The man is basically saying to kill him, as he will not live as a monster.
"What's he saying Shimmerscale?" Dante asks, as he motions to Rowan to help him with his armor. His greatsword stood point down in the soft earth.
"My lord, our most prudent course is to end this curse in the mundane way. We can't risk a spread of the beast's affliction, nor would I risk the lives of we here to escort the poor soul around." Dante said, as was his duty, to suggest the courses of action his other council members sometimes had trouble with.
Rowan watches the man sadly before being motioned to help Dante with his armor.
"I disagree. Last night was the final full moon for the month. He may be cursed but he won't be a monster for a few more weeks. Let us try to find a way to remove this curse and if we exhaust all means without success then we can end his life if he still chooses."
"Hmm. Once we reach home, building a werewolf proof cell should be possible. But won't come cheap - and might be bad for the neighbourhood morale too." With a sad frown he adds. "As the treasurer, I must point out that both the imprisonment and cure options are much more expensive - and risky - for the kingdom as whole too."
"I am wary of killing him out of hand until we have further explored other options. We seem to know that he could be curable, though the details are still somewhat murky to me. He is certainly a danger, but that simply demands caution. You are certain he will not transition until the full moon, Rowan?" Wilhelm inquires as he watches the man struggle against his bindings.
"Honestly this is the first time I have ever seen a real werewolf. All the old tales say that it's true. As dangerous as it may seem, I suppose we could and maybe should learn all that we can about the real nature of werewolves. If we cannot save him, maybe we can ask him to allow us to examine his body after death?"
Looking to Fharn, he asks "The cost now may seem steep, but I believe finding out all that we can could save us in the future if another lycanthrope was to be found. Maybe next time it won't be some foreign merchant but one of our own citizens or friends."
"If the last day of the full moon's cycle has already happened. We could simply sneak him in to the dungeon, and I could spread some false rumors, about who he is and why he is imprisoned, to keep your morale from dropping.
Natalie thinks about something before asking "If the creature is weak to silver, would a simple set of silver manacles, be able to hold him bound in wereform?
"A secure room to house our prisoner would be expensive, of course. However it would not be a one-time use item. Having a a place to keep high value prisoners safely is bound to be a need in the future as well."
"Though it would seem our 'guest' would agree with Dante, I believe Ana has the right of it. A highly secure strong room could be used to house a certain troll king if we take him prisoner for instance."
"What is a Troll troll? Ikit curious. Sounds bad bad. Ikit maybe help help? " he was curious to this thing called a troll
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Wilhelm answers Ikit distractedly, caught up in thinking about how to handle their newly discovered charge, "Trolls are ugly twisted giants of a vicious sort. I seem to recall something about them and fire, but Rowan would be the one to ask. We fought a pair of the stinking brutes while we were searching the northern reaches of the forest more then a year ago. More recently, one of the bolder ones with delusions of grandeur and a bullying streak threatened the Scootscales and nearly killed their chief. He wants Domierov to be a footnote in a history where this land is ruled by his monstrous hand."
Finding that his thoughts have strayed, he returns his attention to the man, "I think it best that we return to Zatoksta and see what we can do about this fellow. By the way, what of his victims? Is there anything that can be done for them?"
"The dead must be properly interred. The funerary rituals performed and their survivors reassured that their souls will find the proper path to the after life."
"We need to assure the town's folk that proper justice will be carried out, and that lynch mobs will not be tolerated."
"As a priestess of Pharasma, I will tend to the first need, it's a natural part of my duty."
"So what should we do first? Transport our friend here to a safe cell? I don't think it would be a wise idea to take him into the town again."
"I think the cell might be needed soon. If not to protect us from him, then to protect him from others and himself. But perhaps some of us should make haste towards home, and another small group can take a detour and make sure the villagers are properly buried?"
"Gorruum strong. Good at digging!" The boggard breaks his silence with a big grin upon hearing something he thinks he can help with.
"Hmm. A subterranean dungeon does have a certain rustic charm. And we'll only have to make a trapdoor to enclose it ..."
"yes yes. Ikit lived in tunnels. Tunnels good good. Very safe safe. Need very goid gear to break break" he nods in agreement
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"Yes, let us make a swing by the town and then we can return to the capitol. We can avoid bringing our guest inside the town proper, but I'll join Anastacia to ensure the dead are laid to rest."
"I'm not much of a person for burrying the dead, so maybe I just stay with our guest, and I guard him a safe distance from the town?
"I'll return to the town to aid in the funeral preparations as well."
"Very well, let's be on our way then. If there is anything to be done for the townsfolk, now is the time. It is a shame we will not be able to do more then we can."
Anastacia goes back to the village, with Dante as an escort, to bury the dead and try to calm the village down. Despite her usual acerbic nature, her skill in diplomacy and her funerary rights help calm the village now.
The rest escort the prisoner to the capitol. Anastacia and Dante join them a few days later, and they commence with kingdom management for the next four weeks, plus training and working on recruiting cohorts and such.
Riding through gently rolling hills, dotted here and there with farms, Wilhelm exulted in seeing the country that he and his companions had built. The hours seemed to fly past, small talk and chatter eventually giving way to companionable silence. Nearing dusk, land marks familiar to Wilhelm's untrained eye draw his attention and he smiles. Riding around the bend in a hill, complete with a small farmhouse, he spies the low cluster of buildings that is Zatoksta. The bustling stockyard compound and his home are easily picked out despite the distance. As they ride closer, the clusters of houses and buildings form rough and haphazard streets. He opines, proudly, "It may not be so much to look at yet, but it is a fine little town. Welcome, friends, to Zatoksta."
As the surroundings grew more familiar and the first hints of Zakosta could be seen over the treeline Fhârn sent Munin ahead to get the lay of things. Hopefully, the city has refrained from burning itself down while we were away.Fhârn thought to himself with a small chuckle.
"First we'll head to the prison to find a room for our guest." He commented. With a wink to Gorruum he added. "The were one that is. I have a guest bedroom and there should be rooms available either at Oleg's or that new place. A bit more hospitable then the prison I would hope!"
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The party enters from the south first passing trough a small district that smells faintly of smoke. Not the oppressive sort associated with heavy industry and smelters but a softer, and at times outlandish, smoke from many smaller crafts such as glass-blowers, woodworkers and here and there some minor alchemy.
"There use to be a small weekly market here, where the artisans peddle leftover or apprentice wares. You can sometimes get a pretty good deal on vials - if you don't mind asymmetry." Fhârn comments as they pass a small square in the middle of the district. This day however it is almost empty sans a few pigeons and a gardener tending to a patch of flowers.
Next they enter a residential district, which is quiet since most of its inhabitants are away and working for the day. On the first glance most houses look newly built - freshly painted and with chimneys still mostly unstained by sooth.
After a little while they encounter a small pack of children playing in the street, overseen by a bored woman embroidering a dark piece of cloth. Once they spot the party they stop with their game and instead races to follow the party, eyeing the strange trio - pointing and 'ooohing' and 'ahhhing'. After a moment the guardian notices the absence of her protectees and the children are summoned back with an annoyed shout.
Once they exit the residential quarters a stone keep looms ahead - too small to be called a castle, but bigger then most watchtowers (if a bit short). Even from a distance the sound of laughter and activity can be heard emanating from the building and the crowd of people thickens from the occasional person to something actually worth calling a crowd; full of colour both local and somewhat exotic. Still, Ub Gorruum and Ikit soon becomes the event of notice and draw more then one curious glance.
"Oleg's." Fhârn explains. "The outpost that Zatoksta grew out of. Quite busy these days, but they should have spare rooms - or know where to get them."
Circling the large building on the west side they finally arrives at their destination - another grey stone building. With barred windows and armed guards it projects an subdued aura of law, much less hospitable then Oleg's that they just passed. Outside the heavy doors a small gathering seems to be waiting for the party. There is a few guards in pressed uniforms, most likely belonging to the prison behind them, as well as a gathering of clerks.
"And this would be the prison. I wouldn't recommend getting a room here. 'Frugal' and clean would be the most flattering adjectives used to describe them ..."
_________________________________________________________________
With explicit instructions to be gentle, since his crimes might not be his own doing, the were is escorted away. During the time it takes to fill out forms and fit chains, Munin returns with a small letter in his beak. With a frown that quickly grows into a smile Fhârn reads it, then assumes an apologetic smile.
"Sorry, I know I promised a free bed, but it seems as if I already have guests coming." The raven on his shoulder bobs his head and pokes his master gently in the ear. "And I seem to be required elsewhere, but fear not, I think I can pawn you off into capable hands ..."
Upon his call a pair of clerks discharge from the grey mass and heads towards the party and Fhârn himself moves away with an apologetic bow. The new arrivals are a pale halfling woman carrying a few map cases that introduces herself as Vivian and a sharply dressed elf that introduces himself as something awfully long and wordy - but finishes with 'But you can call me Raul'.
Raul - "Now, seeing as you are new to our little city, what a bout a quick tour of the premises before we find you some accommodation?"
Seeing as their new guides are on foot, the party slowly heads back towards Oleg's. But once again they circles the building, this time along the north side. On their left hand side there is a quarter of more upscale buildings, complete with elaborate gardens and small fancy statues. On their right hand side, after Oleg's, more modest but still quite nice residences can be seen.
Vivian - "This is main residential area, the city core." She retrieves an almost finished map of the city from her case. "Despite not being in the centre at all!"
They continue along the main street until the frequency of houses sharply taper off. At the end of the street there is a small church featuring muted religious artwork and priests in grey robes.
Raul, with a small chuckle - "Behold! The grand cathedral of Zatoksta!"
Vivian, with an involuntary chuckle - "You shouldn't do that! Besides, I heard that they might be planning on building something bigger ..."
Turning south they head down on a marginally smaller street. To the left is a large stone building that may actually deserve to be called a keep. Banners with Domierov's colours fly from the roof of the building and armoured men drill in the open courtyard. Without even taking time to stop, Raul points out the city's garrison.
Lastly, they come to a stop in front of a slightly larger building on the left hand side, nested right in between the residential area and the entertainment quarters just south.
Vivian - "This is the library. Our offices are also here until we can get something more permanent! If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask. There are some works on the more practical aspects of alchemy and magic, if you are interested."
Raul - "Just along the street to the south there are plenty of inns - makes after-work-ale so convenient - or you could try your luck at Oleg's."
Oleg actually happens to be in the square when Fharn comes through with Ikit, Natalie, Gorruum/Ubagub, and Corwen.
Oleg is talking to a couple of watchmen, and looks up, doing a double take as he takes in the unusual group. The guards don't pull weapons, but probably only because Fharn is leading the group.
Oleg nods. "Sir Fharn, you always have.. interesting... companions. I'm glad I ran into you. We have an issue, but I'm afraid our Royal Enforcer has been called away due to family issues. Or at least, that's what he said before he vanished. Anyway, we're having a lot of unrest here, not enough housing for everyone. There's crowding, and people are setting up tents and lean to's, pissin' and cr'ping all over, if you hadn't noticed the stink yet, it's just because the sun ain't up. The livery is beginning to smell good. Oh, and the few people staying at the inn are complaining about the smell of the livery, says it's too close to the inn."
On the tour around the town Natalie says "What a lovely little town, seems a bit peaceful. I could easily be accustomed to live here.
Natalie keeps herself quite while Fharn and Oleg are talking, thinking if she can offer any help to the situation.
Anastacia accompanies Fhârn, Natalie, Gorruum, and Ikit on their tour of the town. Firstly, because she wants to see what's new about town, second she wants to see and be seen by the towns-folk, and lastly she wants the people to know that Gorruum and Ikit are her companions and not just wanderers.
She frowns as Oleg talks about the overcrowding and sanitary issues. "The smell will be the least of it. Sounds like an incubator for disease. We'll need to dig latrines and enforce their use. Also we'll need to regulate where people can put up tents and temporary shacks. We can't have them just squatting wherever they like."
Pausing a moment for thought, Anastacia adds: "Sounds like the stable boys could be doing a better job of keeping the stables clean. Perhaps the farmers around about could help them with that. Manure makes fine fertilizer."
Ikit was on her nerves the entire trip. He did not like it very much. Parading about infront of all these eyes. But he did promise to try to calm down, to be more open to people. So he did. He kept quiet. Even if he was twitching almost all over his body. He decided not to speak much. In case he lost control. He did give a muffled "Eep!" as the kids stormed them. But that was it.
At the last stop he finally breathed a sigh of relief. It was over for now. He could relax. Their comments about the smell was a bit odd though. And the remark about diseases was odd too. But he kept quiet about that. In stead he made a different remark
"Ikit know know diseases... Ikit was learning for warren... should Ikit make make so again? For new new warren?"
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Wilhelm rides with Fhârn and his entourage through the streets, as the path the arcanist had chosen led to Wilhelm's quarters in the north of the city. Wilhelm waves his greeting, riding out from the back of the group as they meet Oleg in the square. His general good mood pales a little when Oleg relates the situation in the city, "That's a damned shame. Lord Garess had been with us since the very start of the expedition. That said, this business with the overcrowding will demand our immediate attention. I'll go have a word with the councilors that remained here and see what can be done. Anastacia's plans make fine sense until we can organize large scale construction of housing. We have the funds, but it seems things are growing faster then anticipated."
Wilhelm listens to Ikit's questions, his brow wrinkling with bewilderment, "I'm not sure that I follow you, Ikit. You mean you can cure those who are sickened by the disease? That would be helpful if so."
As they ride in to the city, Dante nods to Anastacia and parts ways, heading west along the outskirts of the city. About a half mile away, he comes to the army encampment.
There were probably at least a hundred of his men at the Garrison in the city proper to help keep order and do whatever labor was required of them. But here, there were tents and about four hundred men stationed. A call had gone out when his approach was spotted by the soldiers on guard at the time. Now, men saluted and many of them stood at attention when he rode by. He nodded and saluted back as he passed.
The pitch lines were in impeccable form, pristine rows of the tents lined the field with superb precision. The general rode through one of the wider avenues, to a large tent in the center. This tent was separated into several rooms and was his command center and personal quarters.
Dismounting, he handed his reins to a soldier, Tersny, he thought the lad's name was, and walked in.
His daughter, Alliah, sat at his desk, her long brown hair neatly curled about her shoulders and a fine dark blue dress, washed and pressed. She looked up with a smile. Dante smiled back, "Well done dearest. The camp looks in fine order." he praised.
"What did you expect father?" she said back with mock severity as she rose and approached to embrace him.
"I'm glad you're ok." she said as she squeezed her arms around his armor as best she could.
"Best I clean the road from me and you accompany me into town to meet with Lord Wilhelm. Check on the state of things." Dante said as he pushed back the heavy linen that separated the office space from his bed and wardrobe. As he took off his armor, a soldier brought a pitcher of warm water. Dante used it in the metal basin and scrubbed his face and head. Donning a simple but fine grey shirt with black trousers and leather boots, he returned to the room his daughter waited in and took her arm setting off for the city.
"Ikit study study. Help healers better. Fix fix disease. Ikit no healer. But Ikit help help. Ikit study disease and how it works works. Then Ikit help help healers to fix fix" he tries his best to describe
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Natalie doesn't quite understand Ikit, and kind of just ignores his question focusing on what she can help with. "I agree, the smell is the least of the problems, but also the hardest to counter. We would have a real mess on our hands, if people ends contacting plagues. On that note I support Anastacia's plan."
She thinks on the matter and adds "I would be able to help with watever. hHwever my skills are better used at listening around town, find out what is being requested."
Turning to Oleg "Hi Oleg, how are you faring? Did Kaitlyn find her way back with the news we discovered?"
Oleg nods. "Greetings, Natalie. Yes, she did. We were saddened to learn it, but it wasn't unexpected. Fortunately someone did away with the monsters that did it." He says gravely. "She's since moved on to Restov."
"I'm sorry that, that was the only news we could bring you. But it's good you were not entirely surpirsed by it. However it's great to hear, then Kaitlyn came back safe and sound. To bad I didn't get to catch her before she moved on."
Wilhelm seems to have something of a difficult time following along with what the little ratfolk is saying, but he gets enough to know to nod approvingly. "That'd be very helpful, Ikit. Let's get everyone settled and meet this evening and we can see what we can do about setting things to right in the capitol." Recalling the chaos that Felicia had spoken of earlier, the young Baron offers diplomatically, "Will you be staying in the inn, or is that going to be somewhat overcrowded? There is likely a spare room at the villa where you could stay if that is preferable."
He looks around a bit. Sniffing the air. His whiskers twitching a bit
"Ikit like it dark dark... not much light light. Uhm... maybe cave cave or... uhm... cellar?"
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"I for one would appreciate a spare room in the villa, not too fond of sleeping with many people around me. Would make me feel I don't have to watch every single thing. And less people to worry about while changing! Been a long time since Natalie has had a chance to sleep in a somewhat prober bed, like in her old housing.
"I have some spare beds at the Coiled Path Monastery. It's not real private, but the beds are comfortable and my people are discrete." Anastacia smiles. "Of course, the Wilhelm's villa will be much more luxurious, if there is the space."
With a nod, Anastacia continues. "I will take my leave now, Baron, I'd like to see this new chapel that has been constructed while we were out exploring."
Heading to the stable, Anastacia finds a stall for Avalanche, then deposits her backpack at the Coiled Path. Anastacia checks in with the Priest and acolytes to hear about what has been going on in her absence. After that, she visits the new church building.
Wilhelm nods, gathering the thrust of what his little companion was asking for. "I think we might have a cellar in the villa, so that might work for now. We'll have to set up a cot of some sorts, but that will hopefully suffice for the short term. I suppose we'll have to look at finding you a home more suiting to your liking when we do our construction."
Wilhelm nods to Natalie and Anastacia, "We can likely find something at the Villa if you would prefer that. Otherwise it sounds like Anastacia might have a room available to you. From what Oleg has said, it sounds like we've some more work to be doing so there should soon be housing enough for all to have their own space." Wilhelm smiles ruefully as Anastacia gives him his honorific, but he nods his acknowledgement anyway, "Of course, by all means, High Priestess. I think we shall have business to discuss, so if you would return this evening, I'd like to discuss what we intend to do about this troll threat. There's also the news of the fey to be shared with Felicia and General Dante."
"If you'll excuse me, I think I return to my quarters to clean and prepare for our meetings tonight. I'm sure Lanya will wish to speak with me as well. Ikit, Natalie, you're free to join me if you so wish." Wilhelm turns Triumph towards the street leading to his home. He waves to Oleg as he passes, saying, "Thank you for bringing the situation here to our attention, Oleg. We'll see about getting people into suitable housing as soon as is feasible."
Wilhelm leads Natalie and Ikit along the winding side-street that eventually opens up to reveal the villa where Wilhelm had made his seat of power. The Guards wave their greeting as he approaches and the gate they guard is slung open. A short pathway splits and circles past a few obviously freshly planted trees to a humble manor house. The small two-level building is obviously new, it's stones clean and free from the wear of long winters that the land is famous for. Arched windows are thrown open to invite in the fresh spring air. Grooms emerge from a low-slung building attached to the manor house and efficiently gather the horses from the returning lordling and his guests. Wilhelm motions his guests to enter, saying, "It is not so impressive as the palace in New Stetvan, but it's not bad for our upstart little nation."
On entering, a small entry hall with a number of guarded doors leads to what must be an audience chamber. Wilhelm waves his greeting to the portlysteward who greets him at the entrance to chamber, "Domitian, it is good to see you in such good health. These are my friends and our guests, Lady Natalie Saratov and Master Ikit the White. They are just settling into our city and I have offered to host them while they are seeking accommodations and homes of their own. Would you see to quarters for the both of them?"
The man nods, his ruddy face breaking into a smile that is largely obscured by a bushy black beard. He bows slightly to Wilhelm, then motions to the guests, "Of course, my lord Baron, of course. Right this way, Lady and... good master?" The man looks on at Ikit in askance, then shoots the young Baron a quizzical glance, but under Wilhelm's steady gaze and unwavering smile, the steward continues, "Good master, indeed! We will find each of you suitable quarters, though how m'lord will house much more without building further I do not know. If you will follow me, please?"
Wilhelm offers to the pair as they prepare to leave, "Take some time to rest and freshen up, I'd like for the both of your to attend the council meeting this evening. I would appreciate it if you would listen in and provide your thoughts as to our eventful travels.."
Despite his bulk, the man moves quickly and he, along with a few servants that seem to materialize from nowhere, get Ikit and Natalie settled into comfortable, albeit slightly cramped, quarters. It's clear that in addition to serving as Wilhelm's home, there is a substantial part of Domierov's government sequestered away in various rooms throughout the villa.
Natalie agrees and rides with Wilhelm to his home.
"I have not seen this palace in New Stetvan before, but this is certainly quite impressive. Think it might be nicer then my house's estate."
Natalie just smiles and stands behind Wilhelm as he talks with the steward and greets him when Wilhelm is finished "Greetings Domitian, I promise I won't be to much trouble at my stay." and nods her head in respect.
Natalie's eyes almost sparkle with delight when she turns to Wilhelm "Wilhelm, you have a very fine estate here, don't be fooled about what other nations have, I can't wait to explore it. But first I will take up you offer and freshen up, relax, and get a change of clothing. Later My lord." she curtsies to Wilhelm before leaving.
In the room Natalie quickly drops her gear and are happy to remove her armor for a change. After she splashed some water in her face she tries out the bed. "hmm, I kind of forgot to ask if we needed formal, or normal clothings for the meeting. Guess I just have to find Wilhelm later and ask, so I'm not out of place.
Ikit nods and gollows. He looks up at the man and nods to him too
"Ikit Klaw. Yes yes. But White also good good. Ikit knows" he puts a small claw to his nose
"Ikit go to dark dark place. Best best."
He follows and eagerly takes to his small little room. Though it was bigger than his previous home. But if the nice people think its cramped he wont argue. To him it was very spacious. As he begins to unpack his bag. Being what it was. He soon had most of his things unpacked.
He would like a seperate, well secure room for his lab. But he would ask about that later. Maybe where it would be safe to experiment more... yes.
"Ikit say much much thank you!"
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After leaving the small assortment of voluntarily and involuntarily guests, as well as Oleg's problem, behind in more capable hands Fhârn hurried off to meed Charles Willow, his chief-of-staff. There had clearly cropped up some problems during his absence - as show by Oleg's comment - and he had a sobering precognition that that was not the only one. Things never stay put, do they? No matter, problems where merely challenges for the clever mind to overcome. And usually, that requires 'beans'! He wasn't exactly sure where he picked up *that* substitute for money...
And on a completely different topic - Raul had let slip that one of the travellers staying at Oleg's for the moment had some interesting books with him. I'll have to find time to swing by, before the council meeting probably. Hmm. But first - the state of things.
"Well met Charles, what have I missed ..." He greeted his friend as he stepped into the small office.
Oleg nods at Natalie and Wilhelm, as they prepare to leave. "Good idea, I wouldn't stay in the inn sir, and I wouldn't put anyone in the shanty town. We've been fighting off nasty bugs for several weeks now, had a couple of people die from it. Nasty stuff. None of your people at the villa have had it, so far, so that should be safe. The priests are worked to the bone. Makes me wish Sanita was still here, she knew how to make a lot of strange potions, might have had something for this."
---------------------------------
The priest, when Anatstacia arrives, has bags under the bags under his eyes. He looks exausted, and the acolytes do as well. Those that aren't missing.
"Ah, My Lady. My apologies, I'm afraid the temple and the church building are not finished. We've been rather busy with a recurring epidemic that keeps flaring back up as fast as we can put it down. It's especially bad in the shanty town and the soldier's barracks. We've had six people die in the last month, including one of the Acolytes, and one of the soldiers." The man looks pale enough that he must be sick as well, or else hasn't been sleeping.
-----------------------------
Charles looks up, and sighs. "Just the usual sir, plague, scared peasants, and less gold in the coffers than I'd like." He looks somewhat bedraggled. "We've had two rounds of sickness, the first hit about three days after you left, the second a week after, and the last round hit a couple of days ago." He coughs into his shirt sleeve, and then wipes the back of his sweaty forehead with a handkerchief. "I've had it twice now, I wouldn't get close. Can't keep anything down, and you have to run for the guarderobe every five minutes."
------------------------------
Dante looks around at the camp, seeing pristine pitch rows and soldiers training with precision, hearing his daughter's voice... but... then reality presses in on him, allowing him to see what he had forced out of his vision.
The tents are out of alignment, with several down and not put back up. The soldiers are not training, and aren't in armor. Instead, those who are ambulatory are bent over fires with blankets on their shoulders, huddled over hot soup. The main command tent has been pressed into service as a hospital, for the sick. The whole camp smells of human waste, the latrines full and overflowing.
Dante's daughter is at his desk, with a massive pile of paperwork, and beads of sweat on her forhead. "Sorry father, we've had a bit of sickness going around. Started out in the shanty town, spread to the city, and then us. We've only had two rounds, instead of the three the city had, but it hit us hard when it did hit. We lost Seargant Wilkis, he threw up blood and died. Nobody else has died.. yet. The priests have been out as often as they can, but they keep getting sick too." She stands up, a bit unsteadily. "I can't suggest staying in your tent Father, I suggest you stay in Sir Wilhelm's domicile." She looks pale.
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Domitian nods. "Yes sir, I'll set them both up. You should avoid travel into the city sir any more than you need to. I've had the villa's staff locked up to avoid anyone getting sick. They've been having a lot of nasty things go around in town the last few weeks."
Anastacia gives the priest a closer scrutiny. __ Is he sick or merely tired? She can't really tell without a more thorough examination.
"I check on you tomorrow." She tells the man. "Meantime we need to address the cleanliness issues in Shantytown. Can you send a message to Dante? Tell him to muster the army. The squatters aren't going to like my measures. Send someone to Baron Wilhelm as well. Tell him that I respectfully ask that he meet me here immediately. This issue must be dealt with at once before it grows worse."
Anastacia lays a gentle hand on the priest's shoulder. "Pharasma's will grant you the strength to lift your burdens...
Once the Priest's fatigue is lifted, Anastacia tells the man what needs to be done. 'Mainly we need proper latrines. Dug far from the drinking water supply. They need to be well made, the boards fitted tightly. The privy-hole needs to have a cover that also fits tightly, when closed. The people need to know that they need to close this cover when the latrine is not in use. So we'll need Dante's soldiers to act as police to enforce this.
Anastacia pauses to think, then goes on.
"We'll need enough latrines. Won't do for people to run off and squat somewhere, because the latrines are overloaded."
"I'll have to inspect the shanty town. It may need to be moved, if its runnoff will effect our water. At any rate, it will need to be cleaned up and the tents set up with proper spacing."
"Disease? Ikit good good with that! Make drink, make disease go go! So Ikit help help? Not much much, but Ikit make make. Ikit also make potion... bit expensive, Ikit is broke broke... but potion cure cure"
The small rat twiddles his thumbs after he spoke. Maybe he was a bit too eager... so he was not sure if he was out of line or not. He just arrived after all
With a sigh, Fhârn drags a chair away from the desk and sits down. This wasn't a good sign - not at all. Dammit - I wonder if there is time to fix this ... He rubbed his temple and spoke, a bit more downtuned then usual.
"Dire tidings indeed. At least the Trolls haven't tried gnawing on us just yet. Do we know the source of the disease ?" Given Oleg's comments, I have a guess ...
Dante looks sternly at his daughter, "You will come with me to the Baron's dwelling as well." he commands.
He walks out of the tent, motioning for Alliah to follow. he shouts. A tan man runs up and salutes. Dante gives him a hard stare. "You look well enough son. I hope you boys are ready to work. Heed my orders carefully. Take notes man." he says sternly. The lieutenant grabs parchment and quill.
Dante begins to bark off orders. In reality half of being a good general was being good at administration, and Dante was excellent at administration. "Right now. First, all men not showing symptoms are to strike camp and move 1 mile east of the city. Have them dig new latrines and all men are to boil water before cooking or consumption or bathing. I'm serious a healthy man uses unsanitized water and you cut him a ration. The scouts use whatever horses they have to patrol the camp, the outskirts of the city and the sick camp. Now, as for the sick camp. Form a medic core, if you haven't already, ten of the able bodied should do, those with the most medical experience, I don't care if it's birthing cows, they help. Requisition whatever you need from the city, strike camp and move all the sick and wounded a mile west of the city. Burn this ground and the latrines, dig out new latrines at the new site. Healthy guards patrol on horseback, with night watch at all compass points in bush blinds. Only the medics interact with the sick and no one goes into or leaves sick camp without a medic with them or my express authorization. You got all that soldier?"
The lieutenant snaps a salute and runs off. Dante mounts his horse and Alliah follows suit. They ride towards the Baron's Villa.
Rowan followed the group absentmindedly, his head in the clouds as he pondered forming a Guard to help enforce laws and protect this land. He dreamed of one day having a Guard like Korvosa's, each man bonded with a griffin or some other powerful and majestic creature. After arriving at Oleg's though, he snapped out of it and realized how much things have changed at home. People sickly and coughing struck a nerve with him. His community was falling on hard times and he wasn't here to protect and provide aid.
With Baron Wilhelm's dismissal, Rowan travels to various inns and gathering places to get something to eat and maybe find a room with a bath. "One of these days, I'll have to have a home of my own built." he tells Argos. After finding sufficient housing for a few days, and tipping the innkeeper a little extra to take care of Sleip, Rowan walks to Wilhelm's villa for the upcoming meeting.