Episode Fifteen: Darkest Knight

After a week and a half of silence from Father Tobias, Ivetta and Castor confront the priest.

They knock at Father Tobias’ door.

He opens the door, his face taught and tired. On the desk behind him an open bible and closed *GS* book and a vial with two of the bullets.

Castor begins, “H-how are you doing Father? Did you find out anything about the book?”

“There wasn't much information I could attain. You can have it back. I've been trying... other avenues but to no avail. Is the ship here?”

“We, uh, don't really know. We were just wondering how it was going and if...you believe us?"

“I would like to know if you're aware of your next objective.”

“What do you mean?”

“Do you know what it is you're looking for next.”

“Ah, no. We have to travel first.” Father Tobias retreats into the room and retrieves the *GS* book. He hands it to Castor.

He sighs, “I can’t say that I can just... believe what you're telling me without seeing some kind of proof. More than… You must understand that what you're telling me is... if you told it to any other priest you'd likely not find such a sympathetic ear.”

Ivetta interjects, “We’re well aware that it goes against many tenants of the Catholic church. That’s why we have been so hesitant to tell you.”

“So you want proof.” Castor says looking at the ground appearing to be thinking hard.

“I've made arrangements to have a professor at the university assist me in finding a cure for the plague. But we must wait for the ship where we can study in isolation. If you need to travel, our interests align once again. I'm sure you could find some way to show me proof of what you claim in the interim.

Castor looks up at Father Tobias, “I can prove it now but, not here in the open.” gesturing to the hallway.

Tobias moves aside, gaining the pair entry. Ivetta shuts and locks the door behind.

“Alright, now don’t- don’t freak out.” Father Tobias sits. Shakily, Castor holds out her hand fist closed, palm upturned. She closes her eyes, brow scrunching up then easing a moment later. Eyes opening as her hand unfurls, her gaze is glued to Father Tobias. She gently opens her fingers.

A small ball of light floats up about 6 inches above Castor’s hand. It hangs there glowing, innocent and unwavering. Tobias stands and reaches into his robes’ chest pocket. He draws something out in a closed fist and moves to hold it over Castor’s open one. She jerks back scared, closing her hand and extinguishing the light.

He sighs, opening his hand showing them a small vial, clear liquid sloshing inside.

“It’s- water?”

“It’s Holy water.”

“D-do you want me to do it again?”

“We’re not demons if that's what you think.” Says Ivetta. Tobias nods at Castor.

Castor casts the light spell again, the ball appears once more floating above her open palm. Father Tobias proceeds to pour the holy water on it. Yet the water passes through the orb as if it weren’t there and pools in her hand. The cool water slowly seeps through her fingers and drips onto the floor.

“Is...is that all you want to try?” Her hand shakes, the light wavering slightly above it.

“It serves at an initial test. The bullet from the masked man reacted strongly to the presence of holy water. It fizzled and popped. It is interesting that you suffer no ill effects.”

“I- you're not going to kill us or anything?”

“If, perhaps we lived in simpler times, I may have taken you to the Vatican to verify what you were doing was holy. That you could indeed perform miracles. Unfortunately, in these turbulent times, it would be long, dangerous and perhaps detrimental to the continent as a whole.”

Ivetta says, “I’m glad we agree on that.”

“I would not like to lead a band of Catholics to Rome and cause a third, no, fourth schism. Regardless, I think leaving you unattended would be a dereliction of duty.” Castor closes her hand, once more extinguishing the light. “It seems all of our objectives align. So, for the foreseeable future,” he sighs, “we should continue to travel together until such a time may come that things change with the Catholics or the plague as a whole.”

Shyly, Castor asks, “What if we just left those things behind?”

“What do you mean? Leave this city to another one in the north?”

“I mean leave. Perhaps across a sea, to another land?”

Ivetta chimes in, “Possibly to another time. Like I told you before, there is a possibility of that. and I feel obligated to tell you.”

Father Tobias speaks slowly, “I think I understand what you are saying. You wish to abandon your fellow man to their fate. Leave because it would not benefit you to stay. Leave these people here to suffer.”

“that’s-I- It’s not like that- of course I want to help, but what can I do? I can make a ball of light. I can’t heal hundreds of people! I’m not- I’m not the Lord! I’m just a kid!”

“I've made observations of the plague, it seems to react to a holy presence. Even a small one could have some effect. At least the effect my faith can have. If you leave now you will provide no help. But, if you stay there's a chance you can help. And the people here *need* that chance. They've come out of a decade long war only to be immediately hit with the most horrific plague the likes of which haven't been seen since the time of Egypt and Moses. If there is a chance you can do anything we should jump at that and not run away.” Castor shifts uncomfortably. “If you truly serve the Lord as you claim, should you not want to help people who are suffering? I do not see what good finding a spyglass does to serve Him or his children.”

Castor blurts, “What is it you suggest I do? I know how magic is seen here. I can't just light the streets with magic! It would do no good *and* get me killed.”

“The professor and I will be able to study the plague in relative isolation on the ship. We will be leaving soon anyway. Perhaps you can lend some of  your miracles to our research. But whatever it is you decide you can’t help if you leave. If you stay there is at least the chance to aid in our efforts. I see no benefit to these people if you do leave.”

Ivetta turns to Castor, “I can think of one good reason to leave; the masked man is after you.”

Fear flashes across her face. She replies, “But if he is who we think it is, then it doesn't matter where we go. He will find us anywhere. If he’s here we can try to fight him and stop him before he travels again.”

Father Tobias interjects, “To terrorize some other timeline, some other defenseless place.”

Ivetta sighs, “in the beginning of this we all just wanted to go home and we hoped that somehow we could. That if we just found these things and left as fast as we could we could get there. But the more we travel the more that idea seems like a pipe dream.” again she lets out a sigh, “I don't have a good reason to leave, there’s just so much we don’t understand.”

Castor contemplates a moment before saying, “We have helped people in other places. Before we left... Perhaps we should give the people here a chance to have help too.”

“We should try. If this is some kind of magical curse we could have something to do with its creation.”

“You think we caused this!?”

“No, of course not but if this is something to do with magic then the only one who could help with any answers is Hollinzoller.”

Puzzled Tobias questions, “Mr Abot's marshal? What does he have to do with any of this?”

Castor supplies, “He knows... something of magic and agreed to come with us when we leave.”

“I should have guessed. Anyone else you wish to tell me is privy to this information.”

Ivetta speaks up, “there were our other companions who started with us, Viridis and Imilia.”

“But you will never meet them.” Castor says sadly. “I can’t think of anyone else you’re likely to meet. But anyway, is there any way I can help your research now? I'm not very smart, so I can supply magic, I suppose?”

“I knew about medicines back in Florence, herbs and salves.”

“I'm sure the professor would be most grateful for your help. I'm waiting for the ship and for the professor to set up a lab on the ship. We plan to travel on the river, but I think you had a different idea of travel so I’m unsure how far our ventures will aid you.”

“Traveling regularly never hurt anybody. Well, I suppose here it does, what with all the revenants around.”

“It is my hope that we can sail toward Rome or the Vatican to deliver the cure once we have found it.”

“I don’t think that’s a very good idea.” Ivetta says, “impossible one might even say as well as dangerous for us.” Castor nods.

“You claim to serve the Lord, and the one who could recognize it would be the most holy. I'm sure if one of your miracles is curing the plague then he cannot punish you with anything too severe.”

Castor says fearfully, “What if we can't miraculously cure the plague? What if it is impossible to cure?”

“At that point, we’ve tried and your power doesn't pose much threat to the world. Regardless, I think that's thinking pretty far into the future. We should stick to addressing the here and now, helping the people right in front of us.”

Ivetta looks at Castor using her eyes to look toward the door, subtly suggesting they leave. Castor plucks up the courage and says, “So, Father... you'll let us know if we can help and you won't kill us yet.” She starts moving backward toward the door. “This was a lot to take in so we’ll just get out of your hair. If that’s alright…” Tobias gets up again and opens the door for them both. His face appears even more tired than when they entered and he says, “I'm sure we will have more time to speak later.”

Ivetta pulls Castor into her room, shutting the door.

“Do you remember that satanic cult outside Florence?”

“The ones who kidnapped and tried to kill us? Hmm, perhaps.”

“Weren’t they from Rome?”

“Ah, Imilia’s husband was yes.”

“She was going there to marry him right? What if there is a demonic group there?”

“In Rome? Why, then, would they be in the woods outside Florence?”

“I’m not sure but what if there is a conspiracy, in Rome or the Vatican. Men of the faith serving Satan?”

“That-It’s holy ground. It's impossible Satan cannot hold power there.”

“I know that sounds crazy but even my father said the church was corrupt.”

Indignant, Castor says in a low voice, “Maybe our small church in Florence had its issues but not the Vatican! I refuse to believe that!”

“But what if it is true?”

“No! It- it's too holy a place to be so easily swayed by Satan. It is the center for all that we believe. The pope is there, God’s messenger on Earth!”

“Castor, the church is an institution, full of men who can easily be led astray. Maybe that is why we were called upon by God. To put the church back on its holy path. I know in my bones something is off in the Catholic church. Something is wrong. My father was killed for it. He wouldn't have bet his life on something insignificant. I know it.”

“I’m sorry you lost your father Ivetta but I *cannot* believe the holiest men in the world, serving in the Vatican, those chosen by God, could be corrupted against Him. Maybe there is something to the cardinal who came before we left but he was just doing his job. He saw us as evil. We have magic Ivetta, we *were* evil in his eyes. He was only doing what he thought was for Him, what he’d been taught.” She looks away from Ivetta to glare at the floor, “I- I don’t want to talk about this anymore. I think… I think it would be a good idea for us both to get some rest.” Castor storms from the room, livid, entering her own room and closing the door forcefully.

The next day, as they had each been told the week prior, was to be a ceremony held in their honor. To congratulate the heroes of the city. What was planned was a parade to the university of Stralsund, a ceremony held outside, and then a banquet with as much food as they could spare.

As they meet outside to form up, each notice an uneasy eir. Ivetta, who looks fixedly at the ground is dressed in an elegant dress. Castor stands, arms crossed, in her trim, black tunic is solemnly and purposely avoiding looking at Ivetta. Father Tobias wears his freshly pressed robes and is armed, as usual, with several of his pistols. The men who rode with the three to gather the revenants (here now dubbed The Bois) also mill about in their finest no one saying anything to one another.

About five minutes before the parade starts, approaches a boy with drums too big to hold but he manages to hold it somehow. They all take his cue and mount up. He starts beating his drum. A crier begins shouting, “Make way! Make way for the heroes!” However he kinda half asses it with this hoarse voice. As they ride through the city, no one cheers. Every so often a crowd of seven or eight people just kind of stare.

Eventually, get to the university where there's a platform built. A modest crowd is gathered and a band sits on the stage with the mayor and some other officials. The band plays poorly as they approach. Odd squeaks and out of tune notes permeate the piece. Nothing too triumphant in the applause. The mayor motions to cut the music. They stop at different times. The mayor, after thanking each man and woman individually begins his speech talking a little about exploits then says, “...for their courage, valor, strength, and honor I give you all the title Knights of Stralsund! You will all be given a stipend of one year! A modest applause comes from the crowd after it subsides the mayor continues gesturing at the Father, “Father Tobias, for your bravery above and beyond the call to action, I give you the key to the city!” He steps forward and takes the large golden key from the mayor. The Bois clap, beginning the call, “three cheers for Father Tobais! Hip hip, Hooray! Hip hip, Hooray! Hip hip, Hooray!” The crowd joins them on their second refrain and finally some semblance of revlary is had.

Father Tobias, holding the key, also makes a speech, “two weeks ago, your city was beset by forces that outnumbered you ten to one. Any sane commander would have put their money on the attacking forces, but it was the strength and fidelity of the people of Stralsund that brought you all together to win the day. I am honored to be rewarded. It will not be easy moving forward but it is good to know that the people of Stralsund will rise up to meet whatever faces you!” more cheering.

“Excellent speech Father.” the mayor says shaking his hand. “Would anyone else like to speak?” Castor shakes her head and Ivetta remains silent. Some of the officials make basic speeches for about ten minutes then they’re all awkwardly shuffled off the stage and to the banquet.

The hall looks to have been built in medieval times, arching ceilings, long wooden tables, huge fireplaces with fires built up to last hours burning inside. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, contrasting the chill from the weather and the people outside. One roasted turkey sits in the center of the table meant for the 20 some officials as well as the rest. There is no shortage of wine or beer however. Bread, fish, apples, line the tables. The three are led to the head table where they sit alongside the mayor. Immediately, Castor pours herself a full goblet of wine and gulps it down, not touching the food. Ivetta does the same but she fills her plate as well as her glass.

The room fills with chattering people, hungrily eating and making conversation but the three of them sit in a noticeable silence, save Castor's refilling her goblet. The mayor speaks up trying to break the silence of the three heroes and attempts to make small talk. “So, Father... you are a man of faith?” Castor, already on her second glass of wine, does a spit take, laughing out loud at the ridiculous question.

During the feast they carve the turkey, insisting they eat it. It is amazing by their measure but tough and dry by modern standards. Father Tobias and Ivetta enjoy the portions their hosts they insist they ingest. Castor samples the meat but it tastes to her like everything else so it is abandoned in favor of more wine.

After the supper, people begin milling. Castor, quite drunk by now, looks about and spots one of The Bois, quite attractive by her standards and thinks it would be a wonderful idea to go chat him up while in her inebriated state. She stands, drink in hand and lists to the side as she saunters over to him. Father Tobias also rises  and mingles with the crowd but always keeping a wary eye on the pair.

She proceeds to talk with the blond boy, her speech slightly slurred and sprinkled with hiccups.

“Hey theree, fellow knight.” She emphasizes the 't' with a tick of her tongue.

“Um, hello, you’re Castor right?”

“Yep yep tha’s me.”

“I see the wine agrees with you.”

“Yeah! Ittase so goo', sort of b'rnss.” *hiccup* “I think. ‘Ve never really had ii beferr besides chur’h. *hiccup* Sss-so what do ya do ‘wen you’re nah killin’ things ‘nd bein’ awesome ‘n’ stuff?” *hiccup.* She pitches sideways but catches herself on the wall and plays it off like she meant to do it.

“I’m a farmer.”

“Oooooooo wha’ do you farm?”

“Well I-”

“Do you have animals?”

“Yes, horses-”

“I like horses. They ‘ave sush sof noses.” *hiccup* “I have a horse his name is Azurrr. That means he tht assists, er somethin’ comp’nion. Hes sush a goobboy. I lik’ horses.”

“Didn't you fall off your horse?”

“I almos’ di buh I dinn’ that was my... fren. I had to go save her twice.”

“You should really learn how to ride a horse.”

“I cann ri’ Azur jus fine thank you.”

Ivetta seeing the apparent fun Castor is having with this guy leaves her spot at the table and walks up behind Castor to join the conversation. The boy’s eyes glaze right past Castor as Ivetta approaches.

Castor turns to see what's taken his attention. “Ohhhh great. Iss’ Ivetta, whadda you wan'?”

“That's no way to speak to a lady!" He chastises Castor. Turning his attention back to Ivetta he stumbles, "I’m-I'm sorry my lady, I apologize for his rudeness.”

Ivetta ignores his apology staring at Castor, “Whaa? Was’ wrong Castor? I jus’ came to 'ave fun.”

“‘ave fun somewh’re else. I saw ‘im firs’. Le’ me ‘ave some fun too.”

Father Tobias, half listening to a man who is talking about his wine cellars breaks off his rant saying, “this is all very fascinating I am sure but I must go.” He cuts through the crowd and steps in between the two, very drunk, young women. Placing a hand on each of their shoulders he says, “Alright you two let’s break it up.” Both of them shirk him off.

“‘m not doin’ an’thin’ I'm jus’ talkin’ with this nice guy an’ Ivetta comes in an’ ruins ii’.”

“You were not talking with him Castor, you were talking *at* him.” She pouts and looks away.

“You’re not my father!” Ivetta cries pulling away from him.

“Well, actually, I am.” Father Tobias says laughing slightly at his own joke.

“You’re no' my father, heess dead!”

Castor cuts in, “nO iVeTta, hE wAs mAKiNg A JOKe! But it's not like you care, you probably think he's being controlled by Satan!”

The murmur of voices filling the hall stops abruptly. But continues again after a beat.

Ivetta looks to Castor, “Why ‘re you so angry a’ me?”

Castor bristles, “I don’ know *Ivetta*, mayb’ ‘cause w’never you sho’,” *hiccup* “up no one gives me a sec’nd glan’ce.” *hiccup* “You’re a beau’iful, irresis’ible woman no man would ever refuse.” *hiccup* “What cha’ce do I ‘ave when you’re aroun’? None! I,” *hiccup* “look li'e a *boy* all th' time!”

Another silence falls. This one longer than the last.

Ivetta’s face softens, “oh Castor, you are beau'iful…” She reaches her open arms toward Castor to give the girl a hug but the other backs away.

Shaking her head she yells, “N-n-no! I haven’ ‘ad friends mos’ my life I don’ need 'em now. Speshly not ones 'oo don' lissen.”

Father Tobias looks at the lad and motions his head to the side. Catching his eye, he nods and attempts to sidle away.

Castor protests seeing this, “Wha’ ? No, don’ go. I wanna ‘ave fun ‘n’ be frens.”

“I think it would be best for him to go, Castor.”

Ignoring Tobias, Castor begs the boy, “‘M sorry, ‘ve been ba’ com’ny. I di’n’ get y’ur nam'.  Wel’ wh’n ‘m soberrr il’ke t-tal’ wi’h you again if I can please. Whas y’ur name?”

“Gerrard.”

“‘m sorry if I was talkin’ *at* you Gerrar’.” She looks straight at Tobias when she emphasized the ‘at’ and takes another indignant gulp of wine.

Ivetta attempts to go with the young man too as he tries once again to leave. He looks to Father Tobias for help. Father Tobias gives him a stern look. “I’m sorry, my lady but, ah, I must go.” He gtfo of there. Leaving Ivetta disappointed.

Much more sternly Tobias speaks to the pair, “Ivetta, Castor, I am not your father, but I know you have been under a lot of stress but it seems-”

Ivetta interrupts, “You don't know the half of it.”

He resumes, “I think I might. You may have gone through a lot but I served for many years. I’ve seen people, I’ve seen friends fall in the line next to me. I know what it's like to be stressed after such a momentous battle. At the lowest point in your life but the way you two are going about this will only cause more problems in the future.”

Losing interest fast, Castor casts her gaze around trying to find someone, anyone else to talk to besides these two. Ivetta looks toward the Father but he gaze goes right through him. She sways.

“I know you two think you're suffering the most anyone has ever suffered before but-”

“Plen’y of peopl’ go’ ii’ wors.’ I jus’ wanna ‘ave fun. Whys th’t so ba’?” Castor’s drink sloshes over her hand as she emphasizes with her arms.

Ivetta’s knees buckle, her goblet falling to the floor, spilling. Men around the hall flock to the unconscious woman, all fanning her.

Father Tobias also moves to help her, “Castor, I could use your help.”

Seeing the gaggle of men surrounding Ivetta, Castor grows cold, “‘elp ‘s all I e’er do. Nnnnno. ‘f you wan’ my help then you ma’e her apolo-,” *hiccup*, “-gize.” Castor doesn’t seem to notice Ivetta had passed out. “She’s stron’ 'nd got plenty of men, she doesn’ nee’ my ‘elp.”

Tobias picks up Ivetta from the crowd. As he passes Castor he says, “It's alright Castor, I understand, you have to look out for number one right? You’re the one who’s most important.”

She slurs back, “I ne’er said I was impor’an’. Or tha' I wanna be. I just said she doesn't nee’ me," she gestures to the surrounding men, "she 'as her pick.”

Tobias shakes his head and carries the unconscious Ivetta out of the hall. After they exit Castor says under her breath “k'lljoyss.” It seems that no one wants much to do with her after that. The people with whom she tries to strike up conversation find reasons to leave as soon as they can. Tiring of these ventures Castor soon finds her way back to the table and sinks into her chair. Eventually the mayor tentatively approaches her.

"Sir Castor? Ah, do you know...Will Father Tobais be returning tonight?”

Moodliy she responds, “Perh'ppsss.”

“A man wished to speak to him about the vessel. A certain Francois. Will you pass this on the message?”

“’ll see wha' I c'n do.”

“I'm entrusting you with this.”

Well into the night, the dinner is over and only few servants clearing up the dishes remain. Father Tobias returns to the hall, finding Castor still slumped in her high backed chair. A goblet of wine in one hand and a half eaten loaf of bread in the other, her eyes stormy and disposition cantankerous.

Tobias sits across the table from her. “Looks like the party's almost over, Castor. Did you have fun?”

She doesn't raise her head but looks grumpily up at him, “'ou pu' inna grea' deallof effort to ensure I d'dn’t. You. 'nd *her.*” She takes a long draft of wine, some spilling out the edges of the cup, tracking down her chin as she drinks.

“I'm sure you'll think about it more in the morning but the man you were talking to wasn’t really participating in your conversation. I don't think it would have gone anywhere.”

She wipes the wine from her face with the back of her hand, “Well nev'r know noww'll we?” she sighs, “Lo'k, th' mayor tol' me t' tell y'u a mnnnamed Franswaa w'ss lookin' f'r you. Must be the profess'r you were talkin' 'bout. So you c'n juss go find 'mm and cure everyb'dy and leave me be.”

“And how will you get back?”

“I c'n make it ther' m'self.”

“You want to risk passing out in the street like Ivetta? Put your mission in jeopardy?”

She chuckles aloud, her body curling forward with mirth, “Ha! It doesn' ma'er if th' mask'd m'n finds me drunk on the stree' or sober as a priess'. I can’ beat 'im either way. H’ll kill me with ease. So wha' differ'nce doss it make? Hmm?” She slides back but sits up again and continues, “Loo' *Father*, I ne'er *wanted* th'ss. I di'n’t ask for this to happen. I wann'ed…" Her anger softens to confusion for a moment, "I want'd... I don’ even know. But I didn' wan' to be threaten'd with death e'erywhe'e I go bec'use I 'ave magic that I can't even controll! I'm jus… tired. Tired of bein' hunted, stress'd, anxious, afraid. I travel around no' knowing wha' I’m doin,' tryin' to find random objecss. I *have* to do it until Godsssatisfie' tha' I've helped 'nuff people.”

“Is that the only reason you do it? Because God told you to?”

“N-no. Tha’s- 'f course I wanna help p'ple but I can't jump the hurdlessset out for me. ’mm not smart enuff or strong enuff. I wan' t' help people but I don' wan' t' be *made* to help people wh'n I know I can’t.”

“You are not alone, Castor. You can jump the hurdles; you just need someone by your side to help you over them. Jesus didn't spread his word alone; he had 12 others. Twelve disciples to disseminate his message. You have people at your side who have and are willing to again walk with you through hell and back. Your friends are just trying to help you. It is a mistake to push them away, as you have tried your best to do tonight.”

Suddenly sobering, Castor speaks softly, “I didn't push the first two away. They- they left. And we…” Her voice cracks. “I abandoned Marco.”  Tears pool in her eyes but don’t yet fall.

“I have been in many battles where I went in with many comrades who did not return. But, in the end we won our battle. Not everybody can make it to the end. You must continue the fight no matter how many fall. It's what they would have wanted. Marco wouldn't have wanted you to die for his sake. He would have wanted you to win your war.”

Castor whispers, head bowed, “But what if 'm tired of fighting it?”

“Sometimes you don’t have a choice, you have to fight. You have already tried running. Now you need to hold fast and win.”

Castor says nothing. Tears begin to stream down her face. She puts the glass and bread on the table in front of her and actively sobs into her freed hands. Great, hiccuping sobs that wrack her whole body.

Tobias comes around the table and puts a hand on her back, “come on let's get you back.” She lets him lead her back to the manor, stumbling and swaying drunkenly, but Father Tobias is always there to steady her.

Late afternoon the next day, Ivetta knocks softly on Castor’s door. There’s no response but Ivetta can hear snoring. She knocks harder. A rustle of bedclothes, “Wha-? Who 's it?” Ivetta speaks but Castor says sleepy, “I can't hear you. Come inn.” Ivetta enters finding Castor still in the black tunic she wore yesterday and half cocooned in ruffled sheets.

Castor sits up in her bed rubbing her eyes. “Oh Ivetta, good morning.”

“Castor, what- what happened?”

“Hmm? Yesterday? The parade, then the speeches then the banquet.” The sleepy look melts off her face, a look of horror and sorrow replacing it. “Oh. oh no. Ivetta. Ivetta I am so sorry.”

“What? I don’t remember what happened? There was really good turkey...”

“At the banquet we- I- I drank and I--I said such horrible things to you!”

“I remember- Father Tobias was there… he was saying something important then everything was getting fuzzy…”

“You, ah, passed out, I think… but I’m sorry Ivetta, I-I’ve never had wine before I didn't know what it would do to me. Ivetta, I’m so so sorry.”

“I don't really remember anything specific but it's okay, I'm sure, Castor.”

“I said such horrible things…”

“I know you've never had alcohol. It does strange things to people. Ah, my head is pounding.”

Castor looks alarmed, “What’s wrong? Can-can I heal you?”

Ivetta smiles slightly, “no, it's just something that happens when you drink too much.”

“But I feel fine...Are you sure I can’t heal you?”

“Yes Castor, I just need to eat, I’m starving.”

The pair sit at the huge dining table, food laid before them. Ivetta ravenously eats while Castor watches her closely.  Father Tobias enters the dining room. Castor looks at him meekly and whispers to Ivetta, “I’ll be right back.”

She approaches him worrying her cross. “Father, I am so sorry. I must apologize for my behavior last evening.”

He waves his hand, “I’ve seen many a soldier do much worse under the influence.”

“I, ah, also wanted to thank you, for your kind words and patience.”

“It is part of my job." He gives he a warm smile and calls to Ivetta, "I hope you did not hit anything on the way down, Ivetta.” Continuing to eat she waves her hand dismissively.

“Her head hurts from the drinking. Is there anything I can do?”

“Drinking water will help.”

Castor looks incredibly worried like it's the worst thing in the world that Ivetta has a headache. Ivetta toasts the other two with her water-filled goblet.

“Because our plans lead us out of the city, perhaps leading on young men while under the influence of drink, was perhaps not the kindest thing to do.”

“What do you mean?” Asks Ivetta.

“Perhaps I give too much credence to Castor’s drunken comments?”

“N-no Ivetta doesn’t remember so much. Um, Ivetta, I was talking to a man and you came over and drunken me was, ah, not happy.”

“That explains some.”

“But-but Father I wasn’t trying to lead anyone on I just- I wanted to perhaps get to know him better? I don't have many friends...especially not that way. But I would never- not before marriage. It is a sin.” she looks down blushing, “I suppose you already know but well, I- I’m a girl.”

“I had my suspicions. but for the sake of your mission you should probably be more careful in future. Others too know of your lie they might suspect you have not been truthful about other things. Because you are required to lie about other things it is probably best not to reveal yourself.”

“Others like those city officials…” Castor looks worried.

“That does not mean there aren't lessons to be learned here but we are leaving soon, hopefully no ill effects will come of it. In any event, I am glad to see you're both recovering.” Castor looks sheepish, guilty even. Ivetta continues eating, unphased.

“It seems the professor was unable to find me, but I hope today sometime we can meet. At dusk I have a meeting with somebody, and, should I not return by midnight. You should contact Hollinzoller.”

“Why wouldn’t you return? Should we not go with you?!”

“I should not want to endanger you. You need only worry if it should come to a situation where I don't return.”

Castor says, adamant, “I’m coming with, I'm not leaving another person behind.”

“It is unclear who these people are so I don’t think it’s a good idea to deliver the golden goose to their doorstep.”

“Who are you meeting?”

“I don't know.”

“How do you know where you are meeting with if you don't know who told you?”

“They found me. We don’t know how they operate. Perhaps if I go and gain information on them I can take them out before they know more about us. We’ll be in a much better position for that if I go tonight.”

Ivetta asks, “when did they contact you? Was it someone from the church?”

“As I was ferrying two young people to bed.”

“I don’t remember seeing anyone.” Castor says.

“They simply left a note of a place and time to meet.”

“I still think there should be someone with you.” Castor says stubbornly.

“Hollinzoller will send in backup if I don't return.”

“That is not what I meant. Did they ask you to come alone? May I see this note?”

Father Tobais hesitates a moment then says, “yes.” he pulls it from his pocket handing to Castor who tries to hand it to Ivetta. Ivetta sakes her head slightly and encourages Castor to read aloud. A loook of determination besets Castor’s face as she reads out with stumbling, stuttering words, still connecting the letters to sounds, "Th-ay are n-not who you think thay are. Meet in toe-towen in frunt of the f-frist, oh first. First house pass-t the marc- market."

Ivetta gives Castor a smile at her progress and asks Tobias, “If they didn't threaten anything. Why go?”

“I ask myself what is their objective? To divide us? To turn me against you or abandon you, would be my guess.”

“It could be an attempt to separate us tonight.” Castor says.

“My gut says it's one person.” Ivetta interjects.

“If they do plan anything in separating us, you two will be holed up in one of the safest palaces in the city. If we don't take this chance they could attack at a later date. Perhaps there are more people like GS.”

Ivetta offers a dagger to him. He takes it and fastens it above his scabbard.

“Should worst come to worst and Hollinzoller can’t find me, it would be best for you to jump to a new land. You have a better shot there rather than wandering these lands."

Castor looks up at Tobais, scared, “I don't want to lose another companion especially one of whom we’ve just gained the trust.”

Father Tobias kneels down and places a hand on her shoulder.

“Remember Castor, it’s the battles and the war, not the people you start with. Even without me, I'm sure you’ll find a way.”

He stands and Ivetta adds, “Just please be careful.”

“When have I never not been?”

Castor still looks concerned, “I know but this seems very dangerous.”

Tobias dusts himself off, “I will see you tonight.” Castor gives him a sad, worried look.

TBC

Episode Sixteen: Murder in Stralsund