Successful Mission

[Bjorn]

Bjorn lingers for a moment, staring almost wistfully at the forge.  "My apologies, then, Lord Ekim.  I will be off, and return before the moon sets."

[Brian]

"Rest," Ekim says, his hammer investigating and finding a tempo he seems to like.  "You will need to."

[Bjorn]

"Soon," Bjorn says.  "Thank you, Lord Ekim."  Bowing, he leaves the smithy.

Outside, he turns to Mirallia.  "I think I should share some of what I've learned and done with Lord Kevin," he says, quietly.  "And then I should sleep."  Setting off, he adds, "I'm sorry to drag you about the Keep like this."

[Brian]

"I've nothing better to do," she says, shrugging.  "Which is just as well, really.  An idle healer means no injured."

[Bjorn]

Bjorn snorts slightly in agreement, leading the way to Kevin's study.  "Indeed.  And I hope to keep it that way."

[Brian]

Lord Kevin and Sir Lammermore are not in their study, and you wander about the keep for a few minutes before you find a servant who knows where they are -- currently they're in Kevin's private quarters.  You go there to find that they've set it up as a temporary sub-office, as they're leery of the real office.

Lord Kevin looks up from his much smaller personal desk when you enter.  "Ah," he says.  "More good news, I imagine?"

[Bjorn]

"Better news, I hope," Bjorn says, gravely.  "Master Radagast has receieved a message from Wardmaster Mattias, with the storm-riders.  The storm-riders have found Gatemaster Eske, and are retrieving those left at the temples throughout the north.  In addition, they've apparently actually seen the Dwarf working with the Dreadmarch -- according to Lord Ekim, it seems to be one Estin Stonewright.  Unfortunately, beyond the fact that he is apparently a skilled smith, Lord Ekim knew little of him.

"Master Devin has set up a labyrinth outside the the Keep, made of walls and concealed pit-traps.  In addition, I have spoken with Mistress Astrid, and she will create an illusion of the moat being magically widened when the Dreadmarch next attacks -- hopefully causing them to first waste their efforts crossing a moat that isn't there, and then to slow to a crawl as they try to find the true boundaries of the moat.  Between these two things, we can hope that the next army will be forced almost to a standstill as they approach, giving the archers and trebuchets ample times to thin their ranks, and help bring the general to the fore.

"Mistress Astrid can also cause the lights of the Keep to flare to match the Sun.  I suggested that were she to do so just as the Dreadmarch was about to make contact with our lines, the ensuing blindness on their parts would provide us with a massive, if temporary advantage."

[Brian]

"These are sound strategies to my way of thinking," Kevin decides, nodding slowly.  "Can Eske bring the Storm-riders back here?"

[Bjorn]

"I'm afraid that that is something I do not know," Bjorn says, apologetically.  "I can ask Master Radagast to pass on those instructions, if you wish."

[Brian]

"If they're harrying the Dreadmarch, and in no great danger, then leave well enough alone," Kevin decides, shaking his head.  "Is there aught else?"

[Bjorn]

Bjorn hesitates for a second.  "My Lord... I realize that I may well have over-stepped my bounds, but I, along with Master Radagast, went to speak with Mistress Lindsey regarding the issue of possible traitors.  I thought that Aestock, in His role of negotiator and seeker of balance might well have insights that would prove useful."  He pauses again, somewhat uncertainly.

[Brian]

Kevin looks a little confused.  "And?" he asks, frowning.

[Bjorn]

"She was... unhelpful."  Bjorn frowns, still rather uncertainly.  "Or, rather, she was very unwilling to even attempt to make suggestions."  He shrugs, helplessly.  "It may very well be that she simply did not trust me, which is entirely understandable, under the circumstances.  But I must admit that I found it... odd, to encounter such resistance."

He studies Lord Kevin's face.  "I realize, my Lord, that the implications of what I am saying are very grave.  I do not wish to make any accusations, for I have no grounds for such.  But I feel I should share this with you, for your own search.  As I said, Master Radagast was there, and can provide his own thoughts on the matter."

[Brian]

Kevin grimaces and chews on one lip thoughtfully.  "That's something to think on," he says after a moment.  "Radagast and I will need to discuss it."

[Bjorn]

Bjorn inclines his head.  "As you say, my Lord.  Is there anything else that I can do for you?"