Chronicles XVI: Whispers of a Return...

And then there was one less.

The days ran hot in the summer. No one there knew of a hotter day. Among those
to comment, the Baron, Tintar, Dar Benedict, and Brand, but it was a special
day, all had turned out to see that which was not foreseen, but occurring none
the less. It was the wedding of the Royal Jester to Lady de’Gruse. None of the
seers could have predicted the return of the Jester with the announcement that
he was engaged. It had been weeks since the announcement, and now the day was
here. So many of the Barony’s finest tailors and entertainers had been
contracted for the celebration.

Among the first to arrive, the Baron, arriving a full day early to make sure all
was in accordance with his edicts. He traveled far and wide with the Jester and
Eepir Kahz, to inspect the frontlines and Gothex’s decorations. Eepir kept them
both entertained as the long day progressed. The Jester made sure that his Lady
would be in good company as she prepared for the coming day as well. Mistress
Kindle, traveled out from the heart of Gothex to protect Lady de’Gruse. The two
made friends easily and became quite close in their short time together.

That evening, a grand feast was prepared and all the major players were there to
partake. From the lowliest lady-in-waiting, Lady Ja Cee-ay all the way up to
Saing’s War council of Tintar and Dar Benedict. Of those unable to attend, Sir
Azon and Lady Yute had just given birth to their daughter and feared to travel,
as it was too much for the beleaguered Lady Yute. So Lady Tehtare, filled in as
an attendant to Lady de’Gruse. The Ladies–in-waiting, spent the evening with
de’Gruse at her country estate in Lower Gothex. While the various soldiers,
guards, and government officials spent the evening with the Jester planning
war-games and partaking of the fine spirits. The day of the ceremony came a bit
too early for some, but all were none-the-less for wear. The beautiful day
passed, despite the heat and the town of Gothex enjoyed a peace, little known in
the recent years. There were but two small disturbances that day. The first
being, when Kindle’s muse sent word that he would be unable to attend the
festivities. This act brought about great concern for the prophet. Her heart
was in great turmoil, but she was soon swept up in the music, atmosphere, and
spirits that flowed forth from the barkeeps. The second incident occurred as a
harlot, flew up from the audience and began to perform what sounded to be the
strangulation of several cats. No one was harmed by the performance, but the
Baron had her sent to the pits of his dungeon for her audacity.

The next morning, the Jester and de’Gruse took flight on a winged chariot and
were not to be seen for several weeks.