Sir Jeffrey Trailson, Knight of the Land, approached the city walls quickly. The sceptre was still tied tightly to Swift's saddle and he checked it once again as he reached the gates. They were shut, but that was hardly surprising given it was after nightfall, and he stood up in the saddle as a familiar figure glanced over the walls.
"Jeffrey!" Karen said happily. "Wait there and I'll open the gates."
Moments later the gates swung open and Jeffrey hurriedly rode Swift through. Karen was waiting for him.
"You have returned from your quest," she grinned, looking up at him.
"I have indeed. It is good to see a friendly face after my travels, Karen. But I am afraid I cannot tarry long; I must speak with the Duchess at once."
She shook her head with a wry smile. "I have explained before that you cannot, Jeffrey. The drawbridge is raised at night and will only be lowered in an emergency. You will have to wait until morning, as before." A wicked smirk grew on the beautiful guard captain's face. "But if you need somewhere to stay, I have a free bed once again..."
"A most welcome offer, but I simply must see Lady Brenwick tonight. It is just such an emergency."
"Truly?" Karen said, clearly concerned. Then her eyes saw the sceptre tied to Swift's saddle and she gasped. "That is the sceptre for use in the ceremony!"
"Indeed it is. Now you understand why I must see the Duchess at once."
Karen nodded. "Yes, yes. Of course. I shall accompany you."
Jeffrey waited a moment whilst Karen ran off to find a horse. The guards kept a few horses saddled and ready the whole time in case they were needed so she did not have far to go. Soon she returned on horseback and Jeffrey rode quickly with her through the town.
It was still quite busy but then again it was not overly late. Nevertheless the drawbridge to the castle had been raised. They reached it and waited on the far side of the moat.
"Lo there!" Karen called, and the guardsmen on the other side of the moat looked over. "You must lower the drawbridge."
"On whose authority?" a woman's voice called back.
"I am Karen Westonbrook, Captain of the Guard, and it is on my authority."
There was a moment's silence, then suddenly the sound of chains was loud in the night. The drawbridge quickly lowered, banging down onto Jeffrey's side of the bank. Karen's horse was slightly startled by the noise but Jeffrey was pleased to note that Swift was not.
They rode over the bridge and were confronted with the steward bursting from the castle, red-faced and panting. "What is the meaning of this?" he spluttered. "You know this drawbridge is not to be lowered after dark except in dire circumstances!"
Jeffrey dismounted and unhooked the sceptre, clutching it tightly. "I must speak with Lady Brenwick at once, sir. It is a matter of great importance."
He looked at Jeffrey, then at Karen. Then back to Jeffrey. "Then follow me, Sir Knight. I hope that it truly is such an emergency, else there will be trouble."
Jeffrey moved to follow when he felt Karen's hand on his arm. He turned to her. "I cannot accompany you further - I must return to my post. I will take your horse to the stables. Please, seek me out tomorrow if you get the chance." The final sentence was said with a wink, and then Karen was riding back over the drawbridge.
He followed the steward then, realising from the clanking of chains that the drawbridge was already being raised once more. They rushed through the castle, which was fairly empty at this time of night bar the servants moving around, until they reached a large wooden door.
Jeffrey pushed open the door and stepped into the grand room beyond. It was a dining hall, and Catherine sat at a long table, eating on her own at its head. She smiled as he entered, then her eyes dropped to the sceptre clutched in his fist.
"Sir Knight, you found it!" she exclaimed, leaping to her feet. She rushed towards him and he offered her the sceptre which she gladly took.
As she stared at it in delight he took the time to let his eyes travel up and down her body, enjoying the way her luxurious red gown hugged her figure and highlighted her impressive cleavage. Her hair was worn up in an extravagant style as it was when he had seen her before, and her beauty spot looked perfect on her gorgeous face.
She glanced up at him then. "Oh Jeffrey, you do not know how much this means to me. To me or the people of this province. You have done us a great service."
"It was nothing, Lady Brenwick. I live to serve the people of the realm."
She smiled sweetly. "Catherine, remember? I do not like my title used except in formal settings."
"I forgot. I apologise, Catherine."
"That's better," she giggled. Then a serious look came across her face. "I must take this to a secure place within the castle, Jeffrey. Tell me, did you find anything out about the bandits?"
Jeffrey explained everything he knew. Catherine gasped when he explained that the bandits had taken the orcs' sceptre too, then her brows furrowed in anger when he told her of their plan to ransom the sceptres back. He even mentioned Vrika's involvement (though obviously not their passionate sex) until finally he was done.
"So the orcs are waiting for us to send a guard contingent to the camp?" Catherine asked.
Jeffrey nodded. "Yes. They want to storm it together." He gave her the parchment that Marigold had made him. "This will lead them there."
Catherine took it without asking where he got it. Instead she clutched it tightly. "Then I shall send a unit of soldiers at once. They will be there by tomorrow afternoon. Thank you, Jeffrey. And do you know when the orcs will arrive here?"
"I was told it could be as soon as the morning," he responded. "They travel quickly."
She laughed sweetly. "Yes, they do." The Duchess turned then, regarding the food. "Very well. I must go to my advisors now to prepare for tomorrow, but you are welcome to stay and eat. I imagine you are hungry after a day's travel and I have eaten my fill."
"A kind offer, Catherine. Thank you."
"Think nothing of it," she smiled back. "I will send a servant to show you to your room for the night."
"My room?"