Session 4 - The King is Dead

6 April 1837 (Thursday)

After some time to recover, and the subsequent trial of Sr. Gonzales for his part in the kidnapping and assault of Miss Edwards and the murder of her mother, our protagonists find themselves once more seated around a table.

In this instance, they meet in the private dining room of Mivart's Hotel to discuss the disposition of various artefacts found in the possession of Gaedren Lamm.

The Tarot deck formerly belonging to Madame Zellara is claimed by Mr. Dementiev. He notes that upon returning to her home, he has discovered the building was clearly abandoned for some weeks. The appearance of Madame Zellara was clearly the spirit of the wronged woman.

Of the remaining artefacts, one was found to be particularly significant - a necklace that Lady Wordsworth clearly recalls having seen on the neck of the Princess some weeks ago. Dr. Cross remembered reading the details surrounding the theft of the necklace from a jeweler's shop - the gentleman in question had been contracted to repair the clasp. Lady Wordsworth took possession of it in order to arrange for its return to the rightful owner.

Dr. Cross, who has been perusing the ledgers found by Mei Mei, then appraises the groups of her findings. In short, Mei Mei's sister had been sold to a brothel owned by Weng-Chiang, while Mr. Dementiev's brother was sold to a necromancer referred to as Rolth.

As the heroes debate the best course of action, Lady Wordsworth has her attention drawn by a general disquiet in the main dining room. Upon investigation, it becomes clear that there is a general alarum amongst the citizenry.

As they watch, one of the capitol's dragon wings wheels overhead; one of their number, clearly wounded, crashes into the street, its rider unmoving. As our heroes rush to aid the city's downed defender, the Major is summoned to assist the Brigadier-General in restoring order among the troops. The messenger sent to locate the Major also is able to illuminate the current situation - the announcement of the King's death has inflamed some dock workers who were gathered to protest the Poor Law; this unrest combined with the sudden disappearance of the Acadamae and Prime Minister Greystoke has caused general rioting amongst the populace.

Dr. Cross and Dr. Ming immediately determine the rider is dead, but through quick action they are able to stabilize the injured dragon. Mr. Dementiev volunteers to stay and defend the helpless creature while Lt. Forrester is tasked with escorting the rest of the party to safety.

As the party makes its way to safety, they are set upon by a rogue group of imps - doubtless stirred up by the disappearance of the Academae. When one takes a fancy to the necklace being worn by Lady Wordsworth, she attempts to sweet-talk it into returning it; unfortunately, Lt. Forrester takes advantage of its momentary distraction to destroy the creature with a rifle shot. Luckily for our heroes, this in turn draws the attention of a flock of miniature dragons, which drives off the demons.

Despite the difficulties encountered by our heroes on this day, Dr. Ming is quite pleased to have gathered a number of rare components much prized in Chinese medicine.

20 April 1837 (Thursday)

Having requested an audience with the Crown Princess, Lady Wordsworth and her party are summoned to Windsor Castle. Shortly before her audience, the Princess sends word that due to ill health, she will not grant any further audiences. Dr. Cross immediately approaches the guard and offers her services as a doctor, and is let through to examine the Princess.