Cave Manse

[The Stranger]

"She is an interesting creature to be sure," Cave replied. "Have you spoke to her father about your intentions?"

[Marie]

"You mean her grandsire?" Gwayne queried. "I have not. But it was he who invited me to meet the queen. I am sure he must have had some idea that I might find her charming. And I am sure he is aware of my intentions."

[The Stranger]

"But are you aware of his?" Saxon replied.

[Marie]

"Sadly not. He is a closed book to me. Perhaps my sister can find out. She's friendly with the Tyrells, having been married to Lord Betram's son. But otherwise, who can know the mind of a man like that, anyway?"

[The Stranger]

Saxon agreed, "He's enigmatic, that is true." he agreed.

"In any case, Lord Gwayne your problem is this. The men who broke into your home and killed your man-at-arms were searching for something that they did not find. They did not find it because, it appears to me you do not have it. Unsurprising. Still, someone thinks you have it, which may be just as useful."

[Marie]

"It could be," Gwayne murmured. "It is to be hoped they will not pose a threat to my house in future. Though would you not say it is curious that somebody thinks I have some mysterious thing of use to them? I fear I have no notion what this object might be."

[The Stranger]

"Of that I have no doubt." Saxon replied, "But ignorance is a dangerous thing, and being of no use, more dangerous still. As long as they think you might have it, it is vital that they think you DO have it. Which gives us an opportunity. How would you feel about engaging in a little gambit with me? a ruse? A little deception?"

[Marie]

Gwayne thought for a moment. Shady doings were outside his range of experience but he knew it was unwise to refuse, at least before he'd heard more.

"If these men think I do have the object of their desire, my home and family will be in great danger," he said. "I too might be in danger. And this is not a foe I can swing a sword at. I am not accustomed to ruses and deceptions, but I can hear you out, at least. If it is worth my while to do so."

[The Stranger]

"Precisely. And since they have begun to search your home, you would be wise to "move" this object. And so you will. You'll begin preparations to move a "secret" item of "Great importance" from the Hightower, to a secure and hidden point within the Far Reach. That information will get out of course, and the enemy will make an attempt to seize it. Upon which we shall be waiting, and ambush our ambushers, and interrogate those we take captive."

[Marie]

"That is certainly possible," Gwayne agreed. "I can write my kinsmen at the Hightower commanding them to do as you say. Though it does not answer the question of what this thing is, or where it truly resides."

[The Stranger]

"No, that's true, but it would help me learn more about those looking to steal it. And of course, you may find such information of value as well." Saxon replied.

[Marie]

"As you wish. Do you have a preference where the ambush might take place? I know any of my bannerlords would be pleased to help."

[The Stranger]

"No. You must play it close to your chest Lord Gwayne. Only men you trust with absolutely no qualms. Otherwise the story will get out. And tell the men nothing, until the very last moment, if possible."

[Marie]

"Of course. It will be done faster if I write to Sain commanding him to make the pretence and then simply ride out from here with the ambushing force. If I must go home to make the arrangements myself, the thing will be done much slower. Where, then? The Arbor is too difficult. Brightwater Keep? Horn Hill?"

[The Stranger]

"Do you trust Sain?" Saxon replied.