Dame Selene came around once I explained my plan in more detail, though she clearly still didn’t trust me. I made certain that the countess stood to lose nothing if things didn’t work out, while if all unfolded as I hoped, she would be able to undermine the baron, eliminate a threat to Helian, and resolve the missing person cases in one fell swoop. To bait the trap, I promised Lady Solana she’d meet a good friend of mine (though I wouldn’t be able to make the introduction in person.)
“Well, I suppose that’s settled. Let’s consider this an early opportunity to demonstrate your value, little bird. I trust once all is said and done, you’ll fly back to my side?”
“Of course, Countess. I wouldn’t dream of doing otherwise. After all, I’ve much to repay you for, and I hope for a long and fruitful relationship.”
As it happened, the countess was already in possession of a detailed map of the Rydberg estate, so I was able to sketch out my intended path and mark the location where I believed she would find Arsen and Helian. As a back-up plan, we agreed on a signal I could use if something went wrong or circumstances changed, though I was confident they wouldn’t. We were so early in the plot that events were unlikely to deviate.
We agreed upon a balanced split of tasks for the near future – the dame would utilize some contacts to acquire the estate’s guard shift schedule, the countess would secure two invites to the party, and I would locate the young lord’s “vacation home” so we could send guards to secure the evidence before the baron could clean up the mess.
Lady Solana leaned back in her chair, closed her eyes, and sighed deeply. “Hm… You’ve worked hard today, I think. Consider this evening’s training canceled. You should take some time to relax since you have a stressful week ahead of you, after all. I’m sure your muscles are sore from all the exercise you’ve been getting lately… I know mine are.” As the countess uttered the word exercise, she opened her eyes and stared at me.
Selene coughed quietly. “Will you be needing anything further, Countess? If not, I have… paperwork to see to in my office.”
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Solana smiled at her vice-commander. “That’ll be all, Selene. Thank you for your assistance, as usual. On your way out, please inform the servants to prepare dinner for two and bring it to my quarters.”
I supposed my dinner plans were set, then.
------
After dinner, the countess walked over to her bed and reached underneath, removing two rectangular leather suitcases. They were secured with pristine brass latches on each side, inset with small keyholes. She removed her gold necklace and used the small key hanging from it to open the suitcase on her left. “I’ve prepared some equipment for you, XXXXX.”
Once it was open approximately two thirds of the way, I was able to see its contents – most notably a pair of small daggers, but also a long chain, a coiled length of rope, and what appeared to be cloth handcuffs. She chuckled. “Oh, my mistake. This case is for later.” She promptly closed the case but neglected to re-secure the lock.
She then slid the other case over from her right, placing it atop the … toybox, and swiftly opened it. She gestured for me to approach and inspect the contents. “We can’t have you using that relic of yours at the baron’s estate, my dear. It’s too recognizable. And our agenda requires more than a single blade anyhow. Consider these an advance on your first month’s pay.”
The case was padded with red velour, indented precisely to protect its contents from any damage during handling or transportation. Those contents being five small daggers with notched blades (for carrying poison or tranquilizers, I expect), a rapier with a curved grip, a short main-gauche with an attached chain that could be bound to one’s wrist, and finally a concealed dagger with a stitched leather thigh holster. She had thought carefully to select the right tools for my mission.
“I thought it unwise to secure any beverages to pair with the appetizers under my own name, so that task falls to you.” She accompanied the word beverages with a slight wave towards the throwing daggers, to ensure I understood what she meant.
I nodded. “This is a tremendous honor, Lady Solana. I will do my utmost to live up to your expectations, and with such fine equipment I couldn’t be better prepared.”
“Now then, little bird,” the countess took both of my hands in hers. “Let’s set business aside and devote some time to recreation, shall we? Tonight feels like the perfect time to introduce you to one of my favorite hobbies.” Saying this, she handed the tool case to me, and reopened the toybox.