Vicomte Cande passed his shears to his man servant saying, "Well I cannot put it off any longer... I really must get ready." The Vicomte had seen them coming from miles off. His estate gave a commanding view of the valley. A hour previously he had estimated a small company of infantry was approaching. Since coming into more clarity, than a cloud of dust upon the road, he had recognized their banners as 1st Battalion, Royal Marines. The Vicomte had no sooner freshened and dressed when the infantry company arrived. He met them in the front courtyard. Captain Odo, after dismounting, gave him a salute, and made his way across the courtyard to the main stairway. "Well this is a pleasant surprise Captain.", said the Vicomte as the Captain approached within earshot, "Do come in and refresh yourself. You can tell me what all this is about over a drink." "I thank you for your offer Colonel, yet I have orders to return immediately to the front.", replied the eager Captain. "Scared you may miss the action?", replied the Colonel with a knowing smile. The Captain blushed and then added, "The Lt. Colonel plans to initiate an attack on the town upon our return, Sir. All the men are anxious to see an end to the siege." "Patience', thought the Vicomte, "Something la Pointe was not lacking in..." The Captain reached into his inner jacket pocket and produced a thick envelope; passing it to the Vicomte saying, "Lt. Colonel la Pointe bade me deliver this unto your hands only, Sir." The Vicomte took the envelope. Squeezing it he had little doubt of it's contents. "My guess is that good booty was had in the fields this season.", said the Vicomte. "Indeed it was, Sir.", replied the Captain again blushing and giving a shy grin. "He'll never make a cards player.", thought the Vicomte, "with a blush like that. Yet eager enough to make a good officer..." "Well I must be off to my vines and you to the front, Captain.", said the Vicomte, "Do give my best to the Lt. Colonel." "I shall Sir", replied the Captain. He saluted and then returned to the company and they began to move off to the south; down the road from which they had appeared. Once out of the way in his study the Vicomte opened the envelope. In it was 300 crowns. The Vicomte counted the notes and then began chuckling to himself. [ OOC : AlP attempts to bribe the Colonel to have him send the RM to the front in September. ]
