Chapter Five: Leaders exit stage right
Beverly, Clara, and Cedric had just reached the gates of Odyssey. They could hear the church bells toll ten times as they rode their rinnebeasts through the tall white gates. As they reached the first intersection, Cedric paused. "I believe it's time for us to part company," Cedric said. "Sister, the cloister is four streets down, and two streets to the right. Young Clarrissa, you'll find both the Prancing Faire and the White Dove, two blocks from here."
"And if I want to try the Golden Rinnebeast?" Clara asked, with a mischievous grin.
"And why would you want to do that?" Cedric asked
"I've got a friend who's third mate on merchant vessel," Clara said. "I want to see if she's in town."
"Third left, and all the way to the docks," Cedric said. "And if you have time before school starts, feel free to stop by to see me."
"And where do you live?" Clara asked.
"Duke of Avtra's residence, near the West gate, It's impossible to miss," Cedric said.
"A Duke's residence?" Clara said, somewhat surprised.
"I am the Earl of Avtra, now, so my father frowns upon me living in the old sailor quarters I used to frequent," Cedric said. "I must be off. The King will no doubt want my report, and I believe one of the gate keepers recognized me. Good day, honored sister, young lady." With that, Cedric turned his rinnebeast and rode off towards the west end of town.
Now that Cedric was gone, Clara turned to the Doctor. "Did you notice those gates?" Clara asked.
"The ones that look like they were made out of the hull of a starship?" Beverly said. "Yes. Jean_Luc will want to know about those. I want you to go get yourself a room. Try the White Dove first. I have to meet Jean_Luc at the market. Give me your rinnebeast. I'll sell them off, and meet you at the inn around two."
* * * *
In the center of the marketplace, Beverly Picard waited. She'd gotten rid of her nun's outfit, and now wore the typical dress of a merchant seaman's wife, that is a well worn skirt and blouse, sort of a cream in color, highlighted with a red twine belt, the sign of a captain's wife. The marketplace was quite full. There were butchers and bakers, farmers and candlestick makers. A woman passed by, with a basket full of eggs and a couple young children following her. The children wore little or nothing, not an uncommon trait of tropical cultures.
In the center of the market place, there was some sort of memorial. Beverly walked over to it, as it would be a typical meeting place. It was a granite half disk, sent in the ground at about a sixty degree angle. She took the time to read it's inscription. "For the dead of the town of Sappor, dead the last day of the reign of King Ferrel IX. May the world remember, but not suffer, their loss. Erected on this ninth day of the second year of the reign of King Richard I." It was followed by a long list of names. Beverly found the inscription puzzling.
She was still looking at it when Captain Picard arrived. "Good Afternoon, my love," he said, as he came up beside her.
Beverly jumped, a little startled. "Don't do that!" Beverly said.
Jean_Luc nuzzled up to his wife, "Do what?" he whispered in her ear.
"Startle me," Beverly replied, as he embraced her. "What do you make of this?"
"Remember, but not suffer?" Jean_Luc read. "Captain York always did have an interesting turn of the phrase."
"Shall we be going?" Beverly asked. "I've been wanting to see your ship again."
"I thought we might make a little detour to a little alcove I found," Jean_Luc said, kissing her.
"Captain Jean_Luc Picard!" Beverly said, acting scandalized at her husband's behavior.
"Or perhaps a stop at hotel..." Jean_Luc said, throughly enjoying teasing his wife.
"Or perhaps a stop in the brig," a stout man with a red beard said.
The Captain and the Doctor looked up to discover a man on a golden rinnebeast, surrounded by his accompanying guard. "I don't believe we've met," Picard said, recovering from his surprise.
"Well, I know you, Captain Jean_Luc Picard of the Federation Starship Stargazer," the man said. "And if I'm not mistaken, your companion is that strumpet that Jack Crusher always had on his arm... Beverly, If I remember correctly. I'll have to put a watch out for him. I'm Lord Harlan, Chief of Palace Security, and I'm charging you with treason."
"I don't know what you're talking about," Jean_Luc said. "I'm just the captain of a small ship in the harbor."
"We'll see about that." Lord Ellison said. "Guards, seize them."
Two men took hold of Beverly, one grabbing hold of each arm. As she struggled futilely, she saw two more soldiers had Jean_Luc.
"Charge them with public lewdness, and put them in the bottom of the dungeon," Lord Harlan said.
* * * *
Prince Avery entered the throne room from the door labeled "Portside Gym." It was one of the original entrances to the throne room, located just to the right of the throne. He'd just come from his room, where he'd changed out of his dusty riding clothes. Now he wore a clean cut outfit. It was dark blue, his favored color, and had the rather simple symbol of the Royal Family embroidered on the left breast in silver and gold thread. His mother appraised his attire as Lord Kelsey announced his arrival. He hadn't expected to see her.
Queen Claire wore a woven white dress that hid her thin body. She'd lost a lot of weight in her latest illness, and it showed in her haggard face. She did not look like she should be up.
"Mother, you should be in bed," Prince Avery whispered as he took his usual spot next to her.
"I will not miss this day," the Queen said, back "You can have me packed up to bed after we make the announcement."
"The Duchess of Castrome and her daughter, the Lady Hayley," Lord Kelsey announced. The door men pulled the rope that opened the siding door where most entered the throne room.
Prince Avery immediately was drawn to his future wife. Lady Hayley was dressed in a deep green gown, and wore a short white cape with the crimson Latin cross of Castrome on it. She and her mother approached the throne. They curtseyed deeply, Hayley looking directly at him. She had beautiful deep blue eyes. They took their place in the Castrome seats to the left of the throne. Of the four Dukedoms, Castrome had the closest seats to the King in the throne room. Avery decided that it was time he sat in his, and crossed in front of his mother and father to sit in his chair, just one step down from his parents.
Lord Kelsey was announcing more arrivals. "The Earl of Avtra and heir to the Dukedom, Cedric."
"Ah, Earl Cedric," the King said. "May I hope that my former minstrel brings this court good news?"
"Some, your majesty," Cedric said. "Our best dragon just flew with 30 stone. We may have that air force you mentioned sooner than you think. And my lady wife is with child."
"I wasn't aware you had wed," the King said.
"Yes, just five months ago," Cedric said. "Perhaps you remember Lady Abby of Arlipor?"
"Wasn't that the girl that broke your favorite lute the day before you became Earl?" the King asked.
"The same," Cedric replied. "I also have some private communication for you and my honored sister_in_law."
"Lord Kelsey, reserve some time after court for Earl Cedric," the King said. "I look forward to our chat."
"Lord Edwin of Fishmong..." Lord Kelsey announced as Avery lost attention. He was too busy examining Lady Hayley. Hayley wasn't paying attention either. She was staring at her feet, while one hand played with her golden hair. Avery had built up an image of her in his day dreams when he had decided that Lady Hayley was who he wanted. She didn't disappoint. True her cleavage was slight, and she was rather small, as evidenced by her swinging legs, but she had all Avery wanted. She was cute. She was Avery's age, and she was his.
With the entry of the last of the observing members of the nobility, the Countess of Dunson and her son, Lord Kelsey lifted his ornate staff and pounded it for order. The room quieted. "Welcome to the Court of Odyssey, on this the fourth day of the third month of the twentieth year in the reign of his most tranquil majesty, Richard the First of Ellosia. Before we take up the petitions before the throne, his majesty has ask me to read the following proclamation."
"To all Lords and Ladies of Ellosia, it gives great pleasure for me to announce the engagement of Prince Avery Richard Paul, heir to my throne and Earl of Suppor, son of our self and our most gracious Queen Claire, to Lady Hayley Desiree, heir to the Dukedom of Castrome and daughter of the Duchess of Castrome and Lord Eldon of Avtra, third son of the Duke of Avtra. The blessed union will occur three weeks from last Sunday. We hereby summon all the ruling Lords of Ellosia to Odyssey for this most scared union. Signed King Richard."
Lady Hayley looked up cautiously. She was blushing, and everyone was looking at her. Avery stood up. He walked down to his intended bride. "My lady, I believe we are wanted on the dais," Avery said, reaching out for Hayley's hand. She took it and stood. Her hand was so soft and small. Side by side, they walked up the aisle to the throne.
As Avery bowed before his parents and Hayley curtsied, the Queen collapsed, siding out of her throne and on to the floor. A cry of alarm rose up in the room, as the King moved to his wife's side, gently laying her out on the dais before the throne. "Send for the Royal Doctor!" the King ordered. Almost before he completed the command the Doctor brust into the room from a side door, two men carrying a litter behind him.
As the doctor made his way to the Queen's side, he could be heard to mutter, "I told her she needed to stay in bed, but did she listen to me..."
Avery watched as his mother was placed on the litter. Hayley had found her way under his arm, and he drew comfort from her steady presence, but he still was worried. His father's face was drawn with lines of worry, as the King held his wife's hand. The litter began to leave the throne room.
The King looked around the room as he moved as if to follow the Queen. Then he approached his son. "Avery, I know this is a little sudden, and you've had no time to prepare," the King began, "but I want you to handle court today. I'm too worried about your mother to make decisions today."
"Father, what makes you think I'd do any better," Avery replied. "She is my mother, and I've never held court before."
"Try for me, Avery," the King said. "If you don't feel comfortable deciding something, you can have it wait until I can handle it, and my ministers will give you any advice you need. Chin up, son. I'm sure your mother will recover."
Avery looked at his father. The words did not match the worn lines of worry etched into his father's face. But what could Avery do? He wasn't a doctor, and if he joined is father in pacing outside his mother's room he'd only get in the way. "I hope so, father," Avery said. "I'll try my best."
"Thank you, Avery," the King said before turning to hurry to his Queen's bedside.
Avery went over to move his chair, Hayley at his side. "Have you ever done this?" he whispered as he moved it to sit on the step in front of the throne.
Hayley moved her chair, which had been discreetly moved to sit beside Avery's on the lower dais. "No," Hayley whispered back. "I've only watched in my mother's ducal court."
"Same here," Avery said. "Pay much attention?"
"No," Hayley replied.
"We're in a trouble, aren't we?" Avery said, sitting down. Hayley sat down next to him, and grabbed his hand, giving him a squeeze of support. "Lord Kelsey, we're ready as we'll ever be."
Clara had nothing to do. This wasn't a common event for the young girl. She'd checked into a room at the White Dove an hour ago. Since then, she had lunch and left the Inn to began learning her way around town. Waiting around was not something Clara did.
The sun was shining high in the sky as she made her way through the town. The broad cobblestone main streets were mostly empty, under the heat of the day. Still there were the usual merchants and towns people walking around. A city constable, with his black helmet, nodded to Clara as they passed each other. Tranquil, was the word to describe the city of Odyssey.
As she turned the corner, Clara spied a couple familiar forms, two sailors, one male, one female. "Lieutenant Calgary, Marrissa!" she hailed.
Both turned to face Clara. "Clara!" Marrissa said, as Clara ran up. "I didn't expect to see you for another day or so."
"I just arrived an hour ago," Clara said. "What have you been up to?"
"She's trying to get herself killed," Calgary said. "In just the last hour, she stuck her head into a bell that was about to ring, stepped in front of a running rinnebeast, and nearly had her head chopped off when she dislodged an ax from a wall display. And that's not even counting the harp that just missed her when it fell out a third story window."
"You've got to be kidding," Clara said.
"I remember the bell, and the rinnebeast, but as for the harp and the ax, I have no idea what he's talking about," Marrissa said.
"Of course you don't," Calgary said. "You're a nexus of disaster, totally obvious to the dangers around you. And I have to be assigned to a team with you."
"What are you doing, here anyway?" Clara asked. "I thought you'd be too busy running the boat."
"Ship," Marrissa corrected. "Technological assessment. I'm supposed to be guarding him while he pokes around for technological inconsistencies."
"May the Lord have mercy on my soul," Calgary murmured.
"Then have you seen the Castrome Road Gate?" Clara asked.
"No, we just came from looking at the clockworks on that big church over there," Marrissa pointed to the visible towers of the Church of the Overflowing Cup.
"It was a fascinating weight and chain design," Calgary said. "In line with technological levels, but also very innovative. The automatic weight switching and chain looping, well I don't think I've ever seen anything like it."
"It was boring," Marrissa said. "I got more out of the murals. There was this great one of the Last Supper, the artist put real emotions into those apostles. It's too bad that part of Matthew is missing, and Thomas has a crack going through his face. Perhaps we should take a look at that gate though."
"Follow me," Clara said, leading them down a broad avenue.
* * * *
In the throne room of Odyssey Palace, Lord Kelsey's voice echoed, as he called forth the next case. "Edward, Baron Darkmore, appealing a ruling of His Grace, Murdock, the Duke of Avtra."
"Baron Darkmore, please state your appeal to the Crown," Avery asked, dredging the formal response out of the depths of his training.
"Your Highness, I wish to appeal the order of His Grace, the Duke of Avtra to move the guard post of my ancestors along the Lake of Galilee - Janna Bay Road," the Baron said. "To move it would do a great disservice to the travelers along that road, and would break the sacred duty which my ancestors have preformed for centuries along this road."
"Hmmm, and who speaks for the Duke in this matter?" Avery asked.
Cedric stood, and approached the throne. "I do," he said.
"Earl Cedric, please state the reason for moving this post of long establishment," Avery said.
"My Lord Prince, the reasons for the movement of this post are many," Cedric said. "Perhaps first and foremost is that we are also relocating that stretch of road. The construction of the Galilee Janna Bay Canal has almost reached that location, and the road is the path which the canal will take. Second, we wish for a post to guard a spring along the new road."
"Earl Cedric, will the building of the canal require you to take down this guard post?" Avery asked.
"No, the guard post is on a hill," Cedric said. "However, it will be unable to access the road once the canal is complete, rendering it useless as a guard for the road. That is why my Father ordered it moved."
"Baron Darkmore, do you have any response to the Earl of Avtra's reasoning," Avery asked.
"No, you highness," the Baron replied.
Avery was going to simply find for the Duke of Avtra, when suddenly he heard one of his father's favorite quotes. "The best solution to a dispute is one which both sides win."
"Earl Cedric is this post about half way between your border and Lake Galilee?" Avery asked.
"Close to, your highness, but only about a third of the total length of the canal from Lake Galilee," Earl Cedric said. "We plan to have the half way post closer to the current border."
Avery looked over at Lady Hayley, and whispered, "How likely is it for Duke Murdock to get a border adjustment for the canal."
"Mother says that Grandfather will only get it over her dead body," Hayley whispered back.
"Does she have an objection to the canal itself?" Avery asked, suddenly concerned.
"She wants the canal," Hayley replied. "She just wants to control the end point. Castrome needs the trade."
"Earl Cedric, Baron Darkmore," Avery said, raising his voice so it could be heard. "I have made a decision. Baron Darkmore, you will hand over the control the guard post in question during the construction of the canal. Earl Cedric, inform your father that it is our wish that this post be made into one of the canal guard posts, and that the Baron be the first choice to run this guard post when the canal is completed. Baron, I hope to be there when this canal is opened, and take a meal at your historic guard post, as my Father did at the mid post of the Avtra Honalee Canal when it opened."
"Thank you, your highness," Baron Darkmore said.
"Lord Kelsey, next case please," Avery said, with newly acquired confidence.
Beverly, Clara, and Cedric had just reached the gates of Odyssey. They could hear the church bells toll ten times as they rode their rinnebeasts through the tall white gates. As they reached the first intersection, Cedric paused. "I believe it's time for us to part company," Cedric said. "Sister, the cloister is four streets down, and two streets to the right. Young Clarrissa, you'll find both the Prancing Faire and the White Dove, two blocks from here."
"And if I want to try the Golden Rinnebeast?" Clara asked, with a mischievous grin.
"And why would you want to do that?" Cedric asked
"I've got a friend who's third mate on merchant vessel," Clara said. "I want to see if she's in town."
"Third left, and all the way to the docks," Cedric said. "And if you have time before school starts, feel free to stop by to see me."
"And where do you live?" Clara asked.
"Duke of Avtra's residence, near the West gate, It's impossible to miss," Cedric said.
"A Duke's residence?" Clara said, somewhat surprised.
"I am the Earl of Avtra, now, so my father frowns upon me living in the old sailor quarters I used to frequent," Cedric said. "I must be off. The King will no doubt want my report, and I believe one of the gate keepers recognized me. Good day, honored sister, young lady." With that, Cedric turned his rinnebeast and rode off towards the west end of town.
Now that Cedric was gone, Clara turned to the Doctor. "Did you notice those gates?" Clara asked.
"The ones that look like they were made out of the hull of a starship?" Beverly said. "Yes. Jean_Luc will want to know about those. I want you to go get yourself a room. Try the White Dove first. I have to meet Jean_Luc at the market. Give me your rinnebeast. I'll sell them off, and meet you at the inn around two."
* * * *
In the center of the marketplace, Beverly Picard waited. She'd gotten rid of her nun's outfit, and now wore the typical dress of a merchant seaman's wife, that is a well worn skirt and blouse, sort of a cream in color, highlighted with a red twine belt, the sign of a captain's wife. The marketplace was quite full. There were butchers and bakers, farmers and candlestick makers. A woman passed by, with a basket full of eggs and a couple young children following her. The children wore little or nothing, not an uncommon trait of tropical cultures.
In the center of the market place, there was some sort of memorial. Beverly walked over to it, as it would be a typical meeting place. It was a granite half disk, sent in the ground at about a sixty degree angle. She took the time to read it's inscription. "For the dead of the town of Sappor, dead the last day of the reign of King Ferrel IX. May the world remember, but not suffer, their loss. Erected on this ninth day of the second year of the reign of King Richard I." It was followed by a long list of names. Beverly found the inscription puzzling.
She was still looking at it when Captain Picard arrived. "Good Afternoon, my love," he said, as he came up beside her.
Beverly jumped, a little startled. "Don't do that!" Beverly said.
Jean_Luc nuzzled up to his wife, "Do what?" he whispered in her ear.
"Startle me," Beverly replied, as he embraced her. "What do you make of this?"
"Remember, but not suffer?" Jean_Luc read. "Captain York always did have an interesting turn of the phrase."
"Shall we be going?" Beverly asked. "I've been wanting to see your ship again."
"I thought we might make a little detour to a little alcove I found," Jean_Luc said, kissing her.
"Captain Jean_Luc Picard!" Beverly said, acting scandalized at her husband's behavior.
"Or perhaps a stop at hotel..." Jean_Luc said, throughly enjoying teasing his wife.
"Or perhaps a stop in the brig," a stout man with a red beard said.
The Captain and the Doctor looked up to discover a man on a golden rinnebeast, surrounded by his accompanying guard. "I don't believe we've met," Picard said, recovering from his surprise.
"Well, I know you, Captain Jean_Luc Picard of the Federation Starship Stargazer," the man said. "And if I'm not mistaken, your companion is that strumpet that Jack Crusher always had on his arm... Beverly, If I remember correctly. I'll have to put a watch out for him. I'm Lord Harlan, Chief of Palace Security, and I'm charging you with treason."
"I don't know what you're talking about," Jean_Luc said. "I'm just the captain of a small ship in the harbor."
"We'll see about that." Lord Ellison said. "Guards, seize them."
Two men took hold of Beverly, one grabbing hold of each arm. As she struggled futilely, she saw two more soldiers had Jean_Luc.
"Charge them with public lewdness, and put them in the bottom of the dungeon," Lord Harlan said.
* * * *
Prince Avery entered the throne room from the door labeled "Portside Gym." It was one of the original entrances to the throne room, located just to the right of the throne. He'd just come from his room, where he'd changed out of his dusty riding clothes. Now he wore a clean cut outfit. It was dark blue, his favored color, and had the rather simple symbol of the Royal Family embroidered on the left breast in silver and gold thread. His mother appraised his attire as Lord Kelsey announced his arrival. He hadn't expected to see her.
Queen Claire wore a woven white dress that hid her thin body. She'd lost a lot of weight in her latest illness, and it showed in her haggard face. She did not look like she should be up.
"Mother, you should be in bed," Prince Avery whispered as he took his usual spot next to her.
"I will not miss this day," the Queen said, back "You can have me packed up to bed after we make the announcement."
"The Duchess of Castrome and her daughter, the Lady Hayley," Lord Kelsey announced. The door men pulled the rope that opened the siding door where most entered the throne room.
Prince Avery immediately was drawn to his future wife. Lady Hayley was dressed in a deep green gown, and wore a short white cape with the crimson Latin cross of Castrome on it. She and her mother approached the throne. They curtseyed deeply, Hayley looking directly at him. She had beautiful deep blue eyes. They took their place in the Castrome seats to the left of the throne. Of the four Dukedoms, Castrome had the closest seats to the King in the throne room. Avery decided that it was time he sat in his, and crossed in front of his mother and father to sit in his chair, just one step down from his parents.
Lord Kelsey was announcing more arrivals. "The Earl of Avtra and heir to the Dukedom, Cedric."
"Ah, Earl Cedric," the King said. "May I hope that my former minstrel brings this court good news?"
"Some, your majesty," Cedric said. "Our best dragon just flew with 30 stone. We may have that air force you mentioned sooner than you think. And my lady wife is with child."
"I wasn't aware you had wed," the King said.
"Yes, just five months ago," Cedric said. "Perhaps you remember Lady Abby of Arlipor?"
"Wasn't that the girl that broke your favorite lute the day before you became Earl?" the King asked.
"The same," Cedric replied. "I also have some private communication for you and my honored sister_in_law."
"Lord Kelsey, reserve some time after court for Earl Cedric," the King said. "I look forward to our chat."
"Lord Edwin of Fishmong..." Lord Kelsey announced as Avery lost attention. He was too busy examining Lady Hayley. Hayley wasn't paying attention either. She was staring at her feet, while one hand played with her golden hair. Avery had built up an image of her in his day dreams when he had decided that Lady Hayley was who he wanted. She didn't disappoint. True her cleavage was slight, and she was rather small, as evidenced by her swinging legs, but she had all Avery wanted. She was cute. She was Avery's age, and she was his.
With the entry of the last of the observing members of the nobility, the Countess of Dunson and her son, Lord Kelsey lifted his ornate staff and pounded it for order. The room quieted. "Welcome to the Court of Odyssey, on this the fourth day of the third month of the twentieth year in the reign of his most tranquil majesty, Richard the First of Ellosia. Before we take up the petitions before the throne, his majesty has ask me to read the following proclamation."
"To all Lords and Ladies of Ellosia, it gives great pleasure for me to announce the engagement of Prince Avery Richard Paul, heir to my throne and Earl of Suppor, son of our self and our most gracious Queen Claire, to Lady Hayley Desiree, heir to the Dukedom of Castrome and daughter of the Duchess of Castrome and Lord Eldon of Avtra, third son of the Duke of Avtra. The blessed union will occur three weeks from last Sunday. We hereby summon all the ruling Lords of Ellosia to Odyssey for this most scared union. Signed King Richard."
Lady Hayley looked up cautiously. She was blushing, and everyone was looking at her. Avery stood up. He walked down to his intended bride. "My lady, I believe we are wanted on the dais," Avery said, reaching out for Hayley's hand. She took it and stood. Her hand was so soft and small. Side by side, they walked up the aisle to the throne.
As Avery bowed before his parents and Hayley curtsied, the Queen collapsed, siding out of her throne and on to the floor. A cry of alarm rose up in the room, as the King moved to his wife's side, gently laying her out on the dais before the throne. "Send for the Royal Doctor!" the King ordered. Almost before he completed the command the Doctor brust into the room from a side door, two men carrying a litter behind him.
As the doctor made his way to the Queen's side, he could be heard to mutter, "I told her she needed to stay in bed, but did she listen to me..."
Avery watched as his mother was placed on the litter. Hayley had found her way under his arm, and he drew comfort from her steady presence, but he still was worried. His father's face was drawn with lines of worry, as the King held his wife's hand. The litter began to leave the throne room.
The King looked around the room as he moved as if to follow the Queen. Then he approached his son. "Avery, I know this is a little sudden, and you've had no time to prepare," the King began, "but I want you to handle court today. I'm too worried about your mother to make decisions today."
"Father, what makes you think I'd do any better," Avery replied. "She is my mother, and I've never held court before."
"Try for me, Avery," the King said. "If you don't feel comfortable deciding something, you can have it wait until I can handle it, and my ministers will give you any advice you need. Chin up, son. I'm sure your mother will recover."
Avery looked at his father. The words did not match the worn lines of worry etched into his father's face. But what could Avery do? He wasn't a doctor, and if he joined is father in pacing outside his mother's room he'd only get in the way. "I hope so, father," Avery said. "I'll try my best."
"Thank you, Avery," the King said before turning to hurry to his Queen's bedside.
Avery went over to move his chair, Hayley at his side. "Have you ever done this?" he whispered as he moved it to sit on the step in front of the throne.
Hayley moved her chair, which had been discreetly moved to sit beside Avery's on the lower dais. "No," Hayley whispered back. "I've only watched in my mother's ducal court."
"Same here," Avery said. "Pay much attention?"
"No," Hayley replied.
"We're in a trouble, aren't we?" Avery said, sitting down. Hayley sat down next to him, and grabbed his hand, giving him a squeeze of support. "Lord Kelsey, we're ready as we'll ever be."
Clara had nothing to do. This wasn't a common event for the young girl. She'd checked into a room at the White Dove an hour ago. Since then, she had lunch and left the Inn to began learning her way around town. Waiting around was not something Clara did.
The sun was shining high in the sky as she made her way through the town. The broad cobblestone main streets were mostly empty, under the heat of the day. Still there were the usual merchants and towns people walking around. A city constable, with his black helmet, nodded to Clara as they passed each other. Tranquil, was the word to describe the city of Odyssey.
As she turned the corner, Clara spied a couple familiar forms, two sailors, one male, one female. "Lieutenant Calgary, Marrissa!" she hailed.
Both turned to face Clara. "Clara!" Marrissa said, as Clara ran up. "I didn't expect to see you for another day or so."
"I just arrived an hour ago," Clara said. "What have you been up to?"
"She's trying to get herself killed," Calgary said. "In just the last hour, she stuck her head into a bell that was about to ring, stepped in front of a running rinnebeast, and nearly had her head chopped off when she dislodged an ax from a wall display. And that's not even counting the harp that just missed her when it fell out a third story window."
"You've got to be kidding," Clara said.
"I remember the bell, and the rinnebeast, but as for the harp and the ax, I have no idea what he's talking about," Marrissa said.
"Of course you don't," Calgary said. "You're a nexus of disaster, totally obvious to the dangers around you. And I have to be assigned to a team with you."
"What are you doing, here anyway?" Clara asked. "I thought you'd be too busy running the boat."
"Ship," Marrissa corrected. "Technological assessment. I'm supposed to be guarding him while he pokes around for technological inconsistencies."
"May the Lord have mercy on my soul," Calgary murmured.
"Then have you seen the Castrome Road Gate?" Clara asked.
"No, we just came from looking at the clockworks on that big church over there," Marrissa pointed to the visible towers of the Church of the Overflowing Cup.
"It was a fascinating weight and chain design," Calgary said. "In line with technological levels, but also very innovative. The automatic weight switching and chain looping, well I don't think I've ever seen anything like it."
"It was boring," Marrissa said. "I got more out of the murals. There was this great one of the Last Supper, the artist put real emotions into those apostles. It's too bad that part of Matthew is missing, and Thomas has a crack going through his face. Perhaps we should take a look at that gate though."
"Follow me," Clara said, leading them down a broad avenue.
* * * *
In the throne room of Odyssey Palace, Lord Kelsey's voice echoed, as he called forth the next case. "Edward, Baron Darkmore, appealing a ruling of His Grace, Murdock, the Duke of Avtra."
"Baron Darkmore, please state your appeal to the Crown," Avery asked, dredging the formal response out of the depths of his training.
"Your Highness, I wish to appeal the order of His Grace, the Duke of Avtra to move the guard post of my ancestors along the Lake of Galilee - Janna Bay Road," the Baron said. "To move it would do a great disservice to the travelers along that road, and would break the sacred duty which my ancestors have preformed for centuries along this road."
"Hmmm, and who speaks for the Duke in this matter?" Avery asked.
Cedric stood, and approached the throne. "I do," he said.
"Earl Cedric, please state the reason for moving this post of long establishment," Avery said.
"My Lord Prince, the reasons for the movement of this post are many," Cedric said. "Perhaps first and foremost is that we are also relocating that stretch of road. The construction of the Galilee Janna Bay Canal has almost reached that location, and the road is the path which the canal will take. Second, we wish for a post to guard a spring along the new road."
"Earl Cedric, will the building of the canal require you to take down this guard post?" Avery asked.
"No, the guard post is on a hill," Cedric said. "However, it will be unable to access the road once the canal is complete, rendering it useless as a guard for the road. That is why my Father ordered it moved."
"Baron Darkmore, do you have any response to the Earl of Avtra's reasoning," Avery asked.
"No, you highness," the Baron replied.
Avery was going to simply find for the Duke of Avtra, when suddenly he heard one of his father's favorite quotes. "The best solution to a dispute is one which both sides win."
"Earl Cedric is this post about half way between your border and Lake Galilee?" Avery asked.
"Close to, your highness, but only about a third of the total length of the canal from Lake Galilee," Earl Cedric said. "We plan to have the half way post closer to the current border."
Avery looked over at Lady Hayley, and whispered, "How likely is it for Duke Murdock to get a border adjustment for the canal."
"Mother says that Grandfather will only get it over her dead body," Hayley whispered back.
"Does she have an objection to the canal itself?" Avery asked, suddenly concerned.
"She wants the canal," Hayley replied. "She just wants to control the end point. Castrome needs the trade."
"Earl Cedric, Baron Darkmore," Avery said, raising his voice so it could be heard. "I have made a decision. Baron Darkmore, you will hand over the control the guard post in question during the construction of the canal. Earl Cedric, inform your father that it is our wish that this post be made into one of the canal guard posts, and that the Baron be the first choice to run this guard post when the canal is completed. Baron, I hope to be there when this canal is opened, and take a meal at your historic guard post, as my Father did at the mid post of the Avtra Honalee Canal when it opened."
"Thank you, your highness," Baron Darkmore said.
"Lord Kelsey, next case please," Avery said, with newly acquired confidence.