Guer
Excerpts from Chapter 2 of Deadly Secrets......
Sweating slightly still, Duc de Vannes casually rested his arm on the ridge of the couch. Then, as if they were close friends, Cronus remarked, “Jean–Claude, last night I stopped a small village on the road between Vannes and Rennes. It was Guer. It is only a short distance from here but I’m sure U already knew that.
“Anyway, my men and I stayed at an inn that was most accommodating to our every need. After dinner the keeper of this fine establishment spoke of previous patrons and some of the troubles they had experienced in the area. Some told tales of travelers and merchants simply disappearing without leaving a trace. It sounds to me like there might be a band of outlaws operating in the Guer area.
“Jean–Claude, I am quite aware that Paimpont and your other respective lands are mostly farms and they lack the fertile ground needed to grow great warriors. If U are short of able soldiers, I will gladly provide U with men that I have personally picked. They will patrol and protect neighboring lands and hamlets, on your behalf of course.
“In addition if U lack adequate living quarters for my men, I am certain accommodations can be had on the road between Vannes and Rennes. If all else fails, I will finance the construction of a…”
Alarmed by Cronus’ suggestions, the old duc candidly asked though, “Why is there a sudden interest in matters that are under my jurisdiction?”
“Oh, Jean–Claude, don’t see this as me trying to butt in on your affairs. Though the soldiers technically would be mine, this would be a joint affair. We would provide safe passage for travelers and tradesmen on the roads of Armorica.
“U know, Jean–Claude, this is how we keep Armorica healthy and strong. Besides, if I were planning to invade your lands, couldn’t my men and I take U prisoner right now?
“I am not here for that. As Morgan has clearly expressed, U are a living Armoric legend, Jean–Claude.U have stood the test of time. U were a key part of the only force on earth to ever turn back the Scourge of God. And when the scarring hand of treason rose up among us, U bore the brunt of its mark. Single–handedly capturing and executing the traitor. U saved Armorica from a bitter civil war. For over thirty years, U have provided the strength of Armorica. That is why I am here, Jean–Claude, to become a part of such a legacy. For now, I want to be the one to provide the strength of Armorica.
“I am just trying to protect the interests of Vannes. U of all people should know that at least a quarter of the people who live around Gulf du Morbihan work as sea or land merchants. I wish to protect them and their tax base. Their business travels take them to Brest, Loudéac, here, Rennes, and as far as Fougères and Nantes. Many of the roads to these places have fallen prey to the depredations of outlaws and their ambushes.
“Obviously, I have my own best interests here. Many of my strongest family ties are mercantile. Family members have grieved for the murders and the disappearances of loved ones.
“That is why I have come to U, Jean–Claude. U are a man of honor; I am here to appeal to U honorably. Allow me to help U protect the roads of Armorica.”
Only believing half of what Cronus said half of the time, the old duc still listened carefully to everything the lying snake said. By doing this, Duc de Paimpont could deduce some of what Duc de Vannes was planning most of the time. Already Cronus’ comments confirmed some speculative details that Jean–Claude recently had learned.
Informed by a concerned citizen of Guer, the old duc knew that this most accommodating inn that Cronus spoke of was the bordello owned and operated by Stu Hoeman. A native from the Isle of Britain, Stu had came over in 447 about two years after his own noblemen killed King Uther. The Saxons had torched Stu’s establishment after one of his ‘better girls’ was responsible for the death of a chief’s son. Catching a venereal disease from the girl during the boy’s passionate rite of manhood, it eventually drove the boy mad and he died.
Jean–Claude sipped at his drink as he thought deeply about the past. During those times of total anarchy caused by the inroads of Saxons, Scots, Picts, and others vandals, families fled for their lives by the masses, painfully and regretfully. Some of them even fled without being able to bury their murdered kin. The law of the sword ruled cruelly during those bloody years on the Isle of Britain.