Novices of Lacella

"Captives? Who?" Janno asked Corvus.

Corvus lowered his voice and leaned closer. "Ones unfortunate to be out of way of help," he said. "There seemed to be several young women and one older, perhaps a chaperon. I think from their clothes and hair, that they are novices of Lacella. They looked unhappy, but not especially hurt. No doubt the bandits are planning to sell them as pleasure slaves, once they can arrange a connection out of the area. Regrettably the baron ruling the domain around Woodhaven is not favorable to Lacella, and there is no great temple here, so we cannot simply tip off the authorities to get them rescued. On the other hand, having the priestesses of Lacella owe us a favor might stand us in very good stead." He smiled at Janno. "And I'm sure that Bella would be very interested."

"Let me sleep on this," Janno said. "We will talk again at noon."

Corvus nodded. "And should I discreetly replace the ladies' necessaries?" he asked.

"Yes, return them quietly," Janno said. "Learning they were burgled would hardly be the best way to introduce yourself."

Corvus chuckled. "Your wish is my command," he said. He rolled up and stowed away his parchment map, then took Ariel's ivory dildo and Bella's leather mound-of-Lacella-cover from the window sill. "Oh, and as I said," he continued, "I think they have reached some agreement. I visited them, hoping to ask about you, but they were too preoccupied to notice that I was there. I expect that if you rise early tomorrow, you will see them leave for breakfast together. One floor up, end of the hall."

"Good night," Janno said.

"Good night," Corvus said, and slipped out the door.

Janno shot the bolt behind Corvus and pondered as he finished wiping his sword clean and dry, leaving only the lightest coat of oil. Tomorrow he would have to lay Corvus's story before Bella and Ariel. Perhaps they would have some good ideas on how to ensure Corvus's trustworthiness, or to get additional help for the captives' sake.

But perhaps, thought Janno, as Corvus said, he should be waiting outside their door tomorrow morning.

Janno was tempted by the thought of listening at their door tonight, to see if Corvus's sly hints might be true.