Successful Mission

[Bjorn]

"If someone is listening in, my Lord, they are doing it either by magic or by means of human servants.  I am no Lorekeeper, so cannot help with the former.  As to the latter... I am not a courtier, either.  I am a soldier.  If we are faced with spies, then we should change our meeting place," Bjorn says.  "Perhaps to a room in the cellars of the Keep, if it can be arranged?  A place unlikely to be anticipated, and difficult to approach unannounced.  It would also be wise to institute regular patrols of reliable men through the grounds at large, and in particular around whereever we choose to meet.

"But another possibility is not spies, but traitors."  Bjorn spreads his hands.  "Here, I cannot help you.  If someone in this room is an agent for the Dreadmarch, we are in grave danger, but I don't know how we can know for certain."

[Brian]

Lammermore leans back in his chair and rubs his chin.

Kevin looks like he wants to yell at you, but schools himself after a moment.  "It's not beyond possibility," he says after a moment.  "If a dwarf can forge weapons and armor for the Dreadmarch, and a lorekeeper can enter their service, who's to say that our own court is invulnerable?  It's a dark thought, but a true one.

"Very well.  Who in this room might be a traitor?" he asks, rubbing at his chin, and visibly frustrated.

[Bjorn]

"Pardon, my Lord, but you mean 'if at least one dwarf and at least one Lorekeeper," Bjorn correct, more or less instinctively.  

"As to your question," Bjorn shrugs, slightly.  "Any of us might be.  One complication is that we don't know what the Dreadmarch has to offer.  Certainly in the past, they were never so seductive.  What has changed that they can draw dwarves and Lorekeepers to their cause?

"Letting that aside, the logical candidates to begin with, obviously, are all the people in this room, and any trusted confidantes they might have."

[Brian]

Kevin and Lammermore are clearly unhappy with this idea.  Radagast looks thoughtful, not eyeing everyone speculatively.

The vassals look like they're ready to leap in front of Lindsey should someone throw an accusation her way.  Lindsey herself merely looks thoughtful, and maybe a bit distracted.  Dorian is pensive, looking at everyone in turn thoughtfully.  Ekim just glowers at nothing in particular.  Breke is completely impassive, and meets no one's gaze.

Astryd and Devin look like they're way out of their depth, and were happier not knowing anything.  Parthipan keeps shooting furitive glances at Lindsey, but says nothing.  Mirallia looks unsettled, and more than a bit nervous.

[Bjorn]

Bjorn studies the reactions of the people in the room, and then sighs.  "If you're waiting for me to name a name, my Lord," he says, somewhat dryly, "I'm afraid you'll be waiting some time.  I haven't got the resources to answer the questions I've posed.  I am simply trying to point out that the question is there, and it must be answered."

[Brian]

"Something dark and uncomfortable to keep us company until the moon sets again," Kevin sighs.  "No matter.  The revelry in the hall downstairs should keep the worst of the despair at bay.  I'm going to try and secure another meeting place, then.  You are all dismissed, to rest, until I can find such a place."

Lindsey, her vassals, and the lorekeepers start to rise, and then Kevin hesitates, and says, "Bjorn, before you go, there is a question I'd like to ask you."

Mirallia hesitates, as well, and Breke makes no move to leave.  Lammermore says, "Sir Breke, I've been meaning to ask you about your swords.  Would you be willing to show them to me?"

"Yeah, yeah," Breke grunts, dangling a chain before Lammermore.  Lammermore hesitantly takes the chain.  "Guard's are holding 'em," he adds.  The pair heads for the door, followed by Ekim, who's still carrying that massive axe.

Lindsey and her vassals exit, and Astryd and Devin practically flee.

Dorian vanished in that mix somewhere, leaving Bjorn, Parthipan, Mirallia, Kevin, and Radagast in the room.  Parthipan is standing, but looks reluctant to leave.

[Bjorn]

Bjorn remains seated, attentively watching Kevin.

[Ginrai]

Ginrai looks at Radagast, wondering if he'll say anything.

[Brian]

Radagast looks a bit curious himself.  "What's this about?"  he asks.

Kevin frowns.  "I would like to speak to Bjorn and Madame Mirallia alone," he says.  "Sorry, Lorekeeper Parthipan, but there is a matter I must discuss."

Radagast looks at Parthipan apologetically.

[Ginrai]

Ginrai nods.  "I understand."

Turning to the other three, he asks, "Afterwards, if possible, can I speak with you in private?"

[Brian]

Radagast nods.  "Certainly," he says.  "I'll return to my study afterwards."

Parthipan leaves the room.

Ginrai now goes to Moments in the Sun.

[Brian]

Once Ginrai is gone, it's just Bjorn, Mirallia, Radagast, and Kevin in the room.

Lord Kevin clears his throat, and glances at some papers on his desk before sighing, and turning to look at Bjorn and Mirallia directly, his brow furrowed in thought.

If Mirallia's nervous, she hides it very well.

[Bjorn]

Bjorn is silent for a few minutes, as he discards comments numbers one through thirty-six as being inappropriate for various reasons.    He settles for raising his eyebrows and asking, "What is it, my Lord?"

[Brian]

"I'd like a little more information on what the 'great sin' the Archon talked about was," Lord Kevin says flatly.  "I've given you the benefit of the doubt ... and Bjorn, I don't question your sincerety or dedication.  But Madame Mirallia ... there is something we must know about what happened here."

Radagast rubs his chin thoughtfully, looking between you and Mirallia.

[Bjorn]

On the verge of answering Lord Kevin's question, to forestall a response from Mirallia, Bjorn hesitates.  I am making an assumption, he realizes, and that's very dangerous.  Promised to keep the affair secret, so don't want to bring it up.  But if I cover for it, and there was something else...

Keeping his face blank, he finds himself lost in thought for a second.