Quick meeting

As expected, you find Lira waiting when you walk in. She looks up from the pile of notes she’s sifting through, and smiles. However, for once the smile seems a bit forced, something you hadn’t noticed from the noble before.

She gestures for you to sit. “That was fast, as you promised. As always, a man of your word, Nicholas. More than could be said of some of my fellow nobility, I’m afraid.”

You sit down, leaning forward in the seat. “So, what’s happening? The gate was heavily guarded for once, but your spymaster corralled us before we got close.”

She nods. “Frederick is very good at what he does, and has served me capably. As he did my father.”

You shrug. “He got us here safe, that’s good enough for me.”

Lira sighs. “I’m not entirely sure what happened, honestly. Early yesterday afternoon, the gates of house Thenlan opened, and their troops came pouring out. It was shortly after I was told that your girls had left the city.”

You nod. “Shortly after I returned with Kaeli, then. Do they have some way of communicating with the capital?”

Kaeli shakes her head. “I do not know. None that I was told about, but I have been out of favor for some time. Niran was always tinkering in his lab.”

Lira nods towards Kaeli. “So, I have to know how you’re here. Clearly you’re not with the Order now. How did this happen?”

You glance at Kaeli, and then explain what has happened in the last few days, leaving out the time in the lake. Kaeli adds a few details, and Lira listens intently. When you finish, she sighs.

“They’re definitely looking for you, then. Somehow, they know you’re here in the area. And now the twins know. It’s only a matter of time before they start knocking on our gate.”

You nod. “Agreed. So we need to act quickly. They have more troops, and if we wait until they come to us, it’s already too late. Question. Can you get in contact with Harald Feyran?”

Lira slowly nods. “I could, if there was need.”

“There is. We need to ensure he isn’t in with the twins. Getting him on our side would be a bonus, but I’m happy with neutrality.”

Lira sighs. “I will get ahold of him. I despise dealing with him, miserly old man. But you’re right, we can’t take the risk. Give me a couple days.”

You stand. “Of course. I have plans to make as well. I’ll keep you informed.”

Lira nods, smiling. “Just take care. It seems like you have a tendency to be a bit reckless.”

You laugh. “Runs in the family. I’ll do my best.”