[WFRP] The Bloody Crown XIII

[rax]

"The Prince mustn't find her?" Bardhyl chortled. "This sounds like a most exciting story, friend Ludo. What has the poor girl done to attract the ire of your lord and master, and why are you - his loyal vassals - trying to protect her from him?" he continued with a wicked grin.

[TheSummoner]

Sieghard

"The girl did nothing," Sieghard said. "But the Princess did something foolish and nearly killed herself and the girl was a convenient person for them to put the blame on. We didn't much feel like seeing an innocent girl lose her head over that."

[RossN]

Jarla

"Perhaps I could escort the girl?" Jarla suggests. "She might be less skittish around another woman... besides she might be willing to spill a few more secrets about the Princepessa to me. I'm sure I could find an excuse to travel on court business."

[-Sentinel-]

"Are you sure the girl will trust her ex-employer's confidante, Jarla?" asked Elsa. "Or that you can blend in among the commoners? I could task Olga with this, instead."

"For my part, I need to go get Bastard in Putbad. Just a quick round-trip."

When they set out to find Wadim, she refused to be the only one walking while the others rode.

[rax]

Sieghard

"The girl did nothing," Sieghard said. "But the Princess did something foolish and nearly killed herself and the girl was a convenient person for them to put the blame on. We didn't much feel like seeing an innocent girl lose her head over that."

"As I suspected, chivalry is not a closed book to you," Bardhyl grinned. "How badly does the Prince want this girl and what measures has he taken to find her so far? And what is your plan for her? Is she to disappear beyond his reach permanently, or do you want her kept on hand for a future grand reveal?"

[LeSwordfish]

"I'll go to painford with you," Ludo said.

"The prince believes her to have poisoned his wife. By accident or on purpose. He was looking for her but gave up and went on with his journey south from Painford. I wouldn't be surprised if she's a low priority after he gets back a few weeks later."

"I don't think we'll need her again. I would say maybe we can clear her name so she can get back to Savonne if she wants, but..."

But that's not happening unless the princess is dead.

[rax]

"So, no bounties posted or anything like that? Your prince wants to keep this matter quiet, yes? If there are no eyes looking for the girl, it will make it much easier to move her - and to talk the right people into moving her beyond the Reaches, eh?" Bardhyl suggested.

[LeSwordfish]

"No bounties." Ludo confirmed.

OOC

Spoiler

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Correct me if I'm misremembering.

[rax]

"Well, that makes matters simpler, for sure," Bardhyl mused. "And Sforza is away in the south? Then you should move quickly if getting her out of the Reaches is your goal," he added.

"Here's what I suggest. Firstly, we engage the services of our mutual acquaintance Captain Sandu. Secondly, you bring the girl from Painford, turn her over to me, and my lads and I will meet Sandu at a location known only to us a ways upriver. The girl gets on the Dragon with two of my men to keep Sandu honest, and they all sail merrily for Putbad. From Putbad, the girl can hitch a ride with a caravan or boat heading out of the Reaches. My lads can help her with that if necessary. Naturally, you'll need to provide her with some seed money to start her new life and a suitable fee to keep Sandu's mind on the job," Bardhyl explained.

"Of course, all this assumes your Prince's maid is able and willing to start over somewhere far away, with just her lonesome self to rely on," he chuckled.

[RossN]

Jarla

"I want to meet the girl," Jarla insists. "Don't forget out of all you I'm the one who will have to deal with Irene directly. I won't pressure the girl but if she does have anything to say I'm eager to hear it."

[-Sentinel-]

"I could have Olga join the group to Putbad," suggested Elsa. "It'll make the girl feel safer if the strangers protecting her include another woman."

She drained the rest of her mug and got up. "I'll go tell my apprentice I'm getting the horses in Putbad. She was angry with me last night because she wanted to be there when we fought that daemon, but let's hope she'll forgive me when she learns I'm taking her on a dangerous trip."

[LeSwordfish]

"That works for me," Ludo said. "We can discuss with her what she wants by the time we reach Ravenskird."

[LCP]

The story continues in Thread XIV.