Then off we go
Alexei doesn't bother conjuring a new suit of armour, just keeps a wary eye and ear out for anyone else.
"I don't understand his motive here. On the road, he has every opportunity to do what he wants, and with his connections can make any story he'd like. Why show himself? Why slow us down and claim he's here hunting enemies of the Order? He's not fool enough to attack the Covenant directly again, is he?"
Alexei turns to the men as it occurs that attacks in France can be directed at resources without causing censure. "See if you can move the chest, don't open it, see if it still has the weight of what's inside."
My thoughts exactly but he can not cast on what he can not see or know is there. I wonder how we can strengthen the chest. How is your Muto? Perhaps a spell to strengthen the wood.
((MuHe10 Base 3 R: touch +1 D: sun +2 strengthens wood to be unbreakable)
((Deja vu!))
"Quite decent I should say. I used an effect similar to what you're thinking to make my staff unbreakable. I could likely do something similar for a time with the chest."
((Muto Herbam with a Terram Requisite, it's an enchantment called 'Wood that neither breaks nor Bends' and it's on his Talisman staff. I can't make any rolls at the moment nor open Alexei's character sheet to get the exact totals though, if either one of you wants to do that. Alexei will use words and gestures to add to the spell's power as well as spending a Fatigue, wants at least Sun Duration but if he can get Moon he'll take that, if he's close to casting it succesfully or to getting Moon duration but just a bit off, he'll spend a confidence point))
The rest of the trip to Dijon passes without incident, except for incessant autumn rains. The party arrives in Dijon in the late afternoon. You can make your way to the palace, the aura is stifling to the magi.
((I hate to assume too much, but shortly after the Valerian incident I'd like to make sure that all the silver was still in the chest, can we assume we did verify that? A wee bit paranoid))
At the entrance to the stifling aura Alexei sighs. "Ah...it makes ye think does it not Korvin? Did the good Lord give us this Gift to honour us or punish us? Are we acceptable to the Lord as we are? Does his House and Church oppress our might to test us or induce humility? Is it as the desert that so many of the Lord's prophets and the Savior contended with, to bring us wisdom and to scourge us into the proper place before Him? I often ask myself...would God give us a gift and not expect us to use it? Or did he intend us to use it, but only wisely and piously, but then leave us the free will to do as we would? If a sword is put in your hand, are you obliged to use it? These are the questions I believe my own Founder struggled with as his temper abated in his later years and he contemplated his final fate. I often ask them myself. My Pater was not Christian, though he found the faith interesting, very different from the roots of his original House; Tremere. He had no answer for my questions, and the priests I have spoken with are often intimidated by the prospect of a magus who is Christian."
((Oh, yeah, it was still heavy, and if you looked, it was still in there.
If Korvin had insisted on the shipment going unescorted by a magus, the effects of the Perthean Compact would have been felt in full force.))
I have always heard that the other auras bow before the dominion. But I know little of the background of your religion that suggests it would be more powerful than all others.
I indicated that the party can make their way to palace, which is in the dead center of the city. Is there going to be any method to getting there, or are you just showing up at the palace?
((Were there any instructions or suggestions on how to arrive?))
Orrand votes for concealment and back doors. Hide as many of the party (in the wagon?) as you can to attract less attention. Cities are full of criminals.
(There's a fairly gaping hole in his logic, but that doesn't mean his suggestion is flawed. Just why he suggests it.)
No instructions... the note just indicated the tithe, for lack of a better word, was overdue.
Alexei is not big on hiding, but taking a more out of the way route is fine with him, let's do that; not the main throughfares, but not sneaking through alleys.
Korvin will let Alexei take the lead and he will stay to the back of the wagon.
Alexei, I will have to follow your lead in dealing with the Bishop and his people. I do not know the etiquette that your religion uses.
Alexei turns to Korvin and smiles. "It is not so difficult as you might imagine my friend. We are here primarily to do an entirely earthly thing; delivering a payment. I'm sure there might be some...differences, but in this sense it will be rather mundane. Now, if you are interested, as I am, in fulfilling some of the Sacraments while you are here, that is a different story. I myself..." he pauses and his usual light mood deepens as he sighs. "...I feel I must unburden myself and take Confession. It has been a long time and my soul is weary from the baggage of sin it carries. In the trying times ahead I believe it will be a good thing to do. If you wish to become involved, I would be happy and privileged to act as your sponsor." he pats him on the shoulder and then points to the chest.
"But this is a matter of state, well within your capable hands as Princeps. Fear not though, I will not allow this to fail and will step in should I need to. My upbringing with the church and my Gentle Gift may be put to good use if needed. Give me..." he pauses as he thinks. "Give me a sign if you feel that you should like me to intervene."
Unfortunately, with a laden car, it will be difficult to take side streets to the palace, however, that proves not to be as big a problem as Alexei and Korvin thought. They make their way to the palace, whereupon they are held at the entrance by one of the guard, "State your business."
Korvin will glance to Alexei and then steps forward. We are here to see the bishop and deliver the tithe from Mons Electi.
"Ahh, very well. Wait here, and we'll get an escort for you to the episcopal wing. We'd been expecting the delivery for some time. The heavy guard is unexpected. You will, of course, have to disarm yourselves before appearing before His Grace, the bishop." One of the guards runs off, about 15 minutes later he comes up with an honor guard twice as large as the party guarding the chest of silver.
We have seen some bandit trouble near by. It is better to be safe than sorry.
Our men will wait here except for the ones that must carry the chest. Dragonse. Orrand. Give your weapons to the troop and carry the chest. The rest of you wait here for us to return.
Korvin holds out his arms to show that he is unarmed.
Alexei bows at the guard's response and leaves behind the spear tips he usually keeps on him and then walks, favoring his right hip and leg as if it were sore.