The Chronicle:

As the tale of her recent adventures wound down, Constanza looked wistfully out the porthole at the cold blue-grey waters of the Frothing Sea, letting her voice trail out.  After a moment, she shook herself.

"So that's when I returned to Freiburg on a vile nag," she added, forcing a note of lightness into her tone.  "And, come to think of it, that's how I came across the path of a new disaster!  As I moved from the outskirts of town towards the Castillan embassy, I heard a great commotion, people running in terror and clearing the street.  They were fleeing from something ahead of me, so I pushed on to see if I could be of help.  Imagine my shock when I beheld a beast of legend, reptile-like but with a metallic sheen, a drachen perhaps three yards in length!  Its jaws were dripping with blood, and I saw it pounce on a victim and gut the man with blinding speed.  Like everyone else I moved out of its path of destruction as it forged ahead.  But my heart sank when, an instant later, I saw a small dog zip past in hot pursuit and I recognized Ferdinand's dog Tiny Lucas.  I should have known a disaster of these proportions could only come from the Castillan embassy...

"I fetched some of my men from the Maris Stella, hurried back to Drachenheim Manse, and found there Lucas, barely able to stand but trying with commendable effort to act as a good host despite the circumstances.  A moment later, Juan showed up as well, since the whole spectacular event was hard to miss.  Lucas rapidly explained that the drachen had emerged when you, him, Ferdinand and Mendoza were exploring what turned out to be a dracheneisen mine in the embassy's basement, and that the three of you were still down there, badly wounded.  We were about to go to your help when a woman walked in -- since there was no door left to knock at.  Lucas recognized her as someone named Martina, from the Nibelungen.  She knew about the mine although she was nonplussed by the description of the drachen.

"I was eager to go to your rescue, but there was some concern about keeping the mine a secret.  I left a squad of my marines to guard the the manse and Lucas, Juan, Martina, my marine sergeant Johann, and I headed for the basement.  Lucas indicated the traps that had made your earlier progress so dangerous, and so we were able to avoid them.  We finally found you, and I was so relieved to see you still lived despite those grievous wounds!  We transported you out with the greatest care, past those nasty traps, and between your assistant Fedencia and my ship's surgeon Arnau, were able to ensure that all three of you would recover though Mendoza seemed a lost cause for a frightful while."

Constanza shifted and settled again in her favourite chair and looked expectantly at Melisandre.  "But despite the brief explanations I received from Lucas, there never was time for a decent telling of the whole affair from the beginning.  Will you not tell me of the whole thing, and how you came to discover a treasure beyond most men's wildest dreams sitting under your very feet?"

Melisandre sighed softly, "Ah, but where shall I begin?  The tale seems so involved..."  Her fingers slipped to the pendant she'd worn for as long as Constanza could remember and toyed with it absently.  This was a sure sign that she was troubled in some way, but her friend knew better than to interrupt.

"I suppose it all began with the river attempting to take over our wine cellar."  She settled back in her wing-back chair, curling up and tucking her bare feet beneath the voluminous folds of her skirt.  She fussed for a moment with her bandages, receiving a stern look from Fedencia, who had brought in a tray with mulled wine and sweet cakes.  She smiled up at the woman graciously and gestured toward the tray.  "Thank you, Fedencia."

Once Fedencia had left and the two were alone, Melisandre continued her tale. "We had just had a very strange meeting with the Eisenfürst and had returned to the embassy to discover that the river had washed away the retaining wall in our cellar and was attempting to incorporate our fine Castillian wine into its waters.  Lucas, as you can imagine, was quite frantic.  He has an extreme distaste for Eisen vintages."  The girls shared an amused smile.  "We all pitched in to try to shore up the wall and keep the river out, when Lucas noted that part of the back wall had washed away, revealing a door.  Once Ferdinand and Juan had blocked the hole as best as they were able, we took a closer look, scraping away the plaster that had concealed it.  Imagine our amazement to realize that it was built entirely from dracheneisen!  And sealed with two ornate locks, no less. So, my curiosity being roused, I attempted to manipulate the locks.  With the approval of your cousin of course.  But alas!  It was beyond my poor skill.

"There was a strange crest on the door, with a fox leaping over a sleeping dog, and Armin happened to remember seeing a book in the library with such a crest embossed upon the cover.  So while Ferdinand, Mendoza, Juan and Lucas did their best to clear the wine cellar, Armin and I spent time studying the book.  At first it seemed to be merely a list of accounts but something bothered me about it.  After a time I realized that the pages seemed inordinately thick.  I fetched my surgical kit and carefully sliced the edges of the pages to discover a journal concealed inside detailing the life of the Stapp family.  He was the prior Baronet von Drachenheim, you see.  It seems he'd located a cavern below the embassy and had taken pains to convert it into a vault to store his money.  The family had fallen out of political favor and the Baronet feared that their lives were in danger after hearing of the death of a close friend at the hands of an assassin.  He secreted a good part of his fortune beneath the embassy, laid traps along the passage, set the dracheneisen door to guard the entrance and gave the keys to the door to his cousin.  To ensure that his rightful heirs would not fall prey to said traps, he left his sons clues to get by them in the form of a poem, before fleeing north with his family.  Unfortunately, he was too late to escape the fate that was to be his.  He and his sons were murdered en route.  His wife had already passed to the hands of Theus, so the family was no more."  She sipped from her goblet and then swirled the wine, watching the ripples expanding outward from the center.   "Do you not find it fascinating how things fit so well together at times?  Here we were, destitute and cut off from Castillian funds with our money being sent to a non-existent 'Bank of Freiburg' and we learn of a fortune beneath our very feet?  It seemed as if Theus himself had sent the river as an emissary.  We had no idea what we were about to unleash upon the unsuspecting city."  She looked up and their eyes met, guilt lurking in hers, understanding and sympathy in Constanza's.

"We began our search for the key, and I shan't bore you with the details of sifting through the city records seeking notations on the Stapp family members.  Suffice it to say, we journeyed out of the city and found ourselves in a ruin on a hillside, seeking the grave of a Stapp family cousin, guarded by the family sword.  The site was easily found since we knew where to search.  Ferdinand pulled the sword from the ground and Mendoza began to dig while the rest of us looked on, unease singing through our blood.  The wind howled like a banshee outside and I took comfort in the fact I was surrounded by experienced swordsmen.  But comfort is a fleeting thing and when the door opened and a man walked in my blood ran cold as the snow outside.  He was rather strange looking and I could tell that your cousin Lucas recognized him immediately."

Constanza frowned with puzzlement, but did not interrupt her friend's tale.

"He demanded to play a riddle game with us and your cousins accepted although reluctantly.  I'm sure they felt they had no other choice."  She shivers slightly and her fingers again seek her throat and slip around the hourglass pendant, caressing its intricate carving.  "I soon discovered the source of my unease.  When you failed in the riddle game, you disappeared and a small doll appeared in the man's hands, with your likeness.   Was it death?  Who could know?  But I was soon to find out."

Constanza's breath hissed in a gasp of surprise.  "The Fleishwulf!" she murmured.  "Just as Father Adolf had warned a few days ago!"

Melisandre continued: "My turn came and I was too slow.  I felt strange, as if I'd lost control of my body.  Ice replaced my blood and darkness filled my vision.  I had the distinct impression of shrinking while waves closed over my head as I struggled to breathe.  Strange, don't you think?   I felt so very small and lost and desperately wished to be home with Papa.  The next thing I knew, Lucas was bending over me looking concerned and asking if I were alright.  I assured him I was fine, and got to my feet, feeling very disoriented.  I wonder if I died for a time?  I'm still not certain what happened and discussing it seemed to make the others uncomfortable, so I let it drop.  Strange creatures attacked us then as Mendoza furiously dug for the keys that lay hidden beneath the floor.  We fought them off and managed to escape that horrible place with the keys in our possesion."   She tucked an errant strand of hair behind her ear and sipped her wine, again fussing at her bandages.  "Upon our return, your cousin Juan disappeared once more.  I'd like to know where he goes off to on such a regular basis.

Constanza rolled her eyes and grimaced to indicate that she was equally baffled by Juan's disappearances.

"But anyway, the rest of us carefully opened the door and started to proceed down the passageway.  Unfortunately, we misinterpreted the first clue and the floor fell away from Ferdinand's feet.  He was in the lead, you see, with Lucas close behind.  Ferdinand was injured, but was able to continue, so we pressed on.  We came to a chamber with names inscribed upon the floor in large stone blocks.  Mendoza went first this time and we were luckier.  All of us passed without incident, except for Ferdinand.  It was so strange, almost as if something were pushing him off of the safe passage and on to the blocks that caused darts to shoot from the walls.  It was most disturbing."  A slightly deeper sip of wine.  "At the end of the journey we found ourselves in the chamber that you saw.  We were astounded by all of the unworked dracheneisen and Mendoza took his knife and chipped a piece of it away.  I don't know if that's what caused the Drachen to spring from the wall or if it was our presence there in general, but the creature was frightening.  The sword Ferdinand had brought back from the ruin was made from Dracheneisen and it went through the thing like a knife through hot butter, with no adverse effect.  It turned upon me and struck me down and that is the last I knew."  She looks uncomfortable for a moment and then smiles dismissively.  "I'm a poor storyteller at best and I hope I've not bored you.  But that is the tale."

"Bored me?" Constanza exclaimed with mock surprise.  "I have not grown so jaded yet!"  She grinned impishly, an expression Melisandre was very familiar with.  "Well, we had also found poor old Armin in terrible condition, an inch from dying after being mauled by that drachen, so Fedencia also tended to his wounds.  The manse was turning into an annex of your clinic!

"While you were all recovering, Lucas and Juan were summoned by Fraülein Probst on behalf of the Eisenfürst.  I stayed here with my men to guard the mine and the patients, and also because I observed that neither of my cousins was very eager for this interview!  They tell me that Fraülein Probst and Eisenfürst Trague wanted some explanations regarding the drachen, of course.  Lucas skipped some details in his explanation, such as the fact that the embassy's basement turned out to be a dracheneisen mine and to contain a fortune in gold, a fortune which we now have tallied at 132,000 guilders, or over half a million marks!  Apparently, the Eisenfürst also felt an urgent need to discuss the nature of Theus and Man over cheap grain alcohol.  Lucas and Juan came back in a bad mood.

"Then of course Ferdinand and you were back on your feet, though just barely, when we picked up the drachen's trail and hunted it down in theVerzweiflung.  It is strange to say that I, for one, felt barely any surprise upon discovering the accursed beast had almost doubled in size in the span of two days, and healed all its injuries.  Perhaps I am getting jaded after all!  What a battle...  Perhaps if Martina had believed our earlier descriptions, and attacked with something other than a weapon of dracheneisen, her help might have tipped the scales.

"At least everyone gave their very best, and that was some amazing fight.  Why, even wounded as you were, and even with simple knives, your aim proved devastating and you dealt that drachen sore wounds!  Lucas was the very picture of Castillan swordmanship and excellence, Ferdinand fought as if San Gregor himself had been at his side, and Juan -- why, did you see Juan strike at this thing's throat and wound it with a single blow?"

Constanza's eyes flashed as she remembered the epic battle.  Then she sobered up, remembering the losses among her crewmen.  "This monster tore through my men, though.  We did severe harm to the beast but there was no holding a creature that can apparently swim through the very earth!  I could not decide whether to be angry or laugh at Martina the Nibelung's expression.  Everything Lucas, Ferdinand and you had told her proved true, and worse.  Then she figures out we should get help from the Nibelungen...  Ha!"  Constanza smirked for her friend's benefit.

Melisandre giggled and drained her cup.  "You should know by now, no one ever listens to us."  Picking up the pitcher she filled her cup again and then held out the pitcher with an inquiring look.  "More wine?  It's rather strong, and I'm certain it's intended to make me sleep since Fedencia brought it herself.  I've told her how uneasy I feel aboard ship.  In that, you and I are so very different.  It's your second home, and the bane of my existence." After filling Constanza's cup, she set the pitcher down and glanced almost nervously about the room.  In a low tone she added, "Did I ever tell you that throughout my childhood I had nightmares about drowning?  Poor Papa!  He rarely had the chance to sleep!  But whenever I'm aboard ship, the nightmares return stronger than ever and I can almost feel the water closing over my head.  I think I prefer traveling by horseback, no offense."
 

Constanza patted her friend's hand with a sympathetic smile.  "I understand," she said.  "And surely that awful trip we had upriver when we went in search of the Nibelungen can't have improved your trust in this mode of travel.  Theus preserve us all, but that was an unpleasant voyage!"  She took a draught from her cup, frowning at the memory.

"I confess I have had quite enough of Eisen and its winter weather myself," she continued.  "When that snow storm overtook us along the Upper Roth, I feared we would be smashed against the bank.  It's fortunate we were able to put into that cove at the little dock.  And even more fortunate for the villagers there!  Your medical skills saved several people's lives that night.  Surely these people would have perished if we had not been able to rescue them from the collapsed house and if you had not treated their injuries."

Melisandre gestured dismissively with her wine glass.  "Theus ensured we would be there to help and I've taken an oath to treat those who need it.  No matter who they be."  For a moment she recalled the time she'd had to see to the wounds of Cardinal Verdugo.  Had she not saved him, the whole Freiburg mess might never have occured.  But then she'd have never met Fedencia, whom was becoming like a mother to her, or Wilma Probst whom she admired greatly.  "Lucas was a great help to me that eve, and I'm afraid I lost track of everyone else."

Constanza nodded.  "You know, while you were busy seeing to the wounded, Ferdinand and I had to go out in the storm in search for another villager, a small boy who had not yet returned.  We had to stay tied to each other with a rope or we would surely have gotten lost ourselves.  But by Theus' grace we were in time to rescue the boy from those despical creatures, a pack of ghouls.  I hate those things even more since I met them in Siegsburg."  She shook her head and grimaced with disgust.

Melisandre shivered and sipped her warm wine to combat the chill that arose at her friends words.  She'd heard tales of the creatures that fed on living flesh and was thankful her work had kept her inside that eve.

"If the storm had not abated and the weather remained clear for several days after that," Constanza continued, "we could not have returned to Freiburg in time to prevent disaster later on...  As it was, the last leg of the trip on foot to reach the fortress of the Nibelungen in the southern Drachenbergen mountains was exhausting enough.  And even reaching this, um, august destination was rather disappointing from my perspective: I could not understand a word that was spoken there!  In fact, even my cousins tell me they were baffled too, that the language spoken was High Eisen and not the more common version spoken in Freiburg.  I think you are the only one who fully understood what went on.  Might I trouble you for a more complete explanation than the brief one I received then?"

Melisandre nodded absently, "It was extremely formal.  It seems that the spokesman for the Niebelungen, Stefan, is only allowed to address others in High Eisen although you might respond to him in a less archaic mode of speech.  He was most concerned about the dracheneisen mine.  You see, the problem was that when one owns a Dracheneisen mine, it means that one is an Eisenfürst."  Her eyes took on the look of mischievous merriment that Constanza knew so well from their time together in school.  "Can you imagine Lucas as an Eisenfürst?  And staying in Eisen permanently?"  She was lost for a moment in a fit of giggles.  Once she'd caught her breath she continued, "But I digress.  Herr Stefan was most concerned that his country not erupt into a civil war.  You see, this was the largest dracheneisen deposit ever discovered, meaning that the Eisenfürst that controlled it would be the target of anyone wishing to wield more power, such as Eisenfürst Pösen."  Melisandre's hand went to her cheek and her eyes narrowed slightly, anger simmering there like a banked fire.  She shook her head slightly.

"You can imagine the dilemma that Lucas found himself in.  I'm rather fond of your cousin, you know."  A slightly self-concious smile surfaced for a moment.  "It distresses me to see him upset and none of his choices were easy.  He asked Stefan if he might gift it to the Nibelungen, but they do not own dracheneisen, they merely work it.  You'll recall we discussed who it might be given to but you might not have understood Stefan's responses.  He had no wish for the mine to remain in the custody of foreigners, which ruled out having it owned by the Concilio de la Razon and I can't say I'd like that amount of power in the hands of Cardinal Verdugo.  Not to mention that it might be the catalyst that's needed for one of the stronger leaders to take complete control to unite Eisen and drive the Castillians out.  This would upset the delicate balance between the current Eisenfürsten in power.  We then suggested Wilma Probst, as she has a level head and experience with running things and people seem to genuinely like her.  That and Trague likes and trusts her.  But again Stefan said no, advising that it would not be the best course of action.  The funny thing was, when we suggested Eisenfürst Trague, he was quite amenable.  Trague is an odd one and I'm not sure what to think of him at times.  He has some interesting ideas when you can pick them out of his drunken ramblings."
 

"Once that was decided upon, they turned their attention to the fact we had loosed a drachen in the streets of Freiburg.  Was it just me, or did you feel like we'd been caught passing notes in class by the Padre?  I've never felt smaller in my life!  That look on Stefan's face made me wish to hang my head in shame."  She shifted slightly in her chair. "But at least they were willing to help.  The potion they provided to deal with the beast proved most effective.  When he first handed me the vial and told me the creature would have to ingest it, I was rather nonplussed.  I couldn't imagine how we'd manage it.  Invite it to tea?"

Constanza chuckled.  "I'm sorry if I appear insensitive, but I was feeling far less sheepish than you did.  I had not lost any drachen lately!"  She flashed her friend a sardonic grin.  "But it was about time the worthy Nibelungen remembered the beastie.  I was quite worried at the thought that this thing had had days to recover and start its rampaging again.  At least we had left it wounded enough that it ought to need a little while to recover!  The trip back seemed interminable, even though it went far more smoothly.  I was somewhat perturbed by the sudden lack of any Pösen river patrols, but at least we were not delayed by their 'inspections'."  She grimaced, having no fondness for Pösen officials.

"Once again, the drachen's trail proved easy enough to follow once we returned.  That creature had become a veritable bane!  Not that the Freiburg City Guard would care, particularly since the drachen was holed up in the Verzweiflung again."  She sniffed disdainfully.  "That is why I chose to hire their worthless hides rather than risk my men again.  I wanted to see those bribe-takers get in the line of fire for once!  And I'm sure you were no more surprise than I to discover the wretched drachen had grown some more.  What would you say it was by then, eight or ten yards in length?  And all healed up, of course.  But I think this time we worked handsomely as a team.  We distracted it just enough that you could throw the Nibelungen's potion down its throat, and my dear Meli, what a beautiful shot it was!"  Constanza beamed at her friend.

"Did you expect the result we observed, the drachen's skin turning from this metallic sheen to a clayey appearance?  Whatever that potion did, the beast's hide became far easier to pierce.  It still took all our combined efforts to bring it down though – and there, I have to say it was one of the most remarkable sights I'd ever been witness to, to behold Ferdinand as he dealt the killing blow.  I swear, he fairly glowed with dedication and the flush of battle!  He has told me his tale and his devotion to San Gregor, and I wondered if the saint was guiding Ferdinand's sword.  He well deserved the right to claim the drachen's head as a trophy.  And even that was the most amazing thing!  The flesh and sinews melting away, the bones left behind made of solid dracheneisen!"

Melisandre nodded agreement.  "I must admit, it was good to see Ferdinand in his element.  He seems somewhat uncomfortable in the political aspects that we often find ourselves in.   No one begrudged him his trophy and truthfully I'd rather forget the entire incident."  A wry smile crossed her features and she swirled her wine before downing it.  "And throwing the vial in the beast's mouth would have been far more difficult if Juan had not struck it in the throat again.  Combine that with the rest of you attacking from all sides  and the beast was kind enough to give me a large target."  A shadow crossed her face for a moment.  "The poor thing.  I can't help but feel sorry for it, even though I know the loss of life that would have followed had we let it go free.  I think its dying scream will haunt me for quite some time."

Constanza took another sip, made a face.  "Who could have blamed us for feeling like heroes, and believing that our job was done?  Who could have guessed the day was barely begun for us?"
 

Melisandre removed her silken slippers and dropped them on the floor.  "It's funny.  I often find feelings of compassion surfacing at the oddest moments.  But I can tell you, given the chance, I'd have no remorse at all about killing Fauner Pösen.  It is my fondest wish to be able to attend her funeral and dance upon her grave."  She grinned at Constanza, "Want to join me?  Not that it seems likely in the near future, but one can hope.  When we crested the hill on our return to Eisen and saw her entire army camped outside the city I was certain she knew about the dracheneisen mine.  And to have Eisenfürst Heilgründ helping her!  I actually rather enjoyed meeting him initially and had a good opinion of the man, but after that incident I'm afraid my opinion has been revised.  And when we went to find out why the two armies were besieging the city, did you not get the impression that he knew about the mine?  I certainly did.  He saidthat Eisenfürst Pösen was paying him to help, but I don't believe that was his motive at all.  I believe he wanted that mine.  Given the choice between the three Eisenfürsten, I would take Trague any day."  She picked up the pitcher and smiled rather ruefully.  "All out, I'm afraid.  Shall I call Fedencia to fetch some more?"

"Why not," Constanza nodded.  "It protects against scurvy!"  She winked.  "But to return to our Eisenfürsten, I think Fauner Pösen is not entirely the blackguard you might think.  And she is certainly an extraordinary general.  I don't know if you noticed the way she manoeuvred her troops, or what a formidable grasp of logistics she displayed, but I would never have believed it possible for anyone to move an army through Eisen in winter so fast, or to be able to lay a siege of such scale at the worst possible time of the year.  I also think she genuinely believes that someone has to seize control of this divided country and reunite it, and she's taken on the task.  Nevertheless, it was a complete surprise to see her make a move on Freiburg.  To think ourselves the valiant heroes returning to a grateful city, and run into a siege instead!"

She rose from her chair and started pacing again, deep in thought.  "As for Eisenfürst von Heilgründ," she continued, "you are right: he certainly appeared to know quite a bit that he wasn't telling.  We are fortunate that it was his army we ran into when we returned from our drachen hunt.  Because of Martina's presence and also perhaps because the lot of you had rendered him a service last fall, he was at least polite enough to let us through unhindered.  I doubt his ally of the moment, Fauner Pösen, would have been as impressed.  I was proud of Lucas for rising to the occasion and taking on the task of brokering a truce between the factions.  Clearly, as you suggest, Heilgründ had allied with Pösen in the hopes of laying his hands on the dracheneisen, as well as whatever substantial payment or trade she must have offered."

She leaned against a bulkhead, her arms crossed and her head tilted sideways, an expression of amusement mixed with disbelief on her face.  "And then seeing Eisenfürst Trague sober, alert, and in full command of the city guard and the levies of volunteers, why, that defied belief!  That was a nice dracheneisen panzerhand he wore, by the way.  It seemed a match for Heilgründ's breastplate."  She shrugged.  "He was smart not to dicker with Lucas when offered a chance at a deal.  Naturally, he was still doing pretty well: Lucas offering to trade half the production of dracheneisen from the mine over to Heilgründ cost Trague absolutely nothing, since he hadn't known about that asset until then.  What a staunch ally Heilgründ proved to be!  A little fortune he made, for the cost of walking his troops over to Freiburg and then turning tail."  Constanza smirked.

"Of course," she went on, "it was not quite as easy to negotiate with the Pösen side."

Melisandre grinned.  "I suppose I'm extremely lucky that the Pösen Eisenfürst merely slapped me with her panzerhand.  But I'd about had it with her manner of negotiation and my comment that they were all just a bunch of children needing a mother just kind of slipped out.  And I'll agree that I've never seen Trague looking better.  For a moment, I understood why Logan admires him so much.  I think he admires the man he used to be and still sees him that way."  She got up from the chair and stretched.  Picking up the pitcher she stepped to the door, opened it, spoke quietly with someone outside, passed over the pitcher, closed the door and returned to her seat.

"I suppose the negotiations went as well as they might.  It galls me to hand over a ship to the Eisen to tell the truth, but there really wasn't anyway around it.  And were you as afraid as I was that Martina wasn't going to support our bid for peace on behalf of the Niebelungen?  It took her forever to tell Fauner Pösen that she agreed with Lucas and then when the Eisenfürst had us 'escorted' to that tent as prisoners, I was certain we'd have to fight our way out.  And then to have ambassador Reichendorf actually take our side and negotiate on our behalf!  Especially considering how he feels about you in particular, and he's not extremely fond of Lucas either.  I had difficulty listening to the list of demands, I was so shocked!"

She held up a finger and did a fair mimic of the Pösen ambassador's booming voice.  "Number one, we want all future taxes on Pösen ships lifted in perpetuity."  Her friend couldn't help laughing, her earlier brooding now forgotten.  Another finger went up.  "Number two, Pösen ships will be allowed to travel through Freiburg without being inspected or questioned. Number three, we want a Castillian ship. Number four we want money.  Number five, we want a garrison in Freiburg."  She dropped the imitation and giggled.  "As if Trague would ever agree to that.  I think he threw that in so we'd feel like we were actually negotiating."

A soft tap sounded at the door and Melisandre went to open it. She smiled at Fedencia, and took the full wine pitcher from her.  They exchanged words in a soft tone, barely audible, and then Fedencia took her leave, with a polite curtsy in the direction of Constanza.  The latter nodded back and smiled.

Melisandre brought the wine over and poured a glass for Constanza before filling her own.  She glanced at the door and smiled slightly, "That's the one good thing that's come out of Freiburg.  Fedencia is quickly becoming a good friend considering the amount of time we spend together.  She's been rather like a mother to me these last few months and she's an excellent assistant when it comes to tending the wounded."  She shot Constanza a mischievious look.  "Although she seems to consider herself my dueña as well, so if we ever go to Vodacce, you must promise to distract her for me."

Constanza had a wry grin for her friend.  "Nevertheless, I'm glad someoneis watching over you," she commented.

"I was most pleased that she'd stayed behind in Freiburg when we went off to negotiate with Pösen.  I'd hate to have been the one responsible for putting her in danger.  She did give me a look though, but at least she didn't argue!"

"You're fortunate," sighed the captain.  "My well-intended but overprotective marines require a direct order to let me go anywhere..."

"Were you as surprised as I when Pösen and Heilgründ agreed to remove their troops?" Melisandre asked.  "And they moved so quickly for this time of year! But it was quite a relief to witness it!  Had they attacked the city would have fallen, and many people would have died that day."

Constanza nodded again.  "I am sure it's only postponing the confrontation, but many things can happen in the mean time," she mused.  "Perhaps Trague will manage to negotiate protection for the city.  Perhaps Pösen will take Freiburg without a fight.  Or perhaps..."  She turned somber again as her eyes brushed over the transcript of Gunrud Stigandsdottir's prophecy, still rolled up on her desk.  "Perhaps  another Eisenfürst will become Imperator," she finished in a voice she took care to keep light.

Her friend frowned slightly at the thought of the prophecy, and bit her lip.  She'd meant to discuss the possible ramifications of those verses, but now was not the time.

"But for now," the captain continued, "we have bought a reprieve.  No, I should say rather that Lucas bought Freiburg a reprieve.  He did very well in these negotiations, and Juan did some good talking too.  Though it didn't prevent the City Guard from moving in and taking over the embassy, like the thugs they are.  All right, I'll grant you that Eisenfürst Trague and Councillor Probst were well-advised to ensure the protection of the mine, but the thugs that pass for an Iron Guard here did not have to be so nasty about it."
 

This caused Melisandre to grin, erasing the dark shadow that had crossed her features at the thought of the prophecy.  "And did you see Lucas' expression when I asked him to tell the guards to move so I could pack?"  She collapsed into a fit of giggles. "Thank goodness Wilma was accessible for once!  I don't think the guards would have let us pass were it not for her intervention.  And I can't recall a time when I've been more efficient.  We were leaving Eisen behind, and I'd received news the same day that...."  Here she trailed off and studiously regarded her half empty cup.  Her friend noticed the slight color rising to her cheeks and smiled slightly.  Melisandre would tell her eventually.  It was most likely something personal and she'd share it when she was done savoring it herself.  And then they'd go over every detail so that she'd have the pleasure of savoring it again.  Yes, she did indeed know Melisandre far too well.  Best to just continue....

"At least we were quite kindly treated by Eisenfürst Trague.  He and Ferdinand seemed to hit it off, by the way.  And Trague seemed genuinely shaken in his cynicism by our actions, or so he said."  She raised her eyebrows and continued: "And we are now the proud and only bearers of the Freiburg Medal, created just for us!  I still say the thing to do with a medal made of dracheneisen is to wear it over your heart to deflect bullets.  Too bad they did not make it the size of a dinner plate...  But I am only jesting.  In truth, it was the third greatest honour I had ever received."

Melisandre nodded her agreement, seeming relieved that questions of a personal nature were not forthcoming.

"And then for the new ambassador of Castille to arrive right then and there, what an, um, auspicious arrival!"  Constanza's smile returned as she remembered the bewildered expression that had crossed don Juan Fernandez' face several times as he got acquainted with Freiburg.  "Once again, Lucas was most gracious in the help he provided.  Buying a new house to serve as the Castillan embassy, for example -- that was quite grand of him.  Between that and the purchase of that dratted frigate to please the Pösen bullies, there is almost nothing left of the treasure left by Herr von Stapp Baronet Drachenheim.  But of course I suppose Lucas could well understand don Fernandez' dismay upon meeting the Eisenfürst and even more upon learning that the funds sent to the Bank of Freiburg would not be likely to ever reappear."  She stifled a giggle.

Melisandre rolled her eyes.  "You know, it's far funnier when it happens to someone else!  It wasn't funny at all when we first discovered it.  And I agree that it was very noble of Lucas to purchase the new embassy."  She toyed absently with the lacings on her bodice.  Her hands reminded her friend of two caged birds, constantly flitting about, never quite still.  "And I feel sorry for Don Fernandez, truly I do, but I was so ready to leave that cold and inhospitable place.  I'm sure there are much more welcoming places to travel to.  I understand we are en route to La Reina del Mar?  One of your crew was eager to inform me and show off his knowledge when he was carrying one of the trunks aboard."

Constanza nodded.  "Yes, we are.  I thought I had shown you the new mission orders I received when the mail finally reached us in Freiburg, but now that I think about it you were busy at the time and only Juan and Lucas saw the letter from Admiralty."  She rose, walked to her desk and reached for a small locked chest.  From it she pulled a few letters and handed one to her friend.

"As you can see," she continued, "we are to proceed to Tarago after the mission in La Reina del Mar.  I am sure this visit to his hometown will be a very emotional trip for Ferdinand."  She sat in her chair again, still holding a few letters and staring down at them.  "There was... an unusual amount of mail," she added.  "Some of the letters were quite unexpected, at least for me.  I noticed that Lucas was also receiving many, including a letter from Uncle Andrès apparently reproaching him for not writing more often..."   Her lips twitched.

Melisandre, caught off guard, laughed aloud.  "Poor Lucas!  I imagine he'll fume for a bit and then write a very contrite letter apologizing for his behavior."  She glanced about the cabin and smiled happily.  "You know, being on the ocean aside, this is going to be so much fun!  It'll be just like when we shared a room at school!  Without the bad bits, although I do rather miss Miranda."  She stood up and stretched, padding over in her bare feet to search for her nightdress.  "I do hope we reach land quickly.  I prefer solid earth beneath my feet."  Melisandre curled up in the armchair and glanced up at Constanza, who leaned back in her own chair and crossed her booted feet.  Melisandre smiled dreamily.  "By the way...  You read the letter I showed you?"

Constanza nodded and settled a bit more in her chair, "You certainly seem to have made an impression on the gentleman."

This earned another smile from Melissandre.  "I hope so.  It's funny, he's seemed to have invaded my thoughts quite often since we danced together."  She picked absently at a stray thread on the chair.  A sly look from under long lashes.  "I sent him a reply before we left Freiburg, you know."

Constanza cupped her chin in her hand and leaned on one elbow rest, interest shining in her eyes.  "This should be good, what did you say?"

With a grin, Meli held up her right hand and wiggled her fingers.  "Notice anything missing?"

Constanza's eyes widened and she assumed a look of mock astonishment.  "You didn't!"

A conspiratorial laugh was her answer.  "His letter was... moving.  It was an impulse on my part, but I don't regret a thing."

Constanza shook her head and smiled too.  "I understand only too well.  Signor Sebastiano Biancastro is not the only one who turns to poetry in his letters...  I too received several missives in verse before we left Freiburg."  She lightly waved the stack of letters she was holding, then after an almost imperceptible hesitation, passed it to her friend.  "It quite took my breath away to receive so many at once.  It also made me worry.  It has been more than three months already since I last saw the Captain."  Despite her light tone, Melisandre could see the tension in the set of her mouth.

She accepted the letters from her friend, gazing at them speculatively.  She'd hoped to bring about this conversation, but now that it was here she wasn't sure she wished to discuss her worries.  It was obvious that Constanza had probably come to the same conclusion she had.  Would it be therapeutic for her friend to talk?  Or would she only feel worse?  Trying to match the light tone, she drew her own letter from a pocket and held it out.  "Well, this will take me a moment to read, so you might as well be occupied."

The poetry was touching and almost moved her to tears.  It was obvious the man loved her dearest friend, and based on the tension she'd noted when Constanza mentioned she hadn't seen him in three months, the feeling was mutual.  Anxiety stirred within her as she recalled the prophecy.  She looked up from the page, noting that Constanza had also finished reading.  She bit her lip in indecision and then plunged ahead.

"I'm pleased that someone has finally looked beyond the outward image you so carefully cultivate."  Constanza raised an eye brow but remained silent, while Melisandre continued: "The letters are lovely."  She took a deep breath.  "But based on the content therein, that prophecy you shared with me seems to take on a rather ominous meaning."  Softly she quoted: "'True love shall save you -- at too high a price'...  I dread what it could mean, and if you prefer, we don't have to discuss it."

Constanza's jaw tightened and she paused before replying slowly: "I assure you, you dread it no more than I.  What it means is that I must be careful to stop things before any price 'too high' can be paid."  Her dark eyes flashed but she turned her head away to stare out the aft gallery panes.

Had she not turned away, she would have seen the determined look that briefly shadowed her friend's face.  Melisandre had no family, except for her father and her 'Uncle' and she'd long ago decided that Constanza was her surrogate sister.  She'd always been there for her, through good times and bad, playing the role of mother, sister, and friend in turn.  At that moment, Melisandre made a vow.  She would stop the dire words from occuring.  She would do all in her power to save Constanza's captain, even if it meant sacrificing herself.  The shadow fled, the decision had been made and would trouble her no further.  She'd be ready when the time came.

When Constanza turned back to Melisandre, her tone had lost its fierceness and she switched topic with a small, wistful smile.  "I do hope your letters give you as much joy as mine, despite the fear that can also accompany them.  I remember your gentleman, Signor Sebastiano, as a determined, resourceful, and reliable man.  I could not help but be wary because of his feud with Lucas, and because of his master, but he gave me no reason to regret having him aboard, on the contrary.  He acted bravely and disregarded his own peril.  It is he who taught me the basics of fencing, you know."

He taught you fencing eh?"  A slow smile lit Melisandre's face.  "Hmm... there's a thought.  Do you think he'd teach me?"  She mimed holding a sword in a very poor fashion.  "'Ah, Signor, I'm afraid I just can't get the grip right, like this?' And he will step behind me, leaning close, and place his hand over mine, correcting the way I hold the sword and say in that deep seductive voice of his, 'No, Signorita, like this.'"  She leaned back against her imaginary partner, looking up at him from under her lashes as she corrected her mimed grip and waited for approval.  She paused and spared a glance at Constanza, eyes alight with mischief.  "Don't you think I'd make a wonderful student?"

Constanza giggled.  "A wonderful student indeed, particularly when he sees how rapid your progress is!  Be reassured, the lessons I took from him were less, hm, dedicated than what you plan."

Melisandre dropped her pose and looked a bit thoughtful.  "Truly, the matter between Sebastiano and Lucas causes me some concern, but at the same time I...."  She trailed off and then her expression lightened.  "He is brave you say?  Dashing too? He seemed so, but our time together was so brief.  Was he very much like Ricardo from 'A League Before Dawn'?"  Ricardo was her favorite character from her favorite book.  She'd read it so many times during school that the pages were worn with handling.  "I suppose it would be too much to ask to have such a man really exist."

Constanza gave her a wry smile.  "No, it would not -- but it might be too much to ask to have enough of such men for all of us girls."  She winked, then grimaced.  "No doubt that is why some men seem to stretch themselves so thin..."

Melisandre arched her brows and put on a mock innocent look.  "Like Lucas?"

Constanza's grin widened marginally.  "More wine?" she asked, pointedly ignoring the question.