After a few minutes wait a middle aged priest still adjusting his robes arrives followed by half a dozen guards. I... so... I mean. The novice has informed me of the situation. Are the three men under our custody accused of attempting to kidnap the lady here he moves his hand to signal Wonky And using violence against you all during the course of their crime? he gets a piece of parchment from one of his pockets I will need you all to sign your testimony and for you brother to also sign that your companions are decent and trustworthy people
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"I am willing to give my testimony from within a Circle of Truth, if any of our brothers here can draw one," Ahto offers.
"I have only known these people a short time," he adds. "But, I will also testify from within the Circle that they have not, in that time, acted in a manner that makes them unworthy of trust."
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"I will most certainly sign a testimony that they were there to kidnap me. While I admit I was the one who struck the first blow by using a non-lethal color spray to knock two of them out they confronted us with weapons drawn first and their very demeanor and words were an obvious threat of violence if I was not turned over to them. I also had pre-intelligence that there were men seeking to kidnap me so I took their threats very seriously. These men responded by lethal force so thus we responded in self-defense."
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The gnome sidles over to Ahto.
"Uh...Ahto? she says under her breath, "I'm a bit nervous about what our short friend told us about who signed off on the Lady's possible kidnapping. Especially because of who they might have sent to 'deal with us'. Are we safe here?" She pointedly smiles at one of the six guards.
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"Have faith that justice will prevail. Even if the information we received is true and completely accurate, a person such as your informant mentioned cannot be seen publicly flouting the law. If we keep our own actions as out in the open as possible, he will have no choice but to deal with us in the same arena."
He gives the small woman a re-assuring squeeze on the shoulder.
The cleric smiles at Ahto's offer and says There will be no need for that brother he looks at the inquisitor straight in the eye Your word is more than eough for anyone in this town he offers the parchment again I will need you to sign your testimony nonetheless, since I've been informed you'll be leaving town soon and justice must be swift, but never rushed
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"Very well," Ahto replies. He takes two sheets of parchment and carefully writes out his testimony of the event in two identical copies.
He then signs he each copy with his name and title.
"Any of you who wish to sign as witnesses to this event may do so also,"[b] he says to his companions. [b]"I would ask that you sign both copies as a witness to my testimony, brother," he says to the priest.
Perhaps being slightly paranoid at the machinations going on, Ahto does his best to scrutinize the behavior of the other priest, in case he gives any sign of duplicity.
The priest signs both copies with the name Renno Thank you brother he signals to the guards You can take those men to your cells, in the morning you shall bring them back so their testimony is also heard. Be sure to keep them under guard, you DON'T want to be the ones who let escape someone who attacked a servant of Abadar
The priest turns again to the party and offers If you want to spend the night here for your safety I'll get some novices to prepare a room, if you want to leave I can have you escorted
Aurelius does not sign the testimony, knowing his name would probably do more harm than good. "Actually, all of my personal belongings are at my own room in the City. I should return home. I would hate for any trouble to find its way back to my family!" He salutes Ahto with a smile, before bowing to the Lady Kalima.
"I will return in the morning then. From here I am sure you will all be well!"
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Kalima signs the testimony with a gleeful smile on her lips. Seeing these criminals get what they deserve gives her some degree of closure.
She also looks to Arelius and says, "If you are going there, could you retrieve my things as well good Aurelius. I will give you the key to my room if you require it.
"I was not returning to the Inn but to my own room in the city, but I can indeed retrieve your things, come the morning. The night sky makes brave men of craven criminals but daylight is the great deterrent, or so someone once said!" He smiled before taking the key.
Paval signs the testimony, making sure he is the last to sign. Instead of his own name he writes down 'Uriel Tevinder', the name of an old merchant he met many years ago and who had probably perished by now. It was a name he used more often when he didn't want to leave a paper trail.
When talk turned to the inn Paval spoke up, "I think most of us will need to return to the inn come morning to pick up our things. It would also be proper to say our goodbyes to Madam Vika. It's a good thing to have a friend like her in a town like this."
The rest of the night goes by without incident and as the party meet at the square near the city gates they can see the crow that has gathered to cheer the different groups leaving.
Almost on the other corner of the square they can see the Chelaxians, the baroness and the bald priest riding big black horses with red barding, the rest of his group, three armed men and half a dozen servants wearing black and red tabbards seem busy preparing a cart pulled by a grey mare.
Closer a group of scarred and veteran mercenaries each one with a huge backpack filled to the brim talk loudly while sharing with the crowd a huge barrel of ale that they've set in the middle of the square.
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Kalima had a rough night sleeping in a horrible bed and with only her undergarments to sleep in due to the lack of her gear. Still in the morning she makes do with her major use of Prestidigitation to get herself clean but nonetheless finds herself in her noble garb from yesterday until she is able to get hold of her stolen gear. She gives a grim look to the Cheliaxians but resists the urge to speak her mind, seeing they are far outnumbered by these bastards. She merely waits with the others looking around suspiciously.
Paval passes by the inn before heading for the city gates. If they were to move one had better be prepared. He also brings along the equipment of any of his fellows that trusted him to do so. At the inn he apologised to madame Vika for their absence last night as he tried to explain the circumstances and the threat at their lives. Afterwards he thanks the woman for her kindness before departing.
Upon seeing the Chelish thugs Paval grins. He wished he could somehow interfere with their journey. Hobble the mare without their knowledge or some such. Sadly he couldn't and he just had the thoughts to amuse him.
Aurelius bounces a coin on the palm of his hand, before nodding and approaching the Mercenaries. He had made it back to the Inn and taken Kalimas things, before meeting up with everyone in the morning. Now that they were all back together and on the move again, he felt better.
As he approached the Mercenaries he smiled broadly, throwing his arms wide, "Hoi there lads, hows about a mug for me then? I can pay if the price is right!"
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Wonky returns to the Inn in the morning with Paval, wary for danger, but resistant to leaving the town without the opportunity to thank Madame Vika personally and deliver her dress back. She gathers her things after a pleasant farewell, and attempts to hush Paval as he shares their troubles from the previous evening, worried that the information could somehow harm Madame Vika.
Once in the town square, Wonky stays close to the larger members of her group, and keeps Sprocket on a lead, ignoring the other adventuring parties. Dressed for the road, the gnome fusses with Sprocket and his make-shift harness bags while trying to take in all of the action.
I hope I have prepared enough for this journey. We have come so far, Sprocket and I, but never into the absolute wilderness.
She looks up at Ahto and smiles.
"All ready?"
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After having her things gathered from the inn with a proper escort from her companions she heads back to the group and starts her journey with the party, giving a brief look back to the city gates and then a look at the long road ahead.
Kalima then says to the others "So another journey across rugged terrain I see. How long is it going to be before we reach the closest Outpost?"
The mercenary turns to Aurelius with a broad smile Praise the Lucky Drunk and wish us luck, friend, and the price is paid he offers a pitch full of cool ale. So what's your name friend? I don't like drinking with strangers
When the man invokes his Gods name, Aurelius laughed and pulled his holy symbol from the neck of his shirt, grinning. "Well met brother. I am called Vito. What Company are you and yours with may I ask?"
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Wonky says to Ahto, "I'll be right back," and traipses off to intercept Neko.
She finds the halfling trailing some other dignitaries at the public event, and politely coughs a few times until he turns around. Once spotted, she advances.
"Master Neko, my party and I are all set for our travels. I thank you for the ASSISTANCE you gave us in procuring provisions for our trails. Though FIVE separate AGENTS competed for our attention in preparing for our journey LAST EVENING, we were highly PREPARED through the actions of your office. The LEFTOVERS from our business transaction can be found in the temple of Abadar for procurement as needed. Thanks again."
And with that, the gnome wanders away.
The man smile broadens even more when Aurelius shows his holy symbol We are known as the Kegbusters, Vito my friend! I take you're part of this Reclamation too? I hope you're not with the Chelaxians, bunch of devil screwers that they're. he lowers his voice We're pretty sure they tried to have our wizard arrested last night just for enjoying his drink a bit too much
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Overhearing the response, Kalima speaks up and says, "Now that is something we can agree on mister Kegbuster. Anyone who beds down with Devils is far too sinister to ever associate with. The wonder why this country allows such evil scum to get involved in the Reclamation is beyond me. Their "Reclamation Efforts" might as well be considered Conquest when they are involved. How can we be sure that they are not attempting to claim land as a Chelixian protectorate and give their people a foothold in this region?"
The mercenary looks at Kalima smiling Friend, this is not the time and place to discuss politics but to enjoy ourselves before embarking in another great adventure. So have some ale, praise Caiden and give me your name so I can call the most beautiful landmark I find after you. he looks sideways at the Chelaxian party I don't think that woman has slept without a feather mattress a whole week, and those servants are city folk, I'm afraid they're in for a surprise in the Stolen Lands
Oh my, you're a bit uptight ain't you? I look forward to meeting you again once civilization has left you as you now leave it he flashes her a smile Will you at least share a mug of ale with us or should I fetch you a glass of elven wine my lady the man bows jokingly and offers Kalima a used mug filled with cool ale.
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The gnome sticks her head around Kalima at the Caydenite.
"If it's not poor form, could you hold me upside down so I can take a proper draw from your keg?"
Wonky blushes as her colleagues turn to her with shock on their faces.
"What?! It's good luck!! If not with the Drunken God's drinking buddies, then with who else?"
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The mercenary laughs at Wonky suggestion but grabs her easily by her legs and dunks her into the keg three consecutive times. She then sets her on the floor and whispers something in her ear as the poor gnome is caught in a fit of coughs.
As everyone seems to be enjoying themselves with the Caydenites Paval joins them as well.
"Ah good. Seems my fellows are lubricating themselves for the journey ahead. That should make it easier, at least until tomorrow morning." He laughed heartily before extending a hand in greeting.
"I'm Paval and you already met most of my companions. Our last is a man of the cloth, Abadar's cloth to be precise."
The mercenary fills a mug with the ale dropping from Wonky's hair and clothes and offers it to Paval with a smile. Well met friend. You are quite a quaint party, ain't you? he looks towards Ahto serious and professional, he's an Abadaran that's for sure he turns around when he hears the crowd cheering. The Chelaxian party has started moving towards the gates . Well, about time. I thought devil screwers would be more punctual
The man looks down the barrel and smiles seeing it almost empty. He grabs Wonky and dunks her again, then he sets her on the ground and kisses her forehead May luck, bravery and ale accompany you on your travels friends. I think it's high time we got on our way. he waves the crowd and turns to the party I hope we meet again in front of a good roast. Then he turns towards the gates and starts walking while drinking what's left in his mug.
Paval looks at the men as the leave and then turns his untouched mug upside down, letting the ale splatter on the street. "Good. How drunk are all of you? Wonky, you don't have to tell, it's obvious. We'll probably have to carry you." He shook his head and let out a sigh.
"We should get moving as well. With the mess of last night we haven't been able to secure transport so we need to figure something out. Even if it's just a mule we could drape Wonky over."
Aurelius picked up his pack, finishing his ale before hanging the mug from his sword hilt. "Aye. Let's make way then. I'm sure we can figure something out!"
The sun shines upon the group as they pass the last hill and see the first sign of civilization since they left Brevoy. A few kilometers away a palisaded outpost, Oleg's if their information is correct, awaits them with the promise of warm food and a place to rest their feet.
The wind blowing from the north cools their skin as they make haste towards the outpost, when they are close enough they see a group of half dozen armed men waiting by the gates. Their leader lowers himself from his horse and steps inside followed by one of them while the other four stay outside.
The men turn towards Ahto with their hands on their hilts and, seeing the weapons the party carries one of the whistles. Me, me, we sure as f*ck came to trade, you wait for the boss to come and f*cking trade with you too a menacing smile crossing his face. He eyes Kalima How much for her? You can make a f*cking fortune here he looks at the rest of the party Do the dog or the gnome do f*cking tricks?
Paval follows suit, paying close attention to the behaviour of the men. "You couldn't afford her." He smiles at the man that does the talking.
Paval opens his mouth to say more when he suddenly realises his hand is creeping towards the pommel of his blade and needs all his focus to stop it.