If I tell you that there is absolutely no evidence that the man you are following is aware of your presence or can hear your thoughts, does that impact your intention at all? Remember, you have been identified as and housed with warlocks, and all the warlocks are telepathic, but they are a tiny minority of the population on this planet, which is why they have been the victims of witch hunts until the present queen provided sanctuary.
--M. J. Young
Still the same plan. I didn't think he was telepath, just being cautious and posting my thoughts every post.
The man apparently hears you, and deftly sidesteps your charge. "Guards!" he shouts. "I'm being attacked!"
--M. J. Young
I'm going to wait for the guards to come and say the following.
"This man was lurking about, after seeing the banshee I was a little nervous so I read his thoughts and he's part of some plot, I think he has ill intentions towards the Queen. He needs to be brought in for questioning and mind reading. You should lock both of us up in a secure location for the night, I believe Brom would like to talk to him and it's better for you to lock both of us up than allow him to walk away."
I'm going to try and continue reading his during this, whether that's from the previous roll still being active or a new roll, I just need to know what he's thinking while trying to deceive the guards.
Edit: Forgot to put my thoughts.
Thoughts:
I should have known better. He's obviously a spy, I should have expected him to pull something like calling the guards before I could. I hope the guards will be cautious and just lock both of us up. I don't see why they wouldn't. Hope the jail cots aren't too unpleasant.
Three guards arrive, dressed in the Queen's livery. The one in the lead stops.
"Councilor Durer," he says. "Forgive me, but you are some distance from the Duke Loguire's quarters, sire."
The man is thinking now that it's good to have respect from the fools, and it will play to his advantage.
"I did not think that guests of Her Majesty were commonly accosted simply for taking walks through the halls at night when unable to sleep. This man is a danger, and ought to be secured. In fact, these witches..."
You notice that he is thinking that he must remember to use the local word "witch" instead of the correct word "telepath"; these "primitives" have no clue what a "telepath" is, nor that their "witches" are actually psychically gifted, not magically empowered. He is also thinking that this is an opportunity to undercut the confidence the men have in the queen and raise the fears and superstitions against witchcraft which are still present in the minds of most of the locals.
"...of yours are all dangerous; I'm stunned that that young ill-trained queen of yours does not properly burn them or put them to the water, as has always been done in Grammarye."
"I am quite sorry for the upset, sir. My men will see that you are returned safely to the Duke's quarters."
At this point he turns to you. A nasty grin crosses the face of the man they called Councilor Durer, but he hides it just as quickly. He's thinking that he's put you in a bad place, and that's going to work in his favor. The guard, though, says to you, "So, what have you to say for yourself, Warlock? Why should you not be clapped in irons forthwith?"
--M. J. Young
"I'm truly sorry Councilor Durer, I did not know who you were and on such a stressful night with the banshee and all my imagination got the best of me. I meant no harm, only to restrain one who at the time I took to be a spy."
"Please do not put me in irons, I recognize what I did as wrong but I promise that I had the best of intentions. There was so much talk about the queen being poisoned last time the banshee showed that when I noticed someone walking around the halls this late at night that I didn't know my paranoia wouldn't allow inaction. I'll keep my nose down more in the future, as I know not enough of who people are to know who is out of place. I promise to cause no further problems for you or Councilor Durer."
Thoughts:
I need to talk to Brom, but talking to him due to being arrested would probably no be the proper course of action. Durer is a slippery fellow, and apparently holds a good deal of sway. Possibly I could devise a device to intercept the radio signals they seem to be using in order to convince Brom. I wonder why others haven't heard thoughts that would betray him before though. He was just wandering around the warlocks dormitories. Oh well, I'll have to devise a method to pick up those radio signals.
Councilor Durer does not seem to be the forgiving kind. He raves about the need to clap you in irons, because you are a menace to the guests, and that you only prove that the warlocks are all dangerous and that the Queen is foolish to give them sanctuary.
He is thinking that he needs to confine your or eliminate you. He is certain you do not come from Grammarye, and that means you must be here as part of one of the factions trying to change events here. Since you appear to be a telepath, you must be here to save the telepaths. Since the universe doesn't know about the telepaths on Grammarye yet, you must have come from the future to prevent those who want to destroy the telepaths before they are discovered.
The guard, meanwhile, is obviously eager to appease Durer without making a mistake. He doesn't think much of your station, but he is a bit nervous about your power. "Come along," he says. "You can tell it to the Officer of the Watch, and maybe he'll let you speak to Brom. Don't worry--he never sleeps. Are you going to come peaceably, or do we need to restrain you?"
Durer leaves in the company of two of the soldiers.
--M. J. Young
"I will come peacefully, as I meant no harm."
Thoughts:
I wonder who the officer of the watch is. Now Durer wants me dead, great. I wonder what Grammarye is. I have come to trust Molly far more than anyone else here so far, I'll ask her. I should possibly be more honest about who I am with her as well. Although maybe I shouldn't burden her with that knowledge. It is hard to not think about things sometimes. This world has time travel? Durer has reason to think I came from the future? And how are the telepaths not discovered? It is known their are warlocks, is there a different type that is not a telepath? If I'm not allowed to speak with Brom I may have to risk trying to learn that telepathy trick Paul taught me. I'd much rather play it safe though, he did mention it was dangerous. There is so much going on, and I think there is so much I can offer to the Brom and thus the queen to help. I just need to convince them I'm being truthful.
They take you down from the towers, below the battlements, to a house near the front gate in the bailey. As they enter, there is an officer in conversation with Brom.
"Captain," the guard says, "this man accosted Councilor Durer in the halls; the Councilor called for help, and my men responded."
"Did he, now?" the captain says with a grin. "Perhaps the good Councilor will learn not to snoop around our castle at night."
"He is rather upset, sir. He insists that the prisoner be confined."
"Ah. Insists. I see. And what was your assessment of the situation?"
"Well, sir, the prisoner's story makes sense. There was the banshee earlier tonight, and the Councilor gave no explanation for why he was in that section of the castle. This man is apparently a new arrival, recently come to stay with the warlocks, and does not know all of the Queen's servants, never mind her guests. And personally, sir, not that I would want him to hear it, but--" the guard hesitates.
"Go on, soldier," Brom says. "We'll not repeat your words."
"Well, sir, it's just that Councilor Durer is a bit, well, creepy, if you know what I mean. If I didn't know who he was I would think he was connected to the House of Clovis and The Mocker, and not a member of the Duke Loguire's personal staff. So it's an easy mistake to make, I would think."
"Yes, I would agree," Brom says. "But only in my official capacity as Court Jester. So, Mike, what have you to say in all this?"
--M. J. Young
"I have a lot to say if I'm permitted to speak freely. Before trying to restrain Councilor Durer I had read his thoughts. That's actually what triggered me to try to restrain him."
"He was initially there trying to find more information about me apparently. He was thinking about some sort of plot although he never specifically thoughts about the details of the plot. He did mention The Mocker which at the time seemed insignificant to me other than who it seemed he was plotting with, but apparently that's a name of significance. He did seem to hold resentment towards the Mocker, but more in the sense of drawing unwanted attention rather than thinking he was doing wrong. That's the point when I thought whoever he was he should be brought in to someone like yourself to read his mind more thoroughly than I could. I then tried to restrain him in a non violent manner. Had I any intention of harm I wouldn't have tried restraining him. My wand is a far more effective weapon than my body."
"Speaking of violence his last line of thought before he left was very worrisome. He thinks I need to be eliminated so as to not interfere with his plot. I truly am sorry for what problems I have caused, I really was trying to help."
Thoughts:
Please be listening to my thoughts Brom. Of all times this would be the right time to be. There is more, but I'm not sure whether it's safe to mention it here. I need to tell you more about my history and more about Durer's thoughts. In his mind he referred to us as telepaths instead of warlocks, was thinking about radios, and was referring to the telepaths of Grammarye being unknown to the universe. What is Grammarye? Either way, just tell me to speak my mind if you would like me to speak all of this here, or I can speak with you and whoever you wish about this.
End Thoughts
If Brom tells me to I'll explain all of what I was thinking out loud. Otherwise I'd like to talk to him about it after this meeting, which hopefully goes well.
I'd also like to offer to try to create a device to intercept the radio signals that the plotters seem to be using. I know the basics, and with some trial and error and if I can get the materials I should stand a decent chance to create something. If there is confusion as to what radios are I will explain they are electronic devices which allow people to talk over long distances.
Brom frowns.
"Ye're going to have to be more careful, lad. I can't bring a man to trial based on the claim that a warlock heard him think plots against the Queen, and particularly not when that man is under the protection of the most powerful noble in the land. I'll not clap ye in irons tonight, but take care. And thanks for the warning, but ye're wrong about this: The Mocker is of the House of Clovis, and ye can be sure no one in the House Loguire is allied with the House of Clovis."
--M. J. Young
"I'll be more careful in the future. Thank you Brom."
I'll retire for the night, I'd hate to put Brom in a bad mood by continuing. I'm going to continue my psionic training tomorrow. I may not be feeling entirely better but if Durer really intends to try to have me eliminated I'm going to have to learn as much as I can to protect myself and learn more about him.
I'll try and find Aldis tomorrow and ask her to show me how to listen in to conversations as Molly had mentioned. Preferably shortly before lunch, but if I can't find her before lunch afterwards is fine.
Let's make sure that you understand these kids with whom you're staying. Until about a year ago, they were hunted, tortured, beaten, persecuted, and probably know friends who were killed, because of their abilities. Then the Queen declared clemency for the witches and warlocks, but the persecutions continued because the common people were afraid of the magic. So the Queen offered sanctuary to any witch and warlock who wants it, and it seems that all the ones who came are eighteen and under. They have free food, free room, free wine, and their only responsibility is to stay out of the way of the official business here. So every night they drink all the wine they can down and dance as long as they can stay upright, and then stumble to bed.
And you want to talk to one of these teenagers before lunch?
--M. J. Young
Ah, ok. I had a pretty significant misunderstanding then. Same plan, but I'll be doing it after lunch.
I can understand the partying until you can't and stumbling to bed well enough. I've done it enough times. I just didn't realize that was the exact extent and that everyone was doing that. Thanks for clearing it up. I'll ask Aldis at lunch whether she could teach me afterwards.
A bleary-eyed Aldis says she would be happy to teach you after supper.
You notice that all of your companions arrive at lunch a bit quiet and bleary-eyed, and that this, come to think of it, is the norm for them at this time of day.
After lunch, most of them simply vanish--that is, they disappear, quite literally, leaving the table without the part about leaving the table.
You get a message that Captain Maris would like to see you after lunch. A few of the others brighten up enough to tease you that you're in trouble now, since he's Captain of the Queen's Guard.
--M. J. Young
After lunch, most of them simply vanish--that is, they disappear, quite literally, leaving the table without the part about leaving the table.
The last part there made me laugh a little.
Since most of them vanished that means some are still there. I'll ask one of the people remaining what just happened.
After getting the message that Captain Maris would like to see me I'll head to see him immediately.
To the group who is teasing me I'll say "Well I better not get myself in any more trouble by being slow. Could someone direct me to where he would be?"
Yeah, I like that gag. I once had my werewolf cab driver explaining to the sorceress verser passenger that in a manner of speaking she had crossed the Delaware river to get from Philadelphia to Cherry Hill, in that she was on that side of the river and now she was on this side, and the only part that was missing was the part where she was actually over the river. But then, Raal was really good at teleporting--he could pull a cab out of the twilight (or the between, or hyperspace, or whatever you want to call it) into city traffic, and when the other driver thought that cab came out of nowhere, they actually were sort of right.
"You can't just wish yourself wherever you want to be? That's a little harder to learn, sure--"
"It's a lot harder to learn."
"O.K., it's a lot harder to learn, but most of us can do it, as long as we're going somewhere we know pretty well."
"You'll learn," Molly says. "Just, not next."
As to the other question, "He's probably in the Watch Office by the Main Gate, if he didn't say to meet him somewhere else. I mean, it's usually either there or wherever the Queen is, and if it's where the Queen is, it usually means a summons from the Queen, not the captain. So do you know where the Watch Office is?"
It occurs to you that that's probably where you were taken last night. I presume you're good enough with directions that you can find your way there again. It won't help to ask these people--they'll tell you to hop off the wall and fly down to the gate--palace corridors and stairwells are not their primary pathways.
--M. J. Young
Yeah, I'm decent with directions and finding places I've been before. I'm not all that good at giving people directions to where I've been before though, although this isn't one of those cases which is good.
I'll head to where I was taken last night then.
"Captain," you hear the guard say through the door, "the new warlock you summoned is here."
There's an answer.
"You can go in, sir," he says to you.
Captain Maris, a well-built man perhaps in his fifties, hair graying but otherwise not showing his age, is standing behind the desk. Brom O'Berin is seated to one side, his short legs not reaching the floor from the chair.
"Have a seat," Maris says, waving to a chair near the desk.
As you sit, Brom says, "Mike, I would like you to tell the Captain what you were telling me last night about hearing Councilor Durer's thoughts."
--M. J. Young
"Well sir, I was paranoid due to the banshee appearance and then I saw Councilor Durer sneaking around in the halls. I didn't know who he was at the time so I decided to go and follow him around and listen in on his thoughts, in case he was up to no good."
"When I read his thoughts I learned he was there trying to find information about me. What was more concerning was he was thinking about a plot, although the specifics he never directly thought about. At this point I thought it would be best to try to restrain him, which is what brought about the trouble I got myself into, which I am truly sorry for. I wasn't attempting to hurt him, simply restrain him so that he could be questioned by someone more experienced than myself."
"Durer was also thinking about The Mocker, who I still don't exactly know anything about except he seems to be a bad person. From the sounds of it Durer was plotting with The Mocker. Brom here has assured me I must have been mistaken about that, but that is what his thoughts made is seem like."
"I'm assuming Brom was reading my thoughts last night as well, which I was trying to use to convey a bit more information to him. Some things are rather sensitive and I didn't know what I should mention there. Durer's thoughts weren't worded the way everyone here thinks. He wasn't calling me a warlock, he was calling me a telepath. He also was thinking about how he wished he was able to use radios in the castle, but that it would draw too much attention. I didn't know that technology existed here. He was also talking about the fact the universe doesn't know Grammarye has telepaths yet. What is Grammarye anyway?"
"I think I should explain a little more about my history. I wasn't born in this time period and perhaps not even on this world. I was involved in a series of events that has caused me to be displaced from my original location in time and space. As such I have knowledge of technology which I believe surpasses what is present here. Until hearing Durer's thoughts about the radio I imagined electronics did not exist here and thus my knowledge was not necessary. Radios are devices which allow long distance communication through inaudible signals transmitted through the air. I think I can create a device to intercept these signals and help you listen in on the conversations they hold. I can't guarantee I can, but I can try. The previous history I told you about myself is all true, I just didn't include the fact that I believe I may be from a different time, I'm sorry for withholding this but I didn't know how it would be taken, and I'm still not 100% sure how."
"The last of Durer's thoughts before he left were that he needed to eliminate me... I don't know what I've gotten myself into but I truly am sorry for what trouble I've caused. I'll do anything I can to help, but unless instructed to I'm going to try and keep my head down, I would like to learn more of the talents my fellow warlocks can teach me as they may help me stay alive if Councilor Durer decides to try and eliminate me."
Thoughts:
I'm speaking my mind throughout all of this, no significant thoughts outside of that.
They listen to you without interruption, although there are some interesting facial expressions.
What was more concerning was he was thinking about a plot....
causes Captain Maris to raise an eyebrow.
Durer was also thinking about The Mocker, who I still don't exactly know anything about except he seems to be a bad person.
Maris nods at this.
I'm assuming Brom was reading my thoughts last night as well, which I was trying to use to convey a bit more information to him.
Brom's face turns to something between a frown and a scowl.
...he was calling me a telepath. He also was thinking about how he wished he was able to use radios in the castle, but that it would draw too much attention. I didn't know that technology existed here.
This brings very puzzled expressions, and they look at each other in bewilderment.
He was also talking about the fact the universe doesn't know Grammarye has telepaths yet. What is Grammarye anyway?
They look more bewildered at this, but Brom says, "Go on."
Through all this they look completely lost, although they start looking less so when you continue:I think I should explain a little more about my history. I wasn't born in this time period and perhaps not even on this world. I was involved in a series of events that has caused me to be displaced from my original location in time and space. As such I have knowledge of technology which I believe surpasses what is present here. Until hearing Durer's thoughts about the radio I imagined electronics did not exist here and thus my knowledge was not necessary.
Radios are devices which allow long distance communication through inaudible signals transmitted through the air.
The last of Durer's thoughts before he left were that he needed to eliminate me...
Both men look somewhat concerned at this point.
They look at each other, and Maris nods to Brom, who begins the answers.
"First, Grammarye is the world--the entire world, the world of men and elves and beasts, from ocean to ocean. Catherine is queen of all. I don't know what ye mean, about being from somewhere else.
"Second, I'm not a warlock. I am the queen's jester, and the only one like me, but I do not have the powers the witches and warlocks share. I can't read your thoughts, lad.
"As to these words--'telepath', 'radio', 'technology', 'electronics'--I've never heard such words before, and they have no meaning that I know. Nor can I say where you could have been born if not here on Grammarye, but I'll not say ye be not honest in saying so, nor that ye be crazy to believe so. After all, no one can say where you are from, and if ye arrived from another world, that would be as good an answer as any. Do ye know how ye traveled here, or why Grammarye was your destination?"
Maris steps in.
"I want to hear more of this plot. I realize that you only heard what you heard, but that he was plotting something together with the Mocker is, as Brom says, not credible, and we can't imagine what agreement might be between those two.
"Durer is Councilor to the Duke Loguire. I know not his origin, but he is seen as the chief of these councilors who have appeared within the past ten years, one at the ear of each of the leading nobles of Grammarye other than the Queen herself. The Duke trusts his advice, although argues with him more than any of the other nobles argue with their councilors. There is tension between the Duke and the Queen, but also I think much love--when her father the King had to fight a rebellion among the lords to the north, he sent her south to stay in the Loguire demesnes; he is her uncle, or near as, and she grew up for half a decade with his two sons.
"All thought that she would marry the younger, Tuan Loguire, a skillful, dashing young man but a year older than she; but when her father died the year after she returned home, she accused him of seeking her hand only for the power of the throne, for whoever she marries will rule Grammarye. He so disgraced was separated from his family; but he runs with the House of Clovis now, which is where The Mocker stays.
"The House of Clovis styles itself an inn, but it is a den for thieves and beggars. Tuan Loguire appears to be the leader, but The Mocker, a decrepit hunched distortion of a old man, seems to do a lot of the work behind the scenes. I have more than once thought the place ought to be destroyed, but the Queen says not--and well she might, because although Loguire preaches against the nobles openly in the streets of the capital, he also always preaches loyalty to the queen.
"Durer, meanwhile, seems to be pushing all the nobles, through their councilors, to demand more authority for themselves and a quelling of the rising rabble. The queen is in the middle of this, but she tends to favor the rabble against the nobles--"
"I think that's more than enough about that particular subject," Brom interjects. "What the Queen decides about policy is not to be second-guessed by soldiers and jesters and even warlocks.
"But this radio of which you speak it is a machine? You say it uses inaudible signals over long distances, just as the witches and warlocks do when they communicate by thought, yes? You have seen such a machine? Where?"
--M. J. Young
"I don't fully understand how I got here or why, but I was in a much much different land before this. I wish I did. As to the plot, I've told you all I could, although he was trying to undercut the guards trust in the Queen, which led me to believe the plot was against the Queen. That may just be part of my paranoia however, as the banshee sighting spooked me."
"I'm mulling over exactly what I heard, I tried committing it to memory as much as I could. Durer's thoughts were that the Mocker was a fool but I interpreted it as an incompetent ally. I could have been wrong however, which it appears I was. I wish I had managed to learn more about his plots."
"As to the unfamiliar words I used, allow me to define them. A telepath is a person who can communicate with other people via their minds, and do other assorted things with their mental powers. What Durer was calling a telepath we call a warlock or witch. The difference is warlock and witch implies the power is magically bestowed while telepath implies that it is strictly an exertion of the users mental powers. He seemed to think this was a big distinction."
"Technology is a general term to define the level natural materials and resources are manipulated to better serve the people. Learning to cut stone was a technological achievement as it took the poorly shapen stones and configured them to more workable pieces. Likewise the development of electricity and radios is a technological achievement that allows for long distance communication."
"Electricity is what composes lightning. When harnessed it allows for a multitude of possibilities. One of which is the radio."
"Finally the definition of the radio. The radio is indeed a machine. The way it communicates would be very similar to the way witches and warlocks communicate by thought I would imagine, although the means are very different. I have seen many of them from where I came, although none in this world. I think I know enough to build one however, although gathering the materials may be difficult. I have some machines in my backpack that are similar or have similar components to a radio. I may need to disassemble them in order to make the device, but if need be I can do that. Would you like me to try making one? If so I may need help with materials. I'm also not sure how fast I can make one."
If they mention they would like me to try and make a radio I'll ask if there is any thin metal wire available. That and time. I'm going to need to think about how to approach this. I don't have an abundance of electronics in my backpack and when I decide to try this I need to make sure it works.
Both Brom and Maris wave aside the suggestion that you would make a radio.
"I think instead," Brom says, "our young warlock's powers would be of better use if we have him keep an eye on Councilor Durer's thoughts--at least when he is in the Queen's presence. We should put him in some livery, so he looks like one of the guards, and assign him to be present at meals and meetings."
"I agree," Maris says. "This morning was close; it is good you have such a strong constitution, my friend; if that poisoned food had reached the Queen, this conversation would be academic."
"Of course, we wouldn't have proof--you have to understand this," Brom says, turning to you. "We'll want you to alert us if Durer is putting the queen in danger, but to understand that the fact that you heard him think something is not proof that he thought it, at least under the laws of Grammarye. There are many, nobles and commoners alike, who still feel that witches and warlocks are a danger, and the idea that you could be convicted of a crime based on what one of such dangerous persons claimed you were thinking would be too much for many. But you've read Durer's thoughts and uncovered some cause to be suspicious of him, and while having you read his thoughts again won't prove his guilt, it might save the queen if indeed he is plotting against her.
"What say ye?"
--M. J. Young
"I am willing to do whatever you wish me to, and would be happy to do as you say. How do you wish me to alter how I go about my day outside of meetings and meals?
"May I still continue learning from my fellow warlocks and witches?"
"I assume I should keep this information to myself?"
"I'm supposed to meet with Aldis after supper tonight to learn more, in the mean time where would I get the livery to look like a guard? I assume I should start being present at meals starting tonight?"
"Also, how do you wish me to alert you? I can't speak to other peoples minds directly yet. Should we establish a signal?"
"Is Councilor Durer present at every meal the Queen eats by the way?"
"Speaking of livery, is there any chance I could get a set that stands out slightly less among the warlocks? I stand out like a sore thumb and if Durer decides to target me it makes it that much easier. Also if I could get a razor I would like to shave."
If I manage to get these I'd like to shave before supper if I have time. If it's a straight razor I've never used one before. I don't know how long I've been shaving though, but I almost never cut myself and I get a nice close shave when I do. Not sure where that puts me on SAL if it's even a skill.
If during supper Durer is there I will attempt to read his thoughts.
Assuming they don't wish me to cut off ties with the other witches and warlocks (can't imagine they would, it would be counter productive to me helping if I can't learn more.) and that supper goes uneventfully I'd like change into the clothes I asked for before if I managed to get them. If not oh well. I'd like to find Aldis to learn to listen in to conversations. If she doesn't automatically use a particular target I'll suggest Molly, as I doubt she would mind.
Thoughts:
With Brom and Maris:
The Queen was almost poisoned? That does make sense, everything pointed to that was going to happen, I was hoping I was simply paranoid. It's an honor to be asked to help.
At Supper:
I'll be scanning the room for Durer throughout the dinner. If he is there I'll be thinking about what his thoughts are if I manage to read them, otherwise I'll be focusing on looking for if he enters.
With Aldis:
I appreciate how kind everyone is, helping me learn all of this, it's rather daunting. I'm sure Molly wouldn't mind me listening in to her, she's been so helpful and nice so far. I hope to see her at the party tonight.
How do you wish me to alter how I go about my day outside of meetings and meals?
"Since you'll have to be in the dining room before the Queen's arrival at breakfast, you might want to do a bit less partying in the evening. After all, you want to be sharp in the morning."
May I still continue learning from my fellow warlocks and witches?
"I don't see any reason why not, as long as you're available when there's reason for Durer to be near the Queen--meals, and court, which is once a month."
I assume I should keep this information to myself?
"That would be best, although I'm not sure how you would prevent the other warlocks and witches from knowing it unless you avoid them entirely. Still, they'll probably approve, so the only question is whether they'll also keep it quiet."
...where would I get the livery to look like a guard? I assume I should start being present at meals starting tonight?
Maris will provide you with livery. "Livery" means that you wear the queen's colors, like her palace guard, over your clothing or armor. Armor is also available--the guards where a rather cumbersome looking full plate on duty. The armor is not mandatory.
Also, how do you wish me to alert you? I can't speak to other peoples minds directly yet. Should we establish a signal?
"It depends on what you overhear. In the main, I would expect that Durer would not try anything openly--not even the Duke could protect him from charges of treason, even if he would. So that means mostly you would listen to his thoughts as you are able, and then meet with us to tell us anything you think significant. Of course, if he does think something that suggests her majesty's food or drink is poisoned, or there is poison on the silver, or there is an assassin positioned in the corridor outside the door, I'm sure you could simply ask to speak to one of us and convey the information." Brom is always with the queen when anyone other than her attending maids is, and Sir Maris can alert the guards to the fact that any warnings you offer are to be taken seriously.
Is Councilor Durer present at every meal the Queen eats by the way?
"Councilor Durer is wherever the Duke Loguire requires him to be, which is usually at the Duke's side. When the Duke is visiting he always takes meals with the Queen, and so Durer is almost always there when the Duke is in residence here."
Speaking of livery, is there any chance I could get a set that stands out slightly less among the warlocks? I stand out like a sore thumb and if Durer decides to target me it makes it that much easier.
The royal colors are green and gold, and the livery has the overlay look familiar from The Three Musketeers in its various incarnations.
Also if I could get a razor I would like to shave.
Both of these men are bearded--Brom rather outrageously so, with about as much shaggy curly black hair on his face as he has on his head, Sir Maris with a clipped white beard that shines against his graying hair and bushy brows. They are aware that young lords shave until they are old enough for their beards to grow full, but don't know off hand where you could get a razor other than hunting around in the shops in town.
I'm pausing here to permit you opportunity to consider what you will be doing. At 5'7" you can probably borrow clothes from one of the teen warlocks--Tobias and Randal are both probably near enough your size for the way clothes are cut (one size fits most) here, although Martin is rather more burly and would have clothes somewhat wider in the girth. If you want armor, they'll fit you with that when they get your livery, which they'll do right after this meeting.
--M. J. Young
I'll opt for the armor option while acting as a guard.
As for clothing I'll ask Randal about borrowing some clothing then.
Shaving wasn't terribly important, it had just occurred to me I could probably use a shave by this point. But if beards are popular here that's just as well.
Continuing with what I posted from last post then.
The full plate is heavy and restrictive of your movements; it gives you an appreciation for the strength of the men who wear it regularly.
You arrive at dinner when instructed, and are present as Councilor Durer arrives in the wake of a man who must be the Duke Loguire--a great grizzled old man with liver spots who radiates a sense that he is in command of his surroundings and knows his own mind. Durer's attitude at his right arm can only be described as "fawning". They sit, Loguire at the western end of the table directly opposite the large chair at the head, Durer on his right.
Brom is also present, seated to the left of the large chair. You are stationed by Sir Maris alongside a door in the south wall, roughly behind Brom's chair, perhaps five feet from it. As soon as Durer enters, you attempt to connect to his thoughts, but fail to do so.
A couple more people enter, mostly in pairs of one nobleman (all younger than Loguire and less commanding in their presence) and one councilor (all looking almost like twins of Durer, with the same balding heads, pale skin, hunched bodies, and keen eyes). They take seats apparently assigned to them.
Once everyone else is present, the arrival of the Queen is announced by a soldier stepping through the door beside you, and everyone rises (Brom hops down from the chair in which he was seated). Her majesty enters, glances at you with a nod that suggests she has been informed that you would be present as a guard. She moves to her seat and sits, and everyone returns to their seats.
You try again to find Durer's mind, and you find it. He's thinking that one of the benefits of monarchy is that those at the top get good food, but that when he destroys the monarchy he'll still be in a good position as councilor of the most powerful warlord, and he won't have to put up with the petulance of the childish queen. In any case, even if he has to go back to eating food like at home, it will be better when there are no telepaths in the universe. Nothing in his thoughts suggest any immediate action intended.
As the meal being is served, you start to lose the connection. Are you going to attempt to maintain it, or let it drop on the assumption that if he were planning something presently he would have thought of it in the first five minutes of the queen's arrival?
--M. J. Young
If I'll be wearing the full plate during breakfast lunch and dinner does that count as strength training?
I intended to start working out in the morning once I was more settled in here, this seems like a good time for that since I'll have to be up far earlier than most of the warlocks for breakfast anyway. I'd like to do push-ups in the morning, coupled with the fact I'll be wearing full plate for multiple hours a day. I'll dedicate an hour in the morning after breakfast to physical workout.
That doesn't really impact current situation however, just wanted to mention it.
I'll be satisfied with what I've heard so far. It's enough to tell Brom and Maris more and indicates there isn't an immediate threat.
After supper I'll debrief with Brom and Maris.
"He's definitely involved in the plot against the Queen. He was thinking about what would happen after he destroyed the monarchy and that he would maintain good position in the aftermath as councilor to the most powerful warlord. He also wants to eliminate all warlocks and witches, although he always refers to us as telepaths."
After supper I'll find Aldis to learn how to learn to listen in to conversations.
I'd like to find Aldis to learn to listen in to conversations. If she doesn't automatically use a particular target I'll suggest Molly, as I doubt she would mind.
Thoughts:
During supper:
My thoughts will be consumed with composing the summary of Durer's thoughts to tell Maris and Brom afterwards. Want to have them as accurate and reliable as possible.
With Aldis:
I appreciate how kind everyone is, helping me learn all of this, it's rather daunting. I'm sure Molly wouldn't mind me listening in to her, she's been so helpful and nice so far. I hope to see her at the party tonight.
With Aldis:
"Well, the easiest way for you to learn this is probably to try to watch my thoughts--kind of like hearing what I'm thinking, but not exactly what I'm thinking, more how I'm thinking. Does that make sense?"
Are you going to attempt to do that?
--M. J. Young
"That makes sense. I'll try that."
I'll follow her suggestion and try and do that.
Whenever I ask someone to instruct me I'm happy to follow their advised path, even if that requires learning a separate skill on the way.
You manage to find the place in her mind where she releases and directs psionic energy; as you watch, she tunes in to Molly's "frequency" much as you do when you listen to her thoughts, but focuses on her language processing centers.
Suddenly Molly's voice comes out of Aldis' mouth, saying, "Thank you, Randall, but you know I can get my own wine."
Suddenly Randall's voice answers, "Sure, Molly, but when a girl can do everything for herself, what's a guy supposed to do to be nice to her?"
Aldis drops the skill.
You pick it up, and pick up the conversation where she left off, Molly's voice coming out of your mouth: "Did you hear anything about why Sir Maris wanted to see Mike?"
"No, but I noticed he wasn't at supper," Randall's voice replies. "You don't suppose he's in trouble?"
"No, he was meeting with Aldis to learn to listen to conversations this evening, and I notice that she's not here either, so I would guess he made that appointment."
This reminds you that you haven't actually eaten--while the witches and warlocks were eating, you were watching the queen's guests eat, and you left from there to meet Aldis for your lesson. You're a bit hungry, I expect. But you can stay with the conversation for a while if you wish.
--M. J. Young
"Wow, I just realized I haven't eaten supper yet. Do you know where I can get a bite to eat fast before heading over to the party? I want to make sure everyone knows I'm ok and not in trouble. Thank you for the great lesson by the way, I really appreciate it."
I'm assuming Aldis will point me somewhere to get a quick bite to eat, just need to know where. After which I'll head to the party and try to find Molly.
I don't intend to drink more than 2 glasses of wine at the party as I'll need to wake up earlier now. I will get myself a drink though while trying to find Molly.
When I find Molly:
"Sorry for not finding you sooner. Maris had me running an errand and then I had an appointment with Aldis. I managed to learn to listen in on conversations. I listened in on yours, figured you wouldn't mind. I stopped as soon as I figured it out, not trying to infringe on your privacy. I promise to explain it all to you tomorrow. Lets have some fun for now though. Would you care to dance?"
Thoughts:
Right after being taught by Aldis:
Wow, I didn't expect to be able to do this quiet this early. This should help with my task from Maris.
At the party when I find Molly:
It's a shame I won't be able to stay up till the end of the parties now. Can still have fun and dance however.
Aldis asks what task it is that Sir Maris asked you to do. (She obviously heard it in your thoughts.)
Molly asks what sort of errand Sir Maris had you running. (You mentioned it to her.)
Molly does dance with you, and she levitates a couple glasses of the mulled wine to her hands and hands one to you.
--M. J. Young
Aldis asks what task it is that Sir Maris asked you to do. (She obviously heard it in your thoughts.)
"Um... I had a bump in with Councilor Durer the other night when I listened in on his thoughts. I don't think he's up to any good and brought this to the attention of Brom, who brought it to the intention of Sir Maris. So now I get to act as a guard to the Queen during her meals and listen in on Durer's thoughts. I'm sure the rest of the warlocks and witches will find out at some point but lets not spread it about too fast? I don't intend to lie, but no need for unwanted attention."
Molly asks what sort of errand Sir Maris had you running. (You mentioned it to her.)
"He has me looking after the Queen. Last night I caught Councilor Durer sneaking around the warlocks quarters and listened in on his thoughts. Not knowing who he was... and the ill intent I heard in his thoughts, I attempted to restrain him and call the guards. That got me in a little trouble at first, but after I explained myself last night I was let go. Sir Maris then heard about what I had told the Officer of the Watch, and summoned me. After I retold my story to Sir Maris he requested I be present at the Queen's meals and to listen in on Durer's thoughts so as to protect the Queen. It's been a very busy day. I can't stay until the end of the party or drink as much as I'd like due to this however. I can still have a couple however, just have to be up in time for breakfast. I had intended to only tell you, but as I was told earlier and realized as soon as I had a lesson with Aldis everyone will know what's up soon enough. As long as Durer doesn't find out about it I guess there's no problem."
Molly does dance with you, and she levitates a couple glasses of the mulled wine to her hands and hands one to you.
When she hands me the wine:
"Why thank you Molly. Today was exhausting but you seem to make everything better."
I'll excuse myself from the party early, as I'd already explained to Molly and head to bed.
Thoughts:
around Aldis:
Maris and Brom were right, not going to be able to withhold anything. Hope they were also right that everyone would support the plan.
At party with Molly:
This entire event puts much more urgency on learning everything. Durer wants me eliminated and I have very few ways of defending myself. I'll just be careful. I can learn more tomorrow however, time to relax now.
Long before you finish your second drink, it seems everyone at the party is aware of your assignment to protect the queen. They all seem to approve.
Tobias catches you somewhere during the second drink, and says, "I hear that you picked up the conversation hearing skill pretty quickly from Aldis; I think it falls to me to show you how to fly. You want to do that tonight, or tomorrow night? I never do anything in the afternoon other than recover from my hangovers."
--M. J. Young
"Lets try it tonight. I'm eager to learn to fly. Aldis also taught me to look at peoples thoughts to aid in learning. Should I be doing that?"
I'll follow whatever Tobias says. I'm happy to be taught, not about to question how he wishes to teach me. I would guess he'll have me use Observe Psionic Skill Pattern, which I'll try until I succeed or botch.
Thoughts:
Awesome, I've been looking forward to learning to fly since I got here.
"Absolutely. If you can do that, it will make it much easier."
He then describes how you use your mind to take away your own weight, and does it while you watch what his mind is doing.
You copy what you saw, and manage to stay aloft for about two minutes on this first attempt.
--M. J. Young
"Wow, that was amazing. Thank you so much for teaching me this Tobias. I should head to bed now however. Waking up for breakfast is going to be something of a change for me. I'm sure you would like to get back to the party anyway. Thank you again for your time."
I'll then go to Molly.
"Molly! I managed to fly. Not for long or terribly well, but I managed it. I have to be getting to bed however, need to make sure I'm awake at breakfast. Just wanted to let you know and say good night. See you tomorrow."
I'll then head to bed.
Thoughts:
During the two minutes of flight:
I'm flying! This is so awesome. It feels a little weird, but definitely awesome.
When talking to Molly:(still excited from flying, very evident)
I'll have to practice flying tomorrow, would be nice to not be restricted to the floor while dancing. Today sure was eventful.
Molly says that's great, and the next thing you should learn is dousing torches. Tobias could teach you that, too, as he's pretty good at it, or maybe Randall, who is a bit of a joker and likes to douse the torches sometimes.
If there's nothing else, you head to bed.
--M. J. Young
Nothing else, just going to go to bed then.