Prose log with Sigurd
Who: Geddoe
trueltning_fury and Sigurd
pirate_sigurd
When: the morning after Sigurd's return
Where: Sigurd's room
What: Geddoe briefs Sigurd on the situation to make sure his pal is on board
A night's sleep did Geddoe more good than he was willing to admit, especially since he had expected to be up on watch instead, though he still got up earlier than usual, feeling restless after all of the action. There was one important thing he needed to do, and as soon as possible, so once he washed up, he checked the infirmary to see if Sigurd was still there. He was not, so the captain's next stop was the inn.
Sigurd hung up his coat and kicked off his boots, not bothering with his usual routine of keeping his discarded items tidy. No time for that when he just wanted to plop into bed and rest. The patients were fussy, the work was tiring, and it had been a nearly seventeen hour shift on top of taking Geddoe's guard duty and then heading to the infirmary. Right now, he needed to relax...
Geddoe came up to the door, a vague smile on his lips as he remembered what it looked like before Sigurd's absence. He wondered if it still did, but he'd find out in a moment. He rapped gently with his knuckles, and immediately called out, out of habit, "Sigurd? It's Geddoe."
Sigurd looked up from his pillow and blinked a bit. He was certainly up early...ah well. "Come on in," he said, laying his head back down. And yes, it seemed the room had remained untouched from Euram's work.
Geddoe let himself in swiftly and closed the door behind him. "Good morning. I promised...oh." Seeing Sigurd lying on his bed made him regret being so attentive to his errand. "I'm sorry. You probably need to rest..."
"Laying down is good enough for now, given I'm used for staying awake for days at a time," he groaned, shifting onto his back and pulling himself up to a sitting position. He gave Geddoe a weak smile, "Besides, no rest for the wicked."
"Indeed." Geddoe glanced around the room with some humor, and then grabbed the nearest chair, dragging it over beside the bed so he could sit and talk while Sigurd rested. "If you don't mind, then? There's a lot going on, and I'd like to apprise you of it as much as I can."
"That would be most appreciated, as no one has really given a proper description yet," Sigurd sighed, laying his head back and scooting himself about into a more comfortable position. "I mean, if what I've heard is correct, you are dealing with some pretty heavy stuff"
"Yes. Heavy. That's a good way to put it," Geddoe sighed. He moved his sword to the side so he could sit comfortably, and relaxed with his hands in his lap. "I don't know whether to begin at the beginning, or with the most important facts." He gave Sigurd a perplexed look. "How exactly did you hear that we were in need of help? Has word really reached as far as Vinay del Zexay?"
"Maxine told me while she was there," he answered simply. "She recognized me amongst the men working on the trade shipment that day."
"Ah. Well, I'm glad she did." Geddoe gazed at his hands while he ordered details in his mind. There was a lot to tell, but some things moreso than others. "At least you missed the weeks of doubt and confusion, the accusations and lies. As of today we know, pretty much, where we stand and who is responsible for everything. For a while, all we had were hunches, and couldn't act." He scowled to himself. "Which is why so many have been hurt, and we're in such desperate straits."
"That's well enough. I don't like dealing in maybes," Sigurd said, his tone darkening slightly. "You're still in pretty shoddy shape...but I've dealt with worse odds," he added with a slight smirk.
Geddoe pinched the spot between his eyes, where he'd been getting a lot of headaches lately. "It almost feels like it did when I was Fire Bringer. A ragtag lot against the Harmonian army. Only this time, the army consists of two - Luca Blight, and Yuber." His gaze darkened. "They've taken Thomas, and we have no idea where he might be. I've done all I can to keep Luca from usurping his place and taking the castle himself, but..."
"But what?" Sigurd said, turning his head to give Geddoe a concerned look. "Are the citizens here not willing to fight?"
"On the contrary - they're so willing that they'll rush off alone merely after being insulted or having a friend threatened," Geddoe grumbled. "For a while, I had to wonder. People did seem too afraid to fight. But after Cecile was hurt, and Mathiu declared that it was done by Luca's sword, attitudes changed. The problem is, they're still not united. Everyone wants to do it their way, rather than wait for a strategy."
"Then we need a figurehead...this all seems really familiar, doesn't it?" Sigurd chuckled, coughing slightly.
"Yes, it does," Geddoe replied, unable to resist a bit of a smirk. "Funny. Belcoot said something of the same thing, last time we talked. And I'm not sure if I liked what he was suggesting."
"Well...you have leadership experience and a general likability to you," Sigurd smiled, imagining the sight of Geddoe in a cape for some reason.
"I'd argue the likeability part," Geddoe said with a shake of his head. "As much as I hate the idea of being made a leader, in that sense, all logic is pointing that way. I've been more than determined to see things through, and I bear a True Rune. But I honestly don't know how the castle would react if I stood up and made a claim like that."
"Well...someone's got to do it," Sigurd took a serious tone.
"I know. And right now...no one else can." Geddoe sighed and chose to stare at the floor. "Salome needs to meet with me, and others, to discuss the latest twist. I'll have to bring it up with him."
"Well, if no one else has your back on this, you know I do," Sigurd said, stretching a bit and letting out a yawn.
Geddoe lifted his head. "Yes, I kind of hoped you would. I know several do. I've been talking to people throughout this whole time, and quite a few have agreed to be a part of this. It's the few rogue elements that worry me..."
"Care to tell me about them then?" Sigurd said, raising an eyebrow.
Geddoe sat forward with his elbows on his knees. "Your pal Hervey, for one. I asked him straight out and he refused me. I was concerned about Nash, and Roy, and a few others, but they've all gotten themselves hurt so badly they may not be a factor anymore."
"Hervey should know better, but I don't put it past him...the others seem like typical neutrals as well...," Sigurd sighed heavily, a bit annoyed to hear that his best friend was being a stubborn ass.
"I don't suppose you could talk a little sense into him?" Geddoe wondered with a wry smirk. "He did fight well the other day, we need him. As to the others...thing is," he said worriedly, "they weren't neutral. They were in it for Lyon's sake. Heart and soul. And it got them mauled."
"Pretty women will be the greatest fall of man," Sigurd sighed again, rubbing his temples slightly. "I'll see what I can do. It's typically not easy to convince Hervey of anything."
"I would imagine not, but...if anyone here can get his cooperation, you can." Geddoe sighed, already feeling the strain of his darkest thoughts even though he'd barely been awake an hour. "You really did come back at just the right time, Sigurd. I talk so easily of fate, but I'm really starting to believe it."
"Fate, from what I've read, has a heavy thing in all the world, not just our own lives...all these wars...and these gatherings...," Sigurd spoke softly, looking out the room's window and wincing slightly at the light.
"Yes. It does," Geddoe said heavily. "And now, just when we've had our forces weakened, fate opens another portal to bring swords and strategists here from all parts of the world." He rubbed his chin thoughtfully for a moment. "Did Hervey tell you about the attack, at all?"
"Nope. He told me very little of anything. He seemed more want to discuss my love life," Sigurd said with an annoyed grunt.
Geddoe chuckled in spite of himself. "Sounds like something he'd do. What," he added, raising an eyebrow, "you have one now?"
"No, I still don't. It was brought up when he told me it was either myself or Roget who'd be handling his wounds. This tangent went in to my asexuality, and whatnot...bah...he's rather annoying at times," Sigurd said, mostly through clenched teeth.
Geddoe chuckled again, not sure whether the topic or Sigurd's reaction was more amusing. "I'm sure given the choice, he'd prefer you," he said dryly. "Though, these days, Roget has more on his mind than ogling. Poor kid." He shook his head and moved on. "The attack...was the result of Luca's Beast Rune. He sent nearly a dozen golden wolves onto the castle when we were completely unprepared."
"...I see...," Sigurd said after a long pause. He had only read of the Beast Rune's power...he had no idea Luca possessed it still at all. Such a fearsome power...they had their work cut out for them. "So we're dealing with two men who can summon armies of beasts in light of real warriors...lovely."
Geddoe nodded thoughtfully. "My only comfort is that Yuber has never been inclined to use his rune. He prefers his swords." A grim smirk curved his lips. "One of which, he's missing."
Sigurd raised an eyebrow and gave Geddoe a confused look...before he shared the smirk and began to chuckle. "You sly son of a bitch, way to show the pirate in you," he laughed.
Geddoe's eye widened. "Whoever said I had it?" he demurred, though he was beginning to think it was pointless denying it.
"You can't pull one over on me, Geddoe. I keep company with thieves of all sorts," Sigurd laughed a bit harder in spite of his sore and tired bones.
"Ah, but I wasn't the thief," Geddoe said modestly, "merely the guardian. Lyon brought it to me - smart girl, thought that splitting them up would make it harder on Yuber. And it has." He paused a moment, as if listening for signs of eavesdropping, before continuing much more quietly. "I'm keeping it in my room. I'd like to keep it from him until this is over, but I keep holding my breath, waiting for word to be leaked to him."
"My lips are sealed. I don't know where it is," Sigurd said with a wink, sharing his quiet tone.
"I've told only Wyatt. In the event that something should happen to me - so someone knows. I don't know whether Lyon shared the information...but when we returned with her yesterday, the first thing I did was check, and it was still there." Geddoe's mood went dark again. "That girl got in way over her head. Many did, even if they thought they were being noble. This isn't the time for posturing, it's a time to band together and help each other."
"If anything, I'm serious when I need to be. You have a loyal hand in me, and I'll stand by you on this conflict until its end or my death, whichever comes first," Sigurd said, his head lowering and his voice serious.
"Thank you, Sigurd. That means much to me." Geddoe cast his eyes on the floor again, feeling the weight of his responsibilities. "Having good friends by my side...it's heartening. It makes me think that we could actually win this."
"We can. It's all a matter of kicking reason to the curb and doing the impossible," Sigurd said, smiling slightly.
Geddoe lifted his head, wondering, but decided not to ask. "The impossible is right. I spoke with people who faced Luca in the past - it's going to take a lot of firepower to bring him down. To say nothing of Yuber." He sat back and scratched the back of his neck idly. "Especially if mine is the only True Rune up for it."
"Well, you're in luck in the case of your Rune....as we now have something they don’t," Sigurd smirked slightly, motioning with a nod over to his coat. "Check the pockets."
Raising an eyebrow, Geddoe got up and reached for the coat, fumbling around until he drew a small packet out of one pocket. "Why, what do you have here?"
"Traders from all around the world come to port at Vinay...sometimes carrying less than legal goods, if you catch my drift," Sigurd said, leaning back with a smug look on his face.
As Geddoe unwrapped the parcel, the scent of mint stung his nose. He smirked over his shoulder at Sigurd. "I see. Replenished your supply while you were there?"
"It was the last thing I did before leaving...I figured you would need it," Sigurd said, still looking quite pleased with himself.
"Really?" Geddoe gave him an impressed look as he returned to the chair. "Are you sure you're not a strategist yourself, Sigurd?" He folded the little packet back up and tucked it between layers of his leather jerkin. "I hope you don't mind if I hang onto these, then. They certainly will come in handy."
"Always being prepared is not the territory of strategists alone, my friend," Sigurd laughed aloud, flattered by the comment none-the-less. "But yes, you hold on to those and make certain any powerful mages on our side have at least one leaf on them," Sigurd said, calming down a bit.
"I will," Geddoe vowed, thinking already of not only Roget, but Chris, if he could get her to agree to lend True Water to the fight. Then, he considered the castle's other resident mage, and his expression darkened. "Sigurd...you fought with Maxine in the Liberation war, didn't you?"
"I did indeed. She joined our side once her contract with our enemy was up," Sigurd said, raising any eyebrow. "Need me to convince her to join for you?
"No, I already secured her promise to defend Budehuc. But..." Geddoe's brow knit in confusion and dread. "Sigurd, she...she aided Yuber. I don't know if I can trust her."
"Maxine aids whomever she feels can offer her the most. It's all a matter of trumping the enemy offer," Sigurd said, noting her general greed for knowledge in his mind.
"She did get us the information to rescue Lyon," Geddoe mused unhappily. "But at the same time...anyone who helps Yuber is no friend of mine."
"If she turns, then let me take care of her...I hold no hesitation in my hand to end the life of an enemy, even if they used to be my friend," Sigurd said, his look stern and his voice steady.
"I hope it won't come to that," Geddoe said warily, "but...all right. I will likely have my hands full with Yuber himself, anyway." He lifted his head and tried to shrug it off. "I think we ought to keep that between us, for now. Maxine has a lot of useful information, and requested the meeting with Salome and myself to begin to prepare to stand against Luca."
"I am aware. But her motions are my field now. Anything out of the ordinary shall be noted carefully," Sigurd said calmly. It came off as this was something he had done before...and given the life of a pirate, it was little wonder as to why.
"Good. I knew I could count on you." Geddoe closed his eye briefly as he sorted through his mind again, figuring he'd given out all the important information. "Is there anything you wanted to ask me, then? Otherwise, I'll let you get some rest."
"Nothing, my friend. I am well prepared now," Sigurd said, adjusting himself to lay back down in the bed. "This was a good intelligence briefing...one I very much needed," he gave a slight smile.
Geddoe rose slowly, readjusting the sword at his hip. "I am glad to have you here," he said in a quieter tone. "And not just because we need another fighter." He suddenly smirked and glanced at the pirate. "I hope you didn't put any money on me in the tournament."
"I don't like to gamble," Sigurd said, chuckling slightly. "I take it you lost, then?"
Geddoe heaved an aggravated sigh. "Yes, I did," he grumbled. "We got the first round in, but Juan postponed the rest until after Luca is taken care of. Ah. No matter." He turned and headed for the door. "I only hope the four who advanced will still be in the shape to fight, when it resumes. Not a pleasant thought."
"Well, I'll eagerly watch them fight on in the stands with you and helping nurse your wounded pride," Sigurd chuckled.
Geddoe let out a low chuckle. "There's a bottle or two of Kanakan wine in my quarters I've been saving for a special occasion. Toasting our victory and nursing my wounded pride sound like good reasons," he said over his shoulder. "Get some rest. You never know when the next round will begin." He tugged at the latch to open the door and let himself out.
trueltning_fury and Sigurd
pirate_sigurd
When: the morning after Sigurd's return
Where: Sigurd's room
What: Geddoe briefs Sigurd on the situation to make sure his pal is on board
A night's sleep did Geddoe more good than he was willing to admit, especially since he had expected to be up on watch instead, though he still got up earlier than usual, feeling restless after all of the action. There was one important thing he needed to do, and as soon as possible, so once he washed up, he checked the infirmary to see if Sigurd was still there. He was not, so the captain's next stop was the inn.
Sigurd hung up his coat and kicked off his boots, not bothering with his usual routine of keeping his discarded items tidy. No time for that when he just wanted to plop into bed and rest. The patients were fussy, the work was tiring, and it had been a nearly seventeen hour shift on top of taking Geddoe's guard duty and then heading to the infirmary. Right now, he needed to relax...
Geddoe came up to the door, a vague smile on his lips as he remembered what it looked like before Sigurd's absence. He wondered if it still did, but he'd find out in a moment. He rapped gently with his knuckles, and immediately called out, out of habit, "Sigurd? It's Geddoe."
Sigurd looked up from his pillow and blinked a bit. He was certainly up early...ah well. "Come on in," he said, laying his head back down. And yes, it seemed the room had remained untouched from Euram's work.
Geddoe let himself in swiftly and closed the door behind him. "Good morning. I promised...oh." Seeing Sigurd lying on his bed made him regret being so attentive to his errand. "I'm sorry. You probably need to rest..."
"Laying down is good enough for now, given I'm used for staying awake for days at a time," he groaned, shifting onto his back and pulling himself up to a sitting position. He gave Geddoe a weak smile, "Besides, no rest for the wicked."
"Indeed." Geddoe glanced around the room with some humor, and then grabbed the nearest chair, dragging it over beside the bed so he could sit and talk while Sigurd rested. "If you don't mind, then? There's a lot going on, and I'd like to apprise you of it as much as I can."
"That would be most appreciated, as no one has really given a proper description yet," Sigurd sighed, laying his head back and scooting himself about into a more comfortable position. "I mean, if what I've heard is correct, you are dealing with some pretty heavy stuff"
"Yes. Heavy. That's a good way to put it," Geddoe sighed. He moved his sword to the side so he could sit comfortably, and relaxed with his hands in his lap. "I don't know whether to begin at the beginning, or with the most important facts." He gave Sigurd a perplexed look. "How exactly did you hear that we were in need of help? Has word really reached as far as Vinay del Zexay?"
"Maxine told me while she was there," he answered simply. "She recognized me amongst the men working on the trade shipment that day."
"Ah. Well, I'm glad she did." Geddoe gazed at his hands while he ordered details in his mind. There was a lot to tell, but some things moreso than others. "At least you missed the weeks of doubt and confusion, the accusations and lies. As of today we know, pretty much, where we stand and who is responsible for everything. For a while, all we had were hunches, and couldn't act." He scowled to himself. "Which is why so many have been hurt, and we're in such desperate straits."
"That's well enough. I don't like dealing in maybes," Sigurd said, his tone darkening slightly. "You're still in pretty shoddy shape...but I've dealt with worse odds," he added with a slight smirk.
Geddoe pinched the spot between his eyes, where he'd been getting a lot of headaches lately. "It almost feels like it did when I was Fire Bringer. A ragtag lot against the Harmonian army. Only this time, the army consists of two - Luca Blight, and Yuber." His gaze darkened. "They've taken Thomas, and we have no idea where he might be. I've done all I can to keep Luca from usurping his place and taking the castle himself, but..."
"But what?" Sigurd said, turning his head to give Geddoe a concerned look. "Are the citizens here not willing to fight?"
"On the contrary - they're so willing that they'll rush off alone merely after being insulted or having a friend threatened," Geddoe grumbled. "For a while, I had to wonder. People did seem too afraid to fight. But after Cecile was hurt, and Mathiu declared that it was done by Luca's sword, attitudes changed. The problem is, they're still not united. Everyone wants to do it their way, rather than wait for a strategy."
"Then we need a figurehead...this all seems really familiar, doesn't it?" Sigurd chuckled, coughing slightly.
"Yes, it does," Geddoe replied, unable to resist a bit of a smirk. "Funny. Belcoot said something of the same thing, last time we talked. And I'm not sure if I liked what he was suggesting."
"Well...you have leadership experience and a general likability to you," Sigurd smiled, imagining the sight of Geddoe in a cape for some reason.
"I'd argue the likeability part," Geddoe said with a shake of his head. "As much as I hate the idea of being made a leader, in that sense, all logic is pointing that way. I've been more than determined to see things through, and I bear a True Rune. But I honestly don't know how the castle would react if I stood up and made a claim like that."
"Well...someone's got to do it," Sigurd took a serious tone.
"I know. And right now...no one else can." Geddoe sighed and chose to stare at the floor. "Salome needs to meet with me, and others, to discuss the latest twist. I'll have to bring it up with him."
"Well, if no one else has your back on this, you know I do," Sigurd said, stretching a bit and letting out a yawn.
Geddoe lifted his head. "Yes, I kind of hoped you would. I know several do. I've been talking to people throughout this whole time, and quite a few have agreed to be a part of this. It's the few rogue elements that worry me..."
"Care to tell me about them then?" Sigurd said, raising an eyebrow.
Geddoe sat forward with his elbows on his knees. "Your pal Hervey, for one. I asked him straight out and he refused me. I was concerned about Nash, and Roy, and a few others, but they've all gotten themselves hurt so badly they may not be a factor anymore."
"Hervey should know better, but I don't put it past him...the others seem like typical neutrals as well...," Sigurd sighed heavily, a bit annoyed to hear that his best friend was being a stubborn ass.
"I don't suppose you could talk a little sense into him?" Geddoe wondered with a wry smirk. "He did fight well the other day, we need him. As to the others...thing is," he said worriedly, "they weren't neutral. They were in it for Lyon's sake. Heart and soul. And it got them mauled."
"Pretty women will be the greatest fall of man," Sigurd sighed again, rubbing his temples slightly. "I'll see what I can do. It's typically not easy to convince Hervey of anything."
"I would imagine not, but...if anyone here can get his cooperation, you can." Geddoe sighed, already feeling the strain of his darkest thoughts even though he'd barely been awake an hour. "You really did come back at just the right time, Sigurd. I talk so easily of fate, but I'm really starting to believe it."
"Fate, from what I've read, has a heavy thing in all the world, not just our own lives...all these wars...and these gatherings...," Sigurd spoke softly, looking out the room's window and wincing slightly at the light.
"Yes. It does," Geddoe said heavily. "And now, just when we've had our forces weakened, fate opens another portal to bring swords and strategists here from all parts of the world." He rubbed his chin thoughtfully for a moment. "Did Hervey tell you about the attack, at all?"
"Nope. He told me very little of anything. He seemed more want to discuss my love life," Sigurd said with an annoyed grunt.
Geddoe chuckled in spite of himself. "Sounds like something he'd do. What," he added, raising an eyebrow, "you have one now?"
"No, I still don't. It was brought up when he told me it was either myself or Roget who'd be handling his wounds. This tangent went in to my asexuality, and whatnot...bah...he's rather annoying at times," Sigurd said, mostly through clenched teeth.
Geddoe chuckled again, not sure whether the topic or Sigurd's reaction was more amusing. "I'm sure given the choice, he'd prefer you," he said dryly. "Though, these days, Roget has more on his mind than ogling. Poor kid." He shook his head and moved on. "The attack...was the result of Luca's Beast Rune. He sent nearly a dozen golden wolves onto the castle when we were completely unprepared."
"...I see...," Sigurd said after a long pause. He had only read of the Beast Rune's power...he had no idea Luca possessed it still at all. Such a fearsome power...they had their work cut out for them. "So we're dealing with two men who can summon armies of beasts in light of real warriors...lovely."
Geddoe nodded thoughtfully. "My only comfort is that Yuber has never been inclined to use his rune. He prefers his swords." A grim smirk curved his lips. "One of which, he's missing."
Sigurd raised an eyebrow and gave Geddoe a confused look...before he shared the smirk and began to chuckle. "You sly son of a bitch, way to show the pirate in you," he laughed.
Geddoe's eye widened. "Whoever said I had it?" he demurred, though he was beginning to think it was pointless denying it.
"You can't pull one over on me, Geddoe. I keep company with thieves of all sorts," Sigurd laughed a bit harder in spite of his sore and tired bones.
"Ah, but I wasn't the thief," Geddoe said modestly, "merely the guardian. Lyon brought it to me - smart girl, thought that splitting them up would make it harder on Yuber. And it has." He paused a moment, as if listening for signs of eavesdropping, before continuing much more quietly. "I'm keeping it in my room. I'd like to keep it from him until this is over, but I keep holding my breath, waiting for word to be leaked to him."
"My lips are sealed. I don't know where it is," Sigurd said with a wink, sharing his quiet tone.
"I've told only Wyatt. In the event that something should happen to me - so someone knows. I don't know whether Lyon shared the information...but when we returned with her yesterday, the first thing I did was check, and it was still there." Geddoe's mood went dark again. "That girl got in way over her head. Many did, even if they thought they were being noble. This isn't the time for posturing, it's a time to band together and help each other."
"If anything, I'm serious when I need to be. You have a loyal hand in me, and I'll stand by you on this conflict until its end or my death, whichever comes first," Sigurd said, his head lowering and his voice serious.
"Thank you, Sigurd. That means much to me." Geddoe cast his eyes on the floor again, feeling the weight of his responsibilities. "Having good friends by my side...it's heartening. It makes me think that we could actually win this."
"We can. It's all a matter of kicking reason to the curb and doing the impossible," Sigurd said, smiling slightly.
Geddoe lifted his head, wondering, but decided not to ask. "The impossible is right. I spoke with people who faced Luca in the past - it's going to take a lot of firepower to bring him down. To say nothing of Yuber." He sat back and scratched the back of his neck idly. "Especially if mine is the only True Rune up for it."
"Well, you're in luck in the case of your Rune....as we now have something they don’t," Sigurd smirked slightly, motioning with a nod over to his coat. "Check the pockets."
Raising an eyebrow, Geddoe got up and reached for the coat, fumbling around until he drew a small packet out of one pocket. "Why, what do you have here?"
"Traders from all around the world come to port at Vinay...sometimes carrying less than legal goods, if you catch my drift," Sigurd said, leaning back with a smug look on his face.
As Geddoe unwrapped the parcel, the scent of mint stung his nose. He smirked over his shoulder at Sigurd. "I see. Replenished your supply while you were there?"
"It was the last thing I did before leaving...I figured you would need it," Sigurd said, still looking quite pleased with himself.
"Really?" Geddoe gave him an impressed look as he returned to the chair. "Are you sure you're not a strategist yourself, Sigurd?" He folded the little packet back up and tucked it between layers of his leather jerkin. "I hope you don't mind if I hang onto these, then. They certainly will come in handy."
"Always being prepared is not the territory of strategists alone, my friend," Sigurd laughed aloud, flattered by the comment none-the-less. "But yes, you hold on to those and make certain any powerful mages on our side have at least one leaf on them," Sigurd said, calming down a bit.
"I will," Geddoe vowed, thinking already of not only Roget, but Chris, if he could get her to agree to lend True Water to the fight. Then, he considered the castle's other resident mage, and his expression darkened. "Sigurd...you fought with Maxine in the Liberation war, didn't you?"
"I did indeed. She joined our side once her contract with our enemy was up," Sigurd said, raising any eyebrow. "Need me to convince her to join for you?
"No, I already secured her promise to defend Budehuc. But..." Geddoe's brow knit in confusion and dread. "Sigurd, she...she aided Yuber. I don't know if I can trust her."
"Maxine aids whomever she feels can offer her the most. It's all a matter of trumping the enemy offer," Sigurd said, noting her general greed for knowledge in his mind.
"She did get us the information to rescue Lyon," Geddoe mused unhappily. "But at the same time...anyone who helps Yuber is no friend of mine."
"If she turns, then let me take care of her...I hold no hesitation in my hand to end the life of an enemy, even if they used to be my friend," Sigurd said, his look stern and his voice steady.
"I hope it won't come to that," Geddoe said warily, "but...all right. I will likely have my hands full with Yuber himself, anyway." He lifted his head and tried to shrug it off. "I think we ought to keep that between us, for now. Maxine has a lot of useful information, and requested the meeting with Salome and myself to begin to prepare to stand against Luca."
"I am aware. But her motions are my field now. Anything out of the ordinary shall be noted carefully," Sigurd said calmly. It came off as this was something he had done before...and given the life of a pirate, it was little wonder as to why.
"Good. I knew I could count on you." Geddoe closed his eye briefly as he sorted through his mind again, figuring he'd given out all the important information. "Is there anything you wanted to ask me, then? Otherwise, I'll let you get some rest."
"Nothing, my friend. I am well prepared now," Sigurd said, adjusting himself to lay back down in the bed. "This was a good intelligence briefing...one I very much needed," he gave a slight smile.
Geddoe rose slowly, readjusting the sword at his hip. "I am glad to have you here," he said in a quieter tone. "And not just because we need another fighter." He suddenly smirked and glanced at the pirate. "I hope you didn't put any money on me in the tournament."
"I don't like to gamble," Sigurd said, chuckling slightly. "I take it you lost, then?"
Geddoe heaved an aggravated sigh. "Yes, I did," he grumbled. "We got the first round in, but Juan postponed the rest until after Luca is taken care of. Ah. No matter." He turned and headed for the door. "I only hope the four who advanced will still be in the shape to fight, when it resumes. Not a pleasant thought."
"Well, I'll eagerly watch them fight on in the stands with you and helping nurse your wounded pride," Sigurd chuckled.
Geddoe let out a low chuckle. "There's a bottle or two of Kanakan wine in my quarters I've been saving for a special occasion. Toasting our victory and nursing my wounded pride sound like good reasons," he said over his shoulder. "Get some rest. You never know when the next round will begin." He tugged at the latch to open the door and let himself out.