Narrator:
Gallilei positively beams when he hears that Richard brought his family along.
Sir Richard:
Actually, Jhereg, I am here following my sisters like a faithful family hound. I was hoping that *you* could tell *us* what is afoot. We know that something is going on with the old castle and it is, apparently, important to a lot of people. What exactly is your plan and how much do you know about this place?
Narator:
Before he can answer, Sister Anne returns and joins the group.
Sister Anne:
Lord Jhereg, I was told I could find you here
[realizes she is interrupting]
My apologies for interrupting.
Jhereg:
Apology accepted, but you have not interrupted much. Please sit down, we were just finishing introductions and I was just starting to go over my plan. I believe you know Sir Richard and Kel
[Anne nods yes]
Narrator:
Jhereg continues the introductions - Anne and Brennan indicate that they know each other also by exchanging a nod and a smile.
Sister Anne:
Sir Richard, if we could speak after this meeting?
Sir Richard: [nods]
I'd like that, Sister.
Jhereg:
The castle you speak of is now named Windhaven. With the Elder's help we hope to have the curse which surrounds it lifted. A small group of us must journey to meet with the Elders to convince them of the wisdom of lifting the curse. I had hoped you would help me in this regard as you are well respected among the elves. Apparently my messenger did not reach you for you seem surprised to find that I was waiting for your arrival.
Sir Richard:
response
Narrator:
The discussion continues for over an hour as the group discusses the best way to approach the Elders.
Gallilei:
As is understandable, the Elders will not be of one mind on this initially. There will be some who will support this action. There will be some who oppose it. There will be more than either of those who we will have to sway.
[to Richard]
Your presence in the delegation and that of your family will go far towards swaying them. You are very well thought of among my people, sir, and your original heroism is far from forgotten.
[more to the group]
Of the others, well, that will be a more difficult job. The Elders will take no action until they are of one mind and one accord. That is simply our way. As an Elder, I will be able to represent our case before the Elders. But, we must have a care and choose our contingent carefully. We must give them nothing more weaken our case.
Jhereg:
We are agreed then. Those of us here and a small contingent of guards will approach the Elders.
Gallilei:
Guards? Oh. Yes. We will likely need a band of men for protection until we reach the Forest. After that, we'll be in Elven lands and an armed contingent will likely do us more harm than good.
But, in the meantime, what shall be done with this horde that surrounds us?
Jhereg:
That problem has been taken care of as we speak. The Royals and my men began disarming the mercenaries this morning right after our staff meeting. James tells me there was very little fighting as most of them were taken by surprise.
Sir Richard:
How dare you risk my sisters by this rash act! What could you possibly hope to gain by doing this.
Jhereg:
Calm yourself Richard. Your sister Gloriana and the Duchess of Devenshire were in no danger. You saw the guards I sent with them. Here in the center of my encampment they were perfectly safe. My aims were thus.
I passed a new law in my lands this morning. I expected that some of the mercenaries would take exception to it and acted accordingly.
Commoners are forbidden to bear arms in my lands without my express permission. An armsman may own but not wear armor heavier than leather or a an edged weapon bigger than a knife. Spears are allowed while polearms are not. The mercenaries already in my lands may swear fealty to me or leave. In two days anyone violating this law will be considered a bandit and subject to the forfeiture of his arms and summary justice.
Gallilei:
I don't understand. How does this solve the problem?
James:
Those that we trust will be allowed to swear fealty. The honest mercenaries that don't swear will leave the area carrying rather than wearing their weapons. They will carry the word to others of their kind that this part of McMannon is not a healthy place to be. The rest will arm themselves once they are out of our sight and become the bandits they already were.
Jhereg:
Exactly. They will be even more convinced that the castle holds treasure. James, his men and the Royals will be hunting bandits while we are gone. It brings peace to the land and occupies the men in our absence. These men know that the bandits must be removed before they can settle the lands I have promised them.
Gallilei:
I know not how long this negotiation will take. Jhereg, how long will these men who are now convinced of the treasure within the castle going to wait for your return before they move on the castle themselves?
If this happens, we may well find our hard work unraveling before our eyes.
Jhereg:
[response]
Jhereg:
Bye the way, Friedrich of Tudor and Brandon of Harrogate have invited me to dinner tonight. Would all of you care to come? I am sure they would have included you had they known of your arrival. I took the liberty of informing them that they would have additional guests.