocks the door. The Ciraline guards on post at the door are steadfast in their refusal to disobey her orders.

07 September (9 days until the Opening)

The morning meeting is a fairly quiet event this morning. All seem aware of the shortening number of days left until the Opening, but none have anything to offer that will significantly improve their level of knowledge.

Drathon tells Tar that he has a list of the newest people from each country’s contingent, and reminds him that Miles will be meeting with Private Lucia for a jousting lesson after lunch, should Tar wish to re-interview her in relative privacy.

Regarding Drathon’s first point, Dreune tells them that one of the items Shasivin discovered was that the government of the Scarlet Brotherhood is well known for putting agents in place in foreign courts, sometimes years in advance, so “new” people wouldn’t necessarily be a good criterion for exclusion.

To that Firena responds that although the Grigoros Thanatos sect is based in the Scarlet Brotherhood, there’s nothing to say that they work the same way as the government, though she admits that they don’t really know.

Overall, there is really nothing of import to report. Silence falls rapidly and Tar gets the distinct impression that his team is feeling that the investigation is stalling. He quickly summarizes their progress to date, not the least of which is the elimination of more than 250 suspects from their list, and adds his pleasure at the efforts they have put forth that have made this possible in just 3 or 4 days. They still have 9 days left. There’s every reason to believe that with continued effort, they will find the assassin with plenty of time to spare.

The result of this “pep talk” is not everything that Tar could have hoped for, but suffices to re-animate his team and get them talking again. That much accomplished, Tar signals and end to the meeting, and he, Dreune, and Morven prepare to head to the Naked Mole Rat to meet with Ulmarit, while Drathon starts to brief the others on their tasks for the day.

After the simple preliminaries are dealt with, Ulmarit provides a list of over a hundred vintners, distillers, brewers, caterers, butchers, greengrocers, produce sellers, tailors, entertainers, and others whose services were frequently favored by Laird Uriel II’s court, but that do not provide services or provide much reduced services to Laid Ostri’s court. It is a very lengthy list, pulled painstakingly from the household records. It includes businesses in many Valley towns—primarily Banbish, Greater Tristinton, and Lesser Tristinton; the cities near Castle Sondsteim—but many dozens in the capital as well. The reason for this is Ostri simply does not entertain nearly as often or as lavishly as Uriel did.

One thing Ulmarit does not know is which of these businesses has actually suffered, especially given the recent outflow of money due to the Opening. To discover that information would require a massive effort of personnel to question all the business owners individually. The problem is that their income for the first year of Osti’s reign won’t be submitted for several months yet, so there is nothing in the records to compare against. He will happily set up the effort if Tar needs him to do that, but there simply wasn’t time yesterday, and besides, it is hardly circumspect, which is how Ulmarit believes Tar still desires him to act.

Tar demures quickly, telling Ulmarit NOT too look into the businesses, or the guilds either for that matter, at least for the moment. But the conversation about Sondsteim Castle prompts Tar to ask about Royal use of the castle, and who would be authorized to do so. Moreover, whether Ulmarit believes that anyone in Banbish might think that a change in
power would change their fortunes.

Ulmarit responds that Sondsteim Castle belongs to whoever sits on the throne. It is a primarily a vacation castle for the Laird. Previous Lairds used it maybe once or twice per year, but Uriel used it 6 or 8 times in the one year he
was on the throne. Ostri hasn’t use it at all yet, but there’s no reason to believe that he won’t, especially after the Opening is finished with. Ulmarit expects him to plan a trip early next year. He definitely NEEDS a vacation, in
Ulmarit’s opinion. Others could use it, and have occasionally—mostly members of the Royal family, but occasionally a non-Royal—but as it is a personal possession, permission is required.

Regarding the feelings in Banbish, Ulmarit’s best guess is that someone in that town might think that a new Laird would use the castle more (they couldn’t use it less!), which would give a great boost to the town’s revenues. Of course, any use at all would be an improvement for Banbish and the other towns in the area. Of course, Ulmarit’s son and heir, Manness is well known for being anything but a fun-loving wastrel, so even if there is a change of leadership, they certainly can’t see a return to the heady days or Uriel and his friends.

Ulmarit pauses, then adds that in fact, Ostri’s premature death would probably be very bad for the Valley in general, and small towns in particular. The problem is a disagreement about the true and correct line of succession. With a very plausible contender for the throne in the person of Uriel’s son, any change in leadership at the moment might
plunge the country into civil war as people rushes to take sides and support a favorite. Once the succession matter is dealt with and some legal acts are put into place to ensure a smooth transition after Ostri’s eventual death, there will be less chance of that, though all are aware that the threat will never completely go away. For the moment, however, Osti has not put anything into the laws. Ulmarit isn’t sure why, but he does know that it is against the advice of all advisors who’s opinions he is aware of.

At this news, Tar decides that it’s time for he and Firena to talk to Ostri again, and asks Ulmarit to set up the meeting. Ulmarit agrees to see to it, and adds that although he can’t promise, of course, a good bet for a meeting time will
probably be tonight either before or after the ball, which is scheduled for 9 bells to midnight. He’ll provide the Laird’s response as soon as he can.

Finally, in response to a question Tar asked yesterday, Ulmarit reports that the Laird did not actually give the Royal family a concrete reason to speak with Tar. He did let them know who Tar is, that he is operating on Ostri’s instructions and with his full permission, and that they should make every effort to assist him in any reasonable way. He also emphasized that the matter was of the utmost importance, but that for reasons of security, he would let Sir Tar explain.

1. Weak recognition of the symbol:
   1. Footman Haxhi (Ciraline)
   2. Private Kennedy (Ciraline)

1. Private Ann (Veluna)

1. Strong recognition of the symbol:

1. Private Mirna (Gran March)

1. Missed the interview:
   1. Footman Mouren (Ciraline)
   2. Private Kaley (Ciraline)
   3. Private Denilo (Gran March)
   4. Driver Lamberto (Nyrond)
   5. Private Skylar (Ekbir)

1. Personal Servant Mariah (Geoff)

Also, he got a strange result from a man named Mitesh, a personal servant of Dewayne, Earl of Veluna, whose mond contains a small area that is completely obscured behind what Tar would describe on the ethereal plane as smoky glass. He has never seen its like before. On the positive side, there was no evidence that he recognizes the Grigoros Thanatos symbol.

By the time the interviews are all over, Tar is very tired, but laying down gives him little rest. His mind is far too busy with loose ends that need to be tied up: stories that need to be checked, people who need to be re-interviewed, or in some cases interviewed for the first time—and some of those are reasonably important people, or at least people that reasonably important people consider reasonably important, which to Tar isn’t the same thing at all. He wonders briefly whether they will see the difference, then sighs and throws himself out of bed. He’s not as rested as he’d like, but he knows himself well enough to be sure that his single-minded focus on the task at hand will not allow him to achieve more at this time.

Instead, he heads down to the campground, where he finds a sizable crowd watching Miles getting ready to enter the tilts against an armored foe on a beautiful black gelding. As Tar begins preparing the spell that will allow him to see into Lucia’s mind, the two launch themselves at each other. A mere few seconds later, they crash into each other, Lucia’s lance skipping off Miles shield, intact; his catching on her shoulder plate and exploding into a thousand shards to the cheering of the crowd. Tar smiles. Score one for Greyhawk.

As he slows his horse and wheels, Miles catches sight of Tar, and calls to Lucia. As the two remove their helmets and head in his direction, Tar recognizes the solidly built, plain woman. She is smiling, but he remembers from his previous visit into her mind that she possesses an inner strength and unyielding personality that her kindly exterior cannot hide from him.

Not realizing that Tar has been operating incognito, he introduces Lucia to “my Captain, Sir Tar.” Tar, inside Lucia’s mind, can feel the confusion she feels at suddenly finding that the “nobody guard” who was in the room before is in fact a Knight and Captain. To her credit, as far as Tar is concerned, she does not let the surprise show in her face, except for perhaps a slight narrowing of the eyes. “Rats,” thinks Tar, “She’s on her guard now.”

But in the event, he is deep enough into her mind that she can’t lie to him, and—again to her credit—she doesn’t even try. The recognition of the symbol stems from a book her father used to own. It contained the story of one Hast-Kinset, a researcher who investigated Grigoros Thanatos mages. Unfortunately, the book either didn’t contain any truly interesting details, or maybe she just doesn’t remember them.

Tar, happy that he can check one more person off his suspect list, thanks her, and wishes Miles well. Miles is a little confused by his Captain’s parting comment, but then, he didn’t see that Lucia, in addition to wanting a little jousting training, is more than a little interested in Miles himself…

Tar smiles to himself as he walks away, already thinking about his last stop of the night. He has to interview Mirna, a Halfling private from Gran March. She definitely recognized the symbol, so Tar decides to be extra careful, and stops to pick up Cust and Drathon to plan an approach.

Half an hour later, Tar is headed toward the Greyhawk apartments, secure in the knowledge that Drathon will set up a meeting with Mirna tomorrow. For now, however, he is exhausted and his head hurts. He figures he has time to catch maybe an hour of sleep before he has to start getting ready for the ball.

Morning Meeting

Drathon reports that there is nothing new to report from Cust or Gustuv regarding anyone who might not like Uriel opening the Valley. Likewise, interest is way off on Tovish and Hanar’s “death pool” given the numerous pools competing pools that are popping up regarding the outcome of the tournament. They did get a few bets, but no new bets that Ostri would die on O-day. Finally, he reports that everyone in the campground, as near as he can tell, is involved and excited about the tournament. True, not everyone is participating in every event – some concentrate on the archery events, others on the duels, etc., and a few are trying their hand at everything, but nobody is sitting out every event.

Yalinari, looking for those opposed to the Opening has little to add that has not already been discussed. He has results similar to what Cust and Gustuv reported yesterday. He’ll continue to pursue this angle though. About the question of Ostri having former lovers, he has found a fair few reputable sources and the nearly unanimous opinion is that even after many years of marriage, Ostri and Tindal are very much in love. A long time ago, there were rumors about Ostri and Mav Dowinur Jess, but these were proven to be rumors only. When Ostri and Tindal were married, both were in their teens, so the chance of a pre-marriage affair rearing its head after all this time seems remote.

Morven reports that in her search through the documentation that accompanies all courts, she can find no evidence of a will. She reminds Tar that Ulmarit mentioned a promise from Ostri to his nieces Aarakhana and Havia of “significant estates”, but there is no evidence of this in the official record. She has also been unable to discover any proposed legislations that may have the potential to give huge profits to one businessman over another. With the Opening, there is plenty of opportunity for merchants and other business to do well (especially mercenaries and arms dealers, given the ongoing giant and troll wars), but nothing she found that singles out a particular person or identifiable group of people – except perhaps for a few of the guilds. Finally, regarding Ostri’s tax policies, there is much agreement that they are high—certainly they are well above what is seen in Greyhawk—but they are lower than that levied by either Uriel or his father Mavvik, so all in all, people are generally satisfied with their tax burden.

Finally, in open conversation, it is revealed that generally speaking, Ostri’s popularity is fairly high; definitely much higher than Uriel’s popularity ever was, but perhaps not as high as Mavvik’s. When he first became Laird, he set out to rapidly undo everything Uriel had done (or left undone) for his year on the throne. This made him some powerful friends, as well as some powerful enemies. In the “friends” column, most list the military, especially including people left crippled from the wars. Other beneficiaries of Ostri’s good graces include the common man, students, and anyone who likes to eat regularly.

Enemies probably include some of the more powerful guilds, including the Merchants’, Caterers’, Brewers’, and Vintners’ Guilds, but excluding the Mages’ Guilds. Of the potential enemies, Ostri redeemed himself in the eyes of at least the Merchants’ Guild when he announced the Opening.

Other enemies include any of several dozen powerful or not-that-powerful individuals that he had removed from their posts. These include Uriel’s cronies, of course, but also a couple dozen Wardsmen and Tithesmen who had been routinely abusing their authority for an extended period of time.

To Tar’s unasked question, Firena informs him that Wardsmen and Tithesmen are regional administrators. The Valley is politically divided into three Ridings, each of which is overseen by a Rauwth (which is approximately the equivalent of a Knight outside the Valley, although the Valley doesn’t actually have any Knightly Orders). Each Riding is divided into Wards. There are about 100 Wards—30-35 in each Riding—each of which is sub-divided into 4-7 Tithings. Wardsmen and Tithesmen oversee these administrative divisions. … Now, that being said, Firena is doubtful that any of these individually would have the funds or the clout to pull off an assassination attempt, but if enough of them have gotten together, well, more than one Royal family has fallen at the hands of relatively powerless people in sufficient numbers.

1. He has been unable to find any other pet names or common names that match D. or S. among the Royal family.
2. There are no records that indicate any members of the Royal family or Uriel’s buddies have traveled near the Scarlet Brotherhood. In the personal interviews he has had, no member of the Royal family will admit to having traveled to that location. He offers to send officials to inquire at Uriel’s former friends’ houses, but some of Tar’s other questions led him to believe that he wanted to ask questions of them himself, so he put that on hold until he coud check with Tar.
3. When asked why she traveled abroad so often, and to where, Lairdur Esq. Jess merely stated that the travel was of a personal nature, and refused to discuss it any further.
4. Yesterday he did not have time to return to the records to search for travel abroad that occurred before 1190. Hopefully he’ll have some time today to accomplish that.
5. The records do not say where Mannis and Drivian went when they traveled together, although since they apparently traveled with Uriel, Ulmarit questioned his sisters Puccia and Havia, who both say the shorter trip was to the County of Geoff, while the longer trip was to Bissel and Ket. Puccia remembers one of them mentioning that they also went to Veluna on this trip, though Havia has no such recollection.
6. Regarding the locations of Mannis’ and Drivian’s familes, Ulmarit reports that Mannis’s entire family (wife, parents, and grandparents, but no children or siblings) live in Ciraline. Although Drivian wasn’t married, he had a much larger family, with 6 or 7 (the records are inconsistent) siblings, some of whom are married and have children. About half of his relatives live in Ciraline, though the families of one sister and one brother live in Ag Mannon, a village about a day’s ride west of Ciraline, while one brother and one sister are in the army, so Ulmarit isn’t exactly sure exactly where they are at the moment.
7. Between the time Ostri received the note and now, Ostri kept it in a locked drawer in his private study – the one in his apartments, not the one by the throne room. He wanted to be certain it was in pristine condition for Tar’s arrival.
8. There is nothing in the transcripts of the murderer’s statements or the timeline that would exclude anyone. Unfortunately, his statements were somewhat generic as he was only able to pinpoint the time of the alleged conversation to a period of a week or so. During this time, everyone on the list has some unaccounted for time in the official records.
9. In 1207, Lairdur Tindal went to the County of Geoff to enter into the negotiations that lead to the marriage of Dowinur Velindra and Dowin Prath. She was accompanied by her son, the Rauwth Jivvy and his nurse Chandra; Agata and Eleu, two of her Ladies’ maids; two servants, Roberta and Chiska, and four guards, Sergeant Dominico, Johannes, Sienna, and Hektor (now dead following a fall from a horse in 1209).
10. Regarding Ostri’s laws and edicts:
    1. Most of his early laws and edicts were focused on undoing what Uriel II had done. What this means in practice is putting the country back on a war footing – ensuring the army was properly recruited, trained, equipped, and supplied. Under Uriel, most of that money disappeared into the private coffers of Uriel’s friends and such enterprises as vintners, ale makers, caterers, tailors, entertainers, etc. Any or all of those industries might bear a grudge, especially those whose primary source of income was the Royal household. Ulmarit can chase down a list of who those might be if Tar likes.
    2. After the initial re-routing of tax money, Ostri enacted a series of laws regarding mandatory military service and recompense for serving military members and discharged veterans. Ulmarit can’t see anyone taking offense at this, except for some peace-loving organizations that oppose the war, though he isn’t aware of any such organizations that are currently active.

1. His next and current focus is on re-initiating laws that covered interactions with foreign nations, enterprises, and individuals. This is the period in which much of the groundwork for the Opening was laid down. The Company is already researching opponents to the Opening, so it won’t do any good to dwell on opponents of it here.

<><><>

Before breaking the meeting up, Tar finds out from Ulmarit that the name of the leader of the Caterers’ Guild is Brith Tindinson; the leader of the Brewers’ Guild is known simply as Rith, which is short for Rithmanin or something like that, and that the leader of the Vintners’ Guild is a woman named Rillana, but who is better known as Mother Rill. Tar thanks Ulmarit and the group departs the Naked Mole Rat, with Dreune and Ulmarit heading to Klalan’s workshop, while Tar, Drathon, and Morven return to the campsite.

On the way, Tar tells Morven that they need to quickly set up a series of interviews at 20-minute intervals with anyone under the rank of sergeant or master. He’ll make contact with one of the Knights from Aerdy to get the first few interviews started as soon as possible. He needs Morven to find Yalinari and get him started pulling whatever strings he can to make sure as many people as possible get to these interviews. They are to show up in groups of 10, and will be there for a maximum of 15 minutes. He wants Drathon and Morven to be there with him. The first targets for interviews will be Aerdy, Sterich, Yeomanry, Keoland, and Bissel. After that, they’ll handle them in whatever order they can be arranged.

When they arrive, Tar enquires at the gate, and is informed that Drathon can indeed get a temporary pass to enter the castle. With that arranged, they trio split up, with Morven heading to where she believes Yalinari can be found, Drathon going to the Greyhawk apartments, and Tar bound for the Aerdy apartments, where he has a stroke of luck. He finds a Knight by the name of Dame Hayah, who he has gotten to know fairly well at their assigned supper table. She accepts his story that Ambassador Firena’s life is in jeopardy and he has been instructed to look into the matter. After verifying that she will be allowed to remain to see the interviews of those from Aerdy and will be consulted before any action will be taken, the two have a bit a laugh at the foibles of those in charge, and she agrees to see what she can do, but promises to get some people in the Greyhawk apartments as soon as possible.

Perhaps due to the anti-magic defenses in the castle, it isn’t long before Tar has his first major spell-casting failure. Although using a fairly simple spell, before even an hour has passed, he feels his mind slip away from the runes and is penalized by a sharp, jagged pain ripping through his head. Nevertheless, he manages to shake it off and continue, finishing the interviews with the Aerdish folks with but a single person (a private named Keir) showing a weak sign of recognition of the symbol.

At 10:00, the first Keoish members arrive, somewhat surprising Tar, as Yalinari was actually responsible for getting them there. Assurances similar to those that were given to Dame Hayah are given to the Knight (a certain Sir Klumn) that accompanies them, and within half an hour or so those from Keoland are gone, all fully cleared in Tar’s mind.

Next, those few members from the Yeomanry show up, but before very much time passes, Tar again loses his grip on his rune, and his inability to remain focused causes a premature end to the interview, although he is reasonably certain that there was nothing to be gained from this group in any case.

By noon, Tar is rested and able to continue. But he does pause long enough to have a quick bite to eat and get in touch with Yalinari to ensure that plans for the interviews are moving smoothly. Satisfied with both results, he returns to the apartments to carry on.

Tar’s efforts in the afternoon proceed more smoothly than they did in the evening, though a gradual tiredness more common to extended spell casting does make itself felt. Through the three hours worth of interviews, Tar manages to speak with most of the Bisselites and the first few Ciraliners. He still receives no solid leads, but does pick up on three slights signs of recognition – from two Bisselite Privates named Dagin and Lucia, and from one of the Margrave’s personal servants, a man named Allon), as well as a fairly firm sign of recognition from Ostri’s Castellan, Maxwell.

Exhausted from a hard day of spell casting, Tar grabs a quick nap before the banquet kicks off. While preparing for a night of negotiations with other knights to make sure they get their people to his interviews on time (and wondering what promises he will have to make to them—and probably break—to make sure that as many as possible comply), he promises himself that he will spend some time with his dogs and horses before he goes to bed tonight. If he needs to, he’ll leave the banquet at the earliest possible moment to make sure that happens.

Before actually heading off to the banquet, he takes a quick side trip to the campground to tell Drathon and Tovish that their task for the evening is to find out how they can get access to Privates Keir (Aerdy), Dagin (Bissel), and Lucia (also Bissel) without formal notice or representation. He arrives at the banquet (on time, barely) to find a new face at the Senior Knights’ table; Dame Atdhe, a Knight Companion from Furyondy whose contingent just arrived that night. With no small effort, he begins the tedious business of working the Furyondyans into his interview schedule, graciously thanking those who have already helped him satisfy his overbearing Ambassador, and re-affirming the others’ commitment to supporting him in his ongoing effort.

=.=.=.=.=

Two hours later, having seemingly accomplished his goals for the banquet, Tar makes his escape, and then spends an hour accomplishing the more personal goal of getting reacquainted with his animals before finding Drathon and Tovish. They happily inform him that their job couldn’t have been simpler. All three of the individuals they were supposed to locate are staying in the campground, not in the castle, so they had immediate access to them. Two, Keir and Dagin, apparently make a habit of going into town each night. They’re not 100% sure of exactly what they do there, or where they go, but it isn’t hard to guess. The point is, they have to return through the single gate to the campground, and they have men watching. They’ll know within 30 seconds of their return – likely before they have even had a chance to get through the gate. Lucia was a little more difficult, as she doesn’t go into town much, but she is apparently a skilled jouster who desperately wants to improve. Drathon has volunteered Miles to give her a private lesson tomorrow after lunch.

Although disappointed at yet another lead that must wait to be followed up on, he willing grabs the opportunity to tie up two loose ends. He settles down with Drathon and Tovish to await word that their quarries have returned. They get their first bite three quarters of an hour later, and the second half an hour after that. Keir speaks willingly enough, and while Dagin requires a little verbal persuasion, the thought of getting his Captain involved soon causes his tongue to wag willingly enough. Each is quickly cleared of anything more insidious than knowledge of what the symbol represents (though in Dagin’s case, he is mistaken even in that, as he thought it was a fortune teller’s sign).

“Oh well,” thinks Tar. “At least I can eliminate two more suspects from my list…”

Morning meeting

At the morning meeting the next day, Tar turns to Drathon and Dreune first to report on the security precautions they were responsible for putting in place. His master sergeant reports that he has used every person at his disposal to place a cordon at sufficient distance from the command tent to prevent their conversation being heard if normal speakng tones are used. He also has a regular guard rotation in place for the rest of the day. After Tar informs him of various individuals’ special assignments for the day, he readily reports that he can make the changes and still cover the guard roster. Those changes are:

• Ladbrooke needs to accompany Vanith when questioning the servants today – this will occupy the better part of the day.
• Edmund and Nyra will accompany Firena on the hunt that will take place from just after noon until 4 or 5 bells.

• Drathon and Hanar will accompany Tar, Dreune, and Tovish when questioning the new servants in the Greyhawk apartments at 4 bells.

Drathon further reports that he, Edmund, and Hanar have begun a friendly competition with many of the other senior military in the campgrounds that should ensure maximum participation on behalf of all available soldiers. He also mentions that there seems to be much excitement about the tournament that was announced last night. There should be little trouble keeping participation high—or at least spotting those who decline to participate.

Dreune reports that Nyra has summoned two large Hearth spirits and assigned them to protect the command tent at all times. They will report any attempt to place magic on the tent or any approach closer than 10 yards by anyone not associated with the Company. She has also attached several smaller watchers over the broader area of the campsite. They will inform her of any activity that is “out of the ordinary”.

Drathon reports that Cust and Gustuv have continued questioning guards in the castle about opinions of Ostri opening the Valley. They report that the Bisselite soldiers were very forthcoming, reporting that the Margrave is especially cool toward the idea. It seems Bissel originally ceded the Valley to Ciraline (the esteemed mage of antiquity) for services rendered to the State. The Marquis’ father and grandfather viewed the Closing as a personal snub. Private speculation amongst the lower ranks is that the size of the Bissel contingent coming to the Valley is either a warning, a threat, or a peaceful recognition (these opinions show about a 50/30/20 split).

Next, Drathon turns to Tovish and Hanar’s “Laird’s death” pool. Regarding their questions about Billy, the guard from Sterich who put money on the Laird dying on Opeing day, he is known to gamble a lot, wins much more often than he loses, but always pays his debts. He has only once been known to get violent with the winner, and that’s because it was later proven the winner was cheating regularly—but then Billy was not the only one involved in the “correction”. In other news, the gambling pool (although Tovish and Hanar have stopped promoting it) has generated considerable interest. 90% of the bets Tovish is currently holding are for the Laird to survive the ceremonies. Of the remainder, distribution seems to heavily favor death on the day of Opening (5 individual bets on that day, as opposed to only 4 bets on all other days combined). Of the bets that he will die on Opening day, 3 of those also placed bets on other days. The two solo bets on Opening day were from a private Ulisses (Keoland) and a private Kerriana (Bissel). The three mixed bets were from a Sergeant Jurgen (Bissel), a private Arnoldo (Keoland), and a private Rhiannon (Nyrond).

Next, Yalinari is shaken awake long enough to confirm that he plans to begin questioning knights about people expressing displeasure about Valley later today. Nothing of import happened yesterday apart from some minor ambassador stuff for Firena that Tar probably isn’t interested in.

Morven then reminds Tar that the people they discussed yesterday will begin asking into the questions raised yesterday about Ostri; that is, his relative level of support, former lovers, recent wills, and the rest.

Dreune mentions that he will return to re-interview Klalan this morning, followed by another day spent in book research, but today, Shasivin will accompany him. Firena points out that they will need some extra castle passes for Company members today, and reminds Tar that he will need to get the extra passes from Ulmarit to allow them free access.

At the meeting at the Naked Mole Rat, Tar asks Ulmarit for the extra passes, which the mage says will not be a problem. He then passes on the following information:

Tar asked him to provide a list of people who will be within 20 yards of Laird during O-day.
There is a tremendous list of people who will have access including the members of the Royal family; their servants; Royal guard; and all members of all foreign contingents to include ambassadors, nobles, knights, soldiers, and servants; and countless numbers of bystanders and onlookers. Ulmarit passes on a complete list of these, excluding the Royal Family (which Tar already has) and bystanders and onlookers (which will be impossible). (OOC: I’ll send the complete list by e-mail.)

Tar asked him to find pet names or common names that match D. or S. amongst Royal family
So far, Ulmarit has found two nicknames that begin with D and none that begin with S. Mav Dowin Manness is known to the soldiers who guard the castle as “the Duke”, an ironic name that pokes fun at his desire for higher commands. He is aware of the nickname, but people do not use it to his face, so Ulmarit isn’t sure how he truly feels about it. He is, however, sure about how Dowinur Jeffer feels about being known as “the Dragon”. Publicly, she refuses to acknowledge it and lays into anyone she hears use it. Privately, she revels in the epithet, feeling that it shows a certain respect from those who use it.

Tar asked him to find out which members of the Royal family have traveled near the Scarlet Brotherhood?
So far Ulmarit has found no member of the Royal family who has traveled to or near the Scarlet Brotherood. Most of their travels are to countries east and southeast of the valley, with the occasional trip north or northeast.

Tar wanted to know how Drivian died?
Ulmarit found an account (apparently given by Drivian’s father, a man named Meyer) in the archive attached to Drivian’s death certificate. When Ostri had Uriel’s inner circle stripped of ranks, titles, and estates, Drivian (formerly Lord Khalista) apparently took it very hard, and became little more than a hermit in his own house. His family left food and drink at his door, and although he took it, he never opened the door while they were present. Less than a month after Uriel’s death, the food left at Drivan’s door stopped disappearing. The door was broken down and his body was found hanging from the rafters.

Tar was interested to know why Lairdur Esq. Jess traveled abroad so often? Where does she go?
Ulmarit couldn’t confirm it with her, but according to palace gossip, mostly on vacation trips. She loves to visit Southern Keoland, but has also traveled to, in the words of one of her chambermaids, “every country between the Lortmills and the Crystalmist Mountains. She is rumored to own houses in Gradsul and Waybury, though the latter is likely false, as the Duchy of Ulek is an elven holding, and the elves only infrequently allow non-elves to own real estate.

Here’s a list of people with whom Tar can make interview appointments.

• Lairdur Esq. Jess’s private secretary is Lady Nanin. She also controls the social schedules of Dowin Uriel, Rauwthurs Puccia and Havia.
• Lady Trista is Lairdur Esq. Wecli’s private secretary.
• Lady Astril is Dowinur Stivv’s private secretary.
• Brastinia is Dowinur Jeffer’s private secretary. She also controls the social schedules of Rauwthurs Aarakhana and Jeffer.
• Marok is Dowin Rasilanion’s seneschal.
• Lord Vithsti is Laird Ostri’s seneschal.
• Lady Sanistia is Lairdur Tindal’s private secretary.
• Grindyll is Mav Dowin Mannes’s seneschal.
• Trulima is Mav Dowinur Gracci’s private secretary. She also controls the social schedules of Rauwth Jivvy and Rauthur Hoovtha.
• Mairana is Dowinur Velindra’s private secretary.

• Thomas is Dowin Prath’s seneschal.

Ulmarit also managed to continue researching who has traveled out of the Valley in the years, and managed to check back through 1190. Only trips taken between 1190 and 1201 are listed here.

Tar also asked him to look into similar travel for Uriel’s inner circle. Ulmarit included travel for Uriel himself:

Tar then wanted Ulmarit to check for magical residue on the note.
Thistir, the Royal mage, looked at it briefly between other appointments and found no magical residue but something suspicious. He took it away for further tests. The results will be back today. Ulmarit will leave word for Tar at the campsite as soon as he has word from Thistir.

Finally, Tar wanted to know why the Dowin Prath is living in the Valley, not Geoff.
Ulmarit heard from Prath himself that the wedding contract mandated a 6-month visit. Be the time the 6 months were up, plans for the Opening were well under way and Ostri asked the couple to stay. They will return with the Geoffian contingent when they leave.

Tar commends Ulmarit for his dedication and his quick work, happy with the amount the scholar accomplished, although he could have wished for more positive results. He settles back for a moment, thinking, then asks Ulmarit how long Uriel has been dead. Ulmarit looks surprised at the question, and responds that it has been nearly 11 months.

Tar nods; that’s what he thought. He then asks a series of questions designed to establish a general time line of events and who knew about it, and when. As well as Ulmarit remembers it (though he’ll obviously verify the dates and try to fill in the holes) is that Ostri first mentioned the Opening publicly in the spring of this year. He doesn’t know when the Laird first decided to do it, of course, but early on he would certainly have told his wife and son, and possibly consulted with a few of his close advisors: Sir Anduvial, the Captain of the Guard; his Seneschal, Lord Vithsti; maybe even one or two of the senior military leaders (though Ulmarit doubts that, as they have other things on their minds). He doubts very much if he would have confided in more than that. Unlike the leaders of larger countries, Laird Ostri doesn’t really have a large court. In any case, whispers were going around by late spring or early summer, and the topic was being discussed openly a few weeks to a month later.

Tar thanks him for the information, though he is patently anxious for the scholar to find a few more details. In the meantime, he gives Ulmarit a list of household servants he wants to meet in the Greyhawk chambers around 4:00 today. He’ll meet with them in groups of five, for about half an hour at a time. Ulmarit accepts the list, and promises to make it happen.

Before breaking up, Dreune asks Ulmarit if he can either accompany Dreune to have a second interview with Klalan or provide Dreune with something that will prove to Klalan that Dreune is still working for the Laird. Dreune doesn’t know what this entails and apologizes that if it is a huge inconvenience. Ulmarit thinks about it for a short time, then announces that he will go to Klalan’s workshop with Dreune. The mage was pretty clear last time that unless Ulmarit was along, Klalan would offer no aid. He’ll ask today about what would constitute proof of Dreune’s ongoing association with the investigation.

Dreune then asks whether Ulmarit would be able to provide financial records on any suspect that his investigations turn up. The scholar promises to do what he can, but without specifics he can’t, of course, promise anything. Apart from tax records, the state archives contain little personal financial information. He could go to the Moneylenders’ Guild, but he doesn’t even know at this point if that guild keeps centralized records. He might have to go through specific moneylenders, but like the Mage Guilds, moneylenders are under no obligation to provide their records, and even if they do, Ulmarit can’t guarantee they will provide ALL the records. Naturally, it would be better if Dreune could identify a specific moneylender that Ulmarit can concentrate on, but he’ll see what he can find out.

Ulmarit takes Dreune to Klalan first. Once in the private area of Klalan’s workshop, Dreune asks him of the specifics about how he happened to come across a Grigoros Thanatos mage. Klalan looks very confused at the statement and says he has, to his knowledge, never met or seen a Grigoros Thanatos mage, and he’s darn glad he hasn’t. Dreune in turn looks confused and says that yesterday he said he was a witness to a Grigoros Thanatos attack. Klalan denies it again, then stops, thinks, and bursts into laughter.

Klalaln:

Ah, I think I see. Yesterday I told you that I found in the archives a record of an eyewitness account, and you thought that I … [he starts laughing again] … that I was that witness? Oh, that’s priceless. It really is. But you really do need to take better notes, my friend. … [At this point, he stops laughing, and becomes very serious.] But this is no laughing matter. Seriously, if that’s an example of the accuracy with which you provide information, I do despair for the safety of our Laird. … Ulmarit, my friend, I strongly advise you to take any information provided in the course of this “investigation” with a very large grain of salt, especially information provided by “Jerome” here.

Dreune, doing his best to remain civil, but taking on a icy … nay, glacial … tone, presses forward. He asks Klalan for details about the attack. The mage dismissively tells him that he can find all the details he needs in the archives. At least by following that path, there will be less opportunity for “Jerome” to make such egregious errors with the facts.

Making a superhuman effort, Dreune manages to make one last request, which is for Klalan to recommend specific diaries and biographies for him to concentrate his research on. Klalan refers him to the biographies of Naril II, King of Furyondy and Kulerat III, Queen of Nyrond and the diary of a merchant named Brindal or Drindal or something like that. Then after a second or two, adds the diary of Hisveth, a citizen of the free city of Irongate. And with those recommendations, Klalan makes it adequately clear that this interview is over.

As they leave the workshop, Ulmarit has a brief word with Klalan that Dreune doesn’t overhear (not that he’s really paying attention, pre-occupied as he is with the way this “interview” turned out), but once back on the street, Ulmarit reports that there is no proof that Klalan will accept to prove that Dreune is still working with them. Ulmarit will have to accompany Dreune on each subsequent interview. At Dreune’s sour look, Ulmarit hastily adds that he will always make time in his schedule to accompany Dreune whenever he needs information from Klalan.

Tar and Drathon spend the morning watching, and at least for Drathon, sometimes participating in the pre-tournament activities. To Tar’s watchful eye, it seems that everyone is participating—willingly and enthusiastically. To be sure, not every person is participating in every event, but every person at least has a try at their own particular specialty, and most of them are impressive. If the assassin comes from this lot, thinks Tar, at least he can be reasonably sure that he is also a qualified soldier.

Around lunchtime, Ulmarit arrives at the Greyhawk camp to tell Tar that the Royal Mage Thistir did some further tests on the note and did find minor magical residue on it, though he didn’t recognize it as such at first. He did his best to identify it, and although the traces were far too weak for positive identification, he believes that the magic was some sort of a magic seal. He’s seen (and used) several sorts of magical seals, but the fact that the note was easily opened by someone besides the person it was addressed to means that it wasn’t sealed against being opened. One explanation would be that the actual message was replaced by a new message upon opening. Another is that some spell was cast on the illicit opener of the message; it would be interesting to see whether the hunter who originally found it has since suffered in any substantive and unexplainable way. There are other possibilities, of course, but they are pure speculation. Thistir is continuing to look into it, though it may take some time to get an answer.

Also, in response to a question Tar asked in the Naked Mole Rat earlier, Ulmarit informs him that Shamanic Conjuring can not be done anywhere in the castle, although Detection and Sensory spells will be possible in the Greyhawk apartments. Tar smiles and tells Ulmarit to make sure the servants he will question at 4 bells are told nothing about why they have been summoned.

Finally, Ulmarit tells Tar that he has been working on the time line of events, and has determined that things unfolded roughly in the following order:

Fill in timeline holes. Add when murderer was found (before or after Opening went public?)

Oct 1210: Uriel dies; Ostri crowned
Nov 1210: Drivian hangs himself
Feb or Mar 1211: Ostri began having private discussions about the Opening with his inner circle
Mar or Apr: Conversations about the Opening were being openly held in the castle
May of June: Concrete plans regarding the events surrounding the Opening were “well under way”
May: Murderer arrested
Jun: Murderer exectued; bird shot/note found

After thinking about for a moment, Tar tells Ulmarit to look through the transcripts of the murderer’s statements and the time line to see who in Ulmarit’s list would have been readily available to be at the right place at the right time to have taken part in the conversation the murderer overheard. ... Nothing else is added to Ulmarit’s research list before he departs.

Between 4 bells and half past 5 bells, 14 junior servants are in the Greyhawk apartments. They arrive to find the huge hulks of Cust and Shasivin guarding the door, and the steely eyes of Drathon glaring at them from the moment they enter the door. The presence of Dreune, clearly a mage, and Tar, a huge figure is disconcerting. The presence of Tovish, small, skinny, and unexceptional, is puzzling. The servants are very young, most being between the ages of about 10 to the upper teens, with only a handful in the 20’s. All are both very junior and very new to the household.

Initially they are greeted with a stifling silence, which drags on. During this time, Tar has cast a spell to search out their feelings and emotions, looking for emotions that appear out of place. He finds none – understandable fear and nervousness proliferate – but continues to hold the spell while Drathon informs them of a threat to the life of Ambassador Dame Firena of Greyhawk. His job is to find them and punish them before handing them over to the Laird for final punishment … with a heavy emphasis on “final”. At this announcement, fear universally increases – all have noticed that the castle’s most dispensable personnel are gathered here for questioning, and none seem to believe that true justice can be had at the hands of the folks in power. But many also bear the unmistakable patina of deeply rooted relief, apparently because Drathon is looking into something that they know they are not involved in. However, despite this relief, there remains a fair amount of concern that they are only here to be made an example of – someone to pay the penalty for someone else’s crime just because they are at the bottom of the food chain.

As Tar commanded, when each interview session is over, Drathon releases the servants with a stern caution to to remain silent. Their lives may depend on it maintaining strict confidentiality about the reason for their summons. As they leave, he smiles. That should ensure they talk to everyone willing to listen, and provide a good cover for the Company’s actions without putting Ostri at further risk. The Lieutenant may not always approve—hell, she seldom approves, and Morven isn’t much better—but from where he stands, you can’t fault the Captain’s methods.

So it is that by the time the huntsmen have returned from their adventure and the supper hour rolls around, Tar thinks about the fact that he is fairly sure he can cross 14 names off his list of suspects. He smiles briefly, then sighs; only about 500 more to go…