#baronyofthesilverwolf

To Willie, Farrier of Silverwolf. The Duchy of Twin Hills requires two hundred of your best mithril horse shoes , the mithril will be provided upon your acceptance of this contract. It mentions a generous amount of payment to Willie, This letter is enchanted to return to Twin Hills upon your signature of agreement. The job must be done within a month's time upon the reading of this letter. His grace may grant other rewards as well for particularly prompt (yet with no loss of quality) service. Sincerely, Arthur A. Wheezebacker, Asst. Steward

And there is the ducal seal

She shakes her head. "Didn't ask for the order, don't know this Wheezebacker guy, never been to Twin Hills."

"Then why would they seek your services across several kingdoms? Don't misunderstand, you're talented, but... I did not think your reputation was so great, and Farrier duty is not , fairly or not, lauded in song or story. Did you encourage a Gwydion recently? Some random Falcon?"

Another shrug, eyes down. "No'm."

She frowns "Perhaps ... mmm maybe I should send you to twinhills to investigate this. How busy is your next few days?"

"Packed, Baroness, got a lot going on now. Major projects, critical stages. Could lose 'em all without careful .... care. 'Sides, got no skills to investigate stuff."

"Are you familiar with the term 'stalking horse?" She inquires

Willie shifts her weight "Bait."

"I suppose that is one way to look at it" She admits, speculating "I like House Gwydion, unlike my husband. Which is why I'm tempted to handle this instead. I don't want him upset"

"Yes'm."

The baroness looks troubled "On the other hand, I don't want to ruin your projects . What ARE you working on? Anything unusual?"

Willie... squirms. "Still tryin' to figure out my own projects, 'course, an'.... duplicatin' other work but with my own flare...." she hastens to assure.

"Been thinkin' 'bout rescue projects and kill pens. Lots of horses, good ones, bad-treated."

At that, her brow raises, "That is...a worthy line of thought. Is it just conceptial at this point?"

Willie has to gather herself to form a response "Yeah. Wouldn't do nothing without your consent. An'... His Lordship's."

"In this, you must tell the Baron. I think you would find him most supportive, and far more knowledgable than I. I am not ignorant of horses, but he is expert"

"Yes'm."

She ponders "Willie, this situation of ordering for your services. It DOES worry me. If you think of any reason you might have caught this Duke Ewwie or whatever his name is, interest, let me know. "

"Yes'm."

"I thank you" She nods "And I won't keep you from your work any longer. Your prompt response is appreciated. Please remember to mention your plans for horses in need to the Baron"