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Logging started for Blitzed:#7thseaic on Sunday, 21 July 2019 14:10:23 British Summer Time
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** You have joined #7thseaic
(Molly) **As he passes into the woods that separate the lakeside guardhouse and the Eisenfurst's garden, he hears the sound of a man carrying and dragging something heavy.
** You're now known as Voice
(Voice) You, sir, are rather too heavy for this!
* @Morgan moves quietly towards the voice
* Voice doesn't talk more, but the noises of exertion are clear
* @Morgan moves closer to the sounds then
* Voice is heading through the woods towards the guardhouse. Morgan can just see glimpses now and then of a fairly tall but slim man mostly carrying a large man who is slumped against him. The larger man looks unconscious.
(Voice) Lakeside guardhouse*
* @Morgan gets closer
(Voice) **the thin man is the real Kurt Cristoban that Morgan met the previous night, one of the Brotherhood Of The Flames.
* @Morgan steps out from his concealment, watching him closely
** You're now known as Kurt
* Kurt is being careful not to cause further harm. The large man looks like he may have been hit in the face to knock him unconcious. It looks more like captor and prisoner than friendly acquaintances
(@Morgan) What, Mr. Cristoban, are you doing?
* Kurt looks up, and looks relieved at seeing Morgan
(Kurt) Ah, Veisgraf Sudlachenburg! Glad to see you, my Lord
* Kurt pauses, trying to get his breath back. The man doesn't come round, but Morgan can see he's still breathing
(Kurt) I found this man running away when there was the explosion up at the house
(@Morgan) You know, I'm rather glad to see you
* Kurt tries to bow, nearly dropping the man
(Kurt) Thank you, my Lord
(@Morgan) You plan to get him secured in the guardhouse?
(Kurt) Yes, my Lord. Then I was going to ask someone what to do with him
(@Morgan) Alright. I need to get back to the house, can you deal with him for now? Get him locked up and wait at the guardhouse, I'll have someone come to relieve you as soon as I can
(Kurt) Certainly, my Lord.
(@Morgan) Thank you. Don't speak with my cousin, she's got a bit much on her mind right now
(Kurt) Yes, my Lord
* @Morgan nods briefly before setting off for the house at a decent pace
* Kurt continues on. He gets into the gardens before seeing a couple of the temporary guards patrolling. There is no more smoke and the fire is fully out.
* @Morgan motions to the guards
(Kurt) **they come over* My Lord?
(@Morgan) gentlemen, I need two of your company to go to the lakeside guardhouse and relieve Kurt Cristoban. Don't speak with the prisoners. I also need a third to go and relieve my associate currently guarding the jailhouse in town
(Kurt) **they bow, and go over to the man who suggested the sooty hair and face.  They are quickly sent to the lakeside guardhouse, and another man sent to town. There is a quiet sound of musket shots
(@Morgan) Oh god, what now
(Kurt) **he hears a total of twelve musket shots, ceremonial in nature based on their rhythm and spacing. Then he hears the church bells for eleven o'clock.
* @Morgan nods to himself before setting off running for the house again
(Kurt) **he sees a couple more guards patrolling, but the corridor to the nursery is quiet
* @Morgan heads into the nursery, to the wardrobe
(Kurt) **The door is closed but opens easily now he knows how. When he gets up to the loft, he can hear very quiet laughter. The fort at the far end looks a little bigger, and there is a broom and pan leant against one crate
* @Morgan whistles quietly as he climbs up
** You're now known as Fuchs
* Fuchs crawls out from the makeshift doorway,  heading towards Morgan
(Fuchs) Well?
(@Morgan) Fine thank you
* Fuchs looks over at the fort
(Fuchs) Are you ready for me to get on with my job now?
(@Morgan) Help me get them down and situated with Claudia, and we'll get it underway
* Fuchs looks relieved. He waits for Morgan to head to the fort
(Fuchs) **there's more quiet laughter as he gets closer. The door way is small but he can easily crawl through
* @Morgan clambers through the gap
(Fuchs) **Inside its cosy with blankets, cushions, even the teapot. Claudia, Stef and Molly appear to be playing poker. Varick is sat on Molly's lap cuddling the  anchor Stef made him. They all look to Morgan, but Varick speaks first
(Fuchs) V: You need a wash!
* @Morgan nods
(@Morgan) thats very true
(@Morgan) the Colonel and I need to get some things done, and I wanted to check if you're staying up here or moving elsewhere in the house
(Fuchs) **Molly looks to him** what would you prefer, liebes herz?
(@Morgan) If you're comfortable enough up here, it would probably be wise to stay for now
(@Morgan) at least until we can get the full compliment of guards back
(Fuchs) **she nods** We are fine. We know how to get to all the places we might need, including the kitchens, and how to escape down to the Mine if needs be
(@Morgan) Shouldn't be an issue now
(Fuchs) M: The danger has passed?
(@Morgan) I believe so but I'd rather keep you away from any risk a while longer
(Fuchs) M: *she smiles warmly* of course, liebling. We will remain here.
(Fuchs) C: *she gestures: new orders?*
* @Morgan shakes his head slightly
(@Morgan) I'll see or Oren can come and keep you company presently
(Fuchs) M: We will be fine. We're teaching Varick the finer arts of playing poker.
(Fuchs) **He hears her thoughts: Are _you_ alright, liebling?*
* @Morgan nods slightly
(@Morgan) Alright, we'll not be too long hopefully
(Fuchs) **they all smile and bid him farewell.**
* @Morgan shuffles back out
* Fuchs is waiting halfway to the ladder, looking around at all the other ladders that lead to this space
(Fuchs) Impressive, isn't it?
* @Morgan nods
* Fuchs descends the ladder back to the nursery
(Fuchs) Where are we going?
(@Morgan) You said you have work to do... lets get it done
* @Morgan rubs his nose
(@Morgan) I daresay the Eisenfurst will be wanting a report of some variety
* Fuchs nods
(Fuchs) I need to take a look at the stable first
(@Morgan) Its sooty
* Fuchs looks at Morgan
(Fuchs) I can see that
* @Morgan nods
* Fuchs heads to the sooty stable. There's only two guards now as the others have returned to their duties. Fuchs heads in, looking around. It's still very hot in here, and smells stronger of burning hay, gunpowder and brandy
(@Morgan) thoughts?
* Fuchs pokes around in all the stalls, kicking at the ashes.
(Fuchs) It's been well planned out. There's specifically laid trails of gunpowder around the edges and in the doorway. The brandy barrel was likely to make the fire spread and also to make it look more accidental. If anyone had been in here it would have been nigh on impossible to rescue them
* Fuchs looks grim
* @Morgan nods slowly
(Fuchs) All we could have done is just stood outside and watched.
(@Morgan) and listened to the screaming
* Fuchs nods
(Fuchs) This is your cousin's handiwork?
(@Morgan) I wouldn't wish to influence your thoughts by saying
* Fuchs nods
(Fuchs) There is absolutely no way this was an accident. Tell me what you know
(@Morgan) She had a pony for Varick in here, which would guarantee both he and Molly's presence
(@Morgan) _thats_ why her jailbreak was to be today
(Fuchs) She could have planned to divert you from being here too, but then you volunteered to man the jail and saved her the trouble?
(@Morgan) probably, aye
(Fuchs) How did it get lit? And why are there no horses in here?
(@Morgan) the man she had do it released them, set it with a farriers lamp
(@Morgan) did a runner as soon as it went up... I might have him in custody
(Fuchs) That would be very useful
* Fuchs looks around the stable, shaking his head.
(Fuchs) His Grace will not be pleased to have lost his stable.
(@Morgan) He'd have lost a lot more if Varick and Molly had been in here
* Fuchs looks confused
(Fuchs) What do you mean?
(@Morgan) I nearly killed my own brother after I lost my first wife... I've not slept in days... can you imagine how destructive I'd have become?
* Fuchs looks off to the middle distance at this, bizarrely
(Fuchs) Quite destructive I'd imagine
* @Morgan nods
(Fuchs) Very lucky that they weren't. Most wives would be too headstrong to stay in confinement this long.
(@Morgan) She trusts my judgement, and knows how dangerous my cousin is
* Fuchs nods slowly, kicking at a pile of ash
(Fuchs) You're a lucky man.
* @Morgan nods
(@Morgan) undoubtedly
(Fuchs) Do you think this is the end of the Grafin's plans?
(@Morgan) I'm not sure, to be honest
(@Morgan) the plan to have all of the Eisenfursts sons killed was ambitious
* Fuchs frowns
(Fuchs) What plan?
(@Morgan) oh yes, she planned to be the first solo Eisenfurstin. Only way I could see that happening... marry Isiah, have him die in an accident... then the other sons would need to be... removed
* Fuchs thinks on this
(Fuchs) That could explain the pistol and ammunition.
* @Morgan nods
(@Morgan) indeed. And that vial of... stuff
* Fuchs nods
(Fuchs) Plotting and preparing the demise of the Eisenfurst and his children is high treason.
* Fuchs speaks quietly
(Fuchs) If you want to have her executed in a manner other than burning, you'd need to keep that very quiet.
* @Morgan sighs
(@Morgan) I find that I'm becoming less concerned by it
* Fuchs nods
(Fuchs) I can understand that. I hate death by musket shot deeply, but if someone had planned to take Stef's life like that, I'd shoot them myself.
* @Morgan nods
(@Morgan) out of interest... how quickly would the punishment for witchcraft be carried out ins this circumstance
* Fuchs rubs his brow
(Fuchs) Depends on how much our General's heart rules his head.
(Fuchs) He is likely to have some concerns based on the possibility of conflict with the Grafdom of Sudlachenburg... but he is _Vaticine_. You know how much witchcraft bothers them.
* @Morgan nods
* Fuchs glances around the charred stable
(Fuchs) He wouldn't be waiting to see if she was with child. He wouldn't risk her birthing a child tainted by Legion.
(@Morgan) Interesting
(Fuchs) To answer the question more directly... if his head wins out, he will wait long enough to give your father time to discuss it and say his goodbyes. If his heart wins out, it'd be as soon as we have gathered enough wood and built a pyre.
(@Morgan) I suppose we'd best go and find him
(Fuchs) Unless you want to speak to the possible arsonist first?
(@Morgan) Might be an idea. I'm confused why he let the horses out, and that just maybe he's telling the truth.
(@Morgan) Although, he might not be conscious yet
* Fuchs shrugs
(Fuchs) Your call. I think our wives are perfectly safe up there with Claudia.
(@Morgan) Now _that_ I agree with. Lets check, if he's conscious we'll question him
* Fuchs nods, leaving the stable. They pass a field containing 7 horses and 1 pony on the way. Fuchs nods to himself
(Fuchs) **it only takes a few minutes to get down to the guardhouse, and two of the temporary guards are now guarding it from the outside. They are let in and pointed in the direction of a cell, where the large man is just awake. He has a bloody nose.
* Fuchs looks to Morgan, waiting for him to take the lead
(@Morgan) Well... you've been in the wars haven't you
(Fuchs) F: *he looks a bit dazed* what time is it?
* Fuchs looks to his pocket watch
(Fuchs) Nearly half after eleven **The Man nods, then looks to Morgan** what happens now?
(@Morgan) Now you tell me what the plan was, what happened...
(Fuchs) *The Man nods* I was paid to drop an oil lamp in a particular spot in the barn, then close the doors.
(@Morgan) and releasing the horses?
(Fuchs) F: Ahh no. I wasn't supposed to let the horses out first
(@Morgan) Why did you?
(Fuchs) F: I love horses. Known most of his Grace's horses for years.
(@Morgan) and the people?
(Fuchs) What people?
** You're now known as Farrier
(@Morgan) There were meant to be some people in the stables, right?
(Farrier) I don't know about that
* @Morgan motions to Fuchs and steps away from the Farrier
(Farrier) **Fuchs follows him*
(@Morgan) If he wasn't meant to harm any people... whomever she's hired to kill Molly is still a risk
* Farrier shrugs
** You're now known as Fuchs
* Fuchs shrugs
(Fuchs) Or he was tricked into it so that he did not refuse
(@Morgan) maybe
(Fuchs) Given the way the gunpowder was laid, it's plausible that he wouldn't have seen or heard them in the stall with the pony
* @Morgan nods
(@Morgan) I hope you're right
* Fuchs nods
(Fuchs) This is an awfully big, complicated plan to execute if you still have another back up plan. We've isolated her well, it'd be difficult for her to give word to implement or create another plan. But we need to find that solicitors assistant
* @Morgan nods
(Fuchs) Farrier: *he coughs a little, he obviously has good hearing* Do you mean Becker?
* @Morgan looks at him
(@Morgan) what do you know of him?
** You're now known as Farrier
(Farrier) He hired me and paid me
(@Morgan) I'd really like to get my hands on him
(Farrier) I was supposed to meet him tonight. He still owes me another fifty guilders
(@Morgan) Meet him where? 
(Farrier) At a tavern on the east road
(@Morgan) what time?
(Farrier) Eight
* @Morgan looks at Fuchs
(@Morgan) do you have plans for eight o'clock?
(Farrier) **Fuchs grins* I do now
(@Morgan) It would be rude to let him think he's been stood up
(Farrier) *Fuchs nods* It would
* Farrier looks at Morgan
(Farrier) What happens to me now?
(@Morgan) well, you're unlikely to be paid for find future employment around his Grace's horses
* Farrier nods sadly
(Farrier) I'll miss them
(@Morgan) That was the choice you made
(Farrier) But I'm not going to the jail?
(@Morgan) that remains to be seen
* Farrier nods sadly
(Farrier) Can I ask you a favour?
(Farrier) *Fuchs folds his arms, watching Morgan *
(@Morgan) that being?
(Farrier) Can someone go to check on my wife? She's very sick, and needs medicine every few hours. I wanted to get the money so she can see a better doctor and have someone to look after her. If I'm not going back, she'll need some help today and someone to write to her sister in Tannen.
(@Morgan) whats wrong with her?
(Farrier) The last doctor said it was the sugar sickness. She get really weak, and sometimes loses consciousness. To start with, changing what she ate and when she ate helped. But she's getting worse. One day she'll lose consciousness and never wake up again
* @Morgan nods
(@Morgan) I'll see she's checked upon
(Farrier) Thank you
(Farrier) **Fuchs looks to him* how much were you paid? **The Man looks a bit embarassed* two hundred guilders in total
(Farrier) **Fuchs looks to Morgan* anything else?
* @Morgan shakes his head
(Farrier) **he nods,  leading the way out
* @Morgan follows
(Farrier) **They're walking back towards the main house before Fuchs speaks* I'd likely have choked him to death had it been Stef he'd nearly killed
(@Morgan) I'm inclined to believe he wasn't aware of that
(Farrier) You believe his story about getting the money to help his wife?
** You're now known as Fuchs
(@Morgan) I wouldn't be surprised. Its easily checked
* Fuchs nods
(Fuchs) My father used to say nothing makes a man more stupid than being in love
(@Morgan) He may well be right
(Fuchs) He always hoped I'd concentrate on my career, and never make the mistake of falling in love and becoming stupid like he became
(@Morgan) and yet
* Fuchs keeps his eyes studiously on the house in the distance
(Fuchs) And yet the apple doesn't fall far from the tree
* @Morgan nods
* Fuchs shakes his head to clear it
(Fuchs) What is the pondering over the witchcraft about?
* @Morgan shrugs
** Morgan has said your nick on Morgan
(Fuchs) Does it have to do with what happened to the torches last night?
* @Morgan shakes his head
(@Morgan) Not really
* Fuchs nods
(Fuchs) You are going to tell his Grace about the high treason?
* @Morgan shrugs
(@Morgan) I don't know yet
(Fuchs) Both High Treason and Witchcraft are likely to override the attempted murder.  **they get near enough for Morgan to be able to recognise James Schulz, Karl and Jann all unloading boxes from the two horses to take inside the house.**
* @Morgan nods
(@Morgan) that doesn't surprise me in the slightest
(Fuchs) Something to be aware of, before you decide.
* @Morgan nods
(Fuchs) **they get in hearing range of the others,  who stop moving the boxes.*
(Fuchs) James: My Lord, is the Veisgrafin alright?
* @Morgan nods slowly
(Fuchs) Karl: Anything we can do to help, my Lord?
(@Morgan) See what help is needed and give a hand where you can
(Fuchs) **they nod, as does Jann. A big group of the proper guards wander towards the house, looking confused by the state of the stable. Fuchs excuses himself, and quickly explains to them what has happened and their duties. Then he returns to Morgan* Shall we go to his Grace?
(@Morgan) Best had
* Fuchs leads the way
(Fuchs) I am glad to have my own guards back
* @Morgan nods
(@Morgan) I'm not surprised
(Fuchs) Do you want me to keep the Seeufer guards another few hours, rather than sending them back at one o'clock?
(@Morgan) I think that'd be a good idea, don't you?
* Fuchs nods. They get to the Eisenfursts office.
* @Morgan knocks
(Fuchs) **Faulk says Come in
* @Morgan enters the room
(Fuchs) **Faulk already has coffee ready. He looks serious. Once the drinks are poured and all three men are settled, he looks to Morgan* Can you tell me what has happened?
(@Morgan) In short... arson, explosion, fire
** You're now known as Faulk
(Faulk) And the perpetrators?
* @Morgan nods slightly
(@Morgan) well, thats a little... complicated
(Faulk) You do not know?
(@Morgan) of course I do, what do you take me for. We've got the man who started the fire, and the name of the person that paid him
(Faulk) Good. Any injuries?
(@Morgan) No... the people expected to be there, weren't
(Faulk) It was an assassination attempt?
* Faulk sips his coffee
(@Morgan) two birds...  an assassination attempt designed to create a diversion
(Faulk) A diversion for what?
(@Morgan) a jailbreak
(Faulk) Ah yes. So Alarice is behind all of this?
(@Morgan) Her confession would imply such
* Faulk nods
(Faulk) How did she manage it whilst being locked away?
(@Morgan) It was already planned. She's clearly known for a while that she'd be imprisoned for trying to murder Molly
* Faulk shakes his head
(Faulk) She's a very devious woman. Is she still safely imprisoned
* @Morgan nods
(Faulk) Good. I suspect we will all rest easier when the situation is resolved.
(@Morgan) Perhaps. The colonel and I are set to encounter Alarice's accomplice this evening, and we need to check on someone, to verify the arsonists story
(Faulk) And Molly and Varick are safe and well?
* @Morgan nods
(@Morgan) they weren't where she expected them to be, so they're fine
(Faulk) I am glad to hear it
(Faulk) Have you established any more on the situation of her alleged pregnancy?
(@Morgan) No, not yet
* Faulk nods
(Faulk) Keep me updated on the arsonist's story and the accomplice please.
(@Morgan) of course
(Faulk) Is there anything further I can help you with?
* @Morgan smiles slightly
(@Morgan) once things are settled somewhat, I believe the Colonel deserves some time off
(Faulk) **Fuchs looks somewhat alarmed at this*
* Faulk smiles
(Faulk) That sounds like a nice idea. I have a little house out near Graben,  in Freiarr Hapsburg's lands, beautiful scenery of the Drachenwald mountains. Perhaps you and Frau Fuchs would like to take a couple of weeks there,  entirely at my expensive,  of course.
(Faulk) **Fuchs glances at Morgan with a look of barely held hostility,  before staring to the middle distance* Yes, your Grace.
* Faulk winks at Morgan
(Faulk) A wonderful idea. Thank you Morgan. It's long overdue I think.
(Faulk) Unless there is anything else, I need to see my steward about the stable situation.
* @Morgan inclines his head, standing up
(Faulk) **Fuchs stands and bows. He waits until they are outside the office before speaking in a low, angry tone* I told you to stop doing that.
(@Morgan) Fuchs, for all I care right now, you can both sit at opposite ends of the grounds and enjoy the peace, but _she_ deserves some time away, and thats what I've arranged. You can sit in an out building the entire time if it makes you feel better
* @Morgan turns his head towards Fuchs
(@Morgan) You could have lost her today, and you're acting like a child because I've arranged for her to get a break from this place. Grow up Colonel
* Faulk glares at Morgan
* Faulk decides to keep his mouth shut, and walks off
** You're now known as Fuchs
* @Morgan follows along behind him, muttering to himself in Avalonian
* Fuchs heads for the nursery
(@Morgan) Lets aims for a united front here, they don't need the worry
(Fuchs) As you say, Veisgraf.
(@Morgan) Would you care to stamp your feet a little before we get there?
* Fuchs shouts him a look over his shoulder
(Fuchs) Shoots *
(Fuchs) Let's just get this done.
** You are now disconnected