"From now, no one goes unguarded. The enemy is, apparently, invisible, and we have no means to suss them out short of luck. So we must be vigilant and not give them opportunities like this."
"Any other thoughts?" he turns to the others for further suggestions.
"'No means to suss them out short of luck'?! You can't be serious, Cole. When we suffered sabotage the first time around, you said you agreed with Jurin, regarding cultists in our midst. We were to be vigilant, keep watch, and in time, we might catch the culprit or culprits. There are dead knights here, and you would like to renew our vigilance. To remain watchful, when it fails us, is unacceptable." Eli pulls a handkerchief and blows his nose.
"You should beginning questioning everyone. Make your own damnable luck, instead of wishing for it. Look people in the eye, ask about odd tomfooleries, watch reactions, stir the pot. Gods, do something."
Eli looks down at the corpses. "If you see these men as 'unlucky' in their deaths, but couldn't be avoided, then you will indeed continue to be unlucky. Self-fulfilling prophecy. If you don't have time to begin a proper inquisition, right here, right now, then we need your definition of 'acceptable losses'."
Serra rubs his jaw, ignoring the irrational blather by Ely.
"Invisibility. An invisible demon or cultist...has to be," Serra rubs his chin. "And someone very skillful to slay this many without hue or outcry. While there is no doubt we need to be viligant," Serra says, agreeing with Cole's proposal, "...we might have to conceive of a way to see the unseen."
Serra steps back, thinking.
"I'll speak to Amber and Ara and see if they have a way to speak with the dead. Their tongues might waggle out some secrets," Serra notes.
He looks at Ely.
"Ely, I have heard it rumored that some holy knights can sniff out evil like a hound sniffs scents. Mayhaps you should ask Sir Beagan or Sir Jothinra if they those among them who could sweep the camp. If we do, then whatever magic that would allow the murderous evil to avoid detection would certainly avoid whatever inquisition you would enforce," Serra logics at Ely.
"I don't think a full inquisition will result in the end you seek Eli. But let us consider it with the whole."
Later, "That sounds like a good idea Serra. Let us gather the lords and formulate what plans we can manage."
He raises his voice to be heard outside,
"Sosiel, please join us. Perhaps you can suggest demon-specific hunting methods. Let's pool our resources."
Cole leaves the tent and heads to his own, pondering options and outcomes.
"I don't think a full inquisition will result in the end you seek, Eli. But let us consider it with the whole."
"I'm sorry, but I don't remember mentioning the ends I seek. I have suggested this before. We need to make the traitor or traitors among us skittish. To that end, we can create an area in which speaking lies is prohibited, and subject everyone in our contingent to several, thoughtful questions. We might catch a break, and catch someone in the act of avoiding the questions." As for considerations, that's what politicians say before they ignore suggestions without saying anything further...
"Eli, I've heard it rumored..."
Eli tries to make sense of Serra's non sequiturs, and waits a moment longer, hoping the man can perhaps straighten out his thoughts. "I would have thought they'd have done that after the first round of sabotage. What, with the demon's blood, and all. If they already tried by their own means of detection, then new ones are required. If you're suggesting that if the paladins can't detect the evil, then nothing can, then we have nothing further to discuss." Eli excuses himself, and returns to discuss this matter with his friend, privately, before leaving the ward tent for Cole's private tent.
"Marcy, a word if you would. It's likely Cole will fail to act on any investigation. I may need you and Saul to make some rounds with me..."
Serra looks at Tsin, agog. He maintains his composure, thinking hard about the magics of which Tsin speaks.
"Ely, maybe you missed what I just said...but the magics you mention are good only for the weakminded at best. Meant for peasantry and homespun. Maybe that'll work for the kinds you're used to, but hardly good against a demon or trained spy," Serra argues.
"Tell you what, Ely...care to try you magics against me? Try it against us? We'll see if compulsion for truth is as good as you think."
Serra resists the urge to toss down his gauntlet.
When he hears what sounds like Serra's challenge to Eli, his eyes widen and his jaw goes slack, no words spilling from his usually moving mouth. His eyes dart back and forth between Serra and Eli, wondering if he's misinterpreting what's being said. Humans don't speak the same way as Elves, but...
"Such magics may advance our knowledge... but they also may bring out things you don't want to know." Or perhaps I don't want you to know? The Ladies of Fire seem to want me to hold things close to the vest.
"Such magics may advance our knowledge... but they also may bring out things you don't want to know."
Eli considers Beagan's words, looking the gnome over curiously. "That's just it, master Beagan. We need to bring things out, in spite of our discomfort with what might come to light. Isn't it always better to seek knowledge, than despair for ever finding it?" The old man claps the gnome on the shoulder, then departs for Cole's tent, and the next hand-wringing, but not before taking in each individual standing within the tent. So many names, so many faces...
Beagan wonders just what such magics will reveal, for good or ill. A traitor is bad. Well-meaning folks tearing at each other over deep dark secrets may be worse.
The Gnome follows to the gathering of the lords, thinking this might not be the best time to offer his suggestion to Cole.
Cole invites the leaders into his tent for a discussion.
"As you should all know by now, we lost three knights to sabotage tonight. Someone, or something, snuck into their tent and reopened their wounds until they bled out."
"We have a few ideas on the table from an inquisition of the entire caravan, using whatever magical methods we can to learn the truth to having the knights sweep the camp detecting evil."
"Jothinra, I presume your knights have that ability do they not?"
He turns to the group, "So, what weapons do we have to route out a possibly invisible enemy? Everything on the table."
Serra nods as the assembled leadership is called, admiring Cole's leadership.
"I'll speak with Ara and Amber about dealing with the invisibility," Serra mentions before everyone arrives, trying to keep that on the downlow.
"Cole, do not mention our betrayal fears, but only that we suspect something unseen is following us, spying upon us," Serra offers...too late.
* * ** * *
"If we can locate and triangulate a foe, I can use my mom's trick to make it seen to all," Serra quips, knowing the strength of the combination of magic and steel.
Before Eli visits Cole's tent, he finds a quiet corner of the ward tent, and pulls from his backpack his silver box. From it, he pinches a small amount of ash, and rubs it into his palm. He brings it to his lips, speaking a whisper and a wish.
"Dark times, my love. We seek knowledge of betrayal from within our ranks. I want to question everyone, and subject these people to magics that will subvert their deceptions. I ask you, Lenore. What will come of this? Will it serve to stop the rot within our marrow, even now?"
Eli surveys the occupancy of Cole's tent, leaves the tent to circle it, observing anyone interested in listening in without entering the tent formally.
He approaches Saul and Marcus. "Cole hasn't tried to protect this meeting from unwanted listenings in. Please do me the favor of circling the tent, and engaging anyone who lingers outside." Eli claps Saul on his broad back, and returns to the interior. He stands by the entrance, and listens intently to anyone who attempts to contribute to solutions.
"So, what weapons do we have to route out a possibly invisible enemy? Everything on the table."
"I'm afraid my weapons are pretty straightforward. Mostly the Big R' sent me a fast moving mount with big teeth and big ears who can see in the dark. He empowers me to boost and protect Xanthos, to focus some very minor magics, and to summon other creatures if Xanthos isn't here. His firey vengeance has given me a little healing touch, to grant a little protection from evil, and to smite my enemies just a bit." Well, not only His vengeance, but unfortunately that of the other Two, as well.
He works over the all jumbling callings, blessings and banes bouncing around his head. "I can channel vengeance to cause harm to demons near the Big R's symbol. It would hurt them a little, but probably not enough to make them reveal themselves."
"Oh. And Iomedae kissed me! Um, it allows me to quicken and empower Xanthos even more."
After rattling on, he realizes that might not be what Cole meant by lay everything on the table. "Um. I fight."
"Like Beagan I have no particular skills I can bring to bear on this particular situation other than my wits such as they are."
"Serra, what do you mean by triangulate? I'm not sure what you mean to do."
He turns to Eli, "So you would host an inquisition. How many can we reasonably question while your spell remains in effect? Also, what questions would you ask that the answer decide whether the person lives or dies?"
He turns to the others, "For let's not be mistaken. Any spies or agents of the enemy we find we will kill. We do not have the troops or equipment to handle prisoners, so whatever we do here, we must be sure of the outcome or it's not worth doing."
Eli looks at Cole, measuring the man. If I hadn't seen you blessed by the Goddess at the same time, I'd start to wonder if you're complicit in assuring the traitor among us suffers no scrutiny, the way you talk.
"Yes, Cole. We talk to everyone. We question. Everyone. We can start without the use of compelling magics, but when we're ready, I can bring about... five minutes, spread out in a circle of roughly forty feet in width, and I can renew it three times more after the first circle is cast." Eli cracks his neck, as if limbering up his muscles might make the words easier to say.
"You are setting yourself up for failure, the way you speak, however. How can you be sure of the outcome? I would be interested to learn what you think on that. Let me tell you what I think. Anyone who fails to answer directly is suspect. Anyone who strikes any of us as being deceitful is suspect. Anyone who doesn't submit to the inquiry is suspect. The question is simple- 'Did you reopen the wounds of the wounded, now dead?' You lay out the bodies, and ask the question."
Eli breathes deeply. "If you think the results of the inquisition will lead us directly to the traitor or traitors, and therefore, their deaths, you are overly optimistic. We left Kenabres fully trusting the Queen to equip us with purity of heart and strength, and she has failed us. For her failure, three of those knights are dead."
"I would like to believe that all the paladins under captain Jothindra's command have been vetted, and perhaps there are ways for those soldiers to demonstrate their holy abilities." Eli raises an eyebrow at the captain, curious for a response.
"Should this inquisition prove fruitful, we will have focused our attention on a select few of us who have demonstrated a reason for our suspicion. If we are lucky enough to find an agent, we won't simply kill them. We'll interrogate them more fully, hoping to learn the extent of their corruption."
"If you believe nothing should be done, then at least allow several of us to walk among the ranks, and question folks directly, without magic if that makes you uncomfortable." If you really think nothing should be done here, perhaps you should relinquish your leadership.
Jurin shakes his head as he's told of the latest development.
Wouldn't listen to old Jurin before, 3 more dead and now it's time to act?
"Nothing I can do, so sorry."
"We left Kenabres fully trusting the Queen to equip us with purity of heart and strength, and she has failed us."
The Gnome stands as tall as, well, a little Gnome can, his back straight, his head high, his hand gripping the pommel of his sword in nervous determination. "I share your concerns, Sir Elyanius, in a big way. And sometimes it helps to be provocative, to shake people out of their complacency. But I don't think it's helpful to lay this potential failure on the feet of the one most here trust and revere above all. If there is one among us who has been compromised, and not just somebody trailing us and provoking us from the outside, then it is a failure at all levels. Those trusted to gather the group together, to re-check the group, would include all of us. We trusted the Queen, who trusted Jothinra, who trusted no doubt loyal lieutenants. If there is a failure it is as much ours,you and I included, as it is Her Majesty's or any of her trusted lieutenants, as we trusted them."
He scowls. "Indeed, based on our comments, I would say it is you and I who should have known better, who may have failed the most, as we seem to have more understanding than the others of how the enemy than undermines even those of pure intent, and turns innocents into agents of evil."
"Provoking those knights who are good and loyal more likely to play into their hands, undermining good leadership and unity, as it is to shake people from their complacency."
Cole takes in the unbridled animosity of Eli and remains quiet. He listens to the others and waits to make any decision, lest he make one in anger.
After a while he adds, ”Well it seems the only idea we have for going forward is Eli’s, though I feel it will lead to distrust and anguish among the ranks, and not anything positive. Still, we shall give it a try.”
”Jothinra, have your paladins utilize their detect evil capabilities and sweep the camp. Let’s see if that results in anything useful. Make sure they are in groups of three, at least, so they can address whatever threat they may encounter. If possible, we want capture, not death, if they're not sure what they face, call for reinforcements obviously.”
”Eli, with all your ranting, you have still not suggested a single question that would carve the truth out of a suspect with magical aid or without. While Jothinra’s troops sweep the camp, let us now formulate some initial questions so we can move swiftly and fairly.”
Cole thinks another little while, shakes his head, and sighs.
”Perhaps we can begin directly. ’Are you now, or have you ever been, an ally of Demons, Demonic cults, or the like?’ Then follow that up with, ‘Are you acting against the interests of this expedition in any way?’”
”I’m not sure these questions are any good without the magics to pry truth from their lips, but perhaps we’ll get lucky.”
Serra says little, feeling the plan will cause more chaos than it will solve. He voices his concern again to Cole.
"Cole, let the knights do their scanning, then we can decide whether the threat is internal or external. Surely no being that could murder 3 knights in cold blood would not have the taint of evil upon them. If they scan and find nothing, then nothing we do will prove anything more than a waste of time."
Though I am a knight, it does not mean that I would lose all ration and reason.
"Dancing Cole, always dancing. Ask if they cut the ropes. Ask if they cut the throats. Ask if they want some sweet sweet blood to slake their thirst. If they lick their lips, kill them."
"Dancing Cole, always dancing. Ask if they cut the ropes. Ask if they cut the throats. Ask if they want some sweet sweet blood to slake their thirst. If they lick their lips, kill them."
"That's right Jurin, I am hedging a little because we're asking this question of everyone - innocent and guilty alike. I have no interest in making those we question feel like they are somehow more suspect than any other and I have no interest in offending if I can help it."
"My anger is as strong as yours, and I yearn to spill the blood of those responsible. That said this will not descend into a simple witch hunt where we kill innocent and guilty alike to get at the problem."
"I have covered both your questions in my second question, but if you want to spell it out we can though remember time is of the essence - we've many to question and only limited time to do it magically."
- Are you now, or have you ever been, an ally of Demons, Demonic cults, or the like?
- Are you acting against the interests of this expedition in any way?
- Have you cut tent ropes to inhibit the expedition?
- Have you killed anyone in the expedition?
Before Eli visits Cole's tent, he finds a quiet corner of the ward tent, and pulls from his backpack his silver box. From it, he pinches a small amount of ash, and rubs it into his palm. He brings it to his lips, speaking a whisper and a wish.
Eli surveys the occupancy of Cole's tent, leaves the tent to circle it, observing anyone interested in listening in without entering the tent formally.
He approaches Saul and Marcus. "Cole hasn't tried to protect this meeting from unwanted listenings in. Please do me the favor of circling the tent, and engaging anyone who lingers outside." Eli claps Saul on his broad back, and returns to the interior. He stands by the entrance, and listens intently to anyone who attempts to contribute to solutions.
Eli approaches Saul, though of course Marcus is in the tent already, giving testimony for Cole.
"The girl and I have it; I thought you understood that when you went in the first time. Cole seem to, when he nodded at Weebit over there." He says, nodding once more towards Laina. She meets his gaze and stretches, casually nodding in return. She shifts moving further down and Saul motions to Eli as he shifts as well. The two of them are the only people anywhere near the tent.
******
Sosiel listens quietly, his expression determined and serious. As none have asked his opinion, he does not offer it, but he is clearly troubled by the turn of events. He looks at Eli expectantly, hoping to hear his answer regarding the questions.
Jothinra nods, "Many of the knights may be able to "sniff evil" if you will, but having them turning this on each *will* weaken their cohesion as a fighting force. That said, this cannot be left unanswered."
"I share your concerns, Sir Elyanius, in a big way. And sometimes it helps to be provocative, to shake people out of their complacency. But I don't think it's helpful to lay this potential failure on the feet of the one most here trust and revere above all... Provoking those knights who are good and loyal more likely to play into their hands, undermining good leadership and unity, as it is to shake people from their complacency."
Eli listens as Beagan voices his own frustrations. Provocative? "I blame myself, as I blame others, master gnome, but do not simplify the failure to be shared with all concerned here. I blame myself for allowing this to go on for as long as it has, without action."
"Eli, with all your ranting, you have still not suggested a single question that would carve the truth out of a suspect with magical aid or without."
Eli raises an eyebrow at Cole. He stops listening so easily. "Did you discard my question as too blunt, or too vague? 'Did you reopen the wounds of the wounded, now dead?', while you point at the bodies in repose? Alright then. When you are ready for the circle to be cast, speak up, and I'll cast it."
"Many of the knights may be able to 'sniff evil' if you will..."
A traitor in our midst, traveling with a contingent of paladins, must surely have planned for such a sweep. Eli considers speaking, but remains quiet. No longer interested in looking at Cole, Eli turns his gaze away, only to catch Sosiel looking at him.
"Sosiel. Do you have anything to say?"
A traitor in our midst, traveling with a contingent of paladins, must surely have planned for such a sweep. Eli considers speaking, but remains quiet. No longer interested in looking at Cole, Eli turns his gaze away, only to catch Sosiel looking at him.
"Sosiel. Do you have anything to say?"
"Jothinra is right. This ugliness cannot stand, but it will leave its own scars upon this company. It is something we must bear though." He says after a long hesitation.
"Did you discard my question as too blunt, or too vague? 'Did you reopen the wounds of the wounded, now dead?', while you point at the bodies in repose? Alright then. When you are ready for the circle to be cast, speak up, and I'll cast it."
Cole shakes his head, "No. I will not parade this company past those bodies like some macabre parade. Those men died and are to be honored, not used as window dressing for your inquisition."
Cole sighs, wishing Eli wasn't being so extremely difficult. "Shall we add your question as a fifth question then? The others not being sufficient? Fine."
- Are you now, or have you ever been, an ally of Demons, Demonic cults, or the like?
- Are you acting against the interests of this expedition in any way?
- Have you cut tent ropes to inhibit the expedition?
- Have you killed anyone in the expedition?
- Did you reopen the wounds of any wounded, now dead?
"Jothinra, have your men do the detect evil sweeps while we prepare for questioning. I think we'll have to do it in groups to get all the questions in and under the time allotted by Sir Eli's spells."
"When the paladins have finished their sweep, we'll bring people into this tent in groups, ask the questions, one at a time, and ask each person to answer individually. The tribunal shall consist of Sosiel, Eli, and myself. When we are questioned, it will be by Jurin, Beagan, and Serra."
"Everyone is questioned, everyone must reply truthfully, and we will measure their replies carefully. Any we find to be wanting will be held overnight and questioned again tomorrow before any judgement is passed. I hope and pray this works."
This is a mistake.
"Cole, I will say this. You are welcome to pass judgment, but you are already trying to distance yourself from this affair, by calling it my inquisition. If you want to wash your hands of the affair, then just say so. Add my question, or don't. I said nothing of your questions being insufficient, only pointed out that you ignore what you will, when it suits you."
...
"When the paladins have finished their sweep, we'll bring people into this tent in groups, ask the questions, one at a time, and ask each person to answer individually. The tribunal shall consist of Sosiel, Eli, and myself. When we are questioned, it will be by Jurin, Beagan, and Serra."
Eli shakes his head. "I would prefer to sit opposite you, Cole."
Serra looks at the besieged Cole and wracks his mind, trying to find a way to help.
"Cole, a moment! Please!" Serra says, snapping his fingers with recollection. "Ely, you too, if you'll stand to listen to reason before you begin your destroying of troop morale in a fruitless and unhelpful witch hunt."
Serra looks at Jurin, on the verge of asking him to come over, but fearing what the 'baker' might say.
Then again, he just might help, too. He knows. He was there.
"Jurin...I...uh, I might need you too," Serra says, waving over Beagan as well.
Serra strokes his beard and remembers, telling the story of a halfling...
Serra speaks straight, making time for Jurin to jump in with details.
"Back when I was young, back in Andoran, back in Falcon's Hollow, we had a series of wars. We deemed them the 'Othoe Wars', named for the vengeful and necromantic halfling who unleased the undead upon the town," Serra begins.
"I was a child then, but my mother and father fought in those wars," Serra pauses, remembering his father and mother rallying the meager forces to fight off the undead. "Jurin was there...at least for part of it."
"Back before Othoe came to hate and attack the town, he walked among the townspeople. He was one of them, for a time. Othoe even helped save the town from fey and cultists. But no one knew Othoe's true nature. And we had a hard time finding those that worked with him," Serra recalls.
"My mother worked hard at trying to figure out how Othoe and those he corrupted stayed so hidden among the townspeople," Serra continues. "I recall that there are several ways to do so...mostly a few notable spells and a few magic items. And their might be others too, but I am aware of some of them."
Serra begins to outline his plan.
"We will have the knights doing sweeps, seeking the evil. While they do that, me, Jurin, Ara, and Amber will seek the magical auras that the spells will have that will disguise or hide the auras."
"I don't have the ability to adequately explain how different magical auras look, but I believe, with time and concentration, we can discern the magics that make swords stronger from those that linger upon a person to hide who they truly are," Serra says.
Serra looks at Ely.
"We just need time to conduct our search. We will pair with knights so we can discern as they do."
Serra, having spoken, waits to hear questions and comments. He almost fears what Jurin will add to the history.
Jurin nods along, remembering with some regret how he disabled the lich's phylactery.
"Serra has it mostly right, he was too young for the worst parts. For this to work though, Serra, you'll need to wear your mother's tassels again. She did a fine job distracting the Othans making those spin, so you've got your work ahead of you."
He grins as the plan takes shape.
"This will be fun. Hunting evil, slitting throats, making cookies and watching spinning tassels. Almost like old times."
"We will have the knights doing sweeps, seeking the evil. While they do that, me, Jurin, Ara, and...
Jothinra looks decidedly uncomfortable as the plan unfolds into something expansive.
"Errm, perhaps I did not state things as clearly as possible. I had thought something so obvious would damage morale...so I asked a few of my close lieutenants to do some quiet sweeping while we talked. Perhaps we should start with checking to see what, if anything, they have found. Quietly, before we disturb the camp even further. I understand that this complicates matters slightly, Sir Cole, and should this be something that you wish to reprimand me for, I understand and take full responsibility for my actions - they were mine and mine alone."
"Ely, you too, if you'll stand to listen to reason before you begin your destroying of troop morale in a fruitless and unhelpful witch hunt... We just need time to conduct our search. We will pair with knights so we can discern as they do."
Eli puts his hand up, demonstrating his unwillingness to listen further to Serra. "You are welcome to contribute, of course. I am done trying to help. I'll provide my circles of compulsion, and observe the questions and answers. If you need time to conduct your search, ask Cole, not me."
"...so I asked a few of my close lieutenants to do some quiet sweeping while we talked..."
Eli nods, glad to hear someone taking action. Yes, I would be glad to learn if they detected anything... The old man looks back and forth between Cole and Joth, interested to watch Cole's reaction.
Serra looks at Jothinra, wondering how he didn't see the man standing there for so long. Though confused, Serra is happy to see the man and happy to have the man's attention.
"Sir Jothinra, by Cole's leave, I need 4 of the knights who are most proficient at sniffing out of evil. Have them meet us here as soon as you can," Serra asks, pulling out some parchment and writing lists.
"Cole, ask someone to fetch Ara and Amber for me."
Just as Jothinra turns to leave the tent, a commotion rises outside. Out of breath and red of face, Laina and one of the paladins tumble into the tent, followed by Saul, the mountain.
"REPORT! I must REPORT before they kill him! Sir! They've found the traitor!!!!" the young man, though dirty and covered in blood, cannot be much older than the girl.
Laina shoves him to his feet, one of her many daggers at his throat. "I *SAID* the Commander was *BUSY*!!!"
Saul, looking somewhat flustered that the two young people have brought their chaos into the tent on his watch coughs. "Uh, There's a commotion. In the Cleric's tent. You might want to come."
A mangled tangle of emotions flood across Sosiel's face. "What? You've got to be joking. Yes, let's get to the bottom of this."
Eli pats Saul on the back, and encourages him to lead the way. "And so it begins..."
Beagan slips out and follows the lad leading to the "commotion," but keeps his gaze on the surrounding area. He's looking at people's reactions, and especially trying to see if anyone or anything catches his eye.
Hmmmm. Never realized just how much human crusaders all look alike to me....
Serra *sighs* at the interruption to his very important planning of the very ordered process by which the traitor would be found by the announcement that the traitor had been found.
He follows along.
"Kastor, come hither! You must see this! We will see how knights react to betrayal!"
"The same way they react to everything else Serra. Self righteous disdain. But yeah, let's see this traitor. Come on Jothinra, I'm sure you'll need to explain this."
"Jothinra, I..."
"REPORT! I must REPORT before they kill him! Sir! They've found the traitor!!!!" the young man, though dirty and covered in blood, cannot be much older than the girl.
Laina shoves him to his feet, one of her many daggers at his throat. "I *SAID* the Commander was *BUSY*!!!"
"Laina, let him go. Son, lead on!"
Cole wants to draw his bow against this new threat, but remembers witch hunt and relaxes a bit. As he closes the distance with the group, he mentions, "Now remember, this person may be innocent. Let us not jump to conclusions and kill too hastily."
Cole rushes along.
"Now remember, this person may be innocent. Let us not jump to conclusions and kill too hastily."
Eli listens to the only man in the group declaring his desire to spill blood, and snorts as the man seeks to remind them not to be hasty. Eli waves to Marcus, hoping that he'll enter the cleric's tent with the rest of them.
The group arrives at Sosiel's tent to find it surrounded by bristling paladins.
Inside, five of the knights hold Aron at swordpoint, though he appears to show no sign of resisting. In front of him lay three vials much like the first of the shadowsblood lay accusingly upon the chest beside him.
"Come on Jothinra, I'm sure you'll need to explain this."
The captain is somewhat taken aback by the sudden outburst from the Quartermaster, "I'm sorry...what to I need to explain? I'm not quite sure I take your meaning."
Inside, five of the knights hold Aron at swordpoint, though he appears to show no sign of resisting. In front of him lay three vials much like the first of the shadowsblood lay accusingly upon the chest beside him.
Joth takes inventory of the scene and adopts an authoritative stance. "Lancemen Hrothgar, please give Sir Cole and the rest of the assembled Knights a report of what has transpired here." He turns to look at the rest of the soldiers indicating with a nod for the paladins to stand easy but to remain en garde. Joth then turns to Aron and addressees him directly, "Aron, I know that you'll wish to interject, but please remain silent until we call upon you to explain your side, understood? "
"What to explain? How about how you secretly sent out your own trusted lieutenants to find a traitor and suddenly one is found? You must have a nose for this better than mine."
********
Jurin will indeed cast a spell to detect magic on the vials, while also concentrating on the "paladins" that have found them.
"Now remember, this person may be innocent. Let us not jump to conclusions and kill too hastily."
Just as likely he's somewhere in-between.
Eli decides to walk with Sosiel, quieting down when they near the tent. "Did you worry that this might happen?"
Serra sighs, taking in the scene. He reaches down and picks up the vials in his gauntleted hand. He places the vials in his 'sack.
"Sniff for evil again, please."
In the meantime, Serra casts Detect Magic and examines every aura upon and around Aron that he sees, asking some people to stand back, as necessary, so he might isolate things of interest.
"Lancemen Hrothgar, please give Sir Cole and the rest of the assembled Knights a report of what has transpired here." He turns to look at the rest of the soldiers indicating with a nod for the paladins to stand easy but to remain en garde. Joth then turns to Aron and addressees him directly, "Aron, I know that you'll wish to interject, but please remain silent until we call upon you to explain your side, understood? "
As most of the knights stand back, relaxing, though not sheathing their weapons, one, presumably the lanceman Hrothgar, comes to attention.
"Yes Captain! as you requested, Jameson and I decided to do a little sniffing around the site, checking for whatever cancer is hiding in our midst. So I turns the corner and see this one heading this way. I followed somewhat close as he ducked in here, and got a flash of malevolence all greasy and foul. I got Jameson, and we came in here; found him clutching the vials like his life depended on it."
Turning to Cole, the man salutes with a quick "Sir!" of acknowledgement.
Serra continues to concentrate on he magics around.
Know (Arcana) or Spellcraft - Pot
Know (Arcana) or Spellcraft - Pot
Know (Arcana) or Spellcraft - Pot
Know (Arcana) or Spellcraft - Pot
Know (Arcana) or Spellcraft - Pot
Know (Arcana) or Spellcraft - SS
Know (Arcana) or Spellcraft - Ch
[dice=Sense Motive]1d20+10
Eli decides to walk with Sosiel, quieting down when they near the tent. "Did you worry that this might happen?"
Sosiel turns a worried frown to the older man, "This? No, not this. Every man has his worries, but this doesn't make any sense at all. There must be some mist...." he trails off as the scene in the tent comes into view.
As he moves to go to Aron, two of the knights step in the way.
Arching a brow at Cole, the cleric says softly, "Will you see me at sword point as well, Commander? Have them stand down."
"Gentlemen, you are to be applauded for your efforts, but now it is time for the questions and the examination into what you've found. Let Sosiel through to make his investigation of the matter."
Cole frowns at the whole thing and examines the vials with ignorance.
"What are these, can any say? Is this more demon's blood?"
Aron looks up at Sosiel as the larger man sweeps past the knights to help him to his feet.
"They're not mine, Sosie. I swear it!" Though he protests, his fingers clinch tightly around the vial in his hands. Reluctantly, he hands it to the cleric, his shoulders drooping.
"It was here when I came in. Laid out on the bed for me, like a present."