Maybe it is the Professor's notes that gives them value. It is a tragedy that he can't write full papers and books based on his researches Kith says and then blanches as he reads the newest journal with the 'Read me now' label affixed to it. The Whispering Way? Isn't that just a collection of myths and legends associated with Tar-Baphon? Noting real surely.
Ileana did not know whether she should look through the books as some were considered dangerous and she did not want to provoke the Other into anger or worse. The doctor had removed the tomes and journals from the trunk and had now laid them across the table.
The young oracle listened as the doctor explained the dangerous books and she endeavoured not to touch those. The purple tome with the lock, entitled "Manual of the Order of the Palatine Eye" drew her attention the most but she waited until the doctor told her what it was. Then she would look.
Maryska takes a long while looking over the books and scaning through the journals before she speaks. Her demeanor is all business and her tone is matter of fact as if there is no doubt in her mind. I can't in good conscious take part in the transport of such tomes. Transporting them to someone I don't know rather then destroy them runs counter to the oath I swore to Pharasma. While I would prefer they where destroyed and won't take part in there transport I trust the Professors intentions and will not attempt to prevent his final wishes.
Maryska seems to have no wish to be interrupted and she blazes on with out pause. As to our hostess I will stay in town for the month and help her. I can gain lodging at the church for now and try to ferret out any trouble from there. If the Professor called me here I can only assume he feared the worst from the information left in his journals and will. I can investigate such things better alone. I will send word if anything of note comes up. Maryska begins to collect her gear as if to leave.
After Maryska declarations Kendra is moved to speak. I appreciate your candor Maryska and I wouldn't wish for you to break any oath you have previously made. Are you certain that you wouldn't wish to stay? I feel I must pay you back in some way for acting on father's wishes and my behalf.
Kith, previously pretty talkative, is silent as he focuses on the journals and books in front of him focusing on the late Professor's writings In a real way these are the Professor's last words we are guarding Drawing on his recently concluded academic training he tries to see if he can add to the Doctor's findings as he quickly scans the works.
If it's possible Kith will later take 20 on Knowledge Religion on the rest of the Professor's resources for information on the Whispers of the Immortal.
Ileana pointed toward the purple tome from the Order of the Palatine Eye, "Is this a dangerous book, Doctor? Or may I touch it?"
It was then she heard the woman, Maryska, say she would leave and pursue the inquiry and investigation on her own in town. The young oracle watched Maryska keenly; Ileana's mismatched eyes following the inquisitor's general movement as she collected her gear and moved toward the door. The professor's daughter's attempt to halt Maryska's intent and pay her for her services, intrigued Ileana and she waited to see what the woman would do.
In her familiar steady, earthy voice, Ileana remarked, "If you do leave, I wish you well, Maryska." Her cruel grandmother had been strict on keeping up with social niceties and appearances. Ileana never forgot those lessons.
With the books spread on the table, the doctor again speaks arcane words and gestures strangely. His eyes glow with a bluish light as he reaches out with an arcane sense.
"I don't know a whole lot about the Esoteric Order, save that it's a secret society if arcanists that is dedicated to protecting magical knowledge and fighting the undead."
Kith picks up the journals. They seemed to have much information in them regarding many things. Would it be fine with the rest of you if I spent some time reading these ? Ms.Lorrimor would it be alright also if I could have access to your Father's library? Perhaps I could find some knowledge... to assist in our mission of course
Maryska pauses for a moment from her gear gathering to answer Kendra's question. If you can have the sum that the good professor had offered to me sent to the church of Pharasma that will be acceptable. I have no need for such a large sum of cash. I generally can requisition from the church what I need. Better to travel light in my work anyway.
Turning to Ileana Maryska responds to her Have no fear I am sure our paths will cross again Lady Cercel. with that Maryska finishes grabbing her things and leaves waving off Kendra when she makes to follow her to the door. You have other guests I can find my way.
With the abrupt departure of Maryska Kith's request brings Kendra back to the activities in the room. Oh yes ahh Kith isn't it. I certainly welcome your use of the books and manuscripts that the house holds. A slight smile graces her face as she speaks and flourishes her hands. If you can call this a library. Her gestures encompasses the room and house many a flat surfaces has books stacked atop each other beyond what graces the many bookshelves with notes seemingly everywhere. My father had his own unique filing system. I may join in your endeavor if for no other reason then to put a sensible order to things.
Thumbing through the journals, the doctor gasps when he recognizes a bit of his own story in the pages, and reads the note in earnest. He shares both the passage and the note with the assembled.
Stefan reads the following noted passages from the older journal, closes it, and places it back on the table.
Ten Years Ago:
The Whispering Way is more than just a cabal of necromancers. I see that now. Undeath is their fountain of youth. Uncovering their motivation does not place me at ease as I thought it might. Their desire to be eternal simply makes them more dangerous.Nine Years ago:
An exceptional student of mine came to me today-- He seems to be in over his head. I provided him some knowledge of what he is up against, but I must do something about this. I must not allow the Whispering Way to act within the college with impunity. I need to do something to keep them from subverting our best and brightest.several days after previous entry:
I have ensured that the Whispering Way will not be bothering my student-- at least while I live. Hopefully he will be able to go on and live a normal life that doesn’t involve evil cults and undeath. I wonder how things would have changed had I someone to take on such a burden before I entered into such circles.Note stuck in the journal on these pages:
I am sorry Stefan-- If you are reading this then I must be dead. Your life-- your very soul-- may be in danger now. A creature by the name of Morvius Wintrish (or at least that was his name before he succumbed to darkness) had taken an interest in you all those years ago. He goes by many names now and works as a recruiter for the Whispering Way. You met him once before as you might remember. I was able to chase him off and acted as a buffer of sorts-- myself and others of a like mind, that is. I had hoped to keep you from such a life and to allow you to perform good works in your chosen profession. But I fear that won’t be possible now. Others will contact you soon, but until then arm yourself with what knowledge you can and be prepared to face the darkness to come. There are great gears that have been set in motion that had been held still until now. May the gods watch over you.
The doctor pauses to see how his companions react to the reading of those passages of Petros' journal.
He then continues, "As I had mentioned earlier, I had been studying the necromantic arts along with medicine. My hatred of the undead runs deep, and I thought that learning the magical underpinnings of those foul abominations would aid attempts to hunt down and destroy them. I had made it known discretely at the University that I was interested in this subject, and sought out a few professors of thaumaturgy that had experience with that subject.
"It was a few years after I'd begun focusing my magical studies on the necromantic arts when an older gentleman entered my laboratory at the University. At the time, I mistook him for a professor that I'd not yet met. He told me that he had noticed my study of 'black magic' and that he wanted to help me in my studies. He suggested that I should meet him for a drink that night at an inn on the other side of Lepidstadt that I'd never been to before. Intrigued, I went, for I was quite curious as to who this person was and what he was offering. The inn was small, rather dusty, and had seen better days, and there were few others therein. I found this somewhat curious at first, but it was an odd hour for a drink, so I paid it no mind. My benefactor ordered a bottle of excellent Chelish wine, which we then split. In very hushed tones, we discussed the art of necromancy. He even gave me a magical scroll with a spell I hadn't yet learned.
"Yet over the course of the conversation, I could tell that his interest in the subject was more than academic. He was passionate about the subject, as was I, of course, yet his passion seemed almost... romantic? While I was drawn to the subject out of a sense of duty to root out and destroy the things that had killed Andr... um... someone very close to me, his passion for the craft was one of reverence and desire. I tried to play it cool once I realized where this conversation was heading, for I thought I might learn something that I could use as an advantage in the future.
"But I think he caught my drift at the same time, and then asked me point-blank what I really thought of the undead. 'They are an abomination against the gods and nature,' I replied, 'and I think they should all be destroyed.'
"With a grim smirk, he stood, tossing some coins on the table. He turned, as if to leave, but then I realized that he was looking to see if anyone was watching us. There was not. He leaned toward me, and said, 'Well, that's too bad, my dear Stefan. When I learned of a fledgeling necromancer at the University, I thought we might find a new ally to the cause. But it would appear that we are at odds.' He waved a hand and his features shimmered-- his eyes glowed red, his face elongated, his teeth all sharply-pointed canines, and his breath reeked of carrion. Frozen in shock and horror, I didn't move when an impossibly long and thin tongue snaked out of his mouth and caressed my cheek, leaving a brown stain. It smiled a wicked smile and said, 'I'll be seeing you!' turned, and quickly walked out the door into the night."
Stefan pauses, and seeing that his companions are rapt by his story, goes on, "I was, of course, shocked. I hired a hackney to bring me straight back to the University, and I trudged up to the office of Professor Lorrimor. I thanked the gods that he was in late that night! He could see how shaken I was, and poured me a glass of brandy to steady my nerves. After I told him what had transpired, he stood, a worried look on his face. He unlocked a cabinet, and took out a smaller chest... not unlike that one," pointing to the small chest on the table, "and unlocked it as well. He withdrew a small, old book. He told me that I had most likely been visited by a recruiter for an ancient and dangerous society called the Whispering Way, and there was more information about them in the book. He implied that someone on staff at the University must have leaked the names of potential new members among the student body... or is a member him- or herself. He gave me the book, and told me to read it and return it to him as soon as possible, for he thought that the information might prove useful to me. I still remember his parting words that evening, 'Stefan, you have the attention of some very dangerous people. I would suggest keeping a low profile for a while. Perhaps you should concentrate your studies on the living for a while?' I thanked him, and I stayed up the rest of the night reading the book. I decided not to copy any of the information down, and I returned the book to Petros shortly thereafter. But it took weeks to get the stink of the creature off me, though."
Stefan sighs deeply, and takes his seat. "And now it would appear that Petros had been protecting me all those years ago. I, for one, do not intend for those effors at to have been in vain!"
The doctor returns his attention to the books and chest on the table. Examining the chest, he realizes that it's lead-lined.
"When we are finished with these texts, we should put them back into the chest. The chest is shielded from common magical divination."
When the woman Maryska spoke her piece and then left, Drusilla was a bit confused. She herself had come from a ways away, and had assumed that the others had as well. To come so far and then just leave? It seemed odd to her, but then the woman was some kind of priest of Pharasma, and the lady of bones was a mysterious god. Even tempered, she was told, but often times her folk (and by extension she) did things that did not make sense.
She found herself a bit warmer, when the other girl, Ileana, spoke. This was odd, because even when she was huddled with her brothers the gnomes in their burrow, she felt a bit cold. There was a warmth in her chest she couldn't explain. I must find out more about this mirror girl, Ileana. She is...important, somehow." she thought.
Turning from the fascinating girl beside here, Drusilla watched the Doctor for a while as he talked, but after a few moments, his words seemed to be lost on her. He spoke intelligently, she was sure of that, and seem to have dedication and knowledge, but she knew little of that. She liked the flow of his words more than the content. She cocked her head to the side and watched his lips until he was done.
Timidly, she spoke up.
"Are there...more books like this?
For a moment, she stood there, very still. Then she remembered she hadn't taken the book out yet. She was not used to so many people at once. There was alot of talking...she knew she would have to get used to that in the days and weeks to come. Dropping to her knees, she began fishing through her backpack, rummaging around. Finally, she pulled a book, very worn, and held it out, for...she wasn't sure at first, but finally settled on their host, Kendra.
It was beaten, and clearly read over and over, with a black leather cover, faded to grey and wooden symbol depicting a very surprised man rising into the air and a woman below, trying to hold on to him.
"This is the book He taught me to read with." absently turning to face Ileana as she spoke, almost apologetically.
Kendra Listens with rapt fascination as the good doctor spins his tale. When he is finished she takes a moment to let the reality of it to sink in before she speaks I had no idea! I mean I knew my father had his secrets and had taken part in an adventure or two but secret societies, evil cults and undead conspiracies is a lot to take in. Reading it in print it seems like it could just be a bit of dramatic flair or there to goose anyone that might read his journals unaware but to speak with someone who was actually touched by what happened I can't deny it or hide behind assumptions of exaggeration.
When Drusilla speaks up Kendra seems almost relieved. Yes Drusilla, right? My father spoke highly of you. He valued the printed word and was happy to help you learn it. He had a fondness for fairy tales and said they could often tell us about the past if we looked closely and carefully enough. Her last sentence seems to hold a special emphasis for you Drusilla as Kendra approaches she covers your hands with her own and smiles kindly at you. The difference between the two different hands are striking one set is well manicured, dainty even delicate the other is calloused and unwashed and holds an easy strength. I know my father would wish for you to keep this. It has obviously been kept in good hands and used well. I am sure that we can find similar reading materials or maybe even something more complicated in the house for you to enjoy during your stay and I would be happy to help you with any parts you struggle with. I will look for something appropriate right now I feel a bit overwhelmed with all of these shocking discoveries and need something to divert my attention for a bit while I take it in. I should also see about an evening meal making room for my new guests and fresh linens for beds. If everyone will excuse me while I get things prepared. Kendra offers a curtsy and heads down the hall and up the stairs her face no longer puffy with tears but instead holds a determination to get something done.
"Farewell, Maryska. Best of luck to you! And be wary-- the Whispering Way is an old enemy of the Lady of Graves."
Stefan reflects on what he knows of the Whispering Way, remembering back to the book Professor Lorrimor had let him borrow that one time nine years ago. Seeing that account referenced in Petros' journal brings the horror of being licked by a ghoul back to the doctor's mind.
Snapping himself out of the reverie, Stefan asks, "Kith-- is there anything relevant in the more recent of Petros' journals?"
Distracted by all the books around him as well as disturbed by Stefan's horrifying tale Kith doesn't even notice Maryska leaving and is snapped out of his daze by the Doctor. Hm.. oh no, Not able to add to your findings Doctor. I think maybe the people we deliver them to might be able to shed some more insight into them. Maybe if we have time during our travels we could make copies of the Professor's notes to ensure they survive? Kith is expecting the next month and the following delivery trips to not be very exciting and allow enough down time to engage is such an endeavor.
Noting Drusila's interest in the study Kith says Perhaps.. we can all spend some time here to help Kendra sort out the study? It would be following the Professor's wishes to aid Kendra. I'll tackle the books related to religion and history!
Stefan's dark tale intrigued Ileana. She was not disturbed so much that the man had been duped by the creature, for a short time, but that it only licked him -- marking him? And allowed the doctor to live...
"It seems the creature of your past tale has a purpose for you yet, doctor. You should be vigilant lest it return." Ileana's husky voice was low to the ear but even then seemed to fill the room with an air of foreboding.
When the wild creature from the Fangwood spoke of her book, Ileana turned on her foot and gazed upon the contorted version of herself. There were strong similarities, some more pronounced than others. But the layers of dirt and grime were making it hard to really see the girl. Ileana took a step toward Drusilla and the voice inside her head, the growl of The Other, began to grow again and Ileana recoiled for a moment and the motion surprised her.
The academics of the group - Stefan and Kith - had once again turned the discussion to the journals of Professor Lorrimor -- and Kendra had left to prepare their dinner and rooms.
"Yes, place the dark books inside the chest and lock it, doctor. As to the Professor's findings, Kith do you think that wise? What if your notes fell into the wrong hands? The Professor seemed adamant in his will that the information stay between us and his trusted colleagues within the University."
Agents of the Whispering Way often seek alliances with undead creatures, or are themselves undead. The Whispering Way’s most notorious member
was Tar-Baphon, the Whispering Tyrant, although the society itself has existed much longer than even that mighty necromancer.
The Whispering Way itself is a series of philosophies that can only be transferred via whispers— the philosophies are never written or spoken of loudly, making the exact goals and nature of the secretive philosophy difficult for outsiders to learn much about. Most works that claim knowledge of the organization should be considered to be taken second hand at best and fabricated at worst.
Kith is a bit flustered. He still has a hard time considering notes and books as dangerous despite the dire words the Professor had left behind in his will. It would be a shame for the Professor's researches to be lost... but if you think it's not a good idea then... I suppose we shouldn't.
Drusilla had quietly listened to the others. She knew little of "proper" social graces, but the gnomes often told her that her "eyes were loud"...she little knew what they meant, but felt she should speak.
A bit hesitantly, she looked at Ileana.
"Yes. I think...if they are dangerous.. We should wait a bit. Yes? Keep everything where we can watch it well."
She found herself unable to look away, and unconsciously, began mimicking the other girl's body language.
Upon hearing Kith's reply, Ileana stared unblinkingly, her large mismatched eyes taking the man's measure.
"You are a learned man, Kith. Commit the Professor's notes to memory. It would be in the best interest of the party."
The girl's stare was there, again, on her person. Turning her focus back on Drusilla, the young oracle openly enquired, her earthy voice seemingly deeper now, "Am I known to you, Drusilla of the Fangwood? Are we distant relations, perhaps, for we share distinctive features? You stare at me and it makes me question the why." Ileana wanted to take her long nails and rake them across her own brow - the growl had become a permanent echo in her mind and Ileana wanted it gone or silenced for a time.
Somewhat puzzled at Kith's reply to his query about the more recent of Petros' journals the doctor walks over to him. "Say, would you mind if I had a look at the other journal? Perhaps another set of eyes might catch something relevant. To be frank, with talk of the Whispering Way in the earlier journal, I am beginning to fear a conspiracy!"
Seeing the others' blank stares at mention of the name of that shadow cabal of necromancers, Stefan explains,
"As I learned from that book Professor Lorrimor lent me all those years ago, the Whispering Way is an anceint cabal of living necromancers and unliving abominations who believe that undeath is a higher form of life. Little is truly known about them, as the tradition mostly does not keep records-- their lore is circulated among members only by word of mouth, one agent whispering its secrets to another. However, it is known that that the greatest of their members was the Whispering Tyrant himself!
"The Whispering Way is an extremely dangerous organization, and now I know that I was spared its wrath only by the behind-the-scenes intervention by the late Professor."
He turns, as if to ask another question, but realizes that Kendra has left the room. "Say-- where did our hostess retire to? I thought of a few questions for her regarding what she knows of the circumstances of her father's demise..."
With the professors question of Kendra's absences a solid knock sounds at the front door. After two series of rapid knocks you hear a voice call out from the other side of the door. Miss Lorrimor it's Sheriff Caeller I need to speak with you about the incident at the cemetery. The tone of the speaker is strong and authoritative but doesn't hold the air of jaded officiousness Councilman Heartmount seemed to cultivate.
Although she didn't know quite how to respond, and in fact was having a bit of trouble forming any words at all in her mind, Drusilla wanted to answer Ileana's questions. She had locked eyes with the other girl, and that familiar feeling was there, again reminding her of looking at her reflection in a pool of water. It was then that she realized how different the two looked, and she was suddenly self conscious about the dirt and grime from the long travel that caked her skin.
Her attention turned when she heard the rather firm call from the other side of the front door.
"I feel as though I know you." were the only words that barely escaped her lips, not much more than a whisper, as she looked down at her hands, confused. So much is happening at once... she thought.
Sherrif? I think we have made a pretty unfavourable impression on the townspeople Kith says. He heads down the hall to the stairs where Kendra had disappeared and calls Kendra? Sheriff Caeller is at the door, do you wish to open the door or should we let him in?
Kendra appears at the top of the stairs a piece of linen in her hands as she calls down in answer to Kith's query. Yes please, If you could tell the sheriff I will be down momentarily. With her answer Kendra disappears back down the hall.
At the knock and voice of the local sheriff, Ileana moved to the side of the trunk, her body and sight pointed squarely toward the door.
The young oracle had heard Drusilla's response, but did not how to react or respond to it at present. Then Kith had called out to obtain Kendra's permission to allow the lawkeeper inside the house.
Why has this man come? Is there more trouble we must be made aware of? Or has he come to escort us out of Ravengro... Many thoughts moved through her mind, passed the insistent growl only she could hear.
Kith turns to the others, raises his eyebrows, and shrugs to convey that he too is concerned about the visitor and what he might want. He unlocks the door and greets the Sherrif Sherrif Caeller? Please come in. Ms. Lorrimor is just coming down, I am one of her guests Kith Jeova. Kith will try to usher the Sherrif into the sitting room where the will was read.
As the sheriff enters the house, Stefan also introduces himself. "Good day, sir! I am Dr. Stefan von Herzog, of Lepidstadt. I'm an old coleague of our hostess' father. I expect Miss Lorrimor to be down in a moment. We've just had the reading of Petros' will, and I think she may have needed a moment, poor thing."
The doctor glances over at the table, glad that Petros' books are safely locked back in the chest. I certainly don't want the local constabulary to get the wrong idea about us!
The Sheriff takes a moment to assess kith and the others that he sees from the door. He turns to a large shaggy wolfhound. The action catches your notice as the dog stirs with its master attention. It is decked out in studded leather barding and seems almost a match for its owner. Biscuit stay. Watch. The dog gives an answering woof and seems to sit up straighter turning its head back to the road.
With the command given Sheriff Caeller turns back to the house and removes his hat as he enters. Evening all. The Sheriff seems to take a moment to take the measure of the two men who spoke before assessing the woman in the room his attention seems to linger longer on Drusilla then anyone before he continues. I assume you are the strangers that where involved in the confrontation at the cemetery. His tone seems neutral as if he is simply restating facts.
"That's correct, Sheriff. We were bearing the coffin of our departed friend to the Restlands, when a small group of ruffians blocked the way. They refused to let Petros be buried here in Ravengro, a place he truly loved. They even had the gall to accuse Petros of necromancy! We managed to talk them down and shame them into letting us pass, and the rest of the funeral proceeded as one would expect."
He pauses for a moment, then adds, "Say, we were just having some tea, and I believe there's more in the pot. Would you care for a cup?"
Stefan pours the sheriff a cup of tea. "I'm sure Miss Lorrimor will be down shortly. To what do we owe this visit? Or would you rather wait for our hostess to join us?"
Ileana walked over and took a seat opposite the Sheriff and poured herself a fresh cup of tea. She sat so still, cup held just above her lap, her mismatched eyes searching the man's face for sign of intent and awaiting his answer to Doctor Stefan's enquiry.
Her eyes roamed to his weapons and then in the direction of the canine named "Biscuit" waiting outside the front door.
"Good day, Sheriff Caeller. I am Ileana Cercel of Caliphas city", she said in her earthy voice, following the good example led by the doctor when he had greeted Miss Lorrimor's official guest upon entering.
Ileana lifted the porcelain cup delicately to her lips and took a small sip before returning it to the place above her lap.
And I have traveled here from the Kitharodian Academy in Taldor Kith says I do hope that we haven't caused any problems here with our presence. We just want to carry out the good Professor's last wishes to the best of our ability. He enriched all of our lives. Did you meet him Sherrif?
As Dr Stefan pours the sheriff some tea, Kendra quietly slips down and into the parlor waiting as Illeana and Kith introduce themselves before speaking herself. Hello Ben its good to see you. Are you stopping by to pay your respects, or has something else happened? Kendra's tone and demeanor indicates a cordial familiarity.
The Sheriff stands up when Kendra makes her presences known hat still in hand as he speaks he slowly passes the brim between his fingers in what seems to be a nervous habit. Kendra its nice to see you as well. I would have been at the cemetery but well you know. I came over to talk about what happened earlier today if your up to it.
Kith stands up when the Sheriff does completely oblivious to what the Sheriff may be thinking.
I do hope there isn't any trouble
The doctor takes off his spectacles, absently polishes them with a handkerchief, and then replaces both.
Ileana studied the man and woman, having caught something in the tone and manner of their exchange. They had been close once, some stronger familiarity. Ileana hoped that bode well for them and that Kendra Lorrimor's word would go a long way with this Sheriff.
Kith had spoken up and so Ileana did her best to support him, "Yes. Most surprising turn of events at the cemetery. Has there been further trouble, Sheriff Caeller?"
Sheriff Caeller seems to hold Kendra in his gaze for an extended time before he addresses everyone. No, no trouble right now. I sent my deputies to talk with the group that harassed the procession to straighten them up. They haven't really done enough to jail or punish them yet not really, but they know I got my eye on them now and I wanted to ask if you would let me know if they try anything in the future.
The sheriff seems to take a moment as if weighing his words before continuing. I also had a talk with a certain councilman and he is all up in arms because the rest of you might be stayin. I honestly don't give a fig what he thinks just to let you know. Now as much as nettling Hearthmount might make me smile I still have a job to do. So I will make a deal with you. I’ll try and keep him off your back and you let me know before you do anything you might call adventurous. Now before you all start denying anything I know enough of the good professors past to have an idea what his passing means.
Kith sits back down completely bewildered. Events seemed to be running away from him. What could the professor's passing mean? The Sherriff's words combined with the ominous warnings in the Professor's will and the frankly frightening note about Dr.Von Herzog's past were starting to concern him. He looked at the other pallbearers. The Doctor seemed to be targeted by necromancers. The two ladies, one wild, the other incredibly rigid, who kept glancing at each other with their pair of mismatched eyes. What was going on?
Ileana tilted her head when the Sheriff mentioned he had an idea what the Professor's death would mean. Mean to whom or what? His daughter? His students? His enemies? The dark world in which he walked? She felt Kith's gaze on her and turn her mismatched eyes to meet his for a brief second.
"So, you would like us to report to you, Sheriff? What if we are caught in an unexpected, dangerous moment and we must act before we have spoken to you? I would not see us in trouble for defending ourselves."
Drusilla tried to follow the conversation, catching bits here and there. She could tell from the Sheriff's stance and tone that he didn't mean harm, but she still wasn't sure of his real purpose. He seemed to be interested in peacekeeping, but she wasn't sure.
She suddenly felt a bit defensive, and found her hand inching towards her sword. Noting that the others seemed relaxed confused her. Drusilla found that she was still getting used to being among "civilized" folk...she was sure there were cues she was missing. She resigned herself to watch and listen. There was so much to learn here!