AA3 29 - Records I (Patreon)

Verdan sat quietly in thought for a few moments before slowly nodding. “We’ll help, but only against the Darjee. We want no part in the internal conflicts of your Clan.”

“Agreed,” Sebastian said quickly, rising to his feet as he stepped around to extend his hand to Verdan. “You have my word on it.”

The two shook hands, but any further discussion was halted when there was a knock at the door to announce that dinner was served.

All talk of politics and the Darjee was tabled while they were led through to a large room with two tables. Sebastian led them up to the top table while the Keeper’s staff sat at the lower table.

Dinner was a thick, meaty broth with fresh bread, which was exactly what they needed after so many days on the road.

The conversation at the table was light after the heavy topics they’d been discussing earlier. It was a good opportunity for Verdan to learn about more of the Kranjir culture, as well as get some other questions answered.

Verdan did make sure to check in about his apprentice as well, and Sebastian explained that both Dirk and his mother were being quartered nearby.

Dirk’s mother would be given the option to work for the Clan until other options were found, but it was an awkward situation. 

Clan Mhorgain was an old Clan with a storied history, but it was all but dead. Dirk’s home had been one of the last settlements that had been completely under the control of his Clan.

Sebastian was happy enough to spend the time discussing the different Clans and the families that made them up, but soon enough, they were finished and ready to head back to the inn.

“I had intended to gather what I could and head out in three days. Will you be able to come with us?” Sebastian asked as they waited for their guide to return.

“Not a problem for us,” Verdan said, thinking of what he could get done before then. “Could you recommend someone to speak to about the Vespa?”

“I will make some inquiries for you. Expect my man to return to you tomorrow with the information.”

“Thank you, that’s much appreciated,” Verdan said, giving the Keeper a respectful nod before looking over to see that the same guide as earlier was waiting for them. 

Thankfully, their exit from the Clan Hall was less eventful than their entry, and the sun was just dipping below the horizon when they reached the inn once more.

By unspoken agreement, the three of them gathered in Verdan’s room to discuss the events of the day.

“So,” Verdan said, looking over to Barb. “What are your thoughts on all this?”

“I’m from a branch family of a completely different Clan,” Barb said uncomfortably. “The Mac family are the founders of the Thrain Clan. They deal with matters far beyond my experiences.”

“But what do you think about it?” Verdan asked in a gentle tone, not wanting to put too much pressure on Barb.

“I think that something is seriously wrong,” Barb said eventually, shaking her head as she traced a finger along her caelin. “Thrain Hold is one of the largest border regions, and the people of Clain Thrain are well-known for their sense of duty.”

“I have a feeling that the political mess here is much larger than the Keeper was implying,” Verdan said, tapping one hand on his thigh. “Neither Sebastian nor Ciaran seem like the type to back down from a fight.”

“The Thane is involved somehow,” Kai said firmly. “There was a lot of tension between him and Sebastian. Perhaps that is the source of the issue?”

“The Thane’s word is law within the Clan. No one would go against him, not without dishonouring their entire family,” Barb said indignantly.

“They did mention a schism in the Clan, so that implies someone lower down than the Thane but still important,” Verdan said thoughtfully.

“Whatever it is, we should keep to ourselves and not get involved,” Kai said, giving Verdan a warning look. “We’re here for specific reasons. Let’s not get distracted.”

“A very good point. Let’s get some rest and see what the Keeper has in store for us tomorrow.” Verdan said, rubbing his face as the other two got to their feet and made their way back to their own rooms.

He’d been expecting some complications while they were here. That much was inevitable. Still, this was a little more than he’d been hoping for.

-**-

A new guide arrived early the next morning for them, introducing himself as Magnus Macstan.

Magnus was a tall man, as most Kranjir seemed to be, with pale blue eyes and short dark hair. He explained that he was a distant cousin of Ciaran, and while he wasn’t under Sebastian’s official command, he served him gladly.

Verdan had a feeling that Magnus’s presence was as much to guide them as it was to warn off potential issues.

He hoped he was wrong, but either way, what mattered was that Magnus had a name for them.

 Keeper Bronagh Barkstar. 

“So, what can you tell us about Keeper Barkstar?” Verdan asked as they followed Magnus through the city.

“Keeper Barkstar is one of the most well-respected Keepers in the Clan. Beyond that, she’s considered one of the best loremasters in all the Clans and has a vast personal library.”

“Sounds like just the person we need.” Verdan’s interest had already been roused, but the mention of a vast library put a smile on his face.

“Oh yes, those of the Bark bloodline are hard workers, and their loyalty to the Clan is impeachable,” Magnus said with surprising enthusiasm. 

Verdan hid his frown and instead nodded along, wondering if Mangus was covering for some other issue with them.

The idea that Sebastian was setting them up briefly crossed Verdan’s mind, but he rejected it almost instantly.

The Keeper seemed to be a direct man, which Verdan very much appreciated, so some sort of convoluted entrapment would be out of character.

No, Verdan was confident this was something else. He just didn’t know what.

-**-

The Bark family had a small version of the Clan Hall that they’d visited the day before, with the Keeper living in one of the largest houses that were included with it.

Magnus led them directly to the Keeper’s home and knocked on the door with the ease of familiarity, which once again struck Verdan as slightly odd.

Shaking his head, Verdan reminded himself that he knew little of their internal organisation. He had no way of knowing what was or wasn’t usual for the Clan.

A servant wearing the emblem of a black tree next to a white mountain opened the door after a few moments, greeting Magnus by name.

“We’re here to see the Keeper if she’s available?” Magnus asked.

“Of course, please wait a few moments,” the servant said before closing the door once more.

Glancing around them, Verdan could see that their presence was causing a slight stir. Outsiders were definitely a rarity, but thankfully, the interest they were getting seemed benign in nature.

It probably helped that there were only two of them, and they were being escorted by two Kranjir, so they weren’t intruding.

“The Keeper will see you,” the servant opened the door wide and beckoned them to enter. “She is waiting in the dining hall.”

“Thank you,” Magnus said, nodding to the servant before leading them deeper into the building.

The general layout seemed somewhat similar to Sebastian’s home, including a similar style of dining area. 

Keeper Barkstar was an older woman with long, braided dark hair that had streaks of grey running through it. Despite her age, she had a striking countenance, and there was something about her pale eyes and sharp cheekbones that reminded Verdan of a bird of prey.

“Magnus, back so soon? And with guests this time?” The Keeper rose to her feet and swept her gaze over them, her eyes lingering on each of them in turn.

“Yes, Keeper,” Magnus said, stepping aside so that he wasn’t between her and Verdan. “Though this visit isn’t for me. Keeper Macstan asked me to introduce you to a guest of his and to relay his hope that you will render your aid.”

“I see, and does this mean he is finally taking action?”

“I’m sure I don’t know what you mean, Keeper,” Magnus said levelly before flinching slightly as she turned her gaze on him.

“I am not a fool, Magnus. I see what is happening, and I do not approve. That being said, we are bound by oath and honour, and I will take no sides in what is coming. You may leave.”

Magnus seemed shocked by the Keeper’s blunt statement, and his mouth worked soundlessly for a moment before Verdan stepped up and cleared his throat.

“If I may be blunt, Keeper?” Verdan asked as politely as he could, desperately doing his best not to make the situation any worse than it already was.

“You may,” the Keeper said, leaning back in her chair with a slightly amused expression. “But I will not tolerate rudeness.”

Verdan inclined his head before gathering his thoughts and deciding to take a risk. “My name is Verdan Blacke. I am a Wizard, which is somewhat similar to a Sorcerer, but I do not use Essence. I have an agreement with Keeper Macstan to assist him in fighting the Darjee, but specifically to not be involved beyond that. Beyond that, my presence here is unrelated to the rest. I simply asked the Keeper who he would recommend I approached for assistance.”

“Is he telling me the truth?” The Keeper turned her eyes back to Magnus before holding a finger up. “Lie to me now, and I will never assist you again.”

“I understand, Keeper,” Magnus said, giving the older woman a short bow before lifting his chin and speaking clearly. “The Wizard’s words match what Keeper Macstan explained to me this morning.”

“Very well. Please sit and explain to me what you seek and why you think I can help. Breakfast will be served shortly.” The Keeper waved for them all to advance, a smile touching her lips as she eyed Verdan thoughtfully.

Verdan took a seat at the table while the Keeper summoned one of her servants to order their food. With her attention elsewhere, Verdan let out a shaky breath, relieved that it seemed he’d taken the right approach. 

Now, they just needed to figure out if she could actually help.