Employing Jarvis

"Yeah," Jarvis said. "I'm from Gala originally. I've spent most of the last ten years trappin' and tradin' through all the country between there and here." "Do you know the Wilian Way?" Astra asked. "Do I know it?! Like the back of my hand. The forests that it passes through are full of foxes, weasels, wolves and the occasional bear. I've often set my traps there."

"We're looking for a guide to take us down the Wilian Way, through the Kingdoms and the Baronies and on as far as Gala," Fred said. "Would you be interested? You'd be well paid." "I'd be happy to, but my horse is lame and won't be ready to ride for a week." "We'll buy you a new horse," Astra said. "And would one gold piece a day be fair payment?" Thesamer frowned, but said nothing. She was not convinced that Jarvis would be a reliable guide, but both Astra and Fred seemed keen to employ him so there appeared little point in objecting.

Jarvis smiled to himself. It was as he had hoped. These people obviously had plenty of money, and it would be a pleasure to relieve them of more of it than they might expect. "Thank you, dear lady. On those terms I'd be glad to be your guide."

They proceeded to buy horses, clothes more suitable for the climate of the Three Kingdoms, and supplies. When they were done, the clock on the hall showed that they had taken five minutes under the hour.

"I'm sure that the rest of us would not mind delaying our departure for an hour or so, if you want to sit for a while with your handsome young captain," Thesamar said to Astra with a broad grin. Astra coloured a little. "He is only a man," she said. "But perhaps I shall gain some useful intelligence from him. Who better than a captain of the guard to know what is going on in this region."

So Astra went to the gate to meet the captain, whilst the others found a bench under a tree where they could sit and while away the time. The captain escorted Astra to his room in the barracks, for - as he said - Kassini lacked anywhere suitable for a gentleman to take a lady. "Can I offer you a glass of wine?" he asked. "I thought your people did not believe in drink?" Astra queried. "Officially alcohol is frowned on, but fortunately it is not actually forbidden for people to indulge in private."

So Astra accepted a glass of red wine. She had had better, but she had had a lot worse. They talked about this and that for a while.

1. Astra decided she ought to ask whether the captain knew anything about their newly-hired guide.
2. Astra asked whether there was anything on the Wilian Way that they ought to look out for.
3. Then the captain put his hand on Astra's knee. She stiffened, unsure how to react.
4. Astra began to feel sleepy. Could the wine have been drugged?

Add New Option

Go Back

View Forward Story Tree
View Back Story Tree