Riding Circuit

Writers: Suzee, Chelle
Date Posted: 15th February 2011

Characters: Sarban, Cresheon, Zaratha
Description: Sarban speaks with one of the minor holders about their problems.
Location: Emerald Falls Hold
Date: month 13, day 16 of Turn 5
Notes: Mentioned: Corowal

While Corowal was out inspecting the docks at the river and talking to
one of the boat captains, Sarban was riding around to the nearby cotholds
to check on everyone. The more distant ones would be seen when they
rode circuit every few months. Stopping at one of the older family holdings, he slowly got off his runner, seeing children outside.

Zaratha hurried outside when she saw the steward arrive on their
doorstep. She motioned for a drudge to take the reins of his runner
and curtsied a welcome. "My husband is in his study," she said "Would
you like something to refresh you?" she asked, offering to bring a
tray.

"That would be kind of you, Zaratha," he said as he allowed the drudge
to take his runner. Sarban wiped the dust off his clothing, then entered the place as he had done so many times before.

Cresheon sat in his office handling some hidework with his steward
when he heard the voices. He rose and came around his desk to hold his
hand out to Sarban. "Welcome!" he said with a smile. He saw his wife
pause in the doorway and then hurry off toward the kitchen.

"Well met I trust, Cresheon?" He hoped the man wasn't having any problems.
It seemed they had finally gotten Red Rush Hold running again, despite
everything. All he needed was another minor Hold to have serious issues.

"Indeed, well met Sarban," he said, indicating the chair across from him.

Sitting down, the Steward looked around the chamber and made himself
comfortable after the long ride. "So what do you have to report?"

Cresheon looked a little thoughtful. "I'm actually glad you came by
Sarban," he said. "We've been having a bit of trouble up on the high
meadow and I thought it possible you might have some ideas."

"Oh? What kind of trouble?" He listened intently, interested.

"Well it seems that though we've been grazing our herds up there for
close to twenty turns, one of the other holders is now disputing our
claim."

"Who might that be?" came his first question as he listened.

"Earendel and his sons," he said. "From Top Creek." Cresheon's herders
had been harassed and the livestock meddled with. Some of their beasts
had come up lame as well, though he couldn't really pin that on the
other holders' people. But it just made things a bit more suspicious.

Sarban frowned. "Has the matter been sent to a harper to mediate?"
That was usually his first question. The travelling journeymen handled
those sorts of things more often than he did, but if all else failed, he
would bring it to Corowal's attention.

Cresheon spread his hands and had the grace to look a bit sheepish.
"Not yet," he said, "We haven't had a visit since it came up. I only
mentioned it because you were here."

"Oh well that's fine. I'll make a note to tell the Hold's harper for next
time he rides circuit." Sarban scribbled it onto his spare hide. "Other
than that, everything's on target?"

"Thank you." he said. Then Zaratha peeked into the room with a tray of
her special pastries and a pot of hot klah. "Come in my dear."
Cresheon said and waved her into the room. She brought the tray to
her husband's desk and set the cups and pot between them. Then she
slid the plate of goodies nest to them and said "Enjoy" before
excusing herself.

He smiled after Zaratha, she had not been his choice of a wife. His
father had selected her for him, yet she'd become very dear to him.
He looked back at the steward. "Yes, everything else is on target."

"And your girls? Are you going to foster them?" Sarban knew they were
getting close to marriage age. If he could help with placement, he would.

"Yes," he said. "Not that Zaratha wants to let them go. Mothers never
do. But they're well in hand and will be good wives."

"Good to hear. We need good holders," Sarban said easily. "Well I better
get on the road, but I'll make sure to let the harpers know. If they can't get out here quick, we'll take care of it for you."

Last updated on the March 3rd 2013

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