BloodOnTheWaterBlood on the WaterOn his way across the commons, Joao noticed a trio of green-skinned figures standing near the southern entrance. Two were low-blooded Rebmans males, wearing military garb. They flanked the elegant Kapitan Lorna, dressed in a flowing dress that matched her plum-colored hair. She bowed her head as Joao drew closer. “Might I have a moment of your time, my Duke?” she said in an oily voice, like the stain after a shark kill. Joao saluted the Kapitan, crossing his breast with his forearm and tapping his left shoulder with the fingers of his right hand. He gave nods of the head to the two Rebman officers, as much, but no more than they were due. "Kapitan Loma" Joao said. "I would be pleased to converse with you." Lorna took his arm, as an Amberite male would his female escort. She began leading them toward the bridge, the guards in tow. “I am here on the behest of the Duchess. She wishes to inform you that your association with Cole Di Perondor has brought you profit. His Family has agreed to engage in trade of lumber for certain medicinal goods that only your House can provide. You should be very proud.” "Da" Joao said. "I am pleased that House Galitzin has done well." She allowed a moment’s triumph before adding, “You, however, to disassociate yourself from the Lady Rusalka immediately.” "Diassociate myself?" Joao said. A roil of thoughts went through him, amplified by this sudden command. The fact that Kapitan Loma had been sent here, to dry land, to send a message spoke volumes. This was not her normal metier, even if her interests aligned with his House; so why had Mother used *her* to send these messages? And as far as he knew, Mother only knew that Miss Cardovan and Joao had interacted at the exhibition hosted by Lady Karm, unless she had spies on campus. Correction, Joao, thought. Mother might know more from the inevitable spies she had on campus. "Might I be permitted to ask why?" Joao said. "After all, I have not seen Lady Cardovan in several days." |
