Chapter
54: Daily Beating The Spy
As the steward begins to write the rune, the magi move in close, their curiosity overcoming them. Torana glances at Magnus, "Aren't you supposed to be looking for your friend?"
Jadir smiles as concentrates on the rune, “Finally something normal to do.”
Recalling the list of hangouts the young orc Jerpip gave him, Magnus leaves the room. Knowing full well he’d be lost if he tried to find the place on his own he flags down a servant.
The servant approaches practically, ‘Damn why did he have to notice me!’
The servant is relieved when he finds out the nobleman merely wanted directions. As the nobleman turns away, the servant practically runs down the hall to get out of sight.
As the servant leaves him Magnus briefly closes his eyes concentrating on the magical shirts ability to locate people. He notes with some amusement the fleeing servant, but puts the thought away as he looks for possible spies. He has been worried that they would attact too much attention too soon. Much to his dismay he soon he finds what he is looking for.
His thoughts are interrupted a moment later as Vel'im comes stomping back down the hall muttering something about horse droppings. There is a strange look in his eye and something just doesn’t seem quite right about him.
Vel'im stomps past Magnus ignoring him as if he weren’t even there all the while muttering curses under his breath.
Magnus watches the unusual behavior he is almost willing to write it off as an unusual experience when he notices a strange shimmering just a few feet down the hall.
He blinks not sure if his eyes are playing trick on him or not when suddenly Vel’im appears suddenly from the shimmer. He puts a finger over his lips and points to the room then vanishes again.
His curiosity overcoming him, Magnus turns and heads back into the room with the shimmer moving in close behind him. Back inside the steward works on the rune, while Torana and Jadir look over his shoulder.
Nahabedian stares out the window, his thoughts far away. He ponders the visions he has seen lately. The confusing images, creatures he has never seen. A stream of deadly monsters. A symbol that makes no sense and visions of them with the orcs at the border. Victory? Defeat? Annihilation? What does it mean?
He turns his head slightly and sees the reflection of Magnus entering. His eyes narrow slightly as he focuses on something beyond the young apprentice. Then realizes that Magnus is signaling that there is a spy nearby. He gives a slight nod. He turns to Vel'im and says, "Did you get the carriage ready?"
Vel'im looks up, surprised for a moment then says, "Yea, yea yea, it will be ready soon. The grooms are going over the horses once more and the driver is being fetched." Vel'im sighs and looks annoyed as if the act of responding was an annoyance.
His face smooth as a placid lake Nahabedian turns back to the window and says, "Count Ja 'dir! I think you've been too kind to your Squires. I think they need to be horse whipped a little more."
"What?", Count Ja ‘dir looks up absently at Vel'im and frowns as Nahabedian repeats, "I said you've been much too nice to your Squires, this one is fat, slovenly and lazy. No discipline makes them weak. If he were mine I'd leave him out in the cold woods for a few nights with just a loincloth and a single stick. That teaches them discipline and survival. It makes them strong."
Vel'im begins to turn and odd sickly shade.
Count Ja ‘dir looks at Nahabedian and says flatly, "It also killed your last three squires if I remember correctly. Now I on the other hand prefer a good old-fashioned sound pummeling myself. That is the way to good discipline."
"Nonsense!" Torana looks up and interrupts, "Look at my Squire. He is a model of efficiency, discipline and practicality. Why it was just a little while a go I sent him into enemy territory to get an important item. During that mission he had to go deeper into enemy territory than we counted on he even had to dodge and army or two. Did he give up whimper of complaint?! No, not in the least. Not only did he carry out that mission without a problem he brought back valuable information as well. Now that's discipline! I didn't resort to beatings or dumping him in the cold to freeze to death."
"Of course not!” Count Ja ‘dir snorts derisively, “You just made he live with a insane wizard for a year or two."
"He was not insane” Torana say defensively. He tries to put on a hurt face and it fails miserably.
"That is an opinion not shared by everyone else” Jadir states matter of factly. “But back to the matter at hand. I think it is time for your afternoon pummeling, Vel'im. You've been getting awfully lax lately. Now where did I put that sword?"
At this point Vel'im stands up and stammers, "I-I-I t-think I-I should check on the horses. Yea check on the horses and I'll check and make sure that carriage is ready." He quickly bolts out the door before anyone can say otherwise. The out-of-shape ‘Vel'im’ can be heard huffing and puffing down the hall.
A familiar figure reappears a moment later as Jadir says, "I can't believe you are still using that rune." He has a pained look on his face.
Vel'im looks crestfallen, "But it works so well."
Magnus makes sure that no other spies are around.
Stifling a laugh Nahabedian says, "Well I don't think anyone will try that tactic again soon."
Torana shakes his head says, "That was a shoddy job. I looked up and saw this stranger sitting in the chair and everyone calling him Vel'im. For a minute I thought you had all gone over the bend."
Jadir shakes his head, "Apparently they didn't do enough research. Vel'im may be a bit lazy, but he's never been that rude or lazy. That poor fool was just plain pathetic."
Having joined the conversation halfway through the beating speech the steward had sat quietly trying to figure out what the conversation had to do with the new person who had wandered. Now he realizes the new person was a spy and that the real Vel’im had been hiding nearby, which is why he could sense him.
The steward says, "It sounds like someone took one of their own squires and sent him, thinking that you wouldn't pay enough attention to notice the difference."
Jadir snorts, “What does that say about the man who took him for a squire?”
Magnus notices someone is deliberately approaching the door and signals everyone is quiet as he answers the door.
A bright polite voice says, "Good Day guvnor! You called?"
The young orc is swiftly ushred in. Once his identity is apparent Nahabidian relaxes, secretly worried that they would be foolish enough to try again so soon.
Magnus fills Jerpip in on what they need.
Jerpip is a little confused at the request but he is used to unsual requests from his employers, "No problem, I know where the library is. Oh and by the way your carriage should be ready. They were nearly done making it shine as I was coming in."
Magnus relays that information and the Counts decide to begin their tour of the city, while Magnus and Jerpip visit the library.
Jerpip shows Magnus to a rather large imposing building that looks more like a fortress than anything else. It has lots of statues of menacing creatures sitting in various nooks along the walls and sitting on columns. Once inside the library looks like a greatly up-scaled version of Torana's library.
Study tables are thronged with young orcs reading. Jerpip holds a whispered conversation with someone who looks curiously at Magnus, who pretends not to notice. She then leads them through them through many stacks and stacks of books up several flights of stairs and finally reaches a row of books that are of smaller size than most of other books. The librarian pulls out several books and hands them to Jerpip. "I highly recommend these books for teaching youngsters the basics to get them ready for schooling." Her tone annoyingly superior at the same time saying, “I am exercising the utmost patience while dealing with idiots.”
She leads them back downstairs and Jerpip signs the books out.
As they reach sunlight, Jerpip says, "If I may ask what do you want with a bunch of children's learning books for, Sir?"
Magnus looks at Jerpip and cocks his head as if he didn't hear the question then says, "Oh, I guess it does look fairly strange considering that we have not brought any children on this trip. Lord Tor 'ana has been conducting a long term study on the development of the education system to write a thesis on what changes should be made and such. I find it boring myself, but he is the one who keeps me fed."
He smiles, "Recently, he's been delving into the earlier years of a child's education, theorizing that perhaps schooling should be started even earlier. You can imagine how tedious it is when he asks me to do research for him, but I'm boring you. Let's drop these books off and go through the official tour. Maybe later tonight you can give me a more informal tour of some of the more interesting parts of the city, the 'Ferran's Lake' the other night was most agreeable to the palate."
Jerpip smiles, "Yes Sir!"
Magnus pauses for a moment then asks, "Did you learn anything new last night?"
Jerpip shakes his head, "Nothing more than I've already told you."
When they return to the inn, Magnus drops off the books just in time to see the others prepare to leave.
The Counts get into the carriage with Lord Ga 'ron who appeared while Magnus was away.
The Squires and Jerpip crowd into a 2nd carriage after they relieve Magnus of a few Gintas for the courtesy carriage.
The tour takes them to various points in the city giving the visitors a glimpse at just how large the capitol really is. They visit several monuments dedicated to heroes in wars they didn’t even know existed. The guide makes a comment "Someday we will have a statue of LaTok as the great hero of the Barbarian War...”
This comment catches the Stewards ear and his chest swells with pride, but it is short lived as the guide continues. "Over here is a statue of his father Tokha, an even greater hero than his son."
Magnus looks upon a statue that bears the almost exact face of a man who tried to kill both him and Charon not all that long ago. The similarities between father and son are amazing. "A great man”, the guide continues, “who desperately tried to make up for his brother, a disgrace to an otherwise legendary family. It is possible that one of Tokha's daughters will join these great heroes. I hear she help to rout a barbarian army not to long ago and she almost caught the Shadow Walker and thief who stole the God's Hammer."
Jadir frowns, "Shadow walker?"
"That dark barbarian mage that Tokha hunted to his death." Lord Ga 'ron says darkly, "The Shadow walker surprisingly managed to kill one of our greatest heroes. But that wasn't enough he raised the body and sent him back to desecrate our temples. Luckily our priests took care of him and now he has gone onto his final resting place as it should be."
Nahabedian and Jadir look at Torana who shrugs helplessly.
Magnus suggests visiting areas geared toward the war effort. Lord Ga 'ron sniffs at the idea but when the Counts agree that they should see them, he acquiesces he shall add it to the tour.
Next comes a visit to the Royal home. The King is conveniently away at this time, but the tour shows the elegance he is surrounded in. A glimpse into the heavily guarded royal treasure shows such wondrous marvels as the "Sword of the Heavens". According to the plaque, "A mighty jewel encrusted two-handed sword that legend says can only be wielded by a king. The legend says that the sword makes the wielder invulnerable to physical and mental attacks, it grants him the ability to see everything around him and even to read the minds of others if he desires. The sword can cleave through anything (flesh, stone, iron, etc) like a hot dagger through soft butter and allows the king "to call forth the anger of the gods."
The heavily jeweled "Boots of the Light" again can only be worn by the king and allow him to go anywhere there is even a glimmer of light instantly. And if there is no light source around, the boots shine with a light of its own.
In an empty space lies a placard that says the "Hammer of the Gods". Lord Ga 'ron gives an explanation. "The Hammer was entrusted to LaTok so that he may deliver vengeance onto the Shadow walker for the death of his father. But LaTok grew proud and a barbarian thief was able to steal the hammer from him. Now LaTok must win the war and kill the Shadow Walker before he can go and retrieve the Hammer. Such is the will of the gods, punishment for false pride."
Lord Ga 'ron takes them down a hall of portraits and a row of plaques give the lineage of the King back 23 generations from when his family first took the throne. Before that the details are sketchy, but there is some mention of a great disaster happened to the then ruling family.
After that enlightening tour of the seat of power, next comes a tour of various homes of higher nobility. Spacious manors sit on areas of land larger than many farms. Dozens of orcs work to tend the grounds.
The next portion of the tour covers and area that is partially familiar to the group as they travel through viewing the various temples of the gods. Even in this rich up-scaled area, the temples still look the same as if they were in the middle of the woods back home. But unlike back home, the temples are not filled with wounded soldiers and others.
All throughout the tour they look around for signs of some kind of military force and with the exception of a few armed constables no one else carries any kind of unconcealed arms. It’s as if they have been forever at peace.
The tour eventually takes them to several "schools" of learning. Here all three Counts take an interest in the many classes offered and the large number of students. Granted each class only has about 5-10 students in them, but a quick count reveals at least 30 classes in session at one of the schools.
Finally Magnus gets his wish and enters an area filled with large squat buildings. A high-pitched whining sound fills the air as does the sound of metal on metal. But the sound is not like sword on sword, it sounds like something much larger. They enter one of the buildings and the sound level rises until it begins to give them a headache. The sound of hammers pounding over and over again. A man dressed in coveralls quickly approaches the group and ushers them into an office where the sound drops to a tolerable level. Before they enter the office they get a good look at what looks like a dozen blacksmiths working near each other with odd metal statues standing between each. Every now and again one of the blacksmiths would put something into the machine and a high pitched whining would start and sparks would begin to fly.
The man explains that here they are currently in the midst of producing both real armor for the war and dress armor for the annual Hithea celebration. He shows them a window that looks over the main floor and he explains that the strange statue is actually polishing and smoothing out the rough edges in the metal. The dress armor is being polished to a bright finish.
The next place they visit is the sawmill that Magnus saw before. The Counts exchange a glance as they watch the metal blades move without visible support.
"A magic lumber mill? How quaint." Jadir remarks. Another worker appears and escorts them to a small hut that muffles the sound a little and still has a large picture window giving a good view of what is going on. The foreman explains that the wood is going to be used to build homes on the outskirts of the city and to several manors that are currently undergoing expansions.
Night begins encroaching and the tour must be cut short in order to prepare for the evenings festivities.
They return to the inn and get dressed for the evenings events.
As Lord Ga ‘ron leaves them, each is lost in his own thoughts, trying to figure out what to make of the new information gathered this day.
*****
The carriage pulls in front of a manor about half as large as the Viscount's, but nonetheless still grand and elegant. Unfortunatley, they are much later than they would like to be. The Count's are announced and introduced to their host Lord Dur' ek. "Your presence here is a great honor for me." He says as he bows. His manner is friendly, open, and very respectful.
Once again the squires are sequestered further away between the nobility and the servants. But since the party is much smaller consisting only of about two dozen people and their escorts they are much closer to the host than before. Jadir is seated closest to Lord Dur 'ek.
During dinner there are several entertainers ranging from a dancer musicians to a magician and a joker. Conversation is polite, but inevitably the subject of the war comes up and Jadir is caught up in the conversation.
"You know we went on a tour of the capital”, Count Ja ‘dir says, ”and we were shocked at the class size! But I understand this senseless war is to blame for them being even smaller than normal?"
"Yes, that is exactly what is happening", Lord Dur'ek answers. "Since the war, anyone in the last four grades is old enough to enlist. And with a man like the Duke to look up to, and stories of the Hero LaTok... well so many of our idealistic youth have run off and joined the Home Guard and given their lives for their country. Which is not a bad thing mind you, they are definitely needed to fend off the barbarian invasion. But by the grace of the gods now it is unnecessary, we have shown the barbarians that they cannot defeat us. Even the gods themselves have declared that this war must end. The power of that barrier is well beyond that of the barbarian tribes."
"There is always the chance that they have some lunatic mage that might get lucky”, Count Ja ‘dir says deliberately avoiding his companions gaze. “But you are right on many points. We must find a way to convince the others that this war should be brought to an end. But first we must convince the council to allow us to try. Then we could send a delegation to the barrier and talk it over with whoever commands the barbarians and make peace. I think if both sides investigate the roots of this war we will find a way to resolve it."
Lord Dur ‘ek offers, "Perhaps we can locate those responsible for the atrocities committed and punish them instead?”
"Do you really think", Nahabedian chimes in, "that the barbarians would turn in any of their own. They would insist that they try their own people to avoid a mistrial."
Dur 'ek protests, "But if it stops a war..."
Nahabedian, “But you forget we are dealing with barbarians..."
The words hang in the silence for a moment before Jadir waves negligently, "Ignore him. He's the kind of mean-spirited person that would drop his apprentice out into the cold dangerous forest with a twig and tell him to survive on his own for a few days."
Nahabedian offers no comments.
*****
After dinner they break up into small groups and talk. Nahabedian chats politely with a few others most notably Lord Ga 'ron. The host and Jadir vanish and Torana begins his reign as life of the party, consuming most of the attention, and once again the squires are relegated to a small portion of the hall. The musicians play, and though most ignore the music, the squires find their dance cards filled.
During a lull, Jerpip appears with a drink which Magnus gratefully takes. "Any news?" Magnus asks.
He nods and says, "Actually something rather surprising. The Duke is here and meeting with Lord Dur' ek and your Count Jad ‘ir."
*****
After having a pleasant conversation with the host, Jadir is curious as to why they are sneaking away from his own party. He quickly finds himself sequestered in a small room next to the Duke. The one Orc, next to the king himself that he didn’t want to be near.
The man is driven determined and most of all imposing. Jadir for once wishes Torana was here to distract him.
Magnus looks at Jerpip and gives a puzzled frown, "Now that is strange considering that the Duke seems to be pro-war and Dur 'ek is against it."
Jerpip nods, "But consider his speech earlier...technically he did not call for an extension to the war. Though based on his past many, we assumed that is what he's doing."
Magnus scratches his chin and says, "Would there be a way to listen in on that conversation without being seen? A nearby room perhaps or a window?"
A sly smile crosses Jerpips face, "It wouldn't be a proper manor without one now wouldn't it."
Returning the smile Magnus gestures, "Lead the way my good man."
Jerpip leads Magnus out of the ballroom, much to consternation of some of the young ladies desperately hoping to raise their social status. Instead they concentrate on the remaining victims and occupy their time by talking amongst themselves and snatching up new dance partners as the time comes.
Vel’im suddenly becomes very popular, despite his complete inability to learn how to dance.
Desperate to stop the humiliation, the young squire decides to try another tactic and offers one partner a drink instead of a dance and they move off to the corner where he can rest and drink. The women send deadly glances off to the lucky companion who returns their glance with a triumphant look. She silently guides him to a dark corner where she can have him to herself.
Jerpip leads Magnus through a maze of halls and finally stop in the middle of one. Looking both ways he quickly moves aside a tapestry and taps several stones until he finds what he is looking for. He pushes the keystone and the wall opens up quietly. The two enter the doorway and find themselves in the space between walls. The door had a rock facing on wood frame. Bolts drilled into the back of the door hold the rocks on.
"Every manor has at least a dozen of these. It's kind of a traditional holdover from the old days when it was possible to have riots in the streets.” He says cheerfully, “Servant's still use them and make a little extra income on the information they find. The nobility knows all about them. But for some reason they don't do much about them. I think they consider this some sort of game." He puts a finger to his lips and moves silently down the hall.
They reach a portion of the wall where a handle around head height is sticking out of the wall. Muffled voices can be heard coming from the other side of the wall.
Magnus reaches for the handle and Jerpip stops him. He mouths a word but since it makes no sound his amulet can’t translate it for him.
Jerpip crouches down and puts his ear to a colored stone only slightly brighter than those around it. He motions for Magnus to do the same and he hears the voices.
"....its entirely possible."
"Of course it's possible! It's not only possible it indeed fact. It has already happened!"
Magnus is surprised, because he can hear the voices very clearly. One of them belongs to Count Ja 'dir, the other one sounds familiar.
*****
The Duke says, "I don't know who caused the barrier to come into being. But think about it. In the entire history of the valley, have the barbarians ever attempted to sue for peace? Let's face it, we have always been able to out-power the younger races. We have shepherded them in many subtle ways. They have advanced quite a bit, but in their hearts they are still barbarians. If we come suing peace, in their heart of hearts, they will be waiting for treachery. They will think that we think like them. And given their past history they will take any little opportunity to break any pact we make. We will of course honor any treaty but that will make us vulnerable. Can we really afford another tragedy like last year? In this last year alone their atrocities have gone off the scale!"
Jadir says, "I'm sure it's only a temporary aberration. As you said, look at their history. This has never happened before. I think if we look into the matter it will be the fault of a few small groups that did not have the blessings of the whole. But our counterstrikes have given them cause for alarm. After all before now have they ever allied themselves in such a grand manner? No, they have always consisted of little tribes before."
"We responded in a way that the barbarians could understand." The Duke rumbles, "An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. We merely matched their attack with an equal one. I, for one, think that was showing great restraint. Had we been less noble in our cause, we would have wiped them out then and there. Which I now see we should have done. Since then they have been seen, not once, not twice, but three times. They attacked school children for Tara's sake!! Thankfully the third time no one was hurt. What kind of mind does it take to come up with an attack that sends an armed force in to kill helpless nuns and school children! They have shown their true colors multiple times over and continue to do so. Why is it that you cannot see the evidence before your very eyes."
"Because, your grace, we were taught in school to look beneath the surface for the answers." Lord Dur 'ek answers. "Things are usually more complex than they seem at first glance. The ability to see things this way is what wll always set us above the younger primitive races."
The Duke asks accusingly, "And how many must die, before you look deep enough to see what everyone else must see? I'll be the first to admit we underestimated the barbarians. They've penetrated deeply into our home lands quite easily on many occasions. And each time they've wreaked havoc and fled without a trace. I think you are under-estimating their yet treachery again. That is a mistake I will not make again.”
"Or perhaps”, counters Count Ja ‘dir, "you are underestimating their wish for peace. Consider this, we've smashed most of their army and traumatized the warriors. If we go in and give them an escape option they will gladly take it."
"That tactic did not work with the gnomes, the trolls, or the kobolds.” The Duke points out, “Though the kobolds were at least smart enough to retreat."
Count Ja ‘dir has to hold back a derisive snort, "These primitives are smarter than the trolls, they will see the hopelessness of their situation. We shall have no reason to hunt them to near extinction to get the point across."
There is a long silence then Lord Dur 'ek says gingerly, "None here can claim to feel your pain your grace. But we can share your fears. My son was at Ek 'tha Jr. school when it was attacked by the second incursion. At the time I personally wanted to lead the charge into barbarian territory and rip out the hearts of those responsible.” His voice seems to lighten, “But when that barrier appeared, it was like a message from the heavens and my anger vanished. I could see clearly now. We must find a way to bring the peace of the valley to hearts of the barbarians. Our studies have shown that they do not kill each other directly, so some part of the valley's magic must work upon them. Perhaps, if we only had the True Harmony scrolls."
The Duke laughs, "Now you are looking into theological myths for the answer." He laughs a bit more before saying, "I am sorry but the tension here has finally gotten to me. I think I should retire for the evening. Thank you for hearing me out. You have made some valid points."
"As have you.” Lord Dur ‘ek responds, “You have given me something to think about. Perhaps we can talk again. This will never be settled until we learn to negotiate outside of the council chambers where cooler heads may prevail and posturing does not inspire rash action."
They say their good-byes and after some shuffling and the closing of a door the chamber is silent. Jerpip motions they should leave.
*****
Magnus joins the Count's as they are preparing to leave. Vel'im is extremely tired, he looks over at Magnus and says, "You did have to leave me alone. Normally I wouldn't mind but if I have to dance one more time, my legs are going to quit working permanently."
Torana says, "Tonight I shall take a look at those books that Magnus brought in."
The next morning as Jadir gives his report, Torana is still sleep.
"It seems that the two factions are trying to convince each other in private. It was an informative meeting. I found out more about the causes of this war than I dared believe." He looks over at Magnus, "Your little jaunt with Charon was ultimately considered an aborted scouting mission.” As an aside he says, “You might want to consider distancing yourself from that one, I begin to understand why these people hate him so much. If he had done even half the things they said he did. I’d try and kill him myself.”
Returning to the topic at hand, "But I'm beginning to think that maybe your 'outsiders' are in charge of this war. We've got the most powerful magi collected in Torana's tower and none of them have the inclination to use enough magic to pull off some of the attacks that they say have happened."
Nahabedian says, "I think we need to find out specific details on these attacks. Perhaps that will give us a lead on what really is going on. Because if it is someone from outside or worse someone on our side anything we do here could upset the balance and create a horrid backlash."
Magnus nods his head, "If they were concerned about my adventure with Charon and Mordred, what would they make of us this time?"
Nahabedian replies, "Political saboteurs at the very least. But based on the paranoia, they'd think we were trying to undermine or overthrow their currently government."
"Or they might think we are trying to assassinate their king." Jadir adds soberly.
Vel'im sits comfortably, making meticulous notes of the conversation and as usual not paying the slightest attention to the import of the words.
Magnus adds, "It is a shame that we cannot be in two places at once. Someone should be investigating what the outsiders are up to at the moment. Perhaps they have allies here in the capitol. I am fairly certain that the soldiers that I helped stop could not have been the only ones."
The steward frowns and says, "I have heard you mention these ‘outsiders’ several times. Could you please give me a little background on these ‘outsiders’?"
Jadir turns to Magnus and says, "I would also like to know more about these outsiders. Torana told me a bit about them, but he also told me that you and that thief also spent a good deal of your time fighting them. I want to hear your side of the story. "
Magnus launches into the telling of his tale of his battle with the Outsiders who attempted to take over Telor.
*****
Sometime during the story Torana wanders in. He tries to muscle in on the story by trying to impart what he considers fascinating information about the script of the orcs. After being shushed for the 12th time, he pulls out one of the books Magnus brought and begins to read it.
Magnus answers several questions ranging from the average look of the soldiers to the way they talked to the details in their uniforms. Both magi were interested in the jewels sewn into the clothing that he talks about.
When the story is finally done, Magnus asks, "Professor have you heard of any similar incidents here? It's possible they could be doing the same thing, but most anything done by the Outsiders would most likely be blamed on the 'barbarians.'"
The Professor thinks for a while, before sighing and saying, "I can't say I remember any current events that would match that pattern.
Actually if they did attempted such a thing, the home guard would squash it quite quickly. If they are here, then they are attempting more subtle methods of influence."
Magnus asks, "Where would be the best places to get first hand information on the 'barbarian' incidents without raising undue suspicion. Several sources would be ideal, Especially if they could be gathered by the different mages and then compared to take out any bias either way."
"That is an easy one,” the professor answers, “this city has two large libraries, and the University has its own library as well. However one of the two libraries that would have the information is the private library of Lord Pepinger . I would highly recommend against going there. As of late it is unsure which side of the war debate he is truly on since his falling out with Baron Gar 'ott."
Jadir asks, "Wasn't Baron Gar 'ott at the Viscount's party?"
"Yes, two were fast friends until Lord Pepinger’s daughters tried to get into the war effort against his wishes. For some unconceivable reason Baron Gar 'ott ruined their friendship of several years to take on the two daughters as squires."
Torana's eyes narrow, "I think that the Baron's recent activities may need some looking into. That is a near unforgivable offense."
"Indeed!” The Professor admits, ”It was quite a surprise."
Something catches Magnus’ attention and he looks off into the distance.
Torana says, "In any case you will all need to study the language. Otherwise I shall have to read everything myself. Magnus ...Magnus!"
Magnus attention snaps back to the others and he tries to explain that in a few moments there will be not one, not two, but at least a dozen people spying on them. Even as he finishes he signals the position of three of them behind the wall no less than a foot from each other!
A sly smile makes its way across Torana's face. Nahabedian's face instantly goes neutral and Jadir stares out the window blankly.
By some signal known only to the master and apprentice, Jadir somehow tells Vel'im to put his notes away without saying a word or even looking in his direction. And the ink, quill and parchment vanish as if they had never been.
Magnus begins talking to Vel'im about the tour on the day before. Gesturing every now and again to emphasize one point or another. At some points he seems to deliberately speed up or suddenly changes directions. All the while he wears a mischievous smile.
Jadir begins commenting on the "high" wind and how much it might damage the flowers. To most observers the wind is the same as it was the day before, just enough to make the flowers bend. In particular he picks out three flowers in the garden in particular.
Magnus looks out the window and stares for a minute before realizing that he can almost see the three spies in front of the glass. Apparently they are using a similar rune to Vel'im's.
The Counts agree that the wind may just damage the flowers and they would be disappointed if any of them came to harm.
After Magnus finishes pointing out the last of the spies, Nahabedian suddenly leans forward and says vehemently, "This war is caused by someone. I shall not be the first to shirk battle. But I shall not strike until I have the correct target."
There is a moment of silence then Jadir says, "You don't actually believe in that fool diviner. There is no outside force manipulating our forces toward war. The gods have already decreed there will be no more war."
More silence.
Torana finally says, "The diviner said something that did make sense, though. The barbarians had, up until this point, been disorganized and not generally afraid of entering our territory. Plus we know from our studies that they don't have the technical expertise or the power to do what they have been doing."
Puzzled, Magnus asks "What do you mean my lords?"
Vel'im sits there like a puzzled lump, "If they don't have the ability to bring forces deep into our lands, but we have the ability to bring forces deep into their lands..."
"Then someone on our side is deliberately doing this to provoke a war." Nahabedian rumbles, "Unthinkable! And yet..."
"What kind of savage would put innocent lives in danger for a personal purpose?" Jadir shakes his head sadly.
Vel'im squeaks as his voice almost cracks, "Wouldn't there have to be more than one? I doubt if one man or even a small group of men could wield enough power to do that over on both sides."
"That diviner mentioned something about outsiders working against us." Jadir says.
Nahabedian crosses his arms, "Up until now we've blindly considered that the outsiders were always the barbarians. Perhaps there is an enemy within."
"I think you're being paranoid.” Jadir grouses, “But if that is true, then we must be on guard. Traitors might be anywhere! Somehow we must ferret out the truth before our poor kingdom falls into the hands of some traitor!"
After a short silence, Magnus pats his stomach. "Perhaps we should have breakfast at a local place to experience more of the capitals ambiance? What say you good lords?"
Torana nods and says, "That is a splendid idea! I think, when we go out though, we should take precautions against invisible spies. We cannot trust our words will not be overheard outside of this room." He begins patting his outfit for a moment.
Jadir says, "I'm sure we can find a competent magician in the capital here to help us."
"Yes,” Torana agrees, “but the question is can we trust them?"
"But until you have proof of this," Nahabedian rumbles angrily, "I will not commit anything. I must know for sure. If it is one of our people they may have a good reason that I'd like to hear."
Vel'im is sent to go get the carriage.
He reappears moments later, sallying in without a care in the world.
Jadir looks at him for a moment, rolls his eyes, "Well?"
Vel'im looks at him and says belligerently, "Well what?"
"Are you going to go get the carriage so that we can go eat!"
"All right! All right!" Vel'im gets up and saunters over to the door. He pokes his head out and yells, "Hey you boy! Get our carriage ready!"
Nahabedian's face is a stoic mask.
Torana smirks at Jadir, whose face screams sufferance.
Vel'im turns around and walks to his chair and collapses in it as if the effort of screaming down the hall was a bit much for him.
Jadir turns on his squire and says, "It's time for your daily beating. But since I'm in a good mood, we're going to play a little game. If you can recite without fail the 427 laws which all knights must live by. I'll cancel your beatings for a week. However, you miss one or get it out of order and I'll triple them and try his", he points to Nahabedian, "method of discipline which is dumping you out in the barbarian wilderness with a stick and no clothes and telling you to make your way home!"
Vel'im laughs, "That's funny! Whatever! Let's see you try it."
At that point the room goes deadly silent and the temperature in the room seems to drop dramatically.
All three Count's look at Vel'im coldly.
The Squire lounges around just staring at nothing in particular when suddenly he frowns and looks at the Counts. The color drains from his face and he sits bolt upright.
In a voice as hard as iron and cold as death Jadir says, "What did you say?"
At which point Vel'im, and all of the spies find that cowardice is the better part of valor and exit faster than rats abandoning a burning building.
Everything is silent for a while then Magnus signals that all the spies are gone, but someone else is approaching.
Vel'im opens the door and quietly enters. After closing the door on him, he notices everyone looking at him and squeaks out, "Wha..What..What's going on?" He begins shaking slightly under the glare of the Counts.
For a moment longer silence reigns supreme then as Jadir and Torana break out in howls of laughter.
Nahabedian and Magnus relax visibly and Vel'im looks around stupefied.
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