DORULL SAGA - SWAMP OF DEATH
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Quite large, oval, meeting lounge
of Vallsynk’s councilor palace was empty. Completely decorated in a lacquered
wood and drapes made out of crimson, velvety fabric. Entire room smelled of candle wax
and pine resin. In the middle of it sat a massive, dark oak table,
surrounded with a set of matching chairs. On the wall opposite to the entrance
was a fine crafted fireplace, decorated in figurine carvings. To both
sides of it were two leather sofas, with a small table in between.
Xavnier almost ran into the room.
He was pulling onto Lady Falkner’s hand the entire way. She did not mind it.
On the contrary, she found it a bit amusing. Eilonna was familiar with his
skittish, easily influenced nature. She was able to trick him on so many
occasions, using this knowledge. But, to see him succumb to pressure this
early, was a bit disappointing. Eilonna had to act promptly, otherwise her plan
was doomed from the start.
Xavnier was a skilful merchant.
Almost everything he touched, seemed to turn into profit. And that was the
other reason she approached him, instead of some other councilor. Lady Falkner
had intentions of using halfling’s services, as soon as possible. But before
that, it became obvious, he still needed more encouragement and guidance.
“You have to help me.” Xavnier
said, sitting on one of the couches, near the fireplace “I completely lost it,
back on the balcony.”
“Rubbish. You did well.”
“People will never accept me as
their leader.”
“Don’t be ridiculous.” Eilonna
tried to calm him down. “All you have to do is to stick with the plan, and
everything will turn out just fine.”
“But what if someone suspects in…”
“Stop it!” councilor Falkner said
sternly “Our plan is impervious. And that’s my personal guarantee. Stop
doubting yourself, and your abilities. Focus on the prize.”
“We still need to be careful.”
Xavnier said.
“Trust me my friend, when I say, I
thought of everything.” Eilonna had all the answers “Now tell me, when did you
plan to convene with the guild’s committee.”
“I’ll send the invitations in a
couple of days.” halfling scratched his forehead “We should be able to set a
council meeting in no more than a month. Perhaps two.”
“And in the meantime, we’ll have
plenty of room to tie everything up.” councilor Falkner said.
“Speaking of it, what are you
planning to do in regards to councilor Zaanven?” Xavnier asked.
“Elf will make for a perfect
suspect.” Eilonna waved her hand “Why not use the rumors.”
“Councilor Enepel still have a lot
of allies.” Halfling retorted “Don’t you forget that.”
“Majority of which are here in
Vallsynk, and believe me when I say, we are keeping a close eye on all of
them.”
“So, what do I do.?”
“Relax a little.” Eilonna smiled,
“But remember not to talk about our plans with anyone.”
“Of course I won’t. I’m not an
idiot.” Xavnier growled angrily “Why does everyone think I am.”
“I am sorry. I didn’t mean it like
that.”
Loud knocking on the door, made
them both turn around. Moments later, a tall, lean, grizzled steward of the
palace, peaked his head through. The last lord of Vallsynk lost his control
over two decades ago. Since then, no one actually lived in this palace.
Occasionally, the mansion was used in various social gatherings, amongst the
council of the town’s strongest guilds.
“Pardon me for the interruption,
but the procession is ready for the departure.” the steward said.
“Thank you Starn.” Xavnier retorted
“Please, inform the cleric, we’ll be joining you in two minutes.”
Steward bowed, closing the door
behind him. Eilonna waited for a couple of seconds, to make sure they were
alone, once again.
“Nosey bastards like him are the
reason we should stop talking about our little deal.” Eilonna whispered “
Perhaps even refraining from the public contacts for the time being, just to be
safe.”
“But what if something unexpected happens?”
halfling nervously fiddled his fingers.
“We could always arrange a
meeting.” Lady Falkner smiled “In secrecy.”
“After I hold talks with the
council?”
“Sure, why not.” Eilonna said “Now,
let’s get going. We are late.”
A rather large procession was already
formed in front of the palace. Dozens of carriages, escorted by about hundred
of riders and at least twice as many footmen, were lined one after another.
Almost everyone in town showed up. The line stretched beyond the main plaza,
and into the adjacent streets. Big, open, four in hand carriage, stood ahead of
them all. Covered in wreaths and flower bouquets, it carried two black,
lacquered coffins. Xavnier couldn’t help himself but looking away from them, as
he came down the palace stairs. He helped councilor Falkner up onto one of the
carriages, before he climbed on it too. Halfling nodded towards the town’s
cleric, signaling him to order for the procession departure. Short wave of his
hand, and they were on their way to the cemetery.
Far ahead of them, a thundering
rumble rolled through the skies. Warning of the bad weather, the dark clouds
above Laorn, were bringing with them. Xavnier took another glimpse towards the
carriage in front of him. He could’ve easily ended up in one of those coffins,
instead of his associates. This sudden thought frightened him quite a bit. Lady
Eilonna surely had other options, before she approached him with her plan. What
would happen, if he declined her?
Halfling shook his head, looking around. No one had noticed his nervous twitch. He knew he shouldn’t show any weakness. It was of utmost importance for him to remain calm. This was no place, nor time, to ponder about possible enemies. He had to be patient. Eilonna’s plan should soon make the lord out of him. And with that newly acquired power, he will have many more possibilities to find out who is with, and who against him.
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