Pushing his hair out of his eyes, Dro'gan waves the comment away with hard look at the nearest window.
"Forget the fruit Meraki: I want to cut Gul Gusairne's balls off! Please forgive my crudeness ladies, but I was no-where near noble-born. Count Lotheed and his cronies rankle me in ways I can't describe in pleasant company. They are no better than crime bosses running around a city 'believing' like the own the place. They suck the people dry and leave them to fall to dust in their wake! Let's get this done RIGHT. The people here deserve better than what they have gotten so far..."
"Forget the fruit Meraki: I want to cut Gul Gusairne's balls off!"
"Hell yeah!" Greenly pounds the table with enthusiasm.
"One thing I been wondering, is, like, I know we gonna like catch or kill everybody but what about the Count's old-ass aunty? I know she had a thing for Lady Liv, maybe she could entertain her while we go do what we gotta? Don't want the elderly getting in the way of fire."
The invitations are carefully written and expediently sent out. Soon enough, the appointed evening falls and the first of your guests arrive.
These aristocrats of Meratt are left in shock and awe by the radical transformation that Stachys has seen under your custodianship. In particular, Baron Telus makes a conscious effort to take note of the renovations and initiatives you have implemented so as to better expedite the revitalization of his own lands.
Your subjects, both long-time residents and newcomers who flocked to Stachys for work, view the arriving nobles with distrust. Although your own party has earned their trust and loyalty, the vast majority of the aristocracy remain sources of fear, worry, and suspicion.
Maintaining an eye on general security, and for unexpected guests of a Swan-like nature, Dro'gan will serve drinks and snacks and try to be unobtrusive as possible.
"Well", she comments to Mira, "this letter changes matters. The mystery is over. I can't keep this letter from you, and I can't conceal Lady Martella's identity from you after you have read it. You know all our secrets now."
"Well...as long as we are admitting stuff about identities...I may have something to say, as well. You see, I was perfectly honest about my motives regarding Lotheed, and how I took up work in Calistrias temple. But before I arrived there, I was Lady Milonia Floria Valeria Fahlspar, of the House of Fahlspar. My family held a barony with a handful of small villages and lands filled with forest - before my father and brother have both been murdered by the high strategos, and under agnatic primogeniture, my uncle inherited their titles, then graciously offered to wed me. I know that he and the high strategos plotted all of it, and even confronted him about it - he did not deny it, but I have no proof. He wanted to have me put in chains to break me at his leisure, but was unaware I learned some magic from my mother before she died. I fled, and found refuge with Calistria in her place of worship. I have hidden my true identity ever since, and take a huge risk telling you. I very much intend to take my revenge, and regain my birthright. I hoped to contact Martella via my actions against her brother, then support Eutropia in her political goals - if she can establish absolute primogeniture and win the crown, I can contest my uncles claim, and be reinstated. Or just be reinstated, if my uncle happens to mysteriously die before then."
Mira pauses a moment to attempt to read Amandines expression, as well as those of the others :"Again, I want to be perfectly clear...I did not intend to mislead any of you. But my uncle placed a bounty on my head, and as such, I keep my origin hidden - from everybody. I have met Eutropia in the past, albeit I don't think she took notice of me. But Martella? I think she'll see through me, and I'd rather you hear it from me than from her. I had not intended to mislead, but expected to only work with you to accomplish my goals with Lotheed, and part, with no one knowing my true self. But this letter changes things...you are working for Martella. Please accept my apologies and allow our cooperation to continue."
Mira resumes her role as a member of the Lady Betonys retinue, doing her best to greet the guests and subtly attempts to direct them into match-ups/tables with like-minded individuals, hopefully reducing the chance of arguments or unpleasant events as the amount of wine consumed increases.
Dro’gan smirks.
“That explains a lot. But not everything. Why the boat? Were you the one to set it on fire? Or was that by someone coming after you?”
Atratus the swan maiden is actually the first of your invited guests to arrive. She marches proudly up the road to your manner, clad in her armor with her white feathered cloak around her shoulders. You aren't sure whether she walked, swam, or flew from her lake to Stachys, but if she is tired from the trip, she does not show it.
Mira, even though she was not with the party when they met Atratus, manages to get a decent read on her. Despite maintaining the bearing of a proud, stoic warrior woman, Mira gets the distinct sense that Atratus is secretly excited to be invited to a party.
Furthermore, thanks to Mira's diplomatic introductions and subtle coaxing, Atratus soon gets along swimmingly with Baron Okerra and Baroness Voinum. At first they simply take her to be a fellow veteran or knight. However, when the time comes to tactfully reveal her fey nature, the pair of nobles are impressed rather than suspicious.
As the guests continue to arrive, Dro'gan notices someone lingering along the eaves of a copse of trees a bowshot's distance from the manor. He spots Marthane hiding in the shadows of dusk. She looks to be caught halfway between two different outfits: the dress of a noblewoman or the gear of the Night Swan. She appears to be in the midst of an internal dilemma, debating with herself about how she will attend the party.
Mira, even though she was not with the party when they met Atratus, manages to get a decent read on her. Despite maintaining the bearing of a proud, stoic warrior woman, Mira gets the distinct sense that Atratus is secretly excited to be invited to a party.
Using his disguise self spell effect to appear as his alter ego that the Swan knows well, Dro'gan wanders around to flank her a bit so as to be appearing out of the night nearby. He's not really hiding his approach so as to not startle her.
"Oh dearie! Can't decide which skin to wear...M'lady? What's it to be then? Leathers? Feathers? Or a fanciee dress to impress the men and ladies tonight? I t'ink I know me preferences."
Before giving her a chance to speak or make a decision, Dro'gan drops his spell suddenly and appears as his normal self, in his clean and 'mostly' mended servant's uniform, fresh from the party. He holds his hands open and weapon free, completely out of any serious reach so as not to threaten.
"You have thought about what we have spoken. Yes? These people...are not bad because of what they are. They are simply representatives of what they DO. Everyone is. Good or bad. I learned this the hard way many winters ago when I lost what little family I had. May I tell you a quick tale? A tale of woe and hardships aplenty? My mother died of some unnamed disease in the whore house where I was born. My chosen father-figure, the one who promised me a future above all of that, died at the hands of nameless assassins...while I watched and ran. I'm no noble. Galtans had a right to anger when they rebelled, but they took the power and let it corrupt them. No, the 'commoners' in charge of Galt now are no better than the 'evil nobles' they replaced really. Here in Taldor? Good people...nobles, swans, and low-born alike...are not trying to improve things for everyone on most average days. Accepting the way things are, and are done, can be the easy choice for most folk. But as they say in Oppara: 'Evil tides rise, when good fishermen don't go fight the sea.' Leading people to do the right thing, even when it is for the better, is a hard thing to ask. Sometimes it is as simple as a voice demanding for change. Sometimes it demands sacrifice and blood. Let's boil it all down to this: Stop worrying about what someone is, and start looking at what people are DOING. The choices they are making. The hard ones. This party is a good start. Come see! Watch. Look. Listen to the talk. Maybe only then you will fully understand what we are trying to accomplish here in the County...?"
He then winks and offer his hand to her.
"By the way...how would you like to meet a REAL Swan Maiden? Atratus is at the party! I mean...she's just...wow."
Dro’gan smirks.
“That explains a lot. But not everything. Why the boat? Were you the one to set it on fire? Or was that by someone coming after you?”
"I was perfectly truthful on that. I had made arrangements to meet a former employee of Lotheed that promised to have incriminating material on him, but seem to have run into a trap instead. As I mentioned, I was reluctant to put on the trinket that would have allowed my contact to identify me, not seeing someone wearing the trinket that should have allowed me to identify them. I suspect the fire was to get everybody into the water - and I suspect several young woman would have drowned then, had you not come along when you did.", Mira recalls that part of her meeting with the group. "As said, aside from my identity itself, I had no reason to mislead you. Unnecessary lies are just opportunities to mess up your story, with no benefit to be had."
When the guests that announced their participation are accounted for, Mira also heads inside. She makes some small-talk with people, heading from table to table, while helping with the organizational flow - directing servants where needed to keep snacks stocked and glasses filled.
While at the table with Voinum, Okerra and Atratus, she takes a moment to inquire on how Selli is doing, takes some time getting to know Atratus a bit better, not having met her before, and commends the Lady Voinum on her tasteful attire.
As invitations are going out, Amandine makes sure Lady Mona Sittas and Lt. Marina Gortius are included, just in case they are still somewhere in the county. She doesn't know them well, only from the Tanager Jubilee, but she has always had a good feeling about them.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Amandine isn't really surprised that she hadn't heard Mira's whole story. She doesn't really know anyone's whole story, and conversely nobody knows her's either. She is shocked by its brutality though. Amandine isn't naive enough to think high social class offer perfect protection; but she is amazed that something so openly vicious could happen without any repercussions. Apparently there is a point at which laws don't protection one, no matter who one is.
Even if Amandine were upset or troubled by Mira's withholding of the information for a while, it wouldn't change her response. After all, if Mira seemed to present some danger, it's too late no to cut her loose to do whatever she would, better to keep her close and thus under observation.
"The things that have been done to you are dreadful Mira. I certainly understand your desire to retaliate, and I think our paths have converged at this time in ways that make are respective goals compatible. Pending Lady Martella's approval, I would be happy to have you continue onward with us."
"There my come a time, though I don't see how at could come to pass, that Princess Eutropia and Maxillar Pythareus settle their differences and co-exist according to some agreement. If your need for revenge outlives that time, I at least can say I will wish you well as you continue onward."
"But here and now there is no more time for the past. We have to give all our attention to the present and the immediate future."
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Because she is the Lady of the house, Amandine must spend all her time in the thick of it as hostess. She welcomes every guest as they arrive, and makes sure their luggage is taken to the right room by someone. She makes small talk, sees that nobody lacks for drinks, and tries to keep everyone engaged until the late dinner is served. When Baron Okerra arrives, she gets Selli and Calix together so they can keep each other entertained.
Of course Amandine does lean toward spending time with Baron Okerra when possible. No only is he her favorite, but she trusts any observations or opinions he might give the most.
"I doubt they'll settle. But even if they did, there's precedence for woman leading their Barony. You, Voinum, many others. My uncle, as said, is unmarried - ambitious, but with no heirs yet. If Eutropia and Pythareus indeed work out an agreement, and Martella no longer has need of you, I would ask that you help me take my revenge on my uncle. It may or may not allow me to return home, but it would at least give me closure. I do understand that I am asking much, and you do not have to answer now. But please consider my plea. I have nothing to my name that I could offer you, now, except my continued service...but facing my uncle will be something that I will have to do, sooner or later, even if I am alone. I won't forget, and I am not willing to give up who I am and run forever.", Mira responds to Amandine, and leads into requesting her help in the future.
**************************************************************************
"Hej Selli. I've got a present for you. You see, after your story, I went and asked some...friends, to find out who cheated on you. There was only one that could have been responsibly, so I went to them, and forced them to play the same game with me. They denied everything, but you see, if a Fey is challenged by another, they are not allowed to refuse.", she winks at Selli, "But that is our secret. You can't tell anybody, not even your Father! Either way, as you can see, I still got all of my fingers. The prankster, on the other hand...", she retrieves the fox-scarf from behind her back and presents it to Selli. "It's yours, now when you tell your story, you can close it with another chapter and a happy ending."
Guests continue to arrive. Dro'gan handily convinces Lady Marthane to attend the party as herself, and he actually trusts that she won't try any skulduggery against any other nobles in attendance. Acquaintances from the Jubilee, competitors from the joust, also arrive with warm tidings.
Ushering in the first party that the Betony Manor has seen in several generations, Amandine quickly establishes herself as a very capable hostess. Likewise, her companions also leave positive impressions upon the guests, earning their trust and cultivating a genial atmosphere.
Baron Okerra apologizes for the presence of his daughter. His carriage was over halfway to Stachys when he discovered that Selli had stowed away inside a trunk. He is visibly relieved to see Amandine and Mira welcome his daughter so eagerly; some initial trepidation also melts away as he sees Selli find a playmate in Calix.
Selli squeals with delight to receive the fox-scarf gift from Mira. Of course, she seems even more pleased to find someone willing to play along with her tall tale of adventure. She also giggles conspiratorially, happy to share a secret or two with Mira.
No longer worried about things happening inside the party, Dro’gan tries to make sure the local perimeter is free of spies and other nefarious activities. Hopefully the house fae will at least aid in that regard as well.
Greenly plays guardsman during the party, standing sentinel by the entry, but plays it off as if she's just there to welcome everyone who enters, offering a hearty smile and brief conversation to every arrival.
The guests all arrive, and the party is riding high upon a positive mood. All the invited quickly overcome the eclectic nature of the guest list and are appreciating each other's company, at least as they enjoy the pleasant surprise of the Betony hospitality.
In due time comes the opportunity to speak about why you have assembled everyone.
Having checked and double checked the perimeter, Dro'gan returns to the party and makes sure all the guests drinks are re-filled and moves to the center of the room. Raising his hands he asks for attention from everyone nearby, pausing for effect.
Once he has it, he bows lightly and nods to the highest nobles there.
"Patience! Attention! Ladies and Gentlemen? It IS time to bring this auspicious gathering toward its intended destination: I would ask for everyone's complete attention on our host and I hope, more than you could possibly believe, that you find her presented picture of a future for our little corner of Taldor to your likening."
Turning, and bowing deeply, Dro'gan silently presents Lady Amandine as she rises and steps up to the center 'stage.'
Sir Greenly, champion of the Jubilee Joust, performs a light riding demonstration largely for the benefit of the commonfolk in attendance and those otherwise unable to have seen her victory over the good Baron Okerra.
Of course, the grounds outside the Betony Manor are not as perfectly suited for the attempt as the lanes at Birdsong, but she performs admirably all the same, tromping thru the mud.
As the evening goes on, and some guests already retreat to their chambers, Mira has Amandine's servants bring a harp from a different part of the castle into the dining area.
She was no virtuoso, but her family had insisted on a musical education, and she was decent enough.
She provides some music in the background, not loud enough to interrupt any conversations, but hopefully pleasant to listen to.
Her choice of works include classical songs and ones playing up the heroics of regional heros(Baroness Voinum definitely inspired a Bard or two) and tradition, but also newer songs popular with younger members of the audience as well as folklore pieces.
For those songs with text, she softly sings along, so that anybody who decides to take a break can listen and relax near hear.
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Amandine spends the evening mingling and chatting with guests until they have all retired for the night. She is exhausted by the time she is able to call it a night herself. She can mimic as a social butterfly well enough, but it is a strain for her. She is always more comfortable engaging with a single person, or at most a very small group.
The next morning she takes up the same role again at breakfast. As she greets the guests as they arrive, she also asks them to remain present for a short time afterward for a discussion about recent events in the county.
As the final plates and silverware are collected after the meal, a final drink is brought to all the guests. The tall glass contains a light digestif, a mixed drink that was becoming quite popular in Oppara at the time they left for Meratt on this mission. The base is white rum infused with mint and lime juice. Multi-colored melon balls are added. Then the lightest, fizziest sparkling white wine is used to top off the glass.
Amandine moves to the front of the room with her own glass and raises it.
"Thank you all for being here. It is such a great pleasure to host you in my humble home. You have welcomed me, all of my company, to Meratt with kindness and generosity. You have made us feel at home. I hope with this gathering I can return some small measure of that feeling to all of you. I also wish to note the happy return of Baron Telus, who is among our number today."
"Before we go on with our day though, there is some news I would like to share with you. As some of you whom I have spoken to most recently already know, of late I have become embroiled in a conflict over taxation with Count Lotheed. I will not belabor you with all the details, but I will say this. Festo, a priest of Abadar who has kindly agreed to help me put Stachys back on a better path, helped me in reviewing taxation records for the past decade. Festo has a brilliant understanding of numbers, and he found systematic malfeasance in Count Lotheed's system of taxation."
"But, I am not standing before you now simply because of my own dispute. Since I have arrived in Meratt, wherever I go, and whomever I converse with will eventually touch in some way upon Count Lotheed's poor administration of Meratt, or his lack of attention to its pressing problems. I did not ignore what I heard. Instead I wrote to the personage in who's name the Count acts as a seneschal, Princess Eutropia."
"The Princess looked into the accusations I made, and was sufficiently convinced of their validity that she took the matter to court. The court arrived at its decision, and it has been forwarded to me."
At she says this, Amandine draws the document from her sleeve and holds it up.
"The court reached a decision in favor of Princess Eutropia, and against Count Lotheed. He has been stripped of any entitlement to Birdsong Palace or its revenues. The court did not include an enforcement mechanism for its decision, since it it located in Oppara, leaving enactment to be carried out locally. That is us, all of us. We are that local authority."
"I know there has long been discontent with Count Lotheed's management. I also know a sense of fatalism has long ruled, a sense that nothing could be done. With the court's decision and this document ratifying Count Lotheed's eviction, that time has ended."
"Now we only need the courage of our convictions. We only need to make the decision to act, to uphold the law, to rid ourselves of a plague. I have made that decision. With the resources I can gather from Stachys, I will travel to Birdsong Palace to deliver this notice of eviction to Count Lotheed. Perhaps he will accept it gracefully, step aside, and vacate the premises. I hope so. But he might reply instead: 'Who can make me? Who would stand against me here? I am too comfortable to leave'. If he refuses, he will have to be forced out. Perhaps I have to means to remove him under those circumstances, but what if I do not?"
"But, if we all go together, he will see a different picture. He will see an entire county rejecting him from top to bottom. He will see there is no aid to be found. It may well sway his view of the risks he takes by refusing to vacate. He will surely have to wonder if he can resist all of us if he thinks of refusing."
"Understand clearly that my course is set. I will do exactly what I have told you I will. I will not be dissuaded. Instead consider whether you will join me in this one fleeting moment we have to actually change Meratt for the better. I understand there is risk, and I will not think ill of anyone who stays away. But, whatever direction you ultimately choose, think on this subject, this opportunity, deeply for the rest of the day. When you give your answer, let it be one arrived at after serious, considered, reflection."
Meraki, ever the wallflower, watches those assembled closely, trying to gauge the effectiveness of Amandine's entreaty.
Greenly's horsemanship impresses Lt. Gortius and her friend, Lady Sittas, who had eagerly returned to Meratt for a chance to party with the Betony household again.
Baron Okerra, a veteran of the Taldan Horse, politely offers some pointers.
"Pointers my calloused foot!" Baroness Voinum interrupts. "I marched in the damn Phalanx, and even I could show you how to ride better."
Meraki calms any worries about this breaking into a row, since she can readily see that this is the cantankerous baroness' manner of acting familiar with someone. Indeed, these leads into a rousing discussion and demonstration of riding among Greenly and the martial-minded guests, young and old.
...
Despite her desire to remain unobtrusive, Mira soon gathers quite the audience. Most notably among them are Baron Telus, who weeps about how her music is the most beautiful thing he has heard in ages; as well as Dame Parthena Crabbe, who gently nudges her daughter, Sepsinia, and says, "See? Wasn't this a delightful reason to take a break from cloistering yourself in your room?"
...
Between your deeds over the past few weeks and the excellent diversion you've provided at this party, all the guests willingly hear out Amandine's appeal - as preambled by Dro'gan - without being bothered by the threat of politics.
Amandine wisely selects her approach, framing the situation not as part of the larger struggle between the princess and other claimants to the throne, but rather as a local matter for the gentry of Meratt to resolve.
Meraki also identifies that presenting this as a smaller, more manageable issue that they can actually do something about keenly wins over even the more reluctant or conservative guests.
In the end, Barons Telus, Okerra, and Voinum all agree to march with you to the Palace of Birdsong to deliver the eviction. Although they will not enter the palace and involve themselves with open combat, which remains a danger, they will bring along their men-at-arms and, with the other minor nobles and knights won over at your party, secure the estate grounds to ensure that Count Lotheed cannot flee or summon reinforcements.
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Your more highly ranked guests are confident that any household guards who haven't already vacated their posts once you arrive will stand down upon seeing the group assembled at the gates. However, they caution that more than mortal soldiers protect the palace, but your guests are able to provide some critical intel on dangers to expect.
Dame Crabbe mentions that, many seasons ago, the Lotheeds used contacts in the Verduran Forest to acquire a pair of living topiaries in the shape of lions. She warns that these plant creatures will be guarding the rear veranda.
Baroness Voinum warns you that four of the marble columns in the grand gallery inside the entrance of the palace, carved in the likeness of various gods, are actually caryatid columns.
"They were enchanted long ago, during the height of the empire, to protect the emperor when he would stay at the palace," she explains. "They're still active and aggressive, guarding the palace against intruders. However, there is a command phrase that shuts them down for one day: 'Taldaris, glory in his name.' They use that phrase to keep them dormant during parties and other social events."
Lastly, Lt. Marina Gortius tells you to steer clear of the service hallway along the east wing of the palace.
"During the Jubilee, I caught a drunken Lord Titus trying to get fresh with Mona," the knight says, nodding towards Lady Sittas. "When I dragged her away from his clutches, he started threatening to take us both to the service hallway and let some kind of magical trap there bind us in shackles. I won't repeat what the rake then went on to threaten. Suffice to say that if we weren't in the midst of an important party, I would have left him with two broken limbs before parting."
Making note of all the tricks and traps of the palace, Dro’gan nods…confidently aware that anything is still possible and pretty sure the cleanup at the palace will be harder than expected.
"Well, it sounds like it will be dangerous, regardless of our efforts.", Mira sighs. "I did receive some basic training in the use of Longswords, albeit I can't say I ever excelled in it. I do have some tricks up my sleeve, but I've never been much of a fighter."
She turns to Amandine:"Still, it would feel better with a weapon in hand, if you happened to have a well-crafted sword I could borrow from your Armory?"
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The hours become a blur of preparations after the party is adjourned following breakfast. You and your allies, whether noble in station or simply noble in spirit, ready yourselves to march upon the Palace of Birdsong and evict Count Lotheed from its storied halls. Mira takes up the relic Koriana's Blade, just as the rest of you gather your own gear, and eventually you sally forth.
By dusk, you finally arrive at the drive winding through the manicured lawns, at the head of a procession that includes a cross section of the county's populace. There are, of course, the Barons Okerra, Telus, and Voinum, bringing along contingents of house guards and servants.
Many common residents and workers from Stachys have also tagged along, further swelling the ranks of your procession, as they eager to witness a once-in-a-lifetime moment that will become a story they tell their children and grandchildren. Likewise, refugees from New Towne, Jambis, and even the Beggarwood have also flocked to the edges of your large group as it passes along the roads through the county.
Nearly two dozen soldiers in the Lotheed livery stream out of the palace, but rather than marching with military precision to oppose your approach, they amble and shuffle with a more resigned gait as they abandon their posts. Although still wearing their uniforms, very few have kept any weapons with them - and even then, they make sure to keep their hands in the air to make it plain that they do not seek a fight. They begin the long hike down the highway, heading home or to whatever shelter they might find in Lotheedar to wait out this upheaval.
At this point, your sizeable entourage spreads out across the flower gardens, fruit and nut orchards, vineyards, and lawns of the miles-wide estate. They form a cordon around the palace grounds, ensuring that the soldiers cannot sneak back in - and that Count Lotheed cannot sneak out.
Fine laburnum trees blossoming with yellow flowers stand against the dusky sky, flanking the drive leading the rest of the distance to the front doors of the palace. A large fountain and several statues provide ostentation for the grand entrance, but you get the feeling that they, too, would gladly abandon their posts if physically able.
Wan lights hang in only a couple windows on either the first or second stories, with the majority of the palace sitting dark.
Turning to the Lady in charge, Dro'gan waves at the house and whispers carefully, his eyes serious.
"We still must be cautious! Tricks, traps, and who knows what else could be waiting in there, or even underneath. Let me go inside first? I can mask myself as a lowly guard returning to defend his lord and try to undermine any real defense our target might put up. It is risky, but the gain here is many lives saved for the potential cost of but my singular one."
Greenly marches forth stern and focused, well aware of the historic importance of their actions today. As they walk, she speaks "If he doesn't surrender, Miss, should I take the Count's head?" she addresses Amandine, cold, practical and unfeeling. In this moment, all animosity between the women is set aside. This is Greenly at her finest, at her truest. She is the swordarm and shield for her Ladyship, and will do anything in pursuit of her goals and to protect her.
"Don't be so hasty to lay down your life. I will readily admit I am quite happy to let someone else take point, but I have some means to assist you even then. Let me just...", she briefly touches Drogans forehead, repeating the gesture with Greenly.
"It...is hard to explain. Just trust me on this. It will help when you need it."
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While preparations are underway, Amandine finds a moment to pull the barons aside, seeking their advice about a detail that troubles her.
"While I do not expect Count Lotheed to be forewarned, I cannot dimissed from my mind the possibility of him having advanced knowledge of our plans through some sort of subterfuge. I was never able to gain any insight into the nature of his arcane abilities. Of course there is also the possibility he will be warned by one of his spies beforehand."
"If he does know we are coming, what chance might there be that he can summon help from outside Meratt? Should we blockade the roads into the county? I'm no warrior, and have never campaigned so I need your guidance."
At another time she goes privately to Baron Okerra.
"I am confident of success, but it is not in my nature to be unprepared for other outcomes. While we go to The Palace of Birdsong, I will have a carriage at the ready here at Betony Manor. If we meet defeat, it will be ready to immediately take Calix out of the county to safety. Do you want to include Selli in this contingency?"
Amandine also has a signed will listing her personal wealth, and naming Calix as her sole heir sent to Archbanker Lady Paril.
Amandine insists in riding horseback to The Palace of Birdsong. Arriving by carriage seems less than impressive in this particular case. She is quick to dismount on arrival.
In reply to Sir Greenly's question she says "hopefully such a thing won't be necessary. But, if that is what it takes to remove him, yes."
Staying near Greenly while Amandine talk to the others, he nods as he agrees to her statement to her.
"We arrest him if we can. Otherwise we have a legal right to remove him by force. It will probably go better in the end if he can be brought to court merely humiliated and in chains. Things could get sketchy for our future if we have to eliminate him in the name of the Princess however, so taking his head should be a last resort. On the other hand...removing him removes a possible thorn in the princess's side for the future as well. So if we have to stop him permanently, do not hesitate ...much?"
He looks back at Amandine.
"What of my plan to infiltrate in advance of the others? Should I, or just stay with you? Either way I can be effective to a certain extent, so I will follow your directive."
Baron Okerra nods grimly in response to Amandine's contingency plan. He agrees, assuring that Selli and Calix will be safely spirited away westward along the highway on towards Cassomir, should things go awry.
"Of course, there's no chance of that happening, right?" he adds with a wry, coy smile. "I've no doubt that you'll succeed."
An entire constellation of lanterns and torches surround the estate with a ring of light, confirming that the grounds have been fully cordoned off.
Quickly reviewing the letter from Martella provides clarification on your objectives and the acceptable conditions for your success.
Count Lotheed and Sir Gusairne must both be removed, with either capture or death being acceptable fates for these men.
The Lotheed family's charter for stewardship of the estate must also be secured from the palace archives, to which Baroness Voinum is able to provide directions.
Lastly, there is only one possible route for escape or reinforcements available to Count Lotheed. His great uncle, Duke Panivar Lotheed, is a very accomplished wizard and installed a teleportation circle in the palace. Located in the royal apartments, this circle must be destroyed to cut off the last lifeline for Count Lotheed's power.
"So...we have no idea where he may be hiding...what do we do first? Secure that Circle and shut it down? May also encourage the Count to surrender...if we want that.", Mia suggests - albeit her tone of voice makes it seem more like an inquiry.
In response to Dro'gan's question, Amandine asks one back. It also partially answers Mira's question.
"First we must present the court's decision to Count Lotheed. I assume we will be doing that at the gate. Hopefully he will come out to hear it. If not I suppose we will have to send one of his retainers to deliver the news to him."
"We must inform him of the reason we are here. Then, when we have his reply we will act accordingly. While I doubt he will vacate the premises voluntarily, he must be given to chance to do so."
"Do you think infiltrating the palace ahead of us is a practical plan given this approach Dro'gan?"
"With all due respect, Lady Bethony, we cordoned off the grounds. His guards fled - our march here was not a fast one, with the entirety of our entourage, and word spread...which is why those of his underlings with a brain decided to leave. Look at the torches surrounding the grounds. He knows, and he knows we are here, and he decided not to come meet us. I do agree that formalities have to be fulfilled, but for all practical purposes, we already have his reply. He will not come personally, he will not leave voluntarily. In that light, it would definitely make sense to consider our priorities - securing the charter and cutting off the circle are both instructions independent from forcing Count Lotheed to vacate the premises - fulfilling those objectives before he has a chance to meddle with either of them could be preferable, under the pretext that we were looking for him to deliver the news in person.", Mira suggests.
She was afraid that Amandine would insist on attempting to meet with Lotheed, but then, with all the spectacle they arrived with, there was no element of surprise involved on their side, anyway - still, she would have preferred dealing with Lotheed last out of their stated goals.
One of the Beggarwood refugees comes up to you, and he reports that Lady Marthane wanted to pass along some information she learned from one of the Lotheed soldiers who were deserting their post.
Knowing Marthane's secret identity, you can imagine how she might have coerced such intel from the soldier.
According to the soldier, the Count Lotheed was last seen on the second floor in his personal office . However, the count may have retired to his laboratory , his personal chambers , or the upstairs parlor .
Furthermore, the count's cousin, Lord Titus, was loitering around the first floor waiting room with his cronies.
Smiling, Dro’gan waves at the building.
“Let me deliver the formal letter. Hopefully he will ignore me once he sees it and since I will appear to be unarmed. I will attempt to upset any plans he may have…if I can. If he gives up…unlikely…then I can make sure he comes out peacefully. If not, I can use my fire-dragon flares to let you all know which room he may be hiding out in. If you see the flares in the window, you know which rooms to head for.”
"Oh, don't misunderstand. While this is a part of a legal proceeding and certain niceties must be observed, it needn't be hand delivered. We only need to go to the gate. If the Count or a representative does not come out to hear from us, we will read the court ruling aloud for all to hear and then give him some reasonable amount of time to respond. If he does not, we will proceed with the assumption the Count is recalcitrant and use any necessary force."
"There will be no risk involved on our part."
Shrugging, Dro'gan whines a bit in fun...
"Geez 'mom'...you never let me have any fun!"
He then pulls a wicked looking crossbow from his pack and loads it carefully.
Festo Mise emerges from coterie that marched to the palace with you. The Abadaran priest steps forward and lays a Clarion Call spell upon Dro'gan so that no one, whether inside the palace or out, could claim to miss a word of the proclamation being read.
The most immediate response comes when Lord Titus and his drunken cronies open the windows in a rounded gallery looking out upon the front gardens. Their vocabulary slips between highborn speech and vulgar vernacular, but their meaning is clear - essentially daring you to come and fight them if you think you can "steal" the estate from the Lotheed family.
A few moments later, an upstairs window also opens. Count Lotheed offers his own, much more composed rebuttal to the ultimatum. He will not command his cousin, seneschal, or other remaining defenders to stand down, but if you can reach the upstairs parlor, he will grant you an audience to see if you can persuade him to surrender.
After the Count's reply, Greenly immediately pulls her bow and fires two arrows towards Titus Lotheed-Casava and his cronies, hoping at least to frighten the prick.
The arrows whistle as they arc through the sky and smash into the gallery windows, a declaration, an acceptance of the challenge laid forth
School divination [mind-affecting]; Level bard 2; Casting Time 1 standard action; Components V, S, F/DF (a copper piece);Range 60 ft.;
Area cone-shaped emanation; Duration concentration, up to 1 min./level (D); Saving Throw Will negates (see text); Spell Resistance no;
DESCRIPTION:You detect surface thoughts. The amount of information revealed depends on how long you study a particular area or subject.
*1st Round: Presence or absence of thoughts (from conscious creatures with Intelligence scores of 1 or higher).
*2nd Round: Number of thinking minds and the Intelligence score of each. If the highest Intelligence is 26 or higher (and at least 10 points higher than your own Intelligence score), you are stunned for 1 round and the spell ends. This spell does not let you determine the location of the thinking minds if you can’t see the creatures whose thoughts you are detecting.
*3rd Round: Surface thoughts of any mind in the area. A target’s Will save prevents you from reading its thoughts, and you must cast detect thoughts again to have another chance. Creatures of animal intelligence (Int 1 or 2) have simple, instinctual thoughts.
Each round, you can turn to detect thoughts in a new area. The spell can penetrate barriers, but 1 foot of stone, 1 inch of common metal, a thin sheet of lead, or 3 feet of wood or dirt blocks it.
Amandine looks at Dro'gan since he has the amplification to ensure nobody misses the point she wants to clearly make.
"Deliver this reply to Count Lotheed: If we are hindered in any way coming to his parlour, the time for negotiation regarding the particulars of his exit from The Palace of Birdsong will have passed. We will treat the raised hand of any of his servants, retainers, or family as his own raised hand. He will already have chosen eviction by force by the time we arrive."
She checks her equipment one last time, and prepares to move through the gates.
Raising an eyebrow at Amandine's forced declaration of war, which will give Lotheed no excuses if the righteous group actually manages to confront the Count, Dro'gan nods again.
So he does what he is told to do and delivers her words as error free as possible.
"Have it your way, but try not to bleed on the furniture.", Mira shouts coldly at Titus and his cronies, while drawing her sword and approaching the door, to see if it is locked.
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Lord Titus releases a shrill shriek as he practically pratfalls backwards from the window as Greenly's whistling arrows smash against the nearby wainscotting. You can see the blurring silhouettes of he and his cronies as they retreat further back into the palace, lest even more missiles be aimed their way.
Up above, Count Lotheed winces and reflexively grips the windowsill as the arrows loudly strike the side of the palace, but he remains where he stands.
Although the count remains in the window long enough for Dro'gan to focus his spell upon him, the count's mind proves just a shade too strong to penetrate.
Nevertheless, Amandine's message - delivered by Dro'gan's amplified voice and bolstered by Mira's well-aimed threat - leaves the count visibly shaken.
"Very well. Enter and take the stairs on your left," the count commands, drawing upon his rapidly dwindling authority. "We will discuss this...matter like intelligent, civilized souls."
Greenly smirks and swings the door open, entering sword drawn before anyone else, but following at the back as they move thru the home
As always Dro'gan stays near Amandine the entire time, one step back and to her right. His crossbow is armed and in his right hand. He whispers as they all enter.
"This MIGHT be a trick. Greenly! Make sure and say the password to the Golem Statues so they don't attack us."
"Certainly does sound like a trap. But what's an intelligent, civilized soul to do...", Mira smirks, keeping her blade drawn and staying in the middle of the group, following whoever takes point towards the stairs.