The Epilogue to
GHR-KEO19-03, New Customs and Bad Habits, by Tony Antonich
Starday, Readying 8,
619 CY
The humidity was stifling this morning in Gradsul as the
robed figure made his way through the crowds toward the keep. The sea blue robe
he wore made the heat feel all that more oppressive, and even the shell holy
symbol seemed heavy as he made his way. With a package wrapped in simple cloth,
he began climbing the winding stone stairway to the main avenue leading to the
gate of the citadel. Upon reaching the top, he paused a moment surveying the
activity outside the gate, wiping the sweat from his brow. Beyond the entrance
were crowds waiting in line to gain access to the personages that they need to
see, and guards checking wagons of provisions and goods that are required daily
to keep the citadel stocked and in working order.
The sun blazed down on those assembled here, but spying a
bit of shade near the outer wall, the priest made his way toward that spot,
waiting his turn. It was a little cooler there, but not by much. Patiently waiting
for his turn, he ran his fingers over the package he carried, humming softly to
himself.
“Father, come forward,” said the guard standing next to a
smaller portal in the wall. As the priest was walking forward, the guard asked,
“What is your business today, Father?”
“Glorious morning to you, my son, and may Procan bless you
and our fine city. I am Father Heggin,” the priest replied, “and I have been
sent this morning by my lord Bishop to deliver this package to the Duke.”
The guard looked over the man in front of him and the
package he carried. “Father, why not use a messenger to deliver this?” asked
the guard.
“I was wondering the very same thing when my bishop had me
woken this morning, requesting that I personally make this delivery. Normally I
wouldn’t venture into the city on a sweltering day like today.” he replied.
“What’s in the package?” asked the guard.
“Unfortunately, the Bishop neglected to grant me that
information, my son, I am sure you understand that.” he replied, handing the
package to the guard.
Leaving the gate, the priest made his way back to the center
of the city. He let a wry smile cross his lips as he made for a quiet alley he had
found a day before. Once in the alley, he retrieved a bundle that he had stashed
there and began removing the robes and trappings of the priest, donned his
normal attire. He emerged on the street and was lost in the crowd.
Sometime later that morning, the Duke and Duchess were
sitting on a small terrace overlooking the coast outside the city, enjoying a
light refreshment and talking. A knock came from the door to the chambers
behind them, and a few seconds later a stern looking man appeared and bowed. “Pardon.
my Lord and Lady. Lord Willim is here and he requests to see you. He says it is
a matter of utmost importance.”
The Duke looked at his wife and raised an eyebrow. “Well, he
is your cousin,” the Duke said.
“Please send him in,” she said to the seneschal. He bowed
and disappeared back inside.
A few moments later Lord Willim stood before the couple and
bowed. “My Lord, my Lady, I’m extremely sorry to interrupt you.”
“No, not at all,” the Lady said, “come join us, and tell us
what this is about.”
“How can we help you this fine morning,” the Duke added,
motioning for Lord Willim to sit.
Willim sat, reaching inside the robe he wore, and producing
a small wooden box with a strange symbol on it.
“What is this, Willim?” asked the Duke.
“I am not sure my lord, it came to my residence here in the
city a day ago. It had a note inside, with this.” Willim opened the box, removing
a small onyx knight chess piece from inside, placing the note and chess piece
upon the table.
The Duke read the note, then handed it to the Duchess. After
reading it they looked at each other, then at Willim.
“What is the meaning?” asked the Duke.
“I am not sure, my Lord. I am checking my sources for more
information,” replied Willim.
“Good, let’s find out, shall we,” the Duke replied, all the
while looking at Maressa.
A moment later, another knock at the chamber door, and again
the seneschal appears, this time carrying a package. “Pardon my Lord, a package
from the Bishop of Procan has arrived, shall I place it in your study?
“No, let’s have it now, our quiet morning is apparently over,”
he replied as he looked at the black knight chess piece on the table.
The seneschal placed the package on the table. “It has
already been inspected, my Lord. No magic or traps were found on it.” With a
wave of his hand, the Duke dismissed his servant. He began to unwrap the
package while Willim and Maressa watched.
Removing the paper, he found a finely crafted wooden box with
brass fittings and latch. Maressa leaned closer to inspect the item and after a
few seconds, nodded her head. Taking a knife from the table, he flipped the
latch and opened the box. Inside were two more boxes like the one that Willim
had shown them. Each box had a strange symbol etched in gold on the top, and two
cards, one in front of each box, with the Duke’s and Duchess’s names on them.
He removed the boxes and placed them on the table. Taking the box that had his
name in front, the Duke removed the lid to find an onyx pawn chess piece. Maressa
took the box labeled for her and removed the lid. She reached in and removed an
onyx queen chess piece and a small note which read “Your move. The Sigil.”
The three looked at the chess pieces sitting on the table
and then at each other.
“What does this mean?” asked the Duke. “A joke? A prank? The
meaning is lost on me.”
“An insult, my Lord?” Willim said,
“No, a warning,” said Maressa.
