“Yes, she will be fine. Starians have an amazing ability to survive brutal punishment.” He looked down at his old friend. He knew it would only be a matter of time before he would find out who shot her. In Elkford, there is a fine and imprisonment for anyone caught killing a Starian. This crime would not go unpunished.

“Manfred, Count Disdencamp is expected within the week. We should be hearing from Council today regarding the passages. Please keep eye for such transpondense.”

“Very well sir. Is there anything I can get my Lord? Anything at all?” Manfred asked now trembling from the damp chill that set in.

“No, thank you Manfred. That will be all.” Elkford looked back to his charge. His friend was still asleep from the tea and would be for hours. Elkford lit another candle and stroked the bird’s wings. He closed his eyes and began to dream.

Manfred was normally a very timid fellow but he found great confidence in the Starian. She came to them many many years ago and Manfred befriend her quickly. Starians are large raptors with a wingspan of 10 feet or more. They have a black underside and a stark white back and top wing. Unlike other birds they have five claws and can walk bipedal. They have sharp retractable hook claws at the ends of their wings and a bright blue beak, hooked and serrated. Each Starian has a unique pattern on the back of its neck. Many times Starians are thought to be Albatross or Sea Eagles.

Starians have two offspring. Due to the nesting practices, Starians are rarely seen out of the nest until fully grown. Although rare, they have been found all over the world. Semi-communal birds, they have the unique talent of being able to imitate exactly what they hear and see. Like parrots and mocking birds, they are able to recreate wide spectra of sound both audible and inaudible to human ears. But unlike any other creature they are able to replay the events of the past in their pupils for their offspring and other Starians to witness. Often they use this talent for teaching and it is thought that female Starians use this to communicate events to other female Starians in order to aid in feeding and nesting as well as defense. A Starian only shares this talent with other Starians or as a defensive mechanism. A would be predator when confronted with the sounds of past events and the images of such soon become engrossed and distracted. Starians take quick action and are said to be ferocious fighters. A male Starian has never been seen.

Some say they do not exist, that females reproduce asexually and only bare other females. They are birds of great intelligence and many have thought go mad from this trait. Often they die while aloft, attaining heights where the air is too thin or they commit suicide by flying into the side of a cliff at top speed. It has been said that Starians remember everything and the more they witness of man, the more confused they become. Still there are those that believe the bird to be of myth.

It took Count Disdencamp seven weeks to arrive at Elkford Manor, a place that terrified him as well as infuriated him. The county produced more revenue for the Kingdom than any other and was one tenth in land mass. The residents enjoyed a life style that others envied and often battles broke out at county lines as to land, water and mineral rights. Count Disdencamp had his own issues to contend with. With lack of natural wealth, his land was less valuable than most. If it wasn’t for his relaxed provisions on accepting in others and his constant request for aid his subjects would surely revolt or perish. Disdencamp supplied the kingdom a steady supply of armsmen and inexpensive labor as well as female servants for various manors. The laws he enforced encouraged large families from blended creeds and commensurate aid for those in requirement. Many from other lands looked upon Disden as a land of hope. They would be protected and encouraged to bring others provided they kept one promise – once in land, never unless under High King order, shall you leave. It was a bargain few could pass on. Those within the Kingdom looked at Disden as a necessary requirement not unlike a sewer or boil house.

“Manfred. Manfred!” Baron Elkford bellowed. “Where the devil are you?! Manfred!”

Manfred came breathless into the front west parlor. “Yes… (pant, pant), Yes Sir?”

“Manfred. Have the cook prepare dinner for tonight for Count Disdencamp. He is traveling in full regalia. Have them prepare 10 boar and three bushel Cod. Have with that eel and clams as well. And see to it that the cabbage offered pickled. The good Count produces quite the wind with pickled cabbage. I want his concubine to experience the full pleasure that rogue can offer.”

“Yes my Lord, but how did you know he would be…” A smile came to Manfred’s face which was quickly replaced with rage. “THAT HORRID MAN! HE!...HE!...HE!!!” Manfred's bulbous nose turned bright red and dripped profusely.

“Calm down man. Calm down. All will be dealt with in due time. This is not of your concern is it? And don’t get any ideas of poisoning his meal. The last thing we need is an enquiry as to the death of such a fine man of the people. Go now, off with you. There are preparations to be made.”

Manfred bowed and left the room. Elkford learned of the pending arrival of his senior as he also knew who threw the bolt into the Starian. Most of all he knew that Count Disdencamp did not.

That concludes chapter two.

No Chapter 3 Requests?

Yes, yes. Chapter three please.

What are you reading?

OK.

Chapter three, chapter THREE!

I don't know if the meds are too strong or too weak, but obviously something isn't quite right.

Just for fun, I have to leave a reply like the others. ;)

I don't know what trip you are out on, but I hope you bought a return ticket!

Anyway, I'm probably going to tell someone eventually, Manfred! bring me my owl!

Funny stuff, Mike...

Chapter Three

“Sir, may I present Count Disdencamp.” Trumpeted Manfred. The full staff were in line and waiting, Elkford nodded as Disdencamp bolstered through the main entry.

“Baron Elkford! Or should I rephrase that to Marques Elkford!” Disdencamp bellowed and laughed as his large belly shook. He was a very merry man. He often spent hours telling and listening to jokes and riddles. He took much pleasure in pleasure. Disdencamp stood smaller then most and wider then many and had a long linage that never married well enough into the proper agreements. When he walked he seemed to cover as much ground from side to side as he did forward. He suffered the gout in both feet making foot travel painful. He was one never to complain and generally regarded favorably by his serfs and subjects. He was brutally generous with others wealth.

Elkford smiled. He didn’t dislike Disdencamp nor did he like him. He merely tolerated him. Disdencamp’s linage was the longest of the Kingdom but one of the weakest in terms of positioning. Elkford looked at him as one looks at the helpless buffoon – with no envy and slight compassion encased in amusement and pity. “Count Disdencamp! Welcome to our humble manor. Please join me in celebrating your arrival. I shall have prepared a wonderful feast tonight.

Elkford lead Disdencamp into the front parlor where they sat. Elkford poured them both a glass of Brandy. Disdencamp collapsed merrily into a chair as Elkford stood smiling at his new guest.

“Well sir, your manor looks to be in order; the village is tidy as always, children running about with shopkeepers looking all too well. You have done well as always with everything in its place. Please let me be the first to formally congratulate you on your new post.”

“Thank you Count Disdencamp, but might I provide a slight correction, I have been honored with the rank of Margrave, not Marques. A common misunderstanding.” Elkford took a seat next to Disdencamp and watched his facial expressions.

“Yes, my mistake. I do apologize sir.” Disdencamp stirred. “The rank of Margrave does hold significantly more prestige and power and in so you shall be honored as such. My apologies.” While the ranks were identical in structure, the Margrave had commend over armed forces and could request greater land rites for defense of the kingdom. Elkford had positioned himself such a post and won with little argument.

“Your visit is welcomed but I will have you know I must take leave to visit counsel. I shall be gone in the mourning returning within 10 days. I do wish we could spend more time together.” Elkford explained. “But I do dare you shall find your self some sort of distraction to occupy your time?”

Disdencamp chuckled and sipped the last drop of his Brandy. Elkford hadn’t taken but one sip of his. “Pay it no mind my good friend, I shall keep order here. Perhaps I will find time to enjoy your gardens?” The last time Disdencamp visited Elkford manor, within two days he was found naked in a bed of lavender giggling incoherently. There are certain herbs that are grown in the gardens that have special medicinal purposes. Disdencamp often liked to experiment.

“I shall have Manfred assist you and all needs.” Elkford smiled.

“Yes Manfred. I truly like him.” Disdencamp smiled.

Elkford took a sip of his Brandy,” Yes, you share much in common.”

As they entered into the front hall Disdencamp looked back to Elkford, “Sir, you always seem to know when I am to arrive even when I make no mention or transpondence. I find that a curious trait.”

Elkford grinned.” My fine sir, you are like the moon, predictable and just as pale and round.”

The servant staff and Manfred showed their guests to their quarters as the loud laughter of Disdencamp echoed throughout the halls.

Disdencamp while upset over the recent advancement of Elkford knew he needed him as a requirement for his subjects. Disdencamp needed to be able to send men as troops and miners someplace to remain active and relevant in council. Elkford now had garrisons at his disposal and required miners to unearth what his land could produce. Disdencamp fooled himself into believing that the two were in league.

The last visit Disdencamp made, he is overly complementary and looked to have his visit a festival. Elkford had other ideas. The time coincided with his upcoming feast of Eostre. Disdencamp had warned Elkford that a feast of Eostre could be construed as a Sabbat. That very notion would fly into the face of the Church and would send a very unfavorable response. In true gamesmen ship, Elkford had reassured his guest that it is for the folk and the Kingdom would relish in such a festival for the people at the time of the Easter. Elkford was able to allow his subjects a celebration of their traditions while addressing to council that it was in fact an Easter feast while in fact it was not at all. Count Disdencamp wasn’t pleased with the turn but found enjoyment during the feast reminding all that where in earshot that the feast was his idea and to eat, drink and dance until dawn. Disdencamp had invited folks from other hollows to attend. Elkford funded the event of course.

That concludes chapter three.

Mike, I ask on behalf of the people of the valleys and hollows, and most repectfully of course, may we have chapter four to enjoy.