As the young duke-to-be Absolom Lore contemplated his future, several things occurred to him. The first thing was obvious - who killed his father, and why? Next of course was the idea that whoever did that foul deed might make an attempt on him or his mother. Lastly, now that his uncle, Narom, had taken over teaching him how to be a noble, what was next?
Those questions would have to wait. Narom was outside waiting for him, so Absolom gathered up his possessions and headed out the door. As he passed through the halls that were once the safest in all of Morlania, he could not help but be a little sad. Father was dead, and Mother was scared. Narom and Absolom were on their way out of Linham accompanying a group of travellers that Narom had only recently described as “trouble.”
Just what happened to father? About the only thing that Absolom could get out of his mother was that as they were sitting at the tavern enjoying the birthday festivities, a halfling had suddenly leapt out of the shadows and stabbed father. Once, just once, but it was enough. “Father died quickly,” Mother had said. The subject was then closed. Mother got this look on her face that convinced Absolom that the conversation was over, and so he had let it go.
Why kill father? The Duke was liked in Linham. In fact, people really admired him. It was said he was the fairest and most respected Duke in Morlania, even more so than the Emperor himself. Perhaps that was it? Was the Emperor jealous of his father’s fame? That really made little sense. The one time that the Emperor visited with his father seemed to go well, and the two men were friendly with one another. It just didn’t make any sense......
“Absolom!” Uncle Narom seemed to be agitated. “Where is your mind boy? Keep focused on the task at hand young man!”
“Yes sir. Sorry.” Absolom always addressed his uncle as “sir” as his father had instructed him to do. “It’s a sign of respect.” Remembering his father’s words made Absolom frown.
“What is it? Why the frown?”
“It’s nothing sir. Really.” Absolom looked up at his uncle and smiled - well, at least the appearance of one.
Narom looked unconvinced but went about his business any ways. One last grab and pull at one of the straps holding the saddle on Absolom’s horse, and things should be ready for departure.
Absolom was looking around. “Have you seen our traveling companions?”
“No.”
“Oh, ok sir. Are we to meet them someplace then?”
“No.”
“Oh. Then how are we to find and meet with them sir?”
“I’ve no idea. I would suspect they will find us. Trouble usually does.”
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