The King looked to her at that last question. He chuckled a bit and said, "Well, if the knowledge that you have served your friends and your King well are not enough then I suppose we can find a little something else. I fear that money is something easily attained for one such as you so that will not do."


The King stopped and thought for a moment. What could he give her that she could not attain on her own? Then it dawned on him.


"Moryan, might I ask the name of the village that you grew up in?" asked the King.

She frowns slightly, and says softly, "Twas nae a village Sire, just a small farm on the outskirts o' the Southern Black Mountains. ... Why?"

"In honor of the Wayward Band's aid in this dark time I would like to set up the area that you grew up as a haven to all of those who are harried and caused pain by the Nobles of the land. If they feel that their Noble Lord or Lady has wronged them or close to them they may come to this area and lodge a formal complaint with my personal clerks. Those complaints will be given to me weekly and I shall hold Court with the Lords and Ladies and right the wrongs. The folk of the land will be under my protection and shall have no need to fear retaliation." said the King.


Then he waited for Moryan's reaction.

Moryan gasps, and simply stands gape-jawed for a moment. "Are ye.. ye'd do that? Ye'd truly do that, and ye'd listen and make amends?"


It was unbelievable, was he lying to her, she didn't think so. But why? Why now? A million things tumbled through her mind, but she knew he was waiting. And she knew such an offer was not lightly coming again.


"Aye Sire, I'll accept such a thing. That ye'll listen ta yer people and redress the grie'ous wounds done them by the Nobles o' yer lands."


With this, Moryan turned and bowed low to the King, graceful and elegant.

"As long as I can head it, your Majesty."


A voice said, flinging the doors open of the throne chambers. And the blonde haired-cleric kneeled, presenting himself before King Constantine, and standing to the side of his love.

 

-----signature-----

Rasputyn gave a start from the deep recess he was in and ALMOST whistled in surprise.


Then he drew shadows about him and sank deeper into the dimness, moving slowly out of the chamber, for news like this would not hold.

 

-----signature-----

King Constantine looked up from Moryan and saw the blonde haired cleric kneeling. He noted the way the man looked at Moryan and the cloak proudly displaying the emblem of the Order of the Red Lions emblem.


"ou must be Count Whitethorne. I knew your father. He spoke very fondly of you. Fear not Carrington for you shall be returned to your estates before I am done. As for who shall be in charge of the Haven I shall leave that to Moryan." said the King.


He looked to Moryan with a look of deep gratitude and said, "Now if you will all excuse me I fear I have some other people to see. Regrettably they are not quite as pleasant as you all are. For that I will be most grieved. You all have much work to do anyway I think so I shall leave you to it."


Then as if remembering something he continued, "Oh...Moryan...please take this parchment. It bears my personal crest and orders that you are acting on my behalf. Keep it safe and use it only if you have need."


After handing it to her the King left the Great Room discussing with his Steward the upcoming meeting.


Captain General Windsor turned to Moryan and bowed.


"ou did well M'Lady. I pray that you now see that not all of the Nobles are like the ones you despise. Our King is a good and just man. He will not do you wrong." said the Captain General.


With that he spun on his heels and followed after the King.

Moryan gazed at the letter with the seal of the King, and carefully tucked it into her bags. Then she looked at Carrington, and with a nod, grasped his hand and left the chamber and the palace.


She had much to discuss with him, her guild, and her alliance.

Glavian smiled down on his little sister, he was so proud of what she had just accomplished. With new respect showing in his eyes for the king, he nodded to Slifijen, and they worked their way back to the doorway.


Stopping at the end of the crawl space, the thief opened the small door and peered out into the hall. Seeing no one near, he crawled out and motioned for Glavian to follow. He then closed the door, and walked to the rooftop door.


Glavian paused outside, and handed the guard some more coin for his trouble, and lept to the roof across the ally. Slifijen followed and they were soon walking down the street toward east gate.


Glavian stopped and handed the thief a pouch containing one hundred gold.


"As much as I hate you, merc. I could see us doing business again." said the little man while bouncing the pouch in his hand.


"We shall see." the mercenary replied. then turned and walked through the gates toward the stables.

The moonlight slanted through a high window. Crispian watched it creep across the floor for several minutes before delicately extracting himself from the woman's embrace. He found it more tolerable if he used that label...the Woman.


He slid into the velveteen hose that had been discarded earlier and pull the soft half-boots on. Slipping the doubtlet over his barechest, he grabbed the tunic up and padded across the room.


Several minutes of furtive rummaging yeilded nothing and with a slight oath, he moved to the door, felt soles of the boots near silent against the woven carpet. He eased the latch up and slipped into the hallway.

 

-----signature-----