I entered the Earl’s house and was led to the reception room. Upon entering the room, the guard announced me to the room. A few people turned to look at me but quickly turned away after determining I wasn’t important. I noticed that Ruberm at the far side of the room. I slowly made my way over.
When I was about 10 feet away, Ruberm broke off from his discussion and made his way to me. “Welcome Trevor of House Tierra. How goes your introduction to Forest Glen?”
“The move into Coven House is completed. Furniture and staff are done. The office will still need some work before I open to the public. I have taken the time to become more familiar with the city, especially the shopping districts.” I replied with a smile.
“Yes, the shopping districts are one of the nice things about living in the province capital. That and the libraries. Forest Glen has the best libraries in the province, second only to the Kingdo
m library in the capital itself. I would suggest you visit the temple district. The temple of Kronozo has some wonderful statue collection. I would also suggest visiting the guild district, I heard the Healers guild’s art collection is a wonder to behold.”
“Thank you, I will definitely visit them soon.” I caught the implied urgency to my visiting the major church and Healer’s guide. This was to smooth over opening my healing business. Guilds and Religions could be very prickly when they think you are intruding on their territory.
Ruberm and I chatted for a few more minutes before he moved off to greet a VIP, Count Something or Another. I glanced around the room and noticed that a stranger was approaching. The stranger held out his arm and said “Hello, let me introduce myself. I am Baron Viktor of House Vontoven.” We shook hands and he continued “I wanted to thank you for your efforts with the Earl. I fear we would have lost him without you. I was in the room when they brought you to him. What you did was a miracle. I have never seen anything like it. I was wondering, would you be available to help others with ailments the healers and priest were unable?”
“Thank you for your compliments. As to the healing of others, I would have to see them to determine if I could help. What is the ailment you refer to?” I asked.
“My wife is suffering from Proterius disease.” Viktor answered.
Okay, I have absolutely no idea what the hell that is, but I continue. “My secretary controls my calendar, but I will consult with her to get you the earliest appointment. I am sure I can push back an appointment or two for you, Baron “, I said knowing I have nothing on my calendar but wanting him to feel important. Because he probably was. I pulled out my notebook and pen from my inside cloak pocket. I jotted down his name. I assume my office manager would be able to find his address.
“That would be most appreciated.” A few more platitudes were exchanged and Baron Viktor excused himself.
As I looked around, I saw representatives from both the Healers Guild and the Temple of Kronozo. Each had a gathering of minor nobles surrounding them. This, as much as anything else going on, was a statement of the power of both. I hadn’t realized just how powerful they were and immediately decided to make visiting them my highest priority. Hopefully, I could negotiate a deal between us that would allow me to operate in Forest Glen.
The arrival of the Earl was announced and everyone turned to look. I have to admit; he made a grand entrance. Dressed to the nines, an engaging smile, and a confidence that just can’t be faked. I was quite impressed, as it appeared many others were. I also noticed that the Healers Guild representative was not. His assemblage of nobles surrounding him did not notice his demeanor, with the exception of one young noble that also appeared to share his views of the Earl.
Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.
The Earl grandly walked down the stairs into the reception room. He stopped to talk with Ruberm and then started walking with Ruberm towards me. In my side view, I could see the Healer getting quite upset. Other groups started whispering as the Earl made it obvious that I would be the first guest he would engage. Screw me, politics. I hated politics back on Earth, and it looked like I wouldn’t be a fan here.
“Your Lordship” I said, nodding my head, when the Earl arrived.
“Trevor of House Tierra” he said at a volume so others in the room would hear. “I wish to thank you once again for your healing me and I hope you find Forest Glen to your liking.”
“Forest Glen is a wonder. I finished furnishing Covern House, and am now looking forward to visiting both the Healer’s guild, and the Temple of Kronozo.” It was obvious that many others were listening in on our conversation. I am sure it would get reported to the guild and temple. This was my way of sending a message that I want to talk.
“Very good. I must be off to see to my other guest, please enjoy yourself.” And with that, he left with Ruberm following closely behind.
Many people were staring at me, wondering just who I was to be the first guest spoken to by the Earl. Apparently, that was a big deal here. Not sure why, but from the looks people were giving me, it was definitely important.
A few minutes after the Earl had left, I was getting a drink from one of the wait staff, when someone bumped into my shoulder from behind. This caused me to spill my drink. I turned to look and saw it was the young noble that had been talking with the Healer Guild representative.
“You cretin. You have ruined my clothes with your clumsiness.” The young noble practically shouted. I didn’t see any spillage on his outfit; besides he bumped into me.
But before I figured out what was really happening, I replied “You bumped into me, not the other way around.” Then I realized, this noble wanted to start an argument. Oops, too late to realize that now. I noticed that Ruberm was hurriedly moving toward us.
“Are you calling me a liar? I demand satisfaction. I challenge you Trevor of House Tierre.”
Okay, from bumping into me to an immediate challenge, this was definitely a set up. I looked over at the Healer’s representative and saw a big smile on his face. Definitely a setup. I silently cast Identification on the young noble.
[
Jaster Corville
Class Noble
Second Class Duelist
Level 16
]
To delay, I replied “And you are?” in a slightly mocking, yet innocent tone.
He immediately puffed himself up and said “I am Jaster of House Corville, second of Viscount Corville. Knight of the Forest Glen reserve, and Master of the Horses of House Corville.”
“Well, Jaster, I am Trevor of House Tierre. But apparently you already know that. Interesting, since I am new to Forest Glen.” I let my gaze fall on the Healer’s representative, letting him know I know he set this up. “Since I am new, let me tell you about myself before we go further. I am an unclassed level 1, who arrived less than 2 weeks ago. You are what a level 15 something?”
“I am level 16 Duelist” he stated arrogantly.
“And you want to challenge a level 1 unclassed person of no notable importance?” I asked, sounding offended.
At this point, Ruberm arrived. “You two follow me.” He escorted us into an adjoining room. “What is going on Jaster?”.
“This thing” Jaster pointed imperiously at me, “called me a liar. I demand satisfaction.”
“Actually, he bumped into me and cast aspersions on me.” I said, resigned to the fact I was going to have to duel this idiot.
Ruberm looked at me and said “What are the terms? As the challenged party, Trevor gets to set the terms. You get to set the time, weapons, and damage. Typically, first blood or death. I don’t think this qualifies for death though.”
“So, I can choose any weapon I want? Fists, swords, knives, anything? What about spell usage? Can I state no offensive spells?”
“Yes, any weapon. You can also allow or disallow any spell, gifts, or talents.”
“Okay then. Here, now, one handed sword, no shield. No offensive spells. First blood.”
Ruberm sighed, “Do you agree to these terms Jaster?”
Jaster grinned evilly, “Add a proviso to continue if no satisfaction is gained.”
“Agreed.” I said, now knowing the true intent of Jaster was to kill me.
“Let us move to the dueling area.” Ruberm stated.
