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INCIDENT AT STARGAZER MANOR
Dear Bereny Bugle
With regard to the recent incident at Stargazer Manor which you reported, I should like the opportunity to put my side of events.
It has been quiet around Stargazer Manor since Baron Julius Stargazer went adventuring recently and left me in charge of the family estate. Almost to quiet, other than the occasional robber or minor explosion from the mad alchemist nothing was happening. It's no wonder the Baron went to explore Meldora Castle. “This is almost boring,” I thought. “I can’t wait until I’m old enough so Uncle Julius will let me go adventuring, too. Well back to organizing the next fireworks display.”
Suddenly the estate reeve burst into the office. "Ma'am, I think we have a problem. I heard that there was a strange wagon and a couple farmers in town. I figured we could always use some more help so I went to ask them if they wanted to go to work. But they said they were already employed. When I asked whom their employer was and what they were supposed to be doing. They said that castle cat that wandered through the estate a few days ago hired them and as for what they are supposed to do they simply stated it was none of my business. Now I am sure you have heard the rumors about farmers sneaking into other estates to rustle livestock and wagons stealing produce. We have to do something quick."
A castle cat hiring farmers and wagons? That must be some cat. Now where are those notes uncle left on stuff to watch out for? Hmm … trolls from the bridge … ogre lords … crazy looking doctors … nope nothing about cats hiring staff. Something about this just doesn't sound right. "Have the militia go round them up," I order.
"What if they don't come peaceably?" he asks.
"Use whatever force is necessary, but I want them alive," I explain.
A few hours later the reeve returns with a knight dragging a scruffy looking farmer who looked almost ready to pass out. "I thought you said there were two farmers and a wagon?" I asked.
"Yes ma'am, but it seems the militia were a little over zealous and accidentally killed the others."
I turned to the farmer, "What's your name?"
"Mark Brillian," he answers.
"What is your business here?"
"I am not at liberty to say, but I'll be reporting you to the courts for murder."
"You come here to steal from the estate and when we move to prevent that you cry foul? I do apologize. The death of your comrades is unfortunate."
I turned to the reeve, "Give him some gold to compensate for the loss of his companions."
"Now Mr. Brillian, you can get some healing in town, but by tomorrow I want to see you off this estate."
I nodded to the knight and he takes the farmer out.
The Reeve spoke up, "Ma'am, I think you might have made a mistake by letting him go."
"Oh, I think he has learned his lesson and won't be sneaking onto any other estates."
"Well, as his companion was dying he cried out. Mark, go tell the boss what they have done. Do not let them get away with this." At that the Reeve turned smartly and left the office.
The boss? Now who could that be? Surely they were not referring to the cat. Are these bands of roving wagons, farmers, and yes, even cats that organized. Will they be returning to seek revenge? Well if this happens again I will definitely not be letting them go. Just to be safe maybe I should hire some more militia.
Erica Stargazer
Stargazer Estate
[The Bereny Bugle’s special investigative journalist Jacquetta Anichoson has followed up on Lady Erica’s allegations. Read her special report here.]
Disclaimer: The views expressed in letters and rambling tall tales from old duffers to the Bereny Bugle are those of the the author and do not represent those of the Bereny Bugle.
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