“Uncle Boebert, you wanted to speak to me?” Sophia pushed the mahogany door to the drawing room open with the confidence that only family money and breeding can bring.

Her uncle was a large bodied man with well padded cheeks that showed he enjoyed the perks that came with his position. He looked up and idly twiddled with his extravagant mustache as he took in the tall, lean lady for a moment before replying. “Sophia my dear. Come in, come in.”

A tall, slim lady with Sophia flowed smoothly across the room before she settled into a chair opposite the Baron. She put her hands in her lap and forced them to remain still while she waited for the Baron to talk. Control the silence, she silently reminded herself, it was important for a lady to show composure and wait for the right moment to speak.

Several minutes passed with him scratching away on the page in front of him. She breathed slowly and carefully maintained her composure. As an experienced duellist, Years of fencing practice had taught her patience. She knew that if you crossed foils with someone and rushed to attack then you found yourself skewered quickly. This meeting might be a different arena but it was no less a duel than one fought with a rapier.

“You’ve been enjoying your time at my estate since you came of age, yes?”

Sophia nodded cautiously. “Yes uncle, very much so.” Coming from a noble but destitute family, her mother had taught her the indirect word-play of noble society. Leaning forward, Sophia listened with a fencer's intent, catching the hidden inflections and meanings in the same way she might anticipate a thrust from an opponent's foil. It was obvious that Uncle Boebert wanted something from her.

“I’m glad,” Boebert murmured softly as he looked up at her with kind eyes. “You’ve matured into a magnificent young lady over the last few years. I’m sure your mother would have been proud of your transformation.”

“Thank you uncle.” Sophia kept her words short, not trusting her emotions to say more. It took effort but she managed to control her breathing taking deep even breaths. Her uncle was testing her and she was determined not to fail.

Boebert watched the emotions playing across Sophia's face impassively. The Baron felt no pity for the girl and her loss, however, his mind was on his own interests and his own interests alone. The girl was showing impressive control, but it was obvious beneath the surface her emotions were raging. That was excellent, it would make her easier to manipulate. “There is a small task I’d like you to undertake for me.”

“If it is within my ability,” Sopia stated carefully as she carefully composed herself.

Boebert watched carefully as he outlined the mission, “The Matron mothers are preparing an expedition to resettle the continent, they aim to establish a colony upon the ruins of Fletcher. Our house will be sponsoring the colony and if we are to establish a position of influence within the settlement then it is vital that the family is represented.” Boebert paused to assess his ward's reaction before finishing. “You are to be that representative.”

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

Sophia stared at her uncle silently unable to reply, the blood in her veins had turned icy with a combination of fear and excitement. She had no illusions that Boebert was anything but ruthless. He hadn’t taken her in because of love or anything so superficial, she was a pawn to be played at his convenience. Such an expedition was courting an almost certain death, however if she succeeded it would grant her power and authority beyond her most extravagant dreams. She composed herself. Slowing her breathing. This was just another test. Life was a series of tests and she would not be found wanting. “If I am to undertake this task then I would need information. What can you tell me about Fletcher, what happened on the mainland which caused it to be abandoned?”

“In all honesty my dear, no one knows. It’s been well over a hundred years since the last settlement on the continent was abandoned and we were driven back onto the Satellite Islands.I realize that such an exploration would be dangerous and only a brave and resourceful individual would have any hope of succeeding.” He looked directly into her eyes as he steepled his fingers, “You’re right to be cautious, perhaps I should ask another person to undertake this task? Your cousin Malcolm perhaps has the pluck required?”

“Uncle, you misunderstand me. I would be glad to lead the expedition.” Sophia blurted out, suddenly worried that the opportunity to prove herself would pass her by.

Boebert sneered in triumph. At that moment Boebert knew that he had her. His ward was a brave, resourceful woman but above everything else she was insecure, driven to prove herself. All he had to do was set this as a challenge and she would walk into hell itself while considering it her idea. Really the child was far too easy to manipulate, not really even a proper member of the family. So terribly middle class. Yes, she was the right choice for this mission, credible but expendable.

The corpulent man nodded in contentment as he placed a small pouch of coins upon the table in front of him. People are so predictable and easy to manipulate. “Arrangements are already underway. Captain Eldridge of the Dauntless will disembark with the tide in seven days time. Please use the time sensibly to prepare yourself.”

Sophia forced herself not to simply snatch the money pouch from the desk. “Thank you uncle, I will do my best to live up to the family name.” Then she rose and plucked the money from the desk, it clinked delightfully as she lifted it. “If that is all uncle, there is much for me to do.”

“Of course, you have my leave.” With that the Baron leant back in his chair to watch Sophia leave. Admiring the way her trim buttocks swayed as she headed out of the room. Such a shame she was probably going to die, he thought. The mainland was cursed and none of the previous attempts to resettle it had survived more than a few weeks. Still it was important for the family to have a representative present, just in case this one went differently. Someone disposable had to make the sacrifice. Yes, it was far better to lose a remote cousin than a member of the immediate family.

**

Sophia - Level 1 Duellist

Strength 14

Intelligence 12

Wisdom 12

Dexterity 18

Constitution 15

Charisma 16

Hit Points: 10

Experience Points: 0 / 2,000

Equipment: Standard Rapier (1-6 points of damage + 3 dexterity bonus + 1 skill bonus)

Skills:

Parry I - Instead of attacking a duellist can choose to attempt to block an opponent's strike. This gives a disadvantage of 1-6 + level to the opponent's strike..

Riposte I - Upon a successful dexterity check this allows the Duellist to counter attack after being attacked.