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Tuesday, July 5, 1066

As Mon, Branna, and Marigold descend the stairs with Dhuka and Anya to join the rest of the Second Crew for breakfast at the South Gate Hotel, a mournful song greets them as Ioulia sits at the piano. Hennadii informs them that his morning’s food delivery has not arrived. Six days a week, a wagon filled with provisions arrives from the Whispering Market down by the docks and delivers enough food for the day. On Saturday, the wagon brings food for both days of the weekend. Hennadii and the cooks are putting together a small meal with leftovers, but the crew is upset and disheartened because they can't break their fast. Luba complains loudly that she can’t possibly perform her best at work on an empty stomach.

When Branna offers to help, Hennadii readily accepts. He tells her he sent a pageboy to alert Khrystyna about the missed delivery, but he received no reply. He quickly writes down a list of essentials, including five dozen eggs, several bags of flour, two crates of mushrooms, two crates of red peppers, sacks of potatoes, and several bags of fresh fruits. He hands her a purse containing enough silver to cover the purchases and asks them to head down to Riverside and talk with Khrystyna, explain the situation, and bring the food back to the South Gate Hotel. Branna asks Mon and Marigold to accompany them and bring back the food. Branna suggests they take Dhuka with them. The more they keep her occupied, the more she will be tired at the end of the day. At least, that’s their hope.

Coming down the Riverside Hill Road, they quickly locate the Whispering Market. It is a cramped store, filled with the scents of spices and the smells of the river. Khrystyna, the shop owner, greets them. Branna informs her that the morning’s delivery did not arrive. Khrystyna replies that she is aware others sent a message stating the deliveries were not received. She’s nervous about the situation, as the father-son teamsters who deliver to her have worked faithfully for her for over six years and have never missed a day. Khrystyna wonders aloud whether she should notify the guards.

Marigold queries the Whispering Market’s owner about the delivery route. Khrystyna writes down directions and lists the seventeen businesses she provisions. Looking at the list, Marigold sees that the South Gate Hotel is third from last on the list, before the Prince’s Garden, a fine dining restaurant known for its exquisite cuisine and quiet courtyard, and the Living Grain, a bakery and eatery popular for its fresh bread and stews. Before the South Gate Hotel, the teamsters would have delivered to the Ancient Oven, a restaurant famous for its traditional, clay-oven-cooked meats, and the Traveler’s Refuge, a reliable, simple inn just outside the city walls.

After taking the shopping list Hennadii handed Branna, Khrystyna assembles several boxes of provisions, containing everything requested by the South Gate Hotel cooks, except for red peppers, as they are all sold out. Now burdened with the food, they return to the hotel and find themselves ascending the hill much less pleasant than the way down.

Following their return, Hennadii and the cooks get busy, and within half an hour, a decent bread-free breakfast is served to the relief of the whole crew. While eating Mon discusses options to resolve this mystery. Perhaps he could turn himself invisible and follow the wagon in the morning to see if more food disappears. Dhuka perks up from her food and requests to join Mon on his adventure tomorrow. Branna declines but tells Dhuka there is plenty of adventure in the near future.

With breakfast now served, Hennadii informs the Second Crew that he will deliver a light lunch to the Grand Royal Opera after he collects more food from the Whispering Market. 

While altering some of the costumes, Branna wonders if Sir Sergeii will bring some of the critics with him today. She starts crafting a press release for the newspapers, laying it on thick about how grateful the crew is to perform in the beautiful city of Konstantina and how welcoming the city has been. She mentions the South Gate Hotel and its amazing hospitality. 

Dhuka strolls in and wonders when food for lunch will arrive, as she is hungry again. Looking at the clock, Branna notices Hennadii is over an hour late.  Herald, who is standing behind her, mocks her and repeats the same thing. Marigold casts prestidigitation, and Herald finds himself engulfed in a cloud of farts. Mon grabs the cad by the shoulder and casts vicious mockery on him. Herald manages to blurt that the lass he was with last night is interested in meeting him. Marigold tells Dhuka to follow her back to the South Gate Hotel. The hotel is quiet, with all of its guests currently at the theater. Checking in with the cooks, they learn that Hennaddi went back to the Whispering Market around ten, and he has not returned. Marigold sends a page to the Whispering Market to inquire whether Hennadii arrived at the market this morning, and requests an answer at the Opera.

Distressed, Marigold drags a cranky Dhuka back to the Grand Royal Opera, where they see Sir Sergeii has arrived. Joining Branna, Marigold tells Sir Sergeii of the morning’s events. The pageboy returns and reports that Hennadii never made it to the market. With Hennadii now officially missing, Sir Sergeii is concerned about the safety of the Second Crew. Before anything else, he offers to take everyone out to the Furry Rabbit, his favorite restaurant. The Furry Rabbit also experienced a delivery shortage this morning, but there is enough food left to make sandwiches for the crew. Sir Sergeii requests that they return to work by mid-afternoon, but for now, they have about an hour to eat and enjoy the city.

Using his time wisely, Mon rushes back to the Whispering Market. Along the way, he realizes a pageboy seems to be following him. Reaching the bottom of Rierside Hill Road, Mon rushes inside a business and hides in a corner. The pageboy stops in the road, looks around for Mon, but does not find him. Defeated, the boy turns around, and Mon uses the opportunity to sneak up behind him and grab him by the shoulder. The boy is startled and quickly admits he was hired by a stranger to deliver a note, then hands Mon a folded, sealed sheet of paper. Unfolding the note, Mon reads three simple words: Watch your back! He hands the boy three silver coins and tells him to notify him at the South Gate Hotel when he hears back from the stranger who hired him.

Returning to the Whispering Market, Mon questions Khrystyna as to whether she saw Hennadii this morning. She tells him no, she has not seen him. Hennadii is now officially missing. Khrystyna sends a pageboy to request the city guard. Upon the guards’ arrival, she and Mon inform them of Hennadii’s disappearance, along with the vanished wagon and its teamsters. The sergeant informs them that they will report the disappearance throughout Konstantina and that they are investigating it as a crime.

Meanwhile, Marigold heads to the North Portcullis Hotel, the delivery location just before the South Gate Hotel. The hotel’s owner acknowledges that food from the Whispering Market was not delivered this morning and that he had several angry customers as a result. He states he will complain to his alderman, and he vows never to do business with the Whispering Market again. Armed with this information, Marigold returns to the Furry Rabbit to collect a sandwich, figuring that the serving line has probably died down by now.

At the same time as her friends departed, Branna heads to the Konstantina Sun, where she introduces herself to the newspaper editor, Arseniy. He is out for lunch, but the clerk at the front desk directs her to Lady Amina Voloshyna, the art and theater critic, and, luckily for her, Lady Amina just returned from lunch. A message is sent, and soon Lady Voloshyna descends the stairs. Branna is suddenly reminded of the Marquess of Sidorov as the art critic walks towards her. Her mannerisms are similar. Branna introduces herself and delivers a copy of her press release. They talk about the troupe and the upcoming play. They also discuss the current political situation and the Second Crew's feeling of not being welcome in Konstantina. During the conversation, Lady Voloshyna drops several hints that she would love a dress rehearsal invitation to see the play before anyone else, and Branna dutifully invites her to the Thursday afternoon performance.

Lady Voloshyna tells Branna about the other newspapers in town. The Shredded Truth is the radical tabloid, more interested in sensationalizing the news than in reporting the truth. The Direct Voice fiercely champions the rights of the common worker, exposing unsafe labor practices, advocating for higher wages, and railing against the perceived decadence and indifference of the Royal court and the wealthy elite. The Academy News Reports focuses on deep cultural criticism, archaeological discoveries, magical theory, philosophical debates, and complex economic analysis. It avoids common political gossip, but its objective, lengthy articles often subtly undermine the government's positions by presenting inconvenient facts or history. The Merchant Quarter primarily concerns trade laws, commodity prices, tariffs, shipping schedules, and currency exchange rates. It is highly critical of any government regulation or social unrest that threatens the city's profit margins and flow of goods. Finally, the Mad Singer publishes experimental poetry, abstract art reviews, thinly veiled revolutionary manifestos, coded critiques of the monarchy, and highly critical, often darkly humorous, takes on high-society figures, with the aim of challenging the status quo.

Returning to the Furry Rabbit, Mon picks up his sandwich and heads to the fountain. Mykola is there, as always, feeding the seagulls. Mon sits near him, and it becomes quickly clear that Mykola does not remember Mon. He whispers to himself, “The iron hammer of the blacksmith sings a patriotic tune, but the gold it strikes funds the serpent's dinner.” Mon softly replies that “A missing cart makes for absconded meals.” Mykola looks at him and smiles. He questions the actor about who he truly is. Mon replies that he’s a slate that's been wiped clean, and he’s trying to discover what was carved there.

The conversation continues as Mon eats his sandwich. Mykola tells him to “Beware the stage lights. Sometimes, the shadow they cast is more honest than the actors.” He then digs in his pocket, retrieves a playing card, and hands it to the actor. Mon glances at it and is surprised to see that it is the 3 of Spades, one of the cards he is looking for. He feels part of his soul being restored. Looking at Mikola, it is clear that the old man does not remember giving him the card. Mon thanks him anyway, and he gets up to return to the Grand Royal Opera. As he leaves, Mikola says that “Every new key made in this city has a brother that opens a vault better left sealed.”

Back at the theater, Mon shows this new playing card to Marigold and Branna. They are suitably impressed that Mykola would have had such a card with him. 

At the end of the working day, the Second Crew heads back to the South Gate Hotel for dinner. Mon returns to the Royal Archives, where archivist Katiya informs him she has more books for him. Examining some of the books she has put aside for him, Mon comes across the Royal Census of 1050 SE, the year Princess Elara was born. On page 91, the record clearly lists all members of the royal household, including King Stanislas II, his wife, Queen Larysa, his daughters, Princess Darina, born in 1047, and newborn Princess Elara, and Prince Yegar, born in 1045. Servants and those attached to the royal house are then listed. However, an entry has been deliberately blotted out of the census. Carefully analyzing the document with Katiya, Mon is able to remove part of the blot and reveals that Anya Senior and her newborn daughter, Anya Junior, also lived at the Palace, with Anya Senior serving as wetnurse for Elara. The name of the father, however, has been simply excised from the page, and even a mend spell would only restore the paper and not the writing on it. Katiya will search the records to see who last consulted this tome. Mon copies the entry’s information and, upon returning to the South Gate Hotel, distributes it to Branna and Marigold. 

After dinner, with Hennadii still not back, Marigold summons a pageboy and asks him to fetch the guard. When the guard finally arrives, Marigold questions him on the happenings of the day, and he reports that, though he’s not at liberty to divulge information, a wagon was found burning in a wooded area in the Our Lady of Faith neighborhood. The wagon was empty, and no bodies were found nearby. However, a metal plate attached to the wagon indicated the cart belonged to Dmytro the teamster. The investigation remains ongoing, but so far, they have no clue what happened to Hennadii, the pageboy, or Dmytro, the teamster, and his son Ivan.

Determined to investigate the matter, Marigold, Branna, and Mon return to Riverside to meet with the driver’s wife, Nastia. Nastia is distraught that her husband and son are missing, and she tells them that the city guard returned the metal plate with the wagon’s number on it, which they found after the wagon fire was extinguished. Feeling bad for her, Branna invites Nastia to dinner tomorrow night with Lady Voloshyna after the dress rehearsal. 

As they return up the hill, they hear the sounds of a scuffle behind them. Two pageboys are fighting. The smallest one punches the other in the eye, and he takes off into the night. Branna intervenes and realizes that Dhuka has been following them since they left the hotel, dressed in her pageboy clothes. She’s upset that she was left behind again. She tells them that the pageboy just sent a note through another pageboy to the Coughing Raven, a tavern in St. Boris. 

Walking towards St. Boris, Mon suggests to Branna that perhaps Dhuka could intern with her parents at their shop to learn a valuable skill and stay extremely busy. Branna says she will think about it.

As they travel down towards the St. Boris neighborhood from the Walled City, they encounter a very inebriated Herald returning to the hotel. Herald is thrilled to see them. He tells Mon he’s just returning from a little place called the Coughing Raven, where he was hanging out with this girl Rouslana , who keeps asking about Mon. Learning that this is indeed where they are heading now, Herald joins them. 

The Coughing Raven is in a shady part of St. Boris, and appears to be packed despite the late hour. While Herald continues to the door, the rest of them hang back. A man coming out of the Coughing Raven accidentally bumps into Herald and pushes him angrily out of the way. Herald drunkenly staggers inside as the other man walks away. The dim streetlights did not prevent Marigold, Branna , and Mon from identifying this man as Tarashenko, the Cardinal’s right-hand man. What is he doing here? Tarashenko enters the carriage door of the building next to the Coughing Raven.

Using disguise self, Mon enters the Coughing Raven. The tavern is filled with smoke and patrons as alcohol flows. A band stands on a stage and plays music. Walking through the crowd, Mon sees Herald sitting with a redhead woman and a group of other people. Eavesdropping on the conversation, he overhears Herald tell the woman that Mon is coming, and he can’t wait to introduce him. Questioning the barkeep, Mon discovers that the woman is a regular named Rouslana, and she hangs with an unsavory sort. Mon purchases a bottle of Phoenix Blood and sends it over from a fan who saw him perform in Katarina.

Returning outside, Mon finds a pouting Dhuka who was hoping to come into the Coughing Raven. Mon promises her they will do something fun. Tarashenko and four burly men emerge from the building next door and head down the road laughing. Spotting a pageboy, Marigold pays him a gold coin to watch the building for the next day and report back to her at the South Gate Hotel on who went in there. Branna, Marigold, and Dhuka head back to the South Gate Hotel as the night is getting long.

Mon returns inside the Coughing Raven to spy on Herald and Rouslana’s conversation. On his return, he notices that Herald is now asleep, his head on the table. Rouslana is talking with the other folks sitting with her when Tarashenko pushes Herald aside and slides next to her. He asks her about Mon, and she reports that Herald is hoping to introduce her to Mon, but she hasn’t seen the actor yet. He tells her to keep trying and to let him know when she makes contact.

Mon returns to the South Gate Hotel, his mind abuzz ...

Sunday, July 3, 1066

Today is a church day. Hennadii is serving breakfast at 8 instead of 7, to give everyone plenty of time to eat, dress, and head to a church service. He helpfully posts a list of several church services within walking distance and provides a short description of each community and the preacher’s style. Folks are encouraged to attend services, but they are not mandatory. However, Hennadii suggests that those who choose not to go should enjoy a relaxing morning in the hotel and avoid leaving until the church bells ring again. Ioulia continues to entertain the Second Crew on the piano as she works on her new composition. Branna tells the Second Crew that this is a good idea, as some of the residents might negatively perceive their presence in town during church services, and rumors in Konstantina spread even faster than in Katarina.

Looking at the list, Branna decides to cross the Lavra River and attend church with her parents at St. Gleb's before going home for lunch. Marigold is intrigued by the proletarian orientation of the St. Boris Basilica and decides this is where she will go. Mon examines the list for any service in the name of the Raven Queen, but does not find any. He decides to travel with Branna. Luba considers all the options and decides to accompany Marigold. Dhuka isn't interested in going to church, and she loudly asks whether they will be doing anything fun after church, since she's tired of being cooped up in the South Gate Hotel. Mon promises her that he will take her and Anya around town after they return from St. Gleb, and maybe they’ll even have a picnic. 

Branna and Mon head to Riverside and catch a ferry across to St. Gleb. Walking to the church, she recognizes many of the congregation's members and soon finds herself in conversation with people curious to hear about her adventures in Katarina. Standing back, Mon observes the scene and takes notes of the various types of people, reflecting that this would make a good scene in a play. Ten minutes before the service starts, Branna’s parents arrive, and they are pleasantly surprised to see their daughter. Branna informs them that she and Mon would love to come to lunch after church, as she has many questions about the town’s social and political climate. They readily agree, and the four of them enter St. Gleb’s church.

The service at St. Gleb Church is exactly the way Branna remembers. The church is well-lit, featuring modern, clear glass instead of traditional stained glass, which emphasizes the community’s spirit of transparency and clarity. The overall look reflects its reputation as a haven for the city's more liberal thinkers, artists, and reformers. The atmosphere inside is one of calm contemplation and intellectual engagement rather than fire-and-brimstone fervor. The preacher's tone is inclusive and philosophical, focusing less on doctrine and more on ethical conduct and personal interpretation of faith.

Observing the service, Mon remembers that his family leaned more towards druidic traditions as professional fishermen. He recalls bits and pieces of the service, and as he compares his memories to what he is observing, he finds the St. Gleb church service to be unstructured and conversational. incorporating music from the folk tradition, and the readings are often drawn from parables or ancient wisdom texts, encouraging open discussion afterward. The preacher, a progressive scholar, delivers a measured and analytical sermon. The focus is on social justice, empathy, and challenging one's own biases, suggesting that true faith requires action to help the disadvantaged and that the church's role is to question authority when it becomes corrupt.

Meanwhile, Marigold and Luba experience a different service. Located in the St. Boris neighborhood, the St. Boris Basilica is dedicated to the patron saint of peaceful martyrdom. The Basilica’s Gothic stone structure is old and dark, cutting an imposing figure that overshadows the surrounding buildings. A large crowd stands outside the church, while the sound of a booming organ inspires the crowd with religious fervor. The congregation is primarily composed of the working class, including dockworkers and small business owners, as well as disenfranchised veterans. With the building filled to capacity, Marigold and Luba barely find enough space in a pew near the back. 

The interior is dark and filled with religious icons. Countless decades of incense burning have covered most of the ceilings with soot. The Basilica’s atmosphere is intense, devotional, and highly charged. The service is highly traditional and ceremonial. It features call-and-response chanting and dramatic rituals, invoking the strength and suffering of the martyrs. 

The preacher is a charismatic, firebrand speaker whose sermon is a dramatic confrontation with the city's corrupt powers. Marigold notices that he’s offering a rallying point for the poor and the traditionalists who feel betrayed by the current government. He preaches a populist message, directly railing against the new Excise Tax that starves the poor and demanding that the church fulfill its duty to protect the suffering. Designed to inspire courage and political resistance, his oration riles the crowd, and Marigold fears she’s witnessing the beginning of a riot. Their collective energy is palpable, and they respond to the preacher with enthusiastic shouts and signs of devotion, leaving the Basilica feeling galvanized to oppose the established order.

With the service wrapping up, Branna and Mon follow her parents back to their home for a light lunch. During the meal, the discussion centers on the Cardinal's political situation and exile, the excise taxes that are now crippling local merchants, and the increased military presence in Konstantina, foreboding a potential conflict. When Branna mentions the incidents at the Grand Royal Opera, her parents wonder whether the local theater crew is feeling professional jealousy or driven by some sinister force. They also mention that the script of Masha and the Bear should be gone through with a fine-tooth comb for any threat of independence on the part of Katarina, as it would not be well received locally.

Branna wonders whether it would behoove the Legendary crew to get interviews from local newspapers to promote the play. Her parents think it is a great idea, and they provide her with the names of several journalists and chroniclers she can contact.

On the other side of the Lavra River, Marigold and Luba return to the South Gate Hotel for lunch. Hennadii serves Marigold with several hafling dishes he researched and prepared, and the food is delicious. Noticing that neither Dhuka nor Anya is in the dining room, Marigold climbs the stairs to their room and finds Anya sitting by the window, looking at the Lavra River in the distance. Communicating through signs, Marigold soon learns that Dhuka left at the end of the church service to explore the city. 

Marigold decides she can’t wait for Branna and Mon to return to look for Dhuka before she gets herself in trouble, so she tells Anya she will search the city. Anya convinces the halfling to take her along. Marigold leaves a note with Hennadii at the front desk explaining the situation to Branna and Mon. Wandering the Walled City, Marigold and Anya see the sights, but after a few hours, they still haven’t located the child.

With their meal finished, Branna and Mon return to St. Gleb and take the ferry across the Lavra River. Coming up the Riverside Hill Road, they soon run into Anya and Marigold, and the halfling explains the current situation. Continuing their search, they soon come upon a public garden with a grand fountain featuring a beautiful woman carved in stone holding a raven. They immediately recognize Dhuka, who is sitting next to an eccentrically dressed, very old man feeding the seagulls. Dhuka introduces him as Mykola, informing Mon and the others that Mykola tells really interesting stories. Branna recognizes the costume was from the Regency period, 85 to 70 years ago. At the time, the King had died, and the Queen served as regent to her young son before he became of age to ascend the throne. The regency came to a tragic end as nobles rebelled and the Queen was forced into exile. The young son eventually became King Stanislas II’s grandfather.

Mon introduces himself to Mykola, and the man shakes the actor’s hand. Mon begins to talk with him, and Mykola tells him he’s lived in Konstantina for more than 90 years. He suddenly looks at Mon, before telling him that “A voice lost to the waters will one day return with the tide.” Turning back to the fountain, the old man returns to his conversation. Mon asks Mykola how he knows this information. Mykola replies that the fountain often whispers secrets to him. He’s been coming to this fountain for more than fifty years, and it always has something interesting to tell him. For example, he tells Mon that the fountain wanted him to know, “The woman from Katarina, they wanted her forgotten.”

They talk a little longer before Mon gets up to look at the fountain. Wondering if there is some sort of magic at work, Mon examines the fountain closely, but does not find any arcane influences on it. As Dhuka, Mon, Branna, Anya, and Marigold bid Mykola goodbye, the old man tells them that “The thrice-born child carries the Raven Queen's silence in their blood, for the cycle of the King's death only turns when her debt to the cradle is paid,” adding that “The lost voice of the Princess sings a tune only the Raven Queen can hear, for stolen breath is a toll paid directly to the void.” 

On the way back to the South Gate Hotel, Branna and Marigold scold Dhuka, telling her she can’t be wandering the streets by herself, as it is not safe. Dhuka complains that boys can be out in the streets, and that she should be allowed to as well. Branna replies that, unfortunately, life is not fair, and Dhuka must be more aware of her surroundings and not wander the city by herself. It’s too dangerous.

At dinner, the Legendary’s crew is joined by Sir Sergeii while Ioulia continues to work on her composition. Branna mentions reaching out to the newspapers. Sir Sergeii tells her it is a brilliant idea, and he will invite the critics to the dress rehearsal on Thursday. Branna informs Sir Sergeii about her parents’ concerns with the script, and Sir Sergeii tasks her to review the script and work on ways to soften any possible reference to independence. 

As they head to their room after a pleasant evening in the South Gate Hotel’s common rooms, Herald returns. He informs Mon he’s met a pretty lass and told her all about him. He soon passes out in his bed.

Herald returns, mentions he met a pretty lass and told her all about Mon, then passes out in his bed.

Meanwhile, on Katarina, King Stanislas II and his entourage attend the church service at the Cathedral and greet well-wishers, before heading to Thunderhead Down to enjoy the horse races

Monday, July 4, 1066

Mon witnesses: Herald departing early. Following breakfast, the Second Crew heads back to the Royal Grand Opera. In the morning, Dhuka is kept busy with theater business. 

Mon returns to the hotel at lunch to pray to the Raven Queen. He tells her what he has seen —the statue with the raven at the fountain —and that he plans to go to the city archives. He asks her for guidance on finding other cards to rebuild his soul.

While working on costumes, Branna re-reads the script and finds that the whole story has an independentist bent. She begins to jot down adjustments to the script. Masha and the Bear is a three-act musical play first performed by the Legendary Theater. The plot follows a young maiden, Masha, who gets lost in a forest and is captured by a bear. In Act 1, the play opens with Masha, a fair maiden played by the actress Luba, in the forest with her friends collecting mushrooms. She gets separated from her group and is ambushed by a bear, played by the actor Vadim, who takes her back to his lair.

In the second act, Masha learns how to live with the bear while plotting her escape. This act features beautiful songs and highlights the lead actors' performances. The final act begins with Masha convincing the bear to deliver pies she has baked to her parents. Masha hides inside the pie basket. Although the bear is tempted to eat the pies multiple times along the way, Masha tricks him by pretending she can see him from his lair. When the bear finally reaches Masha's village, he is chased away by a pack of hunting dogs, forcing him to abandon the basket. Masha emerges, happily reunited with her family and friends, and the show concludes with a final song.

When Mon and Marigold get a break, Branna shows them all of the problematic passages. Mon suggests they add iconography, and the bear is trying to take her away from religion. And the bear makes her work on Sunday. With some minor changes, the play could now be interpreted as a renewal of her faith. Marigold proposes that Masha could have been raised in a convent, and the bear kidnaps her from there. She can pray only when her work is done, and her work is never done. Branna adds that Masha could be collecting mushrooms with the other nuns from the convent, and the pie in the third act could be delivered back to the convent. When the bear is chased off, he is struck by the hand of God. Masha prays when the lightning is delivered.

Departing the theater after the day’s work, Mon heads to the Archives. He wants to research St. Olha and see whether she was associated with dogs or wolves. He also plans to research the royal family tree, as well as the losing side of the conflict 70 years ago. What happened to the losing queen? Are there any portraits that exist in the documentation? Is there a connection to St. Olha? Passing by the fountain, Mon stops and sits next to Mykola. During the conversation, Mykola tells himself that “The mirror on the wall, it shows only what you wish to see, not what is real.” He then breaks into song. Mon remembers this song from when he was a child, and he hums along.

At the Archives, Mon meets archivist Katiya, and requests several records on St. Olha and the royal family. She will look for a portrait of Queen Lyuba, who served as regent.

Looking into the Regency period, Mon discovers that when King Petro died, leaving his young son, only six years old, as heir, his wife, Queen Lyuba, was appointed regent. The Regency followed a protracted period of war with Natavia. The court and upper classes yearned for peace, stability, and beauty, something Queen Lyuba was able to provide, at least at first. The first part of the Regency is  characterized by high fashion, intricate design, and a focus on the arts. It was a facade of cultured elegance that masked deep financial and political rot.

Queen Lyuba herself was renowned for her refined taste and sought to restore the treasury's prestige through lavish patronage of the arts, theater, and construction. While this elevated Konstantina’s cultural standing, the constant stream of balls, fashions, and building projects widened the gap between the spendthrift capital and the struggling provinces. The standing armies and garrisons, essential for defense against Natavia, remained expensive and underpaid, fueling discontent among the veteran noble class.

The nobles' intervention was not a single, sudden act of treachery, but the result of two major, related grievances: Financial mismanagement and the sacrifice of security. Advised by a small clique of new financiers, Queen Lyuba began defaulting on the substantial war bonds owed to the old noble houses, whose wealth had bankrolled King Petro's final conflicts. To fund her extravagant court and cultural projects, she levied increasingly high domestic taxes on rural landholdings and commodity exports controlled by the provincial nobility. They felt the Crown was actively stripping their wealth to pay for silks and new basilicas.

To save costs and redirect funds, Queen Lyuba ordered a significant reduction and restructuring of the border garrisons guarding the Northern borders and the sea fleets protecting the trade routes. The northern frontier houses—who had the most to lose from renewed aggression—saw this as a direct betrayal and a reckless endangerment of their lands and people. They argued that the Queen was sacrificing the realm's security for the Court's vanity.

The combination of financial ruin and vulnerability to foreign threats galvanized the regional Dukes and Counts. The rebellion, led by Grand Duke Volkov (who later became Regent), was publicly framed as an intervention to “restore the King’s solvency and protect the borders” from the Queen’s reckless policies, resulting in her eventual forced exile.

Grand Duke Andriy Volkov's regency is generally remembered as a period of military stability and cautious rebuilding after earlier foreign conflicts.

Digging into a book on St. Olha, Mon reads the history of Sezja’s first Saint. Olha led her people, a devout and freedom-seeking community, to the remote, rocky island where Konstantina now stands. Shortly after their arrival, a vicious plague or magical blight swept through the nascent settlement. Realizing the disease was too potent and could spread to the mainland, Olha, their leader, made the terrible decision to seal off the island. She ordered the healthy to stay and tend to the sick, while she barred any ship from leaving, sacrificing their lives to save the lives of those on the continent. She was the last survivor to remain untouched by the plague. At the end, she stood upon the highest cliff, where she had watched the last of her people perish. Her tears of despair fell onto the black rock of the cliff, cooling instantly into the precious, jet-black stone, the Black Tears of Olha. This makes her not just a founder, but a martyr who traded her community's life for the safety of the greater Sezjan people.

Returning to the South Gate Hotel, Branna delivers the change in scripts to Sir Sergeii. And Herald comes back dishelved….

Saturday, July 2, 1066 SE, continued

As the Second Crew finishes its breakfast, a page arrives and delivers working notes from Sir Sergeii. He notes there are several differences between the two theaters. The Grand Royal Opera's stage is shallower in front of the curtain, but longer. The space behind the curtain is slightly larger, but, unlike the Legendary, the facility does not offer a second stage with the same specifications. As a result, the following arrangements have been made. The Legendary’s crew will have unfettered access to the Grand Royal Opera from 8 am to 4 pm every day until Thursday, then they will have full access for the entire weekend. The following week, the schedule will switch and the crew of the Grand Royal Opera will work during the day while Masha and the Bear is performed at night. Sir Sergeii then mentions that until opening night, breakfast will be served at the South Gate Hotel every day at 7 am, while dinner will be served at 6 pm. Lunch will be provided as a brown-bag, or folks can partake of the many restaurants and eateries in the old city at their own expense.

Following this hearty breakfast and sending both a message and a letter to Lady Sirenko about Verushka and Matviyko, Mon, Marigold and Branna walk with the rest of the second crew to the Grand Royal Opera. As they walk, Marigold voices the concern that even though the cargo arrived and all items are accounted for, some props and costumes might have been damaged in transit. Branna is worried that they will need to figure out how to stage the costumes and equipment while another production is occurring in the evening. Perhaps they need to touch base with Maksym, the Grand Royal Opera's stage manager, and figure out a plan of action to ensure that the conflicts between the two productions are minimized.

Returning to the theater, they are greeted by Marta, the theater director, and Maksym. Marta reiterates that the Second Crew should be able to enjoy the facilities and have access to all spaces. She tells them that arrangements have been made and that the local staff should be obliging with any reasonable request. If they encounter roadblocks, they should inform her immediately so she can address the issue and resolve it. Maksym listens to Marigold and Branna’s worries, and he tells them he will have several carts on wheels that can be used to store props and costumes. These will be lockable and can be moved on or off the stage when needed. Marigold agrees it’s a good compromise. With no more questions, Marta tells them she will check on them periodically, but once again reminds them to notify her as soon as possible if a problem arises.

Mon joins the rest of the acting crew, and he experiences a memory about how his family stored their fishing boat for the winter. He remembers how the boats were lifted in the boathouse through a system of ropes and pulleys. Perhaps they could do the same with some of the props, lift them up in the fly tower and drop them down when needed. He makes a mental note to present this idea to Marigold. 

Meanwhile, Marigold and Branna meet with props and costumes to see how those local departments stage their own equipment. Folks working in props are thrilled to work with Marigold, and after spending time discussing and complimenting each other’s props, they soon exchange trade secrets. Their workflow is similar to that of the Legendary, and Marigold is convinced she will be able to make this temporary relationship work. For Branna, things don’t go as smoothly. The costume department’s workers are polite and efficient, but she finds them rather distant and cold. Their costumes are decent, but lack imagination, instead adhering to fashion standards Branna remembers from her youth. She will be able to work with them to repair any costumes that need attention, but it’s clear they won’t become friends.

It soon becomes clear that, for the most part, local theater workers are upset at having to share the space with the Legendary's crew. Laborers are essentially interrupting the actors' rehearsal as it occurs by moving equipment, painting the scene’s floor, or generally making a nuisance of themselves. Not wishing to rock the boat, the actors obligingly move out of the way of the laborers and make do with the various interruptions. Branna takes measurements of all of the actors to make sure costumes still fit, and she notices that Luba has gained some weight. Branna speculates that perhaps the actress might be pregnant.

Near the end of their first day at the Grand Royal Opera, Marigold stumbles upon a conversation between two of the local stagehands. Remaining partially hidden and unnoticed, she sees that the two of them are bickering in whispers, so they are not overheard. She recognizes Oleksandr, an older stagehand, and Kostya, a younger man, both of whom were introduced to the Second Crew earlier in the day. Oleksandr seems frustrated at a pile of ropes and props from the Grand Royal Opera’s current production. He tells Kostya that the rope is frayed and that the paint is still wet. Both of these elements make the stage a more dangerous place. Kostya sneers and tells the old man that they’ve been told to help, but most of the locals agree to do only the bare minimum, adding that it’s not up to them to ensure the Legendary’s success while in Konstantina. Oleksandr replies that the Legendary’s troupe is a group of professionals who deserve a proper stage and, more importantly, a real welcome from fellow theater workers. Kostya tells Oleksandr that the workers will give the Legendary’s crew a show they won’t soon forget, before smirking and walking away, leaving Oleksandr to grumble to himself as he tries to find a replacement prop. Marigold makes a note to mention this situation to Sir Sergeii when she sees him at dinner tonight.

A little after four, Marta walks through the theater while striking a metal triangle, letting the second crew know that it is time for them to depart for the day. She also mentions that she’s sending a handful of tickets to the South Gate Hotel for some of the second crew to use tonight. As they leave the Grand Royal Opera, Branna tells Marigold and Mon that she would like to go see the show. Stopping by the box office, Branna requests a program about the Grand Royal Opera’s current production, the Iron Will of Sezja. 

Reading through the brochure, she discovers that it is a three-act opera of grand scale, celebrating the resilience, faith, and patriotic spirit of the Sezjan people through a story steeped in Sezja folklore. The opera's music is a powerful blend of traditional Sezjan folk melodies and soaring, dramatic classical orchestration. It's a conservative piece that extols the virtues of tradition, family, and national unity in the face of foreign threats. Branna begins to read the text aloud to her friends as they walk to the South Gate.

The opera opens in Act 1, the Gathering Storm,  with a picturesque Sezjan village, where the annual harvest festival is in full swing. The people sing of their love for their land and their deep connection to its history. The central figures are Oksana, a beautiful and virtuous maiden, and her fiancé, Taras, a strong and noble blacksmith. Their love is pure and tied to the land. The arrival of a foreign scout, a member of the invading Horde from the North, shatters the festive mood. He is a menacing figure, arrogant and dismissive of the villagers' traditions. He demands a tribute of their grain and announces that the Horde's army will soon arrive to claim their land. The villagers are terrified, but Taras refuses to submit. He rallies the people, urging them to fight for their freedom and their way of life. The act ends with Taras and the village elders, armed with farm tools and ancient knowledge, preparing to defend their homes.

In Act 2, the Whispering Woods, Oksana, distraught by the thought of war, seeks guidance from a wise Liesha, a forest spirit who lives in the sacred forests surrounding the village. The Liesha tells her that their will is a reflection of the will of the land, and that true strength comes not from iron, but from faith. Meanwhile, the Horde's general, a cunning strategist, leads his army through the dense forest, believing the villagers to be an easy target. But the forest itself seems to conspire against them. The trees twist, the paths vanish, and the air becomes thick with disorienting whispers. Taras and his men, using their intimate knowledge of the land, perform a ritual to call upon the spirits of their ancestors. The spirits answer, and the forest comes alive, with root-like hands grabbing at the invaders and trees blocking their path. The climax of the act occurs when Taras confronts the general. The general mocks him for relying on superstition, but Taras demonstrates the power of their belief. With a powerful aria, Taras channels the energy of the land, and the general's sword shatters against his simple blacksmith's hammer. The invaders, demoralized and defeated by the unseen forces of nature, retreat in disarray.

In the final act, Act 3, the Dawn of Freedom. returns to the village where the people, battered but not broken, sing of their victory and the power of their faith. The Horde's general, humbled, returns and offers a truce, recognizing the unyielding spirit of the Sezjan people. He offers to form an alliance, recognizing that they cannot be conquered. The opera culminates in the wedding of Oksana and Taras. Their union is not just a celebration of love, but a symbol of the nation's renewal. They sing a final, powerful duet, an anthem to their iron will and their unbreakable connection to their land. The final scene shows the villagers, their faces filled with hope, standing proudly under a rising sun, their freedom secured by their faith and patriotism. The chorus swells, and the curtain falls on a tableau of national unity and eternal hope. 

Hearing this description, Marigold expresses concerns that their production of Masha and the Bear might be too colorful for the more conservative scene of Konstantina. She suggests that the second crew evaluate whether the folks who attend the theater here should be dazzled by the brightness and glitz of their production, or whether they should focus more on their storytelling skills and let the crowd enjoy the acting and costumes at the expense of the scenery. Marigold proposes that the chorus should blend more in the scenery than they did for their Legendary production.

Marigold and Branna head back to the South Gate Hotel, while Mon walks to the Royal Library and Archives. Climbing the majestic steps to the stone building, Mon sees that the building is closed for the day. A wooden sign by the main entrance indicates that the Archives are open from 8 am to 6 pm every weekday. The Library is open from 8 am to 8 pm six days a week. Wandering back to the South Gate Hotel, Mon does some window shopping and stops at the Luthier’s Harp. Owned by Yevgen, the store features instruments for sale, a space for crafting and repairing instruments, and a backroom for private lessons. Mon hears music coming from the practice room, with the voices of children. Ringing the bell on the counter, Mon is greeted by Yevgen, who inquires as to what the bard might need. Mon wonders if Yevgen has a lute, a pan flute, and a dulcimer that are lightweight, travel well, and not too flamboyant.

Yevgen selects three instruments, and right away, Mon is impressed both by the quality of the instruments and by the way they match exactly what he requested. Taking the lute made of a luxurious rosewood, Mon plays a simple melody and brings a tear to Yevgen’s eye. The owner is suitably impressed with Mon’s talent. The pan flute is made of a dark wood that is thin like a sheet of paper, yet hardy enough to handle musical mistreatment. Noticing he’s attracted an audience, with three children now watching him, Mon tells the children a story while playing the pan flute, and his performance is incredible. The bard rivets the children. Yevgen then hands him the dulcimer he selected for him.

The dulcimer is crafted from a seasoned combination of maple and rosewood, with well-worn strings that tell the story of every road it has traveled. As he plays it, the instrument sounds like the rhythm of a journey and the clatter of a long road. Mon is convinced he found three decent instruments. Conversing with Yevgen, Mon exchanges tales, and Mon tells him he’s always seeking knowledge. Handing one of the students the lute, Mon encourages her to play it. Using his bardic inspiration, Mon helps the girl’s performance, and she ends up playing better than he did. The girl immediately drops the lute, but Mon catches it before it hits the ground. The girl’s face betrays her fear that she’s been possessed, as she knows there is no way she’s naturally this good a musician. Mon purchases the lute and offers it to the girl, telling her that her performance was inspiring, but she was not possessed; instead, he thinks his earlier playing might have inspired her. He also purchases the pan flute and the dulcimer.

Yevgen then mentions the Jenken Ensemble, a series of stone statues about an arm’s length in height. He owns three of them, and he’s looking for the other six. He would be willing to pay a high price for each of them. Mon tells him he will keep an eye out for them. His business concluded, Mon returns to the South Gate Hotel. With Herald not in the room. Mon places the dulcimer in the extra-dimensional space in his suitcase. 

Back at the South Gate Hotel, the crew discussed Marigold’s findings. She makes a speech about the locals not being helpful and that the second crew needs to keep an eye on the local workers. She suggests that the scenery should be toned down. The folks who will be attending the play are here to see the actors; they should be the true stars of Masha and the Bear. She then mentions Kostya and him being out of sorts. Sir Sergeii, who arrived during the meeting, agrees with the changes in color, and he also offers five tickets to tonight’s performance of Iron Will of Sezja. 

Following the meeting, a tasty dinner is served by Hennadii, the proprietor. Ioulia, one of the second crew’s musicians, is playing music in the dining room, and many times she stops and jots down notations on her score. Marigold, who is interested in finding semi-precious shops, queries Hennadii, and after a moment or two, he mentions the Golden Griffon, located uptown near the road heading down to St. Boris, and the Sezjan Sparkle, situated in the wholesale district of St. Boris. The Golden Griffon is renowned for its intricate, mythical beast designs and high-end pieces, which are favored by the nobility. The Sezjan Sparkle is a more modern shop that specializes in the wholesale of precious and semi-precious stones, while also offering cutting and setting gem services. Its works are popular with the city’s burgeoning merchant class.

After dinner, Marigold convinces Mon to come with her to visit the two shops. There’s still an hour of daylight, and the streets are safe enough at night with the constant patrols, so she’s not too concerned about their safety. 

They first travel to the Golden Griffon, where Marigold speaks with Vika, the owner. The shop specializes in rare forms of quartz, howlite, cinnabar, and the black tears of Olha. The Black Tears of Olha are a type of gemstone, volcanic glass found only on the island of St. Olha, where Konstantina was founded. It's jet black and said to be formed from the tears of the city's founder, St. Olha, mourning the loss of her people. It's used in mourning jewelry but is also said to offer powerful protection against evil spirits. Marigold purchases several gems.

They then leave for St. Boris, to visit Sparkling Sezja. They soon noticed that they are tailed by Branna and Dhuka, who, when spotted, complains of being cooped up in the South Gate Hotel all day and is ready to go to work. Sparkling Sezja is owned by Ihor, and specializes in stones such as ceruleite, femimorphite, friedelite, xonotlite, and sezjite. Mon experiences a memory related to sezjite. Sezjite's primary colors are cerulean, sky blue, and deep navy, often interlaced with thin, thread-like veins of silvery-white or shimmering gold. These intricate patterns are said to resemble the shifting waters of the Lavra River under a changing sky, from a clear day to a brewing storm. The stone has a soft, almost velvety luster when polished. It is a favored stone for local jewellers, particularly for pendants and rings. It is also carved into small totems and talismans, which are often placed in homes or on boats to protect against misfortune. 

Mon remembers his mother telling him the story that, according to local legend, sezjite is a gift from the River God of Lavra. It's believed that the stone captures and holds the peaceful, flowing energy of the river. Wearing a piece of sezjite is said to bring a sense of calm, improve communication, and ensure a journey is safe and prosperous. It is a popular gift among families and lovers, symbolizing a love as deep and true as the river itself.

Struck with this memory, Mon commissions Marigold to create a talisman made from one of the sezjite stones she purchases from Ihor. Branna and her friends then check out the textile warehouse and find several bolts of cloth that would be very helpful in crafting new outfits. After having a conversation with the shop owner about the quality of buttons, Branna agrees with Mon to make a coat filled with buttons.

Dhuka then notices a bakery. She drags Mon there, and she purchases a couple of honey-soaked pastries, sugar-dusted buns, and candied fruits that look too beautiful to eat. Next to the bakery is a small paper and stationery shop, where she sees a journal with Dhuka’s name embossed in gold on a red cover. Concerned that the book might be a trap, Mon carefully examines it but finds no evidence that it is anything but a journal. The clerk tells him that he can embroider any name on any of the journals. Mon selects his name in black on a light-blue-covered book. Dhuka also chooses a pale rose book and writes Anya’s name on it. Branna selects her name in peach on a deep green reminiscent of the forest. Marigold doesn’t want a journal.

Emerging from the warehouse district, they realize three unsavory youths are following them. Mon tosses them three gold coins and tells them this is a down payment; he might call upon them at some point.

Meanwhile, on Katarina, the doors of Verdant Estate are opened to the public for the first time in decades as everyone is invited to tour the gardens and enjoy light refreshments. In the evening, Sir Staal hosts a black tie dinner...

Tuesday, June 28, 1066 SE, continued.

As the Cardinal’s Blessing and the Zhytomyr’s Siren travel the Katarina Fjord, fast-moving storm clouds soon block the sun, turning everything gray nd damp. Winds blowing from the west swell the waves, and the ships are propelled forward as the rolling vessels exit into the sea. A curtain of heavy rain catches the ships as thunder and lightning strike in the distance. 

Marigold, like most of the second crew, is affected as the ships pitch in the storm. Luba is particularly vocal about her discomfort, informing everyone she’s unhappy and is surely dying. Igor, captain of the Cardinal’s Blessing, requests that all passengers stay below deck as the meteorological conditions worsen. 

Out at sea, the Tall Tales is also affected by the roiling seas. Dhuka is green around the gills, so Mon uses lesser restoration to make her feel better. Anya is not significantly affected. Popov mentions to Mon that this storm is unnatural and will worsen before the night is out. Spotting the Cardinal’s Blessing in the distance, Popov expertly maneuvers his small fishing boat and comes to the side of the much larger passenger ship. Rigging a rope across both ships, Mon tells Dhuka and Anya that they will travel in a harness across the vessels every time the Tall Tales finds itself on a wave. Anya seems resigned to her fate, but Dhuka tells Mon she looks forward to this new experience, even if it seems a little scary. Mon assures her he will jump in the water to rescue her if something goes wrong.

Seeking to escape the lamentations of the folks below, Branna and a much maligned Marigold make their way to the deck despite Captain Igor’s request. They spot the Tall Tales next to them on the port side and notice that Anya is about to cross in the driving rain. As soon as the Tall Tales crests the wave, Mon pushes Anya across, and she is caught by two strong sailors who unhook her before sending the harness back across as the Cardinal’s Blessing reaches the top of the next wave. Dhuka and Mon are next, and Branna is glad to see they are together again.

Mon takes the girls below deck and finds them a place to sleep. With the storm raging outside, many of the passengers, not used to sailing, much less to choppy seas, are miserable, if not sick. Using lesser restoration, Mon heals as many people as he can, including Luba, who finally quiets down. As members of the second crew attempt to sleep, Marigold fills Mon in on what happened at the Katarina Docks, and Mon is thrilled to hear about the Cardinal’s treatment of Herald before the ship’s departure.

Wednesday, June 29, 1066 SE

The night passes in misery for most as the ship sways from one side to the other. Even those who don’t feel sick have a hard time finding sleep. As dawn creeps in under stormy skies, thunder accentuates the feeling of dread that the passengers feel. But one of the booms does not sound right to Mon. Instead of thunder, it sounds more like cannon fire. Mon climbs to the main deck. Spinning on the rolling deck, Mon sees two royal warships behind them with cannons blasting. Mon briefly wonders whether the Cardinal has finally determined to get rid of him and his meddlesome friends, before he sees, about a mile away astern of the Cardinal’s Blessing, the Zhytomyr’s Siren and a large black ship, tangled together. Marigold, who followed the actor on the deck, recognizes the Hangman, Captain Lafoy’s vessel proudly flying his pirate flag, and the target of the royal navy’s cannon fire. She points the ship to Mon before rushing back below deck to inform the passengers they must prepare for a possible pirate attack. Mon sends a message to Captain Igor, informing him of the tactical situation. 

On deck, Mon watches as one of the royal ships heads straight for the Hangman, which disengages from the Zhytomyr’s Siren and heads south. Despite the large waves, the royal navy ship soon comes alongside the Cardinal’s Blessing. A cable is strung, and two passengers are transferred over. Mon recognizes the first one welcomed aboard as a very drenched Sir Sergeii, looking somewhat greenish but thrilled to be greeted by Mon. The second person is hidden beneath a dark cloak, hiding his face, but Mon suddenly fears that Dr. Sadistik has also come aboard the Cardinal’s Blessing. Immediately, the cloaked figure disappears below deck. After a heartbeat or two, Mon escorts Sir Sergeii below deck.

In the common room below deck, Marigold and Branna see the cloaked stranger descend the stairs. They hold their breath as the person removes the hood covering their head, and exhale sharply as Zoryany glances around the room. Spotting them, she comes over and inquires if Mon made the ship, as she did not see him board in Katarina. Marigold informs her that he came on board yesterday afternoon, but is now nowhere to be seen. Zoryany smiles and tells them she has a message for him.

Entering the common room with Sir Sergeii, one of Mon’s repressed memories returns to him. He remembers being on board a small fishing vessel with people whose faces are blurred, but whom he knows are his family. They were out fishing on a large river near the mouth of the ocean, and on that day, the catch was plentiful.

Happy to see Branna and Marigold, Sir Sergeii tells them that he had meant to come aboard the Cardinal’s Blessing yesterday, but that, inexplicably, he woke up mid-afternoon with a raging headache, and the ship had already departed. As he had made all of the arrangements in Konstantina, Sir Sergeii wanted to arrive with them and show them around the new accommodations and their new theater for the next three weeks. So he contacted the King and received permission to board a royal navy ship to catch up with the Cardinal’s Blessing. Coming out of the fjord, the vessel he was on was joined by another, which was on the hunt for a pirate ship. But they lost it in the storm, and as night fell, they only spotted it this morning attached to the Zhytomyr’s Siren. 

As he listens to Sir Sergeii, Mon suddenly remembers another memory. This time, he was still on the fishing boat, but the waves were big and choppy. The rough weather was tossing the boat around, and his father worried that the ship was about to go down. Distressed, Mon walks away as Zoryany attempts to speak with him, and he does everything he can to avoid her the rest of the day.

With the storm continuing unabated, the ship’s crew begins to whisper that yesterday’s arrival of Anya and Dhuka has brought them bad luck. They bless themselves as they pass by the girls, and most of them now avoid them. Hoping to combat this superstitious nonsense, Mon brings the girls on the main deck and casts major image, creating the appearance of saintliness and blessing. The illusion is convincing enough that the sailors immediately begin to seek Dhuka to ask her for advice and counsel. Mon suffers her displeasure for the rest of the sailing.

Now feeling better after another round of lesser restoration and inspired by the epic storm raging outside, Luba begins to write a new play, and she’s excited about it.

Following the pirates’ attack on the Zhytomyr’s Siren, Marigold mentions to Branna that they should start thinking about making new props and costumes in case some of the equipment was damaged, or, heaven forbid, the ship goes down in the storm. Branna agrees and begins sketching drawings to replace costumes that might be lost. Marigold then turns to the actors and organizes them to practice their lines now, so they can help with unloading the sets when they arrive in port. Wondering if there will be the possibility to build sets and props if the Siren does not come to port, Marigold asks Sir Sergeii, who tells her that with 8 days to opening night, it would be expensive, but double, to replace missing sets and props. Armed with this information, Marigold finds a quieter space, and she designs a plan to address any missing props and sets. This way, if worse comes to worst, the crew from the Legendary will be able to perform a pared-down version of Masha and the Bear.

Thursday, June 30, 1066 SE

During the night, the storm finally breaks, and the seas calm down. For the first time in over a day, Marigold can eat some food. Captain Igor informs them that the storm has blown them off course, and they won’t arrive in Konstantina until late afternoon.

While breaking fast with Branna and Mon, she questions the actor on his plan to get Dhuka and Anya off the ship. Mon gives her a puzzled look, before sheepishly acknowledging he didn’t plan that far out. Concerned at this oversight, Mon looks for his sister Zoryany, whom he finds on the deck with the color restored to her face. 

He apologizes for his behavior. Zoryany accepts his apology. Mon shares with her his happy memory of the fishing vessel, and she's pleased that he’s able to remember something of his previous life. She confides that she has no such memory of a time before. She then tells him Sir Paul Stal sent her on a personal errand, but he did send a message to Mon. Zoryany shares that Mon should spend some time in the royal archives and also visit the Port Authority building. Perhaps he would find information there that would answer some of his questions about the young girls he brought aboard. Zoryany also hands him a valid Sezjan passport for each girl. Katarina’s richest man also told her that Mon should review the logs for the Cardinal’s Blessings. Mon thanks her profusely, and Zoryany tells him that ignoring her will usually be to his detriment.

As Zoryany walks away, Mon realizes the Siren is nowhere in sight. Returning to the cabin, Mon finds Anya and Dhuka, and he hands them both their passport. Dhuka’s eyes shine brightly as she hugs the document. A single tear runs down Anya’s cheek. Communicating magically with the girl, Anya shares with him that this passport restores part of the identity the Cardinal took away from her. Mon tells her he would like to show her how to cast the cantrip message, so she could communicate with her sister whenever she wished. Anya perks up at this. Mon spends the morning teaching Anya how to tap into arcane power. Eventually, she successfully casts message for herself, and she is thrilled to be able to communicate with Dhuka. Throughout this training, Mon notices that Anya often loses track of her environment. It's as if she's retreating within herself every time she is confronted with a difficulty. He could teach her more if she wanted. She is appreciative and tells him she will think about it. 

While Mon was busy teaching Anya the rudiments of magic, Marigold and Branna worked with the acting crew to rehearse their lines. As the Cardinal’s Blessing enters the Lavra River, the passengers’ excitement increases, and they begin to pack up their gear. They should be in Konstantina in less than two hours.

Finally, in the late afternoon, the Cardinal’s Blessing berths at the Port Authority on St. Olha, the island where the city was founded. Unfortunately, the Siren is not in port.

The passengers disembark and are controlled by inspectors, who review passports, ask questions, including where non-residents are staying or heading, and document all of those details in arrival logs. Though Branna’s family is from Konstantina and currently resides in St. Gleb, across the river, the clothier chooses not to reside at home while here with the Legendary but will instead stay with everyone else at the South Gate Hotel, located in the St. Olena district.

Sir Sergeii accompanies the Legendary’s crew to the South Gate Hotel. He introduces them to Hennadii, proprietor of the establishment. The man is in his mid-fifties and is jovial and eager to ensure their stay is pleasant and relaxing. Sir Sergeii tells them that the theater occupies the entire building during their stay in Konstantina. Marigold suggests that Sir Sergeii should hire a few page boys to notify him and the hotel when the Siren docks. Sir Sergeii readily agrees.

Mon discusses Konstantina with Hennadii. The owner provides him with a guidebook and a map of the city. He inquires whether two of their pages could spend the night in one of the rooms currently held for the Legendary crew still on the Siren. Hennadii agrees and hands over a key to the room that Dhuka and Anya will share.

Branna sends a message to her parents, letting them know she is in town. She receives a reply an hour later inviting her and her friends over to St. Gleb for dinner tomorrow, if she’s available. Branna replies with an enthusiastic yes, she will see them at dinner tomorrow.

Friday, July 1, 1066 SE

When Mon wakes up, his first thought is that he has never slept so well. That mattress was very comfortable. Descending the stairs, he seeks Hennadii out and questions him on where he purchased his mattresses. Hennadii looks up the information and tells him that the mattresses come from St. Boris’s Blessed Rest Mattress Factory, located in the neighborhood above. He gives Mon the address and shows it to him on the map, indicating where they are located.

While they eat breakfast in the South Gate’s cozy common room, a page enters and delivers the news that the Siren arrived early this morning, cleared the Port Authority, and is now docked at Riverside and has started to unload its cargo. The crew cheers at the news, and everyone’s mood is buoyed. 

Sir Sergeii arrives at the South Gate right at the end of breakfast. Once everyone is ready, he escorts the Legendary’s crew to the Grand Royal Opera. Entering the hallowed halls, they are greeted by Marta, director of the Grand Royal Opera. She shares a short history of the building and its famous and infamous residents before taking them on a tour of the facility. The Grand Royal Opera is older than the Legendary, but the building itself is not as significant. Unlike the Legendary, the Grand Royal Opera does not have a second stage where productions can rehearse while the current show is performing. As a result, the Legendary’s crew will have to prepare Masha and the Bear while ensuring that the evening production can occur. This, Sir Sergeii tells them, will be challenging.

After showing the various workshops, Marta tells them to let her know if there are any issues with the Opera's employees, no matter how minor. She wants the crew of the Legendary to feel welcome, and she wants to snuff out any rivalry or conflicts that might occur. Marigold remarks to Branna that she gives off better vibes than Yurchik. 

Pulling Sir Sergeii aside, Mon explains the presence of Dhuka and Anya and describes their current situation. He tells the philanthropist that the Cardinal has stolen Anya’s voice. Sir Sergeii remarks that this would make a good play, before agreeing to add the girls to the payroll. Anya and Dhuka are now paid employees of the Legendary.

On the way out, Mon bumps into Herald, who traveled on the Siren. Herald tells him he looks forward to bunking with him during their stay in Konstantina. Determined to send Herald away, Mon tells him about the various types of entertainment available in St. Boris and even hands the cad a map. Herald departs the Grand Royal Opera with a grin on his face.

Boxes and equipment finally arrive from Riverside, and the crew sets about unpacking and verifying all of the gear, costumes, and props. Amazingly, nothing is missing despite the pirates’ attack on the Siren. 

Following a hard day of work, Branna, Marigold, and Mon leave the Grand Royal Opera. Walking through the Walled City, they descend to Riverside, where they catch a ferry across to St. Gleb. The picturesque village is on the opposite side of the Lavra River from Konstantina. They walk to the farm of Branna’s parents and are greeted by two affable elves. The farm is pretty and functional, and the evening meal is delicious. Branna’s parents discuss local happenings, share news of friends and family members, and question Branna and her friends on life in Katarina. After a wonderful evening, they take the late ferry and return to the South Gate.

Entering his room, Mon is unhappy to see Herald is back. Nevertheless, Mon sees an opportunity to hear what happened when Captain Lafoy’s men boarded the Siren, given that nothing was missing. Herald describes how the Hangman came alongside the Siren in the dead of night and secured both ships through stormy seas. It took excellent skills not to wreck both vessels. Once on board, the pirates took control of the boat but did not injure or loot anything. When the royal navy's cannons were heard, the pirates released the Siren and sailed away, taking two passengers with them. 

As his impatience builds, Mon centers himself and then continues to question Herald. Who were the people that were taken? asks Mon. Herald reveals that Mayviyko, Mon’s former understudy and the person Mon had once anonymously framed as the villain who had planted bombs at Khoroshim by charming and manipulating a city guard into making a false statement where the guard claimed that he "clearly saw a man closely resembling Matviyko hurling something in the window and that the man seemed intent on committing an assassination.” Mon himself assumed this false statement was the reason Matviyko was arrested. Matviyko had been detained by the Cardinal’s men and taken to the Cathedral for questioning. He was held in jail there and appeared “haggard and disheveled” upon his release. Later, a rumor spread that he had escaped from Cathedral prison, with Mon also implicated as his accomplice. At the time, Mon had suspected that Matviyko might be a "plant," sent to spy on the Legendary and its crew for the Cardinal or another "nebulous power," especially given his quick learning and apparent lack of prior acting experience.

Herald then drops a bombshell on Mon. The second person was none other than Verushka, the Archduke’s eldest daughter. He’s not sure what the two of them were doing on the Siren, and, because he was below deck with the rest of the Legendary’s crew, Herald did not notice if Verushka and Matviyko went willingly or if they were dragged to the Hangman under duress. Mon remembers that when Matviyko had been arrested, Verushka, who happened to be touring the Legendary, had implored Dima, captain of the city guard, to intervene on Matviyko’s behalf. As the understudy was being dragged away, he had desperately yelled to Verushka to do something to help him. Their secret relationship had been confirmed after Matviyko's release, and Mon recalls that at the time, he thought this relationship would become a problem. Even at the Archduke’s ball, Verushka had questioned Branna about Matviyko’s health as the understudy hid in the Legendary and beseeched her to keep him safe.

Mon wonders. The Cardinal and his men searched both vessels. Did the Cardinal purposefully allow Verushka to leave Katarina, knowing this would, at a minimum, embarrass the Archduke? Or did the two lovers have powerful magic that hid them from Tarasenko’s special glasses? Either way, how will the Archduke react? And, more importantly, with the King present in Katarina, what will be the political fallout once this event becomes widely known?

Saturday, July 2, 1066 SE

At breakfast, Mon tells Marigold and Branna what he discovered about Verushka and Matviyko. They compose a message that describes the event, and Mon uses message to deliver their text to Lady Sirenko, requesting she pass the message along to the authorities. The message is then placed into an envelope and mailed to Katarina. Mon realizes he would like to talk to Zoryany, but he doesn’t know where she is staying, nor why she hurriedly boarded a vessel that had left the day before from the Port Authority heading to Shipwright Haven …

Sunday, June 26, 1066 SE, continued 

With the horse races at Thunderhoof Downs now done and Second Crew heading out on the high tide late Tuesday morning, Mon, Marigold, and Branna reunite in the Palace’s cafeteria to finalize their plans. Mon will accompany Dhuka to Low Town after midnight, rejoining Captain Popov and Anya aboard the Tall Tale. The Captain will cast anchor, and the ship will clear the Katarina Fjord before the first light. The four of them will spend some time fishing, allowing Dhuka to reconnect with her long-lost sister.

Notices posted in the Palace’s lobby indicate that boarding the passenger ship, the Cardinal’s Blessing, will begin at 8 am on Tuesday. Laborers from the Legendary have already started loading the cargo ship Zhytomyr’s Siren with props, costumes, and everything the Second Crew will need to produce Masha and the Bear at Konstantina’s Grand Royal Opera.

As they discuss their plans. Marigold suddenly wonders how Mon plans on making the check-in list to board the ship if he’s on board the Tall Tale. Will Nadie be looking for him, holding the vessel from departure? They could miss the high tide, throwing their schedules off and missing their rendezvous with Popov and the girls. Marigold suggests Mon should talk with Nadie and let her know he will catch up with the Cardinal’s Blessing, as he has errands that cannot wait. She also proposes that they spread the word around the crew that, due to the Cardinal’s threats, Mon will not appear on the ship until the anchor has been raised and it is heading to sea. Branna proposes that perhaps he can shadowstep onboard the ship just as it is leaving the dock, avoiding the scrutiny the Cardinal and his men are sure to impose on all of the passengers and crew members of the Cardinal’s Blessing. 

Mon sends a message to Sir Gregory, telling him he needs to make arrangements for his race winnings earlier today, and as a result, he will likely miss the boat. He promises the Legendary owner that he will catch up. Sir Gregory replies that Nadie has been informed and that the actor has his blessings for missing the departure of the Cardinal’s Blessing. Still, the Second Crew is counting on him to join the production in Konstantina.

Mon descends the staircase to Low Town, avoiding any of the Cardinal’s men, and arrives on dock 12, where the Cardinal’s Blessing is berthed. No officials are guarding the ship or preventing him from boarding. At the top of the gangplank, he finds Nadie, holding a clipboard and several pieces of paper as workers load up wooden trunks filled with costumes and other gear for the upcoming production of Masha and the Bear. He informs the Legendary’s chief of security he’s checking in a few days early due to the scrutiny that will come when it’s time to depart. Nadie informs him that Sir Gregoryhas already sent a message letting her know Mon may miss the ship. She checks him in. Mon scouts the ship and finds a hiding place for his backpack. He then shadowsteps off the ship to the dock and returns to the Palace. 

Mon climbs the stairs to Branna’s room, where Dhuka is packed and ready. Mon asks the child to ride piggyback. He turns himself invisible, but Dhuka remains visible. Mon dispel his invisibility. He will walk with her instead. Dhuka asks him where they are going, and Mon replies that she’s about to be reunited with Anya. As they walk through the darkened city, he tells her what he knows about Anya's sojourn in the Cathedral’s dungeon and the poor treatment she suffered at the hands of the Cardinal.

They arrive without incident at the docks, where they locate Captain Popov’s ship, the Tall Tale. After boarding, Dhuka rushes inside the cabin to hug the sister she has not seen for almost two years. Mon assists Popov in getting the ship ready for departure. With all the preparations ready, the Tall Tale takes to sea and heads down the Katarina Fjord to the ocean beyond.

After a while, Dhuka comes out to Mon. She tells him that Anya can’t talk. Mon looks questioningly at Popov, who confirms he has not heard Anya make any sound. Curious, Mon enters the cabin and finds Anya sleeping lightly in her berth. He gently shakes her awake, and she is startled, but no sound comes out. Checking her mouth, Mon finds she still has her tongue. After asking her questions through a message, he learns that the Cardinal has taken her voice, and no magic Mon possesses can restore it. Mon suddenly recalls one of his earliest memories, how Dr. Sadistik gave him a voice. 

Communicating with Anya, Mon learns that she had infiltrated the Cathedral multiple times, looking for evidence linking the Cardinal to her mother's disappearance. She had found a diary in the Cardinal’s chambers and stolen several pages that suggested the Cardinal was behind the death of the King’s youngest daughter, Elara. While exploring the Cathedral’s dungeon, she was caught searching for evidence that her mother had been there.

Emerging from the cabin, he finds Dhuka is now seasick. That he can cure, and he casts a lesser restoration on the child, who instantly feels better. He explains to her what he learned from Anya and promises to do his best to discover what happened to Anya and retrieve her voice from the Cardinal’s clutches. Mon disguises himself and pretends to be a fisherman. Dhuka eventually enters the cabin, and later in the night, Mon finds her sleeping with Anya. He covers them with an extra blanket, and the ship reaches its waiting spot.

Monday, June 27, 1066 SE

Mon sends a message to Branna and Marigold a few hours after sunrise, reporting what he learned from last night's events.

As they come down the steps of the Palace to the cafeteria, Branna and Marigold are accosted by Joseph, who inquires if they would like contribute to a fund set up by Legendary artisans to collect money that can then be used to contribute to paying off some of Sir Gregory’s debts as new investors in the theatre. Mon contributes the winnings from the horse races yesterday, along with a cheque from his bank allowing the payment of an additional 100 gold. Marigold and Branna also contribute some of their earnings to the fund.

Later on, Pavel intercepts Marigold in her workshop. He tells her he’s been looking for Mon all morning but cannot find him. Marigold informs him that Mon had to step out for the day, but that he will be on the ship when it leaves tomorrow. Pavel finds himself in a pickle because he needs to present Sir Gregory with the funds the artisans collected, and is unsure how to accomplish this task. She questions him over how much money was collected, and Pavel informs her they got all the 11,000 gold that Sir Gregory needs to pay. He provides her with a promissory note from the Katarina Financial Trust stating the money is available to purchase a share in the Legendary. She agrees to present the offer from the Legendary artisans. 

She locates Sir Gregory in his office. Only his manservant, Ony, and his solicitor, Sir Matviy are also present. The conversation is heated, as Sir Gregory is grasping at straws, exploring ways to avoid default if payment is not made at 4:00 pm. Marigold shyly interrupts the theater owner’s rant and explains to her that the artisans from the theater contributed money and raised 11,000 gold to help Sir Gregory make his payment. The man breaks down and starts crying. He tells Marigold that Sir Sergeii invested 5,000 gold yesterday but was still short of the needed sum. With the 11,000 gold, the theater will repay its loan and have enough money to cover its expenses for the next four months. With several musicals expected to be successful in the next few months, the theater should be in good shape to make its next payment in October.

Marigold, Sir Gregory, Ony, and Sir Matviy rush to Katarina Financial Trust, and after several hours of paperwork and negotiations, the payment is made to the Legendary’s consortia of creditors, and the Sezja Tradesmen Artisand Guild Emporium (STAGE) secures a 10% share in the Legendary.

By dinner, the news spread that the Legendary had been saved and its finances are solid. 

When Mon contacts Marigold and Branna later, he hears the news. He realizes that Pavel was most likely behind the theft that occurred at Thunderhoof Downs yesterday, and that they probably only stole what was needed to cover the cost of the loan. Perhaps some of Pavel’s accomplices were Captain Popov’s friends from the Anchor’s Luck, and they might have spread some more wealth around Katarina.

Tuesday, June 28, 1066 SE

After a hearty breakfast, Marigold and Branna make their way to the docks. The day is grey and overcast, and it will soon rain. Arriving on the dock by the Cardinal’s Blessing, they find the gangway blocked by the Cardinal and some of his men, including Tarashenko wearing strange glasses. Royal guards accompany them.

The Cardinal sneers at the halfling and her elvish companion and tells them it’s a good riddance that they are leaving. He invites them to stay on the mainland and not return to Katarina, and he tells them their friend Mon will suffer his wrath if he chooses to return. As the confrontation heats up, the Cardinal’s attention is suddenly diverted as Herald enters the line, and the cad is ordered to be strip-searched. Marigold and Branna take the opportunity to board the Cardinal’s Blessing.

As the tide rises, the Cardinal orders both ships searched once more. Tarashenko and some of the Cardinal’s men board the Cardinal’s Blessing and search it from top to bottom, but they find nothing odd. 

With both ships cleared for departure and the high tide upon them, Captain Roustern, commander of the Cardinal’s Blessing, casts off, and the ships head out of the Katarina Fjord to rendezvous with Captain Popov, Mon, Dhuka, Anya, and the Tall Tale.

Sunday, June 26, 1066 SE, continued

Reviewing this morning’s Katarina Chronicle, Marigold reads the front-page article to her friends and tells Branna that her name is misspelled. Branna is incensed. Looking at the other front-page article, Branna mentions to Mon and Marigold that the article does not provide a list of the prisoners who escaped nor mention the names of escapees. Mon suspects that the explosion at Sidorov Manor might have been a distraction to allow someone to infiltrate the Cathedral and exfiltrate prisoners. Mon then wonders whether Anya is one of the prisoners rescued from the Cathedral’s dungeons. Marigold is concerned that some of these prisoners might seek to escape Katarina on their ships when they depart on Tuesday. 

Spending a little silver, Marigold sends out pageboys to gather information on the prisoners who are reported to have escaped. Meanwhile, with the Marquess currently homeless and deprived of all of her clothes, Mon proposes that the Legendary could donate some of the fancier dresses in the costume department to have a temporary wardrobe while she works on replacing her losses. Branna and Marigold consider this a good idea, so they head to the theater and enter the administrative quarter, looking for Sir Gregory.

Passing by accounting, they observe Josef and his coworkers counting the receipts from the night before. Mon inquires about the previous night's success. Josef tells the actor they are pleased with the funds collected; the house has been sold out every night since the King arrived. 

They reach Sir Gregory’s office, only to see it dark. Obviously, Sir Gregory would not be at work on a Sunday morning. Mon uses the device Orest created for him to contact Sir Gregory. The theater owner forgot he had this device and is surprised to be contacted. Mon can hear Sir Gregory conversing with Ony, and Sir Gregory tells his butler he will lie down and nap until the horse races at Thunderhoof Downs.

The pageboy Marigold queries for information and returns with additional details concerning the escaped prisoners in the Cathedral.

Bohdan Chernyak, 54, was a charismatic scholar and philosopher. He advocated for a society where power was distributed more equitably and individual freedoms were paramount. His writings challenged the absolute authority of the Church. He was imprisoned for sedition and heresy four years ago.

Olena Kravchenko, 41, was a fiery orator and leader of a peasant uprising in Klara. She demanded land reform and an end to the oppressive taxation system. Her short-lived rebellion was brutally suppressed, and she was imprisoned nine years ago to serve as an example to others.

Yurii Fedorov, 48, was a prominent merchant and banker who openly criticized the Cardinal's economic policies, arguing they were stifling trade and harming the common people. He was convicted of treason and undermining the authority of the Church and was imprisoned two years ago.

Dmytro Melnyk, 30, was a renowned artist and sculptor who satirized the excesses of the nobility and the corruption within the Church. His art was deemed subversive and blasphemous, leading to his imprisonment two years ago.

Sofiya Koval, 44, was a scholar and theologian who questioned the infallibility of the Church and advocated for a more nuanced interpretation of religious doctrine. Her writings were deemed heretical, and she was imprisoned to prevent the spread of her ideas last year.

Ivan Horbach, 63, was a healer and herbalist who practiced folk medicine incorporating ancient pagan traditions. His methods were condemned as witchcraft, and he was imprisoned eleven years ago to protect the Church's monopoly on healing. 

Hanna Lysenko, 19, was a young woman who claimed to have visions and communicate with spirits. Her teachings attracted a small but devoted following, but the Church deemed her a dangerous heretic and imprisoned her last year.

Mykola Ivanenko, 52, was an alchemist and inventor who experimented with forbidden knowledge, including manipulating the elements and creating artificial life. His experiments were deemed a threat to the natural order, and he was imprisoned for his transgressions five years ago.

Tetiana Kolesnyk, 47, was an astrologer and seer with an uncanny ability to predict future events. Her knowledge was considered a threat to the established order, and she was imprisoned four years ago to prevent her from sharing her insights. She correctly predicted the arrival of the Cardinal on Katarina.

Andriy Petrov, age unknown, is suspected of being a skilled spy and assassin in the service of a foreign adversary. He was caught infiltrating the Cathedral's inner circle. His mission remains unclear, but the Cardinal fears he may have compromised the security of the Church. Petrov was imprisoned over two years ago to prevent him from revealing his secrets or carrying out further attacks.

Mon notices that Anya is not mentioned anywhere on the list. Marigold gives the pageboy another silver coin to thank him for his efforts. She suggests that Mon visit Captain Popov to see if the good captain has acquired additional information from his sources. 

Mon heads to the Anchor’s Luck. With a large crowd congregating by the Cathedral for the upcoming church service at 10, he goes down the east staircase and makes it to Low Town. There is a clear lack of visible law enforcement in this section of town, as everyone is obviously focused on the King's visit to the Cathedral. Entering the Anchor’s Luck, Mon finds the tavern empty of most of its usual guests, but a couple of sailors stand by the counter drinking, while the old captain is seated in his favorite chair by the fireplace, 

Mon asks Popov to tell him about more adventures. Popov regals him with his adventures at sea, his fight with the baby Kraken, and the time he explored the merdwarf village at the bottom of the ocean. Eventually, he gets to talking about the prisoners. Mon mentions Dhuka and that her sister Anya might have escaped. Popov tells him he hasn’t heard of any other folks having escaped, but then he yawns and suggests that Mon accompany him back to his apartment. Leaving the Anchor’s Luck, they turn right and enter the warren of workforce housing. Popov lives on the second floor of a tenement house. He unlocks the door to his small space and welcomes Mon inside. The curtains have been shot in his room, and it is eerily dark, but a shape in the Captain’s bed indicates someone else is in the room. Popov closes and locks the door behind him before parting the curtains. To Mon’s surprise, Anya is cuddled in the room, wrapped in a blanket despite the stifling June heat. Mon introduces himself and tells her he knows his sister Dhuka very well. Anya smiles sadly at him but does not say anything.

Popov and Mon discuss how to transport Anya and Dhuka off Katarina. In the end, Popov suggests he take the girls tonight on his boat, as it is less likely anyone would be watching in the middle of the night. He will then wait for the Legendary’s ships to leave the harbor on Tuesday and intercept them at sea.

While Mon spends time with Popov, Branna makes her way to the Cathedral and is one of the last individuals allowed through security. She enters a packed Cathedral where security is omnipresent. She gets a seat on the last bench. Near the front, she can see the King and the Archduke, but the Archduke’s family is not in attendance. Branna has not attended a service at the Cathedral before, but she finds the ceremony pleasantly peaceful—until the Cardinal steps in the pulpit. He informs the assembled folks that the theme of his sermon today is “The Fires of Wrath Burn Upon the Wicked!”

The Cardinal, his voice booming through the grand hall of the Cathedral, begins his sermon with a stern countenance, his voice clearly carrying everywhere. “My brothers and sisters, I see the rot creeping into our fair city of Katarina! Lawlessness runs rampant like a plague upon Katarina's soul! Greed, lust, and a disregard for the divine law have taken root in the hearts of men! The very foundations of our society tremble under the weight of their sins!”

He thunders, “The streets are no longer safe for honest folk! Rogues and scoundrels roam free, preying upon the weak and the innocent. The sanctity of our homes is violated, and their wickedness shatters the peace of our souls! Do you not see, my flock, that the fires of hell lick at our heels?”

The Cardinal’s voice dropped to a menacing whisper, “But fear not, for God is just! His wrath will descend upon the wicked, and the flames of eternal damnation shall consume them! Let this be a warning to all who stray from the righteous path! Repent, confess your sins, and return to the light of the Lord, or face the eternal consequences!”

He raised his voice again, “For I tell you, God’s patience is not infinite! He has seen the wickedness in your hearts, the greed in your eyes, and the lust in your souls! Turn from your wicked ways or face His wrath! For the day of reckoning is nigh, and the fires of hell await those who dare to defy the divine will!”

The Cardinal concludes his sermon with a chilling pronouncement: “Let this be a lesson to all! God watches over us, and he will not tolerate sin and lawlessness in his kingdom!” He then descends from the pulpit, leaving the congregation shaken and subdued.

As she exits the building, Branna runs into Dusana, who regularly attends church. They discuss the sermon. Dusana wonders whether this is a signal the Cardinal is sending to the royal troops who were supposed to be coming with the King to land and finally enforce the law. Dusana does not seem eager at the prospect of armed soldiers on the island.

With Branna at the Cathedral and Mon at the Anchor’s Luck, Marigold checks on Dhuka to ensure she’s fine. The child expresses her displeasure at being cooped up. Marigold tells her they will leave soon, so she should begin packing. Dhuka asks if she can return to her room and gather some of her things. Marigold agrees. With everyone at the Cathedral, Dhuka is probably safe. However, she tells her she’s only got an hour to pack up. She accompanies Dhuka back to the Legendary before departing to visit the Marquess of Sidorov. 

Knocking on the door of Lady Sirenko’s townhouse, Marigold is greeted by Olehiv, who accompanies her to the sitting room. Marigold is surprised there are no servants aside from Olehiv. Marigold, the Marquess, and Lady Sirenko discuss the recent evasion at the Cathedral and who might be behind it. During the conversation, Mon sends Marigold a message about Anya, letting her know he has made contact with her and he will advise of the plan Popov and he crafted to get them off the island. Marigold tells the Marquess that they will exfiltrate Dhuka and take her to the mainland with them. The Marquess gives Marigold a purse containing 10 gold pieces for Dhuka’s sojourn in Sezja. 

The Marquess then mentions she will attend the Thunderhoof Down horse races in the afternoon. Marigold raises the absence of staff. The Marquess informs her that, unfortunately, she will need to furlough most of her personnel until Sidorov Manor is reconstructed. Marigold tells her Branna will get her a few more elegant costumes from the Legendary she can wear for now until she can reconstitute a wardrobe. The Marquess is thrilled.

Returning to the Legendary, Mon, Branna, and Marigold meet for lunch. Branna has already selected and altered several outfits for the Marquess. Branna mentions Dusana attending church, and they speculate on whether Marigold’s boss might more conventional and conservative than they thoughts. Marigold then tells them Dhuka went to her room to pack a bag with the things she most wanted to take. Branna returns to her room to check on Dhuka, but she’s not there. They rush to her room in one of the ceilings of the Legendary. 

Entering the room, the first thing Mon see is Dhuka sitting on her bed and staring at the wall. In a chair, near her is Dr. Sadistik. He greets the actor and his friends, and tells him he’s glad to see him again. Mon experiences a repressed memory. He remembers a clockwork mechanism Dr. Sadistik was working on connected to a little girl by pipes. He also recalls Dr. Sadistik purposefully breaks each of his fingers on right hand one at a time, before setting them back in.

Dr. Sadistik asks Mon if he would be willing to come back with him so they can pursue the great work the doctor began all these years ago. Mon declines, and Dr. Sadistik smirks and tells him his older sister might be an acceptable substitute. Mon sees the shadowy form of Zoryani splitting into two, hinting that he might have more than one sibling. 

Branna removes Dhuka from the room. She willingly goes with the seamstress, even if she is not quite all there. Dr. Sadistik gently warns Mon that he’s an experiment that has not yet been completed. As the doctor leaves, Marigold steps on his outfit and Dr. Sadistik stumbles. He looks at her and smiles before leaving the room. Mon shadowsteps in front of him, surprising him.

Returning to her Palace room, Branna notices Dhuka seems more engaged. She’s confused and does not remember much beyond heading to her room. She wants to return to her room to pack her favorite stuff. Branna agrees, but later today, when she returns from the horse races.

Escorted with two pageboys carrying boxes containing the Marquess’ temporary dresses, Branna and Marigold return to Lady Sirenko’s townhouse. Finally properly dressed, the Marquess heads with Branna and Marigold to Thunderhoof Down in her carriage. 

Security is heavy, but they finally enter the stands. The Marquess heads to her box. Branna and Marigold notice Mon is already here, talking with Sir Gregory in his booth. He soon joins them. Mon mentions Pavel to the Marquess. As a master carpenter, he would be great at designing and leading the effort to rebuild Sidorov Manor. He also suggests that he will soon have a luxury apartment inside the Legendary and would be more than willing to let the Marquess live there.

As the first race sets up, betting begins, but the Marquess is displeased to find out there is a five gold piece bet limit per race. Mon relays the Marquess’ bet on Running Lightning at 7:1 to Sir Gregory through the device he gave him. Running Lightning speeds the track and wins the race, earning the Marquess and Sir Gregory a cool 35 gold pieces. As more races occur with the same betting limit, Mon realizes that someone stole the gold used for bets and that the explosion at Sidorov Manor might, in fact, have hidden the robbery at Thunderhoof Down. Who would have done it?

By the end of the afternoon, the Marquess correctly picked nine of the thirteen winners and earned 270 gold pieces. Thanks to Mon, Sir Gregory also made 270 gold pieces, which is nowhere near the amount he will need to pay his creditors tomorrow.

Returning home just before dinner, Branna escorts Dhuka back to her room. While there, she returns the cookbook that belonged to Dhuka’s mother where the Cardinal’s journal was hidden. It’s one of the few things Dhuka’s mother left her before she disappeared.

Saturday, June 25, 1066, later in the morning

With the roles distributed for the upcoming production of Ivan's Quest, Mon will perform as Eagle, one of the three beings who help Ivan in his quest. Branna collects food from the Palace's cafeteria and brings Dhuka a late breakfast. She asks the child to stay in her room all day, which is probably the safest place. 

As Mon goes about his business, he is cornered by Pavel, who informs him that he heard some information from the grapevine and that Mon should spend a lot of time in a public place tonight so that many people can see him. Mon informs him he will attend the Marquess of Sidorov's party tonight. Pavel expresses concerns that Mon might make himself a target, considering that the Cardinal is sure to be there with several of his men. Mon demonstrates several masks he could wear that would not hide enough of his features to be unrecognizable. After seeing multiple options, Pavel agrees that Mon will probably be fine, but he suggests Mon needs to be vigilant tonight.

Meanwhile, a page boy delivers Marigold a note. From Captain Popov, the note is written in a shaky hand and requests she joins him as soon as possible. The halfling packs her pockets with food from the cafeteria lunch serving and heads to the Anchor's Luck. Captain Popov is thrilled to see her, and he tells her he can only afford to send one message, so he thought he would reach out to the most responsible individual he knows. He informs her he's heard whispers that someone is planning a deadly attack at the Marquess' Masked Ball tonight and that she, Branna, and Mon would do well to avoid being there. Marigold tells the good captain they will be very careful, but as Branna is the Marquess' guest since she was responsible for her dress, it would be poor etiquette for her not to be there.

Returning to the Legendary, Marigold finds Mon and Branna and reports her conversation with Captain Popov. Mon is immediately concerned, and he decides to notify the guard. With Dima currently under questioning for one of the attacks last night at the Legendary, Mon dispatches an anonymous note to Dima's deputy, warning him of a deadly plot against the Marquess. 

The afternoon passes in a hive of preparations as Branna readies herself. Mon, who had invited Marigold as his plus-one, puts together an outfit. Marigold is slightly panicked at the thought of having to dress up but eventually puts together an outfit that will do, with plenty of pockets for her tools and to bring back some of the Marquess' famous fudge.

As time nears and they wait in front of the Legendary to be picked up, Branna suddenly realizes the Marquess is not sending a carriage. She and Branna did not discuss the logistics of Branna traveling to Sidorov Manor, and now they must hustle if they want to arrive on time. Marigold, Mon, and Branna end up walking to Sidorov Manor. As they near the gate of Sidorov Manor, they put on their masks. Branna wears the mask of a parrot. Mon wears a transparent mask with a handlebar mustache and goatee painted on it. Marigold wears a delicate mask covering part of her face. They can hear the faint sounds of music getting louder as they near the estate.

City guards stand at the gate to the manor grounds and check the invitations of all arriving guests. Most guests ride in their carriage, but some are arriving on foot as well. Branna, Mon, and Marigold are closely scrutinized by the guards, and Mon is pleased to see heavy security. Passing through the gate, they see several dozen carriages parked on the lawn on the east side of the manor. A large white and yellow tent has been set up in the field on the west side of the manor. White tables and chairs have been placed underneath the canopy, and serving stations are in each of the tent's corners. A steady stream of servants emerges from the manor's kitchen carrying food and drinks. The tent already feels crowded, and the mood music floats from the band present in the southwest corner. As they walk towards the tent, Mon notices several additional city guards deployed out in the fields and by the manor entrances. Additionally, twenty royal guards stand on the edge of the tent, with three of them within a few steps of the King.

Branna goes off to find the Marquess. She soon discovers that the Marquess has not yet appeared. She is awaiting everyone's arrival before making her grand entrance. Mon and Marigold mingle with the guests, who are all wearing elaborate masks. The Cardinal is wearing a slim mask that barely hides his eyes, but his red robes give him away. The Archduke and the King also wear clever masks but are otherwise recognizable. Some of the other guests are harder to identify, however. Marigold suggests to Mon that they should look at the guests' footwear to find people who don't belong there. Anyone could rent a costume and a mask, but they would not generally think about changing their shoes. Taking a closer look, they soon identify that the Cardinal has two men with him in disguise. They stay close to him.

Finding Olehiv, Branna advises him she's received several reports that there might be violence at the Manor tonight. Olehiv tells Branna that the Marquess looks resplendent in the beautiful green dress the half-elf designed and created for her. She's currently with Lady Sirenko, putting the finishing touches to her hair, and she will be down in a few minutes to join the party.

While Mon watches for people acting out of place, Marigold examines the food for tampering. No one notices her. Everything she tests does not appear to have been tampered with. Taking a closer look at the guests, Mon realizes that Dr. Sadistik is not in attendance. He also identifies six other people who were wearing boots instead of shoes. 

Seeing the actor maneuvering through the crowd, Sir Sergeii approaches Mon and, after commenting on the evening and the setting, informs the actor that a concern was brought to Sir Gregory by the crew about the expense of being away for three weeks. Sir Gregory informed Sir Sergeii of this concern. As a result, the King's cousin has arranged to distribute bonuses to the second crew to cover their living expenses while in Sezja. Mon seizes the opportunity to mention to Sir Sergeii the possibility of investing in the Legendary. Sir Sergeii replies that he is very interested, considering the Legendary an institution with a disproportional impact on the culture of the kingdom. During his conversation, Mon sees the Legendary's owner and his manservant Ony walk in through the gate. Sir Gregory, who lives on the other side of town, evidently walked all the way here. Mon attracts his attention and mentions that Sir Sergeii is very interested in discussing possible investment opportunities. Sir Gregory's face immediately lights up, and he and Sir Sergeii are soon involved in a deep conversation.

Mon takes this opportunity to approach Ony. Mon reports Sir Sergeii's offer of providing bonuses to the second crew to cover living expenses while in Sezja and then inquires about the theater's financial situation. Ony mentions that the theater must pay its creditors by the end of the business day on Monday, and currently, Sir Gregory does not have the funds necessary to make this large payment. Mon suggests that tomorrow's horse races could provide a significant sum, and he reveals his plan of observing the Marquess' bets and, given her track record of winning consistently, placing similar gambles to quickly generate large sums of money. Ony expresses his concern that this is money they can ill afford to lose if one or several of the bets go south. 

The Marquess of Sidorov makes a remarkable entrance with all the guests under the tent. Her beautiful green dress, which caused so much trouble for Dhuka when she stole it, and her jewelry, crafted by Marigold, shimmer in the light as she enters the tent, to the applause of all assembled. The Marquess looks resplendent in her fineries, and she blushes slightly as she basks in the admiration. She then moves to her table, followed by the remaining guests. As a guest of the Marquess, Branna is sitting to her left. The King, the Archduke and his wife, and Lady Sirenko join them at their table. Brianna sees that Lord Nazar is sitting at the next table, and he often looks at his pocket watch. She scans the crowd for Oheliv to report this information, but she cannot find him. 

Mon, sitting with Marigold at another table on the other side of the tent, notices the same thing. He calls a server over, and he is surprised to see Josef. Recovering, he tells him that Lord Nazar has been looking at his watch constantly. Josef agrees to let the city guard know. Marigold heads to Branna's table to let her know what Mon observed. The Marquess uses this opportunity to introduce the halfling to the King, praising the jewels Marigold made for her. The King questions Marigold about her craftsmanship, and he commissions a ring for his wife with a swan set with an aquamarine gem, asking Marigold to propose him a few designs when he returns to Sezja.

As the meal wraps up, the Marquess' famous fudge is taken out and served as one of the desserts, much to the guests' delight. Following dessert, the tables in the middle of the tent are removed, and a dance floor is installed on the ground. As the young people begin to dance, Mon, who has been spending most of his time closely observing Lord Nazar notices that his left hand has a slight discoloration. He mentions it to Marigold, who heads in Lord Nazar's direction. Pretending to fumble and fall, she manages to examine his hand and determines that one of the fingers, the same that Captain Lafoy is missing, is, in fact, some magical device.

Branna soon realizes that the King is fawning over the Marquess and giggling like a pageboy with the dance floor now filled with dancers. She also notes that Lady Sirenko, who is still at their table, is not impressed and sports a look of disapproval on her face. Standing, Lady Sirenko heads to the Manor to use the facilities. Finding Marigold, Branna questions her on what might have happened to the King. Marigold recalls how the Marquess wishes for a necklace that could carry a small vial, and she assumes that some love potion or aphrodisiac has been used on the King. To the shock of all attendees, the Marquess and the King dance during a second piece of music, and murmurs about the Marquess monopolizing the King's attention can be heard. Mon thinks about cutting in, but Marigold tells him they should switch to a folk or country dance to break up the Marquess and the King dancing. Mon heads towards the orchestra.

Suddenly, the masked guests are thrown on the floor by the shockwave of a large deflagration coming from the Manor, while the sound of the explosion reaches them a moment later. Watching in horror, Mon is powerless to stop the fire that quickly spread through the Manor's third floor, where the Marquess' private apartments are located. As debris rains down on the estate grounds, Branna runs to the Marquess, who stands still, stupefied at the turn of events. Mon races to the King, but his royal guards get there first and whisk him away. Seeing that the Marquess is physically fine, if still in shock, Branna leaves her to Mon's care, and she rushes to the Manor, looking for Lady Sirenko. 

Panicked, the crowd quickly disperses as most of the guests head to the gate. The city guard is blocking the exit, preventing anyone from leaving what is an active crime scene. As Branna enters the now fully engulfed Manor, Marigold spots a suspicious servant she recognizes as the pastry chef who had attempted to poison desserts at the Archduke's ball on Thursday. She locates three city guards who promptly arrest the man.

Mon moves the Marquess back to her table and sits her down. He then turns to Lord Nazar, who is struggling to get back up from under an overturned table, and helps him up. Grabbing his hand, Mon calls him Lafoy, and feels the cool metal of his fake finger. Lord Nazar looks at him and blinks twice but does not react to the mention of Lafoy. Mon then sends a message to Pavel to bring a fire brigade. 

Entering the burning Manor, Branna is immediately affected by the smoke, which reduces visibility and causes her to cough. She finds Lady Sirenko unconscious on the tiles of the first floor bathroom, with plaster having fallen on her head. Grabbing her and dragging her out of the burning building, Lady Sirenko is shocked and coughs loudly as she regains consciousness. Branna leaves her with Mon, before finding Marigold near the kitchen on the ground floor. Many servants and kitchen staff are caught inside the burning building. They break the door and rescue everyone by working together despite the smoke and flames spreading everywhere. Olehiv is the last one out, ensuring all the staff was out of the building before leaving.

As they walk away coughing, Marigold suggests to Olehiv that the Marquess could relocate to Lady Sirenko's house for the night before making more permanent arrangements. Olehiv agrees that this is the best plan, given the circumstances. 

As Branna and Marigold rescue Olehiv, and with the royal guards gone and the city guard leaderless with Dima currently under investigation, Mon observes the Cardinal and his men take control of the scene, and they begin interrogating the guests. 

Concerned about his safety, Mon shadowsteps back to town and travels to the Anchor's Luck. Captain Popov is alone sitting in his usual corner when Mon enters the smoky tavern. Captain Popov enthusiastically greets Mon, and shortly thereafter, Ivan brings out boiled veal and vegetables. Mon inquires as to where Yevheniy, Vasyl, and Bohdan, Popov's old friends, might be on this beautiful night. Popov responds that they had an errand to run but should be returning shortly. Popov asks Mon if he knows the name of the ships that will take second crew to Sezja. Mon confesses that he does not. Popov tells him that he will appreciate the irony of sailing on the passenger ship the Cardinal's Blessing and the cargo ship the Zhytomyr's Siren. 

Sure enough, Yevheniy and Bohdan return to the Anchor's Luck less than half an hour later. Popov questions them on the success of their errand, and they reply that it was successfully resolved.

While Mon was traveling to the Anchor's Luck, Branna has the misfortune of being interrogated by one of the Cardinal's men. He asks a few perfunctory questions about the explosion, but then questions her about the Marquess' relationship with Lady Sirenko. Branna evades the questions and then refuses to answer any more as they are not germane to the explosion. Eventually, both her and Marigold are released. Walking back with some of the other guests, Marigold wonders when the switch to the tent happened, as the party should have been held inside Sidorov Manor. One of the kitchen staff informs her that it was only yesterday morning that the Marquess switched to a tent party outside once she confirmed the weather would be perfect for an outdoor event.

Once alone in the all-but-silent cafeteria at the Palace, Branna and Marigold speculate about what happened. They had previously discussed Dhuka heading to Sidorov Manor to take shelter with the Marquess. If she had been there, she would have been on the third floor during the masqued ball. Perhaps she was the target. Or perhaps the Cardinal avenged himself for the Marquess' outspokenness and her desire to adopt Dhuka by destroying her home. It is also possible that Sidorov Manor was destroyed for an altogether different reason. Eventually, Mon joins them after he returns from the Anchor's Luck, and he tells them that Popov's friends acted suspiciously. Marigold remarks that the Cardinal and Captain Popov do not circulate in the same circles, so there's probably no connection between what happened at the Anchor's Luck and the destruction of Sidorov Manor. As far as they are concerned, there are three forces currently playing against each other on Katarina: the Cardinal and his men, the Oak Leaf, a shadowy organization that supports the Archduke, and Captain Lafoy and his gang of pirates who are manufacturing high-quality weapons and armor for some unknown purpose. Who had the most to gain from destroying Sidorov Manor?

Returning to her room, Branna brings Dhuka food and fills her in on the events and Sidorov Manor's destruction. Dhuka is saddened that the Marquess' home has been burned to the ground, but she is glad that everyone escaped and that there were no deaths in the fast-moving fire.

Sunday, June 26, 1066 SE

At breakfast, Pavel shares a copy of the Katarina Chronicle with Mon. The headlines grab his attention: "A Night of Festivities Turns to Ash," and "Massive Breakout at the Cathedral: Prisoners Escape." Mon and Pavel discuss the breakout, and Mon mentions that he might be able to get Pavel a job working on the Marquess rebuilding Sidorov Manor. Pavel agrees that this would be a sweet job, and he asks Mon a favor. While on the mainland, could the actor scour some of the antique shops in the capital city and look for antique saws? Pavel collects them, and he could always add another one to his wall of saws. Mon agrees.

Saturday, June 25, 1066

With the events of the previous evening fresh in his mind, Mon reflects on a series of loose ends he and his friends are facing as they prepare to leave for the mainland. There appear to have been three different assassination attempts during the play a few hours earlier. 

The Archduke was almost shot. Who was the assassin in Sir Gregory's box? Who was the real target? How did they come in, and how did they leave? 

The Cardinal was the second target. Who were the pirates in the Marquess of Sidorov's box? Given that no shot was fired, was the Cardinal the real target, or was it someone else? The Cardinal had invited folks who lost people in the Khoroshim explosion. Why were these people here? Branna mentioned the pirates were dressed like the city guard. Mon remembers that he saw similar armor in a cave north of Mount Kilina, where the pirate Captain Lafoy and his smiths take shelter when not involved in piracy.  How did they enter the Legendary? How did they leave?

Ulan was the third target. Who tried to kill him, and why? The first actor is not well-liked among the crew, and rumor has it he holds something over Sir Gregory, which, the gossiping goes, accounts for why he hasn't been replaced as first actor. How was a real sword substituted for the prop sword?

There are also other things to consider. What should they do about Anya rotting in a dungeon under the Cathedral? What about her younger sister Dhuka? Where would she be the safest until they depart for Sejza? How should they prepare for the trip? Will they come back from Sezja? What about Sir Gregory? Why is he in such dire financial straights that the Legendary is under threat of closure? What about the upcoming tour of Sir Anton's forest holdings, where the Sezja military is reportedly hiding?

While Mon is silently going through his mental list of loose ends, Marigold looks for Dusana, the prop master. She questions him on what happened. Dusana tells her he's already talked with all of the prop folks. Marigold suggests that the real sword was meant to kill someone live on stage. This would certainly close the Legendary down, as the scandal it would create would be difficult to recover from. She suggests that it will be critical to keep an eye on the sword. Dusana tells her he will personally handle this for the rest of the play. 

Mon joins Marigold and Dusana backstage. He asks Dusana if he thinks that Kisa is the real actress and not some assassin who replaced her when she was kidnapped and is now masquerading as her. Could someone have infiltrated the Legendary, he wonders? Dusana replies he doesn't have enough contact with Kisa to tell if that is the case, but her haughty and arrogant attitude is the same as it has always been.

Dusana shows the sword to Mon and Marigold. The sword is finely crafted out of kat steel and resembles the prop sword. The plans for the prop sword were drawn only two weeks ago, making it almost impossible to craft such a finely detailed sword in time for tonight's opening night. Marigold suddenly thinks of something. It would be hard to create a sword that resembled the prop, but it would have been easy to create a prop that resembled the sword. Marigold asks Dusana who was in charge of designing the sword. Dusana tells her that it was Prop Maker Kyivan who designed the sword prop. Marigold suggests he could have designed the prop sword on purpose or been duped by someone to design his prop based on this specific sword. Either way, they should question Kyivan in the morning.

Wondering if Sir Gregory is still here as he has some questions for him, Mon heads to the administrative quarter. Despite this late hour, Mon overhears three people talking in Sir Gregory's office. He recognizes the voices of the Legendary's owner, along with those of his manservant Ony and Nadie, head of the theater's security. Sir Gregory calmly explains to Ony and Nadie that if he cannot secure a loan or find 11,000 gold pieces, the Legendary will be foreclosed on. This night was supposed to salvage the theater, but now all of the bad press that will surely come in tomorrow's newspapers about the gun falling in the crowd, the fire in the box, and the rumors that someone attempted to assassinate the King will surely negatively affect ticket sales.

Mon knocks on the door. Startled, the people in the office go quiet for a heartbeat until Nadie cracks the door open. Seeing it is Mon, she tells Sir Gregory, who invites him in. Mon tells Sir Gregory the assassin shot at the Archduke, and not the King. Mon also tells him he prevented the Cardinal's assassination. Sir Gregory humorlessly chastises Mon for not letting the assassin take a shot at the Cardinal. Mon also notices that Sir Gregory has a burn mark on his right cheek.

Mon then tells Sir Gregory he overheard the theater is in dire financial straights. Sir Gregory tells him a consortium lent the theater money as the King's visit incurred significant costs, including additional security, elaborate decorations, and higher production values for the performance. These expenses have strained the theater's budget, and he must pay 11,000 gold by Monday 9 am or default on his loan. The consortium is led by Sir Anton of the Katarina Chronicle, but Sir Gregory believes that Lord Nazar is behind the whole operation.  

Mon casts message and walks to the window. He telepathically tells Sir Gregory about his plan to bet a high sum during the horse races tomorrow. He will be in the Marquess's box, and with her uncanny ability to pick winners, he hopes to get a few leads he can pass on to Sir Gregory. Sir Gregory thanks him for the opportunity and for all of the money-making schemes Mon has developed in the last few months, but he doesn't think they will be able to secure enough winnings to cover the cost of the loan. 

Leaving this sad party behind, Mon messages Marigold and Branna about the information he just heard. Marigold remembers that the pastry chef who tried to poison the pastries at the Archduke's ball was reportedly from Lord Nazar's household. Could Lord Nazar be behind the assassination attempt in order to default the theater and acquire it for cheap? 

Wandering back to the lobby before heading back to the Palace, Mon runs into Dima, who's still taking notes. Mon questions the captain of the guard, who agrees to answer his questions if Mon will answer his. Dima asks him if Mon smelled tuberose in the box. Mon did not. However, Marigold might have noticed it, as she spent more time in Sir Gregory's box than he did. Mon asks whether Lord Nazar has been absent recently, as Mon secretly suspects that Lord Nazar and Captain Lafoy are one and the same individual. He tells Dima that he recognized Captain Lafoy as one of the pirates in the Marquess's box. There is bad blood between him and the Cardinal. Mon further tells Dima someone on Lafoy's crew forged the city guard armor the pirates were wearing, and the sword that almost killed Ulan. Finally, Mon reveals he suspects that Lord Nazar could be leading a double life. Lord Nazar could be wearing gloves to hide his missing finger. Mon plans to keep an eye on and shake his hand at the earliest opportunity to determine if he's missing a finger. If that is the case, Dima points out that Lord Nazar was in two places at once, being in Sir Gregory's box and in the Marquess's box simultaneously.

Dima tells Mon about Sir Gregory's burn mark and mentions that because all folks were paralyzed, none of them saw the assassin enter the box or leave it. No one in the front row (Sir Gregory; Sir Sergeii, the King's cousin; Sir Matviy, Sir Gregory's solicitor; and Lord Taras Nazar, owner of the Starlight Theater) caught a glimpse of the assassin. The folks in the second row did, however. Lord Taras Nazar's wife and their three kids independently described the assassin as an old man. Ony and Yurchik, who were sitting in the third row, saw the assassin but he appeared cloaked in shadows as he set up and discharged his rifle. Dima tells Mon that artists are presently drawing images of the assassin based on the reports of those who saw him, and perhaps they'll have a better idea of who to look for when they are available.

As Mon and Dima speak, four city guardsmen arrive. Dima acknowledges their presence. They inform Dima that all four portraits were independently generated based on each person being interrogated, and all four of them resemble ... Dima, as the captain is shown the resulting drawings. One of the guards tells Dima that because he was alone for six to ten minutes in Sir Gregory's office, searching for the bomb that was reported in the bomb threat, Dima could potentially have been the assassin. Of course, the guards tell him and Mon, they don't believe he would, but things being what they are, they are to escort Dima back to the barracks for further investigation. Dima is thus accompanied by the four guards as they depart the Legendary.

Mon finds his friends back at the Palace and tells them that Dima was taken for questioning. Marigold speculates that Lord Nazar might have wanted to eliminate the Cardinal, to ensure that theaters could continue to operate. Branna suspects that all three assassination attempts worked, and this would surely have indeed sunk the Legendary. Marigold wonders what would happen if the Archduke did indeed succumb to an assassination. Mon speculates that Archduchess Verushka would succeed him, but since she is still a minor, a regent would be appointed. Normally, the nobles on the island would select a regent. As the highest-ranking noble in Katarina after the Archduke, Marigold wonders if the Marquess of Sidorov would be the one making the selection or at least influence it. Branna points out that House Sidorov is a political force that is spent on Katarina and that, under the circumstances, the King would have appointed a regent. Mon speculates that perhaps the King would have appointed Sir Sergeii as regent. Or perhaps the Cardinal thought he would have an opportunity to influence a young and politically naive Verushka. With this depressing thought, the three of them head to bed.

Branna smuggles Dhuka into her room since her roommate is never here, and soon enough, everyone is asleep but suffering through fitful dreams of assassination and mayhem.

In the morning, Branna, Marigold, and Mon find scripts for the play they will be staging while performing Masha and the Bear in Sezja. The Second Crew's next play is Ivan's Quest, a play billed as a captivating narrative of love, bravery, and the triumph of good over evil, enriched with magical elements and mythical creatures.

Act One presents Prince Ivan, whose three sisters are married to magical beings that appeared during a storm. The Falcon, Eagle, and Raven each proposed to and wed one of the princesses, taking them to their own realms. Prince Ivan's loneliness drives him to search for his sisters, leading him on a journey filled with magical encounters, where he meets a beautiful girl, Marya Morevna, who loves him back. Unfortunately for both of them, Koshchei the Deathless, a malevolent spirit, kidnaps Marya.

Act Two begins when Prince Ivan embarks on a quest to rescue Marya. Through the aid of strange magical beings, Prince Ivan discovers the realms where his sisters now rule with their husbands, and he engages their services to fight and defeat Koshchei the Deathless.

In the final act, Prince Ivan and the unified forces of his sisters' realms defeat Koshchei and his army of the deathless. In a climactic battle, Ivan confronts Koshchei. Ivan successfully defeats Koshchei and imprisons him inside a bright crystal, which he buries deep in the ocean. Entering Koshchei's castle, he rescues Marya, and the happy couple is finally reunited.

Friday, June 24, 1066 SE, continued ...

Having completed their tour of the Legendary, the King and his retinue depart midafternoon, around the same time Mon, Marigold, and Branna discover that Dhuka's room has been looted. Now in possession of ripped pages that seem to come from the Cardinal's personal diary, they discuss how they should keep these pages safe. Mon proposes to summon his warlock blade, then tie the pages to it and vanish again. This would keep everything safe, but Marigold expresses doubts, considering that Mon could be disabled, arrested, or even killed. This would put the pages in jeopardy of never being retrieved. Instead, Marigold proposes to build a puzzle box where the pages can be hidden. For now, she seizes the diary pages and slides them into an inside pocket in her skirt.

Considering what to do with Dhuka, Marigold suggests Dhuka take refuge in Mon's room for the night. Mon expresses his concern that the Cardinal's men could search there. Can they really trust Herald if he comes upon Dhuka in Mon's bedroom? Branna offers Dhuka the Vest of the Clothier and tells the girl she should stay close to her in the costume department during the play.

Marigold tells Dhuka she needs to be dressed as someone other than a pageboy. She first transforms into a steampunk outfit, followed by a forest sprite. In the end, Branna convinces her to adopt something more appropriate, and Dhuka uses the Vest of the Clothier to create an outfit that resembles Marigold's. Then lightning strikes as Marigold suddenly thinks that perhaps Dhuka could hide in the secret passage underneath the Cardinal's box, listen to his conversations, and document any important information she overhears. She's unlikely to be found there. Marigold also gives the child a sketchbook in case she's found, so she can pretend to be watching the play and taking notes. Finally, Marigold offers her a magic-infused light stone, so she can see. She's to remain there until the play is done. Marigold tells Dhuka her name today will be Annabelle, to avoid drawing attention to her. Dhuka pouts, saying she'd rather be Rosie. Marigold sighs and agrees to call her Annabelle-Rosie.

With their preparations complete, they head over to the Palace for their evening meal. The cafeteria is packed, and in the excitement, no one comments on Annabelle-Rosie. In her disguise, Dhuka fills her plate with desserts. Marigold chastises her, telling her she should have more protein. Dhuka goes back to the serving line and returns with some chicken and another plate of dessert. The ambiance is electric as everyone feels stressed and anxious but also elated at the idea of opening night in front of the King.

Before returning to the Legendary, Marigold places several smoke bombs and caltrops in her pockets. Mon, for his part, returns to his room to disguise himself. He makes himself appear to have a slightly broken nose, with eyes and hair of a different color, with slight mutton chops.

As six o'clock nears, the friends follow the crowd out of the Palace and to the Legendary lobby. With the entire staff, aside from security, assembled in the lobby, Sir Gregory descends the marble stairs from the administrative portion of the theater and welcomes everyone. He tells them he is proud of the work they did to get the Legendary ready today, especially with the twin disturbances of the Cardinal's men searching the premises and the King visiting. The Enchanted Winter is bound to become a beloved classic, and it will generate much-needed income. This is the first time Branna hear Sir Gregory directly mention the theater's financial difficulties. 

Concluding his remarks, Sir Gregory turns to Yurchik. The theater director explains that all entrances to the Legendary will be guarded by both city and royal guards. Additional guards will be positioned in the lobby and on each floor's atrium. Legendary security will monitor work spaces and additional locations. The Legendary is essentially on lock down mode. Anyone departing the theater will not be allowed back in tonight. Anyone not needed to run the production has been assigned a support position in the lobby, as an attendant, or to direct traffic. Yurchik proceeds to read the list of names and assignations. Branna and Marigold are both expected to be near their workshops, in case a costume or a prop needs to be fixed or substituted. Mon is assigned to serve as an extra attendant to the north wing of the second floor of the theater, the hallway where the Archduke has his private box.

At half past six, the front doors to the Legendary open, and the guests begin their ascend of the front steps to the lobby. Branna escorts Dhuka to the secret passage leading under the Cardinal's box, before returning to the costume workshop. Soon the main lobby and the atriums on the second, third and fourth floors are buzzing with the excitement of the crowd. Nobles and lower-class citizens of Katarina alike mingle as the concession booths do brisk business. As the clock nears seven thirty, the lights in the lobby and atriums are dimmed, and the remaining stragglers make their way to the auditorium. 

On the second floor, Mon observes the Archduke, his wife, Archduchess Yeva, and his daughters, Archduchesses Verushka and Yula enter the box with the King and his son, Prince Yegor. Accompanying them are Dr. Sadistik, Dima, captain of the city guard, Sir Pavlo Demidov, personal secretary to the King, and Ruslan, captain of the Royal Guard. Despite his disguise, the Archduke, the King and Dr. Sadistik all recognize Mon.

At half past seven sharp, Sir Gregory ascends the steps from stage left and stops in the middle, greeting the crowd.

Marigold and Branna compare notes on whom they observed sitting in specific boxes. Watching the crowd from the wings, they saw that Sir Gregory, in his private box, invited his manservant Ony, Sir Sergeii, the King's cousin, Yurchik, the theater manager, Sir Matviy, Sir Gregory's solicitor, Lord Taras Nazar, owner of the Starlight Theater, his wife, and their three kids. In the Marquess of Sidorov's box they saw the Marquess, her friend Lady Sirenko, Lady Natalia Astral, her husband, Nikita Astral, Sir Dmytro Anton, owner of the Katarina Chronicle, and his wife. Finally, they saw a cast of most unpleasant characters in the Cardinal's box. The Cardinal had evidently invited his right hand Tarashenko, Lady Sofia Zhytomyr, widow of Sir Oleskiy Zhytomyr, who died in the recent explosion of Khoroshim, and her eldest daughter. They are also accompanied by Sir Kyrylo Bodashka, son of the late Lady Alina Bodashka, who also perished in the explosion.

Sir Gregory begins his speech: "Good evening, esteemed patrons! Welcome to the Legendary, where dreams take flight and magic comes alive." The crowd loudly cheers. Sir Gregory then welcomes the King and his son, and the Archduke and his family. The King stands and does the dusting under the mantle wave to polite applause, while the Archduke's brief wave receives thunderous applause. Sir Gregory continues his speech:

"Tonight, we have the distinct pleasure of presenting a truly enchanting tale: The Enchanted Winter: A Tale of Lost Love. Prepare to be transported to a realm of wonder where snow-covered landscapes shimmer under the moonlight, and fantastical creatures roam freely. This spellbinding opera weaves together a tapestry of fantasy, romance, and enchantment, delivering a poignant story of love, sacrifice, and the enduring power of hope. The Enchanted Winter' is a journey of hope, a reminder that even in the face of despair, the warmth of love can melt the coldest of hearts. So, settle in, dear friends, and prepare to be transported to a world of wonder, where magic reigns supreme and love conquers all. Let the enchantment begin!"

The first act goes off without a hitch. The actors effectively deliver their lines, the soaring music is flawlessly delivered, the props perform as expected, and the costumes experience no malfunctions. Everyone on the stage is surprised at how smooth this opening act is.  

During the first intermission, Marigold checks in with Dhuka. She then heads to the Marquess' box. The Marquess is in the lobby mingling with other nobles, but Lady Sirenko is quietly sitting in her comfortable chair, using her spyglasses to examine the crowd. Marigold tells her about the ransacking of Dhuka's room, and explains to her that they plan on taking her to the mainland when they leave in a few days. Lady Sirenko agrees this is probably for the best, though she knows Zoya will miss Dhuka and still wants to redress the error she made by pressing charges against Dhuka when the green dress Branna had designed for her went missing.

While Marigold talks with Lady Sirenko, Branna finds Joseph, who's refilling supplies in the private boxes he's helping with. She questions him about Sir Gregory's speech about generating much needed income. Joseph tells her in confidence that he overheard Sir Gregory discuss the Legendary's dire financial situation. Ever since the King's visit to Katarina was announced, the Legendary has spent more than double the income collected. And now some of Sir Gregory's creditors are calling in loans, squeezing him financially. Joseph has it on good authority that the theater owner even had to sell some of his possessions, including his beloved horse carriage. Joseph tells Branna that if she has an exit strategy, she may not want to return from the Second Crew's visit to Sezja to present Masha and the Bear. By that time, the Legendary may have been seized to cover Sir Gregory's death.

During the second act, the bell outside the Archduke's box rings. Mon knocks softly and enters. Dr. Sadistik asks Mon to bring him a seltzer. Mon notices the Archduke and the King are deep in a whispered conversation he can't overhear due to the music and singing occurring on stage. He brings the seltzer back, and smoothly places his hand out. Dr. Sadistik drops a coin in his palm while taking his drink. Once outside the box, Mon looks at the coin and notices it is a copper piece, and the portrait has been defaced. Mon drops it in the latrine at the earliest opportunity. 

The second intermission starts, and most of the theater empties into the lobby and atriums to partake of drinks and food. The crew is once again amazed that everything went as planned, and there were no issues, even minor ones, that needed to be addressed. The performances continue to be amazing.

With his duties currently at a lull, Mon ascends the stairs to the third floor and knocks on the Marquess's box door. Lady Sirenko beacons him in, and is surprised by his disguise. Mon presents a purse with 50 gold in it. Lady Sirenko's eyes briefly display a greedy appetite before her face returns to her usually composed attitude. Mon politely asks her if she thinks the Marquess could use this sum to bet on the horse races in the next few weeks while Mon and the rest of the Second Crew are on the mainland. Lady Sirenko replies she is sure Zoya will be happy to do so, given that she is rather fond of the actor. Mon recalls a conversation with Sir Gregory about the Marquess's extensive knowledge of horses and her uncanny ability to pick winners. Mon hopes that he may gain enough winnings to perhaps purchase a share of the Legendary.

Following the second intermission, the show resumes. A few minutes later, a city guard comes running down the corridor, and he requests Captain Dima. Dima steps outside the Archduke's box, and the guard whispers something to him Mon is unable to hear. Dima immediately departs in a rush, followed by the guard. Mon then notices three additional guards rushing downstairs.

Counting on the play continuing its streak of good fortune, Branna heads to the lobby, where cupcakes, snacks, and teas remain available for the staff. As she's eating a lovely cupcake decorated with a winter theme, She sees several city guards run through the lobby towards the administrative section. Taking a look around, she realizes that there are now more royal guards than city guards in the lobby. Seeking Joseph, she informs him that the guards seem to be searching the administrative offices. He tells her she should spread that info, and also let people know that there are no guards left on the second floor, so that everyone can be on alert. She lets every attendant know as she runs to Mon's station. She reports the news to her actor friend, just as the bell to the Archduke's box rings. 

Mon enters the box after knocking. Once again, Dr. Sadistik requests a seltzer. Mon hurries to the bar on the second floor atrium, and confirms that there are in fact no guards left on this level. Returning with the drink, Dr. Sadistik tips him a silver piece, but at the same moment Mon notices something odd occurring in Sir Gregory's box. The theater owner had one hand up holding a spyglass while his other hand was scratching his eyebrow when Mon first came in, but now ten seconds later he is still in the same position. As Mon observes the other guests cloaked in shadows, he realizes the other guests are also standing still, as if their motions were suddenly interrupted. Mon rushes out of the box, and, after accessing the scaffolding through the concealed door at the end of the hallway, descends to find Branna and Marigold.

He relays what he saw, then heads back the scaffolding and emerges on the third floor through the concealed door. The hallway is empty of guards or attendants. Rushing past through the Marquess's door, he hears a gruff voice threatening the box's occupants. He quickly returns to the stage, and ask his friends to follow him. Back on the third floor and now invisible, Mon shadowsteps inside the Marquess's box. Four pirates poorly disguised as city guards have infiltrated her box. The Marquess and all of her guests are tied up, and one of the pirates has a long-pole firearm aimed at ... the Cardinal. 

Despite his misgivings against the Cardinal, Mon intervenes. He places Dr. Sadistik's silver piece in the firing mechanism, preventing the weapon from firing its metal ball. The pirate is perplexed, and he cocks his gun again, hoping to fire once more. Mon seizes the weapon, throws it over the railing, and it lands in the audience below with a thud and a cry of pain which disrupts the play. 

At the same time, as Kisa acting as Elara retrieves the precious crystal on stage, the orchestra does a soaring rendition of the theme song, which comes with loud drums. Mon notices a flash coming from Sir Gregory's box, and another rifle, this time aimed at the Archduke's box one story below. He immediately shadowsteps away and rushes back to his post. 

Meanwhile, Marigold stopped at Sir Gregory's door, and immediately saw someone had broken a key inside the locking mechanism. Using her tools, she pulls the remnants of the broken key out. She carefully opens the door. Inside, Sir Gregory and his guests are paralyzed. A quick perusal around the box reveals that the intruder is no longer here. But as the chaos in the auditorium following the gun's drop and subsequent injury registers, Marigold notices that Kisa is wielding a real sword, and not the prop sword she should be using to pretend to stab Ulan in his role as Mikael. The play has stopped as the confusion spreads through the theater. Hoping to cause an even bigger distraction to save Ulan's life, Marigold sets off her smoke bomb, then pretends to put the fire out. Most of the crowd evacuates the theater, but in the delay Marigold returns to the stage and removes the sword from Kisa's hand. 

While this was happening, Branna sees four ruffian-looking city guards leave the Marquess's box. They soon vanish in the crowd of theater-goers hoping to escape the nonexistent flames on the third floor. Branna enters the Marquess's box, and soon frees her and all of her guests. The Marquess tells her that ruffians entered and quickly tied everyone. They seemed to be waiting for a particular moment in the play, suggesting they knew a lot of details most folks would not have. She didn't recognize any of them, but one of them was missing a few fingers on his left hand.

At the same time, Mon enters the Archduke's box, and he notices that a bullet passed less than a palm's length away from the Archduke's head, but the man did not even notice. He points the bullet hole to Ruslan, who quickly removes the King from the box. In the absence of Dima, Mon forcibly removes the Archduke and he escorts the small group through the concealed door down to the costume department, where Ruslan locks the door in an effort to protect the King. A much harried Dima finds Mon backstage and is briefed on the incident.

Having dealt with the sword, Marigold returns to Sir Gregory's box to help its occupants. Now that the theater is quieter, she hears the unmistakable sound of a clock. She removes a section of carpet underneath Sir Gregory's seat while the man is still sitting in it paralyzed, then breaks and pulls a piece of floorboard. Underneath she discovers an aetherburst crystal, similar to the one she had disarmed. With skill and patience, she removes the detonator, and turns over both the detonator and the bomb to Dima as he enters Sir Gregory's box.

With all of the drama concluded, the play resumes, with the King and the Archduke in attendance once again. The theater crowd, now about half full, delivers a standing ovation at the end of the play.

Dima collects Branna, Marigold and Mon's testimonies, and he tells them that without their quick thinking casualties would have been far worse than an injured theater goer, who suffered a nasty gash on his head when the rifle fell on it. Mon tells Dima he should inform the Cardinal that he saved his life, but only after he has department with Second Crew for the mainland. 

With the play done and the Cardinal gone, Marigold retrieves Dhuka from her hiding place. She tells them that the Cardinal spent most of the play talking. Most of the things he talked about seemed unimportant, but she did hear several conversations that were worth recording. Sir Kyrylo Bodashka asked the Cardinal about the absence of the Royal Navy and the soldiers that were predicted to be here. The Cardinal replied that the troops were already here in the forests around Katarina. The Cardinal then discussed the King's favor and how to best curry it. He inquired about his guests' impressions of the King, what he seemed to enjoy most, which nobles he spoke to, and any subtle indications of royal approval or disapproval. 

Later on he discussed the King's policies, the economic situation, and the social unrest and lack of morals that threatens to the kingdom. He sought the opinions of his guests, especially those who lost loved ones in the Koroshim attack. Finally, he also talked about the social events of the season, including the King's attendance at various functions. He shared gossip and observations about the nobility, their behavior, and their alliances.

Friday, June 24, 1066 SE

Returning from the Katarina Palace early in the morning following Katarina's first royal ball, Branna, Marigold and Mon withdraw to their respective rooms rooms and take some much needed rest. The King will be visiting the Legendary later this afternoon, and tonight's opening night of The Enchanted Winter: A Tale of Lost Love will draw all of the island's nobility to the theater, presenting the best opportunity for anyone wishing to strike a blow against the monarchy.

Finding their roommates already in bed, Marigold and Branna are soon asleep. Though he lays down in his covers, Mon does not need to sleep. As Mon meditates, he hears Herald entering the room but soon his steady breathing indicates the cad has fallen asleep. As Mon processes the events of the day and wonder at Dr. Sadistik's purpose in revealing himself to the actor, he suddenly notices the absence of breathing from Herald's bed. He hears the rustle of a leaf falling from a tree, and something lands on his head. Gingerly picking it up with his fingers, he feels it is a playing card.

Intrigued and vaguely worried about his roommate's health, Mon turns on a light. Herald inhales sharply before turning over in his sleep and facing the wall. Sure enough, Mon finds that the item that landed on his head is a playing card, specifically the seven of spade. A strange black stain covers the bottom quarter. The actor does not know the significance of it, nor why someone would want to deliver this to him.

In the morning, the trio reunites in the Palace's cafeteria. Pageboys deliver boxes to Branna and Marigold, while a pageboy entrusts Mon with a box Dhuka received.

They receive packages from pageboys. Each of them has one, and an extra one has been sent to Dhuka. Mon accepts the gift meant for Dhuka. Looking inside, he finds a pink unicorn stuffed animal, and a note that reads as follows:

Dear Dhaka,
I’m sorry about what happened to you, and I do apologize. Here’s a small token of appreciation, with the hope that I will see you soon,
Marquess of Sidorov.

Marigold opens her box. Inside, she finds a note from the Marquess of Sidorov. Her note reads as follows: 

Dear Marigold,

I would like to express my sincere gratitude for the absolutely stunning jewelry you created for me. It was the talk of the ball yesterday, and its impact was beyond my wildest dreams.

The intricate details, the flawless fit, and the overall elegance of your finely crafted earrings and necklace were truly remarkable. I received countless compliments throughout the evening, and I felt exceptional and confident wearing your amazing creations.

As a token of my appreciation and affection, I am including a small gift that has been in the Sidorov household for a few generations. May it be of use to you!

Thank you again for your exceptional talent and dedication. I will cherish the memories of that night forever.

Zoya Sidorov

Inside the box she finds the Scrivener's Pen, an item that was crafted by a powerful wizard who sought to bridge the gap between imagination and reality. The wizard spent years experimenting with various materials and enchantments before finally creating the pen. However, the wizard soon realized the immense power of the pen and decided to hide it away, fearing that it might fall into the wrong hands. The pen has been lost and found many times over the centuries. It has been used for both good and evil, and its power has been the source of countless legends and tales. Some say that the pen is a gift from the gods, while others believe it to be a cursed artifact that should be destroyed. 

Branna opens her package and finds a note. It reads:

Dear Branna,

I would like to express my sincere gratitude for the absolutely stunning dress you created for me. It was the talk of the ball yesterday, and its impact was beyond my wildest dreams.

The intricate details, the flawless fit, and the overall elegance of your finely crafted dress were truly remarkable. I received countless compliments throughout the evening, and I felt exceptional and confident wearing your amazing dress.

As a token of my appreciation and affection, I am including a small gift that has been in the Sidorov household for a few generations. May it be of use to you!

Thank you again for your exceptional talent and dedication. I will cherish the memories of that night forever.

Zoya Sidorov

Inside the package she finds the Vest of the Clothier, a magical garment that allows the wearer to change the appearance, texture, color, size, and format of their clothes. After using an action, the wearer activates the item with a keyword, and then briefly describes what the outfit will look like. The clothes are then transformed, and fit the description. These items appear nonmagical, even when detect magic is used.

Finally, Mon opens his package. There is no note inside, but as he looks at the mask, he has a flashback to a time where he was walking next to Dr. Sadistik, who was showcasing some of the artwork he owned. Mon clearly remembers Dr. Sadistik stopping by the mask, and pointing out to Mon that this Tanuit Mask, weathered and worn, is carved from a single piece of ancient wood, its surface etched with intricate patterns that seem to dance and writhe. The hollow eyes, however, appear to gaze into the soul of the beholder, while the mouth, a gaping maw, suggests a primal, timeless hunger. The mask's symbolism of a fractured personality is profound and multifaceted. It represents the duality of existence and the constant battle between light and dark, order and chaos. The hollow eyes might symbolize the emptiness and isolation often felt by those with a fractured psyche, while the gaping mouth could represent the unquenchable thirst for wholeness and connection. The intricate patterns may be seen as a metaphor for the complex and often contradictory thoughts and emotions swirling within a fragmented mind. The Tanuit, an ancient civilization that once dwelled in the northern forests of what is now Sezja, were known for their deep spiritual connection to nature and the spirit world. Tanuit artisans crafted such masks for various rituals and ceremonies. These masks were believed to possess the power to transform the wearer, allowing them to commune with the divine and transcend the limitations of the physical world. By donning a mask, an individual could become a vessel for the spirit world, experiencing a profound shift in consciousness.

Mon remembers feeling powerless at the time, and, strangely enough, was aware he did not yet have a mouth.

Remembering the card he received during the night, Mon shows it to Branna and Marigold. Marigold explains the meaning of the Seven of Spades to him. The Seven of Spades, a mystical messenger from the tarot deck, whispers of introspection, a moment to retreat into the quiet corners of your soul. It beckons you to journey inward, to seek the wisdom hidden within the depths of your being. This card is a gentle reminder that challenges, like the rugged peaks that rise from the earth, are not obstacles but stepping stones to self-discovery. Embrace the transformative path that lies ahead, for it is a journey of profound personal growth. As you navigate the winding roads of introspection, trust the compass of your intuition, guiding you towards the hidden treasures of your inner world. The insights gained along this solitary pilgrimage are priceless, illuminating the path to a more authentic and fulfilling life.

Marigold reminds Mon that Dhuka is probably hungry, since she was told to stay in her room last night. Mon puts a plate of food together, then heads out of the Palace. Once he's away from everyone, he turns invisible and, after entering the Legendary, travels the secret passages to Dhuka's room in the roof rafters. She's pleased to see him, and is thrilled she received a present. She unwraps the package that was supposedly sent by the Marquess, and sees that it is a pink unicorn doll. Mon also offers her the plate of food, reminding her to stay inside her room today, so that when the King comes to visit, there wouldn't be any trouble.

His errand now completed, Mon heads to the waterfront, to the Drown Sailor's Stitches. He asks Orest, the shop's owner, if he recognizes or can identify the playing card and the mask. After some negotiating,  Orest tells the actor the magical properties of the card and explains that the mask is evil. After some thinking, Mon remembers the rustles of leaves, and mentions them to Orest.  Orest believes that the card came from the Fey realm. Mon relates his experience with the Raven Queen. Remaining uncommitted,  Orest agrees this may be the origin of the card.

After departing the Drown Sailor's Stitches, Mon heads to the Anchor's Luck, where he meets with Captain Popov. After a short breakfast for the Captain, he and Mon head out on the Tall Tale, traveling around the island. The Captain takes him to a series of shoals near the shoreline. Finding the perfect cove, Mon drops into the water, and hides the Tanuit Mask in its case at the bottom of the sea in a small hole in one of the shoals, placing a rock in front of it to ensure it does not get dragged.. He then suns himself dry. They then return to Katarina.

While Mon and Captain Popov are cruising the waters off Katarina, the last-minute preparations to welcome the King to his tour of the Legendary are interrupted by the irruption of the Cardinal and his men, holding a warrant to arrest an escaped convict and for other seditious individuals. A rumor soon spread through the theater like wildfire that they are looking for Matviyko, who escaped from the Cathedral prison last night, and for Mon, who acted as his accomplice. Hearing the commotion, Sir Gregory comes down from his office on the third floor and confronts the Cardinal, accusing him of sabotaging the Legendary's efforts in preparing for the King's visit.

As the Cardinal's men spread through the theater, Marigold asks Luba if she would be willing to act being sick, before explaining her plan. Luba gleefully agrees. Using makeup, Marigold quickly transforms Luba into a measles-infested, sick-looking woman. When the Cardinal steps on the scene, Luba approaches him and begins coughing. The Cardinal shoves her away from him and storms off, pestering against a foolish staff who would let such a sick person be in the theater with the King soon to arrive. Marigold grabs her kit back, and smiles as she returns to her work station. Finally, after an hour, the Cardinal and his men depart the Legendary, leaving a mess behind. Yurchik tells every to redouble their efforts and get the place spotless again.

In the early afternoon, as Mon hides the Tanuit Mask under the sea, the King's carriage arrives at the Legendary. He is accompanied by his son, Prince Yegor, and by the Archduke's daughters, Verushka and Yula. The King thanks his welcoming committee, then walks from department to department, asking pointed questions on the operations of the Legendary. 

When he arrives in the props department, he expresses surprise at the various mechanical and magical props. He pays particular homage to Marigold's bubble machine. Marigold offers her prototype to the King, who thanks her for the gesture but politely declines. Yula asks the prop maker if she could have it. Marigold agrees, and gives it to the Archduke's youngest daughter. 

Moving to the costume department, the King is happy to see Branna again. He asks her if she's ever considered making a ceremonial yet practical leather armor that he could wear at regal events. Branna agrees to look into it and draw him a few proposals. As the King and his entourage leaves, Verushka sidles up to Branna and softly asks her if she's seen Matviyko. When Branna tells her no, Verushka requests she keep him safe if he does show up. 

After the King departs the Legendary, Yurchik gathers everyone, and informs them that tonight only one early dinner serving will be available at the Palace. Everyone should be back at the theater by 6. He reminds them that the King will be in attendance with Prince Yegor in the Archduke's booth, with the Archduke and his family. The Cardinal will also be here, which could make for a volatile situation given the search earlier today.

As Marigold and Branna sit down for dinner, Mon returns from his boat trip. Prompted by Branna and Marigold, Mon gathers some food and heads up to Dhuka's room. A feeling of dread assails him as he opens the door. Her secret room has been ransacked, and there is no sign of her. Mon softly calls her name, and the child emerges from a secret hiding place above the flipped kitchen table. Leaving Dhuka alone for a minute, Mon finds a pageboy and sends a message to his friends. Following his directions, Marigold and Branna soon arrive in Dhuka's wrecked room.

As the friends begin picking up the pieces of Dhuka's life, they recognize costumes and props that have gone missing in the last few months. Mon tells them he will be reaching out to the Marquess to see if Dhuka could be welcomed to Sidorov Manor. Branna mentions that perhaps Dhuka should stay with Lady Sirenko, as this would be a less obvious place for the Cardinal's men to look for her. Clearly someone knew she was here. Either option should be done in daylight, Marigold reasons. As Mon picks up a few things, he finds a cookbook called Cooking for Royals By Chef Andreii. Idly flipping it open and perusing its pages, he discovers fragments of the Cardinal's journal:

Date: September 20th, 1051 SE 

The kingdom is gripped by a pall of despair. The Faceless Fever sweeps through our streets, claiming lives young and old. The once vibrant halls of the castle are now filled with the sounds of mourning. Her Highness, Princess Elara, the apple of the King's eye, has succumbed to the insidious plague. The King is inconsolable. Anya, Elara's nursemaid, has refused to accept her death. She insists that Elara was taken from her, snatched away in the night. Her persistence is unsettling.

I find myself torn between grief and opportunity. As the King's most trusted advisor, it falls upon me to guide him through this dark hour. But beneath the surface of sorrow, I see a glimmer of hope. The King's vulnerability is a potent weapon, one that I can wield to shape the destiny of Sezja.
Today, I attended the funeral. The procession was somber, the mourners' faces etched with grief. As I stood beside the King, I observed the reactions of the nobles. Some were genuinely moved, while others seemed more concerned with their own interests. It is a reminder that even in the face of tragedy, the pursuit of power and influence never truly ceases.

Later, in the privacy of my chambers, I pondered the implications of Elara's death. The King is utterly devastated. He is more susceptible to suggestion than ever before. It is time to begin my plan.
 

Date: October 1st, 1051 SE 

The King's grief has deepened. He spends his days holed up in his chambers, refusing to see anyone. The court is paralyzed by uncertainty. The nobles whisper of a curse, of divine retribution for the kingdom's sins. I have begun to subtly plant the seeds of doubt in the King's mind. During our private meetings, I speak of ancient prophecies, of lost civilizations that possessed the secret to eternal life. I weave tales of a chosen one, a savior who can halt the plague and restore the kingdom to its former glory. The King listens intently, his eyes filled with a mixture of hope and skepticism. I must be patient. This grand plan of mine will require time and careful execution. 

Today, I attended a council meeting. The nobles were squabbling over resources and blame. It is a testament to the chaos that has engulfed the kingdom. In the midst of this turmoil, I see an opportunity to consolidate power. If I can convince the King to embrace my vision, I can become the true ruler of Sezja. As I return to my chambers, I feel a surge of excitement. The stage is set. The King is receptive. The time is ripe for action.

Date: November 15th, 1054 SE  

Dr. Sadistik, has finally revealed his startling discovery. Elara is alive, hidden away in his secluded laboratory. He has been conducting experiments on her, harvesting her blood, which possesses extraordinary properties. This is a turning point. The prophecy is not merely a myth. It is a reality within my grasp. With Elara's blood, I can create a new era, a kingdom free from disease and death. The people will worship me as a savior, a god among men. 

The King's obsession with Elara has deepened. He spends hours poring over any scrap of information about his dead daughter. That troublesome servant Anya, whose own infant daughter was spared by the plague that took Elara, suspects that the King’s daughter is still alive. I will soon act swiftly against her! Meanwhile, I must ensure that the King remains under my control. A slip-up now could jeopardize everything. Today, I attended a banquet hosted by the Duke of Eldoria. The nobles were eager to curry favor with the King. It is a reminder of the fickle nature of power. Those who were once my enemies now seek my patronage. As I return to my chambers, I feel a sense of exhilaration. The future is bright. The kingdom is mine for the taking.

Date: December 10th, 1057 SE 

That silly nursemaid Anya has been putting her nose in business that does not concern her. Her dedication to uncovering what really happened to Elara led her to a secluded estate on the outskirts of the kingdom. She found evidence of a hidden laboratory, filled with strange devices and medical equipment, and records of experiments conducted on young children, suggesting that Elara was still alive. Armed with this evidence the King and his men raided the laboratory and discovered the truth. Elara is alive, and had been held captive by a mastermind who fortunately had managed to flee just before they broke into the laboratory. The necromancer, for that is what the King believes he was, had been conducting horrific experiments on her, harvesting her blood for his own nefarious purposes.

The King’s joy at Elara's survival and being reunited with his daughter has tempered by fear. He is consumed by guilt, believing that his failure to protect his daughter has led to this catastrophe. He has kept her return secret from everyone but his most confident advisors, for fear the population will want her executed for being a necromancer’s vessel. As I return to my chambers, I feel a sense of unease. The King's trust is wavering. I must reinforce my position, to remind him of the dangers that lurk beyond the kingdom's borders.

Date: January 5th, 1058 SE 

Elara has been returned to the castle, hidden in a set of chambers and heavily guarded. The King is overjoyed, his sorrow momentarily eclipsed by the miracle of her survival. Having managed to escape, and with no evidence tying him to the laboratory, Dr. Sadistik's experiments continue in secret. The blood of the chosen one is a powerful elixir, a key to unlocking the secrets of immortality. But I must proceed with caution. The King's trust is fragile. One misstep could unravel everything.

As I return to my chambers, I feel a surge of determination. The future is bright. The kingdom is on the cusp of a new era, an era defined by prosperity and eternal life. But to achieve this vision, I must remain vigilant. The road ahead is fraught with danger, and the stakes have never been higher.

Date: February 12th, 1059 SE 

My carefully constructed facade has crumbled. The King has discovered the truth. That harlot Anya was behind my downfall! My punishment will be swift if I ever cross paths with her again. He is furious, his eyes filled with betrayal and disgust. I am a prisoner in my own castle, stripped of my power and influence. The nobles are divided. Some remain loyal to me, their fear of the King's wrath outweighing their moral qualms. Others have turned against me, eager to distance themselves from my disgrace. As I return to my prison, I vow to one day reclaim my rightful place. The King may have triumphed for now, but his victory is short-lived. I will return, and when I do, the kingdom will tremble at my name.
 

Date: March 1st, 1060 SE 

Exile is a harsh mistress. The island of Katarina is a desolate wasteland, a far cry from the opulence of Sezja. The days are long and monotonous, filled with the constant drone of the sea and the mournful cries of the gulls. Despite my circumstances, I have not lost hope. I have spent my time studying the ancient texts, seeking knowledge that can aid in my return. There is a prophecy, a hidden power that can turn the tide in my favor.

The King believes he has won, but his victory is fragile. The kingdom is divided, the nobles restless. A spark of dissent could ignite a flame that would consume his reign. I have sent messages to my remaining allies, reminding them of their loyalty. They must be prepared, for when the time is right, I will return to Sezja and reclaim my rightful place. 

Today, I wandered along the beach, the salty air stinging my face. I thought of Elara, of the kingdom I once ruled. It is a bittersweet memory, a reminder of what I have lost and what I must regain. I also saw a woman who looks very much like Anya walking through town with two little children. Her presence here unsettles me. I must discover why she is here, and inflict sweet vengeance on her for everything she cost me!

As the sun begins its descent, casting long shadows across the desolate landscape, I feel a surge of determination. My exile is temporary. My downfall is not the end. It is merely a chapter in a larger story, a story that will culminate in my triumphant return.

As Mon reads the entries, Dhuka tells Marigold and Branna she thinks her mother was a nursemaid for the King in Sezja. At least, that's what Anya told her before she went missing.

Realizing the note Dhuka had supposedly received from the Marquess of Sidorov was fake and that the present was meant to track her, they decide they must move their plan forward, and contact Lady Sirenko immediately to see if she will shelter Dhuka. 

As they discuss the situation, Branna notices that the eyes on the unicorn have been replaced by two marbles with a faint magical signature. Someone is spying on them! She peels the eyes off and drops them off in the closest latrine.

They then resume their discussion of where to relocate Dhuka. With someone now aware they were considering moving her to Lady Sirenko, the best place is for her to stay at the theater. Mon dispatches a message to both Lady Sirenko and the Marquess advising them the Cardinal and his men may search their residences looking for the child.

Mon then wonders aloud whether Dhuka could go with Sir Paul Stal. The richest man on the island may be thrilled to needle the Cardinal. Marigold suggests that perhaps they could take an apprentice with them to the mainland, and given Dhuka's preference for boys' clothes, it wouldn't be too hard to pull off.

Mon finally reveals what he's read from the Cardinal's journal entries. He tells them the Cardinal has been plotting to dethrone the King, and that Anya and Dhuka's mother, who was also called Anya, was a nursemaid in the King's employ. With the Cardinal's plans laid bare, and with whomever was spying now aware that the journal entries have been found, time is of the essence!

Thursday, June 23, 1066 SE continued ...

With most of the guests now in attendance, service begins in the Palace's dining room. The guests are served a royal meal, complete with eleven courses. While Marigold bakes the puff pastries for dessert in the Palace's kitchen, Branna and Mon anxiously await the actual ball once dinner is finished. Zoryany's reaction has Mon worried. Who could possibly have such an effect on Sir Paul Stal's trusted assistant? 

Mon decides he will take a position on the east side of the balcony in the ballroom, so he can watch all three entrances. He tells Branna and Zoryany of his plan, and exchanges duties with one of the other servers. From up here, he will observe the guests as they enter the ballroom.

Utensils hit glass, requesting silence throughout the room midway through dinner, and both Mon and Branna can clearly hear the King's speech:

I have heard whispers of division, of a desire to sever the ties that bind us. But let me ask you this: what is Katarina without Sezja? A lone ship in a storm, tossed by the currents of a fickle world. Sezja offers you strength, a mighty harbor in which your island can flourish!

Some may preach a gospel of isolation, but I say isolation breeds stagnation. Together, we can achieve more than we ever could alone. Sezja offers Katarina not just protection, but opportunity! Trade flourishes within our borders, knowledge is shared, culture is spread, and innovation thrives!

Is that not a future worth fighting for? A future where Katarina's children can dream big dreams, knowing they have the backing of a united Sezja?

Let us not be swayed by the siren song of division. Let us stand together, Sezja united! Let Katarina remain the jewel in our crown, a testament to the strength we find in unity!

Thank you! Long live Sezja! Long live Katarina!

Meanwhile, in the kitchen, Marigold notices one of the pastry workers stealthily altering the icing going on the little puff pastries by pouring a liquid from a small glass vial into a porcelain bowl, then thoroughly mixing the.contents with a wooden spoon. She notifies the Palace's head chef, who comes over to the dessert station and tastes the icing. Finding it bitter, he tells the pastry chef to get rid of the puff pastries. He then asks Marigold to bake a new dessert, using any recipe, since they only have half an hour before the dessert trays must be brought out to the dining room. Marigold tells him she will make puff pastries twisted together and dipped in cinnamon sugar. 

A few minutes later, the head chef grasps his chest and collapses on the floor. Marigold is convinced there is poison in the icing, and it just killed the chef. As he receives first aid, one of the cooks has the presence of mind to notify the Palace chamberlain, who comes to the kitchen accompanied by Dr. Sadistik. He lays his hands on the chef, and takes three long breaths. The head chef's chest suddenly raises as he gasps and sits up. When Dr. Sadistik asks him how he feels, he tells him he's never felt better.

Following the incident, Marigold notes that the altered puff pastries have been moved to a back counter instead of being thrown out, as the head chef requested. Heading towards that area with a few large cooking sheets, Marigold "accidentally" trips and spills the deadly pastries on the floor. She picks them up and disposes of them in the furthest trash bin, much to the chagrin of the pastry chef who gives her the evil eye. Marigold inquires who the pastry chef works for. One of the other cooks tells he she will  check with the Chamberlain to see who his regular employer is. Soon, Marigold's new dessert is ready, and after being plated, it is sent to the dining room.

While dinner winds down, a few of the younger folks enter the ballroom and begin drinking and mingling. The band, which is composed of musicians from the four theaters and from the city guard, begins playing some of the local favorites. As more people enter the ballroom, the band's tempo becomes more lively. The band switches to the Sezjan national anthem when the King and his son Prince Yegor enter the room to loud applause. The King is followed by the Archduke and his family, to louder applause.