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"I echo Lope's words, Lady Voinum. I cannot give you any guarantee on what the princess will do. But I do believe that she is much less likely to pursue those sort of things than lord Pythareus." Diana shakes her head sadly. "We had a heated discussion with one of his more ardent followers, who insisted that inciting civil war in the ckunty was in Taldor's best interests, as it would let Lord Pythareus bring the army here to restore order and open a precedent for similar actions across the country."
As Triphylla recounts her battle, Diana nods respectfully at the halfling.
"Your ability is impressive, as always. I will admit it is sometimes frightening watching as you tear into your targets, but I am always impressed with how you have honed your skill at alchemy in order to achieve such results."
Turning back to Lope at his question, Diana is quick to remind him of Cyrene's comments back in Stachys.
"Cyrene's friend seemed to believe Sir Guisarne should would store detailed accounts of all his dealings, including the ones with the assassins. We should be able to find something if we can get access to his office. I was thinking of convincing Bartleby that letting us in there would be his best option, to try and pin everything on Guisarne."
-----
Diana nods back at Tobias with a smile. But her smile drops as she reads the last parts of the letter.
"I agree. We shouldn't take too long to move on with our plans. Time is of the essence, lest Panivar learn of our efforts."
Triphylla has never admitted to taking pleasure in her transformation, but Diana's words unmask her. The fight against the assassin, whose skill was surely greater than the halfling's, caused her to finally succumb to the realization that tearing people apart in the most heinous of ways - with her bare hands and teeth - gave her pleasure. Pleasure in a way she could barely acknowledge, much less confide in anyone else. It was disturbing, but it made her feel powerful. And this acceptance seemed to unlock something else within her darkened spirit. She began to look at Cyrene in a new light - not as merely a partner in the grand enterprise of remaking an empire, but more like kindred. The thought made her wince.
Her scalp itched, as if something was about to break out of her head. Something dangerous.
"Alchemy, yes, that's it," she managed to reply weakly.
Later, after considering all she's learned, she confides in Diana and the others: "I've been inside that infernal tower at Palace Birdsong. To the very top of it. There is a room and at one side are doors. Doors I opened, but beyond which I could not step. Inside is something terrible and unseen, magical and awesome. If what our friend from Cassomir says is true, then I now believe that the presence within the tower is Panivar himself, and gods help us if we are to confront him there, for he can be no ordinary man."
On the voyage to the Palace, if there is more than a day's travel, she will endeavor to craft more holy weapon balm, consuming extracts of crafter's fortune to guarantee success. Her mind is busied by this task so that it cannot linger on her evolving nature.
Tobias listened to Triphylla and his eyebrows rose with alarm, "Panivar here already?!" Then in a more measured tone he replied, "No. If he was here things would have gone badly for you. I think instead he may have left something behind, something twisted and awful..."
Triphylla frowns. She cannot comprehend Panivar's power.
"Indeed, we must act swiftly. Pinning the blame on Gusairne is sound indeed. If we can secure those documents and use them to our advantage, it will weaken the Count's position and buy us valuable time" he as well listens Triphylla about the tower "Concerning, but Tobias is right—if Panivar were here, we would already be in dire straits. We must be prepared for whatever he might have left behind. Why could you not access it though? Is there some magics protecting it?"
The Aldori eyes at the party with concern but resolved "We will move to the Palace of Birdsong at first light. Our window of opportunity is narrow, and we must strike decisively. Until then, I suggest we get what rest we can and prepare our resources for the challenges ahead."
With that it was resolved to make all haste to the palace of birdsong and within the hour you were gone. Baroness Voignum insisted on giving you a special bottle of fizz to open should everything go well.
The next day is spent in the carriage as the rain soaked miles flow by and you arrive at the outskirts of Lotheedar which is a short distance from the palace in the predawn of the following day. Here you have a decision to make, normally it is considered polite to send servants on ahead or you can arrive unannounced.
It feels like the group's time in Merratt County is coming to an end, and with winter fast-approaching, the sooner the better.
"What use have we for social norms or subterfuge at this late stage? Let us arrive unannounced and confront Bartleby directly. The jig is up and he knows it."
Despite not understanding its true value, Lope gives thanks to the Baroness and appreciates the present "This one is going down once we have something great to celebrate"
Later, at the carriage, he nods, agreeing with Triphylla "Well, let's the impact of our arrival take the Count by surprise. We want to try convince him to give up without violence, so all the best if we strike by surprise."
"Thank you for such a nice gift, lady Voinum. We will make sure to enjoy it, and I hope we get to open it shortly enough."
----
Diana ponders Triphylla's suggestion for a moment, and nods. "I agree with you both. The less time we give him to prepare, the better. And the whole business with Guisarne should be excuse enough not to bother with protocol. Hopefully that sense of urgency should help in convincing him to let us into Guisarne's office, and whatever we find there will be enough to make him step down." Diana's tone is calm and confident as usual, but there are just the smallest hints of the worry she is feeling as she considers the possibility of having to fight her own family eventually.
With the threat to Lady Voinum handled and the need for haste Valeria was glad they were on the move again. After their rest and on their way to the Place of Birdsong Valeria considered the question posed of how to proceed. After listening to the other's thoughts, she finally said, "I agree, we should not let him know we are coming. It may be rude but the surprise will be good for our purposes."
It was decided to press on to the palace as soon as possible unannounced. As your carriage took you the rest of the half hour trip, the sun poked briefly above the horizon only to be blotted out by dark clouds. Suddenly the heavens opened and a torrential downpour hammered against the roof drowning out all but shouted conversation.
Given the hour and the weather it was unsurprising that you made it all the way to the place drive, flanked with ancient laburnum trees, before anyone noticed you. A group of rather miserable looking guards in heavy cloaks stood in alcoves near the front stairs.
One of the guards points, "Look that's Lord Bentony's carriage! Inform the Count."
Another saluted, "Aye sir!" and stared heading inside.
The guard who seemed to be in charge, came over and opened the carriage door and he glanced at Lope and Diana and said, "Lord Bentony, Lady Lotheed... Best come in out of the rain, I must apologise, the kitchen only has plain fare, we weren't expecting visitors."
Lope gets out of the carriage and looks directly to the door, trying not to get stopped by the guards "It is fine. It was our fault to not get us properly announced, but we have pressing and urgent matters to treat with the Count. Now if you excuse us..."
The Aldori tries to dash in as fast as he can "Can we find the Count at his office?"
"What, no senachal?" says Triphylla gruffly to the guard. "Here then, be useful and assist me with the Lord and Lady's travel chests. Be quick about it; we don't want the iron clasps getting rusted."
She runs ahead to coordinate with the staff and make apologies. She hopes to find Clara, and if she does she warns the kitchen servant, "Our business here may not go smoothly. If you hear raised voices, hide or flee, or intervene at your peril. Tell the rest of the staff but not the guards: under no circumstances address the Count." She folds another gold piece into the palm of the house maid.
Diana smiles at the guard as he opens the carriage door. Lope's hastiness surprises her a bit, but she quickly refocuses on the guard.
"No apologies needed - it is as Lord Betony says, the fault lies with us for arriving unannounced. Unfortunately, the matters we need to discuss with my lord cousin are urgent enough that we came straight here as soon as we could. I imagine you sent for him already."
Diana lets the guard help her out of the carriage and hurries along behind Lope towards the door, trying to get quickly out of the rain.
The guard replied to Diana, "Indeed Madame, the Count has been notified. If you'd follow me."
He leads you inside to the entrance gallery, which is a grand entrance hall with bone white walls, which are decorated with portraits and four carved columns support the ceiling. A soft, plush carpet provides traction on the shiny marble floors.
Today there are a dozen chairs arranged in a semicircle in front of a small lectern. It seemed perhaps the Count had some business planned for later.
With a wave of his hand, the guard indicated the chairs and said, "If you'd be so kind as to wait here, I'm sure Count Lotheed will send word in due course. I've also sent a runner to the kitchen..."
The guard and several others then move to an unobtrusive distance allowing you some degree of privacy while you wait.
Valeria was relieved they had arrived and seemed to have retained the element of surprise if the guards words were any indication. She went along with Lope and Diana to the room they were shown to and listened as the guards asked they wait there and should be able to see the Count in short order.
It took her little effort to determine the guards were stalling them due to their sudden arrival and that they were making sure it was not possible for them to wander off while they waited. She did not think there was anything unusual about this and said softly to her companions to keep the guards from hearing her, "They are stalling us and making sure we can't wander away. I don't think they suspect anything but are just being cautious."
Lope is exceptionally nervous about what is going to happen, and only calms down and sits, taking a long breath when Valeria tells her impressions "Well, that is normal I guess. We will have to wait. But as our ally remembered us, we need to find a way to fetch that charter from the library. Maybe someone among us can do that while we keep the Count distracted with our conversation. But how to reach the library at the second floor without raising suspicion?"
Triphylla has nothing to add.
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Wizard spells prepared (CL 6; concentration +11; (4/5+1/4+1/3+1/0/0/0/0/0/0))
3rd (3+1/day)- Haste x2; Dispel Magic; Bonus: Major Image
2nd (4+1/day)- Glitterdust x3, open, Bonus: Invisibility
1st (5+1/day)- Mage Armor, Greasex2, Ear-piercing Screm (2 slots) , Bonus: Silent Image
0th (at will)- Detect Magic, Ghost Sound, Light, Read Magic
"I do think we found the charter already, Lope - remember the document we came upon while searching for details on your blade's whereabouts?" Diana reminds him with a slight smile "Me and Triphylla already delivered it to Tobias during our trip to Cassomir." her smile quickly drops as she adds. "That leaves only my cousin... And my grandfather's teleportation circle to deal with."
"I could likely sneak one of us upstairs easily, if we want to - make someone Invisible, and then create an image lookalike. Should be enough to fool the guards. But I don't think sending someone up there alone is a good idea."
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Count Bartleby flanked by half a dozen guards chose that moment to make his entrance. His eyes fixed on Lope as he called out, "Ah Bentony! Just the man I wanted to see, thank you for saving me the effort of having to fetch you."
The atmosphere changed instantly with the Count's words, all the guards suddenly snapped to attention.
In a dangerous voice he said, "I've heard wild rumors about my senchal, please tell me you haven't had the man arrested..."
"Please, cousin, don't jump to any conclusions without a clear view of the whole picture..." She starts, her voice as soothing as she can manage, given the circumstances. "Did Titus not tell you anything about what happened back in Stachys? Guisarne was overstepping his authority, demanding taxes all over the county that were far above what is permissble by law. The other lords were starting to suspect it, and were already acting accordingly."
"I did not want to see you dragged down with him. So when the opportunity presented itself, I took it - we got him to say enough that anyone would find Lope perfectly justified in putting him away. You're probably wondering how this could possibly be any help to you, but consider: by being the ones who caught Guisarne, we're giving you an option to shape the narrative: you just have to say you started to have suspicions about Guisarne's conduct as well, and thus sent me along with Lope, with the precise goal of watching over Guisarne's actions and catch him red-handed if there really was anything ilegal going on. Guisarne was always going to fall due to his actions. This way, you get to be on the winning side, as someone instrumental in stopping him."
She pauses for a moment to let her words sink in. "I know you have come to rely heavily on him to handle some of the matters related to the county. But I am sure you will be able to find someone equally competent to replace him in due time."
Casually, Triphylla drinks her mutagen. She hides her clawed hand in her pockets.
"I suggest you listen to Diana's words attentively my dear friend" Lope's voice is stern "We just uncovered an assassination attempt over Baroness Voinum head. And Sir Guisarme is totally smeared by this case as well. I will be plain straight about this, because the other nobles are going to question this as well. Did you have anything to do with that assassination attempts? Or as Diana and myself we hope, Sir Guisarme has been acting by himself?"
Count Bartleby bristled at the notion he may have had something to do with assassins, "Absolutely not! It seems I may have given Sir Gusairne too much latitude... Still that's not the only matter in question here."
Bartleby's eyes bored into Lope's as he demanded "I have several sworn witnesses of a seditious lawyer by the name of Tobias Long paying you a visit Bentony. What did he want?"
"Oh, Mr. Long?" Diana cuts in with her practiced smile "I sought his help on my last trip to Cassomir, around the time of the harvest. For my research, you see. I needed access to some legal documents and also required his expert knowledge in some of the more convoluted parts of our legal system. He came to us recently to bring me the documents I requested and share his conclusions on the matters I asked him about." She raises an eyebrow at Bartleby before moving on. "I admit I tend to stay away from political matters, but what makes you call him a seditious lawyer? As far as I could tell, he was perfectly professional in handling my requests."
Triphylla quietly draws her extract of Focused Scrutiny and pours it into a fine glass from the kitchen. She offers it to Diana.
"My lady, the tincture you requested earlier."
Target you
Duration 10 minutes/level (D)
DESCRIPTION
You gain heightened sensitivity to the mannerisms, reactions, and body language of one creature you can perceive, allowing you to sense its state of mind and easily influence it. You gain a +10 bonus on Perception, Sense Motive, and Survival checks attempted against the target creature, as well as a +5 bonus on Diplomacy and Intimidate checks attempted against it.
Lope nods as Diana speaks "Let's be open about this Diana" he looks straight back at the Count "There if proof the County has been milked out of resources through the years. In the few months we have been here the region has seen more progress than in the past decade" he addresses this last sentence to the rest of the people around the Count "In honor to the respect I have for you Count Bartleby, I invite you to reflect on this. The news this lawyer has brought are even more worrying and would not like to press this further on you. It is time for a new beginning for Merrat County"
"Cousin!" Bartleby was shocked, "What were you thinking!? That man is princess Eutropia's agent! Surely you can see how bad this looks? If grandfather was to catch wind..."
Lope's words left a scowl on the count's face. Rather pointedly he asked, "What exactly do you mean by a new beginning?"
Triphylla sizes up the Count's retinue of guards and decides she could cut through them without much trouble. She itches for a fight. Literally, her head starts to itch again and she scratches it.
And what of the life of a guard here in the Palace Birdsong in Merratt County? Could they be oblivious to the oppressive way that Sir Guisarme dealt with the people? Did any of them regret his employer's actions? But it wasn't like there were many jobs out there. This cushy gig at the Palace had a lot of appeal. Probably only the most loyal servants were allowed to protect the Count, so the likelihood that they were of the same mind, or at least, followed him blindly, was high.
The real question was what would they do when their services were no longer needed? Could they be trusted to protect Eutropia's interests here? Could the allegiance of a guard switch so easily? She didn't think so, or they would not be very reliable guards. No, one way or the other, they would need to be dealt with. They would share the same fate as Bartleby.
A new beginning, yes, and at once. Trying not to distract from the main conversation, she approaches a guard and asks, "Is Lord Titus currently on property?"
Valeria listened to what was going on and it seemed they had struck something of a nerve and the Count was very worried by what had happened. He admitted to possibly giving Guisarme too much latitude and was was rattled that Diana had been in contact with an agent of the Princess. She almost wanted to know how he would react if he knew thy, too, were agents of the Princess!
It seemed things were really coming to a head and Valeria was worried it was might come to a fight. Fortunately things did not seem to be going in that direction for now. She decided that, for now, it would be best to stay beside Diana and continue playing her assumed role.
Lope takes a deep breath, meeting Bartleby's pointed gaze with unwavering resolve "A new beginning, Count Bartleby, means revitalizing Merrat County with fresh ideas and reforms that bring this region to prosperity"
He steps closer, his voice carrying the weight of conviction "It means addressing the mismanagement and stagnation that have plagued our lands for too long. We have seen too much decay in our stay here, ruined towns, dismantled water pumps, neglected roads..."
"We need to reinvest in our infrastructure, ensuring our roads, bridges, and public works are maintained and improved. This will facilitate trade and mobility, bringing prosperity to our region" Lope glances around the room, ensuring he has everyone's attention before continuing "It means fair and transparent governance, where justice is served impartially, and corruption is rooted out. We must establish a council representing various factions of our society—nobles, merchants, farmers, and artisans—to ensure all voices are heard and considered in our decisions"
He allowed a brief pause, letting the significance of his words sink in "A new beginning also means leveraging modern agricultural techniques to increase crop yields and sustain our population. It involves opening up our markets to foster economic growth and inviting skilled professionals and artisans to bring their expertise to Merrat County"
Lope's tone softens slightly, adding a personal touch "Count Bartleby, this isn't about dismantling traditions or disrespecting our heritage. It's about evolving to meet the challenges of our time. Together, we can honor our past while securing a prosperous future for our descendants"
He finishes with a firm, sincere plea "We would rather work together as allies than turn sterns enemies. There is enough infighting going on in Taldor."
Diana give Triphylla a nod as he gratefully accepts the glass. "Thank you Miss Achlys. Your service is impeccable, as always."
She listens to Lope's words, nodding at most of his points, and then turns to Bartleby.
"Lope's words come from his passion or Stachys and Merratt County as a whole, cousin. Along with him, we have tried to make a positive impact everywhere, even despite Guisarne's strangling iron fist, and now that he is gone is the perfect chance for a new cycle of growth across the county. But that requires a change in how Meratt has been run. Guisarne's absence is the perfect chance to enact a change in policy, cousin. The people and the nobles are all claimoring for it, and those demands are bound to get louder. You now have the chance to choose to stand with progress."
Diana then lets some genuine fear of Panivar creep into her voice as she adds.
"As for Mr Long, I obviously did not think to enquire about his allegiance when I set out to talk to him - I needed a competent lawyer and he was pointed out to me. But you are right, grandfather probably wouldn't care for any excuses... But wouldn't all this mess with Guisarne be even worse? The man was actively breaking the law, and contracting assassination attempts on county nobles. And when Lope arrested him, he even confessed that he hoped to throw the county into civil war, all to further his political goals. In the end, you were the one who grandfather left in charge of the county, were you not?" Diana gives Bartleby a moment to consider her words. "Cousin, you know grandfather better than me - is there any way we can guarantee he does not hear about this or that..." Diana shudders slightly " or thay he does not come here, at least not before we get this whole mess under control? There's still some work that needs to be done if we are to ensure Guisarne's action do not drag us down with them."
Fading into the background the way she can so well, Cyrene seems to be practically invisible as the conversations go on around her. She watches Bartelby closely, noting the slightly dilated eyes, the clenched fist in his pocket.
"He's afraid." She murmurs in Valeria's ear. "Lean on that and he'll cave. He's nothing without Guisarne."
Her duty done she watches and waits, picking out the perfect place to strike if the need arises.
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Valeria was a little surprised to hear Cyrene's voice in her ear and frisson of desire down her spine at realizing just how close Cyrene had gotten to her and the things she could have done to her before she could resist. She kind of hoped Cyrene would try something one night soon but knew those thoughts were not for now. Her hand reached back to touch Cyrene but the woman had already disappeared.
Valeria focused herself on what was going on and looked at the Count, meeting his gaze with her own from behind the mask she wore, and said, "I understand now Count Bartelby, why you are so nervous. You have relied far too much on Guisarme haven't you," her voice was matter of fact, not questioning, not suggestive, just a clear and concise statement, "You are afraid of what will happen, that you cannot handle what is to come on your own," Valeria's tone became stern as she continued, "and you are correct."
Valeria stepped forward from her position beside Diana, slowly approaching the Count, as she continued, "You feel lost and adrift, caught up by responsibilities you know you cannot handle on your own. You were managing to stay afloat in the darkness only by the life raft that was Guisarme. You could not have know at first that he was not who you thought, and I am sure by the time you did that you had been left with little choice but to let him continue using you for his own ends."
Valeria stopped short of being in a range to physically harm the Count, she did not want to provoke the guards in the room after all, and she continued, "Even worse you now have the new fear of what your Lord will do to you for your failure to realize what was going on until it was too late. Even if we do nothing he will figure it all out soon enough and then where will you be."
Valeria pause for a moment to let her words sink in and then added, "I too know that fear, what it is like to be alone and drowning in a situation that is beyond you. I know that all you need is a lifeline, someone to reach out a helping hand guide you back to safety."
Valeria's voice became filled with emotion as she said, "You may not believe my words without proof so I will provide you with some." She hesitated and then began to speak of a topic she had discussed with at least some of her companions before, "I was once a Paladin of Shelyn and served at Kenabres when the city fell to the forces of Deskari. I was in the tender care of demons until the Lord of Locusts was defeated and one of the succubi who became redeemed with her Lady Nocticula when she became the Redeemer Queen and left her evil ways behind her." The fear of what could have been as she spoke next was clear and impossible to fake, "Had I not taken that chance not only would I have never had a chance to redeem myself but I would have never escaped the Abyss at all and would likely have been devoured by now or turned into a complete monster."
Valeria stepped back and to the side and gestured at her companions, "We are offering that same hand of aid to you, and unlike Guisarme Lady here,"she gestured at Diana, "is your kin. If ever you were to have a better hand offered to you I cannot think of how that would happen." Valeria held out her hand, palm up, and said, "Please take my hand and let us help you. Trust us."
The impassioned and well-reasoned monologues from her teammates allows Triphylla to relax. In fact, things seemed to be going so swimmingly well she allows her mind to refocus on her growling stomach and wonder what might be cooking for lunch. Sliced ham on thick cut bread, with late season onion and tomato and a sturdy mustard would be delightful. She nearly inquires with the unfamiliar servant girl suddenly nearby, does a quick look about for Cyrene, and figures it out.
She considers if anyone would notice if she wandered off to the kitchen.
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"Is Lord Titus currently on property?"
Count Bartleby gave one of his guards a quizzical look and asked, "Is he?" The guard replied up, "No Sir. We believe he is out drinking."
"To the surprise of no one..." muttered the count under his breath.
Bartleby listened to Lope's speech and initially he was impassive when Lope talked of decay but when Lope spoke of establishing a council, Bartleby cried, "Poppycock!"
The counts eyes started to glaze over when lope moved onto crop yields, modern agricultural techniques and fostering economic growth. Exactly the kind of thing he'd left to Sir Gusairne.
"We would rather work together as allies than turn sterns enemies."
Bartleby seemed to be having trouble processing Lope's words, as if they didn't make sense although after a second he asked, "Wait. Are you angling for Sir Gusairne's job?"
"But that requires a change in how Meratt has been run. Guisarne's absence is the perfect chance to enact a change in policy, cousin."
Bartleby snorted, "By the gods, Bentony you are after Sir Gusairne's job aren't you. You're a persistent fellow, I'll give you that."
"Cousin, you know grandfather better than me - is there any way we can guarantee he does not hear about this or that."
Bartleby looked pained, "The best we can hope for is delay, and that in the fullness of time any transgressions will become irrelevant. Grandfather is off on some grand project and hasn't paid Meratt county much heed, as long as we don't rock the boat he will pay us no heed. Probably..."
"There's still some work that needs to be done if we are to ensure Guisarne's action do not drag us down with them."
Bartleby fidgeted with the tassels on his sword hilt, a nervous tick that Diana was aware of.
Valeria's unexpected words seemed to hammer home, and with each passing moment he looked less like a count and more like a lost boy. Clearly looking miserable he grunted, "F***! Who the hell are you, how do you know all this?"
"I was once a Paladin of Shelyn and served at Kenabres when..."
"Wait, what?!" and as she spoke of the Redeemer Queen he looked at her as if she'd declared that she was in fact a pink unicorn.
"Please take my hand and let us help you. Trust us."
Sounding surprisingly vulnerable he demanded, "But how can you help? I don't think you understand, Grandfather is a force of nature. Oh, maybe he won't visit this year or the next but when he comes there'll be a full accounting, Sir Gusairne has royally screwed things up! Don't get me wrong, Grandfather won't care one iota about Sir Gusairne breaking the law. He always said, a count and his agents can rule as they see fit. But gross financial mismanagement and warmongering... Damnit that won't be forgiven!"
Triphylla can't shake the attention of that one guard. She decides to mess with him, staring him down and holding her fist up to her mouth and pumping it back and forth while jabbing the inside of her cheek with her tongue.
Cyrene smiles to herself and continues to watch. Seeing this arrogant man's world crumble around him is truly delightful theatre.
Diana is surprised at Valeria's story, but does her best not to show it. Bartleby seems to be caving under their words, and she intends to press on.
"Believe me, cousin, I wish to avoid Grandfather's wrath as much as you do, and have already tried to tell everyone here just how terrifying he can be. I think we've managed to stop Guisarne's warmongering before it became a problem, as long as we work quickly to ensure there are no lasting wounds from his actions. As for the financial situation... I think we need a clear picture of how bad things are. Maybe we should start looking through Guisarne's books, see exactly what we're dealing with here, and if there's any way to fix it before Grandfather hears of it? And make sure there's nothing that can tie Guisarne's actions back to you as well, for when the other nobles come demanding explanations. If we can manage to quiet all this quickly enough, do you think it will be enough to keep Grandfather focused on whatever he's doing, instead of turning his attention here? Or is there anything else you think we should do as well?"
"Sir Guisarme's job?" Lope loops surprised for a fraction of second, but then smiles "There are other moves at play. No, what I am expecting here is the Steward of Merrat to remember the duty of the charge, and stop overstepping over his duties and let's the throne recover the Palace which is rightfully theirs."
Diana shoots Lope a glance as he bluntly reveals their intent, and quickly turns to face her cousin, watching his reaction closely and steeling herself for a more aggressive reaction on his part.
I know Lope tends to prefer a more direct approach, but... No. What's done is done, and now we're committed to this course of action. Even if a confrontation might be unavoidable now... I know where I must stand
There is a moment of shocked silence and the muscles behind Bartleby's left eye spasm. Fury grips the count as he gestures at Lope, "So THAT'S your game! Damn you Lope, I mistook you for a comrade in arms. I thought you were a patriot! The grand prince is dead and the succession in question. Nobody sits on the throne, ambition has got the better of you, you're out for yourself!"
While the halfling assumes Diana and Lope will want to talk Bartleby into submission, she drinks an Invisibility elixir just in case. Even if there's no fight, she can at least steal away to the kitchen unseen.
I'm not sure I can convince him to ever accept a woman on the throne... But might as well make one last attempt at getting this done peacefully.
"Cousin! Do not misunderstand Lope's words. I have come to know him and I assure you, he is not out for himself. If he is throwing his support to Princess Eutropia, he is doing it for his sense of duty and his love for oir country. I am sure he truly believes this to be the best course... As do I. And regardless of your thoughts on both heirs, you can't argue that having one move to Meratt would prove beneficial to the county as a whole."
Cyrene's eyes narrow - if Count Lotheed doesn't listen he only has seconds left to live...
Lope is no fool, the Aldori knew it would come to this sooner or later, the group has been working to do good to Merrat, and now it was to come the time for the Count to choose sides or be taken out by force. This was the time "There is true nobility in you Count, I don’t want this fight. But Taldor cannot continue on its current path, doing what we always do. We need a new approach that brings the Empire to its full potential. The obstinate power crawler that is High Strategos Pythareus is only going to bring us more of the same, if only with unneeded wars with our neighbors. You have seen what has happened in Stachys, as people work together to make the land more prosperous. This is what I want for Taldor, and only Princess Eutrophia can bring this to the country. Join our efforts Count, let the Princess claim this Palace as its center of power, and you will be rewarded as we build up a more prosperous Taldor. Together."
To Diana Bartleby replied sounding scandalized, "Supporting Eutropia?! But cousin, she's a woman!"
To Lope however he half snarled, "So you're working on behalf of Eutropia are you? I'll have you know the royal family entrusted the rule of Meratt county to the Lotheeds in perpetuity! It can't just be snatch away."
Lope looks confused at Diana and the others to see if what the Count has said is true "That is not how it works, is it?"