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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>After travel on the road it
was good to be inside again. The barracks were clean and warm and the beds
reasonably soft.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
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and the horses had been groomed, fed and bedded down in the stables.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>As a guest the legate was
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with a bed, a small cabinet for clothes and a table and chair, The walls were
left the bare white of the plaster that covered them. A (very) small stove
rested in one corner along with a small wooden bucket containing some coal. He
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
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movement in the window. He noticed a thrush sitting on the windowsill and seemed
to be look at him. And as if satisfied with what he saw the bird then flew
away.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Early the next morning they
ran into an unexpected problem soon after starting out. The caravan came to a
sudden halt. Edmund made his way to the front and found Stealth and Terry
staring at something ahead.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
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path was a large raccoon who was busily eating some sort of crustacean. The
animal was alternating between banging the hard shell against a piling and eating
the soft bits inside. The animal paused a moment and looked at them. Then he
returned to his meal.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
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Rickkter" Terry joked.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
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asked.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>"We wait," was the paladin’s
response.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>"Never interrupt a person
when they’re eating,” Edmund explained.</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>After some minutes the raccoon
finished his meal. He then walked to the edge of the causeway and climbed down.
In moments he had vanished into the marsh.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
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and down, looking for their visitor but all he saw was marsh grass and mud. He
did spot a score of places where the animal could be hidden.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>He lifted his gaze and scanned
the marsh looking for larger creatures. Out there Stealth was certain at least
one person was watching them. He picked out several places where a person could
hide. Finally the scout spotted a dark shadow at the base of a tree and an odd
shape amidst a large plant with broad leaves some seventy yards out.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
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friend. “Have you located them?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“Two of them,” Stealth
answered while still looking. “Probably at least one more out there.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“No they won’t,” Terrant
answered. “But when a large, armed group moves through your home you are
cautious.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“Agreed,” Edmund added. “We
confuse them. We’re too small for an invasion but the right size for a raiding
party. But we are moving too slowly and are too friendly to be a raiding party.
But we’re too heavily armed to be a trade caravan.”</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
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The paladin responded. “How much longer till we are out of this?”</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“We should clear the marsh in
another day,” Emile commented. “Perhaps a day and a half before we reach solid
ground.”</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It was late. The midnight office
was done some time ago but it was still several hours before Prime at dawn.
Harrick and Kenward should have been asleep but instead they were both standing
on a small balcony off the Knightmasters quarters. The castle and indeed the
whole valley was laid out below them as twinkling lights in the darkness. A
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“I’ve always enjoyed this
spot,” Kenward said softly. “Being here alone always allowed me to think.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“It is very peaceful. It’s
good place for contemplation,” Harrick responded.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Harrick looked off to the
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
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Donel will resist and how hard Brother Delacot will have to push?” Harrick
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“Of Edmund and his people,”
Harrick said slowly. “Bother Gattaway. Now Sister Gattaway. The order doesn’t
allow women but Terrant wasn’t a woman when he joined.”</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“I have taken a wait and see
attitude and given her special dispensation,” Kenward answered.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Harrick nodded in agreement.
“But it does bring up questions about women in the order.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“True but that is something we
can deal with later,” Kenward commented. “We have many other issues to deal
with.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“A more immediate problem. What
of the bishop?” Harrick asked. “And his father the Duke?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Kenward winced. “That cannot
be delayed any longer. It seems that my last official act as Knightmaster will
be to meet with him.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“What do you think he will
talk about?” Harrick asked. “What is he like?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The old Knightmaster shrugged.
“I am not sure. I have never met this bishop before.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>There was silence for a long
moment and both enjoyed the calm night.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“What went wrong Jacob?”
Kenward asked in a whisper. “What did we do wrong?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Harrick shook his head. “I
don’t know. But none of the order took active part in the attacks.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“They should have done more to
stop it,” Kenward countered.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“Done what?” Harrick asked.
“We expected threats from the Lightbringers, from Sathmore, from Marigund and
even from the Giantdowns. But how could we expect such evil from the Ecclesia
itself.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“Perhaps breaking from the
Ecclesia would be a good thing,” Kenward commented. “There has been talk among
the brothers about just that.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“I’ve heard the talk. Many of
the order feel abandoned by Yesulam. Or have we already become too detached
from it?” Harrick countered. “Perhaps we should have tried to get closer
instead of letting the distance keep us apart. Had we closer ties to the local
clergy perhaps we could have detected the old bishop’s slide into corruption.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“Excellent point,” Kenward
said. “We can take the opportunity of your Investiture to hold a grand
concourse of all the Knight Commanders and all the senior leaders.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“Good idea,” Harrick
responded. “There is a lot to discuss.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“Indeed.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal">********************</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It was late afternoon when they came to a
small island where the road split. One trail continued south, one branched off
to the east and another to the west.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“We’ll stop here for the
night,” Edmund ordered. “And continue onward tomorrow.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This piece of land was a
little larger than the last one so there was room enough to spread out a bit. The
wagons were spotted and the horses unhitched. A fire started and a small
latrine pit dug.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It was still light out when
Stealth returned. This time instead of one person he had a half dozen. Deryk
was there along with men and women carrying baskets, bags and packs. Edmund
relaxed. This group wasn’t here to confront. They were here to bargain and
trade.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal">**************</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The small campsite was active
with people talking, looking and haggling over various items. Baskets made of
marsh grass were present in large numbers, the skins of various animals and
other things. One old woman was selling potions that she promised would make
men stronger, longer, and women bigger in all the right places. But amidst
those expensive potions were others of more real use. A bottle of oils that was
guaranteed to sooth aching muscles, an oil to preserve leather and keep it
supple no matter how wet or cold it got.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Despite their seeming
innocence, for every visitor Edmund had assigned a watcher. That person stood
nearby and made sure the marsh dweller was only there for trade.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“Roderick,” Terrant called. “I
think you’ll want to come over here.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“Ma’am?” The person was small,
barely five feet tall and just a little over ninety pounds. It had the tan and
black spotted coat of one of the smaller jungle felines. Roderick had adapted
easily to being half animal was wearing only a small pair of shorts with a hole
at the back for his long feline tail. There wasn’t even any shoes on his paws.
He was carefully examining a tree that stood by a wagon. And carefully placing
seeds into a pouch.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>He slowly walked over to
Terry. Standing next to the woman was an older man dressed in a blue shirt and
green pants. The man was carrying a large tree limb at least four feet long.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The tree ocelot morph gently
took the pre-offered length of wood. He ran his hands over every inch of it. He
even touched his tongue to it to taste it. “This is a Marsh Elm,” he said
excitedly. “I’ve never actually held it before.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Roderick stared at the man
intently. “Did you cut this from a living tree?” He accused.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The man shook his head in
response. “No. It was storm toppled.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The feline nodded his head. Roderick
reached into his backpack and pulled out a six-inch-long saw with a serrated
blade. “I’ll swap you this for the whole length.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Terry stood to one side and
watched the two bargain. Someone touched her on the arm. The knight turned and
a woman of middling age was standing there,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The woman leaned close to
Terry. “I have a special item to offer you,” She said in a whisper as she reached
down the neck of her tunic. The woman produced a small pouch from which she
removed an object. It proved to be a crescent shaped item made of silver about
the size of her palm. One side was blank but the other had several symbols
inscribed with a dark green material.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Terrant’s knowledge of jewelry
was limited but she understood that this was old. The symbols were obviously
writing but a form she had never seen before. “What is it? Who made this?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The woman shrugged in
response. “Many things have been lost in the marsh over the years. Occasionally
the marsh gives them back.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“Where exactly did you get
this?” She asked.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The woman shrugged. “People
say that some of the islands were used to bury the dead.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“You dug this up?” Terry
asked.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“NO!” the woman denied
excitedly. “We leave the dead alone. I found this in the water. I was hunting
for shellfish on the bottom and found that instead.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“The Centli used the throw
items and people into rivers, lakes and swamps as sacrifices to their gods,”
Terrant commented.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“That doesn’t look Centli or
Suielman,” the marsh woman answered. “It looks older. A lot older.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“There are people at Metamor
who will know what it is and how old,” The knight responded. “What do you want
for it?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal">***************************</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The Patriarchal Legate Tuscus
was ushered into the office with little fanfare. He found the office of the
Knightmaster of the Order of Protectors more Spartan than expected but probably
more elaborate than some in the order would prefer.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The walls were plastered a
pastel blue instead of the white he had seen elsewhere. Portraits of various
men who he assumed were past Knightmasters lined one wall. A large fireplace
filled another wall. Every room in the fortress seemed to have some sort of
heating. With a fortress located in the mountains it was far from a luxury. It
was a necessity. There was a large desk and chairs of dark wood in a simple
style. The one accommodation to luxury was a small couch near the fireplace
made of a green padded cloth.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“I hope your visit with us has been helpful,”
the knightmaster asked as they took a seat by the fire.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“It has been very
illuminating,” the legate answered. “I have learned a lot.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“There is a lot more to
discuss and consider,” Harrick said.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“Agreed but I must take my
leave of you. I have been ordered to meet with the cardinal,” the legate
responded.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“I am sorry to be losing you
so soon,” Kenward commented.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“Agreed,” Tuscus answered. “But
the cardinal wants to discuss recent events in Marigund and the Midlands with
the Patriarch. And as the Patriarch’s representative I must attend.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“I understand,” Kenward said
with a nod of the head. “Would you be willing to take a missive to the cardinal
for me?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“Of course,” the legate
answered.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal">*******************</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"> </div>
</font>