The ride back to Uzec was good for Emmeline in the sense that it helped get her more used to riding her rouncey rather than on her little cart. Having slept huddled near a campfire that was a little small the previous night, she\u2019d felt a little uncomfortable and cramped when she had met with Riok. Before she departed Cerisey, his wife, Rhozenn, had provided a breakfast of fresh milk and eggs with butter and toasted bread. It was simple yet wholesome and it had helped refresh her as well.<\/p>\n
Uzec was only as bustling as any frontier town would be just a couple days after festival. Merchants, entertainers, and noble guests had departed by now and an aura of peaceful quiet seemed to be settling around the town in the wake of such a busy time. <\/p>\n
She knew that Baron Roland would be expecting her; she\u2019d left all her possessions at the castle and would not be leaving for such a long journey without them. Besides, she knew Wizard Elemix would likely be appearing very soon and it would be wise to travel in company rather than alone, especially considering the wizard had a habit of wisely employing a man-at-arms for protection. She would meet Elemix in Uzec before setting out.<\/p>\n
As Emmeline entered the town and went to the castle, she saw something she had never seen before. In the central square a gallows was being dismantled. Obviously a hanging had occurred that morning, likely the murderous ally of Rurrick who killed the unfortunate guard. <\/p>\n
Turning her rouncey over to the castle’s groom, Emmeline was escorted by a footman to the Baron’s conservatory. On the side table was a rose, a small box with a ribbon, a much larger box with a lock and key, two letters, each with the Baron’s seal, and a formal scroll with a ribbon on it. The footman noted the the Baron should be here shortly, “Please fee free to relax.”<\/p>\n
\u201cThank you, Robert,\u201d she told the footman. She glanced at the items on the little table curiously, but didn\u2019t touch them. Instead she wandered near the various potted plants enjoying the midday sun allowed through the conservatory\u2019s tall windows. He had a lovely variety, from ferns to flowers to vines and even sweet-smelling succulents from some distant, arid land.<\/p>\n
The door opened and the Baron entered. Smiling, he said, “It is good you returned. You left a lot here.”<\/p>\n
Emmeline smiled, then moved to him and bowed gracefully. \u201cI did, my lord. I\u2019m sorry for that, but I did see Tiffanie off so hopefully she is clear of those mercenaries by now. I was able to speak with a few people in the fief as well. It turns out that Steward Riok is much more capable than it might seem at first glance. And Aurryn is already at work on his task. Things are off to a very good start there.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cMademoiselle,\u201d he took her hand and drew her closer, \u201cI see you are learning our ways and addressing me correctly, for a formal setting at least.\u201d Seeing Emmeline\u2019s confusion, he added, \u201cyou may call me Baron as if that was my first name, by title alone without epithet, when we are alone. My childhood cousins call me Rohl from time to time, but I like it when you call me your Baron.\u201d He kisses her hand, holds it with his right hand, and then waves his left hand over to the side table, \u201cThese are for you.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cBaron,\u201d she said, \u201call of these things?\u201d She first picked up the rose with her free hand took a moment to enjoy its scent, then after seeing thorns had been removed, slipped it over her ear. It\u2019s color was a near match for her hair. With growing curiously and excited smile, she began to open the gifts, starting with the small box.<\/p>\n
Inside the small box was an elegant silver choker, probably worth 200 gp. It caught the light of the many windows, its subtle hammerwork reflecting it in all directions. Baron said, \u201cI had it commissioned for you. It is the only one like it, by my resident dwarven silversmith and made from some of the silver extracted from the mine you rescued.\u201d<\/p>\n
She stared at it in total surprise for a moment, then turned to him. \u201cIt\u2019s beautiful! Baron, I don\u2019t know what to say but thank you and\u2026\u201d She had to blink away tears and that surprised even herself. \u201cIt\u2019s really wonderful. I\u2026 I hope I deserve such a beautiful gift.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNeed you ask? You have in short time taken my heart, acted for the betterment of my realm – twice, been an inspiration for my people. It is but a token, but one of thanks. Now, wipe away the tears and try it on.\u201d The Baron kissed her on the forehead and put the choker on Emmeline\u2019s neck. Taking her to the mirror, the Baron placed the choker on her neck. \u201cThere, what do you think?\u201d<\/p>\n
She looked, smiled and leaned gently against him. \u201cI love it. I\u2019ve never worn anything so beautiful in my life.\u201d She turned and put her arms around him. \u201cOr so precious.\u201d <\/p>\n
The Baron kissed her deeply and powerfully. Letting go a touch he said, \u201cI wish there was a method to make you mine dear one, to keep you here in splendor. But that would be to cage the songbird. I cannot be so selfish, even if I have the power to do so.\u201d He stared into her eyes, \u201cit is my will you find success in life.\u201d He took her over to the table again…<\/p>\n
Emmeline squeezed his hand. It meant a lot to her that he saw the truth so clearly. She hoped he knew that. She was gentle at heart. Perhaps her adventures might harden her her attitude in time, but today it was hard to know she would leave a man who so wanted her to stay, a man she\u2019d to whom she\u2019d given her virginity. <\/p>\n
She looked next at the letters and scroll. \u201cAre these what I am to deliver to Derrien?\u201d<\/p>\n
“Yes and no. The scroll is your land grant. You will find two copies, one for yourself and another for the Duke. While I only ask a small time, I would hope you choose to expand that time, not as an obligation, but because you wish it. The Duke is a hard man. He will not like my decision, but he will accept it. The first letter is the key to that. It makes clear what you did, and what you and your friends intend to investigate; at least as much as you explained to me. It should be enough to grant audience. The second letter is for my daughter’s eyes. It will explain your role to her; hopefully. The long box is also for you. It is a traveling desk, with ink, paper, everything you need to continue writing music.”<\/p>\n
She ran a finger along the smooth wood of the box, then took up the key and opened. She was very pleased to see everything was exactly as the Baron had said. \u201cThank you, Baron,\u201d she said softly. \u201cI do hope to return here often, but I will do whatever is necessary to track down those two people who presaged the goblins\u2019 attack.\u201d<\/p>\n
Emmeline turned to the baron. \u201cI want to be honest with you. I know we spoke of this once, but I feel like you hardly know me. I want you to, yet I\u2019m not sure I even know myself. <\/p>\n
\u201cWhen this all began I went with Wizard Emelix and the warrior Tiffany to seek the missing villagers and the patrols of men at arms that disappeared. I gave the reason that they would be heroes if they succeeded and that I wanted to chronicle their deeds. Well, they really were heroes and I did chronicle the story. Yet I was drawn to become involved directly, to raise a crossbow and staff and to call upon my own strengths to aid, slay, and even heal. Something changed in me at Calder. I love the path of the entertainer. I will always love to sing and dance, play my fiddle and take part in plays. But I must do much more than that. I need to see what was begun in Calder to the very end.\u201d<\/p>\n
She drew close to the baron again and took his arm in her hands. \u201cBut I have begun something here, too, something very important. The acorn. The elves. The people of Uzec. You.\u201d She paused. The temptation to fall into another kiss was difficult to resist, but if she didn\u2019t she knew she might not stop there. \u201cBeing here is important, too. I will return.\u201d<\/p>\n
Looking down at her and brushing the hair away from her eyes, the Baron said, “I know you will. For now you must do what you must do. I confess that a small part of the reason for granting you Sir d’Arcy’s lost fief was personal, but it could easily have been Tiffanie being granted that land as you know. It was up to the two of you, but I am glad it was you. Also, granting the elves the Cairns area serves my purposes as well, and that is the growth and protection of the upper and lower valley lands of Uzec.<\/p>\n
“Let us make an agreement. Politics aside, which you will have to learn someday, when we are alone you must tell me the truth or anything that might affect my people. I will similarly be honest with you. I cannot say I fully understand this business with the acorn, the corrupted tree, the battles between elves and dwarves, but I am choosing to trust you, despite what some advisors have said, because I am a good judge of character. I am only asking you to trust me, and abide by the decisions I make for my people – which you are as far as anyone is concerned.”<\/p>\n
\u201cI will,\u201d Emmeline promised. \u201cFor now I can tell you that the acorn, which becomes the new Mother Tree, is of great importance to all people of fey descent. This reaches far beyond elves \u2014 for I suspect many humans are also touched by the fey from ancient times, even if they don\u2019t always look it or even know it.\u201d <\/p>\n
She paused, then decided to take the chance. \u201cPeople like me.\u201d She looked up at the baron, wondering how he might take this news, but kept talking. \u201cKeeping the Mother Tree in human lands means it cannot be used by \u2026 less forward-thinking fey as a symbol behind which to rally and thereby bring harm to their neighbors. The true victory here for Uzec and for all people in the Thalassa region, is that the Mother Tree will symbolically be part of all of us now. The future is unknowable, but already we can see a new alliance has been made between Uzec and a race of people that had been embittered toward us. Now they will protect us and be glad to do so.\u201d<\/p>\n
“One of those decisions is for you to continue to get to know who you really are, to find your destiny. If it is here, so much the better – but it may not be. In the process, teach my daughter to do the same. She is her father’s daughter, headstrong and decisive. But she has not learned humility – in fact Thalassan ways may have made her more haughty. It will be needed if she is to succeed me, again despite what my advisors wish.”<\/p>\n
\u201cI will do my best,\u201d Emmeline said. \u201cMy strengths lie not in long-term planning, I know. But I can teach her to think on her feet and to make the best of whatever life throws at her, just as my grandfather taught me.\u201d<\/p>\n
She smiled and adopted a sultry look, though she was being more playful than serious. \u201cI also am very curious as to what my yearly obligations might entail\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
“I would be happy to show you, mademoiselle,” the Baron replied with a smile, “but it may take much of the evening.”<\/p>\n
Her blush proved the idea was enticing to her. \u201cSo it\u2019s like that is it, Baron?\u201d She laughed with some delight and a lot of anticipation, and was glad she\u2019d run a small errand before she had arrived at the castle.<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
The following morning, the Baron and Emmeline sat in his private garden, having breakfast after creating a night of memories, which after this day would be all they would have for some time. The Baron, while taken by her, did take the time to explain her feudal obligation to main the land, protect the people (which he would be assisting with), and to come to the defense of Uzec in time of need. It was a pleasant conversation, as both were gifted in this manner. Robert, the footman, brought a message to the Baron, who upon reading it, thanked him.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have news of your Magus friend,\u201d he handed the note to her, \u201cit seems he was spotted on the road. A guard was with him, but not the man who passed though town with him when he went south.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI will miss Nigel, the previous hired guard,\u201d Emmeline mused. \u201cHe has a good heart, but if Elemix hired this new guard, I\u2019m sure Nigel\u2019s replacement will be equally well considered. Did you wish to meet Elemix, my lord?\u201d<\/p>\n
The Baron replied, \u201cYes I would. He is the only one of your ad hoc troupe I have not met. You intend to travel with him and your Snowmorian friend?\u201d<\/p>\n
Emmeline nodded. The footman had left, so she reverted to less formal language. \u201cYes, Baron. I think Emmelix is also very interested in tracking down the two strangers who wanted to search the old dwarven mines. Tuderic was the man\u2019s name. Odd sounding, isn\u2019t it?\u201d<\/p>\n
The Baron seemed to recognize the name. It did not sit well with him. He replied, \u201cLong ago, I met a person with a similar sounding name. He was old then, a descendant of the old Snowmorians, the ones the Empire first defeated and drove into the edge of the wild hundreds of years ago, who later on were driven from even Snowmor by the Norvik Tribes, such as your ally Typhon Kn\u00e9\u2019s people. They are scattered from the Vannes Valley, to the Rift Kingdoms, and into Maelith, where many are said to have settled. He was,\u201d the Baron remembered, \u201can angry man.\u201d<\/p>\n
Emmeline paused. \u201cThat\u2019s just what the villagers said! I mean, about Tuderic seeming to come from the Rift countries. They said he had looked \u2018older\u2019, whatever that means. And the woman,\u201d she continued excitedly, \u201cshe was described as being tall, too, but not so gaunt, and she had white hair. I figure people that look like that, they can\u2019t be hard to track down if they are wandering around these parts. Baron, it sounds like this Tuderic might be the same man you met. Can you tell me anything more about him?\u201d<\/p>\n
The Baron answered, \u201cIt was awhile ago. In my youth I took up errantry and by my father\u2019s leave became a young cavalry officer in Thalassan Auxiliaries. This was almost 30 years ago. We were stationed outside Mesqu\u00e9r, which was just a fort then, sometimes under attack by the Kingdom of Legan and constantly harassed by Stavan raiders from Malith. It was on one occasion that we rescued an adventuring party who had gotten over their heads with an orc tribe. We brought them back to safety at our outpost. Their leader was a man named Tuderic. There was another older man, and a terrified girl. They said the orcs were on the move and it was our fault. Our \u2018civilization\u2019 had caused all the misery in the world – like the other \u2018empires\u2019 of old – and that our arrogance would get us killed. The bulk of our forces advanced to engage the orcs before they got closer to Mesqu\u00e9r. Meanwhile, we tried to keep the refugees, but this Tuderic – I think he was some kind of priest – destroyed much of our men\u2019s morale with his wailing and doomsaying. The next day, this Tuderic and party had left by stealth in the night, along with all of our native levees, cutting our reserve force in half to barely over a hundred.\u201d <\/p>\n
The Baron paused.<\/p>\n
\u201cWord came that our advance force confronting the orcs had been destroyed, nearly a thousand men. With the levees gone we had but a hundred twenty men to defend the fort, and defend it we did. Over three days we held off the orcs, losing eighteen men. We must have slaughtered a thousand of them. It was the hardest fighting I\u2019ve ever been in.\u201d <\/p>\n
\u201cIt sounds as if Tuderic and his allies were trying to set up your force to fail. It makes one wonder if they may have incited the orcs to attack,\u201d Emmeline observed. \u201cWhatever his motivation, it seems Tuderic was not in in favor of seeing Thalassan forces succeed. And recently in the north, after he was refused permission to work the mines or even look around, a force of goblins attacked. It seems like there is a pattern to his actions.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Baron replied, \u201cPerhaps. Though that day they were both wounded and afraid. That Tuderic did try to convince us to abandon our post and retreat – something we would never do. Maybe it was a conspiracy, maybe it was not, but it is hard for me to believe these people are one and the same. It isn\u2019t impossible, but he\u2019d have to be almost a hundred by now. He had a visceral hatred of civilization, saying our \u2018empire\u2019 was as evil and corrupt as the Eterians, Hattani, or even the Silurians.”<\/p>\n
\u201cHm. There must be a reason he thinks this, and a reason he wanted to look into the old dwarven ruins at the mines. Elemix should have access to libraries in Thalassa. I hope we will learn more about what we found north of Calder Keep.\u201d<\/p>\n
“I would consider his religion and his experiences. If memory serves, His people were Carian, the Amar tribe I believe.”<\/p>\n
\u201cAre they human?\u201d<\/p>\n
The Baron was pensive for awhile and said, “From what I remember, mostly.”<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ll look into what you told me. If they are the same man, or perhaps related, then knowing more about these Carian people might be important,\u201d Emmeline said.<\/p>\n
“There are many Carian peoples, some civilized, some not. It is good to learn in any case.” Finishing breakfast he added, “you should get ready, the Magus should arrive within the hour. I’ll send a man to bring him to the castle.”<\/p>\n
After excusing herself, she returned to her quarters, collected her various things and set about securing them on her cart at the stables. Though she didn\u2019t really need the help, she let the stable boy hook up her pony and tie her horse to the back of the cart, and provided him a modest tip for his aid. She wanted to be ready to move as soon as Elemix was ready to go.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
The ride back to Uzec was good for Emmeline in the sense that it helped get her more used to riding her rouncey rather than on her little cart. 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Her visit for the day was complete and tomorrow she could spend some of her free time looking for the supplies Zoe had recommended she collect for her own health. Tonight she\u2019d sung only a few\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Thalassa"","block_context":{"text":"Thalassa","link":"https:\/\/countlessworlds.org\/thalassa\/category\/thalassa\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":2714,"url":"https:\/\/countlessworlds.org\/thalassa\/2016\/01\/11\/epilogue-session-25\/","url_meta":{"origin":1961,"position":1},"title":"Epilogue Session 25","author":"Edward","date":"January 11, 2016","format":false,"excerpt":"Overview\u00a0 The party split up from Rivanon and went up river directly to Uzec while she stayed behind to wait for several score reinforcements she hoped to march over the Eastern Ridge pass. Ren\u00e9e, the daughter of Vorn's friend Captain du Triel, joined the party under Emmeline's tutorage.\u00a0After fighting a\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Thalassa"","block_context":{"text":"Thalassa","link":"https:\/\/countlessworlds.org\/thalassa\/category\/thalassa\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":1951,"url":"https:\/\/countlessworlds.org\/thalassa\/2015\/03\/28\/epilogue-session-3\/","url_meta":{"origin":1961,"position":2},"title":"Epilogue Session 3","author":"Edward","date":"March 28, 2015","format":false,"excerpt":"Overview Tiffanie was the key player in convincing her recently discovered great uncle Aurryn Silverleaf, a grim scout first hired by the group to bear witness to her and Emmeline's actions at the Cairns, to make an agreement with the Baron d'Uzec. It also turns out the 'Sister' Jos likes\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Thalassa"","block_context":{"text":"Thalassa","link":"https:\/\/countlessworlds.org\/thalassa\/category\/thalassa\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":2849,"url":"https:\/\/countlessworlds.org\/thalassa\/2016\/02\/05\/song-of-a-baron-requiem-for-roland\/","url_meta":{"origin":1961,"position":3},"title":"Song of a Baron; Requiem for Roland","author":"Illuminatus","date":"February 5, 2016","format":false,"excerpt":"Every movement was pain, but Emmeline felt it as a distant nagging, a warning that each step she took, more of her life blood spattered on the stony ground beneath the gates of Calder Keep. She knew that Renee and Elemix were saying something to her but she didn't hear\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Thalassa"","block_context":{"text":"Thalassa","link":"https:\/\/countlessworlds.org\/thalassa\/category\/thalassa\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":2935,"url":"https:\/\/countlessworlds.org\/thalassa\/2016\/04\/26\/next-steps\/","url_meta":{"origin":1961,"position":4},"title":"Next Steps","author":"Illuminatus","date":"April 26, 2016","format":false,"excerpt":"Elemix sat down at the table across from Emmiline. They had finished their discussions with Magus Alix earlier, and had made their way back to the inn to have some dinner. After they had ordered, Elemix stared the conversation. \"Emmiline. Have you thought about coming with me back to Thalassa?\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Thalassa"","block_context":{"text":"Thalassa","link":"https:\/\/countlessworlds.org\/thalassa\/category\/thalassa\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":2375,"url":"https:\/\/countlessworlds.org\/thalassa\/2015\/08\/21\/solo-visit-to-ceresey\/","url_meta":{"origin":1961,"position":5},"title":"Solo Visit to Ceresey","author":"Illuminatus","date":"August 21, 2015","format":false,"excerpt":"After a couple evenings and days far more luxurious and comfortable than Emmeline really thought she deserved, she decided it was time to visit Cerisey and the Mother Tree. She spent a very pleasant breakfast with the baron and his daughter discussing where her abilities might best benefit the barony\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Thalassa"","block_context":{"text":"Thalassa","link":"https:\/\/countlessworlds.org\/thalassa\/category\/thalassa\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]}],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/countlessworlds.org\/thalassa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1961","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/countlessworlds.org\/thalassa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/countlessworlds.org\/thalassa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/countlessworlds.org\/thalassa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/countlessworlds.org\/thalassa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1961"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/countlessworlds.org\/thalassa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1961\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/countlessworlds.org\/thalassa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1961"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/countlessworlds.org\/thalassa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1961"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/countlessworlds.org\/thalassa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1961"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}