Imprisonment is not easy for Duda and Von Trimbach but it is hoped that they may be distracted by romance within the castle of Duke Peter. With time upon their hands, the game of love may distract, but it is hoped they will not fall the same fair young woman...
It is with regret I write to say that my illustrious collegue and myself are being held as prisoners in the Castle of Duke Peter having been independently captured by Hussars and jaeger belonging to the Duke. The Duke's secretary kindly writes this on our behalf to ask you to send gold to seek our release.
The forces of Duke Peter have been gathering. As well as the Border troops a crack unit of jaeger ( made up of local gamekeepers and hunters) are moving with undue haste towards the border where Tradgardlanders are believed to be . Great rivalry exists between the Sashen -Vindow border troops and jaeger companies. This emanates from an incident in the late 17th Century which found these units on different sides in a short but memorable civil war...
The Saschen-Vindow border troops are mustering today in their villages. They have been summoned to the defense of the Duchy by Duke Peter. It is believed that Tradgardland troops are at this very moment making for the Border...
It is hoped they can be ambushed in the woods and swamps just this side of the border. The Ducal jaegers are expected any day now in the area.
The vehicle is proceeding well through copious amounts of blood ,sweat and tears. No further spies have been discovered yet Duke Peter remains concerned about the security of the work as it nears it's completion.
The fabricators have worked day and night to journey towards completion. It has cost life and limb not to mention coin. Duke Peter fears that the Tradgradlanders will mount an attempt to destroy the machine before it's completion. Rumours abound of troops across the border massing...
Duke Peter is abroad this night too. He has gone to see the new moondial which was erected within the palace grounds. His thoughts are of the coming year and war with Tradgardland - the ancient and traditional enemy! Far ,far more disturbing are the rumours concerning his estranged wife...
The crowd has arrived .Men muffled in cloaks against the cold night air throng the illuminated great hall of the desolate country house. They represent the upper strata of Saschen -Vindow society - yet many are conspicuous by their absence. Those gathered have a unifying dislike,distrust or historic grudge against Duke Peter. They are not vast in number but their influence is immeasurable...
At last the waiting is over - a figure enters,black wig removed and the Duchess stands before them...
"Gentlemen thank you for coming to this place under the cover of the night. I bring you news for a new year. The future begins today! I offer you a new order in Saschen-Vindow . I offer you myself upon the Ducal throne with my Consort the new King of Stagonia at my side..."
The crowd remain silent and exchange embarrassed glances - this is not what they had hoped for. The Duchess continues working herself into a frenzy of hate aimed at Duke Peter. One by one those at the back of the crowd drift out into the night heads shaking and disappointed , worried about others knowing they were present this night. Eventually only a few remain too terrified to move...
It is night in Saschen-Vindow. The Bells have tolled and the people hurry into the walled towns and villages before the gates are closed. Chains are stretched across the streets to deter robbers and invaders, attempting to impede their progress. The Watch have gathered across the Duchy ready to guard their neighbourhood from ills of the Dark...
On the road a dashing figure is observed riding in the company of others. A full dark wig (unfashionable for these times) and a suit of dark clothes topped off with a plumed hat completes the outfit. No one would ever recognise the Duchess of Saschen-Vindow under such outlandish garments and no one would wish to meet her on the road tonight.
