The Memory of Darkness (on hold until October)

26 - Arrival at Estenfold

Gretchen sat in the back of the cart, the slow, steady motion threatening to lull her to sleep. Felix had already succumbed, and lay next to her, huddled in his cloak, giving an occasional snore. The view was uninspiring; rocks and trees gave way to larger rocks and different trees. It was the sort of place that would be good for concealing bandits, though she'd been assured that this was not bandit country. Regardless, she wished that her crossbow was closer to hand, though her Uncle would no doubt disapprove.

Father Dominic gave a shout. "There it is! The old homestead!" The road ahead descended into a wide valley. On the other side, the town clung to the hilltop, crowned by a castle. The grey stone and red roof tiles seemed to glow in the late afternoon sun.

Gretchen smiled. "That is not what I expected."

"Dare I ask what you did expect?" asked the Priest.

"Something more ramshackle," admitted Gretchen. "I think the places we've travelled through have soured my opinions a little."

"Fair enough," said Dominic. "Though you'll find that Estenfold is quite civilised. There are lots of hot springs in the area. During the summer the place is packed with people taking the waters. It'll be quieter now, though."

Felix yawned and stretched. "Sounds marvellous. I could happily sit in a pool of warm water for the next week, though I don't know how much time we'll have for relaxation."

Coren drew his horse level with the cart. "What do we do first? Should we speak to the Count, or head out to Isterbeck?"

"Sir Raymond and I should speak to my nephew," said Dominic. "Make sure that we have permission to be snooping around Isterbeck before we go there."

Felix chuckled. "I would say at least they'll know where to find our bodies if we don't come back, but Lorcan could make us dig our own graves, after we were dead."

Gretchen rolled her eyes. "Thank you, Uncle. That's a most cheering thought."

"It's true, though," said Felix. "Which is why you'll be staying in town. I'm ancient, Father Dominic isn't much better, and Sir Shinyboots over there probably dreams of a tragic, young death."

"I'm eight years younger than you!" sniffed Dominic.

"And the awesome power of my boots will save me from harm," said Coren, drily.

"Mock all you like!" said Felix. "Things could turn very nasty!"

"We know that," replied Dominic. "We knew that when we left Kyrvell. You've reminded us of that on a daily basis, and yet we're all still here of our own free will. Stop your doom-mongering, you're giving me a headache."

Felix spent the rest of the journey in a sullen silence, his mood only improving when they had reached the town and found a respectable inn for their lodgings.

After food and the chance to change clothing, Coren and Dominic decided to try their luck with the Count that evening. The Priest managed to talk his way past the castle guards and was recognised by the steward, who led them to a reception room. They were not waiting long before the door opened and a man in servant's livery entered the room. "Announcing His Lordship, Finnian sil Vaddrin, Count of Estenfold, Margrave of the-."

"That will do, Leopold." The servant was interrupted by a tall, heavily-built man in his late fifties, his black hair streaked with steely grey. "I think he knows who I am. Uncle!" he boomed, embracing the Priest warmly. "What a delight! To what do I owe this pleasure?"

"I wish it was a pleasure, my Lord," said Dominic, as the servant scuttled out of the room. "I'm here on some rather delicate business."

"I see," said Finnian, looking Coren up and down. "You've hired a bodyguard?"