As the group approaches the keep and makes clear their purpose to meet the Burgraff, what Clusius notices most is the wary eyes. At every turn the group is stopped, the guards demanding their credentials once again, leaving to double-check with their superiors once again. After waiting an unnecessarily long time at the walls of the keep proper, a man suddenly appears. He seems a bit out of breath, but tries his best to make it seem something trivial.
"Thank you all, but we shouldn't delay our guests. I'll assume from here."
The guard gives you all another look before allowing the group to pass, and the man guides you to the courtyard. He is tall, maybe thirty years old, with a large forehead and a strong jaw, his hair with just a few strands of white.
"Forgive my late introduction. I'm Guido, the steward of the keep. I'm sorry for the delay in getting you through the gates. Our guards are instructed to be careful."
Appointing someone to cater for your horses and making sure you are well and not too tired from the travel Guido starts speaking in High German, but as soon as he notices Clusius accent he changes to a reasonable French. He is fast, judicious and efficient, and you can't help but recall what Klaus told you, in the best Latin he could muster, while trying hard not to fall from his horse:
"Burgraff Otto Telsberg, not seen much since his wife died. Two... three years. Old man, some say lived too much. Good lord. Before you back, everyone afraid he dies and family takes your manor. You here, we fell more safe. Some say he dies soon. Others, he strong as horse. None knows."
"Things managed by only son, Rudolph. Some say he almost as bad as Otto good, but you didn't hear from me. Thanks God merciful we also have Guido. Guido right hand Otto. Good, competent. Otto thinks, Guido already did. Guido and Rudolph together might work and we have good life. But also good life now master Clusius here, better life, I'm sure."