Laithe and Keildrithe: ** spoiler omitted **
Mothman:
Keildrithe and Laithe:
Keildrithe and Laithe: ** spoiler omitted **
Mothman and Laithe:
Assuming that Atrek's cloak has a hood, Keildrithe ensures that the hood partially covers his face. "Leave those corpses where they are, soldiers" spits the "changed" Keildrithe with disdain as he storms towards the soldiers with sword in hand. "We were out hunting the beast and those 2 fled, and Arton made them pay for their cowardice with their lives... let their fate serve as an example to others who would challenge my orders, and Arton's will. Fortunately, when the beast returned, we fought and wounded it, and hunted it through the night. Many of my men have been wounded, as well. But still, the beast lives and manages to elude us... So stand fast at your posts, and let the crows feast on the carcasses of those cowards... we must report to Inquisitor Vorn without delay..."
"Atrek" strides past the guards and through the gate without stopping, looking down (so as to avoid staring into their faces) and muttering something under his breath about the incompetence of Barg's soldiery
Keildrithe and Laithe:
Keildrithe and Laithe: ** spoiler omitted **
Mothman and Laithe:
At the mention of Vorn, the soldier seems to remember where he knows you from. “Uh, Captain?” he says, scurrying after you. “We have a man waiting to report to Vorn, but the Church guard seems to think it is too early to awaken him – I told him it was important, but to little avail. Ah… the beast still lives you say? Will it pose a danger to the village during the daylight hours? I can summon more soldiers from the castle … And the bodies …. Um, there is some concern that …. They may pose a threat …” he looks a little embarrassed … “You, know …. Shapechangers …”
"A man waiting to report to Vorn?" replies "Atrek" with irritation evident in his voice. "What man? Where is he? If this man has good reason to seek the Inquisitor at this time of day, I will see to him myself and will deal with the Church guard accordingly. As for the beast... I would not worry too much, it has gone into hiding to lick its wounds. At any rate, I will be returning out there to take care of it myself once and for all, after I have spoken with the Inquisitor... no sense in summoning more soldiers at this time, it will cause panic in the village for nothing... Take note: I shall slay the beast myself, and if anyone should dare take my prize from me, they will have much to answer to... all you and your men need do is remain vigilant at your post. And fear not for the bodies of the cowardly dead..."
"Soldier," calls the changed bard over his shoulder to Laithe, "go and assure these men that the bodies are, in fact, very dead and thus incapable of harming anyone."
Then, speaking again to the guard: "trust me, even shape changers cannot rise from the dead once they have been slain... Now enough with the questions... where is this man you spoke of that wants to see the Inquisitor?"
DM Mothman:
After a quick test of nerve, Kajetan nods and sighs and moves towards the church. He stops a few feet away from the red garbed soldier, gives a slight bow, and smiles, “Pardon me, I am requesting an audience with Master Inquisitor Vorn. Whom may I speak with concerning this request.”
Keildrithe:
Kajetan and Alton:
DM Mothman & Alton:
Keildrithe: ** spoiler omitted **
Mothman:
Mothman
Mothman and Keildrithe:
"These men are clearly dead, with the blood having drained from thier bodies. It is those that are left severely wounded but clinging to life that have to fear from the dark magic of the shapechanger. These men pose no threat and will not suffer from the change. We should not fear them, but fear for their souls."
With that, he lets the body fall and turns on his heel to return to Keildrithe-Atrek's side.
Keildrithe and Laithe:
“I’ll come with you,” he says. “To see my man. If you want to report to the Inquisitor instead, that is well with me.”
As the group passes into the village, Yruch approaches Keildrithe and says quietly, “I will take this babe to the inn, and see if I can leave it with a responsible looking woman. I will not be long, and will return to my agreed post.”
Arriving soon after in the village square, you see a small knot of soldiers and constables gathered outside the constabulary building. Kajetan stands outside the church, arguing with a red-clad soldier who appears to guard the doorway, whilst another constable stands rather sullenly nearby. “That’s my man,” says the sergeant with you, pointing to the sullen man.
Kajetan and Alton:
At that moment, Kajetan’s heart skips a beat as he sees Atrek striding across the square – before he realises that it must be the disguised bard, along with Laithe, Yruch, Jarred and another constable.
Alton sees nothing more threatening beyond what has been described. He still doesn’t think anyone has seen him.
Arriving soon after in the village square, you see a small knot of soldiers and constables gathered outside the constabulary building. Kajetan stands outside the church, arguing with a red-clad soldier who appears to guard the doorway, whilst another constable stands rather sullenly nearby. “That’s my man,” says the sergeant with you, pointing to the sullen man.
"Thank you, sergeant," replies Keildrithe-Atrek to the officer. "You may return to your post. Arton bless you." He then approaches Kajetan, the red-clad soldier and the sullen constable. "What seems to be the problem, gentlemen? What does this man want with the Inquisitor?" asks Keildrithe-Atrek in a stern tone, keeping his face half-veiled by his hood.
The sergeant raises an eyebrow at “Atrek’s” order – or suggestion, but complies. “Stand down Laren,” he tells the other constable. “The Captain here will update the Inquisitor on the situation.” He turns back to Keildrithe. “I’ve no idea who the foreigner is … think he’s been in town for a week or so.”
The church soldier then addresses “Atrek” as the two constables take their leave. “Sir, this man wishes an appointment with the Inquisitor. I’ve suggested that he come back later in the day.”
The sergeant raises an eyebrow at “Atrek’s” order – or suggestion, but complies. “Stand down Laren,” he tells the other constable. “The Captain here will update the Inquisitor on the situation.” He turns back to Keildrithe. “I’ve no idea who the foreigner is … think he’s been in town for a week or so.”
The church soldier then addresses “Atrek” as the two constables take their leave. “Sir, this man wishes an appointment with the Inquisitor. I’ve suggested that he come back later in the day.”
"Atrek" nods again his thanks at the sergeant, tipping his hood and bowing slightly as he does so. Then, he turns back to Kajetan and the church soldier. "What does this man wish to see the Inquisitor about, and who is he, that he believes the Inquisitor would spare his most valuable time to meet with him?"
Kajetan stands there, head downcast making it look like he does not want to look Keildrithe-Atrek in the eyes, awaiting the guard to answer. ‘Better let the guard answer. It would seem less diplomatic for me to do so and having the guard answer would empower him,’ Kajetan thinks to himself.
The guard nods in Kajetan's direction, indicating that he should say his piece.
After listening to Kajetan's explanation, "Atrek" asks the guard: "Where is the Inquisitor presently? In prayer, in the church, or...??? Take my word for it, I think the Inquisitor would be very upset if this man were to leave without having shared his vision for the conversion of his people with him... that could mean hundreds, if not thousands of converts! And who then do you think would need to answer for this lost opportunity? Hmmm?"
"Atrek" crosses his arms and taps his foot, waiting for the guard to respond. "I suggest you take him to see the Inquisitor as soon as possible... you can even tell him that I thought it was a matter of some urgency..."
Kajetan simply smiles and nods in thanks towards Atrek. 'Take the bait. Agree. Say yes!' , Kajetan thinks to himself. Outwardly, Kajetan is smiling. Inside, his stomach is tied in knots.
After listening to Kajetan's explanation, "Atrek" asks the guard: "Where is the Inquisitor presently? In prayer, in the church, or...??? Take my word for it, I think the Inquisitor would be very upset if this man were to leave without having shared his vision for the conversion of his people with him... that could mean hundreds, if not thousands of converts! And who then do you think would need to answer for this lost opportunity? Hmmm?"
"Atrek" crosses his arms and taps his foot, waiting for the guard to respond. "I suggest you take him to see the Inquisitor as soon as possible... you can even tell him that I thought it was a matter of some urgency..."
Laithe waits quietly behind and to the side of Atrek, playing the part of the silent henchman, hoping that the guard will take the bait, and worried that Keildrithe's disguise might give way before they could make it into the prison to find Gosia.
He also wonders that if the Inquisitor sleeps, then perhaps the audience wiht Kajetan is unnecessary...
The small group of locals who cluster around the square appears to be growing, as small knots of people watch the unfolding drama, and whisper about what could be going on – it is rare to see so many soldiers and military types standing around the village square.
Jarred has taken the opportunity to slip off to the north, heading to the stables, whilst Yruch has crossed the square to the inn, which is just opening it’s doors, a now crying baby in his arms.
The red liveried soldier looks at “Atrek” as if wondering whether he will be in more trouble if he disobeys this man or the Inquisitor. Meanwhile, the constable sergeant has wandered back over to stand outside the constabulary to confer with some of his men and the barony soldiers, but he glances back over his shoulder from time to time, throwing Keildrithe and Laithe suspicious glances … particularly Laithe, who by his appearance is clearly a Karand, and therefore rare to see in association with Artonite soldiers.
Alton hides in an alley way just off the square, watching carefully for any sign of threat or danger.
The guard shifts uncomfortably, then stands slightly more to attention. “I’m unable to leave my post … sir,” he says, the last added somewhat grudgingly. “I’m sure the Inquisitor would have no objection to letting you accompany the scholar within though sir.”
The guard shifts uncomfortably, then stands slightly more to attention. “I’m unable to leave my post … sir,” he says, the last added somewhat grudgingly. “I’m sure the Inquisitor would have no objection to letting you accompany the scholar within though sir.”
Realizing that he is creating a spectacle, "Atrek" leans in and whispers in the guard's ear, so that no others may hear. "I have other urgent business to attend to, which the Inquisitor is well aware of. And please remind me... who is his Captain? You or me? If you tell him that I am responsible for ordering you to leave your post and for escorting this potentially great proselytizer, he will understand... trust me. Now, for the love of Arton, man, enough bickering... and stop embarrassing me in public, if you know what's good for you..."
“Yes sir!” snaps the guard, somewhat sullenly. He stamps his heel, turns smartly around and pushes open the doors of the church, then turns to Kajetan. “This way,” he says curtly, before walking into the darkened interior of the church.
Kajetan nods his head before turning to Atrek, "Thank you. I leave today, but hope to meet with the Inquisitor for one-half hour." Turning to the church guard, Kajetan puts on a smile and says, "Lead the way my good man, learning awaits us."
Watching Kaejatan being escorted into the cathedral I nonchalantly leave the alley, trying to look like your average human child. I walk across the square and around near the back of the cathedral, trying to find a spot with a good view of the window and enough cover for me to hide in.
I settle into my hiding spot and watch the window, waiting. I try to reamin calm and focused but I can't help but be a little nervous. "If this goes south..." I can't help but think.
Laithe waits uncomfortably, trying his best to ignore the looks that are being thrown their way. As the Guard finally reacts to Keildrithe's whispered words, he breathes a silent sigh of relief, hoping they will soon be able to leave this crowd behind and find Gosia.
Kajetan:
You soon find yourself in a narrow corridor, dimly lit from a high window at one end, and lined with several doors. The soldier takes you to one of these and knocks softly.
“Wait!” calls the harsh voice of Inquisitor Vorn, then after a few moments, “Come in.”
The guard gives you a warning look, then opens the door and looks within. “Inquisitor Vorn, I am sorry to disturb you,” he says. “Captain Atrek said-”
“Wait. Captain Atrek is back? What news is there from the forest?” The robed Inquisitor hurries out of the room into the corridor, while the soldier stammers an uninformative reply. The Inquisitor halts in surprise upon seeing you. “Who are you?” he asks.
Alton:
"Atrek" waits until the red-garbed guard enters the church with Kajetan, then looks sternly at the assembled crowd. "Yes? This is no side show. Move along, folks, and quit your gawking, for Arton's sake," he grumbles.
He then snaps at Laithe. "Look lively, soldier... else you'll soon be stripped of your special privilege, Karand..." He waits a moment for the crowd to disperse, then heads for the gaol...
Keildrithe and Laithe:
Alton:
Sharp male voice (Vorn?): “Wait!” (pause) “Come in.”
(creaking of door)
Hesitant male voice: “Inquisitor Vorn, I am sorry to disturb you. Captain Atrek said-”
Sharp male voice (Vorn?): “Wait. Captain Atrek is back? What news is there from the forest?” (footsteps)
Sharp male voice (muffled): “Who are you?”
As you turn and approach the constabulary, ready to get on with your mission, the sergeant, who is still standing outside the building with some of his men, somewhat blocking your path addresses you again. “Captain … weren’t you going to appraise the Inquisitor of the situation at the gates?” He says, with a note of suspicion in his voice.
"Atrek" glares at the officer and speaks to him with irritation clearly evident in his voice. "Sergeant, I am quite frankly tired of all your questions... and let us not forget our respective ranks, hmmm? I did not give you my minute by minute agenda for the day, nor am I required to do so. Yes, I said I must report to Vorn without delay... but before I do so, I must confirm a certain theory I have concerning the beast in the woods by... subjecting the witch to further interrogation. I believe the two may be connected... I shall see the Inquisitor as soon as I am done interrogating the witch, and after that man from Lorin is done speaking with the Inquisitor. Now if you'll be so kind as to clear the way, sergeant... and who is in charge of the gates, in your absence, pray tell?"
DM Mothman:
Keildrithe and Laithe:
He turns to one of the constables nearby and, in a louder voice, tells him to accompany the two “mercenaries” to the prisoner.
Keildrithe and Laithe are led into the constabulary, down a hall and a darkened flight of steps, into a stone clad, torch lit corridor. The constable takes a large key from one of his allies who keeps watch down here, and opens a heavy, barred door, giving access to a small stone cell, with a tiny window high up at the corner of the wall and the ceiling (no doubt just at street level above).
Sitting on a rough wooden stool, one of her feet heavily bandaged, is the lady Gosia. She looks up as “Atrek” enters the cell.
Kajetan:
Alton:
DM Mothman:
Keildrithe and Laithe: ** spoiler omitted **
Keildrithe and Mothman:
Kajetan:
“No sir,” replies the red liveried guard somewhat nervously. “He suggested that I should bring this man to see you as a matter of some urgency.”
“Well,” says Vorn thoughtfully. “Why don’t you bring him along now while we speak to Atrek.” This doesn’t sound at all like a suggestion. “Wait here a moment.”
As the guard moves to stand close to Kajetan, Vorn turns and walks back into the other chamber, obviously intending to return shortly.
Alton:
Vorn: “Soldier, did Captain Atrek have no message for me?”
Guard: “No sir. He suggested that I should bring this man to see you as a matter of some urgency.”
“Well. Why don’t you bring him along now while we speak to Atrek. Wait here a moment.”
Laithe and Keildrithe:
Keildrithe and Mothman
Laithe and Mothman:
"Atrek" comes close to making a snide remark to the sergeant, gives him a cold look, then thinks better of answering. The old gods be praised for letting us get this far... As the bard-turned-mercenary-captain enters the gaol, he first casts a quick glance at the locale, in order to take stock of his environment
"Let us murmur a quick prayer to Arton, lest we should be afflicted by the taint of the witch while we interrogate her," says the impostor to Laithe and the guards.
Arton... our Lord in Heaven
Thy Kingdom come
Thy will be done...
The prayer complete, "Atrek" then looks at Gosia and steps up to her cell door. "Come forward, witch, I have questions to ask of you," commands the mercenary captain. While Gosia (presumably) arises, and with his back turned to the guards, he quietly murmurs a few words to himself, then glances nonchalantly back at the guards and waves a hand in their direction.
Keildrithe, Laithe:
The main room of the constabulary holds a desk and a number of chairs, with a closed door behind the desk. The corridor that led to the stairs down here had a number of closed doors also – at least one of them, by it’s positioning, likely leads back outside, to the street behind the building.
The constables look at “Atrek” with some surprise, but shrug and begin mumbling the words to the prayer, getting them largely wrong, given that it is not something from the standard prayer book.
As Keildrithe begins quietly casting his spell, Gosia’s eyes widen slightly in recognition – a moment before the two guards slump to the floor, snoring gently, leaving Laithe standing unaffected between them.
Keildrithe, Laithe: ** spoiler omitted **
Keildrithe and Mothman:
Bending back over the bodies he begins disarming the men gently and asks "How long will they sleep for, and will they remain asleep if we move them? We should perhaps drag them into the cell, and if we have time, bind and gag them?"
Laithe and Mothman:
As the bodies slump to the floor, Laithe quickly shuts the door quietly and says "Nice work my friend, I had feared we may have had to resort to violence. Lady Gosia, I am relieved to see you still alive". He then moves over to the sleeping men, scanning them for keys and when he finds them, he pulls them free and passes them to the Bard.
Bending back over the bodies he begins disarming the men gently and asks "How long will they sleep for, and will they remain asleep if we move them? We should perhaps drag them into the cell, and if we have time, bind and gag them?"
"We have perhaps two minutes before they regain consciousness, my friend, and they will awaken if we should try to move them. But yes, we should try to bind and gag them, using the sheets and blankets from the lady's cot, if necessary... let us work on one guard at a time. Lady Gosia, are you well? Do not be alarmed, it is Keildrithe Oldsun under the guise of Atrek... your change potion came in handy. We are here to rescue you -- and Jarred is with us, too. We have no time to waste. Laithe, is there a bar on the front door? If yes, you should slide it into place for the moment..."
Once Laithe hands him the keys, Keildrithe releases Gosia from her cell and fetches the sheets and blankets. "So, we're in... now how do we get away without being noticed? Should we find a pretext for calling the sergeant and his men inside the gaol?"