Thomas sat watching the flames flickering in the hearth.
A fairly non-descript building. The only thing that distinguished it from the other buildings on the street was the sign that hung over the door. The sign declared the place to be The Shepherd's Arms. A traveler's lodging house a few blocks off the Marketplace square. The Arms catered to the frugal traveler. A common room on the first floor where a lodger could get a plain meal. The second floor housed the rooms that were rented out. The rooms for let reflected more of the austere quality of a convent or monastery cell than a comfortable bedroom. But it was a dry and seeming safe place to sleep and rest.
Thomas sat watching the flickering flames in the hearth on the third floor. The furnishings of these rooms were the opposite of those below. Palatial in comparison. From the rich mahogany floors and intricately woven rugs, fine leather covered furniture, lavish beds of down comfort, to the fine china and sterling cutlery the servants were quietly clearing away after the evening meal.
Thomas drew his gaze from the hearth as a snifter was presented to him. The presenter, Barnabus Sheffing, was a tall, gaunt man. The owner of The Shepherd's Arms, his dark hair and eyes were the same as the black suit he wore." Thank you, Barnabus." Thomas took a sip as Barnabus settled himself in a chair beside the hearth. The assistant deacon, Barnabus, sat in silence awaiting Thomas to speak.
"First I want you to arrange to have those friends of Piper's observed. I want to find out all we can about them. Godless heathens, except for that one. Eva is her name. Choose those with the utmost discretion, Barnabus. I do not want them to know they are watched or who is having them watched." The assistant deacon nodded silently. He already had a few of the faithful in mind that would be well suited to the task.
"And what of Piper?" he asked. Thomas took another sip before he answered." I want you to find three ruffians. If they are "tainted" all the better. I want them to confront her. Short of killing her, I want them to do their worst. You will have a Watcher present to record her reactions." Thomas spoke matter of factly about having his own daughter attacked." The three are expendable and after the trial is completed they are to be disposed of so that no one, save you and I, know why she was attacked."
After a few moments Barnabus stood up. He bowed his head to Thomas before he started to leave to carry out his orders. The assistant deacon paused and looked back to Thomas. "Have you considered my request, Thomas?" The Deacons dark eyes were on the hearth again." She would have to be purified before she could be given as wife, Barnabus. Your request is still being considered." Barnabus nodded silently and continued to the door, shutting it quietly behind him.
Thomas took a long sip from the glass and watched
A fairly non-descript building. The only thing that distinguished it from the other buildings on the street was the sign that hung over the door. The sign declared the place to be The Shepherd's Arms. A traveler's lodging house a few blocks off the Marketplace square. The Arms catered to the frugal traveler. A common room on the first floor where a lodger could get a plain meal. The second floor housed the rooms that were rented out. The rooms for let reflected more of the austere quality of a convent or monastery cell than a comfortable bedroom. But it was a dry and seeming safe place to sleep and rest.
Thomas sat watching the flickering flames in the hearth on the third floor. The furnishings of these rooms were the opposite of those below. Palatial in comparison. From the rich mahogany floors and intricately woven rugs, fine leather covered furniture, lavish beds of down comfort, to the fine china and sterling cutlery the servants were quietly clearing away after the evening meal.
Thomas drew his gaze from the hearth as a snifter was presented to him. The presenter, Barnabus Sheffing, was a tall, gaunt man. The owner of The Shepherd's Arms, his dark hair and eyes were the same as the black suit he wore." Thank you, Barnabus." Thomas took a sip as Barnabus settled himself in a chair beside the hearth. The assistant deacon, Barnabus, sat in silence awaiting Thomas to speak.
"First I want you to arrange to have those friends of Piper's observed. I want to find out all we can about them. Godless heathens, except for that one. Eva is her name. Choose those with the utmost discretion, Barnabus. I do not want them to know they are watched or who is having them watched." The assistant deacon nodded silently. He already had a few of the faithful in mind that would be well suited to the task.
"And what of Piper?" he asked. Thomas took another sip before he answered." I want you to find three ruffians. If they are "tainted" all the better. I want them to confront her. Short of killing her, I want them to do their worst. You will have a Watcher present to record her reactions." Thomas spoke matter of factly about having his own daughter attacked." The three are expendable and after the trial is completed they are to be disposed of so that no one, save you and I, know why she was attacked."
After a few moments Barnabus stood up. He bowed his head to Thomas before he started to leave to carry out his orders. The assistant deacon paused and looked back to Thomas. "Have you considered my request, Thomas?" The Deacons dark eyes were on the hearth again." She would have to be purified before she could be given as wife, Barnabus. Your request is still being considered." Barnabus nodded silently and continued to the door, shutting it quietly behind him.
Thomas took a long sip from the glass and watched