ToRescueADamsel(Continued from So Where is Chadwick?)
After being dismissed by the Regent, Goran made his way out of the throne room with an enthusiastic Chadwick by his side. In the hallway, he conferred with the younger man. "Perhaps we should check your rooms again before we leave? To make sure we haven't missed any clues?" he suggested. Chadwick looked puzzled, "the people that were present when I awoke? I'm sure that they don't need rescuing at the moment." Goran looked over at him blankly for a beat. "Uh ... no. Perhaps not. But the King wanted the woman that was with you found, regardless of whether or not it involves a rescue," Goran explained, slowly and carefully. "And it's possible that if we check your rooms, there might be a clue, even a whiff of perfume perhaps, that will tell me who the lady was. And once I know WHO she was, it will be easier to determine WHERE she might be." He quirked his eyebrows inquiringly to see if Chadwick understood, then he smirked good-naturedly. "I promise. If there's a rescue to be had, I'll let you go in first." "Then to my room we shall go," Chadwick responded, leading the way. His enthusiasm for the enterprise grew as they approached his room and any possibility of determining their query. As they were speaking, there was the sound of footsteps in the corridor, and then two people came into view, a young, lame Chaosian, and a Castle Amber guard. (This material is also recorded in Encounters in the Corridor)
Claudio recognized at least one of the men from the night before. "Mr. Vladic!" he hailed him, raising his free hand in greeting. "Whither away?" "Good morning, Mr. Barimen," Goran replied with a nod. He indicated the younger man beside him. "May I introduce you to Lord Chadwick?" Claudio immediately looked interested. "So this is Lord Chadwick. I am pleased to meet you, my lord, and to find you ..." He paused. "... looking well. I know there has been some concern ..." He slanted a glance at Goran, who had been on the scene when Pavlo appeared. Chadwick nodded with a smile, "every day is an adventure. I've got mysteries and the promise of action to keep me on my feet," he continued without a thought to the lameness that afflicted the other. "Whatever concerns regarding my health should be laid to rest soon enough." And indeed, Claudio seemed to take it as nothing more than a figure of speech. The guard shifted his feet but seemed reluctant to interrupt. "Indeed, I hope so," Claudio returned courteously, while at the same time studying the young Amberite prince. "And certainly there are mysteries enough for everyone, right now." "True enough," Goran agreed. "We were about to go to Lord Chadwick's room to search for clues about who was with him when he came to. Join us if you wish, Mr. Barimen." He turned to Chadwick. "Shall we, my lord?" "I'm afraid I'm supposed to go and see the Regent," Claudio replied with a trace of regret (and a glance at the guard), "and probably should not keep him waiting. Best of luck with your endeavors." Chadwick gave Claudio a slightly regretful smile. "Thank you. After everything's settled we'll have to compare experiences." "I would like that," replied Claudio. Chadwick then gave his attention to Goran. "Let's," he said as he renewed the trek to his room for any clues that might be about. He was feeling much more alert than he had when he was last there, so there might be something he'd overlooked that would be spotted this time. "Good day, Mr. Barimen," Goran nodded politely in parting and followed Chadwick to his room. To discover Ingrey and his escort rapidly approaching. (End of Encounters in the Corridor material)
Claudio, meanwhile, collected the guard with a look and continued on the way Goran and Chadwick had come, toward the throne room. "Good evening." Ingrey said as Goran and Chadwick came into view. His voice was definitely loud enough to carry to Claudio as well. At the sound of Ingrey's voice, Claudio paused and turned toward him. "Good evening, Counselor," he said, "again." "I am pleased to see you are well." Ingrey added to Chadwick. "My errand at this strange hour involves the Regent." Ingrey paused. "What errand keeps the two of you awake, might I ask?" Hearing that Ingrey also had business with the Regent, Claudio stayed where he was, holding up a hand to signal the guard to pause, too. Perhaps they could go in together ... and Claudio might learn some news. Goran smiled tightly as the Counselor approached. "Any and all, Counselor. At present, Lord Chadwick and I are in search of a 'person of interest' on orders of the Regent. As such, we should not tarry." He nodded up the hallway. "I believe the Regent is still in the Throne Room if you seek him. The Princess Islain was there as well, last I knew." Chadwick nodded with a smile. "She smells nice." "I do seek him." Ingrey replied to Goran, giving a nod. "And I thank you for confirming that he is still awake and available." He then looked to Chadwick. "I have not had the pleasure of meeting Princess Islain. In that honor, good Chadwick, you have had the fortune to have preceded me." "I will not tarry the two of you any further." Ingrey added. "Since it seems that the good man from Barimen is tarrying his own footsteps in order to perhaps join me in my own errand." He nodded to Chadwick and Goran. "Happy hunting." |
