Part 2

Alfgarda, Max, Clare, and Andreas quickly made their way down an alley in an attempt to escape from Arnold's men. Something had gone wrong. The plan was working perfectly. They had an invitation to meet with the Duke. And then they were going to fill his body full of lead. They might have lived, they might have died, it didn't matter. But for some reason, Bane had sensed something and called the meeting off.

I blew it! Now what do we do? Alfgarda thought as she hurried along the dark path between buildings. Her party of four rounded a corner and ran into two cloaked figures. Instantly all 4 had their guns out from their robes and pointed at the 2 men.

"Please, you don't need those. Your safe for now. You won't see them but many men are in the area protecting you. We thought it was best if just the two of us show ourselves. Here, this should help calm your nerves."

The man speaks with a funny accent and hands a letter to Alfgarda bearing the seal of Empress Theodora. Alfgarda opens it:

Lady Alfgarda,

This man will see to whatever you need. To prove who I am, here is a story only myself and your husband would know.

When Jan went to see Pope Abbate, I warned him that I might need his help one day. That I might need his protection. Now it seems you need mine. Hopefully that story will prove who this letter comes from.

Good luck,
Yours,
Empress Theodora
"I'm Nickolaus and I work for the Empress. We don't have much time but I can answer a few questions. The Duke's men have left the area. Apparently he was serious when he promised your protection. His people did not follow you. However, there are agents and mercenaries hunting for you as you feared. But none are in this area of the city... anymore..."

Alfgarda remembered Jan mentioning something about his talk with the Empress during his visit to the Holy Father. "And who is your friend there." She pointed to the quiet companion.

Without speaking, the man reached into his robe and pulled out a letter. When the robe moved, Alfgarda could see that the man was dressed in the uniform of the Swiss Guard. Alfgarda opened that letter:

Lady Alfgarda,

While the idea of religious unification is long dead, there seems to be one thing that the two churches can agree on. And that is that the family of Saint Jan must be protected. This man and his Greek colleague will see to anything you need.

I will pray for you.

Respectfully,
The Holy Father
"What are our options?" Alfgarda asked.

Nickolaus prattled off a list. "You have a few options. We can take you to Greek territories. I know the Empress could put you up at the royal court in Constantinople. Edessa is also an option. I know your family still has land there. Jerusalem is a possibility. The Holy Father would ensure your safety. A Muslim nation is a possibility. Your husband famously released thousands of Muslim prisoners. Both the Turks and the Egyptians have quietly sent word that they would help shelter the family of such a pious and chivalrous man. Jan was best friends with Kaiser Elberhard so his wife could set you up in England. The choice is yours."

Alfgarda contemplated for a few seconds. "I'll have to think about it. First, we need to get out of here. I want us to head north and pick up my niece. She has expressed interest in coming with. With both of her parents dead, and her brother running off to do Lord knows what, there is nothing for her here."

The group all donned their cloaks and continued on to the next leg of their journey.