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SwanHendrakeRossoRotundaRendezvous

Index

Swan Hendrake Rosso Rotunda Rendezvous

And in short order, the group gets their gear together for their side expeditions. A rendezvous point at the Fire Gate on the far side of the bridge is arranged. Thus, Swan and the two hellmaidens can make a trip to Hendrake, while (with a diversion to the River), Espérance and Orcini can pay a call on House Minobee.

Allinia and Horatia waste no time in leading Swan out of Dara's Ways, out of the Ways of Sawall entirely, and onto the boulevard. That crazy four color sky has the blue directly overhead, and purple edging up from the eastern horizon. Redsky, the time set for the reunion on the bridge, would be the next quarter day after Purple, and White after that before returning to Blue. Subjects of the Empire busy themselves on errands and business of their own, giving little attention to Swan and a pair of Hellmaidens.

The trip down the Boulevard is short, in point of fact, the Ways of House Hendrake are the next House down from Sawall.

"They stand as the highest non-Royal House." Horatia says. "Surprising because of the War, but they suffered less than some other Houses, and the succession assassinations that led to Emperor Merlin's ascension benefited Hendrake nearly as much as Sawall." she adds.

In comparison to the black and silver Castle that is Sawall, the entrance to Hendrake is an even larger, burlier sort of Fortress. Unlike the Royal House, which had a few guards at the door that Swan and company passed on the way out, the Hendrake Castle is fully manned with warriors at the entrance, on the towers and on the other fortifications. It looks like something out of Uncle Benedict's most glorious war fantasies, and there is a severity and harshness to the appearance.

The guards are gruff, but the presence of two expatriate maidens and explanation of Swan's favor with the Queen Mother is enough to get her, Allinia and Horatia inside. It also leads to an interview with General T'Loria, one of the military leaders of Hendrake under its Duchess. She meets Swan in a small enclosed garden with a roof to a blue-black sky.

After hearing the story from Swan that Suhuy relayed, she considers it for a little while, and sends off a page to go look for some records on a "Najya Hendrake". Oh, and Swan is asked for blood. Not much, but a few drops collected into a vial. Some short time later Swan has a picture of what must be her mother. There is a passing resemblance in the eyes.

"Lady Najya was skilled with a Blade" the General says. "Not in terms of being a warleader but rather as an operative. Duchess Belissa would have to confirm it, but I suspect she worked for the Black Hand of Hendrake, if such a role existed in Hendrake, or any other House. Assassination. Espionage. Covert operations that the Duchess could deny if she wished. She may have even been *the* Black Hand, but a Black Hand does not exist, right? Especially if she was the sister of Gilva Hendrake and thus the niece of the Duchess. I am sure you understand."

"Najya did operate deep in shadow and was considered lost when she did not return for the Black Road War. If the Keeper is correct, we now know how her story ended, and what resulted. Your blood does seem to run true, but we would like to do further tests, which will take time. We do know, though, Swan, you are Hendrake. The markers are clear."

Horatia seems delighted by this in particular.

Swan smiles softly at the woman. “I knew you only loved me for my horns.” She leans back in her chair, considering this news. If she’s of Chaosian blood, then how the bloody hell did she end up in Bete Noire? Did she lay that little insult at her mother’s or her father’s doorstep? She chooses Dad’s almost immediately, mainly because well, one, he’s her dad. . . and, two, he’s a righteous dink.

"Regardless of where you fit in our bloodlines." the General continues. "We will wish to test you, and train you. You have the favor of the Queen Mother, but you would have a place here, if Sawall is foolish enough not to ask to adopt you. Our Honor dictates that they have first right, for finding a Lost Egg. Even if you might be in the Ducal Line. But you do not, I understand, have the weeks that we would insist upon."

Swan shakes her head, “Nope. Gotta war to fight, people to kill, and glorious songs of bloodshed to write. But I promise, I’ll bring back souvenirs. Something wet.” She stands, dipping her head. “Thanks for the insights, friend. I promise I’ll be back. I appreciate your info.”

General T'Loria smiles. "Fight well, and with honor. Return from your War, with success." He makes a sign of the Serpent that Swan has seen Orcini do. "By the Serpent, do well."

With the promise of a return for further analysis and getting to know her likely new relations, Swan can take her leave of General T'Loria, and head out onto the Boulevard and down and down the street for her Redsky rendezvous with Orcini and Espérance.