UnpleasantInvestigationSubthread3[From Unpleasant Investigation Subthread 2 ] Meanwhile, Lord Draupaud had ridden closer to the Steward and was reining in. "Steward Thorne! What brings you and Niko to the meadows so early?" Derron grimaced and replied, "Several things, Milord, and none good. First, we think young Aerin may have brought your son Ranulf out here on a lark. We need to gather him up, to give him the news that has also summoned you." He paused, then said, "I can tell you now, and let you break it to the boy, or I can wait until we find him." Lord Draupaud sat very still on his horse for a moment. His face was still - beyond still. Marble. Then suddenly, abruptly, he dismounted. He stood face to face with Derron. "Tell me," he said quietly. Derron relaxed just the slightest bit. The fact the man was not yelling, nor weeping and wailing, gave him hope they could manage the conversation in an emotionless manner. "Her room was locked from the inside, and she looked unharmed. But there was a strange odor around her lips. Nothing in her room bore the same odor. A guard on the wall heard her singing, then stop as if surprised. The guard outside her room had been left a tankard of ale laced with something to make him visit the privy often." He paused before continuing. "It appears that someone used your missing key to get the tankard from your offices. But we do not know who is behind this. I have been working on the assumptions that she knew who came in, since she did not cry out when her door opened. Also, whoever took your key had access to your rooms. This could mean it was someone close to you. Oh, and I sent a raven to Holdfast summong Maester Merival back. Hopefully he will be back in three or four days." Lord Draupaud nodded slowly. "You're sure the office was entered from my side?" he said suddenly. "Not from the side leading to the main castle?" Derron shook his head. "No, I'm not. But the key you told the cutler was taken from your bedside is the only one not in your possession, mine or Ser Tomas's. Add to that the fact that whomever did this was comfortable moving in those quarters at night, I would guess it was the one from the private side." He paused, then added, "But I am simply following the obvious clues. There could be many things I have missed. That is one of the reasons I sent for Merivel. Once we have found your son, I await further orders, Milord." "My son?" said Lord Draupaud sharply, as they began to move towards the castle. "You said Aerin may have brought him out here?" Derron nodded. "The guards saw them head out this way. The lass had agreed to keep an eye on him until we could find you. While waiting for your return, Niko and I began some questioning." He paused, then said, "We could try calling out for them. They may be in range ro hear us." [Rejoins with Niko in Unpleasant Investigation Subthread 5 ] |
