percivalthegale (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
percivalthegale) wrote2008-10-06 11:53 pm
percivalthegale) wrote2008-10-06 11:53 pm
Unsucessful venture
I left in a hurry more than a week ago, duty came calling that quickly. Now that I'm back, I have a moment to ponder what is happening - and at the same time, even more is happening right here at Budehuc!
Louis has been arrested as a spy by the Zexen Council. I don't know if they're trumping up this charge, or using his own words of "finding out what they're up to" literally against him, conceiving of him as a spy under someone's directive here rather than what he is - a concerned young man looking into their business on his own. Poor Louis. Lady Chris and I were unable to get in to see him, either together or separately, and not for lack of trying! I even attempted to distract a guard so she could get in, but it came to nothing. The marshals are locking the Guild Hall down tight, it's almost as if a war had been declared inside Zexen even though nothing like that has happened. If we weren't suspicious of the Council before, we certainly are now.
And then we get back to find that Councilor Lowma himself is on the grounds, apparently making demands for the release of the infirmary thief and the turning-over of all spies. I don't know what in the world gives him the impression that Budehuc has spies working for it, in any capacity, or just what he's getting at by making this demand. Is he really that stupid? I don't think so. Lowma is notoriously shrewd, if egotistic and narrow-minded. So it leaves me wondering, just what "spies" does he want, and what will he do if the castle tells him they have none? I'm apprehensive to think what may happen if he starts naming residents he wants turned over to his custody.
I wish it were my place to go to Lord Thomas and speak with him. I want to tell him not to give in to the demand, to be respectful but honest and demand an explanation from Councilor Lowma. But I'm afraid that with Lady Chris here, and in charge, I really can't do such a thing. I can't speak about Knights' business, no matter how much I might want to. I must simply do my job, follow milady's orders, and try to keep a good face on for my friends.
Poor Apple. I have no news to give her, and hearing that will only make her even more worried about Louis. I wish I could have at least caught a glimpse of him to assure her he's okay. He's alive, that's about all I know for certain. I feel for her, and it breaks my heart to think what this is doing to her. I imagine Master Mathiu is keeping her on bedrest for preventative purposes. My mother said the midwives often do that for a stressful pregnancy - not that I would know.
Mother is quite well, all things considered. No one in Iksay is aware of anything odd going on at Budehuc, so if the Councilors are staying at the inn there, they aren't talking to the locals. At least, I did get the short vacation I wanted. It was a brief respite on the way back from Vinay, to be able to swing past Iksay and catch part of the festival. My mother was pleased to see me and host Lady Chris, and the townspeople were tickled to have two illustrious knights visiting even if I am the local boy. It was such a short rest, but a welcome one, and it has refreshed me considerably. I feel much better for having had some great food, a lot of pie, a little ale, and a lot of sitting listening to the farmers tell their stories. If only I were coming back to boredom and quiet instead of an acceleration of the Council's activities.
I regret that I wasn't able to take Sir Troy to the festival like I suggested, but I'm sure he won't mind. I can make it up to him. I should like to sit down with him, he manages to make me forget that I'm under any kind of stress even when he asks me about Zexen business. That, and he's got some good rum hiding on that stern ship of his.
Louis has been arrested as a spy by the Zexen Council. I don't know if they're trumping up this charge, or using his own words of "finding out what they're up to" literally against him, conceiving of him as a spy under someone's directive here rather than what he is - a concerned young man looking into their business on his own. Poor Louis. Lady Chris and I were unable to get in to see him, either together or separately, and not for lack of trying! I even attempted to distract a guard so she could get in, but it came to nothing. The marshals are locking the Guild Hall down tight, it's almost as if a war had been declared inside Zexen even though nothing like that has happened. If we weren't suspicious of the Council before, we certainly are now.
And then we get back to find that Councilor Lowma himself is on the grounds, apparently making demands for the release of the infirmary thief and the turning-over of all spies. I don't know what in the world gives him the impression that Budehuc has spies working for it, in any capacity, or just what he's getting at by making this demand. Is he really that stupid? I don't think so. Lowma is notoriously shrewd, if egotistic and narrow-minded. So it leaves me wondering, just what "spies" does he want, and what will he do if the castle tells him they have none? I'm apprehensive to think what may happen if he starts naming residents he wants turned over to his custody.
I wish it were my place to go to Lord Thomas and speak with him. I want to tell him not to give in to the demand, to be respectful but honest and demand an explanation from Councilor Lowma. But I'm afraid that with Lady Chris here, and in charge, I really can't do such a thing. I can't speak about Knights' business, no matter how much I might want to. I must simply do my job, follow milady's orders, and try to keep a good face on for my friends.
Poor Apple. I have no news to give her, and hearing that will only make her even more worried about Louis. I wish I could have at least caught a glimpse of him to assure her he's okay. He's alive, that's about all I know for certain. I feel for her, and it breaks my heart to think what this is doing to her. I imagine Master Mathiu is keeping her on bedrest for preventative purposes. My mother said the midwives often do that for a stressful pregnancy - not that I would know.
Mother is quite well, all things considered. No one in Iksay is aware of anything odd going on at Budehuc, so if the Councilors are staying at the inn there, they aren't talking to the locals. At least, I did get the short vacation I wanted. It was a brief respite on the way back from Vinay, to be able to swing past Iksay and catch part of the festival. My mother was pleased to see me and host Lady Chris, and the townspeople were tickled to have two illustrious knights visiting even if I am the local boy. It was such a short rest, but a welcome one, and it has refreshed me considerably. I feel much better for having had some great food, a lot of pie, a little ale, and a lot of sitting listening to the farmers tell their stories. If only I were coming back to boredom and quiet instead of an acceleration of the Council's activities.
I regret that I wasn't able to take Sir Troy to the festival like I suggested, but I'm sure he won't mind. I can make it up to him. I should like to sit down with him, he manages to make me forget that I'm under any kind of stress even when he asks me about Zexen business. That, and he's got some good rum hiding on that stern ship of his.