At the request of Erg and Endor, Lord Ernie and Lady Patti went to meet Lord Lynn at his fort to go over their roles together and establish a working plan between them. The three young dragons would have their ideal roles while keeping relatively safe from the main battles until their need arises. Lord Lynn could actively keep the central territory safe from attack and the masses could enjoy a freedom they didn’t have under Gundermire’s rule.
“Welcome, Lord Ernie!” Lord Lynn said smiling. “Lady Patti should be here shortly and we will be able to sit together tonight over dinner and talk. I trust your journey was a peaceful one.”
“Yes indeed it was,” Lord Ernie replied. “There is much to discuss between us. Together we should be able to come to a working routine. I am anxious to get started.”
“Let me show you to your quarters,” Lord Lynn said. “You can freshen up and relax before we get started. The captain here will be your aide. He will show you around the fort and provide you with whatever you may need to make your stay as comfortable as we can.”
“Excellent!” Lord Ernie exclaimed. “Maybe I can take a nap before dinner. I’ve been up since early this morning and it’s been a long ride to here.”
SD flew in and reported, “I saw Lady Patti’s coach and riders just up the road. They should be here in about half an hour.”
“We’ll be ready for her,” Lord Lynn said. “She too must have gotten up early for the trip. I’m glad that she will be able to rest for the night as well.”
“I’m anxious to meet this woman,” Lord Ernie said. “Erg has told me a great deal about her. This should prove to be an interesting night.”
Lady Patti arrived and was greeted in like manner. Almost immediately she had asked how the masses were controlled and what sort of ruling was established at the present time. She was told that the military would rule until they become established in their respective territories. She became irritated and demanded that they waist no time to position her as she wishes her command to take charge before the enemy does something to disrupt their procedures. Lady Patti was assured that they could start in the morning after they all have talked things over that night. All she could say was, “The sooner we get started, the better we will be. Let’s get the ball rolling.”
“Tonight, me Lady!” Lord Lynn said. “Everything is set for tonight. In the morning you can get underway to your new post. My soldiers will be able to guide you at that time.”
“A lot can happen in that amount of time.” Lady Patti said. “I prefer to get started right away.”
“There is much to go over.” Lord Lynn replied. “We need to establish our role to be able to work with you and Lord Ernie. We must also set our boundaries so as not to over step each other’s authorities. There is too much at stake to risk disputes amongst ourselves.”
“I don’t like it, but I don’t see getting around the issues.” Lady Patti replied. “I’m sure you have everything arranged for my stay. I would not like to seem impolite during our first encounter. Please show me where I may freshen up and rest for the meeting tonight.”
Two hours passed by and another team entered the compound with soldiers from the fort. Apparently this group was attacked just twenty miles away by Gundermire’s troops and barely was rescued before the Lady of the group was captured or killed. This too was Lady Patti. She looked very similar to the first Lady Patti by the description given to Lord Lynn just a few days before.
After confronting both ladies and establishing quarters for the new guest, Lord Lynn was left with a perplexing dilemma. Who was the real Lady Patti? Both showed the same concern for the other’s plot to disrupt the proceedings and fears that the enemy may try something else to cause disorder in the territory. Time was of the essence and there was no one there who have ever met Lady Patti before. Lord Lynn therefore sent word to Endor to see if he or someone there could help solve the mystery.
SD was chosen to deliver the message and see if she could fly the person in who could settle the dispute and bring order to the territory. Surely Endor would know who to send.
SD arrived at the castle shortly before sundown and gave Endor the message from Lord Lynn. Endor immediately asked around if anyone could identify her on sight. Not even JR had seen enough of her to make certain of the identification. Endor had only met her in passing and couldn’t be sure if he would know either. All the evidence leaned towards the first Lady Patti as the imposter, yet the real Lady Patti had similar demeanors. Endor decided that he should go and gave JR charge over the command with warning that an attack could be plotted for them during his absence. If he could leave straight away then perhaps he could solve the riddle and return before anyone could act. Off they went.
When they arrived, Endor asked to freshen up and get into one of Lord Lynn’s classier outfits. He thought that the real Lady Patti would be able to recognize him through the disguise whereas the imposter wouldn’t. Even if both didn’t recognize him he would be able to tell which one had been with the king in his court. Perhaps Endor would be able to recognize something familiar with one of them and be able to distinguish her as the true Lady of the court.
First Endor went unto the second Lady Patti and approached her as the administrator under Lord Lynn. He brought with him some tea and biscuits and sat to talk with her for a while. Endor had on a black jacket with a white shirt that had ruffles down the middle. His beard was neatly trimmed and his hair was neatly brushed out. In every manner he was a courtly gentleman who came with some refreshments and some news of how they were going to establish their true identities. Lady Patti greeted him courteously sat to talk with Endor.
“I have been to the king’s court many times, but don’t recall seeing you there.” Endor said. “Do you go there often?”
“Not every often me lord.” Lady Patti said. “When I do go I stay pretty much to myself until the king calls upon me. I’m afraid I don’t mingle very well. I wish now that I did so someone would be able to recognize me. I’m afraid that the king would need to be called in or the two of us be sent to the king to get the right person. That would give the enemy enough time to disrupt proceedings even further and further delay advancements.”
“Perhaps Endor could find away to get to the bottom of things without going to the king.” Endor said. “He is very clever and has been known to solve impossible problems. He should be here in the next couple of days. Perhaps he may even be able to identify you me lady.”
“Yes he may, if he can remember a passing face.” Lady Patti replied. “As I have said, I never mingled and I’m afraid I don’t have such a striking face. I don’t know how he will ever identify me without sending me to see the king himself.”
“That may be so me lady.” Endor replied. “It would be very unfortunate, but if that’s what is needed, then it will have to do. I had better go now. Do try to get some rest. In a couple of days Endor will be here and hopefully he will know what to do.”
As Endor left he spoke to Lord Lynn and told him that she put on a convincing story. It was true that Endor may not be able to tell them apart and a trip to the king may very well be the answer to the problem. “As the night is young,” Endor said, “I might yet find the solution. Let’s try the other Lady Patti.”
When they arrived at the door, Endor greeted the lady as with the other and said, “Hello me lady. I’m the Administrator here and have come with some tea and biscuits for you. I thought you might like to know that Endor will be here in a couple of days to help solve our dilemma.”
“YOU!” shouted Lady Patti.
Bewildered, Endor replied, “Me lady?”
“Don’t you remember me?” Lady Patti asked. “About two years ago, around the time of the hanging, you ran me down just outside the king’s chamber. Your robe was much different and your elf friend rudely pulled you away and you went off without so much as a “By your leave.””
“Yes me lady.” Endor said chuckling. “I do remember you. I am ever so sorry that it happened and yet I am ever so grateful for it too.”
“Why are you laughing sir?” Lady Patti asked. “I’m still mad at you. You can bet the king will deal with you personally. What is your name sir?”
“Me lady, I am Endor, your new boss.” Endor said. “Once again I am reminded that Everything happens for a purpose. We may not understand it at the time, but if we are mindful we will come to know it.”
“Please forgive me, me lord.” Lady Patti humbly replied. “It appears that my temper got the best of me.”
“Think no more of it.” Endor replied. “We can forgive each other. By this time tomorrow you can start your new position in your new home. Come, let us get started. Your first order of business will be to deal with the imposter. I’m sure you will be quite capable to handle the situation and relieve yourself of any frustrations you may harbor.”
“It will be a pleasure, me lord.” Lady Patti replied.