[color=1a7b30][h1][center]Samuel Alderach[/center][/h1][/color]

Samuel rose. Indeed, he had heard the rumors of this bizarre infection; though many had dismissed it as superstition, he had far too much experience with the mysteries of this world to be so sure. Such foul magics were common in the dark places of the world, powers that could strip a man of his mind and soul. 

After the other commanders had spoken, Samuel thumped his fist over his heart and bowed his head. "My lady, I shall have my Woodsman comb the countryside for information. If this plague is the work of some warlock or hedge mage, we will find him, your grace." Upon being dismissed, he turned and left, stealing one last glance at the most beautiful woman in the world before he exited the throne room. Without sparing a single word to the others, he marched over to the nearest window, pushed it open, and dove out, the wind rising to meet him as he fell.

Within a few hours, he was standing in the middle of the Woodsman's Camp, all his knights circled around him (those who weren't currently on an assignment, anyway - he'd write to them later.)

"What's the word, chief?" spoke Harald, a big man with an axe slung over his shoulder. "Something bad enough to get us all involved?"

Samuel nodded, and addressed the crowd. "You've all heard the rumors. A plague, a serious one, something that makes monsters of men. The Queen's worried, worried enough that she set all of her Knight-Commanders on it. Now, if I know the rest of them, they're probably running about, chasing their tails right now." There were snickers at that - mocking the other knight orders was something of a woodsman pastime - "But we are going to get results. Fan out, search the countryside. Be thorough. Track down every witch, every hedge mage, everyone who can cast a cantrip and question them. If they have anything useful to say, bring them in. If they're suspicious, bring them in. Lethal force is only to be used when necessary - we want answers, not corpses. Mages are dangerous, so nobody travels alone; twos and threes, I'll let you figure it out. Any questions?"

Isabelle Vastria raised her hand. "Where are you going, chief?"

"I'm headed back to the city. If this gets worse, it could be a disaster, and the Queen's going to need someone reliable. I'll send a bird if there are any new developments. Or maybe a Harp, make them feel useful." More laughter, and Samuel raised his fist. "What are we, Woodsmen?"

"Queensmen!" came the roar in reply, and Samuel smiled.

"You have your orders. Get to work." The Woodsman bustled off to their tasks, and the wind lifted Samuel off his feet.