Bell’s Ball (Date 1/10/7)

Euwyn was a fool for showing up. Relania knew this clearly, but she had to admit to herself she was glad he did. If the Prince had done the wise thing and given her party a miss, that would pretty much be it for the Bells. Next would be a marriage to some disgusting, lusty, old, widower lording to pay off the family’s debts and excuse these latest accusations of scandal. Her parents could… what? Run a shop selling off the few family heirlooms they hadn’t been ordered to hock… Hire on as servants in the house they used to own… Get real jobs! Oh, it was all too horrible to consider, and – as it was – unnecessary. Prince Euwyn was here, along with half a dozen aunts, cousins and the like. Despite her family’s current financial woes, this newly budding scandal, and her advanced age – all of 19 – Euwyn was still interested. And only she knew why…

Only she knew the prince’s secret. Kenny Ismort! How could the Euwyn like, Kenny Ismort? Given, he was cute and could be charming when he tried – even she had been charmed by him as a girl – but his whole façade just rubbed her wrong. Everyone knew his family’s corrupt past – and present! They made so little attempt to hide it. Kenny’s attempts to rise above it all and “give back” to the community weren’t fooling anyone. He still came home for holidays. Still had his house paid for with Ismort ill-gotten gold. He was no saint. She would have to steer Euwyn to more realistic options once they were married. Someone a little more genuine, far lower profile, and a little less attractive wouldn’t hurt either.

She watched as her family fell all over themselves trying to please the Prince. No matter how many times she told them this was the exact wrong tack to take, they couldn’t help themselves. Taking the opportunity the momentary solitude gave, she examined his note again. Such a strange sentiment… Sometimes she wondered if maybe there might be more in his heart for her, but no— They had agreed, this was going to be a marriage of mutual benefit. She would give him an heir and protect his secret life, and he would provide for her family. She would help him with the intrigues of court and in turn, he would let her. He wasn’t the only one with a secret passion.

The gift was equally interesting, a magic bird that could actually fly and could carry notes back and forth. It was wondrous! She knew she should be more amazed – and she was – but part of her brain couldn’t stop thinking about the book that Lexington had found. So many mysteries! So much history! In her mind she had left this party behind and was flipping over pages with the dashing young marshal. But he was gone, off setting up the fishery and patrol routes to protect the kingdoms growing holdings. Maybe when he got back, she could send him a note…

Lexington’s party returned to find injured men come from the hills. Martin healed their wounds and the group told their tale. A fierce band of ogres had set on the mine, and they few had escaped. The rest of the miners and guards had been trapped in the tunnels and were feared dead. Assembling the team, the party rode forth at first light, arriving as sun set on the mine to find the shipping station at the base of the cliff deserted. Fearing the trolls might still be around, Lexington and Hedge were sent to scout. They found a single troll guard stationed outside watching the trail, a rock fall trap engineered to spring on any who would approach. Inside the cave, the miners were still alive! Three more trolls were there, including the powerful matriarch. They were eating mountain goat meat raw, while keeping the humans as prisoners. The most peculiar thing was that each troll wore a strange harness on their back.

The scouts reported their findings, and it was determined the harnesses were to allow the trolls to carry human as shields against the prince’s fire magic. This was a trap, and a terribly cunning one at that. Rather than spring it, Euwyn came up with a trap of his own. Lexington was sent invisibly to trip the rock fall, seemingly by accident. When the trolls went to repair it, they would jump the smaller band, dividing their forces. Hopefully the trolls wouldn’t bring their human shield to such menial labor.