Xavier was approaching the gate when he heard one of the knights on the wall bellowing questions at the visitor at the gate. He shook his head. No one would freely admit to being a raider. "Enough! Stand down!" he called to the knight.

He approached the newcomer. "Greetings. Xavier DeVale, right hand man to the lord of this village. How might I be able to assist you?"

Dyfrig swept a bow, flourishing with the floppy hat.

"Greetings, my lord. I am Dyfrig. I am a cook in search of employment. Might you have need of my services here?"

"How many children have you cooked?" Sir Excessive Force asked.

In reply to Dyfrig (msg # 202):

Xavier glared at his knight. "I repeat, stand down. A cook would be most welcome. The former baker was trying to keep up but is indisposed and Mrs. Spenser is not accustomed to cooking for so many, plus she has a family to tend. But I will need to verify that you're not a danger. The village was recently attacked and tensions are running high.

Dyfrig smiled.

"I am not a danger. But how to demonstrate that, there's the rub. I carry a sword and staff when travelling, these I am happy to relinquish. My knife, however, I need... but only in the kitchen. It can stay there else. Would that satisfy?"

He's ignoring the fatuous knight.

"I fully understand the need for carrying protection while on the road, or even for protecting oneself in times of attack. Our other problem is mermen who are coming in, having shapeshifted to look human. And I'm not quite certain how to test for that."

Xavier thought for a long moment. Probably the best test was finding out how this man felt about women. "How do you view women?"

"Do you eat sea weed?" The knight demanded.

"Women, my Lord? A beauty to behold but, I must confess, somewhat scary. Cuddly and warm when they want to be."

Dyfrig was a bit puzzled, but did his best to give an honest answer.

Xavier of course knew it was a strange question. But considering the mermen's preoccupation with breeding, it was probably the best way to get an idea of if the man could be trusted. "Aye, they can be warm and cuddly," he grinned. "Welcome to the keep. If you'll follow me, we'll find Mrs. Spenser and then get you introduced to the kitchen."

"Thank you, my Lord," said Dyfrig politely. He replaced the floppy hat and followed Xavier.

Xavier led the newcomer to the heart of the keep, to the kitchen and main hall.

Luka had seen the wall for a bit before reaching it, so had plenty of time to rehearse his first words. First off he had kept his ears covered but his face could easily be seen. He had his staff on full view. People seemed to better with his magic when he was upfront about it. He approached the gate before calling up to whoever was in charge of it. "Hello there. Is anyone up there?" He waited patiently for an answer. Featherlight,  his Owl hooted content on his shoulder.

"Who the bloody hell are you?" The guard demanded. "Drop your arms!"

Luka looked confused at the Guard. "I'm Luka, a travelling healer. I'm confused, how can I drop my arms? They're attached to my shoulders."

The knight drew his sword.

"I'll drop them for you smart alek!"

Shawn had been out at the plot of land he wanted, checking the soil and imagining how he would lay out his farm, but was on his way to the kitchen for breakfast when he heard a ruckus at the gate. He headed out that way and eyed the knight. "What goes on?"

Luka took two steps back, drawing arcane energy around the hand hidden behind his back. "I assure you I am not named Alek. My name is Luka as I have said." He glanced to the other man approaching. "Greetings Sir. I know not what is happening. This man asked me to lay down my arms but they are attached. He did not seem to like the impossibility of my statement."

"He probably meant any weaponry you may be carrying. Our village was recently raided, so the guards are a bit on edge regarding newcomers," Shawn explained.

The knight turned on Shawn.

"Put your hands on your head!"

Shawn stared at him incredulously. The dolt knew exactly who he was. "On the other hand, it seems Lord Thornblade has an imbecile on his hands." He didn't know if Juniper had accepted the guard captain position or not, so Shawn figure it still fell on him. "You know perfectly well that I am the Captain of the Guard. Lord Thornblade is going to need to relieve you from duty."

Luka seemed more worried at the prospect of the recent raids. "Was anyone injured? I'd like to offer my aid." He looked towards the other man who had approached them. "If you can get me inside I'll offer up all the experience I have."

"We lost many, and we have many who were injured. I'm certain our healer would gladly accept your assistance. Our most severely injured were some of the girls and women, Difyr could then turn her concentration to them. More than likely, we will have injuries during the rebuilding process as well."

Shawn glared at the knight once and held his hands up. "You know darn well who I am, and I am taking this gentleman to the keep to assist with the injured."

"On your head!" The knight demanded.

Shawn was very tempted to just run the man through. He saw one of the other knights run up behind the one blocking him. "Lord DeVale has requested Captain Spenser's presence at the kitchen," he said breathlessly.

"Tell him I will be right there." He sent a glare to the forceful knight and walked past him with Luka.

Luka walked alongside the knight, not even glancing at the gate guard but more interested in getting to those in need of healing. "My thanks Captain." he said as they made their way to the Kitchen.

>>> To the Kitchen >>>