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Before this mission, Yukie never thought she would have mourned a goblin, but the brutal events of the previous night visibly shook the tian woman to the core. Still, she keeps on performing her duties, treating their new prisoners the same way she does the goblins, and making some effort to be impartial despite her having witnessed firsthand the ravens' cruelty.
That they have to be brought before castellan Darkwine is a bittersweet coincidence. Yukie hasn't forgotten the letter from Amara Li she read on the boat-- once the matter of the blackravens has been resolved, she'll do what she can to have a few minutes of his time to discuss on behalf of the Lantern Lodge.
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Horatius travels with the group to their rendezvous with the larger Pathfinder contingent. After greeting their fellows he provides them information regarding the trip across Irrisen and the goblins in general. Towards the end he notes, "While troublesome I will say that at no point did the goblins attempt to bring us harm."
Their mission complete he travels with Yuki and any others who care to make the trip to the section of the city known as Castle Hill to seek an audience with Freyr Darkwine.
After some time they are admitted in. Horatius bows and says, "Castellan Darkwine, Commander of the Black Ravens I am Horatius Lartius, servant of Erastil and Pathfinder. I believe you are aware of our mission to escort prisoners out of the cursed land of Irrisen. During the course of that mission we were granted safety in one of your lodges by Enrik Ironjaw and a cleric of Gorum know as Svetlana. While under that protection they sought, with the aid of their fellows, to kill our charges. Through force of arms we were able to halt their efforts and capture these three. Svetlana fell in battle. We have brought them here that they may be judged by the laws of their people." With that he provides a bit more detail about events at the lodge and then provides what information about their journey would seem of interest to the man in charge of defending the border. Seeing that Yuki has matters of a more private nature to discuss with the Castellan he politely excuses himself and departs for the temple of Gorum.
Reaching the last of his duties in Trollheim Horatius breaths deeply feeling much of the weight and concern carried for the last few days fall from his shoulders. Striding forward he enters the fortress like temple and walks to the main alter where a burly and fully armed and armored cleric of Gorum stands discussing something with a few warriors. Carrying Svetlanas sword he places it on the alter and says only "The blade of Svetlana, priestess of Gorum and Blackraven. She fell in battle in honor of her god." With that he turns and leaves the temple.
A few days later Horatius looks out over the beautiful lands of the Linnorm Kings. While cool the weather is a far cry from the chill temperatures of Irrisen. Beneath his feet the uneven rocking of the river boat is a welcome change after their long overland journey. Contemplating all that has transpired he issues a quiet prayer of thanks to Erastil that the party was brought safe through their trials and that he was granted the opportunity to travel with such fine individuals. Stepping away from the rails he heads back into the cabin where his fellows sit enjoying the well deserved feeling of accomplishment as they travel to the sea.
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Jory smiles for one of the few times as they come to the end of the mission.
He manages to gather the courage to speak to Yukie.
"Your patience and compassion have inspired me to be better. I am truly sorry we lost one of the goblins. I was extra hard on them because I had specific orders to make sure they didn't get away. I see now that your way was best, but I will have trouble trusting any chicken served served to me in the future."
He also grins at Horatius: "You will be a great leader. Maybe some day I will be a great follower."
Jory nods to Halorn: "Brother, may your beard grow ever long and your cup never run empty."
He gives Yukie a hug and Horatius and handshake. Halorn gets a fist hammered on his shoulder and a grunt. Turning to the others.
"I hope we cross paths again. My bow is always ready to serve a good cause."
You are able to deliver their captives to the extraction team just outside the heavily walled and densely populated city of Trollheim. The goblins give a last worried look over their shoulders before they’re hustled away.
Castellan Freyr Darkwine himself is normally too busy for the simple reporting of a traitor, since you took 3 of them prisoner you’re granted an audience with the him and the senior commanders of the Blackravens nonetheless. They accept your account as likely true, and not your fault. They’re unhappy nevertheless, and unless you have further business in Trollheim it is suggested they be on their way. Darkwine makes no bones about how this favor to the Society is going to cost him, as he clearly expected too much of his embattled people.
Nevertheless, he promises to see the prisoners brought to justice and duly punished, but wonders aloud if the lives of “good” men were really worth goblin secrets.
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Yukie can only give the goblins a reassuring look before they turn away, and she nods somberly. Mixed feelings churn behind an impassible mask during the audience with the Castellan, and while she carries herself with her usual dignity, it might be obvious to her teammates that the journey back home cannot come soon enough.
Her wish is granted after a few days, and the time comes to say her farewells to her fellow Pathfinders.
Jory's words bring an uncharacteristically bashful smile to her lips, quickly contained, but still, she chuckles at the mention of chicken. "I am glad my humble efforts have inspired you, but do not sell yourself short. Your insight and cautious nature may well have saved all of our lives, and we will all remember the sacrifice of your sandwich." She leans down to return the hug.
Next comes Horatius, who she beams to. "You have led us with honor and bravery. I sincerely hope we will be able to meet again. Perhaps you could tell me of the teachings of Erastil, and I can share with you teachings of my ancestors, about the spirits that dwell within all things."
Then she steps back to address the group as a whole, stroking Aiko behind the ears. "It has been a honor travelling alongside you all, and should we meet again, I will consider each of you a trusted friend. I hope my talents and Aiko's have been helpful." Respectfully, she bows.