Jun nods, "Good idea, if we don't get them to bed now and follow them, I may be next to them on the table as well!"
Jun picks Cinnamon up carefully and follow Gyllan to their rooms. While he struggles a bit due to his leg and hands, she ends up being easy enough to transport.
Once done with that task, he finds his own bed and falls into in exhausted, but it still takes awhile for him to fall asleep as he recounts the day's events. I need a drink. That always helped me fall asleep quickly, but I can't do that downward spiral again.
Despite that, it doesn't take long for it all to catch up with him as he falls asleep.
The party rests to recuperate spells and hit points. Thereafter, in the company of the merchants and the Seneschal's daughter, you continue your trip east toward Korvosa in the cold weather. The next 2 days pass in a blur, as you reflect on your heroic actions that saved Amber's life. There's very little chit chat among the group, as the initial euphoria over hearing of your heroism wears off and the merchants go back to worrying about their lives and their day to day problems and how they're going to survive this cursed year.
On the morning of the third day, as you approach the walls of Korvosa, a strange sight greets you, as you see a number of plumes of smoke rising from within the city! You see the gates to the city locked and a number of guards driving off a crowd of commoners (about 15 in total). As you get closer, you hear the crowd yelling, "Let us in! We are Korvosans damn it! Our families and children are in there. We have to be with them!"
You hear the commander of the small squadron of guards (about 7 in total) scream back, "I've already told you people. The city in under martial law and no one gets in or out! Now move back or we will be forced to defend ourselves!" The commander and his six guards have their swords drawn and the situation looks like it's about to get hostile very quickly.
The merchants with you look with worry at the situation and then at you for leadership.
Knowledge Local
Jun will straighten himself up as good as he can to make the most favorable impression and attempt to get their attention, "Hey Commander , I am Jun Korter formally of the Korvosan Guard. Let me and my friends in and we can help. I'm sure you can make an exception on our part due to my history."
Diplomacy
Cinnamon had started off in a good mood after their successful adventure, but once the journey began she had grown increasingly bored, restless, and bad-tempered. At least we'll be in Korvosa soon. I never thought I'd miss the city, but I do.
Which is to say that when they arrive at the gates, only to see them blocked because of some sort of 'martial law', Cinnamon is in no mood to meekly submit. She prepares a devastating retort, sure to get a satisfying reaction, if a dangerous one. Fortunately, cooler heads prevail and Jun begins the conversation civilly.
So Cinnamon swallows her pride and tries to help him.
"For that matter," she tells the guards, "we are on King's business. At least, they are on King's business --" Cinnamon indicates Luc and Amber, "--and we are escorting them."
Looking dismayed at the burning city Eidonius thinks to himself.
Home... I suppose.
Oh Korvosa, you haven't changed. I was a fool to return.
With a deep sigh he wispers to Luc and Amber.
Would you, gentleman and milady, by any chance have some influence with the city watch? Somebody needs to talk some sense in those guards.
Gyllan looks in wonder and worry at the smoke rising from the city, and and is struck by the fear in the captain's voice. He scans the faces of the guards, also attempting to see a face he recognizes. He spots one or two he's seen before, but no one he knows well enough to call by name and explain the situation. He decides to support his friends in explaining why it's in everyone's interest for them to be allowed into the city. He approaches the guardsmen, his empty hands held up in front of his body, and says in a low voice he intends for only the captain to hear, "Sir, I think you'd do well to let us in. We've got one of your own travelling with us, as well as a person of great importance to the kingdom. Let's just try to keep things calm, and you can open that gate for just a moment to let us step through, right?"
He looks over his shoulder at Luc, and gestures for him to step forward and talk to his fellow guardsmen.
The guards, as well as the rest of the crowd, are struck in awe by Jun and Cin's oratory skills as there is silence to allow her to speak. After Gyllan's discourse, the Captain looks over to Amber and Luc and recognizing his armor, he quickly back tracks. "It's the Senschal's daughter, let her pass!" The guards allow for Amber and Luc and the party to move up to the gate, while the rest of the crowd moves back. "I'm sorry m'lady but you must not have heard the awful news and the cause of the ruckus and rioting in the city: King Eodred II has passed away, this morning. Queen Ileosa now rules the Crimson Throne!" Amber's cries are loud, as she collapses into Luc's arms, muttering, "No, no, no. If only I'd gotten here sooner." Luc tries to console her, hugging her tightly.
The Commander, a man named Everett, recognizes Jun and he speaks freely to him, pointing back to the city. "Good to see you again, Jun. It's a hell in there. There are riots and looting going on. The Sable Marines are on patrol but it's not enough. The guards are afraid to go out and stop the incivility, since there's no healing available. The rich are being mobbed on the street and the Citadel of Adbar has closed its doors. Fires rage uncontrolled. Things look grim. If you all want to go in, I cannot stop you but I cannot guarantee your safety and I do not have spare soldiers to send with you so you'll be on your own. I've got my own mess to deal with, keeping the gates closed. What do you want to do?"
Amber looks at the party with tears in her eyes, "Please, please, I need to make it to the Palace. To see my father and the Queen. Will you help?"
Everett speaks, "I do not recommend it. It's too dangerous. Just wait it out."
Gyllan hears Amber's plea and does not hesitate, "Of course we'll help you. We didn't come all this way with you to turn back now. Let's get moving, and try to get through the city quickly. I can take us through some quieter back ways - but if you know a way into the palace other than the main gates, that would be helpful. There will likely be quite a crowd in front of the palace, so it would be better to go in a back door."
Knowing full well what would be the others's reactions to Amber's plea Eudonius is almost afraid to look at them. But if he did not help her now all the chances already taken would have being for nothing. There is no turning back now, he is committed.
He just gives a deep sigh looking at the floor and wispering under his breath.
Korvosa how I hate thee.
Mother, I hope you are unwell and some peasant torched your palace.
"Of course I'll go with you -- I haven't been to the palace in ages. I'm dying to see how it's changed." Cinnamon leans closer to Amber and adds in a loud whisper. "Don't worry about getting in -- the Queen and I go way back."
"Everett! or should I say Commander Everett! You certainly have done good for yourself this past year! We need to get in and to the palace. I know these streets well as you know and need to lead the rest of them there to safety." Jun limps over to Everett and says, "Are any of your men hurt? I may be able to help with that."