#anywhere

"Well, that absolutely sucks" Adelaide says in New Agengard's Lunarium room

Whether Akanthea hears this or not ? Well. maybe?

Ack, Flee the Dread Sovereign

"Hm?" As she enters. "Language, Adelaide." mildly.

"My pardon. I had given a scarab dross, quite distinctive. Incredibly easy to tattle tail as I had a fragment of it. And no sooner does the person get out of the dreaming to arrive...and.. he uses it to pay someone " A sigh "It's been much harder following their exploits since"

An elegant eyebrow. "Whom are we watching?"

"Symon, a sluagh of Rivervale, and.. of even greater importance as a political factor, Dame Dagmar Hammerstrike ap Gwydion. They're on a quest it seems. An extensive one"

"I've noticed that Rivervale will do that."

"Yes... but this one is on behalf of Sir Vali. and as i am still fond of him, I am engaging in our House drive with greater gusto than it would otherwise merit"

"Vali is on a quest again?"

"More like having others quest for him" She says "When they came here They went to the Korean town area...most curious.. bit of a chimerical battle there. I had one of our thanes drive them so I know which shop , where they went, and what they faced." She seems pleased with herself

The Countess looks pleased with Adelaide too. "Well done. Tell me." She takes a seat, settling gracefully.

"Oh..." She says and fills her in, "I believe it's about a map piece, isn't that curious? But to which map? a map to where?"

"A fragment......"

"Yes.. there are others. They are assembling them" the young wilder ponders

"How many total?"

"That I'm not sure... but they have three" She purses her lips "They were at Ardent Harbor. Then here.. then New Orleans."

"Ardent Harbor in Pacifica...... Koreatown in Baltimore, in Charm..... and the Duchy of the Crescent Delta...."

"I believe that part has been renamed the Parliment or principality of Jazz or some such. Beaumayn are strong there now.. but then, what's one more Balor loss? The House seems to being hard pressed of late. "

"Pressure can create diamonds... and diamonds can cut."

"Yes, you think House Balor will make a major play soon to reassert their lost prestige?" Pondering

"It would not surprise me."

"Shall we involve ourselves?"

"Why would we?"

"I suppose we shouldn't, but we should have contingencies to capilize on either success or failure, yes?"

"It can be problematic playing a long-game with Balor; they don't seem to have the attention span for it. They might make a major play, but in such a disorganized way there's little to capitalize on." She considers "How stands the state of our trods and support thereof?"

"I asked Baron Rostislav, you will get a full report in a few hours, but the short answer was is that we have many eyes, few walls. New Agengard itself has a thane at all times... but as for the watchers, they report a mix of Rover and Balor activity. Both showing respect for demense and so forth, of course. "

"How quickly can we reinforce the trods and supports?"

She knows this is a test. To make sure she's aware of ALL the aspects of tending to rule, even areas not her strong point fortunately she knows the basics at least "We have a squad of four thanes in reserve we can call in instantly, more than that, it'll be one to two days, faster if you demand the barons under you send Yeoman"

"You say they have three fragments of however many they seek?"

"Yes. I have reason to believe they are heading to Mexico next. "

"Pacifica.... Charm..... Jazz..... Feathered Serpent.....West..... East.... South and Southwest, no...."

"Pacifica..... Willows... Willows... Feathered Serpent.... No....."

A curious look as she watches her mentor and liege work it out "You think it's a pattern? "

"We'll ask Baron Rostislav."

"yes." She ponders this "if Sir Vali is up to something devious, do you give New Agengard training the credit?"

"Or the blame, perhaps."

"mmm" Amusement

"I want the barons to quietly begin recruiting Thanes, Yeomen, and Men-at-Arms, and training as needed."

Less amused "Yes, my liege. A subtle building of forces" She ponders "martial training is not my expertise, but I believe the captain of the guard is skilled at tutoring weapons as well as their use. "

"The Captain may ride out as needed to help train." She agrees.

"Perhaps we could leak that there is a tourney being considered, one with archery and grand Melee? It would be a useful cover for both recruitment and training!" An idea comes to her

The Countess.... smiles. "That is .... genius, Adelaide. Yes. And you will lead this effort."

"I shall? I.." That was not a suggestion, she realizes and inclines her head. "Of course. I do hope I'll be allowed to.. continue to examine this rivervale quest as well?"

"I think it's all part of the same thing, don't you?"

"It certainly can be, yes, thank you" A smile at that

"Excellent. Do keep me informed. Speak with Baron Rostislav."

"Yes, Baroness. Before I go , would you like moon tea brought to you?"

"Yes, thank you Anne. That would be nice."

The wilder has greater strength of will than she did as a childling ,so if she stiffens at this, it is brief, and almost unnoticeable. Then she smiles, sadly "Right away"