The evening delved deeper and deeper into the depths of the Abyss, at least what Zara considered the Dark Depths to be, if such a place existed. The Templar barely contained his clear disdain for her people, the bigotry and hatred just rolled off the man’s body in waves, like those that crashed on the sandy shores that she had read about in books.

The idea of magic appeared to make the man overcome with disgust. No wonder that poor man had asked for sanctuary. Brydd’s backwards ways had permeated throughout the country and its people. Shame.  For a country so rich, it was poor in the most important ways. Zara looked around the room with all the people dripping with jewels and gold, as if these shiny bobbles made them superior to all. There wasn’t a hoard of gold that would make these people rich where it mattered most. 

Zara allowed her mind to wander, as she just smiled sweetly, playing the part she had been created for. Nodding her head, as the various fruits and vegetables were described in detail for her. The thought that she could actually have any knowledge of such things never having passed through the egotistical Lord’s mind.

Just when Zara had thought the dinner couldn’t get any more loathsome, she found her flesh bought and sold without any coin exchanging hands. The Templar mentioned some kind of fugitive on the prowl. The knight’s not so subtle dig at having their rooms ransacked. But the Bryddians underestimated the intelligence of her brother.  He arranged for her to stay in the fort’s most sensitive areas.  All in the name of protecting their lives.

Ha.

First, why would any fugitive from the authorities here want to harm the diplomatic envoy for the Tourney? Common sense would say that the Lord would be the target, not them.  But once the Templar introduced the idea of a threat, he opened the door to the truer, deeper threat to gain a footing.

Her brother took the Templar’s queen, and called checkmate.

The Templar angrily left the table, with his metaphorical tail between his legs.

Course, that meant that Zara’s body was given up on a silver platter to the lecherous Lord of the manor. Never one to let any opportunity go, her brother saw that this would be the best way to place them where they had the best access to the Lord’s secret:. The man’s bed chambers. 

Zara just continued to play the part, embracing the ‘innocent beauty’ act for all at the table.

“Oh, I hadn’t realized just how dangerous this land was. I had heard so many tales of the riches and vast lush lands here. I am saddened to hear of such perils to our safety.  I’m so glad that we have your protection against dangerous malcontents!”

@[Cubanwriter]

Longshot