To say breakfast was a tense affair was an understatement. In the dining room, Father Sigurd eyed both the platter of fruit and cheese and the urn of kaffee with suspicion. Ulf immediately grabbed a plum and bit into it, not caring about the dark juices dribbling out of the corners of his mouth. Fortunato grimaced at the Vesten's lack of decorum, then went over to Grace's side. Dressed now, the Highlander had traded out her nightgown for her digger's coat and trousers and had her blonde hair pinned back in a tight bun.

"Herr Mannheim said Brother Tedmund is waiting for us in the study. Apparently, he's impatient to get back to hiding in his room and resume praying for our eternal damnation." The Vodacce paused, adding. "I may be exaggerating on that last part."

"Doubt you are," Grace finished her cup of kaffee with a frown. "I'm worried that even if Tedmund has nothin' to do with Baron Adelbert's death, he'll still be less than cooperative. He could very easily be more harm than help."

"Hopefully his vows to the Vaticine Church will override his dislike of us and keep his moral compass honest. The fear of death can make the strangest allies out of anyone," nodded Fortunato.

"Is this why you keep following me then, Vodacce?" Ulf came over. He gave the room a quick glance and frowned. "I do not see the doctor in here."

"Early eater as well, do you think?" asked Fortunato, craning his head around.

"First you two ask him to give you space, now you want him back in it!" Grace snapped, shaking her head in disbelief.

"I just want to keep track of everyone," Ulf looked hurt. "Too many people, not enough eyes."

Grace set her empty cup down. "Well, we'll be speakin' with David soon enough." She paused, giving Ulf and Fortunato a cold smile. "An' I expect you two to treat him with the same amount o' diplomacy an' tact you're to give Brother Tedmund!" She turned and left the dining room.

Fortunato gave Ulf a worried look. "This is going to be a long day, Ulf."

"Agreed, Vodacce," muttered the Vesten.

"Will this take long, Lady MacKenzie?" Though he addressed Grace, Brother Tedmund's focus was on the Vodacce. The monk had taken the seat closest to the door of the study. Grace and Ulf had taken the far side of the room while Fortunato stood across from Tedmund.

"That depends on you, Brother Tedmund," Grace's jaw clenched, trying to keep her tone even.

A harsh chuckle escaped the Eisen. "It's not too late for you, you know. To renounce this wayward path-" Tedmund gave Fortunato a wan smile as his eyes darted towards the other two Explorers. "-and truly return to the Vaticine flock. Theus can forgive your indiscretions - but even His window of opportunity could soon be shut."

"I'll be sure to keep that in mind, Brother Tedmund. Just as I'm sure Theus wants you to cooperate with us. Truly even." Fortunato gave an uncomfortable grin, then nodded to Grace.

"Let's start with the most obvious question," Grace's expression was stony. "Where were you after supper last night?"

"I was in a very fruitless conversation with Sigurd for about an hour in the parlor. A waisen offers more stimulating ideas than him," Tedmund's mouth curled into a slight smirk. "Then I retired to my room for meditation and reflection for the rest of the night. Eventually, I went to bed."

"Alone, I assume?" asked Grace.

"One is never truly alone with Theus," Brother Tedmund shrugged. "But if you mean was anyone else in the keep with me, then yes, I was alone."

"You do not think very much of the Vendel," Ulf didn't phrase it as a question.

Tedmund seemed amused. "Your countryman...," The Eisen's smirk only widened at Ulf's glare. "Your countryman is a buffoon. A disgrace to the priesthood, even by Objectionist standards. He is a drunk and only interested in serving himself, not the souls of his fellow men."

The Vodacce asked, "And you know this how exactly? You've met him before?"

"No, but the True Church has its own sources - even in Kirk," The monk nodded, a hint of smugness in his voice. "Though he believes otherwise, Sigurd was sent here not to open up any sort of dialogue but to get out of his superiors' hair. He was involved with some now-vanished donations made by the Brewer's and Swordsman's Guilds that his superiors are currently investigating."

"You're very well-gossiped for a monk, Brother Tedmund," Grace arched her brow slightly.

"Not all of our calling shun the outside world, Lady MacKenzie," shrugged Tedmund again. "Knowledge is our greatest weapon against the lies of Legion."

"An' you accusin' Baron Adelbert o' treason would be another one o' those sort o' lies, I suppose," The Highlander folded her arms across her chest as Tedmund's smirk fell from his face. "Pardon me for sayin', but you don't seem very open to peaceful dialogue yourself. What exactly did you say to the Baron?"

"Eisen must remain ever-vigilant against heresy," The monk narrowed his eyes, grimacing. "I only sought to warn the Baron that by giving the Objectionists any appeasement, it will only weaken our country! It is understandable that after the war Baron Von Gunther grew disheartened by all the bloodshed, but he was naive to think the Objectionists would be willing to be reasonable. If one truly wants peace, one must always be ready to fight for it. And there should never be tolerance for the enemy..."

"But tolerence happens to be the policy Fauner Posen is governing by. And she supported the Baron's mission here," Fortunato said. He met Tedmund's gaze, watching him carefully. "You wouldn't have been tempted to undermine her wishes, Brother Tedmund?"

"I," Brother Tedmund's voice was cold as he spat out each word. "did not murder Baron Von Gunther!" He paused, taking a moment to compose himself. "Whatever disagreements I may have had with the Baron's idealism, I know at least he was an intelligent man, loyal to Posen and to Eisen itself."

"Indeed," said Grace, not sounding convinced. "Let's go back earlier then. Can you recall anything strange on the way or durin' your time here?"

Tedmund frowned, brow furrowing in thought. He shook his head. "Apart from that loathsome relic being found, nein."

"What about the dead servant?" Ulf asked.

"Unfortunate," shrugged the monk, though his expression hardened a little. "Cruel deaths like that are commonplace in Eisen these days - though I still believe that it was a foreshadowing of things to come. That scheisse artifact..." Tedmund quickly made the sign of the Prophets' Cross. "...one way or the other, that killed the Baron. Its evil influence has corrupted this island somehow. And I fear it seeks to make tools of us all!"

Fortunato shot a quick glance over at Grace, who was doing her best to not roll her eyes at Tedmund's words. He cleared his throat softly. "Are you absolutely sure you didn't observe anything else out of place? Maybe some little thing overheard that you didn't think was important or even something on the ferry...?"

The monk's brow furrowed deeper. "Sigurd was on the ferry when I arrived. Already reeking of spirits...," He sniffed in disgust. Then he looked back up towards the Vodacce, his expression more sober. "Foreman...he was late. He nearly missed the ferry."

Ulf raised an eyebrow at that. "What was your impression of the doctor?"

"Quiet for the most part. Polite. He apologized for being late. During the trip here, he kept to himself. I couldn't blame him though. Sigurd has a very overwhelming personality," The Eisen made a face, then his eyes narrowed in thought. "But as far as I can tell since being here, he's either been outside, in his room, in the library or talking with the Baron. I get the impression he is avoiding me. Pity," A small smile appeared on Brother Tedmund's face, though lacking any real warmth. "I would be quite interested in learning more about his studies - if they are what he says they are."

"Is that so?" Grace didn't bother to hide her look of distrust.

"When the Fourth Prophet comes, there will be no more need for terrestrial medicine. But until that time happens, the Vaticine Church still encourages such research into the healing sciences. It's a much more worthwhile pursuit than frivolities like air pumps," The monk's face twisted into a slight sneer. "Or archaeology."

"Er, tell us then, Brother Tedmund," Fortunato said quickly, spying the spark of anger in Grace's eyes. "Point blank, who do you think killed Baron Von Gunther?"

"Poison is the weapon of a coward, which Father Sigurd has shown himself to be," The Eisen's face grew pensive. "But a murderer? No...no, why take a risk? It'd be far easier for him to try to find someone else to beg guilders off of. You three? Maybe..." Tedmund chuckled harshly. "...maybe not. It would be stupid to kill a man after you just met him, especially one such as the Baron. All eyes would be on you - though perhaps such clumsy tactics were the intent after all." He carefully looked over Grace, then shook his head. "No, Lady MacKenzie, I don't think you or your colleagues are the killers. As for Mannheim, what would be his motive? I saw no ill-will or resentment from him towards the Baron during my time here. And he is right. Posen would have the authority to override Von Gunther's will should she choose if it was the matter of inheritance. Which only leaves Doctor Foreman."

"An' you," said Grace.

"Yes, but I am supposed to be here. The isle is meant to be a religious retreat. By that logic, the Avalon does not fit."

The Highlander was silent in thought. "What makes you say that?" asked Fortunato, shooting a glance over to Ulf, who was now nodding a little.

"It's hard to put my finger on it exactly, but there is something to be said about being too quiet and polite, Signore Valeri. When swords are drawn, always be wary of the one who asks everyone to lower their arms, especially when he himself carries no visible blade. He has the most to gain," Brother Tedmund gave a cold smile. "Now, are we finished?"

"The monk does raise fair questions," Ulf said with some concern.

Brother Tedmund had finally taken his leave of the Explorers, who were currently back in the now-empty dining room. Lady Grace shook her head, annoyance clear on her face. "A self-righteous an' small-minded PIG is what he is! Callin' what we do a 'frivolity'..."

"What happened to 'diplomacy and tact'?" Grace shot Fortunato a black look and he sighed. "Look, I admit that Brother Tedmund isn't winning any friends here. Typical Eisen bluntness. His dislike of Father Sigurd and us is obvious! That being said, Tedmund didn't blame the Vendel for the murder when he easily could have."

"Maybe he's just tryin' to throw off suspicion on himself by not bein' so obvious," muttered the Highlander. "He's just tryin' to be clever. He could easily have snuck into the library to poison Baron Adelbert! Maybe he-"

"Maybe he is telling the truth," said Ulf, cutting in. "Grace, do not overthink this. You yourself said that anyone could be the killer. You need to be open to the possibility that it could be Foreman."

Grace shook her head again. "You're wrong an' so is Tedmund. David's been nothing but helpful!"

"Too helpful," The Vodacce piped up. "Could be the perfect cover..."

"Now who's overthinkin' things?"

"All I'm saying is that you - we need to keep the man at arm's length right now. At least until we hear his story and can make sure he's not a suspect!" Fortunato added hastily, catching Grace's dark glare. "But there's something about Foreman that's a bit peculiar. He's-" Fortunato paused as Ulf's brows suddenly shot up in warning. He bit back a sigh. "He's right behind me, isn't he?"

"Do continue, Signore Valeri, please," Fortunato turned around to see the Avalon doctor now eying him coolly. Foreman was wearing a long brown overcoat, slightly damp.

Grace immediately took a step forward. "David-"

David held up a hand, offering the Highlander a faint smile. "It's all right, Grace. I've been called worse." He glanced back towards Fortunato. Though the smile was still on his face, the doctor's gaze hardened just a little. "Of all the things I've been called in my life, I should be lucky that Signore Valeri thinks I'm only a bit peculiar." Foreman's head then snapped towards Ulf. "What about you, Mister Pedersen? What do you make of me?"

If the Vesten thought David was baiting him, he didn't show it. "You were outside. More of your research?"

"Actually, no," The doctor removed his coat, draping it over his arm. "The rain's finally beginning to lighten up. I was down by the ferry dock. I was hoping maybe to see if there was a way to signal Insel or any passing ships. Unfortunately, I didn't have any luck."

"So you say," said Ulf, unimpressed.

"If you're going to start questioning me, may I at least sit down and get comfortable first?" It was obvious that Foreman was trying not to show any irritation. "Or do I have to wait until after the thumb screws are brought out?"

"Sit, yes!" The command came out of Grace harder than she had expected. She winced at how she sounded. "...sorry."

David gave Grace another smile, this time more sympathetic. "We've all been thrust in the middle of a terrible situation. You and your colleagues have every reason not to trust me or anyone else here." Sitting down, he looked over to Fortunato and Ulf and nodded. "But I'm not your enemy. I want this murderer caught as much as you do!"

"Last night, then-" began Fortunato.

"David was with me. We talked to Baron Adelbert about the history of the Von Gunthers!" Grace said quickly.

"- after that." Fortunato resisted the urge to roll his eyes, shooting a "this isn't helping" look towards Ulf instead. The Vesten remained impassive. "When did you leave the Baron and Grace?"

"A couple hours before midnight, though Grace retired first. And then I returned to my room a few minutes later. But the Baron was well when we left him." Foreman paused, adding. "I was alone in my room. I worked on my notes for a while, then I went to bed. I got up when the sun rose and worked on my notes some more. I was getting ready to go outside when I heard Mannheim's scream."

"Let's go to sometime earlier, Doctor Foreman," Fortunato tapped his fingers together. "As we understand it, you were not in the keep when Brother Tedmund had his 'outburst' against Baron Adelbert, correct?" As Foreman nodded, Fortunato pressed on. "Could you recall anything odd or suspicious when you got back?"

"It was tense. Very tense. I could tell the Baron was upset, though I didn't know why at the time. Father Sigurd took it upon himself to tell me what had happened privately, though I don't know how much of the situation he exaggerated," The Avalon grimaced, then looked over to Ulf. "However, and I don't know if this is related or not, the very next day was when Sigurd made his plea for a donation. When Baron Adelbert turned him down, he immediately blamed Brother Tedmund, claiming he 'intimidated' the Baron. The two of them very nearly came to blows!"

"Now that's something Brother Tedmund neglected to mention," murmured Fortunato.

"Indeed," Grace nodded, a frown now growing on her face. "I wonder if there's anything else he 'neglected' to mention?"

She turned her gaze over towards Ulf's direction. The Vesten only continued to stare impassively at the doctor. "We were told you almost missed the ferry to the isle."

"Er, yes," David scratched his head. "It's easy to get lost in the streets of Insel. And it didn't help that I kept running into guards who kept asking for my papers. Eisen bureaucracy...," He sighed, then smiled weakly. "At least it wasn't Freiburg."

"How was the ferry ride?" asked Fortunato. "Did you hear anything odd or suspicious during the trip?"

"It was loud," The doctor made a face. "As much as I hate to say it, it appeared Father Sigurd was drunk. And he and Brother Tedmund were already arguing when I arrived. For my own sanity's sake, I felt it was in my best interest to stay away from their row as much as possible!"

The Vodacce pressed on, "Were they arguing about anything specific?"

"Nothing specific, I'm afraid. Their argument went all over the place," Foreman shook his head, frowning. "Everything from minute passages from the Book of the Prophets to Kirk versus Vaticine City - even down to who had the better Church vestments!"

"Theus!" exclaimed Grace, the irony not lost on her. She gave David a sympathetic nod. The doctor's mouth quirked into a small, yet grateful smile in return.

A grunt from Ulf drew both Grace and David's eyes back towards the Vesten. "You said this was a 'working vacation' for you. Where do you work then?"

"Burke University in Tara."

"Tara...Inismore?" Ulf's stony gaze narrowed. "You are not Inish."

"Well, the students haven't held that against me so far," Foreman shrugged. The Avalon's tone stayed even, though his brown eyes also narrowed slightly in response. "It's been the first time I've been able to leave the university in years. I wasn't expecting a tragedy to happen when I finally did."

"David," the Highlander began quietly. She looked over to the doctor, trying to keep her expression impartial. "who do you think killed Baron Adelbert?"

"I don't know," The doctor shook his head, but didn't look away from Grace. "Anyone here had the opportunity unfortunately. But what was the motive? Politics, religion...the artifact? The Baron's cause had his critics, but were they angry enough to kill him? Here, at his home with no place to run? It doesn't make sense. There's something I'm missing here..." David leaned forward in his chair, deep in thought.

"Brother Tedmund thinks you did it," said Ulf with a shrug.

"What?" That caused Foreman to sit up in shock. He blinked, shaking his head as if to clear it. "Why would he think that?"

"Ulf!" hissed Grace.

"He thinks you're too nice, to put it bluntly," said Fortunato.

Grace's head snapped towards the Vodacce, now staring icy daggers at both him and the Vesten. The Avalon rose from his chair. "Is that so?" Like before, the man's voice remained even and steady, but now his gaze was like stone. "My apologies then to Brother Tedmund, that my outlook isn't as bitter as his. Nor, it seems, is my judgement as swift as others..." Foreman looked directly at Ulf, then at Fortunato. "Mister Pedersen. Signore Valeri. Lady Grace..." Only when he looked over at Grace did David show a trace of kindness. "...good luck with the rest of your investigations."

The doctor walked towards the exit. At the door frame, he hesitated, giving Grace a sad glance but saying nothing. Then he left the room entirely. Grace was already striding over to her two friends, trying to control her anger. "What. Was. THAT. About?" She spat out each word, crisp and sharp.

To Ulf's credit, he remained unflustered. "The doctor was called out for being too quiet and polite. I wanted to see his reaction. To see if he could be loud and impolite."

"An' what exactly were you hopin' to see if he was, Ulf?" The Highlander snarled. "Were you expectin' David to suddenly stab you in the gut? Would that have made you finally happy? Well, he didn't. The man wants to help us an' YOU push him away!"

"For a man who wishes to help, he offered only very vague information," Ulf folded his arms across his massive chest. "Foreman is hiding something. He is too in control of himself. That makes him dangerous."

"Unbelievable...," Grace shook her head, still glaring in frustration at the the Vesten. She turned towards Fortunato. "An' I suppose you're in agreement with him?"

"Well," Fortunato shifted in discomfort, trying to choose his words carefully. "I have to admit, I still think there is something odd about Doctor Foreman."

"See? Even Vodacce agrees with me!"

"But!" Fortunato continued hastily. "But maybe that's just the man's nature. Maybe he's more used to dealing with plants than people! I don't know, but I'm not willing to brand him a murderer just yet." He sighed, then jabbed a finger at the Vesten. "You're wrong about one thing though, Ulf. Foreman was helpful. That fight between Tedmund and Sigurd. We need to look into that." Fortunato looked back towards Grace, then over to Ulf in concern. "And we can't let our emotions get the best of us here."

Grace met the eyes of Ulf. Both of them nodded. "Agreed, Vodacce," rumbled the Vesten.

"Aye," Grace sighed, her anger finally fading. "We should just-"

"Ach, he will be the death of me!" The three Explorers turned to see a frustrated Mannheim in the hall, flanked by the bald servant. As Mannheim saw them, he froze, eyes growing wide as he realized what he just said. "I did not mean to say that!"

"Easy, Herr Mannheim," Fortunato raised his hands reassuringly. "Is everything all right?"

"Oh, Signore Valeri," The Eisen rubbed his forehead. He was still wearing his high-buttoned jacket from earlier. "It is Father Sigurd. He is underfoot everywhere. The servants cannot get anything done because he insists that at least two of them are near him at all time!" He shook his head in agitation. "Murder or not, the Baron would not have wanted the keep to fall apart after his passing. We have our duty!" Mannheim paused, looking at the trio hopefully. "You are ready to speak with him, ja ?"

"Actually..." the Vodacce's face grew into a thoughtful smile. "...why don't we speak with you right now?"

Mannheim looked surprised. Then he nodded eagerly as the idea of time away from the Vendel priest hit him. He gestured to the servant, dismissing him, who then exited the hall without a word. "Oh! Of course, of course. We will go to the study. And please, take as much time as you need!"

"Have you made any progress?" Sitting in the chair Brother Tedmund had occupied earlier, Mannheim looked over at Fortunato and Lady Grace. "I still cannot believe this has happened. It's like a nightmare that I can never wake up from!"

"We have a few leads," said Fortunato.

"Herr Mannheim, we know this is a difficult time, but we have to ask. Where were you after supper last night?" asked Grace.

"In...in the parlor with the Baron and you for starters, Lady MacKenzie." Mannheim shifted nervously in his seat. "When Baron Adelbert left to speak with you and Doctor Foreman, I stayed in there in case Brother Tedmund or Father Sigurd needed anything or..." The Eisen fidgeted some more, wringing his hands.

"...or were going to start fighting again?" Fortunato finished. Mannheim nodded, looking awkward. Fortunato grimaced. "We understand those two nearly came to blows. What exactly happened? And were you there when Brother Tedmund accused the Baron of treason?"

"Ja," Mannheim nodded again. He shot a quick glance towards the door as if to reassure himself it was indeed shut, then lowered his voice. "Brother Tedmund all but claimed the Baron was betraying Eisen and that while he may have Posen's blessing, he didn't have Theus'. How could he say something like that? Baron Adelbert had done so much after the War to try to rebuild Eisen!" Mannheim shook his head sadly, then looked over to Ulf. "The Baron was so generous and kind. Even to those he just hired three months ago! He gave many people opportunities they wouldn't have had elsewhere. Like Hans..."

"The dead servant?" asked Ulf. "Foreman mentioned something about not being able to see his body."

"What was this again?" Grace's eyes immediately darted over to the Vesten in surprise.

"I assure you, Mister Pedersen, nothing could have been done for him," Mannheim sighed. "The doctor may have meant well, but I think he lacks 'bedside manner'. We wanted Hans to be left with some dignity after such a tragic accident! Not to have his body poked and prodded and picked apart."

"If we could get back to Tedmund and Sigurd," Fortunato bit back a sigh, seeing Ulf nod in agreement with the Eisen's assessment. "What was Father Sigurd like during his time here?"

"I do not like to speak ill of the clergy, but I have to say he's been difficult. Either he's been complaining about everything or arguing with everyone. And he drinks! He holds his liquor well, but..." Mannheim cringed. "...it does not help his mood. Baron Adelbert was very frustrated with him a few times. He compared Father Sigurd to the boca - always taking and giving nothing in return. I'm afraid the Baron felt negotiations and compromises were as much a lost cause with him as they were with Brother Tedmund."

"An' when Baron Adelbert turned Sigurd's request for a donation down-?" Grace began.

Mannheim shook his head. "That's just it. The Baron was going to make a donation to Kirk. He just wasn't going to give it directly to Father Sigurd! But Sigurd still took offense, called him a coward and went looking for Brother Tedmund! I managed to get in between them before any punches were thrown. Brother Tedmund wasn't helping matters. I think he was actually amused by it all."

"Maybe that's why he never brought the fight up," muttered the Highlander. Her brow creased in thought. "Have either Father Sigurd or Brother Tedmund been to the Isle before? Were they invited specifically?"

"Nein, Lady MacKenzie. Though we have had guests from the High Objectionist Church in Kirk before. They were always pleasant, more open-minded individuals. Not like Father Sigurd at all, I am afraid to say," Mannheim paused, frowning. "However, Saint Gregor's Abbey had always refused our previous invitations. When Brother Tedmund agreed to come on behalf of the Abbey, the Baron was quite surprised."

"Who do you think killed the Baron?" Ulf's eyes drifted over towards Grace, then to Fortunato.

"I...," Mannheim swallowed, looking worried. He tried again. "I don't know why Saint Gregor's changed their minds. With all the threats Brother Tedmund implied...I don't know. I am afraid though." He looked up at the three of them. "I could dig out all the correspondence the Baron received. Would...would that help?"

"It may indeed. Thank you, Herr Mannheim," A small, thoughtful smile crossed the Vodacce's face. "Tell Father Sigurd we're ready to speak with him and then see what you can find."

"Of course, of course," The Eisen's head bobbed up and down as he rose from his seat. "I don't know what might be in them. I've always respected the Baron's privacy, but if it can help you catch his murderer, it has to be done."

After Mannheim left the study, the three Explorers all looked troubled. Grace broke the silence first. "Thoughts?"

"Your churches make big messes," muttered the Vesten. "Mannheim all but said he feared Brother Tedmund did it."

"Aye. An' I'm now more than a little concerned with Tedmund's order suddenly changin' their minds an' comin' to the Isle. Why now?" Grace sighed, rubbing her temples slightly. "Sigurd seems to be no prize either. It'll be interestin' to hear what he has to say. Especially if Tedmund is actually right about that gossip he had on him."

"By 'interesting' do you mean 'interesting' or do you mean 'We better be prepared for a load of Drachenscheisse'?" asked Fortunato.

"Both," sighed Lady Grace. She smiled weakly. "Just so long as we're tactful about it."