Crassus smiled with Aralyn’s greeting, but felt words were not needed to express his gratitude for the sentiment.<br/><br/>”Your insight on the behavior of nobles isn’t without merit, but your father had already taken measures to provide some measure of protection from such attempts.”  Crassus said, addressing Edmund’s concerns.  ”But rest assured that House Talonius is just as entitled to these tracks of land as Somervale is to the land within its own borders.  All the same, that is just one more reason why we are keeping the mine a secret until the time is right.”<br/><br/>His attention went to Lynn’s suggestion regarding the mine.  “Unfortunately, investigating the contents of the mine isn’t an option at this point in our excavation.  As I mentioned, the collapse was extensive enough for the rubble to fill the tunnels all the way to its mouth.  There hasn’t been focus on clearing it out beyond using what solid stone we could attain from it for construction purposes.  As a result, we have cleared out hardly more than a few yards of the shaft.  There is promise, however, as a few ores containing trace amounts of mithral flecks were recovered in the excavation.”<br/><br/>“The Blight is very well known, but only vaguely understood.  There were plenty of soldiers who were afflicted by it during the campaign to the south, the symptoms always seemed to vary making it hard to identify apart from diseases.  Most recovered on their own in time, some were disfigured by it, but its effects were significantly mitigated once the gate was closed and they got some distance between them and the corrupted land.  If you are concerned, Ahnassi, the village healer could inspect you, but I don’t recall any cases where the Blight was transmitted in such a manner.”<br/><br/>The sound of the library doors being hastily shoved open interrupted the conversation from carrying on.  Ehren stood there eyes alert and demeanor filled with eager anticipation.  “Uncle!  The lookout spotted red smoke above the forest canopy about two miles out.  There’s no sign of Brian yet, but the stable hands are bringing the horses to the manor as we speak.”<br/><br/>“So, it would seem your trap had worked in locating the bandits.”  Crassus replied with an approving glint in his eyes.  “You’re not going by yourself, are you?”  Ehren shook his head in reply.  “Martin and David are geared up and ready as well.”  A grim look formed on Crassus’ face.  “I know, they’re still green with this sort of work, but Brian is the only one apart from me who has any practical fighting experience and we don’t have time to wait for him.”<br/><br/>“Hold up.”  Largo interjected as he rose from his seat.  “I’ll go along with you.  At the very least I can offer a shield and keep you on your feet.”  There was a short pause as Ehren watched for any further volunteers before nodding.  “Very well; we’re going to have to double-up on the horses again and we will be riding hard, so experienced riders should take the reins.”<br/><br/>Ehren led the way to the front of the manor where five warhorses stood in leather barding, waiting for riders.  He glanced over his shoulder at the heirs with a grin.  “I had hoped some of you would be willing to join.”  He ordered Martin and David to double-up on one of the horses before taking his own, Largo doing the same and offering a hand-up to whoever wished to ride with them.”