Spring 1098 SR
"I hear," said Lord Kurlan, "that there are problems in the countryside. The people are said to be close to rebellion."
"Where did you hear that?" said Charlaine.
"I can"t say precisely, but rumours have been circulating for some weeks."
A servant walked past, and the baron snagged another goblet of wine. "You know how it is. These country folk have no respect for the nobility, and I wouldn"t put it past Andover to be goading them on."
"I"ve been to the countryside," said Charlaine, "and learned nothing of the sort."
"Nor would you," the man insisted. "You represent the very authority they disdain."
"Might I ask when these rumours first came to your notice, Lord Kurlan?"
"Months ago, now. At the time, I assumed it was the usual grumblings of the peasant class, but as
