So the other couple get their stuff together as you and Lileth get yours together. You both head out in different direction the next morning.

Fauntleroy is trying to balance a whole buch of stuff and is not thrilled to see you, although he is polite , if slightly distracted.
Seems one oof his neighbors is causing issues and trying to snatch some of Fauntleroy's land and the Mills for flour and lumber on it. He is trying to win this battle with out have to move too many troops, lst another Noble take advanatge. He wishes you had a big escort with you.

In reply to Finger of Fate (msg # 904):

Which neighbour is causing trouble. Perhaps I can broker talks...

He snorts, I wish it were so easy, I would expect you would be unwelcome at best and more likely something much worse would befall you. Baron Nurgle is a fine example of the Zenther Noble. This Duke of yours will have no use for him, if he ever gets here. I hear Catheran is almost collapsed under the weight of the King's Army. Of course, you are here, so it makes me wonder how true that is as well.

In reply to Finger of Fate (msg # 906):

"I would ask if you believe every rumour you hear, but apparently you do. Catheran is doing well economically, and I saw more prosperity there that I have seen anywhere this side of the sea, but you really should send trusted emissaries to see that for yourself.

If Baron Nurgle is loyal to Zenther, then he needs to be removed. What has Zilia said or done about that?"

Zila? Haven't seen or heard anything, and some rumors say the old Count is gone.

As for believing everything I am told ... no, but truth is hard to know in a sea of lies.

Lileth put's up a hand, I just came from Catheran. The Army of Zenther is gone, smashed against the sea. The Duke's Army is starting to fill in south of the sea. Zila is manned by thousands of the Duke's men, and everything north of here is now pretty much in the Duke's hands. Time for you to decide where your loyalties will lie. Baron Nurgle is obviously not going to be around for much longer. I gather he is east of you, how much does he control?

Fauntleroy looks at her How do I know this is so? I am told conflicting things day in and day out.

She smiles, I represent the Freelands, we have just sided with the Duke. Barons Snidely and Frump have as well. Proof is hard to come by, but perhaps we can see about helping you further the Duke's elimination of Zenther's bad nobles.

Fauntleroy looks to you and back to her  You have my attention

In reply to Finger of Fate (msg # 908):

"Gather what information you can about this encroaching Noble, and his Allies. It would seem the Dukes men in Zilia has sat idle for long enough, it is time they started to deal with these nobles one at a time. We can see your troops are busy at the moment, but can we count on your assistance to dispel some of the lies that seem so easily propagated in these times?"

If we have reasonable proof, I will be glad to assist in dispelling the untruths.

In reply to Finger of Fate (msg # 910):

"Proof of the untruths? Which ones in particular...we can testify to what is happening in Catheran. If you want more, send someone you trust or go there yourself. As for what is going on here, that is a truth I am here to find out."

He shakes his head ... if you can prove that Zenther is all but done for, that will be enough.

In reply to Finger of Fate (msg # 912):

"What sort of evidence do you want for that? A large Catheran army here that Zether does nothing about?"

That would make a point, wouldn't it?

In reply to Finger of Fate (msg # 914):

"Because there is one here, in Zilia...lets get it mobilized against this troublesome Baron."

I would be most appreciative, and I assure you, that will send a clearer message than all the talk from the King.  I will have several other baron's scouted for you, most of whom will just surrender as they no longer have the forces to resist. While that won't collapse Zenther, I would expect to see support for the King wane and the lands to become a walk over in most cases. Can you manage as much as a thousand men?

In reply to Finger of Fate (msg # 916):

"I should think so. Give me what information you have on him and I will head back to Zilia to see what I can do.

Once we do this, you will treat the Freelands as Allies. I assume there is no problem with that?"
This message was last edited by the player at 22:03, Sun 13 June 2021.

None, Will they accept a baron?

In reply to Finger of Fate (msg # 918):

"No, but they do have their own justice system and laws, and the Duke is happy to accept them ruling their own lands and keeping the peace."

Well mostly, she smiles, they do have a Duke as their Noble.

In reply to Lileth (msg # 920):

"Well, yes. But recognition of the Duke was as far as it goes with nobles."

I see, well won't be any baron's trying to encroach most likely.

You both head back toward Zila, it akes about 4 days unless you visit anybody.  How do you plan to work things in Zila?

In reply to Finger of Fate (msg # 922):

Plan there is to approach the military and ask what is happening to overthrow Zenther...

Yup ... and all the leaders who were concerned about you, enough to send out hit teams?

In reply to Finger of Fate (msg # 924):

If I have evidence, charge them with treason. If not, demand they give control of the forces to me if they have not done anything, since they have had time and not used it. But before I can go there, I need to find out who has done what. This will give me some indication of who I can trust. Until then, I can trust no-one.

Pretty much, although there were several men, Baron Cupeth among thm, who knew, knew of you, some of your relationship with the Duke and who did assist you. It is unlike Baron Cupeth to sit still this long, so perhaps that may be a place to start.Although now that you mention it, you did not see or hear of him last visit.

In reply to Finger of Fate (msg # 926):

Then finding him will be a priority. I will record details in a kind of diary/letter which Lilith will carry, just in case.

Ok, so several days later you arrive at Zila.
Just walk through the gate, climb the walls , wave down a fisherman and arrive at the dock?