The Board (6)

"I took us back to four days before the duel." responded IQ, "It should take us one day to get back to the tower, leaving us with three days to prevent the duel."

Echo, who had wandered over to a nearby tree, barked. Ingraved in the tree was another map, and on a stump next to the tree was sitting a small green pawn.

"I've figured out how I can blend in the best," Jila starts slowly, steeling herself for what she needs to say next. "But I n-need you help." Jila swallows hard and bites her upper lip.

"I'm going to make them believe that I was robbed on the road and possibly left for dead, and that I need help." Jila says, biting her lip to try to stay strong. "Rae, I need you to hurt me."

"Not really, but I can't think of any other way of getting myself into the castle." Jila wants to cry but she knows it won't help now. "They undoubtedly have all the servants they're ever going to need. And I'd never pass for a hired sword to travel with Chryse. This has got to be it. Can we just do this and get it over with before I Totally change my mind?"

"Last chance, Jila." Rae says firmly, shaking her head. "No games, no going back..." She trails off, tears in her eyes. "Look at you! You're bleeding! Your mouth..." Rae produces a handkerchief and absently begins wiping away blood from Jila's face.

"Fine." Rae nods. "Look..." She unshoulders her pack and pulls out a med kit. "A couple superficial injuries and a dose of THIS will have you seeming pretty out of it. And you won't be in pain. It's the best I can do."

Kay looked at Rae in disbelief. But, then felt bad for saying it when she saw the total remorse on Rae's face. It was obvious she felt bad enough for doing what Jila asked.

Once they returned, they had to litterally roll Jila's dress in the dirt, and once she put it on, make a few tears to coincide with the blood and bruises. This done, they had to make their entrances, by blending in. The Scoobs who were servants, hurried into the back door. Kay, knocked on the front door, and introduced herself as the new governess. And, just as she was seated to be introduced to the teenagers in the house, Rae comes running in from the kitchen, as if she had been there for years, saying frantically that there was a lady out on the path that looked like she had been mugged. This stirred the household into action as the front door was thrown open and the residents ran to help the poor lady in distress.

Rae exclaims, wringing her hands and doing an altogether good job of acting the role of a sheltered domestic. "What an evil time we live in when such a thing could happen on our Lady's very door-step!" She bends over Jila, double-checking for pulse.

Jila's eyes flutter open and she grins up at Rae. Her eyes are glassy, her respiration thready, her temperature high, her reflexes slowed, but this will wear off in a few hours.

"Well," the Lady Laurel De Maurier sighed, "these things DO happen, even in the most civilized realms. It is surely incumbent upon us to care for this poor child. Bring her to one of the guest rooms."

"As milady commands." Rae carefully lifts Jila up and carries her into the tower. She nearly drops her in shock when she sees the young Lady Raven staring at her through a door-way.

The girl, of course, totally fails to notice the resemblance, if one even exists outside of Rae's mind. "What happened..." she pauses, groping for Rae's name.

"Riv, milady." Rae supplies. "This woman was robbed on the road. Please send for a surgeon." Rae carries Jila up the stairs and deposits her on the bed to a guest room. She sets about double-checking Jila. "You realize," Rae asks, pulling back one of Jila's eyelids, "that you're going to be sleeping WAY better than any of us? You should SEE the servant's quarters!" Rae snickers and transfers Jila into a nightgown before tucking her in. "On the up-side," she adds as an afterthough, giving Jila's pillow a final fluff, "they don't seem to approve of beatings as a motivational tool."

"That is to say nothing that she can't recover from." The surgeon continues, not even noticing Rae. "Definitely she was beaten within an inch of her life, but by the grace of the gods, she will certainly recover." The surgeon turns to leave.

"They've bought it." Rae assures her. "They've absolutely no frame of reference to assume that her symptoms are anything save the result of a beating."

"Eight arns from administration, so... she should begin to recover in less than six. She'll be sluggish for a few days, but that's only to be expected given her 'ordeal'." Rae grins and races off down the stairs.

"If I've told you people once, I've told you a dozen times! It is not seemly for a lady to carry on in such a manner! I will have NONE of it while the Lord Daniel and his parents visit!"

"Ah, very good." Lady deMaurier nods. "Yes, very good. Make up a strong broth for her to drink once she wakes, then set about preperations for dinner." She hesitates. "What, pray, is your specialty?"

"Ah. Splendid. I'm told that young Daniel has a bit of a sweet-tooth. Perhaps we will include you among our wedding gifts." Lady deMaurier walks off.

"As milady wishes." Rae curtsies and returns to the kitchen. She notices another cook. "Our Lady's orders: prepare a strong broth for a sick guest."

...one of the servants openned the door, then went to summon the master of the house. When the lord of the house returned he quickly said, "I'm sorry but whatever you're selling we're not interested." and tried to close the door.

"not like me," Said #4 who was wearing a turben and some very colorful robes, "I am a professional astrologer. If there is anything I predict incorrectly you will get your money back...Here..." #4 handed him a hankerchief.

Jila nearly melts into the mattress. It feels so good to lie in a real bed. Not too many beds in this journey, but then again it seems that when the Scoobs adventure there is Rarely indoor sleeping. Jila feels her body and mind becoming more and more relaxed until she finally falls asleep.

Life goes on in the Tower. As each Scoob who has gotten themselves jobs in the Tower can find a few moments to sneak away from their duties they find Jila's room and peek in on her. Some stay longer than others but none stay long enough to get caught.

One of the last to check on her is IQ#7. As he stands in the doorway Jila stirs and wakes with a groan. The meds that Rae gave her are starting to wear off and the pain centers of Jila's brain are Very much awake.

Jila turns quickly to see who is speaking and a sharp pain travels down her neck and into her back. She inhales sharply, biting her lip. A tiny whimper escapes her even though she's trying to hold it back.

"Geez, I'm sorry Jila." Seven slips into the room and sits, ever so gently, on the foot of the bed. "I didn't mean to scare you, but if they hear you saying 'frell' or something like it they're going to start wondering. Even I know that Ladies don't talk like that here."

Seven, being ever the gentleman, finds Jila a handkerchief so that she'll stop using her nightgown sleeves to wipe her eyes. "You know, if you had asked me, I could have told you that your plan had some pretty serious consequences."

As the conversation drifts into generalities about Jila's aches and pains a light cough is heard by the door. It is the Lady Laurel politely disturbing the conversation. Seven gives a bow to the Lady of the Tower and excuses himself from the room.

"Well....." Jila didn't know whether it would be more prudent to lie or tell the truth. Yes, she was in Incredible pain but she didn't want to be made to stay in bed while everything happened around her. "I guess it's not as bad as it could be." *Yeah, Rae could have broken a Bone or two while she was at it.* (Mental Note: Give Rae a big hug first chance you get. She deserves it.)

"Please allow me to introduce myself." Lady Laurel carefully sits on the edge of the bed where Seven had been sitting just a short time ago. "My name is Lady Laurel. My husband, who you shall meet later, is Sir James Du Maurier, and this is our home. What is your name and what brings you out this way?"

"I am Jila.....” *Drenn, I can’t even think of a last name that sounds important. Well, just fudge it. * I have no last name that I know of but the people who raised me said that my parents, God rest their souls, were of high title. They also told me that their castle was south of here. I was on my way to find it.”

“Oh no, Lady.” Jila thought fast on her feet when it came to her friends. “I was traveling with him and some others for a time and we became friends. I took a different road than they did a short ways back and that’s when I was set upon by the group of thieves.”

“Why did they beat you so?” The Lady asks, quite concerned by this time. “You gave them everything you had didn’t you?” Any self-respecting Lady would, of course.

“Not really.” Jila lowers her eyes to look at her hands. “There was one piece that I just couldn’t part with but I didn’t think anyone saw me hide it. It’s in my slips.”

Lady Laurel reaches to the end of the bed and picks up the only clean slip that Jila ended up with. Jila takes it and from a hidden pocket pulls out the moonstone circlet that she took from the Tower in this Tower’s future.

“Milady.” Rae stutters meekly, well as meekly as Rae can manage. Caught running again. “I…I was just coming up to check on your guest. To make sure she was awake and alright.”

“You may proceed.” The Lady motions to Jila. “I shall be downstairs making ready for the evening meal. If you feel up to it we would be honored if you would join us.” Lady Laurel pats Jila leg lightly and then leaves the room.

“<chuckle> I hurt like Hell Rae.” Jila says quietly. She doesn’t want the servants to accidentally hear her rough language, or her admission of pain. Rae visibly cringes, and Jila reaches out and puts her hand on Rae’s arm. “Look Rae, I’m okay. You said so, the Surgeon said so. It just hurts right now. Can you give me anything to dull the pain?”

Rae brandishes a hypo-spray with a grin. "Somehow I figured that once the original wore off you'd be in serious need of a booster. Am I good or what?"

"I should hope so." Rae smiles. "The day I can't hurt someone and make it look convincing..." Rae snickers and gives Jila her shot. "What do you want for dessert tonight?"

"Astrologer was a good call. Since we know the trouble originally started in the tower, the two of you can take turns up there as needed." Rae grins and relieves a passing servant of a tray of food. "I'll bring this to the Lady Jila." She winks at Seven and returns to Jila's room.

what to do, since she had barely been introduced as the new governess, when all hezmana broke loose, she kind of felt at odds. So, she asked one of the parlor maids to show her the school room, and the room she would be staying in. Getting herself settled, she then found Jila's room, and peeked in. "Jila?" she whispered. Jila looked at her and grinned.

She finally settled on a soothing lullaby type of melody, making sure that the magic in it would help Jila rest and recover soon. The soothing music would also hopefully prime everyone's emotions and keep them from over-reacting.

A quick spell cleaned her hands as she rushed around the back to watch the new arrivals enter the castle. Fortunately, her actions were hardly conspicuous, as half the servants in the castle were also congregating to do the same.

"I forgot who...what...where I'm supposed to be!" Mouse answered with confusion in her voice. "I'm scared to death that someone's going to see me and ask who I am! What's my cover again?"

"You can do this, okay? 'Cause if you're going to crack up on me, you could blow everything and we could all end up in deep frelling drenn. We're putting our faith in you, Mousie. I am putting MY faith in you."

"Look, I was talking to one of the maids and she said that Raven and Daniel have been coresponding for years now. They've got a plan to meet. I know the when and the where. We can stop it."

"That's great." Jila climbs out of bed. And suddenly realizes that Rae's miracle cure isn't quite as miraculous as it seemed when she was still on her back. "Ooh."

"Close your eyes, deep breaths. It'll pass." Rae helps Jila sit on the bed, then walks over to the closet to find a dress for her. "Are we better?"

"Much..." Jila picks up the dress and begins pulling herself into it. Her time as Lady Laurel proves helpful as she works the complicated knots on the gown. "And I always thought these people were primitive..."

not quite sure what to do, now that she was settled into her room, she was met by Lady Laurel. Kay was surprised at how much she actually favored Jila. Not, sure what to do, Kay nodded her head to her and smiled.

"Good evening Miss Kayde, I trust you are settled. I apologize for the diruption upon your arrival. Have you met the children yet?" Lady Laurel asked kindly.

"Well", Lady Laurel responded, "Come along then, and I will introduce you to the children that you will be teaching. There is Chrystal(formerly Chryse), and Mary (formerly Mouse). Chrystal is very active, but, our little Mary is quiet and shy, like a little mouse." (this had Kay trying to keep from smiling.:

She would have rather ate with her friends, and felt panicky at the thought of eating a meal with these people and not knowing what to say to them. But, then, Jila would be there and that should help.

Lady Laurel directed her into what used to be a children's playroom, but, since the girls had grown to young teenagers, was transformed into their young sitting room/study room. As Kay looked around at the knitting baskets and books, and writing pens, she wondered what these young girls would think of cd players and telephones and mtv. Chrystal and Mary looked up politely and bowed when they were introduced to Kay.

The young girls were delightful and full of information, and gossip and giggles. In no time Kay found out that Sir Daniel and Lady Raven made goo goo eyes at each other all the time, and that Chrystal just knows that if she hadn't come up on them unexpectedly once, they would have been kissing. Quiet Mary admonished Chrystal saying that she knew no such thing for sure. And that she thought it was very romantic.

"Look Rae," Jila hikes up her skirts to mid-calf and starts back up the stairs. The slight dizziness hits her again and she reaches out to steady herself against the wall. "I hate the thought of this myself, and if they had decent BATHROOMS in this time then we wouldn't have to think about this at all, but they don't."

"Well fine." Jila giggles, making Rae smile Just a tiny bit. "I don't care who does it, but you'd better get me back to my room before somebody has to use a MOP!"

to go before we left." Rae sniggers, half-carrying Jila back to her room to get there faster. She's relieved to find that the castle actually has decent 'facilities'. She walks Jila in. "Yell when you're done. Or... if you need help." Rae lets out a sigh. "I'd forgotten that part of taking care of sick people..." she mutters, waiting outside.

The servant scoobs were lined up next to each other against the wall, talking quietly amongst themselves. Jila was at the table sitting up eating slowly. Chryse was softly playing more "happy" music tending more to the baroque (mathematically precise) music that encourages logical thinking.

a lovely pastry that Rae had helped to prepare for dinner, Kay was really enjoying listening to Chryse play. And her music was doing the trick. Even though the families assembled were doing the usual dinner chatting, they all looked as if they had something on their minds. Kay looked down the table at Jila, who still looked very sleepy despite her efforts to appear alert and friendly. At one point, when no one seemed to be looking, her head started drooping. Kay was beginning to worry. Dropping the fork she was holding on the floor, Jila looked down and quickly said, "Frell". Kay's mouth fell open. Jila turned ten shades of red, realizing what she had just said, and the people at the table gasped and looked at her in shock.

"Oh no," Kay thought. "Think quick Kay." "Umm, Miss JIla!" she said cheerfully. "Why I am thrilled to hear someone that knows the ancient language of Moyan. In all my studies I have seen very few people to handle the language correctly." Then, turning to the group at the table, Kay explained quickly. "Jila was expressing her gratitude in Moyan. A kind of thank you. Or job well done, so to speak. She must come from a very high educational background."

Lady De Maurier looked at Jila with new respect in her eyes. Granted, Lady Laurel was her oldest and dearest friend. And, she knew that Lady Laurel shared her desire to see Raven and Daniel together one day, but, this young lovely lady obviously was well educated. She even knew some language that the governess had pointed out. Why, she may even come from some form of royalty. She looked at Daniel to see if he saw any interest in the new guest.

when she notices the look that Daniel's mother is giving Jila. She KNOWS that look from personal experience, and she's not about to let things become that badly frelled just because Jila's been picking up some of her idiomatic tricks.

Rae rushes forward and catches Jila. *You listen to me very carefully, Jila.* Rae orders. *Daniel's mom thinks you're a good match for him! We can NOT let that happen. Can we?*

Sir Daniel humphs quietly in disgust. He has also seen this look in his mother's eyes before. It wouldn't be the first time that his mother, looking for a better alliance for their family, has called off a marriage. He would Not let it happen again. He liked Raven. They had exchanged a few letters and, even though he knew there was much more of her to know, this woman would be his wife. He didn't care if he had to elope with her, they would be married. He would find one of Raven's servants and send her a message to meet him later.

"Mother, Father." Sir Daniel stands, pushing back his chair from the table. "I am fatigued. With your permission I would retire to my room for the evening."

"You mustn't!" Kay says. Kay and Jila look at each other and cringe slightly. They know they must look completely Nuts for their outcry. Everyone looks to them for explanations.

"I'm sorry Ladies and Sirs." Jila begins nervously "But, Sir Daniel... uh, Ra-- (*RIV*) uh, Riv... Riven here, told me, uh, just this afternoon as she was helping me that, uh, she baked a special dessert.... in your honor." *Quick Rae, quick!*

"Back when I was being schooled." Ah, Jila knew the perfect stopping point for this. "Unfortunately I remember very little of the language, just a couple words here and there." Jila crosses her fingers under the table hoping that this will dissuade the Lady from the direction her thoughts were going.

At that moment Rae and the Scoobettes come back from the kitchen with the 'special' dessert. Doughnuts and cookies! Jila grins and shakes her head. That Rae!

The dessert was served. Rae recieved many compliments on her donuts. After dinner had come to it's conclusion some of the scoobs began cleaning up the mess, some left to prevent Sir Daniel and Lady Raven from meeting, and #4 went into the tower to prepare the horoscope.

#4 was suprised to find Lord Du Maurier there enjoying the view. The quickly started a conversation about astrology. After the sun had set, Lord Du Maurier off-handedly made the comment... "The moon is unusually bright tonight."

"I've done LOTS of things before. "Rae grins and pulls open the curtains. "You wouldn't believe them all..." she trails off and stares up at the sky.

"We don't want those two getting up there alone. SOMEONE needs to be there, and you've got a more valid excuse. I'll just nip off and find Original, then I'll report back to you. Here." She clips a comm onto his sleeve. "Let's not mess this up."

Not, of course, to the inhabitants of the Tower, but for the Scoobs. Trying to keep Lady Raven and Sir Daniel apart proves to be quite a task. Although....

'Ghost finds herself having a pretty good time with it. A chill in the air here, a whisper down the hall there. As she has told the Scoobs before, she rarely gets a chance to Be a 'ghost. And the Scoobs rarely think of her as one anymore. She's just one of the Gang now. So, off she goes in her transparent state to keep the two apart.

Meanwhile, on the roof, Four (or Seven, they keep switching places. I think it is Four) keeps Lord du Maurier busy. Stories of stars, and what they mean, and how they affect people.

"Hmmm," Lord du Maurier strokes his beard. "Yes, yes, good advice in any situation. Just out of curiousity my boy, what do the stars say for my wife?" Lord du Maurier gives Four his wifes birthdate, and Four checks out the stars again with his telescope, and once again scribbles and doodles on his parchment.

"What is it, lad?" Lord du Maurier hurriedly walks over to where Four sits. He looks down at the parchment. Thank goodness the Astrologer knew what all those pictures meant.

"Your wife, sir." Four sighs dramatically "How can I put this tactfully. She must let the wedding happen as planned, or Bad Luck will befall her."

*Well thank the heavens.* Four sighs for real this time. *Perhaps that will take care of that part.* With that accomplished, Four decides to find Rae and Seven, and find out if they've found #1.

kay has seen that the Ladies Chrystal and Mary are in their beds, and sets out to find the Lady Raven. As she comes around the corner she sees Lady Raven sneaking down the hallway and Jila's room door opening. !!Got Her!!

"I was Not sneaking." Lady Raven says vehemently, but just as quietly. "I was just.... practicing... walking though the halls without disturbing my guests. And anyway.... I was just going to see Lady Jila and make sure she is sleeping well."

"This really is not a good place to discuss matters such as these." kay says taking Lady Raven by the arm. "Why don't we go sit in Lady Jila's room so that she can be more comfortable while we talk."

The three enter Jila's room and make themselves comfortable. Jila pulls the cord that rings the bell to summon Rae (LOL!!), and in a few minutes there is a knock on the door.

"Yes ma'am" Mouse says curtsying again. Jila knew she'd never hear the end of this one. Of course, she was going to have some teasing of her own to do.

Soon, Mouse is back with the tea and cookies. Kay winks at Mouse as Mouse places the tray on the table. Mouse grins and then quickly tries to hide it.

"Jen," Jila says "if you are not needed in back in the kitchen right away, I would like you to stay. It would be silly for you to make the trip up those stairs again just for the tea things." (What a nice person Jila is. =D)

"Come Lady." kay says putting down her napkin, and standing. "I shall escort you back to your room. Jen, please come with me and help the Lady Raven make ready for bed." Mouse does as she is bid. Kay makes sure that she's the last one out the door so that she can say goodnight with no one else hearing.

kay and Mouse get Lady Raven back to her room and just about in her bed when a knock comes on the door. Mouse opens the door and curtsies quickly. It is Lady Laurel, and she carries a small wooden box in her hand.

"I have a gift for you." Lady Laurel says to Raven. She open the box and spreads the contents on the bed. "Please come and sit with me a moment." It is the dagger, the ring, and the bag of jewels that Rae found.

"Pardon me, Astrologer." Daniel says, clutching Seven's arm for the same reason. "I didn't see you coming. Uh, were you on urgent business?" Having regained his balance, he releases Seven's arm.

"Well yes and no." Seven releases Daniel's arm and steps back a pace. He has come to know that when someone asks That question of a person that Is walking quickly that there is Something they want. "Nothing that can't wait though." He also knows that Rae has Raegun with her and if anybody can locate #1 they can. "Was there something you needed?"

"Ifff you're... not...terribly busy." Daniel says. He hated not being able to talk to Somebody about the things that bothered him, and if the Astrologer was willing to listen..... Daniel leads Seven to his room and they make themselves as comfortable as possible in the sitting area.

"Let me ask you, Astrologer." Daniel quickly rises from his chair, and begins pacing the room. "What do your stars say about my marriage to the Lady Raven."

"Very good." Seven pulls out a parchment from his pocket. "I have already read the stars for you, and they tell me that you will be blessed by this marriage. But... the stars also fortell that you and the Lady Raven Must stay apart until the wedding." Seven sees Daniel face fall. "Yes, that's right. No meetings of any kind. Meals are another story. You must not let anyone believe that you are hiding."

"But my mother....." Daniel drops himself into his chair. "She looking at Lord James houseguest, Lady Jila, with that Look in her eyes again. She's changed her mind more than once on who I should marry."

"But dear husband." Lady du Maurier says. Sitting beside her husband she places her hand on his leg and looks at him lovingly. "That girl, the Lady Jila.... you heard her. She's has been properly schooled, so she Must be of royal blood. She even knows a foreign Language. She would make a much better match for our Daniel."

Lord du Maurier looks deeply into his wife's eyes. They are so beautiful... Her skin, like the softest down....And her voice, like a whisper on a breeze..... NO! He won't fall for this again. The stars have told that this marriage must be, and so it shall. He will Not risk it!

"No my wife." Lord du Maurier says standing and stepping away from his wife. "This marriage shall be. And furthermore, the stars have foretold of unfavorable events in Your future should you stand in the way of Daniel marrying the Lady Raven."