Dame Sara Illou, Knight of the Land, was strolling in her ample gardens enjoying the morning when she heard a carriage approach. She was not expecting visitors and so she turned and walked briskly to the front of the house, intrigued to see who might be arriving. There she saw a golden-trimmed carriage and she watched on as her servants rushed to open the doors and help out the occupants.
A man and red-haired woman both middle-aged stepped out, looking very prim and proper, and Dame Sara stepped forwards to welcome them. Introducing herself, she shook their hands, noticing that the man's gaze lingered on the very impressive swell of her cleavage in the tight gown she was wearing. She smirked to herself.
Sara welcomed the two of them inside and sent her servants to fetch some food and tea for their guests, and to take the horses to the stables for a rest and a drink. It did not look like the animals had been given much of a break on the ride here.
When the refreshments had arrived she dismissed the servants politely and then turned to her guests. "Now that we are comfortable, what brings you to my estate?"
The woman looked up at her with needy eyes and Dame Sara was immediately concerned. People often came to her for help since she was particularly famed in the queendom for recovering the long-lost Axe of the Mists. She often found her services needed and she was always proud and eager to help.
"My daughter has gone missing, Dame Knight, and we need your help in finding her," she said sadly. Sara noticed her husband nod dejectedly in agreement.
"Where might she be? When did you last see her?" Dame Sara said, leaning forwards. "Tell me everything you know."
The man nodded again. "Of course, m'lady. We last saw her a month ago. She left for the city of Eriport and we have not heard from her since. Normally she would have returned by now or at least let us know that she was fine."
Dame Sara set down her tea a moment. Eriport was a city-state north of the queendom, and not technically part of the queen's domain. Although it was a long-term ally of the queendom it was independent. Her position as a knight held no official power there.
"And you suspect something is wrong?"
"We do, Dame Knight," the woman nodded. "Our daughter has had it in her head recently that she wants to be an adventurer, even though she is our heir. We told her that her duty was to her estate and the people we watch over, but she rarely listens to us." The woman sighed sadly. "She left for Eriport to prove her worth as an adventurer."
"And your family sword, dear," the man gently added.
The woman nodded frantically. "Yes, that too. Our estate is in possession of an ancient and valuable sword that has been in my family for countless generations. She took it with her, claiming it showed that she had the blessing of our ancestors, and I fear that it may have drawn unwanted attention upon her. It is a very valuable sword, but not more valuable than our daughter's life." The woman began to sob.
"There, there my dear," the man comforted. "We do not know for sure what has happened."
Dame Sara stood. She had heard enough to know that she was needed.
"I will find your daughter," she announced, and the woman sniffed back her tears.
"You... you will?"
"Yes. But first, I must know whom I do this favour for. What are your names, madam?"
The woman sat more upright, as if channeling some inner pride. "I am the Baroness of Opuk, and this is my husband."
Dame Sara sighed to herself. She had suspected as much but still did not like having it confirmed. Nobles were never easy to help - they always had some sense of entitlement that no matter how well and quickly you undertook their quest they thought you should have done it quicker and better.
Despite being one of the most famous knights in the land Dame Sara still found herself accosted by haughty nobles who thought themselves better than her. Amusingly, the only noble she had ever encountered who did not fit that description was the heir to the throne herself, Princess Isabel. Indeed the gorgeous princess had even welcomed Sara into her bed with their mutual friend Sir Jeffrey.
Sara tried to stop that line of thought before the memories came flooding back. They would make her horny and this was not the place for that. But the heat that suddenly burned between her legs told her it was too late for that now.
"I will leave to find your daughter this afternoon," Dame Sara said, bowing to the nobles. "I must make preparations now. You are welcome to stay but you will understand if I must leave you - the sooner I am underway the sooner I will locate you daughter."
