"Well, Mustafa, are you comfortable leavingthe horses, camping gear and some men here? If you also wish to stay here then that could be managed, but I suspect the Duke will wish to talk with you. You have known him longer than I. Would you predict otherwise?" reflects Kenyan. "Probably Sir Calvin, too. He shall return by ship also. The wall's sergeant shall come with us."

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OOC: The previously captured men (from the baron) that were prisoners have been shipped back.
But the wall team are stll here. It was those Kenyan was referring to.
Yes, some guidance is welcome.

In reply to Finger of Fate (msg # 715):

Yes, the men from the ship have already been sent back.

"Happy to do as directed. But are our hosts happy to provide for the men here while we are away, or should they be our guards?"

In reply to Mustafa Zephyr (msg # 717):

The horses, especilly those raised and trained for the Baron, among others, will not enjoy the sea trip.

In reply to Finger of Fate (msg # 718):

But is the Baron happy for them to stay?

"We will be coming back this way soon enough," responds Kenyan. "So, yes, I would appreciate both you and Sir Calvin returning with me on the ship."
This message was last edited by the player at 21:32, Tue 18 Apr 2023.

And FF to 9 days later, when you reach the Capital. The Duke is glad to hear of your arrival and invites you (all) for Lunch at 1PM  tomorrow.

You clean up and get a good nights sleep.

The Duke wants to hear everything and has a secretary there to take copious notes.
The Duke listens to everything and as 3 PM approaches, the Duchess coes in looks at Mustafa and says You need to attend to your Wife, who will give birth soon. Go Now!
The Duke smiles and nods, You are excused Squire Mustafa*.
As Mustafa retires, he is given the scroll of rank and the Dukes Gorget of Rank, along with a purse which contains some $1500.

Sir Calvin, You too must hasten home, for I fear your father's health is much worse than when you left. I am most beholden to you for your efforts and You will be inheriting your Father's title and lands when He is called to the next life. I have a Proclamation of Meritorius Service Cross and a small purse for you at the door.  [Purse is $750 and the MSC is the fourth highest award the state presents].

*Until this moment, You have always been a commoner, albeit with connections on high.

After they leave the y Duke invites Baron Worley to his study, the Duchess follows along.

Kenyan follows as bid after warm congratulations and heartfelt condolences as appropriate to the other pair (that are leaving).

In reply to Finger of Fate (msg # 721):

Mustafa thanks the Duke and his wife as he departs, hurrying home to see his wife...

In reply to Mustafa Zephyr (msg # 723):

It takes some 5 days to get there (Very favorable winds) but she has not yet delivered although the Midwife is staying in the next room and an older, experienced maid is with her 24/7.

In reply to Finger of Fate (msg # 724):

Mustafa will go and tell her all about what has transpired...

Your wife delivers a healyhy daughter who weighs 6 ½ pounds.
Your wife proposes to name her Sylvia Zephyr.
She wants your felings and suggestions.

In reply to Finger of Fate (msg # 726):

Mustafa is very excited about the fragile little bundle of joy. He holds her tenderly and makes no attempt to hide his love for both mother and daughter, ordering a diamond pendant to mark the occasion.

The name sounds lovely, though he wonders about the names meaning...

Lileth explains  Sylvia means woods or forest, while the Zephyr alludes to your sailing, covering both of our origins.

In reply to Lileth (msg # 728):

"That is indeed lovely, my dear! Like you..."

That get's you a hug and a kiss...

In reply to Lileth (msg # 730):

Mustafa will check that she has everything she needs, as well as all the help she needs...and spare food supplies.

All is well and qwell provided for.

But holding management seems to be on hold as Mistress Lileth is indisposed.

In reply to Finger of Fate (msg # 732):

Do I know anyone reliable enough to put them in charge, under Lilith?

Well you are there, you can look around and still not be all that fr from the castle ... a couple of hours at most  unless you make a trip of some length.
There is a chamberlain of course.

In reply to Finger of Fate (msg # 734):

Yes, but is there anyone honest enough and capable enough to entrust the lands to in my absence?

Perhaps, although you are not sure. Lileth has done an admirable job so far.

In reply to Finger of Fate (msg # 736):

I have no doubts about her capability, but she is only one person. Does she have the capacity with the newborn? They are a massive drain on time and energy, wonderful though they may be.

She will need some back up for a while... likely you. It is your first job given by the Duke.

In reply to Finger of Fate (msg # 738):

Right. And the trade job?

Will need to wait a bit ... and I need a bit of time to plan too  ...