Story: The Glove, X

( Part IX , XI )

The meal was large and tasty, and would have been wonderful is Steffan weren't still blimp-lagged. He did some grazing, and listened as Rook began to ramble.

"'What could be wrong?' is what you might be wondering. 'What problem could there be in this lovely little paradise we have created?'" Steffan's host stopped to drink some more of his milk, and then continued. "'Why should the steady flow of student exchanges between our two cities slow to a measly trickle, and why are the Pipers so worried?' Ha! Serves them right!"

"You have milk on your moustache," observed Steffan.

"What? Oh, I'll let it be. It's bound to be joined by some more in a few moments." Nevertheless, as vanity kicked in, Rook wiped himself clean and then returned to his baked potato.

"And...?"

"We've been losing scouts, Master Steffan. It's not just the Pipers of Burgh that have been losing people. Our people are vanishing, the messengers and couriers that take vital supplies out to the townships. Your grand and supreme master - bah! - had a plan for you here. I don't know what."

"He said it would be mainly the collating of information, and intermediary to the local authorities, but I didn't quite believe him." Steffan had the grace to look embarrassed as he spoke.

A large pile of beans vanished from Rook's dish, and he looked up, apparently replete. "That's a heavy responsibility for a student!"

Steffan remained silent.

"Here at the inn, we used to get reports about the exams and up and coming talent. That was before Octavius, though. A lot has changed in the last few years. Most for the good, but the bad is beginning to mount up." Rook leaned back in his chair. "Octavius..."

"You seem to know him well." Steffan was curious.

"Oh, he's my brother, but don't hold it against me. We have other things to think about. Have you ever heard of a daft jester who calls himself 'The Glove'?"

"Your brother!"

"I knew you wouldn't get over that so quickly." Rook took to muttering darkly. "It's no big thing. I'm sure you've got family too! Come on. Aggie will be home by now, and she'll want to get you shipshape for tomorrow. You'll want to look around, I take it. Look for a job, and so on."

Steffan felt as if everything was spiralling out of his control. "I--"

"We'll get you sorted. You'll be doing whatever it is you wanted, but in good style." Rook pulled him out of the banquet room, just in time to miss something exceedingly noteworthy...

To be continued...