Pax: And One More Makes Four ~ Jygust 30, TT

These estates surrounding the larger cities of the WK include Pax Balthasar, Brie and several other smaller grounds. The barons rule supreme and intent on holding on to their belongings.

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Sebastian Beauvais
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Pax: And One More Makes Four ~ Jygust 30, TT

Post by Sebastian Beauvais »

I've been using these things far too much lately, were the words flowing through Sebastian's mind as he nudged his mount into the portal outside the capital and traversed the magical conduit to Pax Balthasar. A belated sentiment at best, given that the baron soon sat atop his horse clutching desperately at the pommel as the mountain environs of Pax stabilized a long count ahead of his stomach. I swear my insides rebel more each time, not less!

But here he was, in Pax at last! Considering he was one of the protectorate's closest neighbours it caused him a slight amount of shame to admit this was his first visit. Other than correspondence with some of the more intrepid residents, and the recent initiation of emergency food shipments, Sebastian had largely ignored the glorified prison camp. But the error of his ways had been pointed out by a few worthy individuals, and now the Baron of Brie sought to atone for his omission.

The weather was brilliant, as was fitting for a midsummer festival, and Sebastian thanked Dominicus for that small blessing. There would be enough to keep the mind occupied and the emotions on edge over the next day. He and his allies did not need poor weather to add to that burden.

His thoughts turned to those allies, Magdalena certainly and likely the rulers of Killem'toh and Hulmnoy. The Baron of Foreno concerned him, especially after getting nowhere with his younger son in King's Court, but perhaps the Provost would prove more receptive to discussion. It was imperative the Border Estates were united before Sebastian returned to the capital to meet with the new Regent and Bishop. The succession, and the Estates' position in that process, depended upon it.

Sebastian marshalled his small retinue of retainers through the portal, having them form up to announce their arrival to the guards that monitored portal traffic. His meagre group consisted of three servants, Eric Cartwright included, and two ceremonial men-at-arms. The baron did not care for the ostentatious trappings of his position unless they were necessary and in Pax it was his presence, as Baron of Brie, that mattered. Retinues paled beside the political support he expected to extend during the festival.

As he eyed the guards, Sebastian wondered how Captain Synkaros had fared in his preparations, and whether Michel was going to be able to carry through on his intentions. Much would ride on the individual reactions of men like those watching the portal. How would they respond? Who would they follow? Only time would tell, he realized with impatience. Long these next few burns would be!

"Greetings, Pax Balthasar!" Eric called out to the guards after a nod from Sebastian. "Sebastian Beauvais, Baron of Brie, has arrived and seeks permission to enter your fair town."
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Post by Guido Cercatoro »

Pleasant morning sunshine and a stunning view of several snow-peaked pinnacles greeted the Baron and his small retinue as they emerged from the portal. The portal stood at the eastern end of the so-called Main Street of the fledgling town. There were only two buildings of note in the immediate vicinity: the Nether’s Gate tavern, the largest and tallest building on the street, and, the two-storey Provost Office - the main processing centre for new arrivals. In front of the Office was a wide verandah on which sat a large, plain desk. Sitting behind the desk was a dapper-looking sergeant, whilst a second soldier leant against the wall behind the desk. A further two guards stood to each side of the portal whilst two lines of troops stood to attention in front of a street that led alongside the Provost Office, ending in square, squat and rather large building. The overall impression was that area around the portal was being heavily guarded.

"Greetings, Pax Balthasar!" Eric called out to the guards after a nod from Sebastian. "Sebastian Beauvais, Baron of Brie, has arrived and seeks permission to enter your fair town."


The soldier on the verandah stirred himself and hurried into the Provost Office. Under a burn later, he returned in the company of a young, blond-haired and blue-eyed soldier resplendent in the uniform of a Lieutenant of the Pax Honestus. Accompanied by two guards, the Lieutenant strode purposely over to Sebastian and greeted him with a formal bow.

““Greetings, Baron, you are expected. I am Lieutenant Tamerton, Commander of the guard here. The Provost sends his apologies, he is busy with…preparations for the festival but he hopes to see you privately before the concert this even’tide.” The Lieutenant was friendly enough and had the manner of a smart professional soldier. Yet, there was an unmistakable tension in his voice and his eyes darted up and down the street as he was speaking.

“I will escort you and your retinue to the guest quarters. They are attached to the barracks.” He pointed towards the large stone building. “Some of the other Barons have already arrived.”
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Post by Sebastian Beauvais »

"A pleasure, Lieutenant," replied Sebastian in greeting, politely ignoring the Provost's absence for the moment. Tamerton looked seasoned enough to handle reception duty well enough anyway - after all, they were just walking to his lodgings.

"Ahh, that is good to hear," he nodded, responding to confirmation of the other Estate lords' arrival. Sebastian made a subtle motion toward Eric and the servant got their tiny procession moving toward the stone barracks building. "I knew we were coming in late on account of business in the captial," he confided to Tamerton, "so I would have been surprised to find my fellow barons still absent. I trust they are all well?"

As the little parade slowly made its way forward, Sebastian cast his crisp blue eyes over the guards assembled about the portal. He sensed this was more than an honour guard readying for important visitors, and a feeling of unease settled thickly in the pit of his stomach.

"Tell me Lieutenant, do you always maintain such a force about the portal?" he asked curiously. "I know times are difficult in Pax, but surely the summer festival is a time of celebration, not danger?"
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Post by Guido Cercatoro »

“Yes, the Barons have all settled in,” replied the young Lieutenant, who walked alongside Sebastian as the group made their way around the line of guards towards the barracks. “However, I feel it is my duty to tell you that the Baron of Hulmnoy is somewhat indisposed and so his daughter is dealing with estate matters. It appears that the Baron has been unwell of late and it has left him..” Tamerton paused as if searching for the correct words. “Er…slightly confused at times.”

“As for the guards at the portal. Yes, they have been reinforced a little. There is always the danger that the merrymaking gets out of hand. Routine prudence that is all.”

Perhaps it was also routine prudence that was ensuring that there was a hefty guard on the barracks, for a good dozen soldiers were stationed at the entrance. The barracks were contained in a fine building, apparently constructed in the same manner as the walls of the town. Both the outer and inner walls were relatively plain, for it was clearly a functional building, yet the stones had been carved with some care and attention to detail. The baron and his retinue were quickly ushered in to the inner courtyard. Tamerton motioned towards a gate in the eastern wall of the courtyard.

“The guest quarters are through here, Baron. Please follow me.” Tamerton would lead Sebastian to the gate that led to the nobles’ quarters. As they approached, a young dark-haired girl emerged from the gates. She was followed by a rather portly fellow who had the appearance of a servant and an attractive olive skinned woman with a braid of lustrous black hair falling to her waist.

“Lady Alicia,” stammered Tamerton to the dark-haired girl. The confident soldier suddenly appeared flustered. “Baron…er…lady…er…may I introduce you to the Baron of Brie. Baron, this is Lady Alicia of Hulmnoy.”
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Post by Sebastian Beauvais »

Sebastian listened to Tamerton's report on the other Border Estate rulers in attentive silence, though his mind was burning with the implications of Hulmnoy's plight. The young baron had been mildly surprised when Magdalena had mentioned Hulmnoy's plans to attend, given his condition over the past months, but Sebastian had taken the news at face value. It seemed his optimism had been ill-placed, given this latest news from the lieutenant.

"I understand, Lieutenant. Thank you for the warning," Sebastian said in the end, sparing the soldier any further distress over his careful choice of words.

He simply nodded thoughtfully to Tamerton's explanation of the additional guards, not buying into the man's excuse at all. Something else was going on, though Sebastian was at a loss to figure it out beyond a doubt. Too many possibilities were in play, and he could but hope that honest fear for the nobles' safety was the least likely explanation.

Sebastian glanced at the barracks themselves with an appreciative eye, noting the functional precision of the stonework, but was again struck by the overly visible protective force. Perhaps the Provost has collapsed his forces around the areas he still controls? thought the baron, remembering Ulder's tales of unrest in the fledgling town. He may have ceded outlying areas in favour of those he can reasonably oversee? He would have to send a servant or two out into the city to find out more. It would not do to be caught completely unawares, not with the events that were about to unfold. He needed to check with Magdalena - if anyone would have an ear to the ground it would be her.

The appearance of the young girl, followed by the older man and woman, drew Sebastian out of his musings. And as he took in the three new arrivals, he found himself hard-pressed not to smile at Tamerton's sudden collapse. But Sebastian's humour was empathetic rather than predatory, for the current scene immediately called to mind his initial situation with Cerise. Good luck, Lieutenant, he thought with genuine goodwill, before smoothly picking up the offered introduction.

"A pleasure to finally meet you, Lady Alicia," he said, taking her hand as he bowed in greeting. "And please accept my best wishes for your father's quick and full recovery."

"Until then, I will look forward to your presence at our gatherings," he continued. "You will be at the concert tonight, I trust?"
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Post by Guido Cercatoro »

“And it is a pleasure to meet you Baron,” replied Alicia in a friendly tone. She was an attractive woman, clearly in her early twenties. Yet her eyes were a little bloodshot and bleary as if she lacked sleep. “My father is…better than he was…but still far from being well. I am hoping that this trip will aid his recovery.” It was noticeable that, although she focused her attention politely upon Sebastian, her eyes darted to Tamerton on several occasions.

“I would welcome discussing affairs in the estates with you Baron. I am handling Hulmnoy’s affairs whilst my father is indisposed. I shall be attending the concert.” She paused for a flicker brushing down her skirt nervously with both hands. “I trust the Lady Cerise is well, Baron? I knew her when we were both much younger but I have not seen her in recent years.”

“We must hurry, my lady,” interjected the male servant in an agitated manner. “You have an appointment.”

“Yes, of course, you must excuse me Baron.” As soon as Sebastian had replied, the young woman and her entourage would leave. As they left, Tamerton’s gaze lingered on the departing Alicia, completely ignoring his duties in escorting the Baron to his quarters.
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Post by Sebastian Beauvais »

"There is something to fresh air, stretching your legs and meeting new people," agreed Sebastian with a nod, hoping his words were comforting to the young lady. Even if the baron needed to hand over the reins of power to his daughter, Sebastian hoped he might recover enough to enjoy his retirement.

He was momentarily taken aback by Alicia's asking after Cerise, but recovered with a small chuckle and a bemused smile. It was funny, but Sebastian had not yet grown accustomed to moving in circles where most people knew Cerise, and knew of their mutual interest. It still had the feel of a secretive thing to him, a furtive affair that had to be hidden lest the truth dash his hopes and land him in ruin. This even after he had risen to be a peer of the realm, and saved the Kriesbon family from the machinations of the old Major Domus. Well, clearly it wasn't a secret to anyone anymore. Sebastian realized with a warm feeling in his stomach that he rather enjoyed that!

"She is well indeed, and thank you for asking," replied the young baron. He sought for something else to say, not wanting to bring up Baron Kriesbon's healing when Alicia's own father was not so certain of recovery. "She too has been tending to family matters over the past few months. I will certainly pass on your regards."

As her servants urged her to hurry along, Sebastian quickly ended the conversation. "I won't hold you up then, Lady Alicia. I will look forward to speaking with you at greater length during the concert."

Once the Hulmnoy entourage had left, Sebastian waited perhaps a count of four heartbeats before giving Eric a look to hush his indignation and then addressing the enspelled soldier. "It is possible, you know," he suggested to the lieutenant, a knowing smile on his face. "It may not be common, but it is possible."
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Post by Guido Cercatoro »

Tamerton still had his eyes firmly fixed on the departing noblewoman as Sebastian made his comments. However, the Baron’s words startled the young officer and he turned back to his guest with an apologetic look in his eyes. “Oh, baron…yes, no..er.. I mean, excuse me baron. Please follow me.” Tamerton quickly stepped through the gate into the noble’s compound, clearly preferring not to say more on the subject of Alicia.

Recently built on to the east side of the Pax Honestus Barracks is a large compound containing quarters for dignitaries visiting the town. The main two-storey building contains several well-appointed apartments on the top floor, whilst the lower floor contains the kitchens, a large dining-room and various meeting rooms. The accommodation is modest by the standards most nobles might be used to but is of high quality for such an isolated town. Access is only possible through the barracks. The wooden stockade that surrounds the compound in well guarded.


To one side of the compound a small stage had been erected, presumably for the private concert that eventide. A few chairs stood in front of the stage and an open-side tent filled with tables stood by the stage.

“The accomodation is relatively modest, I am afraid, although well-appointed for this town.” explained the soldier.

Tamerton escorted Sebastian to a short flight of stairs that led upwards from the rear of a large hallway in the lower floor of the building. The officer turned right at the top of the stairs, walked past two doors and opened a third. The quarters were, indeed, modest containing little more than a small sitting room, bedroom and bathroom.

“Is there anything more I can do for you Baron? Meals will be served downstairs in the dining-room but there will be a buffet oustside before the private concert this even’tide. You may find some of your fellow nobles in the main sitting room downstairs.” Tamerton shifted anxiously from one foot to another.
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Post by Sebastian Beauvais »

"No Lieutenant, that will be all for now," replied the young baron, noting the man's impatience. Perhaps some thought of chasing after Alicia? "Thank you for the escort. No doubt we shall see each other again over the next day or so." And with that he let the officer go, pausing only a few flickers before drawing Eric close.

"Have a guard and servant head out into the city. If asked they can say I wanted some local wine and whatever delicacies Pax has to offer. In reality I want to know where Tamerton goes firstly," he said with a cocked eyebrow and a smirk, "and I want to know the general feeling in town from the locals. If we're sitting on a...what did those bedamned southerners call them again? Oh yes, a powderkeg! If we are sitting on one of those, I want to know as soon as possible."

With that taken care of, Sebastian took a short while to freshen up after the trip from Brie and then made his way downstairs alone, looking for the sitting room. He had much to discuss with his fellow Estate rulers, most importantly the session in Kings Court the following night. They had to present a solidified front at that event, or their respective properties were sure to receive short shrift yet again.
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Post by Guido Cercatoro »

With a final formal bow to the Baron, Tamerton departed. He was quickly followed by Eric who bustled away to deal with Sebastian’s orders for the Lieutenant to be followed. A short while later the nobleman found his way to the sitting room on the lower floor of the building.

The sitting room proved to be slightly grander than Sebastian’s bedroom suite. Tapestries and paintings hung off the walls, whilst a number of comfortable chairs and couches were scattered across an expensive looking rug that filled the middle portion of the room. A formally dressed servant was pouring a glass of wine from a large decanter that stood on a corner table. A second decanter with white wine, several glasses and a number of plates with titbits of food also sat on the table.

Other than the servant, there were three other persons in the room. Sitting by himself staring out of the window was a middle-aged man who, despite being dressed in fine clothes, had a somewhat dishevelled and rough-looking appearance. He did not stir as the new arrival entered but continued to play with a small object that he held between his fingers. On the other side of the room, two women were seated on a large sofa, deep in conversation with each other. One was an elegant, dark-haired middle aged woman. Her delicate features indicated that she had probably been a great beauty in her younger days and she was still very attractive. The second was a younger, nervous looking woman who darted a quick glance at Sebastian as he entered.
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Post by Sebastian Beauvais »

Sebastian was a bit disappointed to find no one he knew in the sitting room, for familiarity with at least one of those present would have eased his nervousness. He wondered how long it would take to quell the sense that he truly did not belong amongst the nobles of the land, to feel comfortable and confident when entering a room full of storied families of the kingdoms. Someday, he promised himself.

There being no help for it, the young baron squashed his butterflies and made the best of his situation. Catching the glance of the younger woman on the couch, Sebastian offered a slight nod in response but nothing further, not wanting to disturb the ongoing conversation. And since that was the extent of his welcome, he decided a glass of wine and some fruit would serve for the moment. Crossing to the servant, he obtained a glass of white and a small plate of food.

After taking a sip and swivelling to encompass all three guests with his gaze, a small smile broke out over his face. This is quite silly, he though, tiptoeing around as though none of us were in the same room! He still felt interrupting the women would be rude, so that left the man by the window. It only took a few short steps to reach him, and despite the man's preoccupation with the trinket in his hands Sebastian spoke up in a clear voice.

"I don't believe we've met," he said, introducing himself. "I am Sebastian Beauvais, Baron of Brie."
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Post by Guido Cercatoro »

The servant provided the Baron with wine and a small plate of food, whilst the women continued in their quiet conversation.

As he approached the fellow sitting by the window, the disturbed appearance of the man became even more evident. He had sunken eyes, patches of peeling red skin and dirty matted hair. Yet, beneath the surface were the features of a rather good looking, middle aged man. At Sebastian’s words, the man reluctantly dragged his eyes away from the window. The eyes were dark, full of desolation and despair.

“I have to watch out,” said the man in a conspiratorial manner. “They might creep up on me. I know. I’m not as mad as they think.” He gave Sebastian a huge exaggerated wink.

“Who are you anyway? I’m Hulmnoy. The Baron.” He spoke in a cultured, well-educated voice.

The window at which the Baron of Hulmnoy was sitting overlooked the courtyard gate and anyone who stood there could not fail to notice any new arrivals. Currently wlaking through the gate in a jaunty fashion was a figure the Baron of Brie could not fail to recognise - a tall handsome young man of around twenty, with black hair and goatee.
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Post by Sebastian Beauvais »

Sebastian's eyebrows rose as Hulmnoy warned him about the conspirators. So that is what has happened to him, he thought to himself, before wondering whether to humour the man or not. Was it worse to encourage or ignore? Sebastian didn't know, so he chose what he thought to be the kinder path.

"That is good to hear, Baron. And who is it we need to watch out for?" The younger baron kept his voice serious, avoiding any mocking tone. "And I am Sebastian, the latest Baron of Brie. It's a pleasure to finally meet you."

While he waited for Hulmnoy to reply, Sebastian's eyes wandered to the window and the unexpected sight it provided. DeRohm! What was he doing here? It didn't occur to him that nobles other than those from the Estates would bother to visit for the festivities, at least not with his rival striding through the gate. No, Sebastian's thoughts went directly to whatever scheme DeRohm must be plotting, for surely the man was up to no good. At least Cerise was safely tucked away with her father back in Murrelbuck. He wouldn't have to worry about that.

Even standing next to Hulmnoy, it never crossed Sebastian's mind he might be overreacting just a little...
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Post by Guido Cercatoro »

DeRohm made his way across the courtyard towards the building. He broke his stride momentarily and gave an exaggerated wave of the hand as he caught sight of Hulmnoy and Sebastian in the window. A hint of a smirk crossed the young Lord’s face.

Hulmnoy ignored DeRohm’s greeting and, shaking a little, the dishevelled nobleman leant close to Sebastian. “They burn in my mind. And hers as well; she told me. Lords of Fire. But I know; I watch out for them. They think I’m mad but I’m not. They’ll wish they heeded my warnings.”

As Hulmnoy made his apocalyptic announcement, DeRohm entered the room. He made his way over to greet the two women and remained conversing with them.
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Post by Sebastian Beauvais »

Sebastian was clearly distracted by the arrival of DeRohm, and the smug nobleman's wave from the courtyard below further fueled his rival's concerns. Was there any way DeRohm could know what was going on? Could he have been approached by Ulder as well? Or was he here on behalf of his father, having been given an assignment to watch over the proceedings against the possibility of trouble? Sebastian reactively raised a hand in response to DeRohm's distant greeting, but his hesitant movement belied the confusion of his thoughts.

I must find out what has brought him here. If there is information to be had about this meeting DeRohm the Elder has called, it could be critical to the discussions of the Border Estate nobles.


His preoccupation with DeRohm meant Hulmnoy's secretive pronouncement took a few flickers to register with Sebastian, but eventually their import seeped through his head and caused his crisp blue eyes to flare wide. Rightly or wrongly, the young baron's thoughts immediately flew to Eisenreich's old "ally" Ragderdon, the scheming fire wyrm that had precipitated the Duke's attempt for the throne. After all, wasn't Hulmnoy nestled to the north of Fire Canyon? Presumably the drakes could use their influence in the neighbouring Estates in much the same way they did in the capital, even more easily given the proximity. Could Hulmnoy be haunted by dragon nightmares?

Also penetrating eventually was Hulmnoy's mention of another who understood. And hers as well; she told me, he said. Someone else was having the same visions as the baron? Could that person be more lucid, more able to determine if this was a true concern or just the babbling of an unfortunate man on his descent into the trap of the mind?

Sebastian saw that DeRohm had entered and chose to engage the ladies in conversation. There's a surprise, came the derisive opinion unbidden. But that meant the young nobleman was occupied for the moment, giving Sebastian a chance to try and eke some more sense out of Humnoy.

"My lord, you said another has similar visions?" he asked in a low voice, but with concern. He didn't want to appear judgemental, lest it cut the paranoid baron off prematurely. "Who might that be? Can she say more of these Lords of Fire?"
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Post by Guido Cercatoro »

“Oh Rowena can tell you about them,” nodded Hulmnoy. “If you can prise her away from my daughter. Bosom friends they are. But I know she knows; came to see me one night. Questioned me till my brain near exploded. She knows.”

Taking his leave of his two companions, DeRohm made his way over to the wine table and the servant began to pour the Lord a glass of wine.
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Post by Sebastian Beauvais »

"Rowena, of course," agreed Sebastian with Hulmnoy, nodding slightly. "I will do just that, later on." The young baron cast a quick glance at the sofa, wondering if one of those ladies was the women of whom Hulmnoy spoke. He couldn't tell, but imagined it would be as easy as making introductions to find out.

"Baron, I hope you will excuse me, but I should greet our newcomer. It was a pleasure to meet you, and thank you for the conversation."

Sebastian excused himself and crossed over to where the servant was getting DeRohm a glass of wine. He set down his own empty plate and accepted a topping up of his own goblet.

"Good tradetide to you," he said to DeRohm without formality. They were beyond that, unless external circumstances demanded it. "You have just arrived in town for the festivities?"
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Post by Guido Cercatoro »

Having collected his glass of wine, DeRohm turned away from the table and gave Sebastian a beaming smile. It was a smile that was too wide, too friendly and too forced to be sincere.

“Good tradetide, Sebastian.” The young noble spoke in a smooth, cultured voice, underpinned with a touch of arrogance. “I have the honour of being my father’s representative at the festivities.” He overly emphasised the word “honour”, clearly implying that he did not regard his attendance at the festival as being in any way an honour.

“As the son of the regent, I have many duties to perform,” he said somewhat smugly. “And you Baron, what beings you here? Has the Lady Cerise let you off her leash? Or are you taking a well earned holiday.”

“Oh, I must thank you by the way. I hear that you were instrumental in getting rid of that pig Leonius. My father cannot thank you enough, for it has considerably enhanced the prospects of his family.”
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Post by Sebastian Beauvais »

"We all have our duties to perform. We are in the Border Estates, after all," Sebastian replied, ignoring DeRohm gibe about Cerise. He would have loved to have her at his side, but her father's recovery was still too recent for her to comfortably leave his care to others. The baron's tone was mild but his inflection reminded DeRohm that they were on Sebastian's turf here, far from the capital and its cultured surrounding. It was not so much a warning as an exclamation of relative equality, but he felt sure DeRohm would chafe at the implication anyway.

His rival's point about the upswing in the DeRohm fortunes was telling, even though Sebastian had never intended such an outcome. But even facing the gloating nobleman, Sebastian would not alter his actions. The old regent Leonius was a vile spider and his removal from power was a vast improvement for the kingdom. Despite his personal fencing with DeRohm the younger, Sebastian felt his rival's father would likely do a fine job as regent.

Of course, he couldn't come out and say that, not directly at least. Besides, he might be able to use DeRohm's apparent displeasure at this "backwater" assignment to dredge out some information about what was to transpire in the capital the next eveningtide.

"I would have thought your father would want you in the capital to help prepare for the audience he has called for tomorrow eveningtide," Sebastian remarked offhandedly. "Perhaps it is not of such import as I had thought, that he can spare you to act as figurehead over a country festival. He and the Bishop must have things in hand, I suppose."
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Post by Guido Cercatoro »

The young nobleman appeared irritated by Sebastian’s riposte – the Baron had obviously hit a raw nerve.

“I do not think my father wants my assistance on that,” DeRohm said with a bitter, ironic twist in his voice. “And I am afraid that you will not obtain any useful information on that meeting from me, for I know precious more than you do. In truth, the politics of the capital bores me. I wish that someone would just declare a new King and be done with it!”

“As for my attendance at this festival, well I might ask you the same question. Why are you here given that matters in the capital are moving to a head? I am merely here on family business, looking after my father’s interests.”
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Post by Sebastian Beauvais »

Sebastian was both pleased and disappointed at DeRohm's reaction to his little dig. While it was nice to get under his skin, it seemed he would not be gaining much advantage for the upcoming meeting by talking to the Regent's son.

"I told you once already, duty," shrugged the young baron in reply to DeRohm follow-up. "This is the Border Estates, and though the people of this town are not formally part of Brie, we tend to stick together here on the edges of the kingdom." Sebastian appraised DeRohm for a flicker before continuing in frank style. "It's the only way to compete with those in the capital or the Downs. Without a united voice we are nothing but the forgotten cousins, and what little support we now receive would wither and die." He was at least politic enough to leave off mentioning the DeRohm family directly, as one of those favoured families near the capital. "So these events are important, to renew our commitment to one another. Even during something as simple as a summer festival."

"I also made a promise to myself," he continued, after a sip of wine. It was time to stop bandying words around the state of Pax and take a stand, no matter who was listening. "When I heard of the troubles the people here were enduring, the starvation and lack of supplies, I initiated an aid program. The severity of the problems here had never been communicated to me, and I committed to come see for myself at the festival. To see that the aid was getting to the people, and to see what more needs to be done."
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Post by Guido Cercatoro »

“You are truly benevolent,” DeRohm replied with an unmistakable trace of sarcasm in his tone. “I should not be surprised if you were honoured at the festival. Perhaps they might even grant you the freedom of Pax. Although why anyone should want to have the freedom of this dump is quite beyond me. Why my father wants…” he slowed to a halt, smiling. “Aaah me and my loose tongue; it will be the death of me some day.”

“And how do you find your fellow Border Lords, Baron,” continued the nobleman, pausing only to empty his glass and slam it down for the servant to refill. He directed a glance towards Hulmnoy. “We have one that is mad; one that is a little sad and one that is very, very bad.” DeRohm looked pleased at his own joke. He grabbed the newly filled glass and took another swig.
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Post by Sebastian Beauvais »

Sebastian did not immediately reply to DeRohm's sarcasm nor his obvious slip of the tongue, though his curiously appraising glance at the man beside him was undisguised. With head titled slightly, Sebastian wondered whether this was yet another game, or just the unchecked enthusiasm of youth spurred on by a little too much wine and bravado. DeRohm has never exhibited a surplus of finesse in the past, so the young baron of Brie latched onto the other explanation as the most likely.

"It is not the buildings or the location, it is the people that matter," he said at last, quietly but with conviction. "I must agree that, even with the rustic nature of Brie Manor in mind, I would still find it difficult to winter here," he waved a hand lazily to encompass the whole of Pax. "But that does not mean those who do live here are not worth our attention. Clearly your father understands that."

DeRohm would bite or he wouldn't, and that was fine. Sebastian did not want to get into the political importance of Pax and its segregation policies, which really were at the foundation of his interests. The disregard, lack of supplies and martial law were all symptoms of that underlying principle - that the residents of Pax were somehow less than people because they chose a different path to spiritual enlightenment. Whether his young drinking companion realized it or not, that principle was likely the fulcrum upon which the choice of a new ruler, and the future of the kingdom, would pivot. Sebastian only hoped he could help nudge things in the right direction.

At DeRohm's little rhyme describing the other barons, Sebastian displayed some honest confusion above a little smile. Admittedly he had not met all of his fellow rulers, but he thought he knew something about each of them. It was the very, very bad that was throwing him off though. Could DeRohm mean Foreno? Or was there a different meaning in is words, perhaps someone closer to home?

"Very, very bad seems a little harsh, do you not think? Or must I accept that you know something I do not?" he ventured, hoping DeRohm was getting more pliable with each mouthful of wine.
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Post by Guido Cercatoro »

“My father understands his own interests above anything else,” smirked DeRohm. “He follows the traditions of the nobility in that regard. However, he would not like to see any trouble in this place under his watch, so to speak. It might reflect badly on him as acting regent. He hears tales of imminent trouble here. Do you hear such rumours, Baron?”

“Very, very bad is perhaps a little harsh,” admitted DeRohm in answer to Sebastian’s other query. “After all, the one I refer to is simply looking after their own interests even if the methods they use are a little…bad. I do so enjoy these conversations; this wordplay; these guessing games.” It was clear that the young Lord was enjoying the banter, delighting in apparently having some information that the Baron did not have. As if in celebration he finished off yet another glass of wine.
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Post by Sebastian Beauvais »

A little truth would go a long way to allaying any suspicions, figured Sebastian. Especially given DeRohm's increasingly vigourous attempts to quench his thirst. He didn't delay in replying, not wanting to raise any undue suspicions.

"Rumours of trouble?" he asked with a chuckle, before nodding. "Indeed I have heard such rumblings. But who can blame such talk, when food is scarce, accommodation worse, and the sum of your life contained within a glorified prison camp?" Sebastian paused a flicker to sip from his glass, peering at DeRohm's reaction as he did. "I do not mean to preach, but that's the plain truth of it. Have you seen those living in squalour outside the town proper? How could they not be dissatisfied with their lot?"

Sebastian shrugged. "I'll be honest - I'd be a lot more worried if there weren't rumours of trouble. Because that'd mean there was a plan to do something about it, that these people were keeping secret." He gave DeRohm a knowing look, nodding slightly at the supposed wisdom of his words. "I like that there are rumours. The people are unhappy, but we know it. That's partly why I'm here, to make sure the food issue is improving, and to see what else can be done. Show some progress and the worst of the grumbling should go away. Ignore it, drive it underground? Then we're in trouble."

Sebastian had no good reply for DeRohm's protected secret, so he graciously toasted his rival. "You clearly have the advantage of me," he admitted over the tinkling of their glasses. Perhaps more modesty and flattery, along with the wine, might loosen DeRohm's tongue. "I fear I need much practice when it comes to ferreting out secrets and such. I have led too forthright a life, I suppose."

Sebastian said it with a touch of regret for DeRohm's benefit, but was surprised to find the emotion genuine, at least to a degree. There was an allure to those who lived dangerously, bending or breaking the rules to suit themselves. And a small part of him wished he could be that way, that he could flaunt his power and take what he wanted rather than cruise along in the middle of the road, never veering from its arrow-straight path. What would things be like then? Would he have Cerise beside him already? Might he be Lord of the West, ruling the breadth of the Border Estates? It didn't matter in the end for fanciful as it might be, he was not that man. Not now, not ever.

With a sigh the Baron of Brie raised his glass and took a full mouthful, eschewing his cautious sips this time.
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