(( Crap, sorry guys! Lost power yesterday evening, and was out all day today. Just reading up, and then I'll post something... But it looks like the alchemist has fallen into enemy hands.
))
Some time later, as a weary, battered and soot-stained Waery finally made his way up through the palace, Trubalsome's shout of rage echoed across the courtyard. "
Waery! You fool! You incompetent, thrice-bedamned moronic son of a porkchop!!!"
The lord, who had been tugging off his boots at that moment in preparation for a rejuvinating herbal bath, threw one at his hapless servant with a growl.
Waery, standing just inside the door with his hands folded behind him, remained impassive as the fancy, knee-height green felt boot bounced off his cheek. He replied, "M'Lord, I am sorry, but we couldn' catch 'im. With Kaguro's men on our tails, the little bastard fightin' like a cornered rat, an' the 'ole place coming down around our ears, there was naught we could do."
Trubalsome was staring at Waery from where he sat, his face contorted in a rictus of fury. "So... Let me get this straight. You
had this man, this
alchemist, in your clutches, and you let him go?! You fail me again, Waery, and
God help me I'll
smash a poker
right through your rotten face!!!" His voice rose to a near-inarticulate scream at the last, and a few specks of spittle sprayed across the room. Wiping them away, he continued, in a slightly calmer tone as he placed his feet in his steaming bath, (perfumed with essential lavender and patchouli oils) "Send a couple of men.
Without their insignia this time. Have them find out where this hell-damned alchemist is being kept. Whilst they do that, keep an eye out for signs of the King's return, and find out as much as you can about this Kaguro. Background, where he's from, any nasty secret habits, what he did before becoming a soldier, whatever. Oh, and find me a young, female relative of his Majesty, and request an interview with her."
He allowed himself a slight smirk as he took a pinch of snuff, relaxing with his feet in the bath.
"I doubt any female of any age could resist such a summons from the illustrious Lord of Miring."
Waery said nothing at this, but managed to keep a straight face. Trubaldsome, however, knew the man well, and scowled at his poorly-hidden amusement.
"
Get out, moron!! Do as I say, and don't mess up this time! Now piss off, I'm having a bath."
Waery swiftly closed the door as an other boot bounced off of it, and went on his way as his apopleptic lord reached for the snuffbox again.
((Bit long, but oh well
))
Have some of my bumbling men ask around after the alchemist, NOT wearing their uniforms this time. At the same time, have people keeping an eye out for signs of the king's return, such as runners, peasants coming in from the country, etc. Lastly, have Waery contact a young relative of the King, requesting a formal interview with Lord Trubaldsome of Miring. ((Oh, I'm not done yet, Kaguro! You've not heard the last of TRUBALDSOME!!))