Hunt for the Daggers of Light

[DoS Archive]

From: leducblanc@aol.com (LeDucBlanc)
Date: 12 Jul 1998 02:57:56 EDT

Duc Percival Marchand de Clermont looked carefully to the right and to the left as he exited the basement of the Red Dragon Inn and entered the common room. Not wishing to draw undue attention to himself he exerted his will, using his gift or camouflage and concealment to appera perfectly ordinary. With one exception. Seeing Hubie busily trundling from table to table, he looked the boy in the eyes and beckoned. Then he exited the back
way.
Hubie joined him in the alley quickly. "Can I do something for you m'lord?" he asked earnestly, "Anyting for a big tipper."
"Did you happen to see, lad, the fight between Zamhulam and Zemhulem?"
"Yes your Grace," the boy nodded, "I did. Zemhulem won, but he was bleeding all over the place too."
"That's what I understand. Did you see which direction he ran off in?"
"Nosir," Hubie shook his head, "He headed out of the alley, and I had to get back to work."
Clermont stroked his chin thoughtfully. "Hubie, if you see Zemhulem in the Inn or the alley let me know as soon as you can. I will cover what you lose in tips, and if it gets you fired I may be able to find employment for you myself. For now, back to work lad." The White Duke smiled honestly at the child.
He didn't like the situation. This was the sort of problem whose best solution resided in the same scabbard as his broadsword. Unfortunately, killing Zem could mean Zam's death too. If it came down to it, he was prepared to be that ruthless if necessary. Especially if Zem had access tot he kind of power Zam had hinted that he had stolen. But Zam was a friend, and was innocent at that. He didn't deserve to die.
Clermont shook his head. His first wife hadn't deserved to die. Nor had his children by his third deserved it. Bad things happened to people who didn't deserve them. Still, it was mostly Zam's problem. He would deal with it the way Zam wanted and take Zemhul alive.
If possible.



Lord Percival Marchand
Duc de Clermont
The White Duke