Stowaway (3/6): Keeping It Quiet

Writers: Beth, Estelle
Date Posted: 10th September 2005

Characters: Enrizial, Reideen, Linmarta
Description: Reideen and Linmarta ask Enrizial for help in finding Reilina
Location: Emerald Falls Hold
Date: month 7, day 26 of Turn 3

The appointment finally came, and Reilina's parents presented themselves at the Lord Holder's office. Linmarta found herself fidgety and could not seem to stop wringing her hands. She resented Reideen's calm appearance as he knocked on the door.

"Enter." Enrizial usually wouldn't have had time for a private appointment with simple holders - not so soon, anyway - but the stated purpose of their visit troubled him. Another missing girl...he thought he'd seen the last of that problem when he'd dispatched the man who'd been responsible for so many "escapes" to the mines.

The holders entered, the woman visibly nervous and distressed, and Enrizial did his best to be reassuring. "You must be Reideen and Linmarta. Please, take a seat - I understand you have a problem with your daughter?"

"Yes," Reideen replied, "She disappeared yesterday, and my wife is certain that she managed to leave with the Harpers, as their boat set out yesterday."

With the harpers! Enrizial barely restrained himself from hitting his forehead in exasperation. He ought to have thought of that as a likely escape route. Usually the captains of the riverboats wouldn't dare cross him by allowing women to stow away on board, but the harpers had shown themselves his enemies.

"Your daughter is called Reilina, isn't she - the girl with the firelizard?"
His heart sank even further as he remembered that fact. The firelizard could have been useful to the Hold once it was properly trained.

"Yes, that's her." Reideen shifted uncomfortably. He'd hoped Lord Enrizial might not remember that connection. She'd been in so much trouble recently, he might not be willing to do anything for them. "She's just turned thirteen, my Lord. We fear for her safety without a man to protect her.We wouldn't have bothered you with this, but I believe you are the only one who can help us, now, my Lord."

"I promise you both, I will do all I can to restore your daughter to you.
They have had a day's start on us at least and the river runs swiftly, but they cannot go faster than a firelizard messenger. I'll send word ahead to one of my holders and give him my authority to search the harpers' boat for your daughter." Enrizial would have gone himself, but with the current animosity between himself and the Weyr he was wary of using dragonrider transport. "If she's found, she will be returned to Emerald Falls with a suitable escort."

Linmarta could no longer restrain herself. "Oh, thank you, my Lord!" she cried.

Reideen continued after her, "Yes. Thank you. We sincerely appreciate your willingness to help us despite the troubles our daughter has caused you. You can be assured that we will keep a _much_ firmer hand on her once she is returned to us."

"I hope so," Enrizial said severely. "She caused me a good deal of trouble in the matter of the firelizard egg, and needs to be taught her place in this Hold. But as long as there are no more...incidents after her return, we'll say no more about it."

"Thank you, my Lord," Reideen replied, a bit relieved. While Linmarta still seemed distressed, he had every confidence that Lord Enrizial would be able to get Reilina back to the safety and comfort of her home.

"In the meantime, it would be wise for you to keep this matter to yourselves. Perhaps you can tell people that the girl has gone to stay with relatives for a few days. In this way, her reputation will remain clear. I'm sure you know that if she was known to have run away, you might find it difficult to make a good marriage for her." Keeping the matter quiet would also benefit Enrizial - he did not need the girl's example encouraging others to attempt escape.

"Of course, my Lord." Reideen thought of the people who'd helped search for her the day before, and hoped none were gossip-mongers. Sensing that they'd been dismissed, Reideen and Linmarta rose, thanked Enrizial again, and left.
There was nothing more to be done. As they walked back to their quarters, Reideen put a comforting arm around Linmarta. "Don't worry. Lord Enrizial will have her back home as soon as possible."

Knowing it would do no good, Linmarta held back her doubts and simply nodded as though she believed him.

Last updated on the September 11th 2005

Welcome to Triad Weyrs!

Stowaway (3/6): Keeping It Quiet