Lord Drelev rides up next to his bannerman. "Lord Orlovsky, a pleasure as always. I had no idea that you had chosen Oleg's to stake your new colony. I had heard that you were forming it around some kobold warren somewhere. I'm pleased to find that I was misinformed." As the gate opens, he sees the crowded conditions inside. He turns to the man he was arguing with earlier. "Terrion, have the men bivouac outside the trading post. Ameon, you're with me." The two men ride into the Post and dismount near the stables. He firmly grasps Wilhelm's hand and buffets him on the shoulder. "Well met, my friend. It appears that we are to be neighbors."
As Wilhelm paces back and forth, mumbling to himself fiercely, Roan stands still and taut as a statue. As Wilhelm suddenly claps the mercenary on the shoulder, he flinches, his hand reaching half way to remove the hand and defend himself before he stops, then he obviously relaxes and exhales. At the mention of "I need a drink," Roan shakes his head and agrees. "You and me both. I was bracing for this awkward reunion in a few days time, you caught me thoroughly off guard. Oh, but first."
Roan pulls a ring of pure platinum, nicely made, but unadorned by any gem, and hands it to Wilhelm, then bows his head, and recites what seems to be a prepared speech. "I pledge to you my service in both peacetime and in war. In peacetime I shall be your eyes and your ears, with which to determine friend and foe. I shall council you when you ask, and I shall follow where you lead. In wartime, I shall be both your sword and your shield, I will strike at the enemies you choose, and my body shall serve as your shield. When your enemies seek to spill your blood, I shall make every effort that it is only theirs and mine the water the ground." He straightens up, and stares at Wilhelm, "Now make sure to wear that at all times. It's not enchanted, but it serves as the focus of a spell I can cast to protect you. Now, I'll buy." Approaching the counter, Roan slaps two platinum coins onto the counter. "A bottle of your best whiskey for me and the Baron!"
From his position on the battlements, Roan lowers himself down and approaches Wilhelm quickly when he sees him coming. On approach he's already chanting a spell quietly under his breath.
"I'm afraid I must agree with the Baron, Commander Skyborn. We don't know the enemy's (if they're an enemy) numbers. But we do know that if they are indeed hostile, that they think they have the numbers to beat us while we're in a defensible location. What little information we have suggests that the enemy is large in number 'hundreds' to quote the child. Obviously, not enough dust is being kicked up to be that kind of force, but I'd suspect there's at least fifty, perhaps up to a hundred. Those kinds of numbers are enough to cut off the skirmishing force from our walls, escape or our assistance. If the attack went poorly, we'd be dooming all those outside to death." While not raising his voice unnecessarily, or taking any particularly hostile or aggressive tone, Roan's voice is firm as he offers his council to Dante. "At any rate, I've sworn to defend My Liege, and the spell I just cast can only work if I remain close. Respectfully, my place is at his side, I'd request that I am able to remain here."
Roan, not liking this column one bit, still takes all precautions as the gate is opened.
Roan stays close to Wilhelm as he moves from the battlements, and quietly whispers to him, "I've yet to have a chance to discuss with you what I believe may be a viable plan as to my role in this kingdom. For now, I am merely your bodyguard and a mercenary, if omissions are acceptable in your code." As the riders enter, Roan holds his bill-guisarme in a non-ready stance, and holds it so that the side that holds the symbol of House Orlovsky is held towards Roan, and hopefully out of view.
"I'll fight alongside you today, Dante. If a fight is what it is to be."
Anastacia already has her armor on, but she wonders if Dante plans on making it a cavalry action. Probably so, he sits his horse. Of course, Fauchard is in the stable, and Anastacia still prefers to fight on foot when she can.
"Remember, Wilhelm, Dante. Pharasma can grant your her power in this fight. If you give me the time to call on her."
True that! But the week isn't over yet! *Rushes back to New Stetven to find a mage willing to cast Lesser Simulacrum*
Anastacia frowns at Lord Drelev. "Neighbors you say? Where do you propose to set yourselves up?"
Anastacia tries to keep her tone as friendly as possible. She would hate to insult the newcomers, but if they plan on settling close enough to call themselves neighbors, then they are planning on taking land that was scouted for Domierov.
Dareon doesn't descend, not yet, but he does allow the column to pass without significant magical incident. To the man's offer of employment, he doesn't give the honor of a reply, instead merely flying around behind. When the man dismounts and nears Wilhelm, Dareon will descend atop the walls, to remain nearby but not within melee range.
After there were thankfully no hostilities, Dante rode up to the column with Wilhelm, drawing a sharp rein as Mandarb's head whipped back and forth.
Dante fails to recognize the particulars of this families sigil other than of course the house sigil of Surtova. But after the two speak, "Lord Drelev, have you news from Port Ice?"
Roan takes note of the subtlety slipped by Dante, but makes no move to comment or otherwise bring it up. So our General may well have secrets from our Lord... this bears investigation, later though.
Rowan quickly whistles for Argos to come with him as he mounts Sleip and follows Bej out into the nearby grove. With his sharp eyes, he watches as the men begin to dismount and exchange what he assumes to be pleasantries. Still he waits until the signal lantern is lit, taking the time to light a pipe of tobacco and watching for any signs of an ambush.
Hidden by the trees, Bej stands by with Vors and Rowan, waiting for a - hopefully green - signal.
Dante shouts to Dareon, "Dareon, send up a green dancing light! If you please."
To Anastacia's question he responds. "Well my dear, King Surtova has wisely finally decided that the boggard problem of the East Sellen River needs to be addressed. I am charged with reestablishing trade along the river and to found a new barony along it. Exciting times is it not. Pharasma? Right. I am interested in acquiring a cleric along with some magical support if you are interested." At this point Dante asks his question and he laughs. "Well, I'm sure the spring thaw hasn't reached it yet. I haven't been to the White Manor for over a year, but I'm sure Domani has it well in hand." He turns to the man beside him. "Ameon, this is your counterpart. Dante Skyborn. Dante, may I introduce you to Ameon Trask, my military advisor."
"Um." mumbles Dareon, from atop the battlements. He looks down at Dante and shrugs apologetically. "I can't! That's illusion, something I'm woefully inadequate at! Just...gimme a second!"
Instead of sending up a signal, Dareon just flies up and over the battlements towards where he saw Bej, Vors, and Rowan hide. He quickly lands, running on his little feet for a few steps before he just says, "There's an authoritative noble out here asking for our mages and our clerics and being all buddy-buddy. He isn't hostile, so you oughta come out, but...be careful. I don't trust him."
Then he just flies back, lands atop the battlements again, and gives the thumbs-up to Dante.
He might just have to learn that spell...
And just because I feel it coming if you use Sin Sense you get the following for their dominant sin
Lanya looks down at Dreleve and his men in cool disdain.
She then calls out to the men in a clear voice.
"It's good to see some of our new neighbours' faces. I'm sure you feel the same way. Might I ask you why we haven't met before when the call came to settle the Stolen Lands? Surely a man of merit like yourself would not hesitate to jump on the opportunity, why did you wait on the mission to clear the boggards?"
She awaits to see how the man reacts, then continues.
"Or better yet, why has the wise Noleski Surtova only now decided to let you go on this important quest?"
Drelev wanly looks at Lanya. "You're looking as lovely as ever. Oh! I wanted to take the expedition to explore the Stolen Lands. Who wouldn't love the chance to wipe the bandits out. But King Surtova had more urgent need of my talents. Fortunately Wilhelm here was up to the task and the King has been deeply impressed by his results. So much so that he decided that the same approach needed to be taken with our river routes. Thankfully, by this time I had become available to fully devote myself to the task. And here we are."
"I'm already in the service of Baron Wilhelm Orlovsky. Anastacia tells Drelev. "However, if you were to go visit Raengelt Abby, you might be able to persuade Abbess Keleth to lend you an acolyte.
I don't know you well enough to provide a letter of introduction, but if you were to destroy some of the undead that inhabit the Valley of Fire, I can almost guarantee that the Abbess would be willing to help you in return."
This Dante fellow is wanting something specific in information that he thought he could get from these... scum. Perhaps he's conspiring with them? Roan, feeling the need to dig into these fine... gentlemen and their purpose here, turns towards Wilhelm and states, "Sire, I'll see to it that sleeping arrangements are made for these two gentlemen." Then to Lord Drelev "Are their any other accommodations you would like me to see to, my lord?"
Roan finds Oleg and notifies him that the arriving party is not hostile, and will require two rooms to be made available. After giving the notification, Roan turns away from Oleg, and pulls out a copper coin. Rubbing the coin between his hands, Roan casts a spell. Copper for your thoughts you bootlicking c+*@#%%!&+s?
After completing this short spell, Roan returns to the group, and continues listening to the conversation.
With a grim look, Dante shakes his "counterpart's" hand, "Lord Trask" he says curtly. Turning his horse he heads back towards Oleg's, not noticing the scrutinizing glare of a certain inquisitor. Dante is lost in his own thoughts.
Haughty bastards. We're among potential rivals of our house, and though you're a thick headed blaggard, you know what I'm asking Gods damn you." the thoughts flash to images of Dante stabbing the visiting lords with different bladed objects. "My sweet Alliah, please be well." images again, this time of a pretty girl who looks about sixteen, she has jet black hair and a wistful smile. Now a field with the same girl you think, younger and with a big man, a younger Dante, Port Ice is in the background and they play together for a time. They seem happy.
Anastacia is hoping the new group will take the bait and head off to the Valley of Fire. It would buy some time. She has only the lowest expectations for this to work though.
Feeling the effect of his spell running down, Dareon calmly steps off of the battlements and lets himself float to the ground. He wants to be on the level with everyone else as things are going down. Brimming with disapproval, he observes the relations between the Baron and the other Baron (?).
'It's times like this that I'm happy to have dropped the Lebeda name and came out here. Seems like the lives of nobility are always governed by the families they come from, and I wouldn't ever want to have to be associated with that fellow.'
Following Anastacia's declaration, Dareon pops up beside her for a word of his own. "Indeed. And thank you for your offer of employment, but I'm similarly previously occupied. If you wanted an arcane assistant, maybe your man Ameon could pick up a book from time to time...?"
Dareon smirks.
"And here you are." Lanya says on a cheerful tone, hiding her sarcasm.
"There's a lot of nasty things here in the wilds to go around, we'd appreciate the help. We'll open the gate for you, why don't you and your men join us for the day? Rest up before you slay any boggards and hear our tales and rumors."
She adds in a whisper to Wilhelm as she makes a gesture to the others to the group to go around and enter.
"I don't trust them for one bit. One; they are going to obviously settle in our lands if we don't beat them to it. I'd say our charter gives us boundaries to the east and south, but not to the west. The land to the East Sellen River should be ours. Second, the game of politics in Brevoy is going to be played out between them and us. If Noleski Surtova sent him, our Regent, then he mustn't like the idea of our charter being from the Swordlords."
Lanya is too busy with rattling her brain to notice the spell being cast, she is all defensive in her composure however.
We must make haste to the west and settle along the East sellen River. This scum doesn't deserve this land.
Several ideas pop into her mind, but all of them are easily dismissed, but the quick discerning of those ideas bring up several of these options: Sabotage, Injury, Incitement of local tribes. Though all of them are about this new group.[/i]
Bej leaves his hideout astride Fortune, pushing the horse at a fast trot. He gets to Oleg’s scrutinizing the newcomer’s soldiers, trying to evaluate their skill. He leaves Fortune outside the trading post and slowly walks in, listening to the conversation between nobles but not showing any interest in participating. For all intents and purposes, he wants to look like one of the settlers.
To Anastacia, Drelev says "Alas, my dear. I'm afraid that I just don't have the time to devote to such a worthy task. Sometimes one must put aside one's own wishes in favor of the job he has been given and King Surtova has made it clear that he wishes the river made free as soon as possible."
To Dareon, Lord Drelev merely shrugs. "Well perhaps Lord Wilhelm would seem fit to loan you out then. I know a little bit about magic and those who fly are those who fry." He pauses obviously expecting some laughter. When it doesn't occur he smiles at Lanya. "We accept your hospitality and it occurs to me that there is a solution to all our problems. I hear tell that some kobolds have been giving you enough of a problem that you have been forced to parley with them. Well, if I join my forces to yours then together we could make short work of the vermin. All I ask in return is the loan of your mage here for some 'Shock and Awe' versus the boggards."
Meanwhile Bej has watched Baron's forces start to make camp. The man named Terrion seems quite adept at command and well respected by his troops and their camp is quickly assembled. Bej notices that Terrion has subtly arranged for a force of 10 knights to still be ready to charge in case the Baron's 'Diplomacy' goes awry.
"Do be aware that we aren't intending of wiping out the kobolds - one of our own is supervising them." Dareon scratches his chin and wiggles his nose irritatingly at the Baron's quip. They needed to break off communications soon or tension would build to an unreasonable level. "One must consider that there are other ways than extermination to deal with neighbors. This land has remained that of the fey and monstrous humanoids for thousands of years. We cannot fully dislodge them - if we try, we invite the wrath of the wilderness."
Yep. That’s noblemen, trying to arm-wrestle each other with high orders and bureaucracy. Bah… Bej gets to Svetlana, where he asks for a couple of large kettles filled with strong, hot coffee. He then gets out of the trading post, ignoring Wilhelm and Hannis Drelev and their respective entourages, and he heads straight for Terrion and the soldiers. The sun is now gone behind the hills, and the spring winds are getting chilly.
Bej talks first to obvious Issen natives, but failing that addresses the men nearest to him “Nice, cold spring, just as we like them up north. Heh… Nobles talk and the folks get the chills. Here, drink some of the hot stuff.” he pours coffee for himself and for any soldier who accepts it, and for Terrion too, if the man wants it. He avoids disturbing the men ready for the charge if Terrion doesn't allow it.
“Reckon your lord would be joining forces with "Baron Orlovsky" over there?” he asks sipping the coffee.
Roan turns near catatonic for a few moments as the sudden bombardment of thoughts assault his mind like the busy hum of noise that fills a market. Focus, focus... Roan inhales briefly, then begins to sort out all the thoughts to focus on Ameon's. As the conversation turns towards the kobolds, Roan takes the opportunity to intentionally dig for information. "What our court wizard means to say is that the kobolds have been brought to heel actually. Whilst they still exist, they serve our interests now." Deciding that since it seems that Dralev speaks somewhat openly with Ameon, Roan decides that he'll probably get near as good an answer out of his skull as the Baron's, and decides to try and force a thought to come to the surface.
"So what are your plans once the boggards are taken care of? It'd be inhospitable of us to allow the King to send you all the way here and for us to expect to give nothing in return."
Scoffing in amusement, Wilhelm replies, "I could hardly turn my own brother away, now could I?" Wilhelm accepts the ring that Roan hands to him, looking it over curiously. Stiffening in surprise as Roan begins his recitation, Wilhelm stands awkwardly. Obviously unused to this aspect of his rank, he places a hand on his half-brother's shoulder and intones, "I.. ah, I accept your pledge. In peace and in war I pledge in turn that I will ask only that which is honorable of you. I pledge in peace to hear your council and to see and hear what you show to me. I pledge that in war I will honor your prowess and strength by using them wisely and only at need. I further pledge that my household will be yours and your service honored."
His own pledge complete, Wilhelm removes his hand from Roan's shoulder and mutters under his breath, "I think I might need a bard of some sort to write these vows from here on out." Clearing his throat, Wilhelm nods his acknowledgement and places the ring on his littlest finger of his right hand. Wilhelm smiles shakily and claps Roan on the back, "I think a spot of whiskey will do wonders."
Acknowledging Roan's request with the barest nod of his head, Wilhelm turns his attention back to the lord entering the fort.
"A Paladin of Iomedae living in a kobold warren, that would be a bit of a sight." Chuckling in amusement, Wilhelm fights to hide his surprise that the rumor had spread. That was sent in private correspondence to the Swordlords. I doubt they'd have told the Regent. Iyov perhaps? Returning the man's handshake firmly, he arches an eyebrow in surprise as the man explains that he will live nearby. Standing back a moment, he allows Drelev a moment to answer as he looks over the unfamiliar noble appraisingly.
Standing calmly near the lord, he allows his council further time to ask their questions, trying to get a good read on the man's intent. "I'm glad to see hear that the king thinks well of the work we've done here. It's a shame that you were tied up, we could have used a skilled sword like yours." Turning distractedly to Roan, he acknowledges the man's words and then, thinking over the way he'd phrased it, turns back to Drelev as if dismissing Roan, "Nothing at the moment, thank you."
Smiling calmly at Drelev, Wilhelm listens as Lanya's appraisal as his eyes narrow slightly. More and more this man sounds worrying. If it was just Roan, I might discount it. But him and Lanya, and it seems the rest of the council, all mistrust him. I can hardly ignore all that. Continuing to allow his council to throw Drelev off guard, Wilhelm studies the man for a moment, invoking Iomedae's blessing to detect auras of evil, he studies Lord Drelev and Ameon for a time. Content with his discovery, Wilhelm grits his teeth and asks, "Lord Drelev, I would be remiss if I didn't offer you a night's hospitality. While things remain tight as we begin our work, I'd be glad to have you and your man, Ameon, join us this evening for supper. We can certainly find a room for the both of you as well. What say you?"
"We will move against the boggards soon, Lord Drelev. You can go tell your master that the matter is well in hand.
After you spend the night here of course. We would not be remiss in our hospitality.
'Nor would I presume to go against Baron Orlovsky's will in this matter."
"As you have been informed, the kobold situation has been dealt with, in a most favorable manner. We have no need for your help."
Anastacia arches an eyebrow at the man. "This brings us to your mission against the boggards. The fact that you are willing to divert your forces against the kobolds first, tells me that you do not hold it high in your priorities. Since you have neither cleric nor wizard in your ranks, it can be assumed that you will have great difficulty against the boggards. Your cavalry will founder in the river shoals and bogs."
Anastacia gives Drelev an icy smile.
"I don't take you for a fool, Lord Drelev. You must be aware of these facts as well."
Rowan waits until the visiting noble and entourage move inside Oleg's before putting out his pipe and heading back to Oleg's. Once there he helps the stable hands take care of the horses that arrived and after casting Speak with Animals spends several minutes talking to Drelev and Ameon's horses about what they think of their "masters".
Bej starts towards the soldiers with his steaming carafe of goodness but Terrion walks over to intercept him when it becomes apparent he is heading to the troops. Bej does manage to get into the camp they are setting up and several of the soldiers eye the coffee lustfully. Terrion smiles wanly at Bej. "Can I help you sir."
To Dareon and Roan's comments about the kobolds, Lord Drelev sighs. "I think that is a mistake, but, alas, it is not my decision to make. If that is Lord Wilhelm's wishes regarding the matter, I will abide with it."
As Roan adds his aside about future plans, he replies "Well, I'll administer my new barony of course."
As Wilhelm extends his hospitality, Drelev accepts. He and Ameon hand their horses off to Rowan and they start to accompany Wilhelm inside Oleg's. Then Anastacia speaks and Drelev turns towards her. There is anger in his eyes. "My master is King Surtova. He alone I will answer to, not some trumped up acolyte in a third rate village. I advise you to hold your tongue in the company of your betters." He turns back to Wilhelm. Really, my Lord. Can you not control your subjects better?"
The horses are very surprised that Rowan can talk and chatter incessantly with him. Lord Drelev and Ameon are not horseman at all, they can barely ride and use their mounts mainly as a status symbol. All of the care and interaction is done via proxy, grooms, etc. and the horses think very little of their master. Rowan they think is great! They want to stay here.
Bej replies with a smile under his thick beard “Hi there! Nah, just thought I could do a favor to fellow soldiers. I’ve spent my good deal of cold evenings mounting guard while a lord or the other talked his tongue off with his peers.” he gestures towards the trading post where the discussion is happening.
“We were lucky enough to solve more than one problem for the good folks that built this place, and they repay us with this nectar.” he taps the kettle with a finger “Well, I can see you don’t want your men to drop their guard. I can appreciate that. I’ll leave the coffee here for you, yes? Don’t know if it’s enough for everyone… anyway, name’s Bej. Bej Vanskian.”
A charming character. I hope he has a more diplomatic friend along for the ride... Maintaining a fixed smile, Wilhelm observes dryly, "I'm no expert on Pharasman clergy, but I would expect that as a High Priest, Anastacia rather more respect than a 'trumped up acolyte in a third rate village'."
Clearing his throat, he continues in a more conversational tone, "In any case, I'm sure all she said was meant in jest. Though perhaps there is a nugget of truth in the jest, as you will find some difficulty in the bog. Still, the King Regent wouldn't have picked you unless he felt you most capable of settling such a harsh land. I daresay he has high hopes for you and yours. I'm sure you'll live up to his expectations. Now, you're surely tired from your journey and you'd likely appreciate the chance to freshen up." Waving to Oleg, Wilhelm gestures to Lord Drelev and Ameon, "As you can see, Oleg, we've a few guests. Would you be so kind as to show them to one of the spare rooms that our party had been using?"
Rowan thanks the horses and makes certain that they are well cared for before heading inside of Oleg's. Keeping a low profile as he walked past the group, he stops immediately at Drelev's last comment towards Anastacia. Clenching his fists a few times, he quickly walks away to help his friends clear out their stuff from the offered rooms.
Filthy bastards they are. What was the Regent thinking when he selected these men?
Roan spends the days scrawling away in a journal. Those who manage to catch a glimpse of the inside of his journal, quickly realize it's not in Common that he's writing. Those familiar, will recognize it as Undercommon, the notes he's writing seem rather nonsensical.
Onema: Not as friendly as Levard, but also a decent guy. Seems a little out of place here though, I think he probably used to work stoking furnaces, good arms on that one.
Helmliw: Really likes souffle, and he can be a bit of a jerk about it, but I suppose some people are just like that. He's quite the baker though.
The notes go on in a similar fashion for some time, seeming to all speak of people, but the names are unfamiliar, and the random quirks assigned people don't really seem to refer to anyone in particular either. It's fairly clear that the nonsense is probably some kind of code.
After hastily, and quietly dumping the information on Wilhelm, he sighs, and then continues in a slightly less conspiratorial tone. "And listen, I think you can trust 'im, but know that there's something going on between your man Dante and Dralev. Dante was fishing for an answer to something earlier, something about a woman named Alliah. Some childhood friend, or sister, or lover. I'm not sure exactly what. But Dralev's got some kind of potential leverage over him, if he chooses to exploit that... well, Skyborn may end up holding allegiance to two different camps, and seeing enough to know what kind of tricks Dralev might be willing to use, he may well force Dante's hand against you."
"I'm taking inventory of the weaknesses in your court. Should help keep there from being any security leaks. ...And on that note." Roan leans in again and whispers, this time with a little more bite, "Let the snake charmer charm her actual snake, not yours. Savvy? There's plenty of women out there, plenty beautiful too. Choosing someone who's been working their way through your court, climbing positions a little at a time, will look suspicious to all our neighboring kingdoms, and that could be enough to hemorrhage our chances at getting in cozy with either Restov or Brevoy. Get some noble lass from around there." He straightens back up, "Hell, I'll look around and choose some for you if you need."
Lanya's eyes shoot daggers at the two men behind their backs. Just you wait Drelev, just you wait.
She walks with a courteous smile after them as they enter Oleg's but she seems wary of anything that might happen and calls Draekh to her shoulder, concealing him beneath her cloak.
Hmmm.. I might have a way to get rid of them. But not here, not now, but soon.
Lord Drelev seems molified by Wilhelm's words. "You are quite right. I lost my temper. It is a cross I must bear. I accept your generous invitation to stay the night." At Wilhelm's wave Oleg walks up the Baron and starts to show him his lodgings for the night. Ameon does not leave Lord Drelev's side.
The man approaching Bej extends his hand. And I am Sir Terrion Numesti. He glances over at the talking nobles and then asks. "Do you mind?" He pours himself a glass and one for Bej. "To our respective leaders. May they find peace." He then drinks his, simultaneous with Bej drinking his own. At his point, the side of one of the wagons moves and a young girl of around 14 drops to the ground, runs over to Terrion, followed closely behind by an older girl about 17, who tries to catch her younger sister but fails. "Dad, can I have some coffee?" the younger girl asks. Terrion's attention is suddenly diverted by Lord Drelev's tantrum and a worried grimace crosses his face. "Get back to the wagon, NOW" he says firmly. Chastised the girl runs back towards the wagon. As the noble debate seems to become friendlier he relaxes a bit. "My thanks for the coffee. I will share it with my troops." he says to Bej.
Anastacia's smile changes from icy to slightly amused. Drelev is a comedian it seems. She refrains from further provocation of the lordling, while staying close to Wilhelm. Lord Drelev has Ameon to watch his back, Wilhelm needs someone to do the same for him.
Anastacia watches the two strangers carefully, trying to read their body language and mannerisms.
Frowning after Drelev as Oleg leads him to one of the spare rooms, Wilhelm turns over the encounter in his head. Was that sincere? He seemed genuinely angry but he dropped it in an instant. Sighing in disgust, Wilhelm returns to the common room and takes a seat.
Sighing, Wilhelm runs a hand through his hair in frustration at the political realities. "So much for the simple founding of our nation. I'll be glad for all the political prowess our team possesses." Continuing to listen to Roan's thoughts, Wilhelm mentally dismisses his brother's concerns about Dante. He has been nothing but forthright with me, if Drelev has some hold on him, Dante will approach me and tell me of it.
Roan's mention of an 'inventory' earns a raised eyebrow, but Wilhelm leans in to hear what he has to say. His easy smile turns to a blushing frown that slowly morphs into an icy, steel-jawed scowl. In a hissing undertone, Wilhelm retorts, "The 'snake charmer', as so you charmingly call her, has been with the expedition since day one. She has earned her rank and would bind the Medvyed's to our nation at that. Your suspicions are unfounded and I won't have her name besmirched like this. She has been nothing but up front with me, brother, so have a care what you say." Reinforcing his point with a hard glare, Wilhelm finishes on a slightly softer note, "You've been a great help, brother, so refocus your efforts elsewhere and all will be well. Thank you for your insight into Drelev and his minion."
Later in the evening, during dinner, Wilhelm tries to keep the topic of discussion on trivialities around Brevoy, though he will try to (gently) pry into the nature of the charter Drelev has been given.