In the Midst…, part III

Leonardo de Cefiro’s personal diary

…in which writs are served, decisions are made, and “Blimin’ ‘ec, that’s one ‘ell of a dragonewt!”

Freezeday, Stasisweek, Stormseason, 613

I still feel like a bath in the mornin’ as all that nob shit ain’t feelin’ cleaner in the sunlight, but I’ve already ‘ad my seasonal wash, so that’d just be extravagant like. After brekkie, Iago & Esteban (and Calvera’s bird, Beatriz) ride off to Zaragoza to speak to the Calipha – it’s a 6 day round trip, so they’ll be gone a while. The rest of us plan what we’re gonna do until they get back, and the first order of the day is defo guardin’ the witness to Lucia’s murder, ‘er friend Zaira.

‘Owever, on the way there we see Adolfo, Don Jorj (c***!)’s brother, comin’ towards us wearin’ ‘is armour. At first I think ‘e’s on’ is way to see the whore Magdalena again (I mean, the guy makes me look like a stud and I’m the spud of our party), but then ‘e stops, looks directly at Xavier, clears ‘is throat (a few times), and then launches into lyric poetry! Well, even if ‘es a nob, you still got to be respectful of a bit of poetry, and I suppose ‘e does alright (though ‘es not in the same league as Beatriz with ‘er epic 5 ‘our poem).

Well, I quickly realise it’s a challenge to water cultists – one of the Typhonian staples. ‘owever, much to my surprise, Xavier accepts! I ‘adn’t got ‘im down as a nob basher – good on yer mate!

So it looks like they’ll fight till one of ‘em falls over, and magic is allowed (at least on themselves). As they start the initial sparin’ I find m’self sizin’ them up. It looks to me like Xavier’s got the ‘igher skills, fightin’ with ‘is trident and small shield, but ‘e’s only in ‘is leathers with mail on ‘is vitals like. Adolfo’s waving ‘is axe & spear around like ‘e don’t really know what ‘e’s doing, but ‘e’s in full metal armour, and probably got the better magic, being a rich nob an’ all.

Well at first it looks like Xavier’s skill is goin’ to serve ‘im well, as ‘e gets in a few good ‘its underneath Adolfo’s flailin’ axe. ‘Owever, a trident ain’t the best weapon to use against metal armour, and sure enough, just as I’m wonderin’ if ‘e should ‘ave gone with ‘is scimitar instead, Adolfo chops past Xavier’s defenses leavin’ a nasty gash in ‘is right leg. I think if ‘e’d been fightin’ for real Xavier might ‘ave continued, but ‘e don’t want to risk bleedin’ out, so very sensibly ‘e drops to the floor and concedes. I must admit to bein’ a bit conflicted. The superior’y of the Air element is demonstrated once again vs Water but, when all’s said and done, Adolfo’s a nob and not our nob neither.

‘Onour satisfied, Adolfo slinks off (probably to ‘is whore). I rush up to Xavier to try and stem the bleedin’, but it looks like Xavier’s done a pretty good job of it ‘imself. I’ve only got a bit of ‘ealin’, but I offers to cast it a few times, waitin’ a few minutes in between each castin’ of course, and soon enough Xavier’s as right as rain. Which reminds me, we do share a bit of the same element I suppose.

So, after that little distraction, we continue on to Zaira’s ‘ovel. ‘er father (Hernando I think ‘es called) is more than a little put out when we say ‘is daughter might be in danger, and ‘is wife takes even more convincin’, but eventually they agrees to Calvera’s offer of a ‘witness protection programme’ (not sure wot that means – I don’t think ‘e was flirtin’ with ‘er, but you can never be sure with Calvera).

We decide on 6 ‘our shifts of 2, seein’ as there’s just the 4 of us left. Xavier & Joaquina take the first shift leavin’ me and Calvera to ‘ave a rest in the back. I’m still sure there’s more to see in town though, and as I’m thinkin’ this I spies the old bint with the golden tooth sellin’ er ‘not’ apples to people up the main street. As she starts to ‘ead west out of town, I suddenly decide I might try and follow ‘er. I’m not really the slinky type, but you gotta know ‘ow to ‘ide when wolves are prowlin’ around your flock, and it’s come in ’andy once or twice in town an all, so I tries to follow as best I can, usin’ people on the main road to blend in with. ‘opefully the long shadows cast by Helios almost reaching ‘ell might ‘elp as well.

She don’t seem to notice. As she approaches the bridge over the river she squints northwards, nods to ‘erself and carries on. As I gets to the same place I think I can just about see a shape ‘idin’ in a bush near where Don Jorj (c***!) murdered poor Lucia. So the bint can see pretty well in poor light then.

She then starts to ‘ead out of town – the only ‘ovel left is Magdalena’s. To my surprise, she turns off the main path and seemin’ly ‘eads off towards the whore’s brothel.

Well, wot to do? I could ‘ead back, but that feels a bit craven, and I’ve come this far. And the bint’s now out of sight so I can move a bit quicker, and don’t need passers by to ‘ide be’ind (just as well, cos there aren’t any.) I spy a bush near the ‘ovel that might provide some cover. I won’t be able to see Magdalena’s door, but I should be able to ‘ear anythin’ that’s said.

As I reach the bush and duck down be’ind, I ear’s a voice talkin’ to Magdalena. And it ain’t like the old bint’s voice I remember. It’s a strong, clear, younger soundin’ voice that immediately commands respect – and I’m thinkin’ royalty ‘ere. She’s talkin’ about “shared bloodlines” (wot?) “ ’es clearly smitten with you” (is that Adolfo?) and “intrigued by the newcomers – they may ‘elp” (that’d be us then..) With that, she wishes Magdalena goodnight and I ‘ears the sound of footsteps walkin’ spritely back down the path towards me.

‘Oly crap! ‘ere’s little old me ‘idin’ (probably badly) in a bush, and someone who is quite clearly far more than meets the eye is about to come upon me and find me eavesdroppin’ like some blushin’ teenager. For the second time I find meself needin’ to make a quick decision.

This time I decide to scarper. ‘Opin’ I can make it back into town before she notices, I leg it back towards the bridge but I don’t make it. I ‘ear’s a chuckle and turn back to look as I get to the bridge. There’s the old bint, leanin’ on ‘er quarterstaff, smilin’ er gold tooth smile, givin’ me a little wave.

Damnation! Cursin’ meself for a fool, I wave back (well, why not?) and ‘ead off back to Zaira’s ‘ovel. It’s about time for me and Calvera to take over from Xavier and Joaquina, so I tell them what ‘appened. They decide to investigate the man by the bush (I can still just about make ‘im out from the roof of Zaira’s where we’ve set up watch).

While they’ve gone who should show up comin’ up the path towards us but the old bint! Why can’t she leave me alone? I wasn’t doin’ no ‘arm! Anway’s I ‘ear’s ‘er at the door askin’ to speak to me, so there’s nothin’ for it but to come down off the roof and face ‘er. As she looks knowin’ly at me, she offers me an apple! And not any old apple, no sere. This looks perfectly shaped and it’s mostly green! (a real apple then…) I ‘ave an idea ‘an start to slowly cast a spell – Det Enemies. If the apple is poisoned, she’s sure to light up like an Helios Sacred Time tree.

But of course she notices. Forgot that she’s got sharper eyes than a storm crow didn’t I, so I decides to come clean and say what I’m castin’. She doesn’t seem to mind so the spell goes off. Nothin’s glowin’, though I’m sure that golden tooth is smirkin’ at me.

She says she want’s to talk. I suggest comin’ back after dark, thinkin’ that ‘avin’ all 4 of us ‘ere might be a good idea, and we can discuss this apple, amongst other thin’s. She agrees, and with a final reminder to eat the apple and not let it go to waste, she ‘obbles off.

Xavier and Joaquina return in a bit. They confronted the man ‘idin’ in the bush (‘idin’ in a bush. What sort of fool would do that…) ‘e was a servant of Don Jorj (c***!), told to watch the ‘ovel where Lucia’s body is, but ‘e don’t let on why. Joaquina also met up with a fellow Valkyrie called Paloma. She’s in Don Jorj’s (c***!) employ, and was one of the tooled up flunkies that were meant to intimidate us when we went to confront the nob a few days ago, but she seems to ‘ave some sympathy with Lucia’s murder, so maybe she’s actually on our side? Apparently Don Jorj (c***!) is more into men than girls. Well that’s just unnatural that is – what a perv! Oh, and she wants to go pray over Lucia’s body an all.

Well, we discuss wot to do when the old bint shows up, and wot to do with the apple, but no-ones got any bright ideas really. Wot is she, the old woman, some kind of illusion? A were-raven? Avatar of a God?! Might be best to eat the apple tomorrow mornin’ when it’s light to see what affect it ‘as – other than that, who knows?

Freezenight

A few ‘ours later, an’ the old bint comes back, makin’ a good show of findin’ it ‘ard to climb up onto the roof where we’re all camped – though I’m sure she’s fakin’ it. She actually starts off by volunteerin’ some info – callin’ Don Jorj (c***!) a ‘baddun’ (no complaints from me there, love) and sayin’ Viktor & ‘Ugo ‘ave been “changed” (well, tell us somethin’ we don’t know, pet…) So we gets to press a bit on changed ‘ow like, an what’s this lightnin’ magic an all. Well, she then goes an’ demonstrates ‘er powers over fire by making flame come out of ‘er fingertips, like she ‘as candles for fingers! Cor! That’s some parlour trick that is!

But it seems she comes to some sort of decision, steps back a little and gives me the once over with ‘er eyes – it feels like I’m being spiritually undressed! (‘ope I didn’t blush…). She says I’ve got a fair few runes and that’s fine so I need to accompany ‘er back outside. Oh, and to bring the apple.

So there’s nothin’ for it but to go outside with ‘er. Calvera starts jokin’ about ‘ow it was nice to ‘ave known me – yeah, well your bird ain’t around to comfort you now is she pretty boy? Maybe Don Jorj (c***!) will start eyein’ you up in a bit. Why did I ‘ave to go pokin’ my nose into others’ affairs?

Thinkin’ I’m about to get fried to a crisp, I go outside with the old bint, and we start walkin’ westward again, over the bridge and out of town (the bloke in the bush is still there – she clocks ‘im as well I notice). I think perhaps she’s makin’ for the whore’s ‘ovel again, but first she says in no uncertain terms that Magdalena is under ‘er protection and mustn’t be ‘armed. OK, but why would we do that? Then she suggests eatin’ the apple now.

Well, before I know what I’m doin’ I start crunchin’ away, and she starts movin’ faster up the road, past Magdalena’s and towards the mountains in the distance. She’s movin’ real quick and I’m findin’ it difficult to keep up with ‘er. As I start to call out that I’m not that fast, I suddenly notice that I can see a bit better than I could before, Helios has buggered off to ‘ell ‘ours ago, and yet the ‘orizon looks clearer to me than it was at dusk. I slows to a walk and then stop – bugger me (no thanks Don Jorj (c***!)), but I can see almost as good as in daylight! And in colour! An’ it’s Freeze night so there’s no moon to see by, so this is star light!

As I look around in wonder I glance back up the road and me jaw drops open. Stridin’ away from me is not an old woman but one of the most beautiful young ladies I ever saw! She’s wearin’ flowin’ red robes right down to the ground which are etched with strange gold sigils and motifs. I can’t read of course, but they don’t look like stars or runes or anythin’ but more like strange alien writin’ the likes of which I ain’t never seen or thought could exist!

Well, there’s a wizard who sometimes comes to court, and I’ve ‘eard tales of ‘ow them types dress up in robes of finest coloured silk, but this looks like the sort of clothes that’d put the Princessa to shame. I mean, if you owned that robe you could retire to the grandest desres you ever saw!

She looks at me and laughs – well the gold tooth ‘as gone too. And she’s ‘oldin’ ‘er quarterstaff as well, but now it’s shod with solid gold! She tells me to go and offer Magdalena a shillin’, and to go and see ‘Ugo and Viktor before the effects wear off an’ all. She then turns around and seems to start castin’ a spell with ‘er ‘ands.

As she turns, ‘er visage changes some’ow, and I get the impression she’s actually reptilian! There’s the swish of a tail beneath those robes, and the side of ‘er neck looks all scaley and there’s no ear, just an ‘ole to ‘ear by. Blimin’ ‘eck, that’s one ‘ell of a dragonewt! As I’m thinkin’ this she finishes castin’ ‘er spell and leathery wings (yep, dragon wings) sprout from ‘er back and she takes to the air, leavin’ me gawpin’ at ‘er from the road.

Well f*** me sideways, backways, frontways an’ any whichways you like (no, not you Don Jorj (c***!)) What am I to make of that? Thin’s like this don’t ‘appen to peasants like me. What do I do now?

Well, the first thin’ I can think of ‘is to go back down the road and speak to Magdalena – I mean what’s all the fuss about with ‘er and Empress Dragonlady? And I owes ‘er a shillin’. So I knocks on the door, and she answers. And me jaw ‘it’s the floor again.

Standin’ in front of me is the admittedly pretty lass I know as Magdelana. But sort of superimposed on ‘er from the waist down, is a snake! And she’s got snakes for ‘air! And reptilian skin!! So that’s why she shares bloodlines with the Dragonlady!

She asks if I want to come in and I say yes, but I only want to talk. She sighs and says “Oh, one of them” (was that an insult?) and ushers me through the door. ‘Owever she quickly realises I’m starin’ at ‘er differently than most men stare at ‘er, so she asks if the old bint ‘ad done somethin’ to me. When I nod an’ explain a bit of what I can see, she sighs again – I find out later (from Joaquina I think it was, who’d ‘eard bedtime stories about ‘em and a geezer called Perseus) that she’s a Gorgon.

Well, we talk for a while. Apparently, she was born up in the mountains but came down ‘ere years ago for the company. She says the Dragonlady is sort of kin, but that she’s not to be trusted. As no designs on anyone, just wants to live ‘er life in peace like. I say I’ve got to tell my companions wot’s ‘appenned, but I’ll swear them to secrecy like. She asks if I really ‘ave to, lookin’ (more resigned than alarmed) around at ‘er piss poor ‘ovel with a fondness like she’s gazin’ at it for the last time.

Suddenly there’s noise from outside – and Adolfo announces ‘imself. Bloody ‘ell, the guy really is smitten! Magdalena asks me to leave round the back, and I agree. Discretion an’ all that. So I sneaks out through the back after givin’ er three shillin’s for ‘er time (though I glance round an’ see ‘er snake ‘air clockin’ me as I go) and make me way back to Zaira’s place.

Well, Calvera, Xavier and Joaquina agree not to blather to anyone else, and so I goes and tells ‘em wot ‘appenned. There’s silence, so I think they’s a bit shocked too. Someone says that the effect I’m now under is somethin’ like ‘Truesight’, wotever that is. Only thin’ to do now is go and see ‘Ugo and Viktor, and so Calvera tools up and accompanies me, as the other two are on watch duty.

At ‘Ugo’s place we knock on the door. After a bit ‘is wife Bianca opens the door, wearing nowt but a shawl and blanket over ‘er and she’s really cross at bein’ ‘woken’ up at this late ‘our. We makes our excuse that we need to see ‘Ugo to make sure ‘e’s gonna make the funeral tomorrow. At that point ‘Ugo appears from behind a curtain. ‘E’s stark naked, see’s us at the door and says ‘but I been doin’ it! I been doin’ it! You don’t need to check! (Longest sentence I think I’ve ever ‘eard ‘im say…). Lookin’ down, I can believe ‘im, but that’s not wot grabs me attention like (cos I’m not like Don Jorj (c***!)) No, wot grabs me attention is that ‘e looks dead. I mean there’s flakin’ skin ‘angin’ off ‘im like a maltin’ sheep an’ ‘e looks all manky and rottin’. Not the greatest sight in the world. With a sympathetic look an’ apology to Bianca, we take our leave.

Viktor takes some trackin’ down, but ‘e looks dead as well like, but to be fair ‘e looks a sight already, so it wasn’t quite as much of a shock. ‘E said ‘e was both alive and undead, and I’m now inclined to believe ‘im.

So we goes back to the ‘ovel and me and Calvera take our turn on watch. I stay up on the roof, as even though it’s dark I can still see really well. Gives me a chance to think an all, and suddenly it comes to me. Maybe Magdalena as a Gorgon is chaotic? Didn’t Xavier say that Magdalena was doin’ ‘er laundry in the river when she ‘eard the scream and went to console Lucia’s friend Macarena? Maybe that woz wot Don Jorj (c***!) detected when ‘e was with Lucia and assumed wrongly that it woz ‘er and topped ‘er for it? And I’ve just gone an’ told a Typhonian (Calvera) about it!

Waterday, Stasisweek, Stormseason, 613

In the mornin’ Joaquina and I go and see Paloma who wanted to view Lucia’s body (and the apple effects are still just about active, so it’ll be a good chance to view ‘er an all). Paloma does some spirity stuff over the body, but it all looks normal to me – nothin’ about Lucia to see ‘ere.

Whilst we’re doin this, Calvera stays on guard and Xavier decides to go and cast Det Life on ‘Ugo & Viktor (thought we’d already done that?) and ‘e returns later confirmin’ that they are alive. ‘Owever, the look on ‘is face says somethin’ is afoot, and ‘e looks a bit out of breath. Rushed back ‘ere cos ‘e saw Rocca and Igor comin’ up from the ‘untin’ lodge. They’ll be ‘ere to try and get their mitts on Lucia’s body! It can’t be allowed! The person ‘idin’ in the bush ‘as gone too, so I’m guessin’ the manor ‘ouse will know soon an’ all.

Xavier ‘urries off to warn the family, whilst I go and see Eva, the Matari priestess. If anyone can persuade Lucia’s parents to not give ‘em Lucia’s body then surely it’s ‘er. Eva is suitably worried when I tells ‘er wot could be about to ‘appen, and she gathers ‘er thin’s, and asks me to accompany ‘er to Lucia’s parents.

Well she’s not that sprightly on ‘er feet is Eva, and probably cos we’re tryin’ to ‘urry she manages to turn ‘er ankle on a pot ‘ole in the road. Nothin’ a quick bandage and some first aid won’t ‘eal, but it wastes us precious time, and when we finally arrive at Lucia’s, Igor’s cart is parked in the road outside with Rocca’s ‘orse tied to the gate. I can ‘ear raised voices inside, so with as much ‘aste as we can, the two of us ‘obble over the threshold.

The argument is in full swin’. Calvera ‘as been tryin’ is best to persuade Lucia’s parents of Rocca’s insanity, and it looks like the Mum (Priscilla) agrees with ‘im. ‘Owever, the Dad (Bernardo) as other ideas, desperately wantin’ is little girl back, and of course Rocca sounds all reasonable and sincere as always.

Eva wades straight into the argument, sayin’ that to take Lucia away from Matar’s Elysium Fields would just be plain wrong. I think she’s startin’ to sway the argument a bit when there’s a commotion outside. Looks like someone else ‘as arrived.

With that there’s a poundin’ on the door. In bursts a pretty boy who demands Rocca speaks to Don Jorj (c***!) outside at once. Lookin’ a little flustered, Rocca agrees and I troops outside with ‘im.

With the nob are 4 of is flunkies, as well as Adolfo skulkin’ in the back. Don Jorj (c***!) demands that Rocca ceases ‘is activities at once and leaves ‘is lands. When Rocca protests that ‘e ‘as paid ‘is rent until the end of the year, one of the flunkies throws ‘im a bag of coins and Don Jorj (c***!) is adamant ‘es got to clear out within 7 days. For once I find meself agreein’ with the nob! Rocca is ousted! With a sigh ‘e mounts up after takin’ ‘is cash, and Igor & ‘im ‘ead off back to the lodge. I escort Eva back to the Matari grove, after she sprinkles some earth on Lucia’s fore’ead. The funeral’s tomorrow.

Waternight

It seems like I’ve only ‘it the sack for a bit after me watch (the apple effects ‘ave gone by now, more’s the pity) when Xavier shakes me and Calvera awake – there’s movement over by Lucia’s ‘ovel. Fearin’ the worst we grab our thin’s and ‘ead on out (Calvera stops to put on some armour so ‘es a bit behind us like). As we ‘ead out into the night I can make out a shape movin’ away from us northwards towards the road, seemin’gly carryin’ somethin’ wrapped in a blanket that looks like a body!

I think I know wot this is, and my fears are confirmed as we get close to see Bernardo, Lucia’s Dad, with ‘er body draped over ‘is shoulder, tryin’ to take ‘er to Rocca. E’s cryin’ and sayin’ “don’t try to stop me!” as ‘e tries desperately to carry is beloved daughter to get ressed so ‘e can ‘old ‘er again. ‘E’s frantic with grief and there doesn’t seem to be any reasonin’ with ‘im, so in short order I prepare and cast ‘Armonise. ‘E goes as stiff as a board and Lucia slides gracefully onto the grass beside ‘im.

Well, Xavier takes the body back to ‘er temporary restin’ place, whilst we wait for the spell to wear off. Bernardo comes to and says “All I want is to see me darlin’ girl again” before fallin’ to ‘is knees and sobbin’ is eyes out. I don’t think I’ve ever seen anythin’ so sad.

Clayday to Windsday, Stasisweek, Stormseason, 613

The funeral is mid mornin’. Eva does well with the final rites, though she notices the earth ‘as been moved from Lucia’s fore’ead and ain’t too pleased about it. Anyways, ‘Ugo is there, and Xavier even spots Viktor watching on from the outskirts of the village. ‘Owever, nothin’ else ‘appens all day, or the next really, though at the Windsday service there’s less people there than there was last week. Think that the murder ‘as sort of driven a schism through the Air / Earth relationships in the village. As I’ve got a foot in both camps, as it were, it darkens me ‘eart.

Fireday, Stasisweek, Stormseason, 613

Late afternoon, in rides Iago & Esteban, and I can say ‘and on ‘eart I’m really glad to see ‘em. They’re not alone neither – they got with ‘em an entourage of about 10 riders from court, all of whom look like they can ‘old themselves in a scrap, includin’ a Typhonian runelord called Don Carlos. We soon swop stories, though I’m really worried about tellin’ either of ‘em about Magdalena. ‘Owever, Iago is way ahead of me and refuses point blank, sayin’ it could compromise ‘is duties as an officer of the law (‘adn’t thought of that) and Esteban concurs, so I only tells ‘em about the Dragon lady. It seems she visited them as well, only a few ‘ours after flyin’ away from me! Course she looked like an old bint again then didn’t she.

So, Iago & Esteban ‘ave spoken to the Calipha and others in Zaragoza. They’ve bought back with ‘em some strange blue / red coloured writs, a magical Det Undead wand (don’t reckon we’re gonna be allowed to keep it) and some instructions. First off is Rocca. If ‘Ugo and Viktor don’t show up as Undead, then Rocca is allowed to keep researchin’, and will even be allowed a position at court. (No!!). If they are undead, then ‘e’s banned from carryin’ on and will be exiled from the Calipha’s land. (Yes!!)

Secondly Don Jorj (c***!). Don Carlos wants to examine Lucia’s body for signs of chaos (What!? We’ve already done that, and it means ex’umin’ the body! Eva’s gonna be pissed!) If she’s chaotic then the nob can stay. (No!!) If there’s no sign then ‘e ‘as to return with ‘em all to Zaragoza to answer to the Calipha. (Yes!!). Oh, and it looks like Viktor’s gonna be exiled wotever ‘appens. Kind of a feel a bit sorry for ‘im really.

Well I woz right, Eva looks like she’d swallowed a pint of vinegar once Don Carlos says wot needs to be done. ‘Owever Esteban does a nice bit or oratory if ‘e doesn’t mind me sayin’ so, and she grudgin’ly agrees. She insists it’s done at midnight, with ‘er own boys doin’ the diggin’ (so the grove stones don’t get upset) and to be present throughout.

It goes off without an ’itch. Iago turns foxy and patrols the grounds as Don Carlos jumps into the grave and pronounces Lucia free of Chaos. Great, well we knew that mate, so time to get ‘er back in the ground and get Don Jorj (c***!) out of ‘ere. Just glad Magdalena wasn’t around to get up everyone’s noses, so to speak.

After this Esteban goes and tracks down ‘Ugo, and confirms with ‘is new wand that ‘e is undead, and means Rocca is goin’ for good.

All that’s left is to go to the nob’s ouse to give ‘em the good news. That’ll be tomorrow though. I just can’t wait, and ‘ardly sleep a wink.

Moonday, Stasisweek, Stormseason, 613

After brekkie at sunrise all of us (and that’s seventeen combatants, includin’ all of the Calipha’s men) ‘ead up to the manor ‘ouse. After bein’ shown in, Don Jorj (c***!) eventually shows up, still lookin’ all ‘unky dory. Esteban serves the writ with ‘is normal eloquent flourish, and a scribe comes out to read the writ to make sure it’s in order I suppose. I’m sure I see the nob’s demeanour start to slip a little. ‘E says somethin’ about “ow the world ‘as come to this” and then “wot if I say no?”, but Don Vasco, ‘is slimy estate manager, whispers in ‘is ear again, and it seems to work, cos Don Jorj (c***!) agrees to come quietly. We got ‘im!

Don Carlos (the Typhonian) escorts ‘im to the inn as they’ll leave on the morrow, with the rest of ‘is entourage followin’ on behind (but a day’s ride behind, just so they don’t try any kind of rescue). We tie up some loose ends by servin’ Rocca with ‘is writ (‘e says ‘e’ll go north out of the Calipha’s lands – Iago and Esteban give ‘im 2-3 weeks to vacate, which is better than the 7 days Don Jorj (c***!) gave ‘im). We also explain that ‘Ugo and Viktor are undead, and at that Rocca says “so that’s why Corpse ‘Ealing works then”. Why didn’t ye tell us this before then ye fool?! Would ‘ave saved a lot of faffin’ if you ask me.

Then again, Rocca seems a lot more phlegmatic than I was expectin’. I think ‘e still feels ‘is lightnin’ life could be a game changer, and who knows? If ‘e can make it work proper like, maybe I’ll sign up to it one day.

Finally we track down Viktor (we eventually find ‘im mending a stone wall with ‘is bare ‘ands), and ‘es undead as well, so no shock there. Esteban explains ‘e ‘as to leave, but Xavier pipes up and says that there are ‘Umakti’s in court with access to Sever Spirit that might actually kill ‘im if ‘e ‘asn’t tried it yet. I can see Viktor’s sorely tempted, but ‘e says ‘e’s goin’ to follow Rocca north to make sure ‘e doesn’t do anythin’ ‘stupid’. Not goin’ to put a bet on that one that’s for sure.

Well that’s about it. We make it back to Zaragoza without incident, but I can’t elp thinkin’ we ‘aven’t seen the last of the Dragon Lady. Why was she so interested in Don Jorj? (c***!) There ‘as to be nobs out there who are just as bad. Was it just the link with Magdalena? And speakin’ of nobs, is ‘e somehow gonna worm ‘is way out of justice? I bloody well ‘ope not.

But if I do see that Dragon Lady again, I’m gonna ask ‘er for another apple…