home intro one two three four five six seven eight nine 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 appendix
"Gunther, I had a most disturbing meeting today. I hope your news about this Porter situation is revealing."
"Baron, you have little to worry about." said Gunther smiling, "Porter is an outcast. Details are fuzzy, of course, but he was apparently cast out into the cold two years ago. He laid low for a year; now he's out in the open as this 'Johanne Porter.' I'm surprised he's still alive; I'm sure he won't last long."
"Who was he as a Kalnichov?"
"Rudy al Stienhortz, one of Ludwig's younger nephews."
"The name is not familiar to me, but the Stienhortz wing is the old guard."
"I couldn't find out much, either. They're a tight-lipped lot, especially about the inner circle. He seems to have been part of the inner circle, but my sources weren't sure. There was no scuttlebutt floating around about him, other than he is now a non-person in Kalnichov eyes."
"So he's nothing to worry about?"
"His days are numbered." smiled Gunther, "In fact, I'm surprised he's still alive. Whatever he's got planned, it will end shortly."
"Did you get close to Porter?"
"No, I took your advice and kept my distance."
The Baron smiled, "Thank you, Gunther. I think my trip to the church is very much in order, then. Black Pass is an area you are familiar with, I believe, will you accompany me as guide?"
"Why, I'd be delighted, Baron."
"We will depart the day after tomorrow. There are preparations I must make for the journey."
"I'll be making some myself." said Gunther. He winked and wandered off singing.
home intro one two three four five six seven eight nine 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 appendix