>>5228198Castle Barathon lies only a week from Hold Campbell, being in the north east of the central Imperial province. The trip is leisurely, and you smile at the cheer that rises from the caravan when you finally leave the snow covered landscape of your home. From here on it is not exactly warm, but a footman wouldn't catch frostbite from taking a piss. Alys is a little morose during the remainder of the journey. Ever the melancholic, you let her have her space as she broods. Probably has something on her mind she needs to parse out. A week of travel with no serious upsets later you arrive at Barathon. The castle is truly magnificent, at least three gated walls before one can reach the keep, each teeming with the life common to a castle town. And town life extends beyond, a small city that is equal to Althimura's central district sprawling beyond the gates. Alkaign has given you a tough duty, but your own petty kingdom to do it with, it seems.
As your party approaches the gates, you see cloaked figures disappear from the opening, for unknown purpose. The soldier's instinct fills you. Spies? From the castle perhaps, and therefore friends? Assassins? Curious local thieves? Who can say? You don't call a halt, but you do talk softly to Alys.
> “Send the knights in, make a ruckus. Something is wrong and I want it drawn out.”> “Alys, ride into the city. Find who those men were and if the Castle sent them.”> “You and I are going, Alys. We need to find out who those men are and I will not be a coward in front of my new castle.”> It'll be fine.> Write inAlso:
What is to be done with Eleyse?
> She will be sent to Alys' tutors. Poisoner. Assassin. Spy. She seeks an adventurous life. She will have it.> Mother will find her a suitor eventually. Eleyse will hate you for this, but it's the way things are done.> Find a better match than Mother can. You don't know any off the top of your head, but considering your duty running into some adventurous third son or something is not out of the question. 