Valeria considered going along to Cassomir but when Lope asked for her assistance with the Harvest Festival blessing she changed her mind. Someone should stay and help Lope and it might as well be her. "I can help but I don't think people will appreciate the blessing of the Redeemer Queen, given she was a demon lord until recently."
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It turns out that rather than a religious ceremony, the villagers wanted what amounted to a pep talk. Apparently this had been a tradition of the late Lady Allis Betony after all the next week promised back breaking labour needed to mow and thresh all the ripe wheat fields and turn all the stalks into silage so that both the villagers and their cattle would have food to see them through the winter.
Lope gave an impromptu speech, which perhaps fell a little flat but nobody seemed to mind and soon the whole village set about their tasks.
On the afternoon of the third day, one of the farmers, a man called Guido Hans who seemed rather agitated came calling at the Manor. Eventually somebody let him in and he cried "Lord Bentony! The tax collectors are here, they're demanding four thousand gold or half as much again in produce. We shall be ruined, what are we to do?!"
A day passes and still nothing, but that evening you ate at the inn and after you'd finished the bar keep Tobias told you when you came to settle up at the bar, "This one's on the house. If you're looking for a job, talk to Molly upstairs."
You head up and as before Niles's hulking presence is guarding the door. He gives you friendly smile before opening the door.
Inside Molly was talking to a older man you don't recognize who you don't recognise, it seems their business was done and he said to her, "A pleasure as always." before leaving leaving a warm seat for you.
When you sit down, Molly's eyes twinkle as she says, "Ah! Cyrene, I'm glad you came, I trust your Aunt is well. Anyway I don't know if you've heard but Sir Gusairne has hired at least a dozen new tax collectors out of Cassomir. I say tax collectors, but only a piece of paper separates these men from highway robbers. We've found out that a lawyer Archibald Remington has been acting on Sir Gusairne's behalf."
Molly's face wrinkles with distaste, "A nasty piece of work, but fortunately the man has no particular loyalty but he does like gold. There's a payment due which our mutual friend aims to intercept, if that's successful we doubt Mr Remington will be helping Sir Gusairne again any time soon. This is where perhaps you come in, a mission like this needs lookouts. I won't lie, this could well be dangerous, the Cassomir Watch are competent and the courier is armed. However on the flip side, they're not expecting anything and our mutual friend doesn't plan to stick around or get anyone killed."
Molly looks directly into your eyes as she asks, "Are you interested?"
Once she found out about what would be required of her for the harvest festival Valeria was more confident in having a role in it. She began to feel pressured when Lope didn't seem to do as well as expected but did her best not to let that stop her. She went up on stage after him and began to speak to the crowd, "Today is a day of great importance to our community, a day when we celebrate the years harvest. I could stand here and speak for a while but I learned something during my time at fighting as part of the Crusade in Mendev, life is short and we need to enjoy what we can when we can so, with that in mind, and on behalf of the Betony family, I want to thank each and every one of you for your hard work this year and in the years to come. Now," she paused for dramatic flare, "I'm gonna shut up and start partying!" With that she did as she said and began to enjoy herself.
On the day the tax collectors arrived Valeria was rather startled to hear what their demands were for taxes. That made no sense what so ever and she couldn't comprehend how they came to the conclusion they were owed so much money. She put aside her current drawing and said, "We will be right there, um, where are they right now," once she had the answer she then added, "please let them know we are on the way."
Once the messenger had left Valeria turned to Lope and asked, "So how much should we owe for the taxes?"
Cyrene's sharp eye takes in how heavily armed Niles is, but she doesn't appear to take note of it, just offering the heavy man a bright smile as she slips into the next room.
Molly's message is everything Cyrene had been hoping for and she has to make sure her response isn't too enthusiastic rather than anything else.
"Of course I'll help." She says, trying to inject the appropriate amount of nervousness into her voice. "So I just need to watch and maybe give a signal? I won't have to... hurt anyone, will I?"
Lope is somewhat calmed down when Valeria takes over his dull speech, "Yes, let's give thanks for the food this year, and enjoy this little moment of community working together"
The posing Lord Betony rolls up his sleeves and joins the crew on the field. Despite he takes his responsibility to direct when he sees the need to, he also does not shy away from taking the sickle and make his own part of the hard work. Lope might be of noble descend, but his life has been plagued by hardships, so he appreciates the honest work done together.
---
Lope is cleaning himself from the labor sweat during a pause for refreshment when the news arrive "That is a good question Valeria" and turning to the people around he echoes "What did you pay the last year?"
Then turning to the messenger, he adds resolute "Bring us to the presence of the tax collectors" the Aldori picks up his sword from the cart full of hay before following up.
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Guido tells you, "I believe it was six hundred and fifty gold last year, Lord Bentony and that was up a good hundred from the year before."
When you ask to be taken to the the presence of the tax collectors, Guido leads you into the fields where a group of villagers are arguing with a rough looking group of armed men.
One of the farmers was pleading with them, "How are we supposed to eat over the winter if you take our harvest?!"
The toughest of the tax collectors sneered as he replied, "It's not my problem, taxes are taxes and you better hand it over if you know what's good for you!"
Guido whispers to Lope, "That's Giado Eta. I didn't catch the names of his accomplices, sorry, I mean henchmen."
Flanking Giado are four men who look little more than mercenaries, each of them armed and armoured. You noticed swords and bows on them. Currently no weapons are drawn but the threat of violence hangs in the air.
When presented with the alternative course of action to go and lord over tax disputes, Triphylla eagerly prepared her coach to go in the other direction, or Cassomir, whichever was further away. She was more of a "taxation is theft" kind of girl so it wouldn't help Lord Betony to have a rabble-rouser in the mix.
It was also a great opportunity to get to know Diana better. On the road she asks, "I've sometimes wondered what it's like to be a member of the noble class. Is it all glamorous parties and hobnobbing and such? That's the impression we get elsewhere; that fancy upper-crust humans are hedonists with a contempt of actual governance. I admit though that in my time these months in the company of this group my opinions have softened. Most of the people I know are uncommonly good characters. Even Dame Crabbe has her heart in the right place."
Triphylla catches herself too late. "Sorry. I come off as too brash for polite society, I suppose."
Once in Cassomir she sets a time and place to rendezvous with Diana for the return trip, then sets out to the Merchant shop Adrian's Spices and Spell Components with her list of alchemical ingredients. Revealing herself to be an advisor to Lord Betony, she casually mentions to the proprietor that she has arrived from Merratt County and wonders at his poor fortune there, if there was anything that can be done to entice him to return.
Later she walks to the Halfling area of the city to get the local perception of the change in leadership back in Oppara. Specifically, who are the major influencers working in Cassomir on behalf of Maxillar or Eutropia.
Triphylla asks around and finds Adrian's Spices and Spell Components not far from Phrasma's Pulpit in the northern part of the city. (map)
The shop itself is small but well stocked with a dizzying array of spices and spell components. As you might expect there's a complex heady smell inside, which varies depending on exactly where you're standing. Adrian was a slim balding man with a greying hair and a ready smile. When she asked him if he'd ever return he replied, "Well I don't know about that. Baron Telus went mad and pretty much everyone lost their homes and livelihoods and then there's the taxes! I think I'd only go back if a lot of things change and I'd need to find a different town to settle in - there's too many bad memories."
Later Triphylla asked around and she was told Eutropia's interests where being represented by a lawyer called Tobias Long who has a office in Old Cassomir. Nobody she spoke to knew what Maxillar was up to beyond vague rumors of raising troops for the army.
Lope arrives to the scene and tries to appease things, though his hand is clearly over the pommel of his blade "Easy there Sir. We are happy to pay the taxes for the County, I was thinking though, what would I find out if I go ask the count himself about this four thousand golds? Sounds a lot of coin to lose on the way to the Palace, six times no less than past year..."
Lope tries to figure out with his inquiries if this is the sum required by the count or they are making it up for themselves.
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"Yes, the taxes," Triphylla responds to Adrian. "I hear that's a real problem. Lord Betony was departing to resolve a tax dispute as I left for Cassomir. This is what happens under an absolute monarchy; The Emperor delegates to the local nobility, typically poor administrators of their own affairs, much less anyone else's. We're in for more of the same, I suppose. Although things might get a lot worse here in Cassomir if Maxillar wins the throne, being an exposed port city near our future enemies. And his war will come with a hefty price tag. No, I wouldn't want to be in your business - or any business - should Eutropia fail to claim her rightful status as Empress. Well, good day then."
Once they reconnect, Triphylla will ask Diana if she wants to go call on Tobias Long.
The prospect of the Night Swan killing someone is... interesting for her. It would be much easier to escalate the Swan's activities if the original swan actually starts the escalation. So she injects a little innocent excitement into the disguise suggestion, hoping to portray enthusiasm and a little naivete as to what skulduggery will actually involve.
Valeria was shocked to hear what the taxes were the year before compared to what they demanded this year. The increase was absurd and she couldn't begin to understand why that was. She accompanied Lope to speak to the collectors and listened to what they had to say to Lord Bentony. She didn't grasp why this happened but she was determined to figure something out.
"Times are hard, what can I say." replied Giado Eta to Lope, "Besides it would only be four times if they were willing to pay in gold. Payment in kind incurs a significant handling fee."
He said this with the air of a man who was granting a great concession.
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Lope eyes to Valeria, quickly trying to assess if they two alone are in any position to resist the group of tax collectors. In the end, he looks at the peasants that have been hard working the fields and attempts to find their support to oppose the excess "This is no tax collection but plain thievery what you are proposing here. No law in Taldor says a person who has been hard working and doing their part to keep this country well fed has to suffer famine because of the greediness of the lowest of men. And no administrator of this realm should ever receive that name if it is not fair to their people."
If the people is moved by his speech, then Lope takes his purse and brings gems and coin for the value of 1000 gold pieces, throwing it to Giado's feet "Here. This is way more than a fair payment. Now, I suggest you go and count yourself for a lucky man"
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Valeria's eyes narrowed slightly as she looked at the lead collector and noticed his discomfort. He should be confident given his back up and the fact that he was an official, but why was he sweating so much if that was the case? As Lope spoke to the man and tossed a thousand gold worth of coins and jewelry on the ground before him Valeria's eyes narrowed and arrowed in on Giado.
"I believe you should be very glad I am no longer the Paladin who fought during the fall of Kenabres or I would cut you down where you stand for your treachery in this blatant act of attempted theft since we all know the taxes you demanded were far more than were owed implying you want to pad your, or your lord's, pockets," Valeria paused for effect and the continued,, "fortunately for you I have fallen from grace and am now in the service of another who is far more willing to let things slide."
Valeia waited a moment and then started to walk away, back towards the manor, and spoke just loudly enough the man would hear her, "I think I may need to write a letter instead our liege and let him know that someone is impersonating a tax collector to extort his subjects." Valeria continued talking to herself and added, "Of course if only the correct amount of Taxes are taken I would have to assume I misunderstood things wouldn't I?"
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There's a distinct note of hero worship in her tone.
"Don't worry about it, Tryphilla. No need to apologize. It's not an uncommon view - unfortunately, there is quite a large number of nobles whose actions contribute to create that impression. But like with everyone else, you'll find people of excellent character among us as well, and everything in between. Meet enough nobles, and you're bound to find people who take their responsibilities to their citizens seriously, and even the rare case of nobles willing to place their reputation, name and life on the line to make things better for the people." Diana looks down at the ornate ring on her finger with for a brief moment as she says this words.
After finishing her shopping for the supplies needed for the magical pump, Diana meets up with Tryphilla at the agreed upon place.
"Speaking with Tobias Long might be a good idea, actually - assuming he knows whonwe are and what we're aiming to do. On our search of the palace archives, me and Lope found a document that should provide significant support to Eutropia's claim of the palace. If he's the one building her case, we should pass that along. And he might have other ideas on how we might strengthen the case as well."
Lope's speech gathers a crowd of at least twenty farmers who cheer at his words. Giado looked gobsmacked when Lope contemptuously threw the gold and jewels on the ploughed earth in front of him. Then Valeria spoke and Giado's face looked like thunder but there was muttering of perhaps we should cut our losses, from the men at his back.
Giado spun round and snapped to the speaker, "Pick the coins up then Giles if that's what you think!" When the man bent down to pick the coins up, Giado kicked him in the balls and the man cried out but Giado's sword was at his neck and he growled, "Carry one then man!" before glowering at Lope and Valeria.
"Yes Giles, keep carrying the bags for your boss until he finds a good sword for your neck" Lope contemplates the scene with his hand over the pommel of his sword and well readied to draw it to defend his state "I hope it gives you a good cut. If I were you I would look for a more fair boss elsewhere."
Lopes words trigger several dark looks and muttering from Giado's thugs but none of them seem to want to cross him and the kicked man unhappily picked the coin and gems up. For his part as Giado makes ready to leave, he informs Lope, "Sir Guisairne shall hear your insolence cur! Perhaps you'll explain to him why this ward is resisting taxation eh?"
His table is a large old fashioned oak affair with a green leather top piled high with various correspondence. The man himself is in his fifties, with an old but well tailored suit, and he invites you to sit in dark leather chairs next to his table before saying, "Good afternoon Ladies, how can I help you?"
"Good afternoon, mister Long. My name is Diana, and this is my dear friend, Miss Achlys." Diana greets with a smile as she graciously accepts the invitation and sits down on one of the chairs.
"A pleasure to meet you. We were told you were the one representing the interests of a very important mutual acquaintance - the Lady Eutropia." She raises a hand before the man can reply. "I understand if your clients and whatever business you are working on on their behalf is strictly confidential. As I hope our meeting here is, as well." She rests her hand back on her lap. "But she has told us of what she hopes to recover in Meratt County, and we would like to help her as best we can."
Diana's practiced smile never leaves her face as she looks at the man, studying him to see if it would be safe to share anything more.
Diana strikes a diplomatic albeit subtle tone with Tobias Long. The halfling spends her energy trying not to squirm in the uncomfortably human-sized chair. One might think she'd be used to that by now, but it's really no different than wearing shoes that don't fit.
"Indeed."
"I will be happy to discuss Stachys' taxes with Sir Guisairne. And I do whatever is in my hand Oppara hears about this treatment too. I am sure the new ruler will want subjects to pay what is fair and use that coin well to develop the country rather than in excesses." Lope further elaborates, taking the opportunity to promote the ideas of Eutrophia.
When the tax collectors finally leave, he will join the people and invite them to keep going "Let's keep the hard work going. It is going to be a good harvest this year and I want everyone to celebrate this communal work with a shared dinner and live music for the whole town."
Tobias scanned a letter before adding, "Martella left notes which answer your question of how best you can help. Essentially the best thing you can do for now is to consolidate your position in Stachys, although if you are able via subterfuge to obtain the original charter granting the Lotheed family stewardship of the land that would be extremely helpful. That's probably kept in the library in the Palace of Birdsong. We know Sir Gusairne has a key although the count probably does too."
"I must impress however at this stage, you must not antagonize either of them no matter how awful they are. It could well derail negotiations here."
Diana smiles widens as the man shows he's clearly been informed of their role here.
"We are making good progress im Stachys, I think. We have secured some help from the neighbouring nobles to help improve the town, and have some additional actions planned that will help better the people's lives as well."
"As for the charter, we have in fact already obtained a copy of it from the library - it was the main reason I wanted to come to you, actually. I figured you would know best how to put it to use."
"As for not antagonizing either of them, we'll keep your advice in mind." Diana smiles drops as she answers. "While I do believe Lope managed to impress Bartleby the last time we were at the palace, I'm afraid we might have lost Sir Gusairne's support in doing so."
"While I do believe Lope managed to impress Bartleby the last time we were at the palace, I'm afraid we might have lost Sir Gusairne's support in doing so."
Tobias shrugged slightly, "Sir Gusairne has a suspicious mind, and he's actually quite a nasty piece of work so expect him to come sniffing. As for Bartleby I'm surprised Lope managed to make any real impression although I suppose they are both military men who are also students of the arcane arts which likely helps. We tried really hard to reach Bartleby, but he rebuffed our requests to even grant Princess Eutropia so much as an audience. We suspect he been corresponding with Pythareus, likely at his great-uncle Panivar’s request. The boy's quite frightened of his great-uncle you know, can't say I've ever met him but he has a fearsome reputation..."
Lope's offer of a party went down well, although the general consensus from the villagers was that they would need to finish the harvest first and then everyone would likely get drunk and there would be singing and dancing long into the night.
A few days later a curious package arrives in Stachys from Cassomir, it turns out to be the stuffed and alchemically preserved remains of the Iron Lash of Meratt! It looks even fiercer if possible than it did in real life and certainly made quite the impression on the villagers who where queueing up to see it. Even Lucina Mag apparently was impressed, she had surprised everyone by helping out with the harvest and by not drinking a drop at the party.
Triphylla throws up her hands at the legal nonsense. "Very well, we'll kill them both."
Lope is happy when the stuffed Iron Lash arrives and he orders to set it up in a prominent place of the manor entrance hall.
Some days later when people come back from their errands, Lope sees a good lunch to be served for the reunion "Well friends, with the harvest over and the group ensemble once again, I think it is time to pay a visit to Baron Telus and the Telus State."
Lope turns to Triphylla "What do you think if we start by investigating the rumors you heard from New Towne. Maybe Baronet Vort's people can tell us more about Baron Telus before we venture into his state"
Valeria was quite pleased with the outcome when it came to the taxes and left well enough alone when it came to the threatened letter. When the stuffed manticore arrived a few days later she was suitably impressed by it even as she remembered the terror that fight inspired in her.
Once they began to discuss their next steps Valeria considered for a moment and then nodded, "That seems like a good idea. It should be safe enough to do while we wait for the others to return and we can always back off and wait for them if we need to."
Diana nods darkly at Tobias reply. "I figured Martella accounted for that eventual need, given the particular set of skills possessed by one of our group. Still, I think it might be best if we consider that a last resort. Even if it's done as subtly as possible, rumours of it would no doubt start spreading, and that might make Eutropia's goal of winning over other nobles' support for her claim that much harder."
With matters in Cassomir settled, Triphylla returns with Diana to Merratt County. She would have preferred to stay, being a city girl and enjoying the community of fine halflings in the big port town. But there is work yet to do.
Many days later upon reuniting with the group, she responds to Lope's suggestion. "Ah yes, the tidbit from Clara, from the Palace Birdsong. I suppose it's past time we check into that. Her cousins are in dire straits, one having lost his employment and the other fearful of the curse afflicting Baron Telus. No doubt we'll receive new rumours once we interview Baronet Vort's staff in New Towne. We may wish to visit the Beggarwood before confronting the Baron directly."
"Good, it might help us to know more about the affliction" Lope thinks a bit more on the beggars they found when they first arrived to Merrat County "And maybe we can take a part of the harvest we saved from the tax collectors and bring it with us, so that people can focus on trying to find new work opportunities rather than having to keep begging for survival"
The next morning you introduce yourself to Zeldana, the slightly intimidating leader of a two dozen strong caravan brightly colored caravans. Whenever somebody thinks of a scary Varisian aunt, Zeldana is more or less what they have in mind. She's no longer a spring chicken at fifty but she's hale, strong as a ox and covered head to toe in intricate tattoos that apparently extol her many deeds.
After you get to know here a little, you suspect she's lived a long life, trading, swindling and keeping just far enough ahead of the law to not get caught. So it's no surprise that Zeldana is a very good makeup artist. The night before you arrived, she asked you to describe somebody at random who might live in Cassomir and before long you were transformed.
When you arrived she asked to speak to you, "They didn't tell me what you're here to do and I didn't ask, but I do know you need to find a woman called Katrina. She'll be staying at the Blue Pennant inn, that's in the Grayguard's shadow area, named after that stonking great castle over there. Katrina will be dressed in black as if for mourning, but with a white swan hat pin. Good luck!"
The caravan didn't stop long in Cassomir, after dropping you off they were gone within the hour. Your disguise made you anonymous, a most pleasurable feeling as you walked around in plain view but unremarked. Your first task was to find the inn, which shouldn't prove too difficult and then to find Katrina.
Cassomir itself in parts was sinking into the marsh, but Grayguard castle and the shadow was built onto a outcropping. As a result this area doesn't suffer from the Blackwood Swamp plague like the neighboring Admiral's Fen district to the east. The cobbled streets in the shadow are clearly visible and well enough maintained, unlike those in the Admiral's Fen which have mostly sunk into the murky soil. The district is well patrolled by the Cassomir Constabulary and naval security forces and is relatively safe.
You find the inn a stone's throw from the castle walls, it looks drab on the outside but is cosy inside. There are quite a lot of guests here, although most of them appear to be either merchants who are not well enough off to be somewhere more salubrious or the various spouses of the castle garrison.
The Beggarwood is due south of Stachys but there are no direct roads and it takes nearly two days travel to get to the eastern verge of the forest. The ruins of Ralthorne Manor lie somewhere due west of here.
Your carriage is nearing the tent village you passed on your way to Meratt county from Oppra from the north. How do you intend to approach?
"I have heard this forest was infested by bugbears time ago and that is the reason of the current name. It seems the ply for trade goods we witnessed is a common practice in this Oppara highway" Lope comments as their carriage approaches the woods, looking through the window.
Once the group reaches destination, Lope gets out of the carriage to talk with the commoners and asks to talk with some representative of the people here.
Assuming the party can reach to this person, he shows the crops they brought "We have heard of the struggle from the good people of the Beggarwood since Baron Telus dismissed you from your jobs and we come from Stachys to share a piece of the bounty of our lands. Trying to help our neighbors"
Lope will try to inquiry information about Baron Telus, what happened to him exactly and to his people.
This part of the beggarwood is mostly full of imposing hundred year plus oak trees. These provide ample shelter from the elements and nestled beneath a row of particularly big trees are perhaps twenty to thirty tents, most of which are beige Taldan army surplus albeit patched with whatever was to hand giving them a rather rustic look.
Lope and everyone except Cyrene, who is still away, approaches the tent camp. Lope and Triphylla are recognized on sight and a small crowd appears around them eager to hawk their wares.
The crowd listens to Lopes short speech and they can scarcely believe it when he hands out food and supplies. There are many words said like, "Thank you!" and "I can't believe it!" and generally the aid goes down extremely well (hardly a surprise since everyone at the camp looks rather thin).
However before all the good are dispersed a rather severe looking woman with her arms tightly folded calls out, "What's your game Bentony? You didn't state a price for this food but there's no such thing as a free lunch. What do you want? Troops for the coming war perhaps?"
Her words trigger a ripple of concern that flows through the crowd.
Lope politely accepts to take a look at the wares although he has no interest on the items offered so far.
Lope recognizes the Hood for the danger she posses and tries to navigate diplomatically "Gurta Thresh. Please be assured, we bring this in good will, and the only payment we expect back is that one of good neighborhood. We do not demand anything, but would be pleased with the same kind of help when Stachys is at need."
"There is one business though with which we might have common benefit" Lope lowers his voice and makes it more confidential "Baron Telus. We are troubled by the rumors and are decided to pay him a visit and solve this thing. We heard some of the hardships you are experienced are because of his late behavior."
"If you can give us more information on what has been afflicting to him, we could mutually help us"
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"I have heard this forest was infested by bugbears time ago and that is the reason of the current name. It seems the ply for trade goods we witnessed is a common practice in this Oppara highway" Lope comments as their carriage approaches the woods, looking through the window.
"If the rumours I've heard are to be believed, things are starting to get out of hand" Diana replies. "Supposedly a viscount's caravan was accosted last spring and they took pretty much everything."
---
Letting Lope lead the talks with the Beggarwood's inhabitants is what makes the most sense, seeing as the supplies come from his town and apparently he is already liked by some of the people. But Diana chips in as the woman questions his motives, realising he could use the help.
"Hard as it might be for you to believe, Lord Bentony really is offering you all these food as a gesture of goodwill. His only wish is that it helps with the harsh conditions you have been subjected to, while we try to deal with whatever is affecting the baron. We know many of you are here because of him. And to that end, I echo his request: any information you can share about the baron might prove useful to you and us."
Triphylla nods along to Diana's explanation. "Quite right."
With her target sighted Cyrene heads into the room, taking care not to brush past people or make any noise - in other words invisible, simply thanks to their lack of interest.
"That's a lovely pin." She says, having approached from the front so Katrina has plenty of time to see her. "I've always thought they were such wonderful birds. Beautiful but fierce too when needed. Are you Katrina? A mutual friend told me that you were a bird lover too."
Hand on her hips Gurta looks at Lope suspiciously like he's from outer space, "There must be catch, there's always a catch!"
Diana's words seem to strike a chord with several of the folk around who told you a wild tale while Gurta scowled. One woman said "The Baron Telus he's gone mad, he's more monster than man now! Everyone ran away and Jambis is in ruins." while her son said, "Yeah I heard there's something funny with his hand and leg, doesn't like what they oughta! Alec says he's a demon and alyesha says he's been cavorting with man eating spiders!"