Arty Fox

Avonshire - D&D Based Adventure

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Baronfjørd "Blackberry" Chedgusah Dragon Born, Monk (Astral self), Level 05 HP: 40 / 40 Armor Class: 16 Conditions: N/A Location: Taproom Action: Soup! Bonus Action: N/A Reaction: N/A Ki: 2/5

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BlackBerry had chuckled in equal parts amazement and exasperation when Kosara awoke just in time for for food. "Thank you kindly, Young Lizbeth. I shall be at the table shortly. My it does smell wondrous." After adding a few more logs to the fire, joined the others at the table, to Lady Kathryn he said with a threatening wave of a spoon, "Do Not. Give the world any ideas." The last thing they needed was an un-dead bear. He let the serious tone drop with a smile and tucked into his soup.

The soup was of course marvellous; warm and comforting, with a hint of some sort of spice that he couldn't place but enjoyed anyway. And it paired brilliantly with the tales the others told of all the places they had been and adventures they had gone on. Lady Kathryn, ever the word smith, painted a picture of her home Arcanaple and the ruined city Yitilla that had BlackBerry hanging on every word. He resolved to go see it someday. All of it. The forest Temp of Nuada, Aquitania, The Gold Sea of Sands and the cities build around pockets of water.

"The Yitilla!?" Blackberry exclaimed with a mouthful of soup soaked bread. "I read about it as a boy. Oh you shall have to take me there some day. Perhaps even a visit to the Deep Desert is in order so then we may compare the ruins of the two?" Despite the lopsided grin there was the tone of resolve in his voice. But he quickly turned somewhat bashful when the spotlight landed on him, "Well I must admit I have not journeyed for as long as the rest of you nor to any place as exciting; I have simply been travelling here and there. I did spend some time travelling the coast through some delightful fishing villages. But I must say I never came across something as exciting as a ruined city."

He took the moment to then, after being prompted several times before, to answer the question of where he was staying the night. "Oh worry not. I shall simply sleep down here for the night. No, no, I shan't hear otherwise. Regardless a night by the fire will do me some good and drive the last of this blasted cold away. And Master Baronfjord is more than suitable, though many simply call me BlackBerry, or simply 'BB' even"

When the awkward question came from Young Lizbeth he kept his mouth quiet letting Victoria take the girl aside to talk which he gathered went as well as such a conversation could go; Lizbeth didn't scream any damnation or cry but...well, it wasn't a nice conversation topic regardless of how it could be dressed. Blackberry still frowned and chewed his cheek wondering a little snidely if he should have been more specific when he said to ask Madame L'Rose. He glared down at the empty piece of paper on the table. He had a few questions but he was apprehensive to put them to paper, as if doing so would make him a willing participant in such a crime. To have seen it on a flayed corpse was one thing but to go out of their way to dig up a corpse? The Dead were dead and that was all. So why did this make him uncomfortable?

Victorias suggestion took him by surprise. He sat there for a moment blinking, still spoon in mouth as he mulled mulled over the suggestion. "Oh very well." He answered finally. "If only to keep you out of trouble. I'll let Old Boy know to get ready for tomorrow as well."

Avonshire - D&D Based Adventure

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Baronfjørd "Blackberry" Chedgusah Dragon Born, Monk (Astral self), Level 05 HP: 40 / 40 Armor Class: 16 Conditions: N/A Location: Tap room Action: Making the beds Bonus Action: N/A Reaction: N/A Ki: 2/5

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BlackBerry stood by the door as he listened to Victorias answer. He cocked an eye brow, unamused by her flippant response to his concerns while listing off her growing menagerie. "I take it you also include your stallion as well on that list?" At least Lady Kathryn shared his concerns, folding his arm for good measure he added to Lady Kathryns point, "I second that motion; if I have to stay up late so to follow you then I shall."

His mind then put two and two together concerning Victorias request for questions to ask Arnaurd L'Rose, and his eyes practically bulged out of their sockets as realisation dawned.

"I beg your finest pardon Victoria, but what are you-No you simply cannot-. Oh a pox on it all I should have known." After several false starts of the sentence BlackBerry gave into the idea Victoria was in fact suggesting. He pinched the bridge of his nose and wondered, why? Why had all the decisions in his life lead him to here and now. He looked towards the door to the kitchen where Lizbeth was at that moment still preparing their meal, and then back to Victoria. "We should at the very least ask Madame L'Rose first."

Not wanting to hear about the matter any further he stepped out into the cold, the chill air rudely reminding him that he forgot his cloak, and gave Master Urmdurus a quick, "I shall just prepare the room for you say good sir; second door on your right when you head upstairs upon your retire this evening." Making the beds themselves didn't need much time as his own simply needed remaking, and a quick tidy to make the room presentable, and he was able to quickly find some spare sheets and blankets for the other.

"The beds are ready." He declared upon his return to taproom, bed warmer tucked under one arm. He would have to go into the storage room to find another pair but that could wait until after dinner. "Masters Mosswater, you shall have the room first on the left when you head upstairs. I shall warn you they may be a mite cold at the moment. We should get that sorted shortly though." He gave the warming pan in hand a quick spin before heading down into the basement again to dig out another two.

It seemed that in his absence the discussion had drifted from profane suggestions to something more mundane asking where Victoria had been travelling. Despite the time on the road travelling, and staying with one another for some time time now, he couldn't say he knew Victorias background, or even the others, all too well. Lady Kathryn was the exception as she always had some anecdote or reminded of something of her past. It was a nice change of pace given most of the big discussions they had had so far had mainly been around one catastrophy or another.

"My word, I must say you have travelled far." There was a clear sense of awe an a bit of wonder in BlackBerry's voice. Kneeling by the fireplace, topping up the fire ready for the warmers later, his eyes sparkled to hear the strange names of cities, towns, and of even stranger lands. He would have to find a map later on to place them. "Anywhere you would recommend? Or perhaps even avoid?"

Avonshire - D&D Based Adventure

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Baronfjørd "Blackberry" Chedgusah Dragon Born, Monk (Astral self), Level 05 HP: 40 / 40 Armor Class: 16 Conditions: N/A Location: Tap room Action: N/A Bonus Action: N/A Reaction: N/A Ki: 2/5

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BlackBerry gave a thoughtful "Hmm" at the mention of the Lich Emperor. It may be a name for him to keep an eye for in Monsieur L'Roses books this evening. A dead Lich seemed a bit...ironic? "It may be wise to recofd and discuss the dreams of Lady Kathryn and yourself, Victoria. At this point any information is useful."

"A Coalition? How modern." Blackberry replied dryly over the top of the book, and then waved away Kathryns apology. After all he hadn't been attacked again. Another mumble from Kosara drew his attention to her, and he commented, "I nominate Kosara for last watch. Clearly the poor thing needs her sleep more than the rest of us."

But it was Barbals response that worried BlackBerry the most. The man had declined their offer to stay longer than the one night even as he took another sip of the brandy! BlackBerry snapped the book shut, not that he had been able to gleam anything from it With a sigh he returned it to the pile. Maybe he could get more out of the damned things during his watch?

"Very well Master Mosswater. We shan't push the matter and shall have to be satisfied with your presence for the one evening only then and hope that what magic may be in the brandy does not take hold." He looked wistfully at the ceiling praying that whatever Gods looking down on them might grant that wish. He doubted it though. Shooting Barbal a small mischievous smile he added, "Of course, we may confiscate the eggs and cheese. Such villains are are we, you shall get only bread and water here."

The evening was continuing to progress and even without any windows to look out of BlackBerry could feel it was far too late to be sending anyone home on their own, so he recieved Master Urmdurus' resolution to stay the night with some relief and then mentally counted the available rooms and beds. Ah. Someone would be sleeping downstairs tonight and given he was taking first watch anyway...it may as well be him.

"Well, I will admit that I am not making any headway either with these yet." Gesturing to the books on the table, and then stood up from the table. "So I may as well prepare the beds for our guests. While Young Lizbeth prepares us a wonderous meal. Masters Mosswater shall have one room and Master Urmdurus shall take mine for the night. Victoria, i do ask though if you are intent on going off to be sending music into the night, do take someone with you. Please."

Avonshire - D&D Based Adventure

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Baronfjørd "Blackberry" Chedgusah Dragon Born, Monk (Astral self), Level 05 HP: 40 / 40 Armor Class: 16 Conditions: N/A Location: Secret Study -> Tap Room Action: Investigation (10) Bonus Action: Persuasion (14) Reaction: N/A Ki: 2/5

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BlackBerry didn't stay long in the Secret Basement just in case he encourage misfortune to arrive again with something like another attack from the undead, or another hidden room, or a giant rat, or something else equally horrifying. So he simply snatched the remaining books from the shelf, and then with the candle dish balance on the pile, he scurried back up the stairs quick as he could to the safety of the taproom just in time to hear Barabl Mosswaters complaint.

"If I may offer some reassurances; it was simply an offer while investigations are ongoing and certainly not something we see needing to be for the foreseeable or for any meaningful amount of time." He gave Lady Kathryn a meaningful look as he momentarily set the book pile on the side so he could blow out the candle. "Saying that however, Master Barbal, it would be wise for at least to stay as long as the effects of the Brandy continue. Perhaps a night further if only to be safe. I imagine in all likelihood any dreams it causes would stop so long as you drink no more of it." Blackberry pointed at the cup still in Master Barbals hand for emphasis, slightly shocked the man hadn't yet gotten rid of it.

Blackberry picked up the books he had gathered and put them on the same table as the others next to Victoria and Lizbeth. Much like the other books they were old, worn, mismatched and smelled faintly of damp from their time (likely years) spent hidden away. BlackBerry unceremoniously picked one at random, a small notebook with a faded blue cover, and opened it at a random page to the sound of pages cracking apart from each other. He at least had the good graces to wince at the noise.

"It does continue to strike me, Young Lizbeth, that your Grandfather was quite the learned man. Not just for running a very successful business and homestead but for having the insight and forethought to write down all he learnt." BlackBerry's eyes continued to rove across the pages even as he spoke to Lizbeth. He then frowned and tilted his head to the side, and spun the book in hand the other way to follow the words literally winding their way around the page. Monsieur L'Rose had some very particular opinions on magic. "Even as all that he did may elude those who come after."

Avonshire - D&D Based Adventure

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Baronfjørd "Blackberry" Chedgusah Dragon Born, Monk (Astral self), Level 05 HP: 40 / 40 Armor Class: 16 Conditions: N/A Location: Taproom -> Secret Study Action: Gathering books Bonus Action: N/A Reaction: N/A Ki: 2/5

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Blackberry was starting to feel the evening starting to draw in, and from the looks of it so were the others as Kosara looked like she was asleep already. Overall, despite his tiredness from the earlier battle, he was starting to feel a to better, even without the hot bath he had hoped for, as the headache from earlier finally finished and his nose cleared up a little.

Lady Kathryn seemed to have her head on straight despite her own tiredness and apparently set on turning their temporary home into some sort of fortress. He chewed on his cheek in thought, not quite convinced of the idea, but otherwise appreciated her suggestion to setup some sort of watch. He didn't like to think about those things being right underneath their noses all this time, and with music apparently playing on its own at night in the fields it would pay to be weary going forward.

Another thought stuck Blackberry, again worked lose by Lizbeth and Lady Kathryn, of a memory of his battle against the flayed remains of Toombes.

"Do they truly need ALL of you to complete the assignment? I grow impatient." It felt like an age since he had heard that rasping voice despite Blackberry's side still feeling somewhat raw at the memory.

"You know, I do believe our mastermind may not even be the mastermind in all of this; you recall after the fight the other evening I mentioned the ah, the attacker had spoken as if of anothers assignment rather than their own." He shrugged in thought as he through caution to the wind with the Mosswaters and Master Urmdurus nearby to hear it all. The three of them either by unfortunate mistake or being involved for sometime prior. "Perhaps 'they' in this instance was Prince Farid? Someone sent to check in on progress to whatever the assignment may be. I do worry there is more at play here than we realise."

Again, yet another set of questions to pile up on their mountain of them. At least Lady Kathryn had the good sense to pull together an actionable plan. He put down his cup, still empty, and then rose with a stretch.

"Right. Let me go gather the remaining books before I too fall asleep." He gestured towards Kosara muttering in her sleep. "But I should be awake enough to keep first watch after another cup of tea. I wager whatever meagre information I can gleam may be quite enlightening or at least keep me awake for a while longer."

Blackberry collected a candle and lit it before descending back into the darkness of the basement. With a bit of light he could actually appreciate the clean up Lady Kathryn had been doing earlier to gather up the dust and shards of bone. He was quickly able to disassemble his own makeshift barricade with only a little trouble manoeuvring the door (it wasn't worth the hassle to summon his arms again), and let himself back into the hidden study to gather the last of the books, while keeping well clear of the glowing runes on the floor.

Avonshire - D&D Based Adventure

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Baronfjørd "Blackberry" Chedgusah Dragon Born, Monk (Astral self), Level 05 HP: 40 / 40 Armor Class: 16 Conditions: N/A Location: Taproom Action: Thinking Bonus Action: N/A Reaction: N/A Ki: 2/5

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BlackBerry blinked a few times with confusion at Barbals 'correction' but kept any thought or comment to himself. Well...served him right for making assumptions of people.

"Worry not, Lady Kathryn." BlackBerry cleared is throat. "I may not look it but I am a deft hand in the kitchen also. I'm sure we can work together to meet Master Mosswaters requests. We do still have one more room available which we can make up for the both of you."

With that important matter aside, his mind turned to the remaining items of discussion. After all that had been said by them each in turn they still seemed no closer to actually doing anything, it was a vexing thought for him and no doubt at least doubly so for Lizbeth still sitting at the centre of everything.

"It would seem there lies a question for yourselves, Masters Mosswater." Blackberry fought the urge to slam his hand on the table watching Kosara slowly doing a nodding duck impression. Leave it to Kosara to have an idea and then promptly start falling asleep. "Any particular reason why so many townsfolk look to be of the South? Thinking on that fact, Master L'Rose made the same observation in his notes."

BlackBerry let out another frustrated sigh, followed by a sniffle. He looked into his now empty cup and scowled at it, as if it were responsible for the problems they were all facing.

"I suppose we must still try to learn and find out more before we can make any concrete plans. Shall we go collect the remaining books then, Lady Kathryn?"

Avonshire - D&D Based Adventure

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Baronfjørd "Blackberry" Chedgusah Dragon Born, Monk (Astral self), Level 05 HP: 40 / 40 Armor Class: 16 Conditions: N/A Location: Taproom Action: Thinking Bonus Action: N/A Reaction: N/A Ki: 2/5

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BlackBerry gnawed on the thought that the Prince was a liar. It was an interesting thought to consider.

"Ah a very reassuring thought." He responded dryly. "Lich or no, the Prince has a way with the more profai- the more unique magics. To add to this we have no idea where he may be or how to get there. And even if we did it would almost certainly not be in time."

BlackBerry took a gentle sip from his tea and used the moment to arrange his next words into something they could all actually act on; as it was they were simply talking in circles. It was Lizbeths own admission to a sense of urgency that knock a latent thought rolling, and again his thoughts turned to the timing of everything.

BlackBerry grimaced slightly at Kosaras suggestion but, like a lot of Kosaras suggestions, it did make some sense.

"This is clearly not a case of a simple...I do apologise for this Lizbeth, a simple sacrafice. But let us put aside that idea, Kosara, of a would be bride and not get ahead of ourselves with 'what if' when we are still struggling with 'what is'. Victoria, if you are certain yourself and Lady Kathryn can gleem anything of note from the dreams, it may be useful to collaborate such with yourself Master Mosswater." He turned to the mosswaters and said, "I do hope this shall not become too much more exciting than the theatre good Sirs, but perhaps your own knowledge of the land and history can give us the insight we are struggling with at this time."

BlackBerry put down the cup and leaned forward again in his seat with only a small pause to blow his nose, again.

"You are right however, Kosara, to bring up the wording of the original agreement. We are still woefully unaware of whatever the full agreement Monsieur L'Rose had made. We have clues and ideas of course but nothing concrete with the full agreed terms. If, well, I say 'if', as if we are not already in agreement that what ever it is that Farid has planned cannot come to pass?"

He paused to let anyone argue if they wanted, and if they did they would have recieved a very angry scowl, but after the moment passed he then continued,

"If we are to truly find a way to resolve this I doubt we can do so in as simple way as a fair fight. No I dare say this will be more a battle of wits or otherwise finding something else to offer."

He sighed then with an annoyed and tired air, and a look upwards to the ceiling hoping maybe the answer might loe there in the beams and occasional cobweb. His fingers frantically tap, tap, tapped along the table also trying to find an answer.

"Master Urmdurus, if you would be able to show us anywhere else Monsieur L'Rose asked you to build anything that would be much appreciated and even gathering anything he requested for would be useful to have in hand. I daresay in this case we cannot leave even a single stone unturned. To that end, I can go collect the other books from below. I shall not pretend to know all or any notes on magic there may be but I am an astute reader." The latent thought that had been rolling finally hit home. BlackBerrys grew wide at the idea, a sudden stroke of inspiration. "The Frostival. It may be then all this comes to a head."

Avonshire - D&D Based Adventure

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Baronfjørd "Blackberry" Chedgusah Dragon Born, Monk (Astral self), Level 05 HP: 40 / 40 Armor Class: 16 Conditions: N/A Location: Taproom Action: N/A Bonus Action: Mild disgust Reaction: N/A Ki: 2/5

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Blackberry listened to Master Urmdurus' confession, such as it was, with a sinking feeling of dread. It seemed that Master Urmdurus may know even more than he was letting at the moment. But with an eye cast towards the Mosswaters and then towards Lizbeth as well, BlackBerry could understand the mans hesitation.

It was Master Urmdurus' glance towards Young Lizbeth which cemented a theory, an idea that had been festering inside BlackBerrys mind and no doubt the others were coming to similar conclusions.

Blackberry scowled, reflecting Lady Kathryns own restrained anger which was then momentarily redirected when he watched Victoria refilling her cup with more of the definitley cursed brandy.

"Dare I ask why Victoria you inisit on still drinking that?" He was understandably incredous seeing Victoria refilling her cup with the necromatic brandy. "A mere suggestion it may be but at the rate you appear to be drinking it may well turn into an insistence, if not an outright demand!"

Yet another thing they had to worry about. They should have destroyed the brandy when they had had the chance or otherwise left it buried and forgotten. But to another point that Lady Kathryn ahd brought up; why hadn't Master Urmdurus arrived beforehand? He had sent one his apprentice Daxos, and likely spent time working on the items he had given Young Lizbeth. BlackBerry decided he would keep an eye on Master Urmdurus as the questioning progressed as the others would have their own questions.

"Better the former than the latter option Lady Kathryn." BlackBerrys voice rumbled, dripping with anger and frustration. A few sparks escaped. "He has already shown to have formidable power and patience though of course not endless. It is best we tread carefully. And in all fairness Lady Kathryn we did not advertise the nature of the event I do believe or should hope we did not."

BlackBerry turned then towards the Mosswaters.

"May I ask if either of you would know anything? Anything of the estates past either recent or otherwise? You did say you had come here to share what you knew, and I daresay the time may be upon you to do just that."

Avonshire - D&D Based Adventure

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Baronfjørd "Blackberry" Chedgusah Dragon Born, Monk (Astral self), Level 05 HP: 40 / 40 Armor Class: 16 Conditions: N/A Location: N/A Action: Persuasion (7) Bonus Action: N/A Reaction: N/A Ki: 2/5

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"I do say the sandals would provide some much needed long range attacks for myself." He chimed in after Victoria explained finished identifying their 'loot'. He turned to Lady Kathryn on his perpetual pacing. "An ongoing obligation may be something to look into. Very good thinking Lady Kathryn."

Another thought struck him on his tenth, or even eleventh, lap of the room.

"Master Urmdurus, I believe there is a matter of which we must ask of you." BlackBerry deposited himself in the chair next to Master Urmdurus. "The reason being of which, for as far as I am aware, you have been here for the longest of all. Not too earlier, we had been..." He paused with his mouth open, trying to figure out the best way to say 'We've been snooping in places we should not have been and had to fight against undead assailants whilst the heir to the L'Rose estate was right next to us.' "Investigating the strange events surrounding the estate as of late."

His eyes wandered towards the Mosswaters being served tea by Lady Kathryn; the pair seemed an alright sort, but he did still worry if it was right to discuss such inflammatory things with them present. Oh well, they simply had more pressing matter than possible blabber-mouths. BlackBerry refocused on Master Urmdurus who was patiently waiting for him to continue.

"To keep things brief." BlackBerry continued, "We came across a room in the basement that had been locked away behind a hidden door. The recently departed Daxos had mentioned the craftsmanship bared some similarity to that of The Duergar and so we did wonder if perhaps you had known who may have installed it?"

Master Urmdurus simply stared at BlackBerry for a moment while he took in everything. After taking a large swig of his drink he answered, "Yes."

"Ah! Marvellous! Please, Master Urmdurus I must ask you, do tell who is responsible?"

"Me."

"Hm. I see." The answer didn't surprise BlackBerry as much as he thought it would. Kosara had even said it was likely to be Master Urmdurus who had made the door. But now there were even more questions and BlackBerry's demeanour changed subtly, more serious and hardened with this confirmed piece of information. "And do you know what it was we found in there Master Urmdurus? Who was it who charged you with the task and why?"

Avonshire - D&D Based Adventure

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Baronfjørd "Blackberry" Chedgusah Dragon Born, Monk (Astral self), Level 05 HP: 40 / 40 Armor Class: 16 Conditions: N/A Location: Taproom Action: N/A Bonus Action: N/A Reaction: N/A Ki: 2/5

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Blackberry was only somewhat reassured by Victorias words; as far as he was aware attuning to an object didn't take ones blood but who was he to argue with Victoria who had more experience than him with both magic and the more 'profane' arts. It was a question to possibly ask about later.

He absently thanked Kosara for bit of healing she granted which quickly soothed what had been a growing bruise of his face, and even unblocked his left nostril. Magic truly was a fantastic thing, but the second thing may have just been a coincidence.

BlackBerry could sense some unease from Young Lizbeth that much was obvious and given nearly every day had brought more and worry onto the poor girl, he didn't blame her for wanting to avoid using her magic for now.

"Just as well really. Let yourself focus on the basics before throwing something such as magic into your combat training." He nodded with approval at Lizbeths decision. His eyes still flicked towards The Well. BlackBerry then pinched his chin and put on a bit of a show tilting left and right a bit before stating, "I am glad to say you do not look any worse for it however; no changes in height, sprouting flowers or even a change of hue. I daresay you have gotten away far less scathed than the rest of us."

Kosaras exclamation just then made him jump.

"I am glad to report that I for one have not any." This wasn't entirely true as he tried to turn his mind back to the party the other night, he was fairly sure he had had a sample of it mixed with the wine. He would have to think on it after his ears stopped ringing. "But Kosara I do worry it is not just the Brandy we should be concerned about. If it is truly something of the land than unfortunately that may extend to everything else grown here. But you are right, that must be our next action. Afterwards..."

It was not a comforting thought. How in the hells were they supposed to explain this to Madame L'Rose. He doubted 'Cursed Brandy Wine' would be good for business. There was still the issue of the demands from The Prince. If Monsieur Arnaud had offered things like grapes, food, and horses before..then perhaps that is what The Prince was after again?

"Perhaps it is as simple as wanting something of worth or exotic origin? I once knew a fellow who had owned this fruit called a 'Duran'. 'Dorian'? 'Durian'?" BlackBerry tried the word a few more times of varying pronunciation before giving up. "Regardless, it was something from overseas and you could smell it from several corridors away. He seemed very proud of it though even after we threw him out the door."

BlackBerry was pacing the room now in thought. Tapping his chin, tilting his head one way then the other while he chewed his cheek and on a worrying thought. He paused only to give a surprised, and a little sad "Oh, Farewell Daxos. Do take care." He dearly hoped the man would keep his mouth shut about what they had all found in the cellar, not that that seemed to be a chief concern right now with the spoils spread out on the table. Even as Victoria completed her identification he continued to walk back and forth, back and forth, and tap, tap, tapping his chin.

'Terms for promised compensation for the initial agreement with Master Arnaud extend beyond death and have not been met.' He remembered the words from the letter and without any clue as to how to reply.

"But this would suggest Monsieur L'Rose had already fulfilled his obligation? Or at least he thought he had? Oh dear, it would seem a question still remains unanswered and we could be much shorter on time than first thought. Young Lizbeth, may I see that letter you were reading just then please? perhaps there is another clue to this puzzle within."