A Summons from the Bishop

1206, Spring

The message from the Archbishop was short, as it must be, and to the point.

"Lady Lilia de Lauvitel," it began, "there has arisen a matter
concerning us both.  Can you attend me in Grenoble at Easter?
Alain, Eveque de Grenoble"

Lilia shared the information among her friends and colleagues. She then sent word to Terrus that her presence was requested in Grenoble, and -- barring his instructions otherwise -- she would be going, possibly with several members of the community, should they wish to accompany her.

At supper that night, they discussed the journey.

"I do not know that any of you would be involved in meeting the bishop, but if you have other business or just a wish to journey, I would welcome your company."

The company was formed for the trip to Grenoble. Lilia would go and with her would be Conrad and Etienne. Etienne asked Alain to accompany them, and Alain agreed. Marcel, the pigeon keeper rounded out the party. They would take the ox-cart and arrange for usual spring supplies as well as some special requests that had been made by various members of the village and Covenant.

They made the first leg of the now familiar trek down to the river, passing the farmers as they labored in their coteaux, then though the woods where they caught sight now and again of the pigs that the village let forage there, not wild but not quite tame either.

They turned to follow the river and arrived without incident in Venosc, where they would pass the first night as usual.

The next day, they spent the morning making the usual arrangements for supplies and so forth to be picked up on their return, Lilia and Marcel spent a few moments with Andre checking on the status of the pigeons and exchanging a few birds. Tasks accomplished, they departed.

That evening they arrived at Bourg-d'Oisans to pass the night with Helene who had been notified by pigeon of their coming. She had rooms prepared and a meal was ready.

While Lilia and Alain were entertained at the home of Helene, and Conrad and Marcel attended them nearby, Etienne went seeking the haunts of those who lived on the edges of the law. He found a public house without too much effort and managed to make himself inconspicuous enough that the carousing resumed shortly after he arrived.

He kept his ears open and learned far more abour the affairs of the prosperous local peasants than they would have suspected. The conversation that caught his ear, though, was the one about the bandits on the road. Apparently, a band of robbers had set themselves up near the river and had been preying on travellers between Bourg-d'Oisans and Grenoble. There was much griping about how Sir Rene had not been diligent enough in pursuing them, but then the conversation came round to the fact that there had been no depredations for a few weeks.

"Aye," spoke up a new voice, a woodsman of some kind by his look, perhaps a hunter or bark-stripper. "And I can tell you why." A hush fell over the crowd, who sensed a story. The man waited for his mug to be refilled then spoke. "I was seeking the wild honey twixt here and Grenoble, as I do, when a rain began to fall. It was getting late as well and I bethought me of shelter. I remembered that a ruin lay near to hand. An old fort from before the days of the Romans."

Etienne knew the place, had camped there once or twice with his band of brigands. It was a place of evil reputation, avoided by even the hardened robbers when possible.

The man continued, "I sought for it, for the rain was growing heavier. Then I found it. I approached carefully, since it is sometimes used by robbers as a base. So it was this time, for as I came near I heard voices and saw a fire. I prepared to turn about and seek other shelter deeper in the trees. Night had just fallen, you understand, and a sudden chill overtook me. I stopped and waited to watch for a moment. I heard laughter from the men. Then the laughter stopped. A minute or two later the screams started. I don't mind telling you, I ran like a frightened deer. The robbers were crying and praying and I think I heard sounds of fighting. I ran for hours and spent the night huddled under a tree."

"By morning, the rain had lifted. My curiosity got the better of me and I went back. What I saw there ... well, there was no man living in sight. There were several dead, that's true enough. Two of them were half buried in the mud, even. I left there quick enough. And I tell you now, I will never go back there, come what rains may."

Etienne remained silent, his eyes darting about the tavern trying assess what the crowd thought of the man's tale. Would they dismiss him as daft, a man who had spent too much time among the trees? or would someone who knew something give himself away by his actions. A quick exit, a challenging tone, or other misplaced behaviour often gave him further insight. The place of which the man spoke, Etienne knew, was as he had described and the fate befallen upon the bandits sounded as if it could have been caused by a mage. It had not rained so much as to bury men waist deep, at least not at that locale. If this was the same mage who had struck Katerina and hired him years ago, then there was a dead magi nearby and the men who carried out the deep would be telling no one.

The peasants seemed credulous enough. Such things were not unknown. Another voice took up another tale of horror, and then another each more fanciful than the one before. Some of these later speakers were shouted down, and all their stories were obviously time worn and oft-told.

Waiting for the proper moment, Etienne arose from his table and exited. He would speak with Lilia and the others, relaying the woodsman's tale and inquire as to whether she knew of any magics which could cause such an horrific sight.

He returned to the stone house where they were lodged and waited for an opportune time to speak to Lilia. The moment came the next morning as they were breaking their fast in the hall. He briefed her and waited for a reply.

"I can imagine earth or plant spells that might cause such a scene," began Lilia slowly, wracking her brain for a more solid answer. "I am sorry, Etienne. I cannot think of anything or anyone specific who could have done this. It could well be a mage, but it could also be a... troll or something large and strong. I will send a pigeon back to Lakehome and see if Terrus or one of the others has a better idea."

Their business in Bourg-d'Oisans concluded and a pigeon sent, the companions moved on. Etienne knew that the ruins were on the south side of the river, so they took a ferry across in the morning and then continued on their way. Travel was slower here, since the road was on the other side of the river. They passed a night in the open, and while Conrad was upset that the Lady Lilia was forced to rough it, Lilia rather enjoyed it.

The next day after an hour or so, Etienne stopped the party. They would have to leave the cart here, the ruins were a mile or two distant in deep woods. Marcel promptly volunteered to stay with the cart and guard it.

Alain, Conrad and Lilia, armed and ready, followed Etienne, likewise equipped into the woods. It took them over an hour before they reached a slightly clearer area on an upslope. Ahead of them were the ruins.

They were almost lost in the undergrowth. Knowing they were there, the party could make out a mound on the top of the small hill and extending off from it the remains of a wall or two. A few branches of more recent vintage had been placed across one corner or the ruined wall to make a rough shelter. No sound issued from the place.

Etienne sniffed the air, and signaled the others to wait while he surveyed the area. Moving as quietly as he could under the circumstance, Etienne scouted ahead to see if they were alone, or if the place was indeed haunted.

The others could not help but notice that this sort of thing came very naturally to Etienne as he slipped off to scout the area. Nothing seemed out of place from his initial check, there was no one camped there that he could see. There did seem to be something stuck in the earth, but without venturing into the ruins themselves he could not tell if it was the bodies the honey-gatherer had spoke of, or merely tree roots.

Deciding that it would be easier if he pushed into the ruins by himself, and thereby require only one to hasten an escape, Etienne slid next to a wall he knew well and crept inward.

From this distance, it was clear that the place was the site of a massacre. The things that looked like bones stuck in the ground were bones, two men were buried to the thigh. Several others were scattered around a week or so old camp. Nothing attacked Etienne though.

Seeing that it was as the honey-gatherer had said, and seeing no imminent danger, Etienne made his way back to the others. "It is so," he said," death hangs in the air. Lilia, if there is still danger afoot we may need your arts." He nodded to Alain, knowing that he was a man who was unfazed by bodies of the dead "Come, and be alert."

Alain and Etienne led the way, followed by Lilia and Conrad, who hovered protectively near the maga, staff at the ready.

They began a more thorough examination of the area. The ruins were on a small hill with a gentle rise on the south and eastern slopes, and steep on the north and west. In the north west corner was a mound of earth or a hummock on which a variety of ground cover plants grew.

From the two ends of the hummock ruined walls extended to the east for some twenty paces enclosing floor which had once been paved but which now showed a mix of open earth and paving stones. Some of the stones had long since been pried up and arranged to make a firepit. The north eastern corner of the enclosed area still enough of a corner to allow branches to be placed across the two walls and make a rough shelter and this had been done within the last few weeks. The firepit was just a few steps away from this corner.

A body lay crumpled in the corner under the shelter, Alain estimated it to be a week dead. It was clad as one would expect a brigand to be, in rough leather serving as armour, and with a sword near to hand. A gaping wound in the chest, sword or axe, thought Alain, was the cause of death.

Parts of at least two more brigands were scattered about the fire, dismembered fully and tossed about in a fury. A little further east were two more men, those who were mired in the earth. They faced the mound and one had lost his head completely, a little searching found it a few feet away in a small depression. The other looked as though he had been stabbed from behind. To Alain, it almost looked like the second man had beheaded the first while both were mired.

Alain looked around, examining where the bodies had fallen. After looking them all over, he spoke.

"It appears whoever was responsible left no dead of their own. I believe all the dead are brigands. My gut reaction is that no feudal lord was behind this. This level of brutality is well in the ability of knights and soldiers. A feudal lord would have wanted to make an example by either taking a prisoner to put on trial or creating a public display of the bandit leader. The villagers would have heard something about that. I think the headless body is the bandit chief, so it would have been easy to take his head for display."

Lilia shook her head in dismay at the ugly scene and said, "I will check as best I can for magic, though I have little skill there."

Lilia gathered her meager skill in Intelligo and Vim and cast a spell to detect magic in the area. She did not notice any effects in the area, but would be the first to admit that her spell would probably only notice raw vis or extremely strong effects.

She sat to rest for a few moments after her exertions.

Etienne stood by, "Perhaps it was not as I suspected." To satisfy himself, as Lilia rested, he walked around the ruins to see if he recognized any of the deceased or something else which could convince him that his past was not rapidly approaching.

As he examined the decapitated head, he realized that he did recognize it. It was a bandit well known in the area that he had run into on one or two occassions.

As he walked, he noticed one other thing. There was a small bit of bone protruding from the side of the mound at the end of the ruin. It looked old, there was no flesh on it at all.

Etienne rolled the head back over with his boot and said quitely, "Robert-Yves, it was only a matter of time. Spying the unusual bone, Etienne called Alain over. "Look at that," he pointed out, "was it unearthed in the sorcery?"

It looked to the two of them like it had been long buried and exposed by a combination of of desultory digging at the mound and the heavy rains of a few weeks ago.

"Perhaps the bandits disturbed a burial site and the resident spirit did not care for their digging," Alain said.

Lilia rose, rested, and joined them. "Do you think this was more than the violent life of brigands, Etienne?" she asked, noting his attention and reaction to the site.

"I am unsure, as I have been about a lot of things lately," he added. "Many nights I spent hiding here, and felt no grip of ice clawing at me. Yet what Alain says could be. If it is, then we should not delay any longer here."

"I am loathe to leave without knowing what is happening here," said Lilia, "but we find no clear evidence of the cause of this devastation, and I agree -- staying to see what might bury us is foolish."

The four made their way back to the wagon, where an obviously relieved Marcel greeted them. After a little debate, they decided that their best route to Grenoble was probably to return to Bourg-d'Oisans and cross the river to get back on the road to Grenoble.

They arrived by nightfall and spent another night lodging with Helene. They left early the next morning and two days later arrived at Grenoble.

The Easter Fair was underway when they arrived at Grenoble and sought lodgings at their customary Inn. Lilia used the full force of her noble upbringing, as well as an Aura of Ennobled Presence, to gain them their rooms.

They had three days till Easter, and filled the time each in their own way. Lilia, with Conrad at her heels constantly, shopped for Flanders wool cloth, spices and luxuries, including a gift for the Bishop.

Alain sought fabric for new clothes and some simple items that needed replacing. While in a city, he also sought an armorer to do some patchwork on his hauberk and a weaponsmith to see to his blade. This was the first time since leaving the Crusades he had had his tools seen to. When not seeing to these needs, he attended mass and sought confession. Again, these were things he had not done since leaving the Holy Lands. What little time was left, he spent seeking music and song. He avoided those knights and nobles he saw when he could without arising suspicion.

The smiths of the city saw to his weapons and armour easily, and though they obviously were full of curiosity they held their tongues. Alain thought he had probably added fuel to the rumour of a new Crusade. Adding even more mystery was that Alain refused to identify himself through word or heraldry.

The nights he spent listening to the songs of the troubadors. The songs of William IX of Aquitaine, called the troubador, and the more recent songs of Aimeric de Peguilhan - that the singer claimed to have learned from the author himself - mingled with the singers own composition. Alain listened and remembered.

After a glass of wine and a good meal, Alain joined in the singing. For a short period, he forgot all his cares. His heart was light and he could once again remember the good things of living.

Etienne discharged his duties well, arranging for the supplies the Covenant desired, and renewing his acquaintance with those merchants he had seen on previous years.

His evenings, though, he spent lurking about the underbelly of the town with his ears open. Rumours abounded of a new Crusade, but Etienne gave them little credence. The stories of the bandits on the road to Bourg-d'Oisans and their grisly end had come to the city and he heard many variations on the tale, placing the massacre variously at the ruins, on the road, and in one story at the Grande Chartreuse Monastary. The responsible parties varied from ghosts, to Crusaders, to God himself striking down those who preyed on the monks. That last comment provided an opening for a few dark jokes about the wealth of the monks and how they could stand a little striking down themselves.

Etienne heard, as well, that the Waldensians were not actively being pursued; that no heretics had languished in the Episcopal cells for some years now. A few citizens of the city were openly identified as amici.

Lilia also visited the Bishop's pigeon keeper where she found a brief message saying that the other magi knew nothing about the story of the ruins.

She left word with the Bishop's secretary that she had come and waited for him to bid her attendence.

The time that passed between Lilia's notification of her arrival and the call to attend was almost unseemly in it's shortness. Lilia and Alain, both more familiar with episcopal workloads wondered at it somewhat. Etienne, less familiar, was simply pleased. It was decided that all three would make the visit.

Lilia was pleased to have her friends along -- especially Alain. His good upbringing would provide added gentility to their company.

She saw to it that Etienne was properly turned out and comfortable with what niceties he would need to know in audience of the Bishop.

Dressed in their best, and leaving a sullen Conrad behind to watch their rooms, Lilia, Alain and Etienne made their way to the Cathedral at the appointed time.

As the prepared to enter the Bishop's receiving room, she took one last up-and-down look at Etienne and Alain, reaching out to brush imaginary lint of Alain's shoulder.

After a short delay they were sent in to the Bishop's chamber. Bishop Alain was an energetic and aristocratic looking man, no longer young but not yet old. He rose at their entrance. "Lady Lilia," he exclaimed. "How delightful to see you." He took her hand and kissed them gallantly. "Please sit. And who are your friends?"

"This is Etienne, a travelling companion and Alain de Fortier, who once went on crusade," she said proudly, smiling at Alain before turning back to the Bishop.

"But, yes, you did not come just to visit me, more pity that," he said. "There is business at hand." He tapped a pile of documents thoughtfully. "Your village of Lauvitel has been much on my mind. As has the spiritual well being of the villagers ... and your elusive companions. You know, the rumour is that you are all sorcerors!" He laughed, but with his mouth alone, his eyes were sharp as he tried to gauge her response.

She tilted her head slightly to one side and widened her eyes slightly in interest and surprise, hoping her companions would follow her lead.

"I had my clerks look through the records to see if there was some way to ease my concerns, and I think," he said, "I have found one."

"I hope we may ease your concerns, your Excellency," said Lilia, smoothly. Her mind was turning over quickly, hoping to keep a step ahead of the shrewd man. She instinctively leaned slightly toward Alain, seeking an ally.

"Well, then let me say what I have found and done. The solitude upon which Lauvitel sits is properly under the dominion or Sir Rene d'Oisans. All lands in the valley east of Bourg-d'Oisans are under his sway. But as I say, those particular lands are solitudes, wastes of use to no man. Or rather were. They are of use to some persons now, are they not?" he cocked an eyebrow at the Lakehomers.

Lilia smiled and nodded slightly, more apprehensive by the moment.

"I told of these lands where a small village had spring up, and offered him some small concessions here and there if he would gift them over unto me." His hand dropped significantly onto the stack of documents on the table.

"Ah," said Lilia. "I take it the deeds are before you. What is your intent for our village? Shall we build a church?"

"Such a project would make Philippe a very happy man," Alain added. "But nothing too extravagant, I would think. Ours is just a small fishing village. Of course, I leave that to Your Excellency."

"In good time, in good time," said the Bishop. "There are several issues. One, of course, is that of spiritual guidance for the village. There is a rumour, by the by, that some monk or other dwells there. Is this true?"

"I believe we were once visited by a priest, although the road to the village has kept him from returning. He was an older man, frail and thin," Alain said. "Perhaps he is the one who mentioned us to the Church and we would be grateful to him."

"Indeed," said Lilia, grateful for Alain's quick mind.

"Yes, indeed," said Bishop Alain. "No matter. Some priest or other can be found. Let us continue."

"There is, of course, the question of rents. The men I sent say that the land is poor enough, and rent in kind would be unduly harsh. You seem, I think, to have good store of money, though, so money rents were not impossible. However," he leaned forward, "I think that are other things that might serve me better. Setting aside frivolous circumstance, then. Lady Lilia, there is coven or sorcerors living in your valley. Whether you are one of them is immaterial, although," he added, "you have certainly bewitched me. What can they and you offer me by way of rents?"

Etienne fidgetted a bit, this entire situation growing more and more distasteful by the moment. He hoped his attitude was not too evident. He chanced a glance and Alain to see how he was holding up, for this line of conversation concerned him when it came to the peaceful village.

Lilia blushed, uncharacteristically. She was greatly relieved not to be in the middle of a heretic hunt, but the Bishop's intense gaze was beginning to discomfit her. "Excellency, you heap too much praise on my poor head. I am glad a man of your education and breeding is open enough of mind to treat the magi as any of your other tenants." She smoothed her dress to buy a moment and calm her nerves.

"Our community is not wealthy in any conventional sense, to be sure, but I am sure we can come to some agreement. Unfortunately, we are far removed from such common, every day thoughts as rents. I would not know where to begin in negotiating. I trust you are a fair man, but I am uneducated in these areas and must also confer with those back home. Perhaps you could give me an idea of how much rents would be in this situation and I can send word via pigeon to Lakehome. Then we can meet back here in a week or so and deal on the matter."

"I would not wish to burden you," said Alain. "Some portion of your labor, perhaps. One hears of marvellous constructions, perhaps something like that, fitting to episcopal dignity. By all means, contact your, ah, friends. You will come to Mass on Sunday, I pray you do. I will set aside a pew for you as honoured guests."

"We will certainly attend Mass, and thank you," replied Lilia. She managed a gracious smile and bow of her head before leaving the Bishop's chamber, taking Alain by the hand on her way.

The Bishop rose and escorted them out. They returned to their rooms.

"We must send word home immediately," Lilia said. "I feel quite overwhelmed and need guidance."

She turned to Alain and put a hand on his arm. "Will you come to the public house with me? I... I need your advice." Again, calm, cool Lilia blushed.

Alain tried to hide his look of confusion. "Of course."

As they got away from the Bishop's office, Alain turned to Etienne, "I noticed that you were as uncomfortable with that as I. What is your take?"

"I have spent much of my life across the field from authority," he said carefully. He fell out of pace with Lilia and shispered to Alain, "For good reason, I convinced myself. I do not trust those who hide behind words and the swordarms of others. I find truth lacking in His Excellency, and fear there is more afoot here than we know, or Lady Lilia is willing to admit."

"It is not a surprise that someone would have taken notice of the village. Truth be told, I did not know we weren't paying rent. My concern rises from the Church's sudden interest." Alain frowned. "I fear that we are in for an uncomfortable transition period."

"I am delighted to find a man of such stature in the Church willing to accept magic in his life," said Lilia, genuinely pleased the world had made such progress. "I am sure there are simple earthworks or irrigation projects we could help along in his village, and once the people see the Bishop has a use for magic and once they see the value of it, we could provide the start of a better, easier, friendlier world between mundane life and magic doings.

"Oh, Alain, I am so hopeful! Have you ever bargained for rents -- on either side of the table? I imagine I will need much help from you in determining what is fair value for rents and the magic with which we pay them. I am so grateful you are with me."

"My experiences have mostly been with farmlands and vineyards. Aside from serving in my lord's service as a knight, we provided labor for his fields and a small percentage of the crops grown on our lands. I doubt we will end up paying in one currency. The problem right now is that we don't have any records of what has been produced. This is to our disadvantage if we remain honest in our negotiations." Alain frowned a little. "I'm afraid the Bishop knows more about us than we know about his ambitions. If we had some clue what he was after, it would strengthen our bargaining position."

"Once again, I am very happy to have you by my side in this matter. How would you approach the bargaining table? Would simply asking him for an opening bid give us a good start?"

"I would say that depends upon the character of his Bishop. If he is a fair man he might be willing to let us off this season with a light rent while we attempt to get our accounts in order. I suspect him as a man who knows his way around a bargaining table and enjoys exploiting a weakness. In that case, he will already have in mind what he wants and know how to go about it. He has revealed that he knows about the magi of Lakehome, although I'm sure he has little practical knowledge. I'm afraid he has us at great disadvantage." Alain took a seat by the window. He glanced out briefly as if to reassure himself that he were not somewhere else. "Tell me of the man that is the Bishop of Grenoble."

"I honestly know little of him. He knows my parents, at least by name. I met with him only once -- when I was starting with the messenger pigeons. As I recall, he seemed always to be fishing for some telling piece of information, or some secret..." her voice trailed off. "I do not wish to think ill of the Bishop, but perhaps a little care should be taken.

"If we can stall him with light rents and promises of full accounting at a later time, perhaps I could speak with my father... See what he knows of the Bishop's character and reputation."

The conversation went back and forth in this vein for a day or two as pigeons flew to and from Lakehome. The message from Terrus was terse, "Heed the Code, Use Your Judgement."

An audience was sought with the Bishop and promptly granted. Again he recieved them graciously, then waited politely for them to begin.

"Your Excellency, I fear you have us at a disadvantage; our community is small, yet has grown only gradually over time. We have lived independently and quietly for so long, we are largely unfamiliar with the specifics and formalities of rents. We have not accounted for all our assets, incomes and trading relationships over the years.

"In light of all this, I would appreciate your input and guidance, not to mention your patience. If you could outline a fair payment to me, and allow us some time to figure our worth, I am sure we could come to an equitable agreement."

Having finished this monologue, Lilia turned to Alain for encouragement.

Alain nodded toward her, demonstrating his support.

"Of course, of course," said the Bishop. "I do not wish to overburden you. And yet, I think you are in a position to be of use in a way that a commona agricultural manse can not. Nay, nor in the way that a town is not. But again ..."

He leaned forward. "In a town, there is customarily an industry. And a rent can be made of that product. You, it seems, produce magic. Perhaps a rent could be made of that."

"We do have sheep. We are growing all the time and might be able to produce some useful crop..." Lilia's stalling was transparent, even to her. She looked the Bishop in the eye and said, "Excellency, the strict Code of Hermes does not allow magi to interfere with the affairs of mundane life. While various orders or magi have assisted the Church and continue to do so, care must be taken not to cross the fine line that divides interference and assistance."

"The 'Code of Hermes?'" said the Bishop raising an eyebrow. "I am not familiar with such a code. "You are well organized, then."

She cursed herself internally, but gave only a slight, vague nod and shrug outwardly.

"Then, I will be frank," the Bishop said. "I am desirous of something which will drive men from the party of the Countess of Vienne, or which will draw them to my side of the dispute. Grenoble must remain a bastion of the church. Her abbeys and monastaries must not come under the sway of secular power," he concluded piously.

Lilia looked at the Bishop calmly, though her mind was spinning almost faster than she could follow.

"As you were frank, so must I be. While magic might be used to assist the Church in the Crusades, for instance, I believe this might be beyond what the Code would allow. I am sorry to delay, but I am not enough of a scholar to agree to what you ask as it is laid out. I must consult with those wiser than myself and find the extent to which magi may help you, if at all. It may be that a solution may be reached that would not breach the Code. Will you give us two seasons' leeway to seek an answer for you?"

"Christmas, then?" He considered. "Yes." He smiled. "Yes, that will do. May I offer you lodgings here over the Christmas season?" Concern flickered on his face. "The way might well be impassable, but ..." his face brightened, "perhaps not for you."

"Ah, I apologise, Your Excellency... my thoughts were tangled and led the way for my tongue. The way would indeed be difficult at Christmas. My thought was to reconvene in the autumn, rather than deep winter. It might not be as festive, but would it suit you?"

Alain patted Lilia on the shoulder and leaned in to whisper in her ear, "Perhaps you should broach the subject of administrators."

"The question also remains of administrators, Excellency. Will you send someone periodically?" asked Lilia quickly.

"A fine question. The answer will depend on what agreement we reach. If the rent is easily transportable, then cartage here could be arranged either provided by you or by me," he said. "If the rent is, oh, pasturage of sheep or somesuch, then a priory might need to be established. And, of course, if you do not have a priest in residence - you said the monk I had heard of had left? - a priest might serve both as a point of collection and as a confessor to your villagers."

"If we may, then, we will research our accounts and check with our villagers -- perhaps they know of a priest with whom they are already comfortable and we can install him... With your approval, of course."

"Of course." He waved a hand negligently. "I would not wish to impose anything ... undesired on your village. I am sure, we will be able to come to a mutually satisfactory agreement."

"I have great faith," said Lilia with a genuine smile, relieved that no accusations or ultimatums had been presented in the meeting. She curtsied happily and exited.

The company returned to their lodgings and convened to talk. "I would like to visit my parents before returning to Lakehome. A pigeon stop at their home would be a great comfort to me, and they know many people in the region -- they may have some information on the Bishop and his political battles. Alain, you are more than welcome to join me -- and Etienne and Conrad, of course. I certainly could not ask any of you to take this detour with me, but would be happy for the company. "

"We've encountered several mysteries in our travels so far with the Bishop being the primary one. If a side trip will put us any closer to answers, I am for it," Alain said. "What of you Etienne? Conrad?"

Etienne nodded in the affirmative. So much of the political-religious dealings of the upper crust confused him, yet he agreed with Alain in that anything bringing answers to their quandry was worthwhile.

Conrad gazed at Lilia with eyes wide with adoration and nodded.

"We are set, then," said Lilia, happily. "Let us have a good dinner and a good night's sleep and set out on the morrow."

The next morning they set out on the journey toward Surmont, where Lilia's parents had retired to live with the Baron there, her mother's cousin. By horse, it would be two days to Valence and then another day or so to Surmont. It was roughly the trip Lilia had made when she first came to Lakehome. With the cart, their trip would be slower, four days to Valence and another two up to Surmont.

Alain settled in, mounted on his destrier. He looked accustomed to long rides. Although he wore only a chain hauberk and had eschewed the war saddle, his bearing was of a knight of noble birth. The others had never really seen Alain as such as he had made great efforts to act in a more relaxed -- dare say, common fashion -- around them. Old habits were different. This was how he had been trained to ride since he was old enough to sit astride a horse. It never even occurred to him that he carried himself at all differently than had been his recent custom.

"What sort of town is Valence?" Alain asked as Grenoble faded out of sight behind them.

Lilia had been admiring Alain's bearing and, coincidentally, thinking of how well he would fit into the world of old knights and noble country living that was her parents' home.

"Quiet, small, charming... I daresay you and my father will get along well. You ride like he does, with knightly bearing. I think you will enjoy Valence, for all its old fashioned air."

She was able to add some extra details. Crussol Castle, recently completed by Gerald Bastet sits on limestone cliff overlooking the Rhone valley near Valance. The town itself dates to the Roman age, and is surrounded by lavender fields and olive groves. A ferry crosses the Rhone at the city, which the company will take on their journey. The power in Valence, Lilia knew, was the Bishop.

They arrived without incident at Valence. Once Etienne thought he saw some potential bandits off the road, but if he did they must have decided that the party looked like more trouble than they were worth.

They arrived at Valence and found lodgings. Valence was a far cry from the colder northern cities and the high alpine towns. It was a town of the south, warm and rich from the trade up the mighty Rhone.

The company took advantage of their exceptional trip to Valence to purchase some goods that were hard to find in Grenoble and to buy some things that simply were cheaper here than there.

Alain asked around for news of returning Crusaders and heard quite a few stories. A few names were familiar to them, with the usual mixed bag or results - some had died, others had returned, a few remained with various orders, and some were missing. He had apparently just missed a small group that included some of his old companions, they had continued north a week ago.

The next morning, they ferried across the Rhone and continued on toward Surmont.

They followed the Ouveze river up to where they turned north and passed into the valley of Surmont. A little after noon they arrived at the town of Porte-le-sud, and were received at the house of the Baron. He was not home, nor was Lilia's father. Lilia's mother was, and was delighted to see them. She told them that the men were at the town at the far end of the valley, Port-le-nord, but were expected tonight or tomorrow.

Lilia's mother was becoming frail, her health having been poor for a few years now, but it was obvious she was running the house like a domestic tyrant. Just as obviously, the servants loved her. With an unerring social sense, she commanded rooms to be prepared, one for her daughter, one for Alain, and one for the remaining three men. "A sheep was slaughtered just yesterday," she said. "So we will have good mutton tonight."

Lilia smiled fondly at her mother and tidied her clothes and hair and splashed water on her face before going to sit with her and hear the news.

"What task has Father and the Baron off today?"

"Nothing unusual," she said. "The Baron keeps two houses and spends most of his time travelling between them administering to his lands. And you know your father, he just keeps poking his nose in and asking questions until it's easier to just let him come along"

"It is such a comfort to come home and see some familiar things never change," said Lilia with a twinkle in her eye.

"Mother, what do you know of the Bishop of Grenoble -- Alain? And of his adversary Beatrice, Countess of Viennois Dauphine? I am bargaining with the Bishop and... Well, I want to get a feel for the man and his battles."

Francoise Abdelnour frowned a moment, "I've met them both a few times, of course. Alain is very charming. Beatrice is, well, not charming exactly. She is a force, though. I don't know much about their clash. They are fighting over Grenoble, though. It is a rich city and whether the Bishopric or the County gets the revenue is a matter of concern to both of them."

"As it would be almost anywhere, I am sure. I could be off the mark, but I got an impression that there might be something more personal to the Bishop's sentiments. Then again, power and money can wreak havoc with a man's better nature. I appreciate your opinion, Mother. Tell me, did you particularly like or dislike either one of them?"

"Beatrice impressed me, I'm not sure anyone really likes her, though. I rather liked Alain," she said.

"That helps add to my store of information, Mother, thank you. I am sorry to talk business with you. How are you feeling? What is the news and gossip?"

They chatted for a while, then Lilia left her mother and found the boys. Alain had settled in easily to the old seigneurial role and was realizing how, even by the standards of such a modest manor, Lakehome was lacking in the luxuries. It was far better than the Crusader camps, however.

They found Etienne, Marcel and Conrad in their room. Etienne was oddly relaxed - he had never been across the Rhone and in this hills and his former reputation was less of a concern here. He was in an urban area and did not feel that at any moment he would have to feel. Conrad was pathetically glad to see Lilia and rushed to her asking if she was sufficiently guarded and so on. He shot a dark look at Alain as he did so.

"I feel very safe, Conrad. This is my parents' home, after all. There is so little to be guarded from here." She smiled happily. "I did talk to Mother about the Bishop and his foe, the Countess. She had little input, but agrees the Bishop is charming. Perhaps when Father comes home, he will have more... Insightful comment.

"Now, is the room to your liking? Is there anything you need?"

Conrad calmed down a little, "No, everything is well provided." He turned to the others.

Alain found he suddenly felt a little uncomfortable from Conrad's strange hostility. He decided not to publicly question the reaction and hoped it was just due to a long journey. "Your parents' estate is very nice. We are well cared for, thank you."

"Wonderful. Now, as we must wait for my father, is there anything you wish to do? Can I get you anything? I can check and see what is being prepared for dinner -- maybe ask for a special dish?"

As fate would have it, Lilia's father and the Baron did not arrive until the next day. That gave Lilia some time to set up another stop on the pigeon route with Marcel and some of the household. Her mother liked the idea of being able to keep in touch, although she didn't read or write herself, "The household priest can do it for me."

The others enjoyed the relief after the long travels and the relaxation of having someone else be responsible for getting the work done.

A few hours before dark, the Baron's train was sighted and a half an hour later, the Baron, Lilia's father, two armed and mounted knights, and half a dozen footmen arrived at the house. After greeting their guests with surprise and joy, the Baron and Hubert Abdelnour retired to clean up as little before the evening meal.

Francoise had outdone herself preparing this meal and those at the high table, including Lilia and Alain were well feasted. Even those below the salt, which included the others from Lakehome were well satisfied - if they had fewer courses and less richly prepared ones, there was more than plenty and it was good solid food.

After thanking her parents for the lovely dinner, and as soon as it was polite, Lilia asked her father about the Bishop and the Countess.

"Father, dear, do you know of Bishop Alain in Grenoble and the Countess Beatrice of Viennois Dauphine?"

"I've met him once or twice, her only once," said Hubert Abdelnour.

"I anticipate having business with the Bishop and need to know as much as I can about his reputation and character, as well as the emnity between he and the Countess. And what do you know of the Countess? I fear I will be asked to take sides rather... obviously... in their dealings and I do not wish to make an uninformed decision in the matter."

"That's a tangled web, if I may?" said the Baron of Surmont. "The Countess de Vienne covets the riches of Grenoble, which is properly in her domain. However, the Bishops have adminstered it for quite a while, with the support of the nearby monastaries. There is a maze of obligations and charters and grants of rights ... and frankly both sides have some good points. Beatrice is a strong woman," a tone of admiration crept in. "and Alain is a smart and charming man."

"Thank you for that information, sir. This is the song I hear sung about these two, but there seems to be an animosity on the Bishop's end that feels personal. I get the impression he personally wants to crush her rather than just maintain his administration of Grenoble. Perhaps I am chasing smoke."

"They have been odds for years," said the Baron. "Perhaps it has become personal."

"Indeed," said Lilia, her brow wrinkled in thought.

"Alain, you have been quiet. Is there anything on your mind we should discuss with the Baron and Father?"

"I've been listening with interest," Alain said. "As well, I've been enjoying the civilized company of the table. This is a luxury I don't get much of anymore. I will admit that my biggest concern about the situation is who the Bishop might appoint as caretaker and administrator of the land."

"Yes, it is a worry. I also worry that we are selling our souls to a particular devil if we aid the Bishop in his campaign against the Countess."

Lilia gazed at the fire [her cup, whatever] for a moment. "I probably should have thought of this before we traveled from Grenoble, but I wonder if I -- we -- shouldn't meet with the Countess."

"It might have been interesting to speak with her, but I'm afraid the Bishop has the upper hand on us at the moment. The land our current home rests upon is now under his care. The Countess might be able to make a counter offer for our services, it would only make dealing with the Bishop... difficult. After all, the man who holds the land under feudal obligation has seen fit to turn it over to the Church for administration." Alain sighed. "We really only have the one side to bargain with. Even if we convinced the original landlord to take our parcel back, the Bishop could still cause troubles."

"I understand, Alain," said Lilia, with a smile. "I do not propose to bargain with the Countess. If the Bishop wants us to work against her -- and I have a feeling he would like nothing more than to destroy her -- I want to know what we are working against, both to be prepared and to assure myself we are not becoming pawns to the side of evil... Evil might be a strong word, but I do not quite trust the Bishop."

Hubert Abdelnour frowned, "I think you can trust the Bishop - once his word is given. Eudes," he turned to the Baron, "do you agree?"

The Baron considered. "Not quite. Trust him when you have a contract and not before." He smiled slightly. "I would say the same of the Countess of Vienne, though."

"Excellent advice, gentlemen," said Lilia with a smile. "Let me put another scene in front of you: the Bishop has asked for our assistance in defeating the Countess in his struggle with her. It is this that troubles me most and pushes me to consider carefully the values and tendencies of each of them -- I don't know the Countess or her work well enough to wish her ill or well -- either one in particular -- but it may be the Bishop's agenda is less than charitable. I would not like to come down on the side of the Bishop against the Countess to find we have sided with the wrong cause. Have you any other excellent advice under these circumstances?"

Hubert and Eudes shook their heads. Then Eudes spoke, "Defeat how, I wonder. Surely he is not trying to overthrow her, just to solidify episcopal control of Grenoble."

"That could be," said Lilia, soothingly. "The Bishop was suitably vague and I didn't think to ask the right questions. But I don't wish to make strong enemies -- any enemies, actually, but particularly not a Bishop or a Countess. It sounds like I might need to find out from the Bishop himself what exactly he wishes."

The men nodded.

Later, talking to the boys, Lilia outlined her travel plans.

"We are so close to Stonehollow, I will go talk with Pierre there. He may have some ideas... even if he doesn't, it will be good to see an old friend. From there, I want to go to Vienne to speak with the Countess. I would like to know both sides of that particular story before we even think of getting involved with Bishop Alain's battle for Grenoble.

"You know you are all welcome to come with me, or you may return to Lakehome whenever you wish."

As plans were made for the trip to Vienne in a few days, Lilia rode out with Conrad to visit Stonehollow and Pierre le Ventfroid, her old master. He welcomed her with great pleasure and brough her into the large council chamber for discussion.

Lilia was happy to catch up with the goings-on at Stonehollow, but eventually had to get down to business. She asked her mentor if he knew anything of the Bishop and the Countess or of their respective agendae -- or of their possible feud.

"I know only what everyone knows," said Pierre, "they want control of Grenoble."

Then she outlined the Bishop's proposal to have Lakehome magi concoct a magical support for his side of the argument. "I feel there are grey areas in the Hermetic Code," she said. "I would like your advice on where to draw that line. I know magi have assisted the Church before to the benefit of all, but..."

"There are grey areas, I'm no scholar in hermetic law, though. I think, though, that something of limited duration and limited effect would be best," said Pierre. "What did he say again, exactly?"

Lilia told him as best she could remember, although she couldn't remember Alain's exact words, and Pierre thought again. "Nothing comes to mind, but if you are careful, you shouldn't run afoul of the Code. Just make sure that if you do provide him with some kind of magical gift that it will fail in a few years." He smiled, "that also guarantees that he will keep his side of the bargain and keep coming back for more."

She asked Pierre to show her the dovecote and she communed for a moment with the happy, well-fed Stonehollow pigeons. She then bid a fond farewell to Pierre and she and Conrad headed back.

And they were back home by dinner.

The company departed the next morning, retracing their steps back to Valence. Two days later they arrived at Valence and rested the night. The easiest way to travel from Valence to Vienne is by barge, and Etienne proved his worth by finding a barge and bargaining them a good rate.

Two slow days of poling up the Rhone proved relaxing, as the companions had nothing to do but watch the river and the shore. None of the companions were familiar with Vienne or this part of the Rhone and they found interest in the countryside and the mighty rolling river itself.

After this respite, they approached Vienne, that ancient city! They could see bits of the old Roman town as the barge moved slowly toward the docks.

They found lodgings and made discrete inquiries about the Countess and the situation. They learned several things which might inform their plans. The first was that Vienne itself was ruled by the Archbishop, in the name of the Emperor. Beatrice ruled the lands, but not the town itself. With that to jog their memory, Alain and Lilia recalled that the Archbishops of Vienne and of Lyons were in contention for the title of Primate of All the Gauls.

Upon reaching Vienne and finding lodging, Lilia sent word to Countess Beatrice that she respectfully requested audience with her. Word came that Beatrice would be able to receive them in three days time. They sought lodgings and began the now familiar routine of seeking goods and supplies for the trip back to Lakehome.

When the appointed time arrived, the three companions were ushered into the room where Beatrice and her new husband, Hugh de Coliguy-le-Neuf awaited them. Beatrice had at this time been ruling for forty years and was on her third husband, she was a thin and strong looking woman, severe in appearance. Hugh, her husband, was years her junior, and had a faintly dissipated air. He was clearly a warrior past the peak of his powers, but projected a certain aura of cunning. The heir to the county, Andrew, her child by her second husband, was not present he was leading troops to the east for Philip of Swabia in his conflict with Otto of Brunswick.

Beatrice greeted them civilly enough and asked their business.

Lilia had considered this moment for days and answered carefully. "Your ladyship, we recently, we began conducting business in Grenoble and get much of our news from there. On a recent visit, I had audience with the Bishop currently installed there and he alluded to some strife between you and he over who would have control of the city. I believe he wishes our support of his claim -- even our help in securing it. Because I have heard his side of the argument, I wish to hear yours. Would you indulge me?"

"Pray indulge me first, if you would," she replied. "I know your name and it sounds somewhat familiar, but I know little else of you. Who are you and why would Bishop Alain wish your support?"

"You may have heard of -- even met -- my father, who is retired to the estates of the Baron of Surmont, who is my mother's cousin.

"To answer your question, Bishop Alain seems to think I would be able to provide some extraordinary support to him. I do not know exactly what he wants, only that he believes I -- we --" indicating Alain, "can aid him in keeping control of the city from you.

"Politics are not my area of expertise. I hope to make a decision for one side or the other -- or for neutrality -- by speaking with the people involved. People," she smiled, "are much more my area of expertise."

Beatrice gave Lilia a long penetrating glance, "People are your area of expertise, then. I see." She paused for a moment in thought. "Well then, here it is quite simply. The Bishops of Grenoble have only the most tenuous claim to rule in the city, they took control during a time of disorder and have never relinquished it. The current Bishop and the Abbots of the surrounding Monasteries are unfit to rule the city. The monks, far from fulfilling their vows of poverty and chastity grow fat from their manors and farms. The Bishop rather than tending his flock, lives like a Baron in the city, ruling not as a man of God but as a man of the world. The city lies within my lands, and my claim to it is stronger than theirs, for my ancestor lived there and ruled. As for rule, my family is bred to it, and I have had years to learn my business."

"Your area of expertise, then," said Lilia with a smile. "Your ladyship, I very much appreciate your time. You have not made my decision any easier, but I am glad to know a little of your character. And I am glad to have met you. With your leave, I shall go now."

"Of course," the Countess gestured. "Where did you say you lived, Mistress Lilia?"

"I am sorry, your ladyship, I forgot that part of the story, and it would explain so much to you. We live right near Lac du Lauvitel -- the nearest actual village is Venosc. We have lived there for years, somewhat isolated from the realm of the politics of towns, villages, the Church... but we recently came under the protection of Bishop Alain. We are trying to accustom ourselves to the idea of being part of the larger community around us. Hence, our newfound interest in the politics of the Bishop."

"I see," said the Countess. "You may go."

Lilia hadn't really expected to find an evil, power-hungry despot in the Countess, but had certainly hoped not to like her very much. Her head was aching just a bit from the whirring of her thoughts.

That evening, she and Alain gave a brief account of their visit to the others.

"Unless you think we have any further business here, I would like to set out for Lakehome tomorrow morning."

"I think this is the perfect place to find out about the Countess's character. I suggest we go to a few of the places each of us would normally go. Once there, we can make subtle inquiries into the Countess and what sort of landlord she is. Perhaps popular opinion will aid you in this decision." Alain stretched his shoulders. "After all of this traveling, I could use a bit of a workout. I think I shall seek out where the knights and men-at-arms train."

A little thrill went through Lilia's heart. It certainly wouldn't be proper for her to visit the training grounds of Vienne with Alain, but she could picture it in her mind -- the swordplay, the exertion... It made her a little woozy.

Still smiling from the image, she said, "A good plan, Alain. We shall remain here a day or two and see what we can learn."

Alain enjoyed his time with the knights and men at arms, getting and giving some hearty blows and learning that although the Countess was rarely loved, she was always respected. The rough men of the garrison tended to believe with the Countess that Priests should stick to preaching and leave governing to the nobility.

Lilia found much the same response but from a different angle. The religious of the city did not necessarily think the Countess would rule better, but they too respected her.

The folk that Etienne passed his time with were more frank. "She's a tough old woman, that's for sure," they would say admiringly. "She's buried two husbands and she'll see this one into the grave, too. She's hard but fair." They didn't know who would rule better and wanted mostly to be left alone. The one comment that he did hear was that if Bishop Alain couldn't keep the bandits down near Grenoble, maybe the Countess could.

By now, Lilia liked the Countess more than the Bishop. It could be a sticky situation.

"Are we ready to go home?" she asked.

"I believe we have what we came for," Alain said as he took a seat near his companions. "From what we have learned, it would appear the more respectable ruler would be the Countess. This does leave us in a sticky situation. Acting directly against the Bishop is not in our best interest. Regardless of what happens in Grenoble, he will still hold domain over us in Lakehome. I do not plan to leave my adopted home just to avoid his petty revenge. I do not desert my duties so easily these days.

"I would hate to be party to his consolidation of power, however. I suspect we should either enter into some sort of standard landlord-tenant arrangement with him. It will mean a Church administrator will be local and that could be bad for some of our locals. I suspect a normal priest will not take kindly to a man who becomes a rabbit with the twitch of his nose. I also suspect our current priest has reasons he wishes to avoid attention."

Alain thought for a moment and smiled slyly. "What if the item we give the Bishop doesn't exactly help him out? Perhaps we could deceive him with something that really only works when he is alone or that doesn't quite have the effect he thinks it does. Nothing malicious, just a minor deception."

"Have you something in mind?" asked Lilia.

"I've spent many pleasant hours in the libraries, but I've yet to grasp the simplest concept of what you are capable of through magic. I'm sorry, but I've no idea of what you might be able to do."

"I did have one idea of my own -- something Etienne said. There is a problem with bandits. If we could put together a temporary protection for which the Bishop could take credit, it would aid mostly those whose good opinion he least covets. In the strictest sense, it might sway some support in his direction, just not as much from the nobles, who have men at arms to protect them on their journeys."

"That might work, especially if it had a limited use. Once it wore off, the bandits might return," Alain said.

Lilia blushed a little and smiled. "Well then, I think we should go home and begin our work."

The company took their leave and began the journey home. Down the Rhone to Valence, and then by road back through Grenoble and Bourg-d'Oisans and Venosc before finally arriving home.