Legendary Campaign - The Archduke's Daughter Visits the Legendary

Wednesday, June 15, 1066 SE

When Marigold, Branna and Mon come down to breakfast, they hear loud arguments coming from the cafeteria of the Palace. Tempers seem to be running high, and they soon discover why. Whereas the Opera, the Fantastic and their own Legendary closed in solidarity with the victims of bombing of Khoroshim, the Starlight remained open and put on a performance last night. It is a theatrical tradition that in times of troubles, all four theaters close to show solidarity. This time, though the attendance was sparse, the Legendary's old timers, along with many of its newer staff, are upset that the Starlight profited from a night where all other forms of entertainment were closed. To back up their outrage, Mon is handed a copy of today's Katarina Chronicle, one of the three daily newspaper in the city of Katarina.

Page 1 of the Katarina Chronicle for Wednesday, June 15

 

Mon understands the outrage and the break in protocol, but his interest lands on the dead identified on page five of the Katarina Chronicle.

Page 5 of the Katarina Chronicle for Wednesday, June 15

.

Marigold suggests that the three theaters should take out a common advertisement in the Katarina Chronicle to thank the residents of Katarina for their understanding for their closing last night. She also suggests that they should plan some sort of benefit fundraiser. Branna mentions that perhaps they should talk to Lena in marketing and Joseph in accounting to see what can be done.

Glancing up from reading the newspaper, Mon proposes that the Legendary could start a new tradition, to have an empty seat in the theater, and use a permanent ghost light candle in honor of those who could no longer be here. With a permanent light spell, the light would never go out. This could also be mentioned in the advertisement. The Legendary could also hold four moments of silence to acknowledge the victims.

Looking at the newspaper in Mon's hand, Marigold wonders if any of the dead nobles had any financial difficulties. The article does not seem to imply that, but could there be more to this attack than some random blow against the island's nobility? Branna asks her friends if they know who owns Khoroshim? No one seems to know. Branna then asks if the employees at Khoroshim are generally safe. Did they work elsewhere or even here in the Palace? Mon gets up from the table, goes through the line and grabs his food before returning and sitting at the table. 

Pavel enters the cafeteria, and after a quick visit of every table, Pavel also takes food, and then joins Mon, Branna, and Marigold at the table, carrying four full plates filled with hearty breakfast items. Pavel finds it despicable that the Starlight was opened last night, but he's not surprised that the Nazar family, owners of the Starlight, would want to upstage Sir Gregory Tsaplin, as the two theater owners have been estranged for decades. Marigold asks Pavel if he knows who owns the Katarina Chronicle. Pavel replies that the newspaper is owned by the Anton family, and the current publisher is Sir Dmytro Anton. With a a populist and sensationalist bent, Pavel is not surprised that the newspaper seeks to generate controversies, which drive circulation and advertising. The carpenter also points out that the Katarina Chronicle seems to imply that only four people died, but he happens to know for a fact that at least two staff members were also killed during the bombing.

Pavel then asks Mon to describe what happened yesterday at Khoroshim. Mon retells his story, pointing out that he's pretty sure Luba saw the person or people who launched the attack against the restaurant. By this time, Pavel has entirely emptied his plates, and, looking at the clock, announces that it's time for him to leave as they're working on a set today.

Branna then turns her attention to Joseph , who just joined the table with his own food. She asks him how the wine auction is going. Joseph is puzzled. He has not heard of this auction, nor has anyone else in accounting that he is aware of. Arriving later than usual, Lena joins the table just in time for Branna to ask her if marketing is preparing any promotional material for the auction. Lena confesses that marketing does not know anything about it either, but she will ask questions. Both Lena and Joseph are surprised that such a revenue generating event would not be better promoted. Marigold too is surprised that Sir Gregory has not put the resources of the marketing department behind this auction.  

Mon opens up his jacket and hands a bottle of Frostbloom Riesling to Joseph and another one to Lena, telling them this is a sample of the wines that will be sold at Sir Gregory's auction. Both of them are very thankful. 

Frostbloom Riesling

A pair of arms drape themselves around Mon's shoulders, and the sickly sweet voice of Herald reaches his ears when the cad points out that he too would very much enjoy a bottle of wine. Mon refuses to give him one, and Herald, bitterly disappointed, leaves the cafeteria. Joseph mentions his dislike for Herald, a sentiment shared by Mon, Branna and Marigold. Mon shares that Herald was recently sick, so Joseph suggests that perhaps Herald could be relocated to the worst room in the Palace. Mon heartily agrees with this idea, and Joseph states he will mention it to the hotel management. Branna tells Joseph to let the staff know they can use the excuse that the room must now be decontaminated.

While Branna and Marigold return to the Legendary to begin their shift, Mon heads out to Sidorov Manor with four wine bottles to offer to the Marquess of Sidorov. The walk there is uneventful, and Mon soon finds himself ringing the doorbell. Olehiv, the Marquess's butler, answers the door and invites Mon in. He tells the actor that the Marquess is not yet ready for visitors following the events that took place at Khoroshim yesterday, but she might make an exception for Mon. Mon tells Olehiv that unfortunately his time is very limited due to his appointment with Verushka, the Archduke's eldest daughter, and the Marquess should rest. He gives the wine bottles to the butler, and lets him know to tell the Marquess there will be plenty more of these at the auction Friday night.

Noticing that the butler had a tea set out and ready to pour, Mon mixes several blends of herbs into the tea, and asks Olehiv to take a sip. Olehiv looks dubious, but acknowledges after his first sip that this is fine tea indeed, and agrees to deliver it to the Marquess. Mon seems himself out, and on the way back to the Legendary he shadow steps part of the way.

Meanwhile, Branna's work is interrupted when Luba rushes inside the costume workshop in a panic. Mon was supposed to help her get their lunch date with Verushka ready, and he's nowhere to be found. With everything that happened yesterday at Khoroshim, and now this, Luba is freaking out. Verushka is scheduled to arrive in less than half an hour, and nothing is ready! Taking pity on the actress, Branna finds Marigold, and the three of them come up with a plan. Marigold grabs a prop basket, and she heads out to the nearest deli to purchase charcuteries. She also stops at a small corner restaurant and acquires light refreshments. Branna and Luba take a beautiful prop table and matching chairs from the furniture props closet, and take them to the center aisle of the theater. Branna places a pretty table cloth, then sets candles, a vase of flowers, silverware, and dishes.

Having returned from Sidorov Manor, Mon enters the theater and comes inside the performance space. Spotting him, Luba starts complaining to him that he's dropped the ball and left her in a lurch. Mon casts charm person on Luba, and successfully calms her down. He tells her everything looks fantastic, and they are more than ready to welcome Verushka. Luba tells him she's still feeling the stress of yesterday, and this is probably not going to go well. She tells him she saw the man who threw the device in the window of Khoroshim, and she had nightmares about it last night. The man was looking right at her, and seemed to want to hurt her. Mon recommends she talks with the Legendary's artists to get a poster made of the guy's face, so that this could be handed over to the city guard. Luba agrees to do so right after their appointment with Verushka.

A page boy runs inside the performance room to advise Mon and Luba that the Archduke's carriage has arrived. Mon, Luba, Branna and Marigold rush to the lobby just in time to see several city guards enter the lobby while a dozen more stand around the carriage. Following the attack on Khoroshim, it appears that the guards are taking no risk with the safety of the Archduke's daughter. Verushka disembarks from the carriage, followed by a very stern looking Dima, captain of the city guard. Verushka gleefully hugs Luba and gives Mon her hand for him to kiss. She tells them that due to yesterday's events, Dima will shadow her during their luncheon.

Mon tells them that the agenda for today is to see a working theater by taking a tour of the facilities, then eat while they watch the understudy's rehearsal of General Toptigin Cheats Death. As they walk around several of the Legendary workshops, Verushka expresses her admiration at the abilities of their craftspersons to create the illusions that make each play so unique. Mon attempts to mention Matviyko several times, but Verushka steers the conversation in different directions. She is very cognizant of many of the tasks needed to successfully run the Legendary, and she asks several knowledgeable questions of the folks she meets.

In passing, Verushka congratulates Mon and the others on the Legendary's upcoming tour to Sezja to perform Masha and the Bear. This comes as news to everyone, so Branna asks a follow-up question on what Verushka. She tells them she overheard her father talking with Sir Gregory three days ago. Sir Gregory told him that Sir Sergeii had reached out to him last week, indicating there was an opportunity to bring Masha and the Bear to the Grand Royal Opera, the premier theater in the capital in six weeks. Sir Gregory mused this was an excellent opportunity to showcase the strength of the Legendary's cast to the people of Sezja, and would prove to be lucrative as well.

They sit down at the dinner table Branna set for them, and as they dig in the food Marigold purchased, the understudies begin perfoming General Toptigin Cheats Death. The food is delicious, and Verushka is thoroughly entertained. During the meal, Mon doesn't eat much, and Dima notices. As Matviyko comes on stage for the first time, Mon keenly observes Verushka's reaction, but he does not notice anything unusual. 

Admiring the costumes, Verushka suggests that she and her friends would love to wear such extravagant and well crafted outfits. She muses that a masked ball held at the Legendary, where the local youth could rent a costume from the theater's extensive collection, would be an amazing and very well sought after opportunity. Marigold thinks this is an excellent idea, and Luba agrees. Marigold suggest that this could indeed be a very popular opportunity to bring young people back to the theater, and Verushka nods vigorously. All of her friends would enjoy such an event!

As the third act begins, the performance is rudely interrupted by the intrusion of several of the Cardinal's men, who carry a warrant for Matviyko's arrest, signed by the Cardinal himself. Matviyko is suspected of being responsible for the attack against Khoroshim yesterday, and they are under order to arrest him and bring him back to the Cathedral. Despite arguments that Matviyko was here rehearsing yesterday, the Cardinal's men are adamant they must take him in for questioning. If indeed Matviyko is innocent, he surely will be soon released.

Verushka implores Dima to intervene, but the captain acknowledges that the Cardinal's men have a valid warrant, and that Matviyko must go with them. Mon suddenly remembers a statement he made to one of the Cardinal's men yesterday, and assumes that this is the reason Matviyko is being hauled away. As Mon's understudy is being escorted by the guards, Matviyko yells "Verushka, do something!" 

With the mood now broken, Dima announces that it is probably safest for the Archduke's daughter to return home, and he sends for the carriage. Back in the lobby, one of his men informs him that there were twelve of the Cardinal's men here for Matviyko's arrest, which seems to be a wasteful use of resources. Unless, Dima interjects, they were trying to make a point, knowing that Verushka was here. The carriage soon arrives, and Dima and a much distraught Verushka depart.  

As he's standing in the lobby watching the carriage leave, Mon receives a message from Sir Gregory that he would like to meet with the actor at his earliest convenience. Luba decides she will go visit the artists, to see if they can draw the portrait of the man who attacked Khoroshim. Mon heads to the third floor and the corporate suite, where he is greeted by Ony, who ushers him into the office of the Legendary's owner. 

There, Sir Gregory apologizes for the abrupt end to Verushka's visit, but, armed with a warrant as they were, there is nothing he could do to keep them outside. Mon mentions Verushka's idea of a masked ball, and Sir Gregory is immediately intrigued. Perhaps they could do a differently themed ball once a quarter. Verushka could be approached, and she could be asked to serve as the host for the first one, which would guarantee its success. They agree that the name should be Legendary Masquerade, and they come to terms for a split of the profits, with Mon and Marigold each collecting 5%.

Sir Gregory then comes to his reason for meeting with Mon. He would like the actor to head to Verdant Estate, the ancestral home of House Stal, tomorrow morning, and offer its resident, Sir Paul Stal, a few samples to entice him to attend the wine auction that will take place on Friday. The man is a known recluse, but Sir Gregory thinks that Mon is more than able to convince him to attend. And with Sir Paul in attendance, most of the other nobles on Katarina will want to participate. Sir Gregory also suggests Mon should take a few friends with him to carry the wine bottles inside. Mon is to meet Sir Gregory's carriage tomorrow morning at 9 sharp, and Ony will drive him and his friends there.

As he exits Sir Gregory's office, Mon plans on moving the wine bottles he wants to kpee for himself ot a more secure location. Ony remarks that Sir Stal has not left his estate in over 13 years, and that Mon's task will be a hard one indeed.

As Mon descends the stairs to the second floor, he sees Luba sitting in one of the artists' studio, talking animatedly. Passing by, he notices that the portrait looks an awful lot like Captain Lafoy ...

Returning to the costumes workshop, Mon meets with Branna and talks about his task of delivering a personal invitation to Sir Stal, and he requests a costume that would make him look more aristocratic. Branna finds him the perfect costume, and after he gets measured and alterations are planned, he asks her if she would be willing to come with him tomorrow. Branna agrees. Mon then meets with Marigold and asks for a basket to transport his bottles of wine. He also asks her if she would join him tomorrow, and she agrees. Finally, Mon tells Lena about his trip to see Sir Stal, and she wishes him luck, considering the man is literally an hermit.

With his errands done, Mon prepares for tonight's performance, while planning ahead to tomorrow's meeting with Sir Stal...

Legendary Campaign - Mon's Deals

Friday, June 10, 1066 SE

With the arrival of the King of Sezja in a few weeks, the Legendary and its people have been busy. Over the last week, a friend system has been implemented when actors and staff travel to and from the Legendary. The personnel has been asked to wear only modest clothing, to avoid drawing attention from the Cardinal and his men. However, people have noticed that they have not been seen on the streets this last week. Word on the street from local employees of the Cathedral is that the men are preparing for the King's arrival by analyzing possible situations, determining some of the risks, and preparing countermeasures. Darker tongues whisper that they are instead planning a secret mission. The most outlandish scenario concerns a possible plot to arrest the Archduke and his family and transfer Katarina's rule to the Cardinal or a close representative of the King.

During the understudy rehearsal in the afternoon, Luba and Mon talk about Matviyko. Mon's new understudy has learned his lines very quickly, and he appears to be quite the gifted actor. In fact, he appears too good for someone who supposedly has no acting experience. Mon suggests that perhaps Matviyko is a plant, sent there to spy on the Legendary and its crew for the Cardinal or some other nebulous power. Luba agrees that it is possible, but unless and until Matviyko made a move, there would be no way of telling for sure. Mon ponders whether a spell could help.

Mon also mentions to Luba that he noticed Verushka had a strange reaction when she first met Matviyko. She seems to know who he is. Perhaps, Mon muses aloud, they could invite Verushka, the Archduke's eldest daughter, to the Legendary for a tea party and private rehearsal, and then bring the subject of Matviyko. Verushka might be willing to explain what she knows about the new actor. Luba enthusiastically supports the idea, and she agrees to send an invitation to the Archduke's daughter.

Sunday, June 12, 1066 SE

Luba meets Mon before the afternoon performance of General Toptigin Cheats Death, and she informs him that Verushka replied back, and she loves the idea. The first daughter suggested either Tuesday or Wednesday as dates, as her parents will be at the Winter Palace to prepare it in case the King requests use of the Palace in Katarina. Mon suggests that Wednesday would probably be better. Luba agrees, and rushes to send Verushka a reply.

 

Monday, June 13, 1066 SE

Katarina is in full cleaning and renovating mode. The Archduke has ordered that every building in town receive a fresh coat of paint and that repairs be done to present its best face to the royal crowd as the King's arrival nears.

Early that morning, Mon is stopped at the front desk by the Palace's clerk on duty, who advises him that the doctor has been here and found that Herald's isolation could now conclude, as the cad is no longer contagious. As a result, Mon has received permission from the doctor to return to his room. Mon inquires with the clerk if he can stay in his single room for now. The clerk confirms that he can for the next week or so, but that new crew members are coming in to help support the staff during the King's presence, and all the rooms will be occupied. 

Mon thinks that perhaps he could build himself a suite in some of the unused space in the Legendary. This space could then be converted to deluxe suites that some of the wealthier members of the cast or crew could rent, at rates cheaper than those for a town apartment, and which would provide them with better security since they would remain on campus. Thinking this is a good idea, Mon decides he will present this idea to Sir Gregory today, as the owner of the Legendary requested a meeting with him at the 10th hour.

Over breakfast, Mon, Marigold and Branna discuss the current situation and examine several possibilities. Perhaps Duhka could infiltrate the Cathedral and gather more information. She could join the kitchen staff and learn how many men are training and what they are actually training for. Marigold postulates that as long as she gets in, gathers information, gets out and doesn't come back, she should be relatively safe. No decision is made on whether this idea should be broached to the precocious ghost resident of the Legendary.

On the way out of the Palace, the clerk on duty gives Marigold a letter they just received for her. In a wrinkled envelope, she finds an invitation written in a halting and trembling hand from Captain Popov, inviting her and her friends on a boat trip out to sea around Katarina. He has the abalone she requested, and he would like to show them something he discovered.

While Marigold and Branna return to work in the Legendary's backstage, Mon heads to the head office on the fourth floor of the front building for his meeting with Sir Gregory. Arriving at 9:45, Mon is greeted by Ony, Sir Gregory's manservant, who explains that Sir Gregory has not yet arrived, but he should be here shortly. He offers Mon some pastries and tea, listing seventeen different brands of teas. Mon politely asks what the brands are, and Ony is more than pleased to list them all as he hands a small jar of tea to the actor at a time:

1. Celestial Elixir, an ethereal and light blend of moonlight-infused chamomile and starflower petals, creating a soothing, dreamy infusion generally enjoyed before bed but sometimes consumed in the daytime.
2. Dragonfire Chai, a fiery and robust blend of black tea, cinnamon, and red pepper flakes, offering a spicy kick reminiscent of dragon breath. Considered by many to be a great picker upper.
3. Enchanted Grove, a crisp and refreshing tea from the Sezjan mainland composed of fresh green tea leaves and hints of forest berries, invoking the serene essence of enchanted woodlands.
4. Mermaid Serenade, a smooth and graceful fusion of black tea and tropical fruits, accompanied by a subtle hint of ocean mist, as if serenaded by mermaids.
5. Phoenix Rising Herbal Blend, a full-bodied herbal infusion of cinnamon, cloves, and ginger, reminiscent of a phoenix's fiery rebirth.
6. Faerie Kiss Floral Infusion, a delicate and airy blend of rose petals, lavender, and elderflower, crafting a floral symphony inspired by the gentle touch of faerie kisses.
7. Kraken's Embrace, a rich and bold blend of black tea leaves, infused with hints of sea salt and blackcurrant, capturing the essence of the deep sea, and much favored by sailors in Low Town.
8. Unicorn White Tea, a tranquil blend of white tea with notes of apricot and elderflower, evoking the feeling of contentedness that comes from meeting a unicorn. Not that anyone has ever met a unicorn, but at least that's what they say happens when you meet a unicorn.
9. Starfall Chamomile, a calm and soothing chamomile infusion with hints of honey and vanilla, reminiscent of a starry night's peaceful descent.
10. Pirate's Gold Honeybush, a medium-bodied and earthy honeybush tea infused with wildflower honey, golden raisins, and a touch of caramel, capturing the essence of pirate treasures.
11. Gryphon's Graceful Green, a crisp and vibrantly refreshing green tea blended with hints of lemongrass and ginger, embodying the graceful spirit of the gryphon.
12. Enigma Elixir, a mysterious and complex blend of black tea, anise, and blackberries, creating a taste that hints at ancient secrets. Rumored to be drunk by conspirators before swearing allegiance to their dastardly plots.
13. Moonlit Meadows White Peony, a gentle white peony tea with subtle notes of wildflower honey and a touch of moonlit magic, evoking the serenity of moonlit meadows.
14. Sweet Dream, a velvety and soothing blend infused with creamy vanilla and the essence of rainbow berries, creating a dreamy concoction.
15. Phoenix Feather Mint Infusion, a refreshing infusion of peppermint and spearmint leaves, with a subtle undertone of lemon zest, reminiscent of a phoenix's plumage.
16. Leprechaun's Lucky Chai, a spicy and full-bodied chai blend with cardamom, ginger, and cloves, enhanced with a touch of Katarina whiskey, promising a dash of luck with each sip.
17. Enchanted Forest Berry Black Tea, a bold and fruity black tea infused with forest berries, wild blackberries, and a hint of enchanted forest magic, taking the drinker on a mystical journey through the woods with every cup.
    

Inspired by all of these choices, which is a change from the plain black tea served at the Palace, Mon assembles a custom blend, and offers a cup to Ony, who is immediately taken by the flavorful drink and by its smooth body. Ony suggests that Mon should present this new blend of tea to Sir Gregory, as it could become the Legendary's own house blend, generating new sales in the theater's cafe and in its gift shop. Mon puts a dab of alcohol in Ony's cup. Dubious, Ony has a sip, and reports that it tastes fine, but that as Sir Gregory does not drink, and in fact has an aversion to alcohol, perhaps Mon should refrain from presenting that particular combination to Sir Gregory.

Finally, about 10 minutes past 10, Sir Gregory comes in, hat askance, hair messed up, mustache not properly twirled. He apologizes profusely to Mon, and then requests that Ony join him in his office. Even with the door closed, Mon is able to overhear part of the conversation. It seems that money is tighter than even Mon suspected, and Sir Gregory has unkind words about an individual who is evidently trying to foreclose on the Legendary. The situation must be dire indeed for Sir Gregory to be this out of sorts!

Finally summoned to Sir Gregory's office, Mon enters a large room with a large desk and a plush chair in one corner. The desk is devoid of papers, mementos, or even of any object. Four comfortable leather couches are placed in the opposite corner surrounding a coffee table filled with newspapers reviewing the most recent play. The walls are covered with posters, advertisements, and portraits of famous actors. A door in the back of the room leads to a small bathroom. A cart filled with more teas and pastries stands near the main door. Sir Gregory directs Mon to one of the couches, and the theater owner sits on the closest couch to Mon. He presents him with a small gift placed in a box wrapped in powdered blue paper with a white ribbon.

Mon then proceeds to present two ideas to Sir Gregory. He explains how he discovered a cache of wine in an abandoned cellar, and some of this wine is rare and pricey. He suggests that a wine auction could be held, raising funds for the Legendary. Sir Gregory heartily agrees, and proposes a finder's fee of 20% for Mon. Mon then presents his idea of the deluxe suites. The suites would be single, so more valuable staff members would not need to share. Sir Gregory offers him another 20% from profits made on the suite, but Mon instead suggests that he could receive one of the suites, so that he does not have to stay with Herald as the cad is back. Sir Gregory finds the idea attractive, but wonders who would clean these suites. Mon suggests that each suite would contain enough space to have a small room for either a maid or a manservant to stay with the suite's occupant. Sir Gregory agrees this is a good idea. He tells Ony to notify Pavel and begin construction at once, after consultation with Mon and suitable spaces being found. Mon noticed that Ony's eyebrow raised at the mention of Herald's return.

Mon then presents his idea for a blended tea. Ony returns with two cups of tea, perfectly heated. Sir Gregory takes a sip and is immediately taken. He agrees this is a brilliant idea, and offers Mon another 20% of the profits. Sir Gregory will provide the teas for the blend, and Mon will mix them together. Now, all they need is a catchy name.

With business now concluded, Mon opens Sir Gregory's present. It is a pair of silver cufflinks in the shape of a seashell. These cufflinks are Shadowcloak cufflinks. The wearer can activate them to become invisible for 10 +1d10 minutes. The wearer can also use the cufflinks up to five times a day to teleport up to 60 feet through shadows. However, each cufflink will only work if both cufflinks are worn by the same person. Mon casually mentions that the cufflinks would also have been very noticeable had they been shaped like an oak leaf, but the remark does not seem to mean anything to Sir Gregory.

Shadowcloak cufflinks

Just as Mon is about to ask Sir Gregory another question about the Oak, the loud voice of the Marquess of Sidorov carries from the hallway into the reception area. Sir Gregory quickly gets up, and politely asks Mon to escort the Marquess away as he hides in his bathroom. Mon steps out of the office, and informs the Marquess that Sir Gregory just left, but he has a brilliant idea for her she might be interested in hearing. Taking her by the arm, Mon explains to her the idea of the wine auction and of the tea, and the Marquess is impressed and requests that Mon inform her of the most precious wine before it goes to auction, as she would like to purchase it to impress the King, as surely his Majesty will come to Sidorov Manor for an evening of great food and entertainment.

After revealing some tidy gossip about Kisa's kidnapping, Mon promises to have lunch tomorrow with the Marquess and Luba at Khoroshim at noon to tell the Marquess all about it, as she cannot wait to hear the story of the attempted kidnapping. With the Marquess now safely out of the Legendary, Mon gives one of the pageboys some silver to purchase a large bouquet of flowers and send it to Luba with an apologies explaining tomorrow's engagement. He tells the pageboy that half of the flowers should be red roses, half other flowers, which should suitably confuse Luba as to the meaning behind the flowers.

Looking for Pavel, Mon learns that the head carpenter traveled to Low Town to attend a wood auction for exotic wood for the Legendary's workroom. Returning to his room to get ready for the afternoon's escape on Captain Popov's boat, Mon runs into Herald, and manages to convince the cad to seek work in the Cathedral to gather information on an upcoming role Mon is writing. In exchange for 7 gold, Herald reluctantly agrees to Mon's proposal.

At the wood auction, Mon discovers that Pavel has already left after purchasing wood. The auctioneer is curious, however, as Pavel paid with a promissory note, which is unusual as the Legendary usually pays cash for its wood purchases.

Mon finally arrives at the dock where Captain Popov's Tall Tale is anchored. Marigold and Branna, who were already here, have been waiting for an hour, and Captain Popov is concerned they will miss the tide. Marigold brought a basket filled with sandwiches. As they sail out of the fjord, they talk about Matviyko, and Popov mentions that they could bring him down to the Anchor's Luck for some libations and interrogation. 

Popov captains his boat to the northwest corner of Katarina. While diving for abalone, he tells them,, he found an underwater tunnel that leads to a dry cave system, something Mon had previously mentioned he was looking for. He didn't go too far into the cave, as he didn't have a good source of light, and was worried something could happen and no one would know he was here. But now that they are here, he would like to explore it with them. Popov has two necklaces, the Rainwarden Necklaces, and he lets Marigold and Branna each borrow one of them. As the ship gets closer to the northwestern cliffs of Katarina, Popov regales them with the tale of his finding these necklaces.

Once upon a time, when the city of Katarina was nothing but a quaint village nestled on the edge of a cliff at the end of afjord, lived two twin sisters named Elena and Darina. Daughters of a rich steel merchant, the two were known throughout the island of Katarina not only for their beauty but also for their peculiar aversion to getting wet. Rainy days, which were as common then as they are now, were their worst nightmares, as they detested the feeling of water soaking through their hair and dresses, leaving them cold, uncomfortable, and wet.

One day, as a storm loomed on the horizon, Elara and Darina decided they had had enough. They were determined to find a way to stay dry no matter the weather. So, they sought the help of an enigmatic jeweler named Halina, renowned for her mystical creations marrying gold and magic.

The sisters explained their predicament to Celestia, who nodded thoughtfully, before agreeing to craft the twins a matching pair of necklaces that would protect them from the rain. After several weeks of laborious work, Celestia presented them with two exquisite gold necklaces, each adorned with a shimmering sapphire pendant. The gemstones were enchanted with a powerful spell, promising to keep their wearers perpetually dry, no matter how torrential the downpour.

Elated, Elara and Darina wore their new necklaces everywhere, reveling in the newfound freedom to enjoy the outdoors without fear of wet dresses and frizzy hair. They would stroll through the village on rainy days, heads held high, and dresses as pristine as a sunny morning, as people admired their ability to stay dry.

One sunny morning, the sisters were invited by their father to embark on a grand adventure—a sailing expedition tto the mainland to deliver a load of finely forged Kat steel. Excited by the prospect of discovery and adventure, the twins eagerly accepted their father's invitation, packing their finest dresses and donning their precious necklaces before heading out to sea.

As the ship set sail, the sun bathed the deck in golden light. Traveling through the fjord was breathtaking, and the sisters marveled at the vastness of the ocean as the ship emerged from its sheltered passage. However, as they ventured farther from the safety of their village, a tempestuous storm brewed on the horizon and moved quickly across the sky.

Soon, waves roared and lightning danced across the firmament as thunder made it nearly impossible for the twins to hear each other. The once-stalwart ship was tossed like a mere twig upon the furious sea. Panic surged through the passengers and crew as they struggled against the mighty storm.

Amid the chaos, Elara and Darina clung to each other, their necklaces glowing with a protective aura. At last, the ship could bear no more punishment, and it was sundered into splinters. Unfortunately, the two sisters did not know how to swim, and as the wreck began to sink, the sisters descended with it, their necklaces keeping them impeccably dry even in the heart of the raging storm.  The debris, along with the passengers and crew finally came to rest on the ocean floor, a silent graveyard of splintered wood and lost dreams. The once-bustling vessel had become a ghostly reef, and the storm had claimed the lives of everyone on board. 

Many years later, a lone sailor, while exploring the depths for abalone, chanced upon the sunken ship and the lifeless forms of the sisters. To his astonishment, he discovered them as if they had just been resting on the ocean's floor, with their dresses as dry as if they were attending a royal ball. He carefully brought each of them back to the surface, still enchanted by the sisters' beauty and the mystery of their perfectly dry attire.

Pondering how this could be, he noticed the necklaces and the glowing light reflected off the saphire. Removing the necklace from Elena's lifeless form, the sailor found himself completely dry, as if he had not just been dozens of feet under the waves. The sailor returned the bodies to Katarina, where they were buried in their fancy dresses in the Whispering Waves cemetery, a reminder that sometimes, magic could keep them and dry, but could not keep them safe.

As he concludes his tale, the ship anchors right above the underwater tunnel's entrance ...

Legendary Campaign - The Girl Who Haunts the Legendary

Wednesday, May 17, 1066 SE

With Marigold and Branna staying the night at Luba's house to help feel better following her arrest and release, Mon discovered that someone has traveled through a little-used secret passage underneath the Legendary's main stage. Following the passage, Mon travels up several flights of stairs. On the third floor, he discovers that a secret door leads to the hallway that connects all of the loges to the lobby, and, conveniently, the loge directly in front of the secret door is that of the Archduke's royal lodge. Keeping this in mind, Mon continues up the rickety stairs to the fourth floor, which leads to a hallway that parallels the attic of the main roof over the stage and back towards the workshops. The passage then climbs one more set of stairs, to reach a crawl space in the roof on the fifth floor of the building. Clearly this is a "recent" addition to the building.

At the end of the hallway, there is an old wooden door that has been condemned. A warning sign in block letters reads condemned, danger on it. The area is filled with dust, but as Mon takes a closer look he notices that it is unnaturally spread out, indicating that someone has recently spread dust around. As he gets closer to the door, he trips a wire that has been strung across the hallway, and a bucket of yellow paint comes down from the ceiling. Mon catches it before it spills its content. He cuts the wire, and carefully puts the bucket by the door. Opening the door, he carefully steps into the room, catching the second bucket that had been positioned above the door. He also places that one on the ground next to the door.

This windowless crawl space in the roof has been converted into a small living quarter. With the ceiling no higher than six feet at its apex, the room feels cramped but organized. A worn mattress lays on the floor, covered by a blanket that seems to emit starlight. Mannequins stand around the room, wearing outlandish outfits made up of clothes and items that have gone missing from the theater over the years. A table with two chairs is pushed against a corner. Children's drawings are pinned to most walls, and Mon recognizes many of them as representations of the leading actresses wearing their costumes for various productions. Another small door in the opposite wall leads out of this room, and Mon does not find any trap on that one. The room is currently empty.

Mon spots one of the mannequins that vaguely ressembles him, so he undresses it, then hides it. He then puts on the mistmatch outfit, before assuming the same pose. Since he does not need to breathe, Mon stands still, and awaits the return of the room's occupant.

Just before dawn, a child of about 12 carrying a small lantern enters the room through a second door built in what was previously a chimney. Wearing street clothes and a hat, the child takes off a backpack and a hat, revealing hair pinned to a head. Mon realizes that the child is a girl. She opens her backpack and removes a loaf of bread, a small wheel of cheese, fruits, and several newspapers. She also remove a sketchbook and pencils, and places everything on the table. She sets a trap on the chimney door, before taking some food and eats a quick meal. She then lifts her mattress, and takes a book. She writes a few notes in it, before placing it once again under the bed. She changes into night clothes, lays down, and is soon asleep.

Employing mage hand, Mon carefully removes the book from the mattress. He comes close to waking up the girl, but after waiting for her to fall into a deep sleep again he successfully takes the book. 

Quietly flipping through the girl's journal, Mon learns that the girl's name is Dukha, and she has lives up in this secret attic apartment for seven years. She originally moved here with her older sister Anya. Her sister left 18 months ago to meet someone, and she never returned, leaving Dukha alone. She has been fending for herself ever since. Over the years, the girls have learned all of the secret passages within the Legendary, and they have collected lots of gossip over the years. 

The journal shows a strong difference between Anya and Dukha's writings. The older sister was more interested in political intrigues, and she noted much information about the rich and powerful who attended plays, while the younger sister reported on clothes, the different performances, and gossip between the actors. Based on the journal, Anya was systematically spying on the Cardinal, and noted everything that he said at every performance he attended for the four years before her disappearance. Many of the notes indicate that the Cardinal mentioned an oak leaf to the men that were present in his private loge during one of the performances. Dukha, for her part, does not mention any specific rumor about Luba since her arrival last year, but it is clear that she has been watching her for the last year. Lots of the drawings in the journal shows the various actresses, but more than half of them are of Luba.

The journals also contain many maps of the Legendary and its secret passages. A secret exit emerges right across to the entrance of the Archduke's royal lodge. A passageway that connects to one of the secret hallways allow someone of smaller stature to crawl in between the 2nd ceiling and the 3rd floor underneath the Archduke's royal loge. Such a passage is also present under the Cardinal's private loge.

Mon takes the opportunity to copy those maps, before carefully putting the journal back under the bed. Before leading, Mon crafts a note for Dukha, indicating that he is his fairy godparent, and she ever needs help she can leave her green teddy bear on part of the stage where it might not be noticeable, with a note explaining what assistance she needs. He then carefully resets the trap Dukha placed, before heading down the chimney and emerging through an chimney cleaning access point in an abandoned basement filled with old set pieces.

Taking several secret passages, Mon eventually climbs a set of stairs and emerges by the set design workshop, where he runs into Pavel. The jovial man takes one look at him and explodes in laughter. Mon did not change out of the mannequin's outfit when he left, and he looks absolutely ridiculous. Mon explains why he's wearing this particular outfit, and, leaving the head carpenter, he heads to the costume department.  

Meanwhile, following yesterday's dangerous encounter with the Cardinal, Luba had been escorted home, and Marigold and Branna had agreed to spend the night with her. After waking up late in the morning, Luba makes them breakfast, then they all return to the Legendary. 

Branna and Marigold run into Mon, who is coming out of the costumes. He tells them about Dukha, and asks Branna to create him a stylized fairy functioning costume that looks like what he was wearing as the mannequin. He will use the outfit Dukha put together for when he returns with the green bear, if she ever leaves it for him. Mon considers that this incident has the potential of becoming a play. In his spare time he will write a script.

Armed with information about the oak leaf, Mon considers letting the Cardinal know that Herald is connected to the oak somehow. Perhaps he could leave a semi-hidden note in the Cardinal's private loge revealing that Herald plays a major role in the organization and should be thoroughly interrogated. He returns to the Palace, changes into his own clothes, and hides the costume.

Returning to the theatre, Mon receives a message from a page. The note is from Luba, and she invites him to the Warm Whistle at five for dinner, to debrief the events of the previous day and to properly thank him. Mon sends a reply back agreeing to the meeting, and as the page leaves, he realizes that the outfit he wears was very similar to the one Dukha had on when she returned to her apartment...

Oksana observes Branna building the costume Mon requested, and on the third time she mentions that it's a pretty hideous outfit she's working on. Branna tells her this is a commission, and Oksana gives her several suggestions to improve the outfit. Mon pays Marinka a visit. As head writer for the Legendary, Marinka is responsible for more than two third of the best performing plays shown at the theater in the last six years. He tells her of his idea, and she provides him with helpful feedback on how to improve it, including that a villain is needed to solidify the plot. She agrees to work with Mon, and mentions that once they have a rough draft in writing they could present it to Sir Gregory Tsaplin and see if he would be willing to commission the play.

In the late afternoon, Mon changes and dresses for his date with Luba. He spends some time cleaning Herald's side of the room, and he finds many love letters, from Lady Astral all the way to lowly serving wenches at some of the seediest establishments on the waterfront. He sorts them by category, and he plans on returning them without monetary compensation unless the woman is married, in which case he will hang on to them for now. Traveling to Blossom Boutique, Mon purchases a bouquet of yellow roses and irises from Roksolana, the owner. He then heads to the Warm Whistle, where he is warmly greeted by Nastasia. Luba soon joins him.

Luba gives him the silver bracelet with comedy and tragedy masks she had purchased at Gemstone Harbor. Mon remembers reading in Dukha's journal that though Ulan and Kisa are always looking like they get along swimmingly in public, they hate each other with a passion privately. He shares this information with Luba, who appreciates it, and they have a good laugh. He then escorts her home. Luba stands in the window with her cat Bahzen and waves at him before closing the window curtains.

Meanwhile, Marigold tinker some locks for the inventory so that items no longer missing. She protects the lockers that contain the props for the current and upcoming productions. She also fashions better locks for her and Branna and Mon's rooms at the Palace.

Branna visits the Anchor's Luck. She meets Captain Popov, and they get bread. The Captain's health is good, but luck has deserted him, and he owes a few pieces of silver to Ivan, the owner of the tavern. When Branna steps to the bar to purchase a few more rounds, she asks Ivan, who mentions the Captain's bill of three silvers is due. He also suggests that one of the Captain's friends may be cheating at cards, explaining the Captain's recent series of losses. They talk about what happened at the warehouse, and she mentions the disappearance of Anya. Captain Popov tells her he will start asking questions, but without more information he doesn't have much to go on. She pays the Captain's bill before leaving.

Before the next show, Mon wants to visit the Cardinal's box. He will sit in the Cardinal's seat, and see where he can hide a note for him to find, to cast aspersion on Herald.

Thursday, May 18, 1066 SE

After breakfast at the Palace, Mon looks for the green bear in the corner he indicated, but he does not see it. He works towards memorizing his lines for the upcoming performance of General Toptigin Cheats Death. He describes Dukha to Branna and Marigold. Branna for her part tells Mon about what she learned from Captain Popov. 

In the evening, Branna returns to the Anchor's Luck. Once again the Captain and his friends are by their favorite table, playing cards and drinking ale. A newcomer has also joined the group. Popov introduces Branna to Captain Alexy. Both of them served together in the Royal Sezjan Navy years ago, and they have kept in touch ever since. Branna tells Popov about Dukha and her circumstances. Captain Popov tells her that his feelers have heard the name, but that he needs more details to get more information.

On the way home, Branna hears two of the Cardinal's men talking about the Luba incident. They discuss how a powerful lawyer got her out on a technicality, but that  Sir Gregory's got a surprise coming soon and his lawyer won't be able to help him this time ...

Legendary Campaign - Luba is Missing!

 Tuesday, May 16, 1066 SE

Following the successful curtain call of Masha and the Bear, the cast of the Second Unit enjoyed a well deserved cast party, and a couple days off, while the First Unit completes its preparations for Opening Night on Thursday the 18th. This morning, a message was posted at the Palace and at the Legendary that the Second Unit would meet in the theatre's lobby at 11 am to discuss the upcoming production.

Mon is surprised that Herald has not returned to his room since the cast party Saturday night. The rogue left with a female friend, and has not been seen since. Mon silently prays that he will miss the call and perhaps finally be let go from the theatre. As he thinks about Herald, however, a suppressed memory sparks up in his mind. He remembers a warm summer day in his youth where he was playing with a friend of his outside, and the friend fell down a small cliff and broke his left arm and wrist. The friend's father had forbade Mon from ever being with his friend again, and though the two of them would meet in secret afterwards, the relationship was never the same. This also reminds Mon that though he used to enjoy keeping secrets, now he doesn't like it, limiting himself to only keeping necessary secrets.

Mon spikes Herald's wine to contribute to the rogue's misery and possibility that he will miss the call. Meeting his two friends in the Palace's cafeteria, Mon notifies Marigold and Branna of Herald's absense. They express concern that he is still involved with Lady Astral. Asking around, Branna finds that the closest estimate is similar to that of Mon, except that her reports indicate Herald was fairly inebriated at the time of his departure.

Marigold, Branna and Mon return to the Legendary, and since they have an hour or two before the cast call, they meander through the theatre, looking for signs of sabotage or for people who do not belong. With the First Cast busy getting the last touches done, there are a lot of people in the theatre they do not recognize, but all of them are accompanied by theatre personnel. They also do not discover any sign of sabotage or people or objects missing.

Visiting the secret passages that traverse the Legendary, Mon finds that someone has walked in the passage directly underneath the stage. This passage must have been used at some point to lift someone in and out of the stage, as there is a trapdoor directly behind the curtain. The equipment has not been maintained, and the gears that would facilitate the platform raising from the passage to the scene have not been greased in many years. The mixture of flour and dye that Mon used shows evidence that either a child or a halfling has walked through here multiple times in the last two weeks.

Mon reports his findings, and notes that his powder wears off after twenty or thirty feet. Marigold fixes this problem by concocting a mixture of her own. She mixes grease and a fine metallic powder and smears it on the door knobs of two of the doors in the less-traveled tunnels. Now anyone using these doors in the secret passages will leave a mark wherever they go, since her mixture does not come off very easily.

With the Second Unit crew and cast assembling in the Legendary's opulent lobby, Marigold and Mon split up, so they can watch the crowd as the cast list is announced. Branna stands with the rest of the crew. Sir Gregory Tsaplin welcomes everyone, and thanks them for a great run of Masha and the Bear. Due to the critical and financial success of the production, he is awarding everyone a bonus of 3 silvers. He then turns the floor over to Yurchik, who presents the next production.

Yurchik explains that the Second Crew will be presenting General Toptigin Cheats Death. This musical is divided in three acts:

• Act 1, a young wagon driver named Yamshik and his fiancee named Fedya are traveling back to their hometown after delivering bolts of cloth. They comes upon a battlefield where two armies recently fought. The battlefield is littered with the dead, with only a few wounded soldiers still alive. Among them is the great General Toptigin, hero of the homeland. Having cheated Death many times before during battles, the great general is grievously wounded, nevertheless Yamshik offers him a ride so that the great man is not left to the crows . So thankful, the General pledges any favor in his power to give. The three of them share stories as they arrive at an inn that night.
• Act 2: During the night the inn is visited by Death, who is here to claim the General, as he should have died on the battlefield. The innkeeper, with Yamshik and Fedya’s help, manage to disguise the General, and though hurt the General engages in a battle of wits with Death.
• Act 3: As Death comes closer to discover the General’s true identity, Yamshik realizes that he must sacrifice himself to fool Death. The General will not hear of it, however, and reveals himself to Death. In the climactic battle scene, the General is about to defeat Death, but not before Yamshik and Fedya are mortally wounded. The General tells Death that he will give himself up if Death will spare Yamshik and Fedya. Death agrees, but as it bends down to collect Toptigin's soul, Yamshik, in tears, tells the General he can’t go, because he owes him a favor and his favor is that the General remains in the world of the living. Confounded by this pledge and its consequences, Death departs alone, and the General cheats Death yet again.

Yurchik then pulls the cast list. All actors, including Herald, are awarded roles according to their rankings within the theatre. However, Yurchik poses before announcing that, in consultation with Marinka, the first author, Mon is appointed to the role of Death. His performance during Masha and the Bear was outstanding, and he is being rewarded with a bigger role. Vadim quips that it makes sense, as Mon already looks like a corpse.

While expressing reservations, Yurchik appoints Luba to Fedya's role, and he is more enthousiastic about appointing Vadim to the role of Yamshik.

With the roles distributed, Sir Gregory Tsaplin walks through the crowd and talks to everyone. He congratulates Mon on his upcoming role as Death. He asks Marigold if she could make some modifications to her bubble machine as he would like to use it at a future party at his estate. He also tasks Branna to make the costume for Death. After about an hour, the Legendary's owner departs with his manservant Ony.

After Sir Gregory Tsaplin leaves, the various Departments meet to strategize how best to approach this show. The work of setting up the play will begin tomorrow. Mon receives a copy of the script he will need to rehearse. As Death, he doesn't say much, but he is present in most of the scenes in Acts 2 and 3.

In discussions with the props department, Marigold says she hopes to recreate the sounds of cannons, along with the smoke, to make the battle scene for Act 1 look even more realistic. Branna will pull the costume of Death that was used three productions ago and will greatly modify it, so that it seems like a brand new costume for this production.

As Mon reviews his lines, he overheads Vadim and Ulan talk about Luba. Both of them whisper to each other, but with his great hearing Mon realizes that they are discussing the fact that Luba was not at the casting call. Neither was Herald, but nobody noticed or cared. Worried, Mon decides to pay the actress a visit. He knows where Luba lives, because he has followed her before, to ensure that she made it home safely. She lives in the west side, about 15 minutes away. Mon rushes to her house to let her know the casting news. He purchases flowers at the florist, with a sign that congratulates her on earning the role.

After knocking on the door and hearing no response, Mon explores Luba's small backyard, and he finds that the fire pit was recently used to burn letters. Examining the remnants, he discovers that they were most likey letters with what appears to be male handwriting. Luba's laundry is drying on the line, and no one seems to be watching. Mon picks the lock of Luba's backyard door, and enters the residence. Luba's cat greets him loudly, but after a perusal of the home Mon finds nothing amiss, and there was no sign of struggle. He leaves the cat behind, and locks the door before departing.

Mon travels to the Warm Whistle, where he is informed by Nastasia, the owner, that Luba was indeed here the previous day. She met with her agent, then left. She did say she was running a few errands, then would return home and spend the night with a good book and a bottle of wine. The owner says that Luba likes to reward herself after a production by purchasing a small jewelry at the Gemstone Harbor, so that's where she might have gone next.

Once at the Gemstone Harbor, Mon talks with Veronika, the owner. She is surprised that Luba would mist a casting call, and she worries that something might have happened to her. The actress did indeed stop by yesterday, and she purchased a small silver bracelet designed for a male. Veronika thought this was strange, because usually Luba lets her propose several different pieces, but yesterday she really had her eyes set on that particular bracelet. Luba paid for the bracelet and left with it in a small box. Veronika then proposes a silver necklace to Mon, which is very fine and of Elvish craftmanship. In the right light, it looks like mithral. Mon agrees to purchase the necklace. Veronika then mentions that Luba was going next door to the winery.

Mon thanks her, then heads next door. At the Kaleidoscope Winery, Mon learns from Viveka that Luba was indeed here yesterday. She purchased two bottles of wine, one red, one white, and she left them here. She had an errand to run in Low Town, then was coming back to pick up her bottles. She never returned.

Exploring Low Town, Mon comes across her broken parasol in the gutter of an alley a block and a half away from the Anchor's Luck. Hoping to find Captain Popov, Mon is informed that the Captain hasn't arrived yet, but several of the old timers saw the incident. The report that the actress was walking down the street yesterday when she was ambushed by the Cardinal's men. She put up a fight, but was eventually thrown in the back of a jail wagon, and she was taken uptown, presumably to the Cathedral. 

Mon rushes back to Legendary, where he finds Pavel. He informs the head carpenter of the events that transpired yesterday. Pavel tells Mon to locate Sir Gregory Tsaplin's solicitor, Sir Matviy, and ask him to intervene. Pavel gives the bard directions. For his part, Pavel will activate his network of relations in Low Town and see if he can gather more information. He will also send a message to Sir Gregory Tsaplin and report on what has been happening. Pavel instructs Mon to reconvene back at the Legendary at 4 pm.

Meanwhile, while Mon is running about town trying to find the actress, Branna looks for the Death costume. She discovers that the hood is missing, even though on the inventory it clearly shows that it was there when turned in to the clothes' archives. She locks what remains of the costume in her cabinet, and leaves a note for Oskana.

Marigold is working hard on props when she is interrupted by Ony, who talks with her about Sir Gregory Tsaplin's upcoming party and the role that the bubble machine will play. He would like bubbles that are different shades of blue, with a hint of green, and also once in a while yellow bubbles that look like lillies. Marigold inquires what the flower should look like. Ony does not know, but he will find out and confirm with her. Marigold thinks she could adjust the motor and creates more permanent bubbles.

Mon locates Marigold and Branna, and informs them of what has happened. Marigold gets some ball bearings and grease, in case they run into the Cardinal's men. The three of them then head out to the solicitor's office. Marigol notifies Nadie, the head of security at the Legendary of what happened to Luba, and Nadie agrees to spread the word that no one on the staff should be outside by themselves. They soon locate the office of Sir Matviy, Gregory Tsaplin's solicitor. They are greeted by Maria, Sir Matviy's secretary. Once in the solicitor's office. Mon explains everything. The solicitor orders his coach, and plans to head to the Cathedral. Mon stays behind at the law office, but Marigold and Branna will accompany him there.

Sir Matviy, Branna and Marigold are denied access to the Cathedral's offices at first, but after insisting they are taken directly to the Cardinal's office, a very ornate room larger than the Legendary's lobby. There the Cardinal readily admits that Luba had been arrested, but he pleads it was an innocent mistake. When asked why he had not released her, the Cardinal points out that she was hysterical, and he didn't want to release a distraught person to the street, where she could be harmed. Luba is soon produced, and she is released to Sir Matviy.

Back at the solicitor's office, Luba recounts her tale. She was walking in Low Town to meet a friend when she was viciously attacked by the Cardinal's men. She was taken to jail, where she was asked to strip and change into uncomfortable clothes. They also confiscated the bracelet she had bought for Mon. She was interrogated all night about an oak leaf, and about the dark oak leaf. She didn't know what any of this meant, but her torturers were vicious. Luba has bruises on her body to back up her claims. 

Luba also notes that she thinks she heard Herald while in the jail. Instead of being thrilled at playing the role of Fedya,  the actress is despondent and thinks about quitting and returning to Sezja. Mon bolsters her spirits, and she agrees to return to her home. Marigold and Branna will spend the night there with her, to make sure she's comfortable and protected. Mon mentions to Sir Matviy that Herald probably is in the Cathedral's jail, but unlike Luba, they don't have proof. The solicitor agrees to return to the Cathedral and investigate the matter further.

Returning to the Legendary, Mon discovers metallic handprints on the secret door leading towards the attic ....