Chapter 4: Arrival at the Winter Capital of Reshall

7/5 We had to go through the usual peace-binding rituals entering the gates of Senacran; get our swords officially sealed with a complex knot (which I couldn't work out), or pay a fee to get a similar, but ineffective binding. Daggers were OK, and I got my crossbow bound. The Knights paid their fees.
Lots of street urchins hassled the Knights for coins, with a degree of success.

As we approached the castle, and later before court, I prayed and meditated to strengthen my mind against magical probing. Jean-Marc did so as well. This seemed to be successful and he began to resemble Erenion more and more (as is neccessary if we are to pull off a switch after J-M's identity is confirmed.
I had to struggle ahead to brief the heralds about our Knights, and to arrange to present our diplomatic credentials.

I'm not at all happy about the possibility that the locals make use of magic, possibly applying heretical techniques to our horses and rooms.

The King was not present, so I suppose that court was not really court. Nevertheless, the Knights were introduced to some significant nobles:
Augustus Trone and his Lady Dyanna.
Torral Melbrane, who is the local Duke.
Inthal Melbrane, who is the local Baron.
Sir Varidor, a great hero of the war.
Definitely not least; Keruna Masarin, baron(ess) of Vrakir, and one of our major suspects.
 


She is a small, slender and striking woman; somehow ageless and either an Elf, with a lot of Elven blood, or possibly something in Elf form. She moves like a dancer, acrobat, or supremely skillful fighter. She has pale skin, pale hair, black eyes and an exotic and dangerous demeanor. She notices everything. She quizzed us (Sir Zacharias knew nothing, and whilst I'm sure that she didn't find out about our mission from myself, I probably told her far too much about the Church in Valon). She invited us to Igor. Many of the nobility fear and / or hate her.
Another Lady, Torrina Rochmar, a voluptuous figure (scarcely) clad in some fantastic costume, appears to have an odd relationship with Keruna; mutual hatred seemingly mixed with an unspoken agreement to avoid one another. She had some sort of magical sensory enhancement and checked us out (but I'm not sure on whose behalf).
Sir Zacharias gave a moving bagpipe recital, as he dreamt of his Lady Mercedes. The instrument survived, though it landed in some sort of trifle.
A young woman called Darianne attached herself to us;

we agreed to teach one another languages, and she is particularly attracted to S (who goes by the name of Soro: Apparently a young boy who is to be the guide in the foreign and heratic lands of Reshall. A lad with pale skin and green eyes. An expert shot with a bow but no other apparent skills of combat. On the road he is clad in a fine Elven (!) chainmail and wears a shortsword. Soro has no idea of the concepts of politics and hierarchy. He even seems to be unable to tell lie from fact as he takes all things at face value).
Sir Zacharias (in a moment of madness, or possibly divine inspiration) proclaimed himself as Keruna's champion. She accepted.

8/5 Hunting. There were 2 incidents of note:
Jean-Marc switched with Erenion. The real J-M headed back towards Valon, and Erenion took his identity in Reshall.
Sir Zacharias excelled at horsemanship (he is good, but I felt that he was showing off). Another Knight took umbrage, and an impromptu joust ensued, which Sir Zacharias won easily, but may have made another enemy.

9/5 I spent some time in the castle library.
The Knights practiced.
Oh, and Soro played hide the sausage with Darianne.

Message to myself from Soro:
I knew Darianne was some sort of snoop as soon as she attached herself to us. I keep her close to find out whoes snoop she is ( also I haven't had any for months).