Troubling Reports

Writers: Estelle
Date Posted: 7th April 2024
Series: The Hunt for Gil

Characters: Jayala, Corowal
Description: Jayala reports what the harpers have found out about White Hollow Hold to Lord Corowal
Location: Emerald Falls Hold
Date: month 8, day 4 of Turn 11
Notes: This takes place after "On Gil's Trail" and before Corowal's disappearance.

Jayala

On her return from the Weyr, Jayala found a reply from the Hold to the
message she'd sent, requesting a meeting with the Lord Holder.
Officially, it would be to discuss the postings of newly qualified
journeymen to the holds in Emerald Falls territory, but she had made
subtle hints that she had more information to impart. She was sure he'd
be interested in the number of guards being hired at White Hollow Hold
and the holder's plotting with his brother-in-law. With luck, she'd be
able to persuade Hold and Weyr to work together to end the conspiracy.
That might do much to repair trust between holders and dragonriders.

She arrived at the Hold at the time appointed, carrying an armful of
records. As she'd hoped, the guards and staff who met her were polite
but didn't seem interested in the visit of a master crafter, which must
be a common occurrence in the Hold. At least, she hoped, her rank would
mean she wouldn't have a long wait to see Lord Corowal.

One of the assistant stewards escorted the master in and announced the
her presence.

"Good day, master Jayala, it's a pleasure to meet you," Corowal gave her
a charming smile and polite greeting.

"Likewise, Lord Corowal. Thank you for seeing me," Jayala replied
courteously. "I've brought our proposed postings for journeymen in
Emerald Falls, but there was another matter I'd like to mention, if you
don't mind."

She took a seat and nodded her thanks to the steward, waiting until he'd
retired and closed the door before she continued. "We Harpers hear
rumours occasionally, and there's one I thought you should be aware of.
I've had some troubling reports about White Hollow Hold. It's a quarry
hold, in the southern hills."

Corowal nodded, his face showing nothing but polite interest. He was
very familiar with the Harper Hall's activities on collecting 'rumors'.

"I know White Hollow Hold and has been keeping an eye on it," Corowal
answered. "That one and Forest Spring Hold really give me a headache."
He has his own spies on various minor hold under his jurisdiction. He
was curious to hear what the Harpers had found out.

"Well, I'm not sure this news is going to help with your headache,"
Jayala said. "I've had a report from a trusted source that the Holder is
using prisoners to work the quarry. That was a surprise to me, since I
wasn't aware he had the Hold's permission to do that, and the harper we
have posted there made no report of it. What's more, some of those
prisoners claim to have committed no crime other than being holdless, or
getting behind on their tithes."

Corowal sighed. "No, they not have permission for that. Black Rock Hold
is only one in Emerald Falls' area that has the right to use prison
labour. They manage the Hold's prison and use them at mines," Corowal
replied. "And the prisoners sent to Black Rock have all been convicted
according to the law and the Charter." Corowal was quite firm about it.
He might be the supreme law-giver in Emerald Falls Hold and he has
always respected the Charter. It was the base for their justice system.
He need to take a closer look at what was happening there. The Holder of
White Hollow hadn't been openly hostile to Corowal's rule, like some
other minor holders. Which mean Corowal haven't had reason to
investigate him more thoroughly.

"What concerns me is why the Holder is doing this. By using prisoners he
doesn't have to provide more than basic food and shelter to his workers,
but any marks he saves, he has to use on paying guards to patrol the
quarry and prevent escapes. My source claims he's built up a large force
of fighting men, some of them former Emerald Falls guards." Jayala's
voice, harper-trained, was steady, but left no doubt of how serious she
thought the situation was. She knew that in the history of Emerald
Falls, there had been attempts to usurp the Hold from its rightful Lord
Holder before - the most recent in the time of Corowal's predecessor.
"It seems like a great risk for not much reward - unless he has another
use in mind for them."

"Indeed. Using prisoners aren't the most cost effective way to mine,"
Corowal agreed. He had red enough reports from Black Rock Hold to know
precisely how much it cost. "Prisoners are rarely trained to minecraft,
so you're also dealing with unskilled work force. One mistake and you
have mine collapse," He scratched his flit absently, his mind swirling
with ideas and scenarios. He need to send more spies into that Hold.

"Yes. I doubt the Holder is all that concerned with their welfare. And
I'm afraid that's not all." Though she didn't expect anyone would dare
listen at Lord Corowal's door, Jayala lowered her voice. She definitely
didn't want what she was about to say becoming hold gossip. "I've looked
into the records on that family, and they match what my source told me.
The holder's wife and her brother are related to the Emerald Falls
blood. If they're hiring guards, it may not just be to run the quarry.
They may think they have a claim to the Hold."

"Unfortunately, there's too many of those around," Corowal said little
sourly."My ancestors are know for spreading their seed around." Which
also applied to Corowal himself. The redfruit hadn't fallen far from the
tree.

The Hallsecond's lips twitched, but she kept her face straight. It
wouldn't be so amusing if the holders put their plan into action. "None
of them were chosen by the Lord Holders' Conclave to rule Emerald Falls,
though. If they do have any such ambitions, it would be wise to find out
and - put a stop to it." She paused. "The Harper Hall is ready to offer
what help we can."

"Thank you, master Jayala, I appreciate it, " Corowal replied.

"You're very welcome. We can keep each other informed of anything we
find out," Jayala suggested. She suspected Corowal might know more than
he was saying, if not about these particular plotters then about his
other relatives, and information was always useful. "Now, I suppose we'd
better discuss the journeymen postings before I leave?" She placed the
records she'd brought with her on the desk. "First, there's Master
Yarival - he's nearing retirement age, so I'd thought to send a
well-qualified senior journeyman to take over. There are a few possible
candidates..."

Last updated on the April 11th 2024

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