Leoric Arrives at Barra, Earl's Court

[nick]

A large, black horse bears Leoric overnight to Barra, he races through the gates, the black knight regalia he wears announcing his presence. He rides the horse right up to the front door of the building before dropping off with a dull jangle of chainmail. Passing through the stately doors, pushing them aside with purpose, he strides loudly into the room, his boots clanging with the floor. He wears his hooded cloak, concealing most of his features, but a grimly determined set jawline and beard are clearly visible. He strides up to the Earl's steward and, in a direct and commanding tone states:

" I am Leoric Drakensvald, I am sure you will be aware of me. I'd like to be briefed on the Care Company situation, the coming mission, and what the head of the Company seems to be goading me about on the noticeboards. Of what am I not being informed? "

[clydesdaleNPC]

Susan McAra, steward to the Earl, turns to Sir Leoric and bows her head slightly.

"I am quite sure we have met before, Sir Leoric. Unfortunately I am not in a position to answer your questions at the moment. The Earl..." She falters slightly. "The Earl is very, very busy with some personal business that I am not at liberty to divulge to you at this moment in time. I can tell you that you will be briefed along with all of the other adventurers prior to the mission.

"I trust that you are not going to argue with the Earl's decision on this matter?"

[nick]

Leoric walks a little closer, a look of growing rage curling the visible aspects of his face, he examines Susan for a moment and replies.

"Your training in parroting this message is insufficient. You are hiding something from me, and it is unwise to anger the Black Order. The Earl cannot possibly be too busy to spare me five minutes of his time for my ride out here."

[clydesdaleNPC]

The Steward looks unphased. "You expect that the Earl is here, right now, and could not possibly be too busy with matters of the utmost importance when his remit is looking after an entire county of Lirron? He could not possibly be out visiting one of his Barons, or in a meeting with foreign abassadors or having a little holiday in Ethron? Do not presume that the Earl will see you at a moments notice, whatever time of the night you arrive, Sir Leoric. That is a little unfair of you."

"I am acting on the orders of my Liege, the Earl of Clydesdale, and I will do nothing that differs from my orders. As you would expect, I assume, those who follow you would also enact your own orders?"

"The Earl is not here at the moment. I don't quite know what it is you want me to do about that. I cannot take you to see someone who is not here.

"Will there be anything else?"

[nick]

Leoric finally bares a little bit of teeth and almost snarls as he speaks the next words.

"Ensure the captive care company representative is well guarded. I suspect a plan to break her from prison. A mixture of the secrecy of this mission, and the writings of a certain mad-man have caused me to concern for the Earl's safety. I hope he is aware of the prowess of the Repo-men should they come after him. I will be staying with the Halfling Alchemist until the hiring, in case correspondence need reach me."

And with that, Leoric turns, and walks out of the hall.