Session 23: no longer an old friend Report

General Summary

Footsteps echoed up the staircase and into the narrow tower it led up to. The small wooden door at the end of the stairs opened and closed with a screech that drowned out all other sounds in the round chamber that lay beyond. The old screeching hinges were not the only sign the room was seldom used. Thick layers of dust covered most of the old furniture, only the round table and chairs at the center were fully clean. The air was thick with the smell of dust and mold and the new arrival was thankful for the mask she wore.   The woman that entered the room was dressed in a beautiful grey gown decorated with a pattern of silver vines and leaves. The mask she wore was also silver and resembled the head of a mouse. Three others were seated at the round table, each dressed in similar high fashion and each with a mask depicting a forest creature. The fox, deer and rabbit masked individuals all got up as the mouse entered and only sat back down as she took her seat.   It was Deer that spoke first.
“I take we have all heard the news? A group of knights has ingratiated themselves with the Octagon and is to be honored and rewarded.”   All nodded. Rabbit cleared his throat before replying.
“I hear they stopped several attempts on the life of the new draconic ambassador. Rumors say they slayed at least one dragon. If this is true, some attention is to be expected.”   Fox shrugged and continued Rabbit’s argument.
“Indeed. I don’t see why this should interest us. They performed a service to the city, so they should be rewarded. They are far from the only competent knights in Keralon, however.”   Deer rolled her eyes at the carelessness of her companions. The mask did a good job of hiding the disdain she had for her co-conspirators.
“You don’t see the danger they can pose because you aren’t looking in the right places. I have a contact that says they are tainted by the magic of Immerglade.”   This silenced both Fox and Rabbit. Mouse raised her hand, however, and once Deer nodded, addressed the group.
“I fear it is worse than that. Yes, this group carries magical items empowered by the old fey kingdom of Immerglade. However, at least one individual has had personal dealings with a servant of Immerglade. Even worse, I have personally detected Vincent’s magic when near them.”   Fox jumped up from his seat, knocking back his chair.
“Impossible. Vincent died years ago.”   Rabbit’s reaction was more reserved. He leaned forward, placing his elbows on the table as Fox picked up his chair to sit back down.
“Vincent was a traitor. He was exiled long before his death and spent his final years hiding deep within the Lorewood. He never again tried to interfere with Keralon. He seemed happy to simply live out the remainder of his life with his wife. Even if he could still influence others after his death, why would he?”   Mouse simply shrugged.
“I don’t know. All I know is that I detected the presence of his magic near these knights at the Embassy a few days ago.”   Deer smiled at Mouse, which she then realized the woman could not see because of the mask.
“We know too little at this point. We should all try to gather as much information as possible. In the meantime, we should try to limit the rise of this group of knights as much as we can.”   Fox agreed.
“I think I can limit the reward offered by the crown.”   Rabbit finished Fox’s thought.
“And I can curb their rise within the Circles.”   Deer marveled at the stupidity of both men. Although she did not yet know their true identities, each meeting they gave away more and more. They were getting too comfortable. Mouse on the other hand, spoke rarely and offered little information. In fact, this was the first time she had revealed anything about herself. There was no doubt in Deer’s mind that she was the most formidable and dangerous of her co-conspirators. Save for one of course.   Deer had only just finished that though when a new voice sounded within the room.   “It is good to see you all agreeing, for once.”   All four masked individuals turned to the door. There had been no sign that anyone had entered. The hinges had not screeched and there had been no footsteps on the staircase. Still, a tall and powerful man stood at the entrance to the room. He wore a stylish leather outfit, fit for hunting in the king’s woods. His face was hidden behind a golden mask of a wolf’s head.   All four dropped to their knees the instant they realized who had entered. Wolf carelessly strolled through the room, gently patting each of his followers on the head as he made his way to the table. When he finally sat down, he tapped the wooden table with his fingers impatiently.
“Sit back down, please. I would like to get started. We have many important things to discuss. First of all, tell me about these knights.”