Free Ragnarock by Stephen Kenson Page A

Silverblade?"
    "You may call me Speren, Your Grace."
    "Very well, and you may call me Jaromar. We are all brothers here, after all." The duke dismissed the servant with a wave of his hand. "Do try the sausages." he said. "My cook prepares them specially."
    Speren looked down at his plate. The slices of sausage, poached eggs covered in creamy sauce, and roasted potatoes were hardly the sort of food he was used to at home. He found it a wonder that Jaromar maintained his emaciated physique if this was his regular fare. Speren took up knife and fork and began neatly cutting up the food while he talked.
    "Very well, Jaromar. My Prince, Jenna Ni'Ferra, has dispatched me on a matter of some . . . delicacy." he began. "Of late, word has reached her of the activities of a political organization in the German Alliance, an organization opposed to the interests of Tir Tairngire, a group known as Alt Welt."
    The duke dabbed at his lip with a linen napkin. "Yes, yes, I know of them. Political agitators opposed to the Reconstruction, though hardly of any great concern. I find it surprising that Prince Jenna would consider them any threat to the
Land
of
Promise
."
    "Hardly a threat." Speren said. "As you say, they are only a small group. But one of their political targets is Saeder-Krupp, and that is of concern to the Council of Princes."
    "Because of the dragon." the duke said with a distinct note of distaste, putting aside his fork. "Why does Jenna Ni'Ferra send her liege man to investigate something connected with Lofwyr? Surely the dragon has servants and watchers enough to deal with a problem in his own back yard."
    "I cannot say, Jaromar. I can tell you only what my Prince has commanded me to do. She requires more information about the organization, and I have been dispatched to gather it. I have been told that you have assisted us in the past, and I can assure you that she would be most appreciative of your help in this matter."
    Jaromar sat back in his chair and considered. For a moment, Speren thought he'd given away too much. Certainly Jaromar was suspicious, but as yet he had nothing to put with his suspicions to come to a conclusion, and there was a great deal more to be gained from cooperation than there was from obstinacy. Additionally, although Speren had not said so, it was well known that Jenna was no supporter of Lofwyr, nor was Jaromar. If the Prince wanted information on political dissidents opposed to Lofwyr's plans for European Restoration, it could only be as a thorn in the dragon's side. Speren, of course, had no such designs, but let Jaromar think what he pleased, so long as it got him what he needed.
    The duke's thin face split into an oily smile. "Of course, I would be delighted to assist the inquires of the Prince in any way I can." he said smoothly. "I have friends in other parts of the Alliance. I will contact them and see what I can learn that may assist you."
    "My thanks." Speren said, inclining his head in a slight nod. "First I will need whatever information you can provide about the organization's history and its known members."
    "Of course, of course." the duke said, with a wave of his hand. "I'll see that you're provided with whatever it is you require. Anything to assist Prince Jenna.
    I hope the information I have will be useful in fulfilling your duties, paladin."
    Speren speared a slice of sausage on his plate and raised it in salute of the duke.
    "I'm sure it will be, Jaromar. I'm sure it will."

7
    "Alt Welt." Trouble said. "German policlub, meaning 'Old World.' Supporters of a policy known as 'Europa Dividus,' keeping the nations of Europe separate and independent following the EuroWars. Fairly active on-line with information sites, various political tracts, and email lists to organize political protests, things like that."
    The team was settled into the small condoplex in Diisseldorf, going over the data Trouble had gathered on their target. Trouble stood near the head of the table in the small