Trestlebridge, clinging on by the skin of it's teeth for so long. Dilapidated, and struggling. I have been here more than once yet never for long. There has been little opportunity here for a man in my business in times past. Under constant siege, the local economy has seen better days and it seems to me to be more trouble than it is worth at times.
And yet here I am unexpectedly, things are about to get a whole lot more interesting should the present Captain of the company move in a sizeable force. It only makes sense to hitch my wagon to their endeavours as it has in the past. My relationship with them has been give and take and if I can forge new business, if I can convince the proprietor of the local tavern that my wares are worth purchasing given the influx of new clientele. Why should I not corner the market first? Before another discerning businessman surveys the situation and steps in before me.
It is difficult to focus on matters of business alone. There is something afoot at the significantly shabbier looking manor house of the self-proclaimed 'Lord', a man guilty of darker crimes than I imagined. A hidden compartment in a chest I had overlooked when we ransacked his residence.
The buying and selling of women and young girls to be sold as if they too were just animals in his stable? How many transactions are there here in those hidden ledgers, it boils my blood.
My childhood friend here with me, and all I can think about are those young women, deprived of their freedom. Lost in whatever seedy circuit remains where they are naught but commodities to be used and abused upon a whim.
It is very difficult to concentrate on the matters at hand. I cannot sustain the anger within at the assumptions made of my fidelity or lack of either. I think it's accurate to say that it has blown over. I could not refuse the offer of company, I cannot stay angry at her for long. I am relieved of the company and warmth in my bed. There was no small measure of excitement at creeping through that manor after dark. No small measure at all, she seemed to find it exhilarating. Even as I had so worried for her safety and intended to go it alone. She seems ever more to desire my company and never be far from my side. And oddly, I do not yet feel stifled.
I still do not possess the answers as to why the estate has not yet been auctioned but remains abandoned but I have two names now. Courtesy of the men who were not banking on the misfortune of their being eavesdroppers that night. Stumbling around as they were in the dark. I need to get to them before they forge a will. And if they have anything to do with the contents of those accounts, death is a mercy they will beg for before the end.
But I'm here in Trestlebridge, it would serve my interests to remain here a while longer and ensure the company is successful. Help if I may. Can this wait?
I have an appointment with the tavern's proprietor, yester-eve was welcome respite from the inner-workings of my mind. I have found solace by the river once or twice in order to clear my thoughts and good company. And enjoyed the conversation of a pleasant enough woman who seeks work with the Dawn, a companion of one of the members. A little quirky. The Dalesman and the Captain's Daughter are still around. I must attend to my own affairs. Mayhaps there is a way to conduct further investigation around Bree upon this matter and tend to business up here.
I cannot deliberate on this for long.
