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The Marquis: Origins - Chapter 12 - Showdown in Corrington
Captain Braunsfeld posted a topic in Brethren of the Brick Seas
The Marquis: Origins - Chapter 12 - Showdown in Corrington The story so far: Chapter 1 - The Interrogation Chapter 2 - Early Days Chapter 3 - The First Mate Chapter 4 - The Storm Chapter 5 - The Poker Game Chapter 6 - Dancing with the Marquis Chapter 7 - On the MSS Chapter 8 - Practice makes perfect Chapter 9 - Questions and Strange Relationships Chapter 10 - Even More Questions & Stranger Things Chapter 11 - The Past and the Present Chapter 12 - Showdown in Corrington (you are here) Interrogator: After all you have told me, Lady Bonny, I have come to the conclusion that the Marquis' claim to his title is legit! That is fantastic news. Corrington’s high society will be sooooooooooooo delighted to meet him. Interrogator: And I am a bit of a poker player myself. I sure would like to have a match with him some day! Lady Bonny (sighs) Some weeks later: Cut to a military reception in Belson, Corrington for a special guest. The Corrington Army never wastes an opportunity to boast some of their new uniform designs… The Marquis rushed past the guards and towards the officer in command, who had drawn his rapier. Obviously the Marquis was under the impression that the officer wanted to challenge him to a duel! Seeing that the Marquis was about to draw his sword and start a fight, the interrogator stopped him in the nick of time. Interrogator: No, he does not want to attack you. He has raised his rapier as a sign of honour! The Marquis calmed down again. (vous vous vous) Then they met in a fine hall in Belson for their grand match. Interrogator: Well, my dear Marquis, let me quickly recap the rules for our game today. We will play draw poker, as you seem to prefer it in Eslandola. Both players will be accompanied by a second of their choice who are going to survey the course of the match. You seem to have appointed Mr. Herlock Sholmes of Belson. I have chosen my friend Biff. Mr. Sholmes, is everything alright with the setup and the cards? Sholmes: Everything is perfect. I have checked the card decks personally before the game. Interrogator: And Biff, all clear from your perspective. Biff: Just fine. Had a nice wine. Was good. In the mood. Interrogator: Right, then let’s begin. We will play for exquisite gold doubloons. Marquis: (nods) The game commenced and both players won and lost small sums. Whenever a new deck of cards was opened, the Marquis had a tendency to lose – but he got better over time. Then – playing with card deck number three – the tension started to mount. The Marquis had already bet a nice amount of money and his opponent had not backed out. The gold coins were piling up on the table, besides that ugly vase that the interrogator had insisted on being there. It was a sure win for the Marquis. He had three of a kind and he was pretty sure that his opponent was bluffing, having nothing but four irrelevant cards of spade and one card of diamonds. All of a sudden the interrogator called out “Biff” and his friend Biff was surprised and reacted with a sneeze – which caught Mr. Sholmes attention … and the interrogator used this brief moment to slip the ace of spades from underneath the table! With his sight blocked by the vase, the Marquis could not notice this cheating move. So, when the interrogator raised the stakes again, he called. And suddenly they had both gone all in. The Marquis presented his three of a kind … … and with a malicious grin, the interrogator put down his cards one by one. Finally, the aces of spades. A flush. The Marquis had lost! The Marquis stared in quiet disbelief. - cliffhanger - - ok, let's go on - Just as the interrogator was about to collect the money, a sharp voice called out: “Not so fast, Lessiarty!” The interrogator, Mr. Lessiarty, froze instantly. Herlock Sholmes had risen to his feet and had fixed his eyes on the winning cards on the table: I knew that you would cheat at some point, Lessiarty! Lessiarty: How dare you! I have not cheated. I have not marked the cards! Sholmes: That is correct. You have not marked the cards. I have. Herlock Sholmes: You see, I had suspected you to try something sinister since I heard that you had been questioning Lady Bonny endlessly about my friend, the Marquis. I think you wanted to be sure that he would not cheat. And we all know that he doesn’t. Nor does he bluff. Before the game I have applied small markings to all of the card decks to be used. That is, every legitimate card on this table should now have a very small number “3” on its back, which can easily be seen using this magnifying glass here. Lessiarty (turns red) Sholmes: And if I start to examine those five cards now, I am quite certain that one of these cards will not have a mark on it. Which will make it evident that you have cheated! When you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth. Elementary, Lessiarty! With an angry cry of “Eeek” and “Vous Vous Vous”, the enraged Marquis jumped up from his chair and drew his sword! Lessiarty also sprang up as the raging Marquis was approaching fast! Lessiarty raised his arms, shouting: "Don’t hurt me, don’t hurt me!" But the Marquis was already upon him – and with one swift and well-placed blow he cut Lessiarty’s belt… His trousers fell down and an utterly disgraced Lessiarty left the place of his defeat running Herlock: No worries, inspector Destrale and my assistant Professor Sonwat are awaiting him outside. We have suspected Lessiarty to be a card cheat for some time. Now I could finally bring him down, thanks to you, my friend. The Marquis: (nods and grins) Biff (a bit belated): What has happened? Herlock (ignoring Biff): As one of the players was caught cheating, the pot goes to the remaining other player. That seems to make up a nice amount of money. I suggest we have some celebration, or say party. The Marquis: (nods and grins) (Destrale and Professor Sonwat enter with Lessiarty in chains) Sonwat: Party, I hear? Herlock: Yes, but do not let the Marquis find the drums! But it was already too late! The Marquis was drumming away enthusiastically - and he would not stop! The party lasted for three days … By the way, this is how Samba was finally introduced to Corrington. And also in Corrington, the Marquis was the talk of the town. (the end) Some drumming evidence: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/nge1GT51QoE https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3XRuO-XIGFw That was an enjoyable storyline and actually the first one that I had almost completely written and photographed before I started to post it. -
The Marquis: Origins - Chapter 11 - The Past and the Present
Captain Braunsfeld posted a topic in Brethren of the Brick Seas
The Marquis: Origins - Chapter 11 - The Past and the Present The story so far: Chapter 1 - The Interrogation Chapter 2 - Early Days Chapter 3 - The First Mate Chapter 4 - The Storm Chapter 5 - The Poker Game Chapter 6 - Dancing with the Marquis Chapter 7 - On the MSS Chapter 8 - Practice makes perfect Chapter 9 - Questions and Strange Relationships Chapter 10 - Even More Questions & Stranger Things Chapter 11 - The Past and the Present (you are here) Interrogator: Does the Marquis have any family – or is he in some kind of relationship? Lady Bonny (sighing): I wish he were… Well, that is also a difficult story. He seems to have lived a life of solitude until recently. He still travels a lot. Lady Bonny: Every October he usually disappears from Pontelli or Oleon or wherever he is at that time of year. Nobody knows exactly where he is going... ... but it seems to be important to him. Lady Bonny continues: But to get back to your question - recently it seems, that the Marquis has met someone special Over in Eslandola’s colonies – in the city of Pontelli - there was a grand reception at the Mayor’s palace. For some reason the Marquis was also there, awaiting to meet his old friend Colonel Brickinson. Interrogator: His drinking buddy? Lady Bonny: The same. Brickinson arrived accompanied by a young lady from Terreli. Brickinson: Lucy, may I introduce you to a friend a mine, the Marquis Eek d’Ape. Lucy: Oh, a monkey. (Everyone, except Brickinson, looked a bit indignant at this unbelievable uttering) Lucy: Here, have a banana! Catch! (Everyone frowned upon this insult.) The Marquis, however, seemed to take no offense. Since then, Lucy and the Marquis have often been seen together. They seem to get along quite well. (sigh) Interrogator: Another of his platonic relationships? Lady Bonny: Yes. But why does he not go out with me? (sigh) In case you wondered what has happened to Lucy... That was my favorite chapter in this storyline. -
The Marquis: Origins - Chapter 9 - Questions and Strange Relationships
Captain Braunsfeld posted a topic in Brethren of the Brick Seas
The Marquis: Origins - Chapter 9 - Questions and Strange Relationships The story so far: Chapter 1 - The Interrogation Chapter 2 - Early Days Chapter 3 - The First Mate Chapter 4 - The Storm Chapter 5 - The Poker Game Chapter 6 - Dancing with the Marquis Chapter 7 - On the MSS Chapter 8 - Practice makes perfect Chapter 9 - Questions and Strange Relationships(you are here) Interrogator: I have more questions for you. Where were you on the night of the 9th two months ago? Lady Bonny: I don't remember. Interrogator: Was the Marquis involved in the Tulip Trade? Is it true that he made a fortune there? Lady Bonny: Hmm. Not that I know of. He has already made a lot of money just by winning poker games. Interrogator: Do you remember those strange events on Gunpowder Island? Lady Bonny: You mean the volcano eruption? Interrogator: Yes. And more. Lady Bonny: Dunno. Interrogator: Can you confirm that he has commanded a ship capable of coconut bombing? Lady Bonny: What? Interrogator: Nevermind. Interrogator: Has the Marquis ever been seen with Colonel Brickinson of Eslandola? Is it true that they are drinking buddies? Lady Bonny: Not that I heard of. Interrogator: Has he or has he not been in contact with Herlock Sholmes, the famous detective from Corrington? Has he been on a camping holiday with Herlock? Lady Bonny: Where do you get all these questions from??? (cut to a nightly scene) Herlock Sholmes: Why are you waking me? Marquis: (points to the stars) Herlock: You want to know what I see? Marquis (nods) Herlock: And what I conclude from it? Marquis (nods) Herlock: Well, astronomically there are millions of galaxies out there. And that there is a full moon. I also deduce that the time is approximately a quarter past three. Meterologically, I suspect that we will have a beautiful day tomorrow. And what do you conclude? Marquis: Vous vous vous! Herlock: Oh, I see. Someone has stolen our tent! Marquis (nods) (to be continued) If you want to take a look at the storyline about the Pontelli Tulip Trade, you find the start here and all the chapters are listed there. Should you be interested in the events around the mysterious Gunpowder Island then look here. (at the end of each chapter is a link to the next one) And the joke about the tent is not mine. I just found and re-used it. -
The Marquis: Origins - Chapter 10 - Even More Questions & Stranger Things
Captain Braunsfeld posted a topic in Brethren of the Brick Seas
The Marquis: Origins - Chapter 10 - Even More Questions The story so far: Chapter 1 - The Interrogation Chapter 2 - Early Days Chapter 3 - The First Mate Chapter 4 - The Storm Chapter 5 - The Poker Game Chapter 6 - Dancing with the Marquis Chapter 7 - On the MSS Chapter 8 - Practice makes perfect Chapter 9 - Questions and Strange Relationships Chapter 10 - Even More Questions & Stranger Things (you are here) Lady Bonny: Are you finished? Interrogator: No, not yet. I have sooo many questions! Lady Bonny: Like what? Interrogator: Does the Marquis have any connection to the infamous Captain Cookie? Lady Bonny: Certainly not. Interrogator: Has the Marquis met with Dr. Thaum on the 15th last month and was seen singing and making music on the beach – despite the fact that he only knew three chords? Lady Bonny: Seems unlikely to me. Lady Bonny: Are there more than three chords? Interrogator: And you also do not know about any of his associations to secret organisations? Lady Bonny: I have no idea what you are talking about. I certainly did not expect a kind of Oleon Inquisition! (a door bursts open and a voice shouts:) “Nobody expects the Oleon inquisition!” “Bugger, wrong room...” (to be continued) That was fun! -
The Marquis: Origins - Chapter 8 - Practice Makes Perfect
Captain Braunsfeld posted a topic in Brethren of the Brick Seas
The Marquis - Origins - Chapter 8: Practice makes perfect The story so far: Chapter 1 - The Interrogation Chapter 2 - Early Days Chapter 3 - The First Mate Chapter 4 - The Storm Chapter 5 - The Poker Game Chapter 6 - Dancing with the Marquis Chapter 7 - On the MSS Chapter 8 - Practice makes perfect (you are here) Having joined the Monkeys’ Secret Society, the Marquis spent considerable time on learning the control of animals Aided by a lengthy manual he set out to work with the rubber duck He whistled. Nothing happened. He whistled again. Nothing happened. He studied the manual. He whistled slightly differently Nothing happened. He looked at the duck and the duck stared back at him. “This will be more difficult than expected”, the Marquis thought Later that day, the Marquis was back at the Monkey Headquarters to start his language training course. Teacher: Let’s have a look at the Oleon language, shall we? Marquis (nods) Teacher: Now, how do you pronounce that word? Marquis (stays silent) Teacher: You probably need a sip of bananarite milk to get started! Marquis (takes a sip): Woo. Woo woo woo woo. Teacher: That is better, but pay attention to your pronounciation. Marquis: Vous! Teacher: Excellent. Now: Je ne suis qu'un pauvre garçon personne ne m'aime Marquis: I am just a poor boy, nobody loves me. (And from there, it just took off.) Teacher: He's just a poor boy from a poor family! Spare him his life from this monstrosity! Marquis: C'est juste un pauvre garçon d'une famille pauvre. Épargnez-lui sa vie de cette monstruosité! Teacher: Bismilla? Marquis (with determination): Bismilla! (Actually, later, when the Marquis was speaking, he often started with “Vous vous vous”, before turning into what he really wanted to say. Just because he had learned it that way.). (to be continued) On bananarite: -
The Marquis: Origins - Chapter 7 - On the Monkeys' Secret Service
Captain Braunsfeld posted a topic in Brethren of the Brick Seas
The Marquis: Origins - Chapter 7 - On the Monkeys' Secret Service The story so far: Chapter 1 - The Interrogation Chapter 2 - Early Days Chapter 3 - The First Mate Chapter 4 - The Storm Chapter 5 - The Poker Game Chapter 6 - Dancing with the Marquis Chapter 7 - On the MSS (you are here) Interrogator: Is it true that the Marquis is also part of a secret organisation? Lady Bonny: Well, he is said to have joined an intelligence organisation, but that may just be rumours. I cannot really say anything about that. I have never seen him do anything strange in Oleon. Voiceover: But who knows what might have happened on a dark night in Pontelli? The Marquis is just leaving a tavern to go home. But – despite the late hour - the street is not empty. The Marquis suddenly finds himself approached by a dark figure wearing a cloak. Dark Figure: Would you like to buy an A? Marquis (looks like he would say: "An A?") Dark Figure: Shhhhh!!!! Don't spread it around, everyone will want one! Dark Figure: Well, that was just a distraction. Actually, I wanted to talk with you about something else. Dark Figure: Your services could be of great help. You see, I am part of an organization that could use your talents. And we are powerful. Marquis (waits) Dark Figure: Let me demonstrate, what we can do. (He whistles and a dog appears) Dark Figure: See? We can call animals to support us. Marquis (looks unconvinced) Dark Figure: Ok, with dogs it looks obviously looks too easy. But wait! (Stretching his left arm out, whistling again, but differently this time) After a brief moment a seagull suddenly lands on his hand. Marquis (is impressed) Dark Figure: Ok, now I can see that you want to hear more. We are the Monkey Society. And the Monkey Society wants you! Marquis (pauses, then nods) Dark Figure: Splendid. I will be your main contact. You will receive more information at the headquarters in some time. You are not much of a talker? Marquis (nods) Dark Figure: We will see to that and you will receive some language training. But in the meantime, let me give you this. Marquis (looks confused) Dark Figure: Yes, a trumpet. Use it in case of emergency. And you will be helped. Marquis (looks quizzical, but takes the trumpet) (and keeps looking quizzical) Dark Figure: I understand, that you want something to help you practice your control over animals? Marquis (nods) Dark Figure: Well, this is for starting with Level 0: Dark Figure: You will hear from us (disappears) (to be continued) -
The Marquis: Origins - Chapter 6 - Dancing with the Marquis
Captain Braunsfeld posted a topic in Brethren of the Brick Seas
The Marquis - Origins - Chapter 6: Dancing with the Marquis The story so far: Chapter 1 - The Interrogation Chapter 2 - Early Days Chapter 3 - The First Mate Chapter 4 - The Storm Chapter 5 - The Poker Game Chapter 6 - Dancing with the Marquis (you are here) Lady Bonny continued: After becoming the Marquis d’Ape he was often seen at the King’s court. Being a very good listener, he was often seen in discussions with various noblemen and noblewomen One day he was invited to the King’s ball. A spectacular dance event – the highlight of the year. He was a quiet bystander in the crowd, when the dancers paraded into the ballroom, led by the unforgettable master of the Waltz Ed Frastaire. Just then a butler inadvertently stumbled into him, giving him a push, so that he touched the arm of the lady next to him to avoid falling over. Much to his surprise she – the Princess de la Rose – took this as an invitation to dance and quickly joined the parade of the dancers with him. Then another unexpected thing happened: the Marquis found that he could actually dance – dance quite well. It has been later described that he danced with an air of naturalness, almost instinctiveness – somewhat effortlessly, yet elegantly – the rhythm just was in his blood. And after a few minutes into the dance EVERYONE else had stopped dancing and EVERYONE’s eyes were on him and the Princess de la Rose. Even the King and Queen watched in astonishment. This event was long talked about in Oleon – at the court and in the streets. The Marquis’ fame rose significantly. But although he was now known for his exquisite dancing skills (you should have seen him when there were also drums!), he never accepted any of the many private invitations he received. He would dance with the ladies of the royal court until they were dizzy – but nothing more. Lady Bonny sighed. (to be continued) -
The Marquis: Origins - Chapter 5 - The Poker Game
Captain Braunsfeld posted a topic in Brethren of the Brick Seas
The Marquis: Origins - Chapter 5 - The Poker Game The story so far: Chapter 1 - The Interrogation Chapter 2 - Early Days Chapter 3 - The First Mate Chapter 4 - The Storm Chapter 5 - The Poker Game (you are here) Lady Bonny continued: After some time in solitude on the island, the First Mate gathered his courage and decided to leave the island. The boat was still in terrible shape – and he was no carpenter, he was a sailor. So, just because of his seamanship and navigation skills, he barely made it to Oleon. Interrogator: Yes, you have already mentioned that. Lady Bonny: And this is when I first met him, later that same day in October We were sitting in this smoke-filled tavern, playing cards. The Nobleman, the Admiral and myself. The First Mate stepped in, looking as if he would like to join the game. It was a good point in time as that was when the Admiral had just lost everything to the Nobleman. The Admiral offered his seat to the First Mate, but the Nobleman raised his eyebrows and complained: We are playing for money, my friend. What do you have to offer? That seemed to be something new to the First Mate. He had obviously only been playing for fun before. After a moment of hesitation and with a heavy sigh he offered his sword. Slightly frowning, the Nobleman accepted the blade. And so, the game began. After a slow start, where he obviously had to orient himself and was playing very cautiously, the First Mate started to win small sums. He was becoming more and more confident. As if he could memorize where every card was that he had seen before. And then I was out. The cards were not in my favour that day. I sat back and watched. It was only the First Mate against that grumpy Nobleman. And the stakes were high. The First Mate risked every piece of gold he had won so far. The Nobleman cursed: A mere sailor is challenging me? Alright, I offer my title, as I do not have enough gold any more – is that accepted? The First Mate nodded in silence. They were both going all in. The First Mate won with a Royal Flush. He raised his arms in triumph. The nobleman angrily threw his glass to the bottom, tore the wig from his head and threw it on the table. He paused for a moment, then he said: What a disgrace: the Marquis d’Ape beaten by a mere sailor. But I will stick to my word. Here, with this letter you will become the next Marquis d’Ape. Then he turned and left. The new Marquis celebrated. He removed his sailors hat and put on the wig. He has never been seen without it since that very day. Then he was off to make his new title official. We all cheered! Lady Bonny: What he soon learned was that he had got nothing more than the title. The previous Marquis had lost all his wealth and fortune before – he obviously was a frequent but not such a good poker player But the new Marquis seemed determined to restore the pride of his old title! (to be continued) The monkeys have begged me to release this next chapter earlier than usual - to get over the sad last chapter. -
The Marquis: Origins - Chapter 4 - The Storm
Captain Braunsfeld posted a topic in Brethren of the Brick Seas
The Marquis - Origins - Chapter 4: The Storm The story so far: Chapter 1 - The Interrogation Chapter 2 - Early Days Chapter 3 - The First Mate Chapter 4 - The Storm (you are here) Interrogator: What happened then? Lady Bonny: Well, one day in October they were on one of their …. merchant missions. Interrogator: … and then? Lady Bonny: Then the weather suddenly changed. The first mate urged his friends to return to their home port, but… Interrogator: .. but? Lady Bonny: Somehow, they hesitated. They lost time. Precious time. And then it was too late. Lady Bonny: They were hit by the full might of the storm. It was horrible. Wave after wave shook their boat. Then the waves started to roll over it. Interrogator (gasps) Lady Bonny continued: After what seemed an endless fight against the sea and the storm, the Marquis found himself washed on the beach of his home island. The ship was severely damaged – and his friends were nowhere to be found. It seemed he was the only survivor. He checked the island, he looked out to the sea but there was no one but him. He was alone. Completely alone. His friends were lost at sea. He never saw them again. Heartbroken, he set up two wooden crosses on the beach to commemorate his friends. Lady Bonny’s voice had gone silent. She paused for a long moment and the interrogator did not say a word. (to be continued) next chapter -
The Marquis: Origins - Chapter 2 - Early Days
Captain Braunsfeld posted a topic in Brethren of the Brick Seas
The Marquis: Origins - Chapter 2 – Early Days The story so far: Chapter 1 - The Interrogation Chapter 2 - Early Days (you are here) Interrogator: Where does the Marquis come from? Lady Bonny: As far as I know, at the beginning of his career, he was part of a … ehm … team of ... ehm ... merchants. Interrogator: Merchants? No noblemen? Lady Bonny: No, just merchants. Probably linked to Eslandola. But that is unclear. Lady Bonny: He was skilled and cheerful. The other …ehm… merchants enjoyed having him around. It was there when he learnt many of his skills. They also trusted him with their … money. He became their quartermaster. So, this was how he was working his way up the ranks. (to be continued) next chapter -
The Marquis: Origins - Chapter 1 - The Interrogation
Captain Braunsfeld posted a topic in Brethren of the Brick Seas
The Marquis: Origins - Chapter 1 - The Interrogation The story so far: Chapter 1 - you are here Interrogator: So you can tell me about the Marquis? Lady Bonny: Yes. Interrogator: Everything? Lady Bonny: Almost, certainly a lot. Let’s see: When I first met the Marquis, he was just a simple sailor – or was he a first mate? - arriving at a port in Oleon His ship was apparently sinking fast and he barely made it to the pier – but he did. When asked, he gave his name as “Eeek” and so the arrival of Mr. Eeek Smith was documented by the harbour officials. Then later that day I met him at the poker table in this smoke-filled tavern: Interrogator (interrupting): Not so fast! I have so many questions before we can come to poker games: What did he do before he came to Oleon? Where is he coming from? What are the origins of the Marquis??? (to be continued) next chapter