All things considered, this was not the room you thought you would find yourselves in.
To be sure, everything appeared well made and of quality material. Yet nothing was gilded, there was not a square inch of marble in sight, the carpet was of a simple pattern, and the windows were plain glass. The overall effect was of a well-to-do banker or mercant's sitting room instead of the reception chamber of the Prince of Alberia.
The present company was likewise out of place, though more form its diversity then any lack of quality. One youth in unflattering black robes bore the pectoral cross of a cardinal's staff. Two blond twins, whose hair and dress seemed to be compensating for the fact that they were not identical, were the joint heads of the Chevalier de Haute Naissance, an independent order of landless knights. A scandalously dressed woman was the well known Madame of a local brothel that served many of the city's more well to do members. She and the priest made friendly small talk, obviously long acquaintances.
One by one, or two at once in the case of the twins, they and several others were called into the Princes office until only the five of you remained. At last you are all ushured in together
Prince Aidem Roy sits facing you, his back to a wall. Guards of the order of the crucible stand at each corner, differentiated from statues only by the sound of regular breathing. the upper portion of the walls and ceiling were made of panes of glass in lead tracery, obviously a later addition to the heavy stone room. Several reports lie open on his desk, his scribe in the process of putting them away, and he looks up from them to greet you.
"Thank you for coming. It has pleased God this day to show me I have many friends I did not even suspect and I hope he remains in a good mood where you are concerned. Please sit."
Though there are only two chair in the room, servants emerge as though by magic to lay three others before the desk. The scribe gave him a quick look that seemed annoyance as much as communication. Nevertheless, she remained quiet and prepared to write anything that would prove necessary.
"I am afraid I do not know you as well as I should. Several acquaintances of mine handled your invitations to preserve a separation between the crown and these activities."
He seemed to be expecting you all to say something.
To be sure, everything appeared well made and of quality material. Yet nothing was gilded, there was not a square inch of marble in sight, the carpet was of a simple pattern, and the windows were plain glass. The overall effect was of a well-to-do banker or mercant's sitting room instead of the reception chamber of the Prince of Alberia.
The present company was likewise out of place, though more form its diversity then any lack of quality. One youth in unflattering black robes bore the pectoral cross of a cardinal's staff. Two blond twins, whose hair and dress seemed to be compensating for the fact that they were not identical, were the joint heads of the Chevalier de Haute Naissance, an independent order of landless knights. A scandalously dressed woman was the well known Madame of a local brothel that served many of the city's more well to do members. She and the priest made friendly small talk, obviously long acquaintances.
One by one, or two at once in the case of the twins, they and several others were called into the Princes office until only the five of you remained. At last you are all ushured in together
Prince Aidem Roy sits facing you, his back to a wall. Guards of the order of the crucible stand at each corner, differentiated from statues only by the sound of regular breathing. the upper portion of the walls and ceiling were made of panes of glass in lead tracery, obviously a later addition to the heavy stone room. Several reports lie open on his desk, his scribe in the process of putting them away, and he looks up from them to greet you.
"Thank you for coming. It has pleased God this day to show me I have many friends I did not even suspect and I hope he remains in a good mood where you are concerned. Please sit."
Though there are only two chair in the room, servants emerge as though by magic to lay three others before the desk. The scribe gave him a quick look that seemed annoyance as much as communication. Nevertheless, she remained quiet and prepared to write anything that would prove necessary.
"I am afraid I do not know you as well as I should. Several acquaintances of mine handled your invitations to preserve a separation between the crown and these activities."
He seemed to be expecting you all to say something.
