>>5420621The courtyard is quiet and empty. There are no guards on the wall, nor can you see a light through the arrow slit window of the gatehouse. There are still embers smouldering outside the smithy, and you can hear the occasional huff of the horses from the stable.
The door to the tower house is unlocked and opens onto a small foyer. Just beyond is the main hall, taking up most of the ground floor. Within, you find just two people sat together at the long table, hunched over a parchment by the foul-smelling light of a tallow candle. One of them you recognise as a Church layman who escorted you here; the other man is unfamiliar, but as you hear the Churchman going through an inventory of your belongings you surmise it is one of the manor’s servants. This is confirmed when you step into the hall and the two of them notice your presence: the unfamiliar fellow stands and bows, introduces himself as Nevio, and apologises on behalf of Claudine.
“The seneschal was unsure when you would return, Sir, and has retired for the night. I am to see to anything you need, and to show you to your chamber when you wish.”
Frankly you would like to lie down right away, but you bid Nevio to fetch you a little food before you retire. The servant hurries to fetch you a plate, and leaves you with the Churchman.
“Your belongings have been unloaded and your new servants await your direction in setting them up to your liking. Your seneschal tells me you have been <span class="mu-i">familiarising</span> yourself with the villagers. You’ll have the opportunity to do the same with the household ere long, I’m sure.” The man is merely a servant of the bureaucracy and so does not have the right to reprimand or instruct you, but the disapproval in his voice is clear and even in the dim light you can see the sour expression he bears. “I and my companions will leave first thing in the morning: we have other business to attend to in the valley. You will be without oversight for the time being, save for the attention of your new estate. I <span class="mu-i">gently remind you</span> that everyone here, yourself included, are tenants of the Church. You are free to acquaint yourself with your new fief at your own pace, but you are expected not to delay your first expedition to the Monument. You ought not to leave it more than a week.”
The Churchman’s implications are obvious: you might not have anyone from the Church looming over your shoulder, but if you get up to mischief, neglect your duties or attempt to flee your banishment, word will soon reach the appropriate authorities, and the consequences would soon find you.
