Brian Pratt - The unsuspecting mage

“They did quite a number on you last night,” James informs him. “You are lucky I came along when I did.” Lifting the blankets to inspect the bard’s injuries, he finds some in the process of healing properly while others are a little red and inflamed. Using a clean towel and some water from the basin, he gently begins to wipe away the little bit of blood that has oozed overnight from several of the cuts.

“I’m glad you did,” he says, flinching slightly in pain as James ministers to his wounds. “How did you happen to be there?”

“I was looking for you,” he explains. “When I was told you had been arrested, I went to the jail only to be told you had never been brought in. Did some looking around and wound up where you were being held.”

Perrilin digested that for a moment then asked, “How did you find out where I was?”

“Well, let’s just say that lately I’ve been fairly good at finding people when I need to,” he replies, avoiding all mention of magic.

From the look on Perrilin’s face, he can tell the bard is not entirely satisfied with his response but seems to be willing to accept it at face value for now. “What did they want with you anyway?” James asks. “It looked as if they were interrogating you and were even going to begin using torture to get what they wanted.” Once the dried blood has been removed from around the wounds, he uses a dry towel and gingerly dries him off before pulling the blanket back up to cover his chest and neck.

“I think you will be okay,” he assures Perrilin. “May need a few days rest to heal properly.”

Perrilin looks at him for a second before asking, “Why did you need to find me?”

“I was hoping you could help me with something,” James says as he gets up and places the towels and basin back on the table.

“Like what?” he asks.

“I was hoping you could help me gain access to the Royal Archives,” he explains.

Surprised, Perrilin asks, “Why?”

Pulling the medallion out from beneath his shirt, he shows the design to Perrilin. “I want to discover if there is any significance to this design,” he explains. “I have been led to believe that it may be important in some way. I don’t suppose you recognize it?” Taking it from around his neck, he hands the medallion to Perrilin.

Holding it close, Perrilin takes a good look at the design before handing it back to James. Shaking his head no, he replies, “I’m sorry, no. I don’t recognize it.”

James replaces the medallion back around his neck and tucks it inside his shirt. Just then someone knocks on the door, which startles Miko awake. James glances over to him as he sits up in bed, rubbing his eyes. Coming to his feet, he walks over to the door, opening it just a crack to find two serving girls, one bearing a tray with several plates of food, and the other carrying a pitcher and two mugs.

He tells them to remain in the hall as he first takes the tray and places it on the table, then returns for the pitcher and mugs, setting them on the table beside the tray. He then returns once more to the door and gives them each a copper for their help. “Thank you,” he says as they turn to leave. As their footsteps disappear toward the head of the stairs, he closes the door.

Turning from the door, he finds Perrilin sitting up in bed and Miko already sitting at the table heaping a plate full of food. “I hope that’s for him.” he says to his young companion, gesturing over to Perrilin with a stern look on his face.

“Uh, of course it is,” he replies a little embarrassed. Getting up from the table he walks over and hands the heaping plate to Perrilin. Casting James a sheepish look, he goes back to the table and begins to fill another for himself.

James comes to the table and sits down, then starts piling food on his plate.

Perrilin takes several bites and then says, “As to whether or not I can help you gain access to the Royal Archives, I am sure I can help you with that. You see, the Archive Custodian is a friend of mine and I am sure that if I request it, he will permit you to research that design. He may even help you if he’s not otherwise occupied. After all, I do owe you my life and I always repay my debts.”

Looking intrigued, James asks, “How would we go about it?”

“I shall write a letter of introduction explaining what you wish to do,” he explains then gestures over to Miko. “Your young friend there would then need to run it to the gate leading into the castle area.” To Miko he says, “Tell the guards that you have a letter for the Archive Custodian and then either they will escort you to him, or more likely have you wait while they send someone to the Archives with the letter. Then it would be up to Ellinwyrd, that is my friend, to decide whether or not to grant you access.”

Excited at the prospect of possibly being granted access to ancient tomes, he quickly finishes his breakfast and clears a spot on the table where he places his travel case. Opening it up, he removes a piece of paper, quill and an inkwell, then closes the case once more and sets it aside.

He waits as patiently as he can while Perrilin finishes his meal, then removes his plate once he’s finished. James then brings over the traveling case to act as a lap table and the writing materials so Perrilin can write the letter to his friend.

He sits and waits as Perrilin writes out the letter, anxious to get this going. When Perrilin finishes, he requests some wax with which to seal the letter. James lights the candle on the table and brings it over to him. Taking the candle, Perrilin holds it at an angle so the melting wax will drip onto the letter. When he has applied the desired amount he gives the candle back to James. He then takes one of his rings and makes an imprint of it in the wax.

Handing it to James, he says, “Here you go.” Then to Miko he says, “Make sure you do not break the seal. Once you reach the gates, do whatever the guards tell you to do.”

“I understand,” Miko says as he takes the letter from James.

“Be careful,” James says to him.

Nodding understanding, Miko leaves the room and shuts the door behind him.

The door hadn’t been shut for two seconds before they hear a knock which is immediately followed by the door swinging open to admit Miss Gilena. It doesn’t seem she feels the need to await the okay to enter.

Bustling into the room, her eyes zero in on the bed wherein Perrilin lays and with concern in her voice asks, “How are you feeling?” Then she makes her way to his bedside, the promised clothes tucked under one arm.

Smiling a reassuring smile as she approaches, he says, “I will live, though I’m sore from head to toe. James has been very helpful.”

Turning to James, she says, “Thank you for rescuing him last night.” Then hands him Perrilin’s clothes.

“It was a pleasure, I don’t much care for those who use torture,” he replies, taking them and setting them upon the table.

Looking at Perrilin with worry in her voice she asks, “Torture?”

Perrilin pats her hand as he calms her worries, “They were just about to start when James arrived and got me out of there.”

“Thank goodness you came along just when you did,” she says. Pulling down his covers with not so much as a ‘by your leave’, she inspects the injuries marring his chest. Perrilin feels a little uncomfortable at her mothering, especially in front of James. Satisfied that they look to be healing properly, she replaces the covers and comes to her feet. “It looks as if your wounds will heal fine in a couple of days,” she announces, relief that they were not worse evident in her voice. “I can’t stay, simply wanted to check and see how you were doing. If you need anything, let me know.” That last question was directed more toward James than the injured bard.