Earldom of Leicester

[Adamat]

Here live those of the noble house De Beaumont, currently led by Laurent de Beaumont, Norman Earl.

[Gandalfus]

William de Vassy begs for an audience.

[Adamat]

De Vassy is shown in by the guards.

[Gandalfus]

He bows low.

My lord de Beaumont... How fare thee this fine day?

[Adamat]

"Sir... De Vassy, was it? I must say i have a bit of a headache," the Earl replied, rubbing his head with one hand. "How are you, though?"

[Gandalfus]

He nodded.

Indeed, Sir William de Vassy my lord. I fare well enough, my lord, although England isn't exactly the kindest mistress.

[Adamat]

"Would you care to tell me about your problems, Sir? Or are these private matters?" De Beaumont sat up striaghter.

[Gandalfus]

He shrugged.

I have come to inquire about a number of things, my lord.

[Adamat]

"Ah, sit then," De Beaumont said, gesturing to a seat. "Now, what do you wish to talk about?"

[Gandalfus]

He smiled.

I wish to talk of our King.

[Adamat]

The Earl raised an eyebrow. "What about him?"

[Gandalfus]

He shrugged.

Do you have any past experience with His Majesty?

[Adamat]

"Not much," he admitted, "But my father knew his pretty well, i have been told. My grandfather fought at Hastings, a personal friend of William the Conqueror if the sources are to be believed. Why do you ask?"

[Gandalfus]

He shrugged, ignoring his question.

How fare your lands, lord Beaumont? Is all well?

[Adamat]

"Of course. The peasants have nothing to complain about, and the nobles even less."

[Gandalfus]

He nodded slowly.

Good. Thank you for your time, my Lord.

[Adamat]

"Ah, that was all already? So, what were these questions for?"

[Gandalfus]

He smiled.

They were for the king my lord. You have been measured, and found to be of fitting worth. That will be all, my lord... Unless you have other business?

[Adamat]

"No, nothing," the Earl replied. "I was unaware you were here on the King's business though, when you asked what i thought of the King and my peasants i almost thought you were one of those rebels you hear about lately," he admitted.

[Gandalfus]

He laughed.

You hear a lot about rebels? Whom from?