"I'm afraid that this curse is beyond my power." Anastacia pronounces in somber tones. "I believe that Ikit had something in mind that might work. I might be able help a little."
Unable to cure either man, they leave them locked up in the gaol.
That night, Corwyn turns into a werewolf, as does the original.
Fortunately, there are no other deaths that night, and it appears the curse has been halted, for now.
Next morning
"Morning my lord, it seems we have no reported incidents of werewolf attacks this night. Corwyn did indeed transform during the night, but for now it seems the cells are holding both werewolf safely inside. But we would need to start looking for someone strong enough to remove their curse, since Lady Stormwing is not powerful enough yet."
Would you need me for anything today Wilhelm? Natalie asks as she is about to leave Wilhelm for his own affairs.
Wilhelm's seneschal interrupts Natalie & Wilhelm before he can answer. "My pardon sir, there is a noble from Brevoy here, demanding to see you. He claims to be Ser Dareon Lebedev's cousin, and he's demanding to know what happened to Ser Dareon."
"hmm... Lebedev, who is that again." Natalie is sure she has heard that name before probably when she was a lot younger.
Wilhelm listens to Natalie's report, looking unsurprised as it becomes clear that Corwyn was in fact the werewolf. He opens his mouth to reply but Domitian interrupts. He nods to his seneschal, "Show him in and let's share what little we know. Did he give his own name, by chance?"
To Natalie, as Domitian steps out to retrieve the gentlemen, Wilhelm says, "He was a nobleman, skilled in the arcane arts, who joined our expedition and was instrumental in seeing Domierov set on its feet. The library and the impromptu mage's guild that has formed are both works that he and Fhârn contributed to greatly. He... left... recently, though it was not entirely clear why, as I recall."
House Lebeda is based to the southwest of Lake Reykal in Brevoy, controlling the plains and significant portions of the lake's shipping. They are considered to be the Brevic noble family that epitomizes Rostland, having significant Taldan blood, an appreciation for fine things, and a love of sword fighting.
Their castle, Silverhall looks over Lake Reykal and is where the family maintains its power. They control the shipping on the lake; their business of being brokers and merchants linking the north and south of Brevoy has made them rich.
Dame Sarrona Lebeda currently leads the house as regent until her son Lander comes of age. The oldest child, Elanna, is the house's representative in New Stetven; rumors say she is trying to arrange a marriage with the king.
The family's crest is a swan on water with the sun on the horizon. Depending on how the house fares, the people say the sun is either rising or setting; currently most people say the sun is rising. The family motto is "Success through Grace."
Domitian nods. "Yes sir, Pruett Lebeda. He seems, somewhat agitated, sir."
To help secure the werewolf storages (and help the nerves of the watchmen posted there!) Fhârn arrives at the jail on the morning after. With the help of his trusty raven and some of the on staff guards he traces the outlines of the cells with faint runes of golden powder. To complete it all, he touches the locks of the cells and mutter an invocation.
"There. That ought to eliminate any freak accidents."
Pruett walks briskly into the room. He throws his cloak over his shoulder with a flourish, and places his hands upon his hips.
Before you stands an attractive man (Cha 15) of blonde hair and average height. He's wearing chainmail made of very fine mithral links. There is a shortbow on his back, and a longsword and whip on his belt. His traveler's clothes appear clean, pressed, and new.
"I am Pruett Lebedev. Charmed, I'm sure," says the man as he scans the room, taking everything in. "I understand that one of you might be in charge here? More to the point, who knows anything about the disappearance of my cousin, the noble and amazing Dareon Lebedev?"
Natalie greets the nobleman "Greetings Pruett. It would be the baron that you need to talk to, he knows this Dareon. I haven't been here long enough to have had the chance and pleasure of meeting your cousin, ."
Natalie turns to Wilhelm leaning in to whisper to him "Do you wish my to take my leave or should I stay in case you need my assistance in anyway?"
Wilhelm eyes the man up and down, torn between amusement at the man's braggadocio and annoyance at his readiness to make demands in Wilhelm's home. Iomedae preserve me that I don't ever grow irritated when I'm not called baron. He nods his agreement with Natalie, saying, "I'm Baron Wilhelm Orlovsky, lord of the Greenlands. I suppose that qualifies me to be called 'in charge'. As to your cousin, I'm afraid there's little enough to be said. He disappeared, his horse gone and his home empty. At the time, he was involved in an investigation into a murderous hag-like creature that has since disappeared. Beyond this, I can't say that I recall anything of value. Perhaps my council will be able to fill in certain details." Wilhelm smiles bitterly, then continues, "I wish I could say more, but we spent days searching for sign of him and found nothing. So far as I am aware, we still are looking for him, but there's little hope of finding him at this point."
To Natalie, Wilhelm gently shakes his head and replies in an undertone, "No, I'd like your eyes on this gentleman. Dareon didn't mention a cousin, but that isn't so surprising. All the same, caution."
Wilhelm calls for his steward, asking, "Can you fetch the council. Our esteemed guest is looking for the former Magister and I'm afraid I'm not up to date on our search. We also have some business to attend to and now is as convenient a time as any." He addresses Pruett, "Lord Lebeda, would you care for some refreshment while we wait?"
Anastacia set down her quill. She had been penning a letter to Abbess Keleth. A report on her progress, here in the new barony. Wiping the ink from her pen, Anastacia caps her ink bottle and sets out for Wilhelm's manor. The correspondence can wait. The baron's business probably cannot. Anastacia does take the time to don her armor and grab her equipment, it's always best to be prepared.
At the manor she greets Natalie with a smile. "Good morning Lady Saratov." Then with a curtsy for Wilhelm. "Good morning Baron Orlovsky. How may I be of assistance?"
The cleric notes the presence of the stranger, giving him a slight nod of the head. Perhaps this fellow is the reason for Wilhelm's summons.
Pruett's eyes widen, a smile appears, and his voice perks up.
"Oh, a baron! My warmest greetings to you, my lord! At last, some fellow nobility."
But then Pruett's smile fades, and his voice takes on a melancholy tone.
"Though I am greatly saddened to hear that my cousin, the brave Dareon Lebeda, has gone missing under such dire circumstances. Thank you for taking the time to fetch council for news, Lord Orlovsky. Some bread and wine would be most invigorating after my long journey."
Pruett, seeing a newcomer arrive, turns and gives a bow. "I am Pruett Lebeda, Lady...?"
The thundering hooves of warhorses can be heard outside. Moments later, the butler escorts the General, in full armor as always , into the hall escorted by his ever composed and lovely daughter Alliah, and two very flustered looking military clerks who seem to have grown used to the lack of the general's presence and now couldn't handle the intensity in which they were worked.
Long strides clanking, Dante bowed. "That weasel of steward said you summoned the council My Lord?"
Anastacia curtsies in return. "Anastacia Stormwing. Canon of Pharasma. I'm Baron Orlovsky's chaplain."
Fhârn arrives at the meeting some moments after the general, making a less grand entrance. He wears his plain but well cut grey robe with a small sigil at the collar. And his only companion is the raven perched on his shoulder. After a quick glance around the room, his gaze falls on the newcomer. Stroking his chin he speaks up.
"Ah. I assume your presence has something to do with the council being summoned. I am Fhârn Uðrrúna, treasurer. Greetings." Fhârn nods first at Pruett then at the bird at his shoulder. "This is Munin."
From atop his mobile vantage point the plump raven Munin silently gauges Pruett. Once introduced the bird offers him a lordly nod, after some deliberation.
Gorruum practically bounces into the chamber. "GORRUUM! Ubagub outside. Many people watch him for Gorruum. Council time?" He tries to sit down in one of the chairs, but finding the dimensions all wrong for his anatomy, settles for pushing it back against the wall and sits cross-legged at the floor.
Natalie smiles when Anastacia joins them and she walks over to greet her. "Good morning Lady Stormwind, always a pleasure." Always curious to hear what goes on the the city, she is not shy of asking Anastacia for any infomation "Have you heard anything interesting from the priesthood, that could be useful for me?"
As the other members of the council joins Natalie waits for Wilhelm to address them on the situation, seeing it as his role to start the meeting.
Wilhelm nods as the last of his councilors trail in, then he gestures to the newcomer. "My friends, allow me to introduce Lord Pruett Lebeda, cousin of our former magister. I had hoped that we would have some further news for him. We also have other matters to look into, once we have helped Lord Lebeda to the best of our ability. So, have we had any news of Dareon? He has not reappeared, to the best of my knowledge, nor have we seen hide nor hair of him."
"He didn't speak to me, when he left, my lord. I haven't heard anything of him either."
Anastacia, steps over, close to Natalie. In a low voice she says: "I'll pass on anything I hear."
"Neither to me. I must admit, his departure was strange with its haste." Fhârn comments. "If not for all the other impending doom, a more throughout investigation would have been in order - if only to ensure the Hag had no relation to it."
There's been no information on Dareon since he left, nor has anyone reported seeing him, according to Svetlana and Oleg.
The rebuilding of Shanty Town is proceeding, and should be completed by the end of next month. The sicknesses are coming back under control, and the temple adepts and acolytes are finally getting some sleep.
The two weres appear to be the only ones that were infected, no other reports have surfaced.
Pruett appears aghast. "No word of dear Dareon? This is tragic news! Surely he is dead at the hands, or claws?, of this hag. Mayhap fate will someday allow me to take revenge on that monstrous creature. But alas, my quest to find my cousin has ended in failure. Despair presides where hope once held sway."
"I wouldn't give up all hope just yet Pruett. I am no expert on hags by he might just be held captive somewhere, do you know about the hags nature Fharn? Do they keep captives?" Natalie says trying to keep the lord's hope up.
"He can't be pronounced dead, until we see his body. Until then, he is only 'missing'"
"They are indeed rumoured to hold captives - men especially." Fhârn grimaces, this is clearly not something he likes to think about. "The experience is said to be ... *uhm*. Let's just say their life cycle is an interesting thing."
" I'll will try to keep my ears out for anything useful in our explorations. That is I'm afraid the only thing I can offer as of now. But if we could find a lead on a place with hags, there is a chance."
"I'm sorry that we've little else for you in the way of news, Lord Lebeda. It does not speak well, unfortunately, that Dareon hasn't contacted you." Wilhelm grimaces as he puts words to an unfortunate thought. "If you wish to remain in the city and conduct your own inquiries, I could hardly fault you that. Certainly we will send word if we hear of him." He gives the man a moment, then asks, "This is a difficult time, I'm sure, but is there anything else we can do for you? Perhaps you'd care to take a rest in one of our guest rooms until you feel recovered?"
"Yes, of course, as you say. Some rest in a guest room would be much appreciated."
"Excellent. Domitian can show you to a guest room and you'll be able to rest from your travels. We have certain business to discuss that I'm sure would bore you greatly. Taxes and the like." Wilhelm motions to his steward, who bows to the Lebeda lordling and gestures towards the door, "If'n m'lord will follow me, I'll see about a room and a bath, if you feel so inclined."
While Pruett's family was not happy about his deciding to go after his cousin, if he was set on going, they gave him a letter indicating that he was the Lebeda representative to the fledgling nation, until such time as Dareon is located. Pruett has all rights to any property left by Dareon, and will take up the duties of the Lebeda representative to the putative 'King Orlovsky', until such time as the kingdom is fully independent. Whether Pruett wants to bring up this letter now, or in private, is up to him.
Wilhelm begins to work up plans on who is going where, when his sister comes in an introduces herself and her husband, Mitrov Varn. Mitrov is a half-brother of Maegar Varn, of the Varnhold. Wilhelm has had only limited knowledge of him up till now, since he met and married Wilhelm's sister after Wilhelm left to build the Kingdom.
The man towers at 6 foot 5, with a build that would make a lumberjack envious. He wears well crafted leather armor, and carries a pair of saw-tooth sabres on this back that have odd looking grips.
When introduced by Wilhelm's sister, he gives a bow. He moves lightly despite his bulk, and his eyes glisten with intelligence as he looks over the group. "Greetings, an honor to meet you, Sir Wilhelm. Or should I say Lord Wilhelm? King Wilhelm?" His voice rumbles out, about like an avalanche building up steam as it rumbles down a cliff face.
Gorruum looks curiously at Mitrov, certainly one of the largest humans he has ever seen. Something about the man troubles him. He shifts from his cross-legged position on the floor to a crouch while waiting to hear more from Wilhelm.
Natalie greets the pair politly "Greetings to the both of you. You may call me Lady Saratov I am one of the baron's councillors."
She is a little uneasy about Mitrov adn in her head she thinks Those weapons are the mark of a guild of assassins. I should probably tell Wilhelm, better safe then sorry, but not right now.
"Oh, Baron, pardon my forgetfulness. I was so caught up in news about my cousin's disappearance that this letter from my family slipped my mind. My forgetfulness should not reflect upon the criticality of the letter; I was simply distraught about my cousin. Family is important, as you know.
Moving on, this letter details the Lebeda family's intentions regarding Dareon's role in this nation, and any property owned by my cousin transferring to me."
Pruett hands Baron Orlovsky a letter indicating that Pruett is the Lebeda representative to the fledgling nation, until such time as Dareon is located. Pruett has all rights to any property left by Dareon, and will take up the duties of the Lebeda representative to the putative 'King Orlovsky', until such time as the kingdom is fully independent.
The newly introduced arrivals prompts Fhârn to give a courtly bow another try. Practising in front of the mirror has surely paid off for now! he mused with a chuckle. At the very least, the bow earned him an annoyed glance from Munin, whom had to reposition to retain his elevated seat on Fhârn's shoulder.
"Ah, welcome."
Mitrov Varn raises an eyebrow as Pruett hands over his letter, and then digs into his own belt pouch. "Well, I suppose if we're handing over letters of introduction, here's mine." He hands over an ornate scroll. "I'll be the new representative of House Medvyed. With Lady Lanya Beladon Medvyed being unable to perform her appointed duties due to some... personal issues... the House has seen fit to appoint a new representative." He hooks a thumb into his belt. "I suspect you'll be getting new representatives from Surtova, Lodovka, and Garess before long now, since everyone's representative has somehow gone missing or retired mysteriously for unspecified reasons. Well, everyone but Orlovsky's representative of course."
While Wilhelm isn't required to assign any of the representatives to positions of power within the fledgling state, he also can't bar them from matters of state, until and unless the kingdom becomes independent. He certainly can appoint them to positions, as any other NPC can be appointed, to fill out vacancies. But it's not required. If they are not in a position of power, they must be included in Wilhelm's Senior Council for all state business.
Anastacia leans back in her chair, watching the newcomers through narrowed eyes. Of course, the various houses would want a thumb in the pie. Or at least to prevent their rivals from gaining advantage.
Once the thinly veiled accusations and their appropriate responses have played out, a period during which Fhârn makes sure to keep quiet, he conjures a folder from either his robe - or perhaps thin air? The games of the Noble families are entertaining as always. But I think I liked them more when *I* wasn't anywhere close to the middle of the mess ... Buuuut, it has its perks too.
"*Ahem*. I've been looking over the planned routes sire. Most of the preparations are taken care of - I even took the liberty to look into the communication angle. As you know Munin is bound to me: rudimentary emotional input and directional awareness can transfer across. With a bit of coaxing, it is possible to exploit this soul bond and include additional people - that would mean Munin would have two beacons to home in to and bring messages between them. Now, soul magic is not an easy thing, so it helps to have some similarities to work with. And as it happens my little sister just came visiting ..."
Caught off guard as Domitian announces the Lord and Lady Varn, Wilhelm glances towards the door as his brother-in-law and sister enter. Standing beside her behemoth of a husband, Salvianna Varn née Orlovsky seems petite, though she still stands slightly taller than the average taldan noblewoman at five foot seven inches. She shares Wilhelm's striking green eyes and long wavy auburn hair, which is worn in a loose knot that tumbles messily just past her shoulders. Wearing riding attire, and with a rapier belted to her waist, she cuts a surprisingly military figure alongside her finery-clad brother.
Blinking in surprise, he nods in acknowledgement to Mitrov, stumbling over his words, "I.... ah.... hello, Mitrov. Salvi, err.. Salvianna. I hadn't thought to see you here." Still distracted, he says in an offhand manner as he shakes his brother-in-law's hand, "And I suppose it's baron, certainly not king." He greets his sister with a swift hug and a peck on the cheek, but his attention is quickly diverted.
Taking the proffered letters, he is finally roused to action. Breaking the seals, he scans each letter in turn. He grunts as he reaches partway through Mitrov's letter, and a scowl begins to form before he can stop himself. "I see. I welcome you, then, to my court and I look forward to having both you and Salvianna here with me."
Wilhelm is hurt/upset, though he's putting a pretty good show in trying to hide it. A sidelong glance at Lanya makes it fairly clear to the astute observer why.
Smiling, in what could only be called a lightly forced manner, he claps Mitrov on the shoulder, "Yes, it will be good indeed to have you here. It has been too long. And you, sister, I don't believe you know my council." Wilhelm proceeds to introduce Savlianna to each member in turn.
Salvianna allows her husband to introduce himself, listening quietly for a moment as she surreptitiously looks over each of the strangers in the room in turn. She glances over heraldry and devices where they are present, holy symbols and signet rings where they are not. She smiles fondly as Wilhelm trips over his words, saying, "Wil, take a breath for goodness sake."
Piercing eyes studying her brother, she watches a moment, a pensive frown taking hold as she glances from Lanya to Wilhelm and back. Whatever her thoughts, she keeps her own council. She responds with a smile and a nod of greeting as Wilhelm begins to introduce her. She responds with a few polite words for each councilor, then concludes when she and Mitrov have been introduced to everyone, "It is a pleasure to meet each of you. As Mitrov has mentioned, we will be staying as representatives for a time, so I'm sure we will have an opportunity to get to know one another better. Wil has always had a knack for meeting the most interesting people." She glances at Ikit and Gorruum as she says this, curiosity evident before she continues, "In any case, it looked like we interrupted some business, Wil. Did you need to see to something?"
Wilhelm starts as he is directly addressed, a small frown breaking as he looks at Salvianna. "Er, yes, I suppose we did. Pruett, I'm afraid there's little enough that Dareon owned remaining, as he left with what seemed to be most of his earthly possessions, but we'll see about this position. Similarly for you, Mitrov." There is an unhappy edge to Wilhelm's voice as he says this. "We also had the business that Fhârn mentioned. We've business to be about to secure the kingdom, which I suppose we should discuss with you present, given the nature of these letters."
Realizing he is still clutching (mangling them), he smooths them before handing them to one of his councilor's absently. Wilhelm's normal poise is broken, and he runs over a list of priorities at random, "There was some trouble with trolls in the area, among other things, and we've a need to see to them. And some other business with the Sootscales, who we've not heard from in a while. There's also rumors of centaurs to the west, err, east actually. So we've designs to set out and see what there is to be seen and to secure matters sooner rather than later. What was that about your sister, Fhârn?"
Lanya looks sideways at Wilhelm. "Sorry Wil, I only found out myself an hour or so ago. I'm still not sure why I'm being recalled, but I suspect it's political." She frowns, eyeing Mitrov. "I'll be back as soon as politics allow."
Mitrov nods. "Sounds like you need to be showing the flag around your territory then. If you like, I can stay here and watch for any issues that pop up. According to rumor, you've had some issues with werewolves and rampant disease lately." The large man offers. He bends down to kiss his wife on the cheek. "I'm sure your brother would appreciate your help putting out wild fires. I can stay here and hold down the fort..."
Pruett bows. "Baron, I am a competent archer, and no slouch when it comes to the magical and bardic arts. It would be my pleasure to accompany you on expeditions to help resolve issues and ensure your safety."
Natalie walks over to Wilhelm to take the letters from him, she lays her hand on the one Wilhelm holds them trying to calm him a little bit with her touch and a few words.
She whispers
However it seems he was to much scattered to notice her effort.
"I believe Pruett might be an excellent addition to our expeditions, we have certainly lacked a skilled archer from time to time. I would very much like to see how you handle a bow in combat, before I make my final recommendation. However as a bard he would be invaluable to keeping morale high!" Natalie says, voicing her opinion about their newest member.
"Lord Varn. Lady Varn. A pleasure to meet you." Anastacia curtsies to both, then moves away toward a corner by the door of Wilhelm's meeting room. There she stands and watches, her right hand resting casually on the grip of her mace.
"Ah yes." Fhârn nods, holding out his arm. Munin skips out along it and nabs the letters Will holds out then flies back. "With a bit of magical trickery, my sister can be included in Munins and mine bond - which would let us relay information and orders between the expeditions and the capital." Which, incidentally, might come in handy if someone with the name 'Varn' is going to 'hold down the fort'...