Re: Wharton's Lock

[Admin]

Squatting beside Ceci she puts her arms around her friend. "Why don't we get you up to your room where it's quiet and you can maybe lay down a bit?"

"Check that",

Turning to a bowman by the door, "Go find Anton the Baker, tell him I said to bring the carriage, with full crew here ASAP. Use the phrase, FULL CREW."

looking to Mac,

"Get her things together, and your horses, be ready once the Carriage arrives. We are going to take her somewhere quiet and away from prying eyes."

looking to Icy,

"My friend, have you made arrangements to secure the bodies for burial ? and, Could you have someone find the other woman and the child... oh, and find my sister, she is involved in this somehow, I am sure."

[Cecilywolfe]

The herb tea soothed her and made her feel sleepy and....drunk. Jah, how much whiskey did I have? She vaguely listened to her friends talking around her, glad that they seemed to be taking charge.

Resting her head against the back of the chair, she closed her eyes, complete exhaustion threatening to pull her into a fitful sleep.

[Admin]

Reef and Celtic Dragon enter the doorway and salute the Captain. Icy, talking with Bloodstone, quickly gives them the 'at ease' and they enter the dining area. A few Bowmen stood in the corner quietly discussing the events. Cecily looked peacful sleeping in a chair. There was a woman next to Cecily stroking her hair, and Celtic quietly informed Reef that her name was Mac.

Celtic makes his way over to a table in the corner, and poures himself a small drink while Reef stands patiently awaiting to interupt Icy and Bloodstone's conversation. He holds in his hand the bolt that CD removed from his cub, and examines it up and down.

[Admin]

Slater seeing Reef and Celtic enter the house walks over to Reef and says, I was waiting for you to get here to give our report to Icy. Good idea to bring that bolt with you, now are false trail won't be as bad, Slater says with a chuckle.

[Admin]

"Captian Icy, CD, Reef at your disposal. We have a brief report for you when ready."

[Admin]

It seemed an eternity as they waited for the Carriage and horse but, in reality, it was less than half an hour.

The carriage was black, with drawn black linen drapes covering the simple openings that served as windows. Pulled by 2 horses, and driven by a non-descript man in a heavy wool cloak that did little to hide the sword on his hip.

Two other me rode on spots at the back and acted as footmen. They too were covered with heavy woolen cloaks and armed with swords. These two men, with a nod to the driver and the bowmen in attendence, entered the house and began to carry out the small amount of baggage that had been collected. With quick, silent efficiency, they loaded and secured the bags and, when completed, withdrew 2 crossbows from a chest on the carriage and took up places around the doorway.

A forth man, to this point in the carriage, exited the vehicle and moved into the room. He was very similar in height and stature to Bloodstone, with the same coloring.

"We are ready to load the passengers, m'lord", he stated with a simple bow,

"Thank you my friend for the quick response, and your help", Bloodstone replied, looking to Mac and Cecily.

"Lady Fraser, would you be so kind as to enter the carriage ? My associate here and I will see to Cecily."

Looking to the dozing Cecily, he gently roused her and supported her arm as he, and the un-named man led her to the carriage. With little trouble, she was seated, wrapped in a heavy bear cloak, and back to dozing.

About this time, a groomsman came, leading both Cecily's and Mac's horses to the carriage. With deft hands, he secured both to the rail of the carriage with enough lead that they would able to travel with the group, sans riders.

"Icy, my friend. I am taking them somewhere safe. I do not feel that the events here are done and dusted... knowing the circles that Grendell and his lot travelled in, there could be more to come. We will not be gone for more than a few days, and our journey will end at their homes in Beeston.

If you need get word to me, leave a note at my Shop, someone will get it to me.

You have done good work here today but, dont let your guard down. Too many things have been happening of late that do not sit well with me.

Watch Your back my friend, and keep an eye peeled for trouble, it comes in threes."

With a quick clasp of hands, Bloodstone moves out to the carriage. Peeking inside, he see Cecily bundled up and dozing, his man alert and waiting, a cocked but un-loaded crossbow across his lap and a sword next to him.
Mac is sitting with one of the bearskins around her but with her weapons handy, ready for anything..

"Steady woman there, good to have around" he thinks as he nods to all and makes his way to his horse.

Taking a heavy cloak, matching the ones the other men are wearing, he mounts his horse. Soon, two more riders, in the same attire, appear. One hands Bloodstone his sword, which he belts on, then a well made horseman's lance.

Bloodstone addresses the men in a language not common to Holywell. "Make sure we are not followed, then re-group."

As the sun sets on this terrible day, the wagon and its escorts are painted by its dying rays as they head West, into the setting sun.

[Admin]

Slater, Reef, and Celtic Dragon deliver their report to Icy_Flames who listens through exhausted ears. Reef explaines about the bolt, "...I thought it came from the bushes, but it must have come from behind. I don't know if it's of any relevance at this point seeing as the fugitive has been killed. I just wanted to bring it to your attention." He hands the bolt to Icy.

"If you don't mind, sir, I have a new friend at home who needs looking after." Reef draws a salute. Slater and CD produce the same.

With a grin, Captain Flames saltues them, "Dismissed."

The three bowmen retreat towards the doorway. Reef sees the Mac readying to leave. "Lady Mac is it?" She looks up at the young Bowman and recognizes him from her arrival earlier. "My name is Reef McSchmokin. I thought it would be rude of me to pass up another oportunity to introduce myself." Reef bows to the Lady then makes his way out the door.

[Admin]

Fugue had settled Gryff into a warm bundle of fur near the fire. It was too cold a night to put him in his basket, which was getting to be too small for him, anyway, or even in her bed. He was a sweet little boy and took to the improvised bed with a little wriggle of pleasure.

She was drowsing in her chair, bored with the tedium of reviewing market prices, when the back door creaked. Rising quickly, she checked that the ornate sheath holding the dagger to her forearm was open. The clever carving of the leather held it securely enough. As she watched, Frey crept in, her cloak muddied and torn. There was a dark smear on her cheek.

It is over then, Frey? You're free? Fugue looked with compassion at the young woman, then started as Frey threw back her hood and turned her face to Fugue,

Free? Free? I'll never be free! She shrieked. She'll never let me .... she died ... I have to go with her. Give me Gryff.

Fugue moved to put her arm around Frey, asking, Who are you going with? You and Gryff will be safe ....

then lurched back as Frey threw her off and snarled.

Gryff. What have you done with my child? He isn't in his basket. Frey staggered to the table and took up the wine pitcher. Holding it over her head, she took a step toward Fugue.

Now. Get him now. I have seen so much death. Don't think that I won't kill you. Madness is what succeeds, so I shall be mad. GET MY CHILD!

Gryff stirred and whimpered at the scream and both women turned toward him. Fugue was nearer and snatched him close in her left arm, in the same motion drawing the dagger.

Attempting a soothing tone, she said, Frey, I can't let you take him until I know that he will be safe. His safety is what I promised you. And this knife has cut before. I will protect Gryff. She held the child tight to her shoulder with one hand and held the dagger out with the other.

She ducked and backed as Frey dashed the pitcher against the mantel and held the broken neck and handle toward her. Keep talking, I need to keep talking. Maybe she will hear.

Frey, you don't want to do this. Why don't you try to sleep? Take my bed, and I'll keep Gryff here where you can see him.

Judge, you're judging me. Where has justice been .... GIVE ME MY CHILD! Frey dashed forward and grabbed for Gryff, hitting at Fugue with the broken pitcher.

Fugue ducked her head, taking the blow on her thick hair. She stabbed forward with her daggered hand and felt ... felt the blade slice into flesh and stop, like hitting a stone. Gryff was screaming. He arched his back in fear and her hold on him loosened. Her right eye stung suddenly and her vision blurred. In that moment, Frey grabbed the child and backed off.

You won't take the chance of cutting him as you have cut me. I curse you and all you love. May you live in the hell your world has given me! She whirled and was out of the door, leaving Fugue holding a dagger and a handful of cloth from Frey's cloak.

When Fugue looked to the dark woods in back of her home, she couldn't see Frey, and turned back to her blood-spattered room, her thoughts and feelings churning. Frey knew the woods even better than Fugue; that had been her road for the time she had been here. To follow now would be useless.

She sank into her chair with a sob of anger and fear.

Some time passed before someone knocked at her front door. She stared at it. Lady Fugue! Your Honor? The Earl has sent me. May I come in?

Wearily she opened the door to the messenger, wiping the blood from her face with her sleeve.

It's too late.

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