01 December. 2010. Present were; Jan, Oleg, Palle and Goeg.
9th Marts. 1625.
Late in the evening (somewhere between 11:30 and 12pm) Misteline the artist, sometimes known as 'the Magnificent' on account of his wonderous powers of perception and artistic ability, was sitting in his bed, with a glass of something snappy, sketching a few idea's in a sketch book, when he became aware of a distant screaming coming from somewhere behind the house. Since Misteline's bedchamber is situated in the front of the building, then the screaming had to be coming from the backyard. Slipping on a robe, the old artist made his way to one of the windows of his studio in the back of the building. As he did so, he distinctly heard the foot steps and muffled voice of Doctor Giffshank who lived upstairs.
Outside in the yard, the artist was horrified to see the burning body of a young woman, and nearby, one of his neighbours; Marmaduke Gurdlecat, moving away from the body. He pulled on a second robe and made his way down stairs, followed closely by Doctor Grimshank. In the courtyard, Misteline came across several more of his neighbours who were standing around in horrified amazement. Gurdlecat, armed with a crossbow amongst them. One of the local women, Meg Plum, began to beat at the body with her cloak and another, Gregory Marshkindle, poured a bucket of water over it. Between them they quickly managed to extinguish the flames. A wail of grief went up as Meg Plum realised that the body was that of her companion Molly Cutlerstub.
Misteline took note of the body which was heavily burned around the upper torso, arms and head. The hands and face in particular had suffered considerable damage. The face was almost burned away and both eyes had ruptured. The nose had been burned right down to the face and the nasal cavity was exposed. The mouth was badly burned and both lips had been burned away revealing the teeth and gums which were charred and blackened. All the hair on the head had been burned away except at the base of the skull. The neck and upper torso were charred and blistered, and the right breast had been ruptured, or ripped apart.
The right hand was damaged down to the bone and all the digits had apparently been burned down to the knuckle. The left hand had been shredded and the last two fingers had been detached. Both hands were considerably burned. The body’s clothing had also been completely burned away from the thighs up and Molly Cutlerstub appeared to have been consumed by a fast burning fire. Misteline felt inside her shoes and found the soles of her feet to be cool to the touch.
Hanging in the air was a faint smell which Misteline recognised but couldn't quite identify, and scattered around the courtyard, in the muddy ground, were small burning remnants of fabric. There was much consternation and shouting but Misteline kept his cool and took note of who was present; Apart from himself, Meg Plum and Gregory Marshkindle, he also noted his land lady Mrs Crimpstock, their upstairs neighbour Doctor Giffshank, Marmaduke Gurdlecat, Anton Fouquet, and Bertram Turnbull who was keeping his distance (standing close to the rear of the Red Fox coffee house). As events unfolded, several other neighbours arrived also, these included Robert Ladlevane the carpenter, Odette Turnbull, the artist Bagangelo and his apprentice Oliver Taprattle, and at least two of the girls from the Red Fox; and Isabelle. There were also a few strangers present, but most were cluttered around the Red Fox, only one stood close by, a man of southern appearance, wearing clerical garb, who appeared to be one of Meg Plum's lodgers (Misteline noted the other lodger gazing from an upstairs window.)
Rufus Carraresi de Castelopea was also present and he quickly sought out Misteline to find out what was afoot. Misteline explained and Rufus began to question people as to what they seen. When he spoke to Gregory Marshkindle, the old soldier explained (through a haze of gin fumes) that he had been awoken by a loud banging noise, but this didn't seem to correspond with what other people were saying. Doctor Giffshank told any one who would listen that he had seen Marmaduke Gurdlecat fleeing the scene, but Gurdlecat explained that although he had been quick to arrive on the scene, he had glimpsed some one else fleeing and had then returned to fetch his crossbow (which he was in fact holding). No one came forward to affirm the sighting of another person at the scene of the crime, though there was much talking and wailing and no one was really paying much attention to any one else.
Nicolet Cutlerstub then arrived on the scene, running from the Red Fox, and crying out in her anguish. Meg Plum intercepted her and Misteline suggesting moving the body. Anton Fouquet suggested moving Molly Cutlerstub's remains to the lower store room of the south tower of his gate house abode, "so as to avoid stinking up Misteline's studio". Misteline agreed. The body was wrapped in a blanket and moved.
Misteline examined the ground beneath the body and found it was largely unmarked, but there was the same faint smell of something alchemical. He then looked around further and found a patch of ground, closer to Meg Plum's house (where Molly lived) which was darker than its surroundings. When he examined this darker patch Misteline found a faint trace of soot.
The body was placed in the store room and Anton Fouquet had Gregory Marshkindle stand watch until the Militia arrived. People returned to their homes, but before he departed, Misteline (who understood Anton Fouquet to be interested in alchemy) asked Fouquet if he could identify the curious odour which still hung about the body. Fouquet thought the smell was 'some kind of sulpher'.
10th Marts. 1625.
Unable to keep sleeping, Misteline rose early and looked out into the courtyard where he saw three Militia men talking to Gregory Marshkindle. Pulling on some clothing, he made his way down into the frigid morning air and approached the four men. One of the Militia men was a captain of the guard and he recognised Misteline and greeted him sardonically. Misteline replied in kind and learned that the gruff and burly officer was the local Militia authority, Captain Heneage Shallowsack, in whose jurisdiction the Armorial quarter fell. Captain Shallowsack did not seem to be in any great hurry to investigate the death of a cleaning woman and when the store room was opened, he gave the body little attention. Anton Fouquet arrived on the scene and it appeared that he knew Captain Shallowsack for the two men withdrew back into the courtyard and spoke together in low voices.
Captain Shallowsack took his leave, but left one guard behind to guard the body until an undertakers wagon arrived to remove it. He bid Misteline farewell and wished him good luck in his investigation. Misteline had over heard a few words and was therefore not surprised in the least and when Anton Fouquet asked him to investigate the mystery of Cutlerstub's death, in return for a fee and expenses, he agreed to do so, not least because he was curious as to the manner of Molly Cutlerstub's death. What was less clear to Misteline was Anton Fouquet's motives in hiring him. There didn't seem to be any clear reason why Fouquet should take an interest in Cutlerstub whom he had only known for a few months after all, but the old sea captain appeared to be emotionally affected by the matter, even going so far as to wipe away a tear as he spoke of his duty as the woman's land lord. Misteline kept his silence and presently Anton Fouquet took his leave.
Rufus arrived shortly there after and Misteline told him that he intended to discover who had killed their charwoman. Rufus immediately agreed to help and both went to see Marmaduke Gurdlecat who had been the first person identified on the scene.
Marmaduke had just woken up but was pleased to see the two men. Last nights commotion had proven very awkward for him, not least because several people present appeared to regard him with suspicion, and he was already something of a social outcast due to his inability to conduct himself with any grace or charm and his outlandish habit of shooting from his windows at birds on the carpenters roof. He grateful explained what he had seen and heard during the night.
Marmaduke had been sitting in his bed, reading a bawdy novel and drinking mulled wine when he became aware of a commotion outside. A woman began to scream and a strange light flickered and danced beyond his windows. He arose fom his bed and looked out and saw the shadow of some one moving in the darkness, in the direction of the Red Fox. Alarmed by the horrific screams he quickly stepped outside and saw the burning body. Looking around he saw no one else present. He decided to fetch his crossbow so he returned to his room and fetched the weapon, pausing long enough to load it (it was already strung). By the time he returned to the courtyard, several other people had already gathered around and Doctor Giffshank was telling everyone that he had seen Marmaduke 'fleeing the scene'. Marmaduke became uneasy when Doctor Giffshank then pointed out that Marmaduke was carrying a loaded weapon. fortunately no one paid much attention to Doctor Giffshank.
Misteline and Rufus decided to include Marmaduke in their investigations, mainly on the strength of Misteline's instincts. Having worked with the reclusive cabinet and viola maker before, Misteline was not convinced that Marmaduke is the guilty party (or maybe he just wanted to keep him close enough to make sure?).
The three decided upon a course of action and then Misteline examined the body further. He discovered small charred remains of leather in the wounds and one piece was large enough to reveal a seam. He deduced that Molly Cutlerstub was likely killed by some kind of alchemical reaction, that was contained in a leather receptacle she held in her hands, that this reaction rent her flesh and then set fire to her. Uncertain as to the actual cause of death, Misteline finds Cutlerstub's wounds to be extensive, almost certainly fatal, but impossible to fathom so he decides to go and visit an old acquaintence, Nicholas Rungate, who owns Cartmarten’s Apothecary on Copplemoss Court and ask his advice.
Nicholas was curious and eager to help, but he could not identify any alchemical compound which would cause such wounds. He related however that people engaged in alchemical research have been known to have blown themselves up once in a while. After some further questioning, Nicholas revealed that Anton Fouquet had recently bought fairly large quantites of several compounds, including charcoal and stone-salt (saltpetre). None of this made much sense to Misteline, but an idea was forming. He thanked Nicholas and after the latter had demonstrated a funny alchemical reaction involving a frog, he returned home to eat and find his companions.
In the meanwhile Rufus and Marmaduke had left Marmaduke's workshop/bedroom and discovered Meg Plum talking with Father Caltrop outside Meg's house. Rufus quickly moved to intercept their conversation and some what disconcerted, Father Caltrop bid Meg Plum good day and entered her house with the stated intention of bringing consolation to Molly Cutlerstub's children whilst Rufus set about questioning Meg. According top the old woman, Molly Cutlerstub had come home sometime between 7 and 8pm after having helped Mrs Crimpstock. She described Molly as being quiet and withdrawn and having gone to bed not long afterwards. She did not hear Molly leave the house at all and was awoken by the screaming. She also described how she rushed outside and who she remembered seeing. She identified the strange man who had been with her as one of her two lodgers, a cleric named Cristobal Sebastiano from Castelopea.
Rufus and Marmaduke then went to visit Mrs Crimpstock who welcomed them into her kitchen and served them some gruel with dripping. Whilst they ate, she described what she had seen from her window. Awoken by a soft bang, "like the sound made by a falling cupbard perhaps" she looked out of her window and saw the burning figure staggering about. Beyond it, she also saw a second figure moving about, but her attention was fixed on Molly Cutlerstub. When pressed, she supposed the other figure to have been male.
Misteline returned home around 11am and found his companions with Mrs Crimpstock. Having thanked the old lady for her help, the three companions then withdrew to Misteline's studio to exchange information. As they spoke however, they became aware of two men standing outside Meg Plum's house. One was Cristobal Sebastiano and the other was his mysterious companion. Rufus related that he had seen the second man around, and believed him to be something of a fighter from the south, possibly even skilled. This he deduced from the man's movements, his watchful nature and the long Aquilean rapier he wore. Rufus decided to write a letter to his God Father in Castelopea and ask if he was able to identify Cristobal Sebastiano. As the three companions observed the two southerners, the two men glanced up and caught sight of them and moved to a position in the courtyard from where they could not be observed from Misteline's studio windows.
Misteline swore to himself and then rushed out onto Milners Lane in order to come around and hopefully observe the two men from the arch way of the Red Fox. To his surprise however, he met the two men walking around the corner from Cobblemoss Court and to further his amazement, Cristobal hailed him and wished him a good day. Misteline replied politely and Cristobal expressed his dismay at the events of the night. He then informed Misteline that he had heard Misteline had been asked to investigate the matter, and offered any help and assistence he might offer, should the need arise. Misteline thanked him and Sebastiano went on his way. As he did, he refered to his silent companion as Franco.
Misteline walked around the corner, but then paused and sneaked a look back along Milners Lane. In doing so he caught a glimpse of the two men standing in conversation. Misteline went on his way and passed under the arch way of the Red Fox. Here he met one of the prostitutes who work at the coffee house and whom he has employed on occaision as a model. Her name was Kit Kindle and she asked Misteline if it were true about Molly Cutlerstub. Misteline replied it was and Kit expressed sorrow and sympathy for the children. She then returned to work and Misteline passed into the courtyard. As he did he looked up and caught sight of a female figure in one of the high windows in the northern tower of the old gate house. He assumed this must be Anaïs Fouquet. Rather than enter his home, Misteline then decided to return the way he came, and in doing so he found Cristobal and Franco still standing on the pavement, talking, only now they were talking in some what agitated tones, in a southern language. Misteline passed them by, and exchanged another polite greeting.
Back in his studio, Misteline and his companions decided to interview Anaïs Fouquet, but after having knocked on the door thrice, they came away without a reply.
Instead they decided to sneak into the southern tower and take a look around, so they went back to the body under the pretense of gathering samples. The Militia man guarding the door suspected nothing and let them in without question, but he left the door open and watched in morbid fascination. This prevented Marmaduke from sneaking up the stairs so Misteline whispered to Rufus and bid him distract the guard.
Rufus walked outside with a swaggering gait and engaged the Militia man with tales of the recent war. This had the desired effect as the Militia man was both bored with his guard duty and eager to exchange horrible war stories. Marmaduke sneaked up the stairs whilst Misteline pretended to be examining Molly Cutlerstub's corpse.
On the first floor, Marmaduke found a store room full of barrels, boxes and a number of strange leather bucket like bags. The bags in particular struck him as curious and he examined them closer. He found they were filled with liquids, root vegetables and apples. He then explored the tower further
The second floor was a workshop which opened onto the top of the gate house, but that door was shut. The stairs continued up but a padlock hung from a trap door which blocked the way. Marmaduke examined the tools which were scattered about the room and found a wide variety of hammers, spikes, tongs and other metal working instruments. He also found jars and bottles filled with all manner of strange things and more leather bucket bags, filled with various substances. Most contaied charcoal. He returned to Misteline to report what he had found. Misteline, grabbing a hessian sack, then sneaked upstairs and stole a leather bucket bag full of apples. He put it in the sack and the three companions exited the scene whilst the unsuspecting guard locked the door to the tower behind them.
It was by then around 2pm, and after some roast chicken for lunch the three men examined the bag. They decided it had a vaguely maritime quality to it and they spent the rest of the day at the dock yards asking around. Sure enough they identified the bag as a common water proof supply container, used on all manner of ships.
The game ended as the three companions returned at night fall.
15 December. 2010. Present were; Jan, Oleg, Palle and Goeg.
Misteline, Rufus and Marmaduke returned to Misteline's studio around an hour after night fall and tucked into a delicious fish prepared in wine sauce, served by the ever present Mrs Crimpstock. After the meal had been devoured and the plates had been cleared away, the companions set about theorising. Misteline expounded on his thoughts regarding alchemy and the purchase of alchemical materials, whilst Rufus advocated a thorough investigation of the mysterious Captain Fouquet. Marmaduke remain taciturn, watching the rain begin to form drops on the window.
Eventually, Misteline and Rufus decided to go and visit their former companion Silas Underhand whom they imagined might be able to assist their inquiries and shed some light on Fouquet's background. Marmaduke, who didn't know Underhand opted to remain in the studio and keep watch on the courtyard in case any further strange events took place. The first thing he noticed was the absence of the militia guard from the south tower door.
Silas Underhand was once a Captain in the City Militia, (See Campaigns 1 and 2) but who was forced out of his position by the change of regime and accusations of corruption. He survived these accusations and set up as the proprietor of the gambling house the Lotus Flower. As a consequence of his career, Silas has a great many contacts in the city's dark under belly.
Misteline and Rufus were admitted by the doorman and greeted by Silas in his chambers. Wine (of a mediocre quality) was served and Silas listened to Misteline's tale. Silas agreed to help in return for being in on any advantages Misteline's investigations unearthed (though Misteline was prudently vague about the mysterious cause of Molly Cutlerstub's death). Silas also agreed to lend Misteline the use of two of his associates. These were the muscular Mr Tom Hurdigrip and the sprightly Mr Gerald Mosscramp. Both men were at hand and accompanied Misteline back to his quarters. Rufus remained at the casino and gambled away some of his money.
Back in Misteline's studio, Marmaduke grew bored sitting in the dark. Two hours had past when he suddenly noticed two dark figures below. Two men in cloaks entered the courtyard from North Wall Street and paused to observe their surroundings at the rear of Meg Plum's house. Marmaduke realised the two men were in fact Meg Plum's lodgers, Cristobal Sebastiano and the man known only as Franco. He watched as the two men moved across his line of vision until they were obscured by the house of Robert Ladlevane. Cracking open a window he heard nothing until a few minutes later he became aware of voices and spied two dark figures standing outside the rear door of the Cock-a-doodle club confronted by the man named Franco who appeared to be threatening the two dark figures with a rapier. Marmaduke reasoned the two dark figures were paederasts and this conclusion was strengthened when both fled into the Cock-a-doodle club. Franco vanished from view. A few minutes later, several figures emerged cautiously from the gentleman's club and peered about the dark courtyard, then all disapeared back into the club.
Misteline returned home, accompanied by Tom Hurdigrip and Gerald Mosscramp, and Marmaduke told him about the confrontation with the patrons of the Cock-a-doodle club. Mosscramp immediately went down into the courtyard to investigate but found it deserted. Misteline then set Tom Hurdigrip and Gerald Mosscramp, to keep an eye on Cristobal Sebastiano and Franco, and both men then departed promising to report back on the morrow. Marmaduke retired to his own home and eventually fell asleep and Misteline sat by his window with a sketch book, musing.
Some time approaching midnight, just as he was beginning to fall asleep, Misteline heard dim voicees raised in argument. Putting his head out of the window he concluded that high above him, in the north tower, Anton Fouquet and his wife Anaïs were engaged in a domestic dispute. Not long after this Misteline observed the old captain leave the north tower and enter the south tower.
11th Marts. 1625.
Misteline was awoken by Mrs Crimpstock bearing his breakfast on a tray. It was sometime after 8 o'clock and outside, it was raining. After breaking his fast Misteline made his way to visit Meg Plum. Surrounded by Molly Cutlerstub's many children, including Nicolet Cutlerstub, the old char lady listened as Misteline expressed his sympathies (and offered a few Crowns to ease their pains). Misteline was interested in understanding Molly Cutlerstub's movements and moods in the days preceding her demise, but the family were unable to help. They had not noticed anything unusual in Molly's daily routine, certainly nothing they could connect with her death. The only detail Meg was able to recall was Molly's reticence during the evening of her last day.
Click to enlarge
Disapointed, Misteline asked the family to keep an eye open for anything untoward and then left Meg Plum's house, making his way along Garnet Street to Cobblemoss Court which he found full of people going about their business. Here he bought a copy of The Gentleman's Companion (one of the many single sheet Journals of Public Record which are a popular source of news and social comment in Takshendal) and found to his amazement that not only was Molly Cutlerstub's death the head line story but the journal was also reporting his involvement in the affair and the existence of an unnamed prime suspect (presumably Marmaduke).
Marmaduke in the meanwhile had awoken and gone looking for Misteline, but in crossing the courtyard had met Robert Ladlevane ignoring the rain and washing his head in a bucket of water. He also saw Anaïs Fouquet exiting the north tower with a wicker basket and head out onto North Wall Street. Marmaduke stayed and chatted with Ladlevane for a while then looked in on Mrs Crimpstock, and then Meg Plum as he followed Misteline's trail.
Independently of each other, Rufus and Marmaduke found Misteline standing in Cobblemoss Court engrossed in reading The Gentleman's Companion and since neither had yet eaten, they dragged him into the Red Fox for coffee and pastries. Having read the paper, Misteline and Rufus headed for the City Hall where they hoped to find archived information regarding the Friars Gate property.
Marmaduke made his way to Misteline's studio but along the way he encountered Bagangelo who seemed to be in a passion and who asked if Marmaduke might happen to know the where abouts of Misteline. Marmaduke replied he had just seen Misteline in the Red Fox and Bagangelo hurried away in that direction.
After two hours Misteline and Rufus were told the address of an old city archive which might be of use but by this time it was midday and so they returned home to rendezvous with Marmaduke who was still keeping watch from Misteline's studio. Marmaduke had nothing to relate as his vigil had been uneventful, though he did mention having seen Bagangelo seeking Misteline and Anaïs earlier in the day. Mrs Crimptock then served luncheon.
As they finished their meal, the companions were delighted at the arrival of Hilda Grimbleflax and Kit Kindle who came to see Misteline to express their solidarity with Molly Cutlerstub's family and to offer a reward of 100 Crowns to any one who might provide information which led to solving the mystery of Cutlerstub's death. Both women were convinced Molly Cutlerstub was murdered but had no understanding of how or why. During this conversation, Marmaduke was still sitting by his window post and noticed Anton Fouquet leave the south tower and cross the gatehouse to the north tower. He drew this to Misteline's attention and the old artist quietly wondered whether the former captain had slept in the south tower all night after the argument which Misteline had overheard during the night.
Franco
Hilda Grimbleflax and Kit Kindle departed and the companions pondered their next move. Misteline decided to seek out Bagangelo so the companions made their way downstairs and into the courtyard where the sun was beginning to shine. As the three men left Mrs Crimstock's house, they saw the mysterious man named Franco exit Meg Plum's house with a drawn rapier and a sharpening stone. As the man kicked a stool into place and sat down, Rufus made a insulting comment refering to 'people who needed to bully homosexuals to feel like men'. Franco understood the nature of the comment but didn't know what the word homosexual meant. He stood up and demanded an explanation, which Rufus subsequently supplied. As Misteline and Marmaduke looked on, Rufus goaded Franco into a duel and the unfortunate southerner drew his rapier and adopted a fencing stance. Within seconds their blades flashing in the sunlight the two men were duelling hard and the outcome seemed uncertain, but then Rufus gained the advantage and ran his opponent through the stomach. Franco dropped to the ground bleeding profously and groaning in agony.
Meg Plum flew out of her house and cried out in despair. Behind her Molly Cutlerstub's children looked on with wide eyes. Plum dropped to the dying man's side and tried to help him, but Misteline advised her not to move the wounded fellow for fear of causing more damage to the wound. An urchin was sent for a local doctor, and Bagangelo arrived whilst Franco spat curses at Rufus and swore he would be revenged. Rufus remained aloof and merely watched as Franco gradually bled out his lifes blood. A second urchin was sent to find Silas Underhand. By the time Doctor Hamshank of Milners Lane arrived, Franco was dead and a small crowd of onlookers had gathered. Several of the inhabitants of the Friars gate Property had also arrived, including Captain Fouquet, Mrs Crimpstock, Robert Ladlevane and from the gate house, Anaïs Fouquet looked on.
Misteline realised that Rufus was in a precarious situation since he had killed Franco without the other man having had any seconds to provide corroboration that the duel had been consensual. He asked around and disovered that Bagangelo had been sitting on his balconey and had seen enough of the exchange to vouch for Rufus's explanation. Misteline then sought the advice of Captain Fouquet but was surprised to see a strong involuntary, emotional reaction pass between Captain Fouquet and Baganagelo, both of whom then tried to supress themselves. Captain Fouquet advised Misteline to either seek a good lawyer or illict any other form of influence he might be able to find on Rufus's behalf. Misteline couldn't think of any good lawyers off hand so he decided to seek out the City Marshal Leander Quartermoon wth whom he had had previous dealings. Misteline rushed to his studio to find some money for bribes then after handing this to Rufus, he made off for the Citadel as fast as his legs could carry him.
Marmaduke and Rufus were left in the courtyard with a waning crowd of onlookers awaiting the arrival of the militia whom they supposed would soon be along. They observed Captain Fouquet and Bagangelo talking to each other ernestly whilst Bagangelo's apprentice Oliver Tapprattle tried to calm the two men down. Suddenly Fouquet punched Bagangelo in the face and the artist staggered back, then replied with an open handed slap to Fouquet's face. Enraged the old sea captain challenged the artist to a duel and Bagangelo accepted. The duel was set for the dawn of the 12th, behind the Dancing Badger public house on the Rogate Road (outside the city). Both men then departed the courtyard, Fouquet displaying an angry counternance as he kicked one of Molly Cutlerstub's children out of his path. He slammed his door behind him as he disapeared into the north tower.
The urchin sent to find Silas returned with a note which read 'Find a good lawyer'.
Two militia guards walking along North Wall Street noticed the crowd of onlookers cluttered about the Friars Gate gate-house and investigated. When they realised there had been a killing, one hurried off to find Captain Shallowsack whilst the other one questioned people as to what had taken place. Rufus explained there had been a fair duel of honour, but his only witness at hand was Marmaduke.
Misteline reached the Citadel and managed to bribe his way in to a meeting with Marshal Quartermoon. By great fortune, the commander of the city militia was watching his men training in the central courtyard of the Citadel, and by even greater fortune, he was happy to meet wth Misteline and hear his story. Quartermoon listened with sympathy and promised to look into the matter personally. He knew the name of Cristobal Sebastiano and asked an aide to find out who the name belonged to. The answer was quick to return, Cristobal Sebastiano was an Envoy to the Royal Embassy of Serrenisma. Quartermoon expressed his concerns at this development and gave Misteline the name and address of an excellent lawyer; Nathaniel Pennyfork of Hedgecote Road.
All the children are Molly Cutlerstub's offspring
Misteline arrived at the house of Nathaniel Pennyfork who agreed to a preliminary engagement to Misteline, on a retainer. Pennyfork undertook to investigate the matter and was confident of success, providing the dead man wasn't important. When he learned that Franco was the body guard of an Envoy to the Royal Embassy of Serrenisma, Nathaniel Pennyfork foresaw certain 'complications' depending on how belligerent the Envoy might be. Misteline expressed grave doubts that Cristobal Sebastiano would look kindly on the death of his body-guard.
Misteline set off for home around the same time as Captain Shallowsack returned to the cell holding Rufus and Marmaduke. He released Marmaduke explaining that the dead man was a body-guard to an Envoy of the Royal Embassy of Serrenisma but another witness (presumbed to be Bagangelo) had provided corroborating evidence which put Marmaduke in the clear. Rufus was left under detention but still retained gentlemen's privilges and his money. (His weapons were confiscated of course).
Misteline and Marmaduke met at Misteline's studio and brought each other up to date. Misteline was disapointed to hear about Captain Fouquet's challenge to Bagangelo, not least since Bagangelo was the only independent witness to Rufus's duel with Franco. Misteline suggested they immediately secure Rufus's apartment so they rushed over to the fencing school and Misteline searched about for any valuable Rufus might have had hidden away. It didn't take the cunning old artist long to find the secret location of his friend's funds and once these were secured, the door was locked and Misteline and Marmaduke descended to the Red Fox for somethng to eat. Hilda Grimbleflax joined them and Misteline learned the details of Bagangelo's confrontation with Captain Fouquet. He also learned that the betting was ten to one against his fellow artist.
Some what concerned with the way things were developing, Misteline and Marmaduke sought out Bagangelo in his apartment. Bagangelo who had been supping with his apprentice Oliver Taprattle was clearly shaken but retained his cool. He refused to consider an apology and offered no explanation as to the cause of the duel, refering to it only as an affair of honour. Misteline advised the services of a local duel instructor; Raymond Archharper (Rufus being out of the picture) and thanking him profusely, Bagangelo departed.
Once Bagangelo had left, Misteline questioned Taprattle as to the cause of the duel. Taprattle offered to divulge this information in return for an apprenticeship. He had no faith in Bagangelo's chances against the old sea captain. Misteline accepted Taprattle's proposal and the apprentice explained that Bagangelo had been engaged in an affair of the heart with Anaïs Fouquet for the last few months.
13 January. 2011. Present were; Jan, Oleg, Palle, Goeg and Rasmus!!!
The game continued when Misteline and Marmaduke returned to Misteline's apartment where they found Silas who had come looking for his two associates Tom Hurdigrip and Gerald Mosscramp. Neither man had reported back to Silas and he had become concerned as to where they were. Misteline had nothing to tell Silas as he'd not heard from the men since he set them to work. Misteline then proceded to tell Silas what had taken place in the courtyard and how Rufus had come to be imprisoned. Since there were no other witnesses to the duel between Rufus and Franco besides Bagangelo, and since Bagangelo had subsequently been challenged to a duel by Captain Fouquet, Misteline proposed a contingency plan which involved paying some one who might be seen as a credible witness to play such a part. No stranger to respectable clients with large gambling debts, Silas agreed to the merits of the idea and promised to look into it.
Having agreed on their (illegal) plan of action, the three men decided to go to Mossmoore's Restaurant and Social Rooms on Cobblemoss Court, but only after first stopping by the Gentleman's tailoring establishment Van der Viir's to pick up some respectable clothing for Marmaduke. Misteline and Marmaduke went on ahead whilst Silas stayed behind to lurk in the courtyard and see if he couldn't catch some sign of Tom or Gerald. The courtyard was deserted however, and eavsdropping only told him that in one house (the Turnbull's) there was an argument in progress, but not apparently about anything of interest. Silas joined the others and Marmaduke was kitted out in silken undergarments and a plain but well cut outfit of martial design (in black and red). Properly attired the three companions made their way to the restaurant where they ordered food. Silas and Misteline enjoyed a well prepared White Fish whilst Marmaduke tucked into mutton dressed as lamb. Musical entertainment was provided by a small ensemble playing chamber music composed by the illustrious Jacoob de Vert.
Whilst waiting for their food to be served, Silas caught sight of Mister Devar Lockmyrtle, a respectable client of his, who just so happened to be in debt to the tune of 2,000 Crowns. Lockmyrtle saw Silas approaching and to the amazment of his companion Lady Witherspoon, grew some what agitated. He readily agreed with Silas that he would come to the Lotus Flower, the very next day, and there was no need to send any one to help him. Silas returned to the table where his meal was being served. During the course of their desert, several new patrons arrived from the Sun Theatre, including an old friend of Misteline, the actor and poet Alastair Heatherwax. Alastair sat with the companions and entertained himself at their expense for a while, especially Marmaduke chewing mutton whilst looking some what out of place in his painfully new clothes.
Whilst glad times were happening in the Armorial Quarter, Rufus was transferred by armed guard to the city's most formidable (and comfortable) gaol, the Bastion. Here he met an old man named Sir Walter Heraldlamb who had been convicted of debt and corruption twenty years ago and then left in the Bastion to 'rot'. Rufus quickly learned that life in the Bastion, for those who had money could be very lenient, and Sir Walter lived in relative luxury for some one who was supposed to be rotting. Arrangements could be made for food to be brought from outside the prison, visitors were allowed, including women, even prostitutes though not at night unless the woman was a wife in which case she might live with the gentleman so long as she desired. Sir Walter had already eaten but he gave his scraps to Rufus since it was too late to get anything else to eat. It was all a far cry from Mossmoore's where the chamber music had ended and a dancer named Salomé was performing with a snake, to the accompaniment of a Gypsey band. Full of wine and good food, Misteline, Marmdaduke and Silas each departed for home.
12th Marts. 1625.
Marmaduke awoke earliest but he was too slow to see the duel between Anton Fouquet and Bagangelo. He arrived just as the smug and chuckling Captain departed the field of honour, leaving behind him his two seconds to watch the progress of the horribly disfigured artist. Marmaduke pressed closer and saw that Fouquet had made three distinct cuts to Bagangelo's face and as a surgeon attempted to help the poor man, Bagangelo was kicking and screaming in pain. One cut had opened the bridge of his nose, another had lopped off an ear and the third had cut across both lips. Feeling some what sick, Marmaduke retreated from the grisly spectacle and met Silas who had arrived on a horse, accompanied by Tom and Gerald.
Silas paid scant attention to the wounded artist, as he had become aware of Fouquet's seconds, one of whom he was sure he'd seen some where before. He turned to Gerald and told him to stay close to the man and find out who he was. Marmaduke decided to return home and tell Misteline what had taken place, but Silas remained and noticed a fancy carriage off behind some trees. The carriage had no livery, but its presence was enough to pique his interest. Sending Tom to find the debtor Lockmyrtle and bring him to the Lotus Flower he himself followed the carriage back into the city and to the house of a notable member of the Royal Court, Sir Isambard Goatroll. Not familiar with Sir Goatroll Silas was unable to see if the man who climbed from the carriage was indeed the same man, nor did he recognise the lady in fine clothes who accompanied the man. Both were welcomed to the house by the staff as though they were well known, and no one exited the house to greet them. Silas returned home.
Maramduke returned to Misteline and told him what had taken place. Half way through their conversation both heard terrible screams coming from the tower abode of Anton and Anaïs Fouquet. Looking out the window, Misteline saw Meg Plum with three of the Cutlerstub children in the courtyard all looking up at the tower. Misteline decided to go to the apothocary Nicholas Rungate again and ask him to keep an eye open for any one who might be buying the same kinds of compounds as Captain Fouquet. Rungate promised to do this, but expressed doubt that such questions would lead to credible answers since a lot of people bought charcoal and stone salt. Misteline shrugged and inquired whether Rungate might not know of an accomplished surgeon, to which the apothocary replied in the negative.
Misteline went to Milners Lane to see Doctor Hamshank and ask him if he knew of a good surgeon. Doctor Hamshank did and promised to send a message to the surgeon to go and see to Bagangelo's wounds. Misteline then returned to the Friars Gate courtyard where he met and fell into conversation with Mrs Crimpstock and Meg Plum.
Devar Lockmyrtle was shown into Silas's room, sat in a chair and offered a glass of mediocre wine. Still trembling with fear he listened as Silas put forth the proposition where by Lockmyrtle, in exchange for leniency with regards to his debt, would stand forth as a respectable and upstanding citizen and testify that he was a witness to the duel between Rufus and Franco and that the duel had been fair and straight foward. Lockmyrtle agreed.
Once Lockmyrtle had left, Silas pulled on his coat, ordered forth a fresh horse and rode to the Militia offices in the harbour quarter. Here he met with his cousin, Axelrod Underhand whom he had helped install in the position of Captain of the Harbour Militia when he himself had been promoted to Tax Collector (see previous campaign). Since Axelrod largely owed his position to Silas he allowed him to look over the files pertaining to goods imports and Silas subsequently found that Sir Isambard Goatroll was a major importer of gin.
Sometime around midday, Rufus was briefly visited by Marshal Quartermoon who asked if all was well and if Rufus was comfortable and if he shouldn't find himself a servant to do for him? Rufus replied that he wished to speak with Misteline and before leaving Quartermoon told an aide to see to it.
Mean while Misteline and Marmaduke had run into each other in the courtyard and they decided to go and see if Bagangelo had returned home yet. On the way they happened to notice a distinct and bloody hand print on the upper window of Marcus Feathergate's house. Misteline immediately sent an urchin to fetch the militia and whilst he was waiting for the authorities to arrive, the artist went to see Hilda Grimbleflax and spoke with her for a while about 'doing something' about Anaïs Fouquet who it was assumed must be very upset about the duel.
Several Militia guards arrived shortly thereafter and Misteline pointed out the hand print. At first the guards were indifferent, but Misteline persuaded them to break into the house, and (by providing a small contribution to their purses) to take him with them. Within the house they found a mass of old furniture covered in dust coverings, and clear tracks from the doors to the staircase, and upon which they saw another bloody hand print. Upstairs they found the body of Marcus Feathergate.
Feathergate had not been dead for long and whilst the Militia guards searched for lucrative evidence, Misteline examined the body. He found the cause of death had probably been a large wound to the upper head consistent in character to the wounds suffered by Molly Cutlerstub. Most of Fathergate's face was a bloody, blistered mess, with everything burned away above his nose and a sizable wound in his forehead. Judging by the state of the bed, Feathergate had lain dying for more than two days. The Militia guards were not interested in the corpse except in as much as it wore a purse containing 200 Crowns.
Misteline examines the corpse of Marcus Feathergate
Having examined the body, Misteline then turned his attention to the room, plucking papers at random from the writing desk, before noticing two wooden chests. The militia opened the larger, only to find it contained clothing and articles of everyday use whilst Misteline dropped the smaller, locked chest out of the window to Maramduke who deftly avoided the attention of the distracted Militiaman guarding the back entrance to the house. Not long after this, a some what irate Captain Shallowsack arrived and had Misteline escorted from the building.Misteline and Marmaduke returned to Misteline's studio to examine the contents of the small wooden chest, and as they did so, they noticed a stranger in dark armoured clothing watching proceedings from the archway of Captain Fouquet's tower. Shortly after the chest had been opened, Silas, and Tom, arrived and the three companions examined the neatly stored rolls of paper which were stored inside the chest. Each roll was tied with a wax sealed ribbon and upon breaking the seal, each roll proved to be a seperate cargo manifest of materials of war. Each manifest was dated and each was listed as the cargo list of a single ship. In the early papers the ship's name was always 'Molly Carbuncle', but in later papers a second ship 'Scarlet Jane' was named. The earliest paper was dated 1602 and the last was dated 1624. Seen as a whole, the chest documented the movements of enourmous amounts of war material.
A letter then arrived from Marshal Quartermoon it read;
"Have spoken with your friend, he needs a servant"
Rufus in the meanwhile was served with a summons to a Court of Law, on noon of the 15th of Marts.
Marmaduke eventually tracked down the crest used on the seal and printed at the head of each roll of paper in a book of contemporary heraldry from Misteline's private collection of books. It belonged to a small trading house called Treadstone. Silas recalled the name vaguely from his days as the Militia captain charged with maintaining customs and excise on the River Weyr. He decided to return to Axelrod Underhand's office and left with Tom.
Misteline and Marmaduke departed to speak with the lawyer Nathaniel Pennyfork, but diverted first to hire a man servant at the market. Whilst Misteline was hiring Horace Nuvel, Maramduke noticed they were being followed by the same man in dark armoured clothing whom they had noticed lingering in the Friars Gate courtyard earlier. Maramduke attempted to watch the man clandestinely but the man realised he had been observed. He moved further away but kept Misteline and Marmaduke in sight.
As the sun was dying in the sky Silas and Tom returned to Axelrod's office only to find he was not there. Silas bluffed his way past Axelrod's secretary to gain entrance to the archive room, but Tom ruined the effort by knocking the secretary out cold. Silas found a folder marked Treadstone, but within was only a single legal document stating that all papers pertaining to the House of Treadstone had been removed on the orders of Marshal Leander Quartermoon.
Rasmus made a rare appearance
26 January. 2011. Present were; Jan, Oleg, Palle and Goeg
The game resumed with Misteline and Marmaduke hiring Horace Nuvel in the market, whilst Marmaduke attempted to hide from the mysterious stranger in dark armoured clothing whom was following them. What Marmaduke hadn't noticed, but Misteline had was a young man, probably a teenager who had exchanged a few words with the stranger, running around to observe them from the rear. Misteline decided to pay these people no mind and followed by Marmaduke and Horace Nuvel, made his way to Nathaniel Pennyfork's house.
At the house of the lawyer, they were admitted by a short, heavy set man who showed them into Pennyfork's rooms. Pennyfork offered refreshments, sending his servant, whom he refered to as Ugan, to fetch, and listened as Misteline explained about Devar Lockmyrtle. Catching on pretty quickly, the lawyer did not raise any objections to using a false witness.In turn he revealed the location of Bagangelo, who was staying at the house of a friend.
After having spoken with his lawyer, Misteline then returned home with Marmaduke, whilst Horace Nuvel made his way to the Bastion to meet his new master. Along the way, the benevolent old artist stopped at Dr Hamshank's to ask him to send a decent surgeon to Nathaniel Pennyfork, to be sent on to examine Bagangelo and if possible, resew his face to reduce the scarring which must inevitably follow from the duel. There after, Misteline and Marmaduke returned home to meet Mrs Crimpstock who informed them that Captain Fouquet had called whilst they were out, and would return later. Misteline went to knock on Fouquet's door and was answered by the bruised and brusque Anaïs. Mrs Fouquet was in no mood to talk and rudely slammed the door in Misteline's face so he returned to his studio to write a letter to Silas requesting the use of more men.
In the Bastion, Horace introduced himself to Rufus, then set about arranging his duties. He had shopped along the way and was soon serving a delicious dish of chicken in a wine and mushroom sauce. As he ate the meal, Rufus spoke of the duel he had fought with Franco and explained his side of events.
As the afternoon drew to a close, Anton Fouquet returned to visit Misteline and Marmaduke. To their surprise, the old sea captain was in a jovial mood and thanked Misteline profusively for having solved the murder by discovering the corpse of Marcus Feathergate. Misteline remained silent on the matter, regarding Fouquet for signs of duplicity. Fouquet appeared to be acting honestly and handed over a purse containing two hundred crowns as payment. He then left leaving Misteline and Marmaduke to wonder at his state of mind.
Some what suspicious, Misteline and Marmaduke made their way down to Marcus Feathergate's house to look for any clue's they might have over looked (always a good idea in a murder mystery) and sure enough they found faint traces of blood on the back door latch. Misteline pretended to be looking for a ladder amongst Robert Ladlevane's wood store, just in case any one was watching, and found one. After havng eaten dinner provided in Misteline's rooms by Mrs Crimpstock, the two companions were joined by Tom who bore a letter from Silas. It read;
I'm having some trouble here. Gerald has gone missing and I'm trying to find him. I don't have any more men to sparre at this time. S.
Pondering this latest development, Misteline and Marmaduke prevaricated for a few hours whilst waiting for darkness to fall. Eventually they ventured forth with Tom and broke into Feathergate's house where they found signs that the local children had already found a way into the house. With a hooded lantern, and Tom holding watch at the door, Misteline and Marmaduke investigated the house and eventually discovered a trap door under neath the stairs which had been cunningly disguised with fake dust and fake nails giving the appearance of a long abandoned cellar entrance. In fact it was anything but and underneath Feathergate's house Misteline and Marmaduke discovered ten dusty cabinets stuffed with documents. Carefully, Misteline examined the papers and realised this was an archive of the House of Treadstone.
Taking as many random papers as they could conceal about their persons, Misteline and Marmaduke made their way back to Misteline's studio where they set about examinng their haul whilst Tom fell asleep on a couch. Only one of the papers made any immediate sense. It pertained to a small civil war fought ten years previously around the town of Cambri where Treadstone brought in clandestine military supplies to support one of the factions. The supplies were brought via Imperia, on the trading ship 'Molly Carbuncle' captained by A Fouquet.
Having digested this information, Marmaduke returned to his own house and Misteline went to bed. The artist promptly fell asleep, but Marmaduke stayed awake and kept watch on Feathergate's house. At his side, he kept his trusty old crossbow.
13th Marts. 1625.
Some time around one or two in the morning, Marmaduke came awake with a start. He had been dozing off when a sound from outside attracted his attention. Carefully peering thorugh a window of his workshop, he spied a darkness moving in the shadows by Feathergate's house. Deciding that attacking a stranger was a better course of action than observing him, Marmaduke then fired his crossbow into the dark. There was a yelp then a curse and the door to Feathergate's house slammed shut. Marmaduke then ran out of the front door of his own house and up Garnet Street. Reaching the gate house he peered into the courtyard but it was dark and still. Carefully he then made his way to Misteline's studio and woke his companions up.
Having debatted the matter for a few minutes, all three went to investigate the back door to Feathergate's house, with Misteline pretending to be borrowing a plank of wood from Thomas Ladlevane as a plausible reason why three men might be skulking around a yard behind a 'gentleman's club' in the middle of the night...
Marmaduke retrieved his crossbow bolt and found the back door to be unlatched. He snuck inside and found the front door to ajar. Misteline, still holding a plank of wood, checked the rear door and found dark fibres in the hole made by the crossbow bolt. None of them saw any witnesses to the events of the night. Everywhere was quiet. They returned to Misteline's apartment but there was not much else to be done so Marmaduke went home again, and they all fell asleep.
Misteline was awoken around 7am by Tom's prodigous snoring. Unable to sleep he set about pondering the ten cabinets in Feathergate's cellar and how to go about retrieving the wealth of information they must surely contain without any one else noticing, or getting the documents first. He realised that he must also hide the documents somewhere where no one else would think to look so he asked Mrs Crimpstock if she knew of any good storage space where he might put some old furniture belonging to a friend. Mrs Crimpstock suggested the cellar of her house, but Misteline politely rejected the idea. Mrs Crimpstock then suggested asking Meg Plum who knew a lot of people. Leaving Tom asleep on the couch, Misteline went to see Meg Plum.
Meanwhile Rufus awoke to find Horace with a bowl of steaming hot water and a lathered brush waiting for him. After a nice luxurious shave, Horace then served a splendid breakfast and whilst Rufus ate, Horace told him about an old court case (Rumblegut Vs Takshendal) which might prove a valuable precedence. After breakfast, Horace offered to spar with Rufus for the purpose of training. It transpired that Horace had once been something of a duellist himself in his youth.
Meg Plum invited Misteline and listened to his question. She did indeed know of some one who might be of help she replied, her cousin Magda Featherlock who was the land lady of the Eel and Spindle inn. Misteline, who knew Magda from a previous murder investigation, thanked her and set off to reach the Eel and Spindle, which was on the farthest side of the city.
Marmaduke was awoken by his mother bearing gruel and as it had started raining, he sat by his window and watched Feathergate's back door whilst he worked some wood. Soon the rain increased in strength and shortly thereafter Maramduke saw Tom leaving. Half an hour later he also saw Anton Fouquet trudging across the courtyard, and as the old sea dog passed by Marcus Feathergate's house, Marmaduke saw him regard the building briefly.
Misteline reached the Eel and Spindle and found Magda Featherlock in her kitchen. Magda was happy to see her old celebrity guest and to accomidate any furniture Misteline might wish to store. She certainly wouldn't pry nor ask any questions either. Misteline stayed and chatted for a while, and learned of the untimely demise of a former acquaintance; Griselda Honeycomb who had died of 'the clap'. Somewhat saddened by this news, for Griselda had been a kind and lovely woman, Misteline returned home (with a jar of Magda's pickled eels in his bag).
Misteline arrived at Marmaduke's workshop just minutes before Silas turned up. Silas had been unable to locate Gerald, and had no idea where Tom was either. He told Misteline and Marmaduke about the paper signed by Marshal Quartermoon which he had found in the Treadstone file in Axelrod's office. Misteline questioned Silas about the man whom Gerald had been set to follow, and who had been one of Anton Fouquet's seconds for his duel with Bagangelo. Pulling out a pencil and sketch book, made a drawing based on Silas's memory and Misteline recognised the man he had drawn as an old antagonist who went by the name Archibald Pillorseed.
Misteline sent a message to some reliable removal people (Elias Grappletap and Sons) then told Silas about the paper he had come by which showed Fouquet was a sea captain in the employ of the House of Treadstone and that the House of Treadstone was almost certainly a front for the previous ruler of Takshendal, the Grand Arch Duke who had apparently been engaged in smuggling military supplies to secret allies. Silas digested this information then told Misteline and Marmaduke about the agreement he had made with Marshal Quartermoon in 1624. Silas it transpired had been asked by Quartermoon to fabricate evidence to bring down an aide to the ambassador of Serrenisma named Alfonso Luis D'Cartega and in return, Quartermoon could arrange to have charges of corruption made against Silas, dropped. Silas readily agreed and D'Cartega was falsely incriminated as a slave trader, which is highly illegal in Takshendal.
Quite why Quartermoon wanted D'Cartega inciminated remained obscure, but Silas learned that once Quartermoon had arrested D'Cartega he then moved to arrest a man named Sir Oswald Dewfork (who Misteline identified as his landlord prior to Anton Fouquet) but discovered Dewfork has hanged himself only hours before. Silas then departed as the rain had stopped.
At midday, Rufus was interupted by the arrival of several armed guards. To his surprise he was told he was being released as all charges against him had been dropped. Bemused, he made his way back through the streets accompanied by Horace Nuvel. Upon his arrival at Friars Gate, he spied a group of several men, bearing the weapons and cheap garb of gentlemen loitering further along North Wall Street. As Rufus and Horace approached Anton Fouquets gate house, these men noticed their approach and observed them. Rufus entered the Friars Gate courtyard and met Misteline and Marmaduke. Just as he was calling out a greeting to his friends, he was arrested by the sound of a voice from the gate house.
A young man cried out that he was Rufolio of Carpii and as Rufus had killed his friend so he would kill Rufus. There upon he drew a rapier and adopted a fencing stance. Despite the presence of several witnesses, including Meg Plum, Anton Fouquet, Mrs Crimpstock, Father Caltrop, Robert Ladlevane and three of the 'working girls' from the Red Fox Coffee House Rufus suspected a set up and remained passive. He indicated the young man should go away, at which suggestion the young man horribly insulted Rufus's parents. Honour allowed no means for such insult to go unanswered so Rufus shrugged and drew his blade.
Misteline pulled out his sketch book and began furiously drawing the scene whilst Maramduke and the other wistnesses stood and stared. Only Father Caltrop made any kind of a move. Stepping forward he pleaded for the two men to desist from any violent action, but as he did, Marmaduke noticed that as the cleric approached Rufus from the rear, he was holding a long slim dagger partially concealed against his robes. Fearing the man might be about to attack Rufus, Marmaduke stepped forward and began to cry out a warning, but he was suddenly grabbed by the collar and ended up on his back with his breath pushed from his lungs by the impact. He realised that Horace Nuvel had held him back, but any thoughts of why were interupted by the sudden cry of amazement that went up as Father Caltrop smoothly stepped past Rufus and plunged his dagger deep into the lower throat of the man named Rufolio.
Chaos ensued as Rufolio fell to the ground gushing blood. Father Caltrop stepped back and turned to look momentarily at Misteline. "Ah well" he muttered, then quickly left. From his vantage point on the Gate House, Anton Fouquet could be seen chuckling as he retired to the Southern Tower.
Misteline acted fast. Grabbing an urchin he sent for the militia and took note of who was present and could act as a witness in case any charge was laid against Rufus. Rufus remained standing with a nonchalant air. Misteline then covered the body with an old sheet from the Feathergate house.
Captain Shallowsack arrived shortly thereafter and grumpily examined the body. It quickly became apparent that the dead man was wearing a disguise and beneath a wig and false moustache was a blonde northerner. No one recognised the body and after a few muttered curses, Shallowsack posted two guards to watch the corpse until the undertaker's wagon arrived to collect it, then took his leave. Misteline then deftly bribed the two guards to allow him to examine the body. He discovered the dead man's rapier was coated in some kind of toxin but otherwise the man was not carrying anything which might identify him.
Midday was moving into afternoon when the undertaker's wagon arrived, and Misteline and his companions had withdrawn to eat and catch up with each other. Whilst they were eating, Tom arrived and Rufus recognised Misteline's sketch of Archibald Pillorseed. Shortly thereafter an urchin arrived with a letter from the lawyer Nathanial Pennyfork which explained the reason why Rufus had been released. The Serrensima Embassy had denied any knowledge of Cristobal Sebastiano or of Franco.
Tired and worn out, Misteline fell asleep.
Thus ends the first Chapter of Captain Fouquet
