IC-Scene: Archdeacon's Chambers (Day 1)

Day 1: Takes place after the Baron's pronouncement in the throne room at Mobray Castle

Baras closed the door to the room so that he and the Archdeacon were alone before closing his eyes for a moment and composing himself before speaking.

Archdeacon, it is good that we finally have a chance to talk. I have a request that has to do with the church and my lands.

"You're a smart lad, but not of the faith. Speak freely or do not speak at all."

The Archdeacon was tired from his trip over here and his speech, at least he seemed tired. The reason his scribe wasn't in the room was his order to seek out a homely looking servant wench.

Very well. The Church finds itself waning on my lands, the priest there has grown too old to continue his duties. One of the reasons I come here is to ask for you to send a replacement. Since you said to speak freely, I see no point in skipping about this next subject. I would like your support for my claim on the Baronetcy of Kelredan. Though i do not expect you to simply do so out of the goodness of your heart, I believe that your support would benefit me and the Church at the same time.

Baras crossed his arms and waited for a reply, he having said all he had come here to.

"Benefit" Ferrand snorted.

"With all those claims being shouted around, what guarantee do you have in giving me what the Church needs?"

I guarantee wealth. Surely you have heard of my reputation as a merchant, I know the tax laws better than anyone besides those who made them. I can be sure to find ways for the Church to increase the size of its coffers at least twice over. Also, if the Church ever decided that it wanted to enter the trade business you would already have a very powerful ally. I would enjoy seeing the other Baronets try to match such an offer.

"I missed the part where you succeed in becoming the lord of Kelredan.."

Ferrand stood up rather easy for an old man and approached Baras, finding himself almost a head smaller than the Baronet.

"There will be bloodshed before this is over. If you are truly wealthy, on which side fights the sheriff or the mercenary captain?"

Baras crossed his arms in front of his chest.

The sheriff will try to play all the sides, I haven't met him but he is a slimy weasel I would bet. It is too soon to tell who he will favor, if any at all. If he does then his vaunted neutrality will be lost, something that the Baron would frown upon. Besides, both of them are businessmen. I can work with businessmen better than almost anyone save other Lords. My reputation attracts men like them. Someone who has a nose for business has a reputation for gold to spare after all.

I have also heard of an adventurer company in the area. But for all of these you ask too soon. It was only an hour ago that the announcement of the competition for Kelredan was announced. No lord has had the time to make any plays, or for the 3rd parties to move on their own.

"So what you're saying is there is actually no way you can win this as it is, although you are fit to sit on a castle?"

Ferrand shrugged and raised his hand towards one of his halbediers near the door.

"Robert, come escort the boy out. I need to rest."

as the Archdeacon waggled to his bed, he was heard saying; "Get one of them on your side and the Owl will lead you to your seat at the castle, and you'll have the church's support."

Baras considered trying to explain the idea of variables to the archdeacon but decided it would be about as much use as teaching his hunting hounds to count. He bowed his head respectfully before backing towards the door.

Very well. I know the goddess will smile upon me, I do have that much faith at least. I would expect messages soon enough then. Good evening Archdeacon.

With that Baras left the room and was on his way to Yaragar within the hour.