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An acrid smell pervaded the small, nondescript and out-of-the-way room Soliel occupied in the basement of the Tower, a by-product of the series of bubbling glass tubes resting just above a small flame. The contraption was set on the corner of a battered but sturdy wooden table, which was otherwise cluttered with three open books. A cot, a wash basin and several pegs for hanging articles of clothing were the only other features of the room.
Soliel stood intently examining both the contents of the alchemical process as well as the open books on the table, essentially simultaneously. One book described, with extensive illustrations, the anatomy of various magical beasts and aberrations. The second was a small, thick tome detailing the recipe for several extracts and poisons. After glancing over this, Soliel added an extra pinch of a bone white powder to the central tube and proceeded to snuff the flame underneath it. The tiefling smiled as she proceeded to pour the tubes together into one metal vial, the contents already cooling, and slotted it into the last open loop on her bandolier straps. Woundweal was a favorite poison; one just needed to nick an artery and the anti-coagulant powers of the admixture would almost ensure the target bleed out even if they tried to staunch the injury.
The final book on the table, a black journal with two very different hand-writings in it was the most vexing. The bulk of the filled pages were in Brother Tomlin's precise, detailed script. But the rest were a jumbled assortment of sloppily jotted notes, scraps of inserted paper and vague references to other entries. Soliel cursed the fact that a loyal Friend of the Tower like Tomlin had been replaced by not another Friend but by that layabout of an aasimar. Ascertaining all the information in this journal will take time She resigned herself to the thought.
Dismantling the alchemical kit took very little time, an exercise in rapid muscle memory after countless prior iterations, and the kit and formula book were quickly stashed into an implausibly small pocket on her loose-fitting, dark clothes. A reward from the Friends for achieving 100 confirmed kills, the magical garb was interwoven with extra-dimensional spaces where such bulky items could fit without being seen or adding extra weight. Soliel then hefted the journal while making a mental note to return the anatomy book to the Tower library, and departed her room to seek out Serelina and whomever else might be available.
After locating the soon-to-be Master, Soliel came suddenly into view, appearing out of nowhere to stand alongside Serelina and the others present. Ma'am, I have completed a preliminary review of the notes left by my predecessors and have recommendations regarding our next steps. The tiefling paused until permission was given to proceed, then launched into her analysis in a clipped, oddly accented Common.
Recommend our first step be a public execution of the drow, Maklo, being held in the Western Gatehouse. We should do so this eve, before Radgar would kill another guard tonight. We have lost numerous guards of late, and demand will likely begin outstripping supply. Soliel spoke matter-of-factly, and her tone spoke more of an interest in guards as a commodity, rather than concern over loss of life. The event should be publicized, for maximum attendance. There the Masters, or yourself ma'am, can use the forum to announce the Tower's crackdown on the vile criminal elements, particularly the drow. This can aid in mollifying Radgar and perhaps having him see us as an ally against his hated foe. Though I doubt the latter given his abyss-tainted views.
Second, recommend we seek out and eliminate the man named Bannali. Unlike many of our quarry, we have leads on where we could perhaps find him. That human male, Dether, that aided us previously might be of further assistance in this matter. Bannali clearly has ties to demons, and if interrogated prior to his execution may have useful data on that threat.
Afterward, and assuming the demonic threat is either well-contained or no further leads are available, recommend we locate and eliminate the criminal called Anthony. Brother Tomlin made note of a lead to his whereabouts that apparently was not followed up on. With no indications of the drow Diguri's location, killing Anthony would rob the criminals of a key leader and perhaps their best warrior.
After speaking, Soliel clapped the journal closed and stood at attention. Ma'am, awaiting your questions and guidance.
"Of course, of course" the devil bobs its head up and down.
"For information, I would require the collected studies that have been done on the Chaggath stones." Master Hast's face pales slightly as the devil speaks.
"But if that is not suitable" the creature says ingratiatingly, "then a trip to the islands off your coast is in order. A mortal agent of mine has reported that recent seismic activity on the islands has uncovered a trace of magic there. An old magic I had believed lost. Find it, and follow it to its source, and once there summon me to its location. I do not believe this will be a simple or easy task. The old magic attracted many things of chaos to it when it was prevalent in the world. Things that would make demons look tame."
Master Hast speaks, "A moment please." He turns a dial and the air around the protective circle shimmers slightly, all sound from within the ring evaporating into silence. Master Hast turns away from the devil so that it cannot see his face.
"The Chaggath stones.... you will need to know of them soon enough anyway, but we do not speak of them outside of the council. This room, in fact the main purpose of this tower, is a result of those stones. Dug from the mountains of the Chaggath Spine near a millennium ago, nine perfect diamonds, no flaw can be detected in them, filled with a powerful magic that we cannot explain. But what we have discovered has allowed us to study the planes from this safe environment we have here. And the map room upstairs - it is tied to their power. It ever expands with the city. We believe they could likewise map the planar regions around where this portal manifests itself in them, but that is a more recent discovery that has not been fully investigated yet."
"With his vast accumulation of knowledge, he may see and understand workings within our studies, connections, that we have missed. There is both great opportunity and risk here. He no doubt serves some arch-devil. We may win great favors here, but let us bargain wisely for them if we take this path."
She stops and glares for a moment. "There are no answers down here. Just the gloom and the stench, and the rats."
Ian slowly lowers the bow. "Couple friends of mine got murdered by the Thieves Guild, think they dumped their bodies down here." He takes a gold piece from his pouch and tosses it her direction, clinking off the floor and bouncing. "Just lookin' for anything that remains, give their bones a burial maybe. I'd be grateful."
"As to the other option, I would recommend that you offer him the opportunity to examine copies of the studies we have with the stipulation that the information can only be shared with a being that he has sworn fealty to, and that any he shares with will be bound by the same condition to share only with their liege lords. This will allow us to keep the information from being resold too easily while allowing him adequate use of the information we share. I would also seek the True Name of a Barbazu that we can use in pursuing Radgar and his group as a part of this bargain."
She scrambles for the coin as it bounces on the floor. "Aye, I can look for 'em and bury 'em right proper if I sees 'em." Her eyes dart back and forth between Ian and his money pouch.
She dips her head slightly, then scoots forward towards her food supplies. Snatching off the cover and grabbing what's left of the bread, tearing into it hungrily.
"What section o' the city they get killed in? They never like to carry the corpses far."
Master Hast gives a nod. "I'm going to ask him a question about his quest, just to see what comes of it, but otherwise I agree, trading the research under those strictures is preferable", he then turns back to the devil and removes the veil of silence.
"There are many old magics in the world. What is the nature of this particular magic you speak of?"
The devil grins as the true bargaining begins, "Ah, of course, how thoughtless of me to not mention that. It is magic from before the world was formed, before the elements were wrested from beyond the void of the dark tapestry."
"So would I be correct in guessing that the beings that are drawn to it are those from that darkened.... realm?"
"Yes. That is correct."
"Very well. I believe we will exchange our research information for all that you can tell us of this ring. But under this additional restriction. You are not to share that info with any other save a single being you have sworn fealty to - and only after first extracting the same oath from them, and so forth unto the First Himself."
The devil thinks over this for a moment, then adds, "I will accept that for a term of, lets say, 100 of your mortal years, then I am released of that oath? The two of you will have passed from this life in that time... unless you seek the immortality of mages? Well, we will see if that is your choice in the future, but even in that case these things will matter little to you then no doubt."
The woman's eyes go wide, her face showing fear, "There were noises... screams... from that direction a few nights past. Kept me from sleeping. Like some tortured animal. Something both human and not." Despite that she leads the way through the maze like passages, occasionally sniffing at the air like one of the rats.
As you continue there is a smell of death, stronger than that of the sewage.
Rounding a corner you come to another small chamber of sorts. A diagram has been drawn onto the floor, then subsequently smudged over by some kind of ooze. There is blood all over inside the diagram as well, several days old perhaps.
Part of a skeleton, hands bound, remains within the diagram. A few meager scraps of flesh still cling to it.
Remnants of familiar clothing still cling to the skeleton. All too uncomfortably familiar.
A quick look around reveals another partial skeleton, mostly buried in sewer muck, shoved into the far corner.
"True names are difficult to come by, and not sold so lightly. One true name. And two spell scrolls that are hard to come by."
Ian stashes his bow and follows calmly, even as the smell of death grows stronger. However he scowls at the scene before him.
"The f!~+ is all this..."
Ian grabs the familiar skeleton on the diagram, then goes to dig out the other one.
The second likewise has familiar clothing, robes of the tower, covered in blood and sewage.
After hefting the two corpses onto his shoulder (or backpack, if they're in many pieces), Ian nods to his guide. "Alright, lead me out."
After that he'll take ten gold pieces from his pouch and offer them, well aware of the small fortune that seems like to the poor folk of Coran (he used to be one). "You see a lot down here, huh? I'd love to catch those thief bastards. I'd buy information from you, regular-like." If she's agreeable, he'll pick a meeting spot near beggar's road. He goes there regularly already (to drink). "Just be careful, they're vicious bastards. If you get in trouble, come to the tower and tell them you work for Ian Marros."
"I agree."
The devil smiles, well we just need the formal contract then. He pulls out a sheet of paper, and at the utterance of a word of power writing appears on it detailing the contract as agreed upon.
He quickly signs it, then hands over the document to be signed by the two mages as well. "Bring me the research tomorrow then and I will tell you what I have been able to discern of this ring."
"This was at one time the signet ring of Master Ildul, one of the first masters of the tower." He waves his hand over the ring and an image shimmers briefly on the surface. "With as much power as he has imbued in this ring I'm rather surprised that mark is made able to manifest so easily."
"What only a very few know is that Master Ildul was known by another name, one we have discussed recently - Ris'jae. The very same that your fallen paladin was looking for."
"There is quite a bit of necromantic power stored in this trinket. All concerned with the raising of the dead, from the simple mindless, to greater and more fearsome foes, wraiths, shadows, even vampires. There are likely other, deeper magics contained within as well - but uncovering those mysteries would take more time. Would you like me to investigate its properties further?"
Her eyes go wide at the sight of so much gold. "I will keep me eyes out an' see what I can."
Ian returns to the tower grounds with two (mostly fleshless) skeletons and looks for a place to get a fire going and burn them.
After that he'll try to find Serelina to regroup.
The devil gets a wide grin, "And what do you offer up as bargain today for the secrets I have unlocked?"
Getting together with the group and meeting with the new members over the days has been something that Serelina has seemed distract from as she was clearly working on some other project. Once everyone ends up together, however she does have some news.
"This was at one time the signet ring of Master Ildul, one of the first masters of the tower. What only a very few know is that Master Ildul was - or perhaps is - known by another name, The Necromancer Ris'jae. Previous information has Radgar showing significant interest in this necromancer. The ring has specific powers, mostly relating to the raising of the dead and other necromantic acts. It is quite powerful, at the Artifact level, and I believe the Tower intends to lock it away for study. Gaining this information took some significant efforts, but the connection to the Necromancer Ris'jae is quite significant."
Ian fills Serelina in on what happened in his spoilers, but doesn't bother with the rest of the party. He adds, "Couldn't find yours. Sorry."
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Soleil listened attentively to the information Serelina provided, mentally making a note to scribe the details into the black journal she had inherited. Ma'am, you indicated Radgar had 'significant interest' in this Ris'jae. Was the interest one of alliance and mutual benefit, or one of enmity? If Ris'jae needs to be eliminated, where should we look to find him?
Serelina begins a brief lecture on what the group has learned about the Necromancer. She transforms into the image of a patient teacher as she shifts modes, managing to sound quite pleasant if slightly condescending - as if lecturing first year apprentices.
"Radgar was born and raised in Coran where upon leaving his youth, he entered the temple of Iomadea where he studied there for years. He eventually excelled and entered the ranks of the Mithral Rose."
"As a young paladin hepent several years at sea fighting pirates, until he met his wife Ellen on the Ioso islands. They were married according to the islanders traditions."
"The happy couple moved back to Coran, where she took up tutelage under the Masters, and he begin working against the Issust Hold slavers."
"A charming tale until hiw wife was brutally murdered. Radgar's perceptions of the world radically changed. Rather than embracing the law to punish his killer, he rebelled against it, forsaking everything he had ever known and been taught."
"He sought out those who had killed with wife, seeking revenge. He murdered five families associated with underground crime in Coran whom he apparently blamed for his wife's murder."
"He fled Coran when someone higher up in the underground realized a pattern, and tipped off the authorities."
"He spent three years studying under a hermit sorcerer by the name of Eato, it seems our young paladin had yet untapped magical talents."
"It is said that he then killed his master, and has then spent the last six years in and around the demon infested lands of Marldell. Information is, err, more sketchy for those six years. Eventually he did enter the Pit of the Apocalypse, and also explored the ruins of the necromancer Ris'jae."
"The Pit of Apocalypse is an ancient site of evil, dedicated to Jubilex. There was at one time a prophecy related to the pit and the ushering in of Jubilex and a host of demons to this world. Over 600 years ago, the paladins of the Mithral Rose stood side by side with the forces of hell, a singular event in the known history of the world, and staved off the prophecy, preventing its fulfillment. It is said that those who enter the pit seldom return with sane minds, but for those willing to risk it, favors may be sought from the demon lord in that dark holes confines."
"A hundred years after the events at the Pit of Apocolypse, a powerful lich rose up in the northern portion of Marldell, the necromancer Ris'jae. Unlike the many lesser demons and tribes that roamed Marldell, Ris'jae brought some degree of order to the wasteland. The liches undead and demonic armies assaulted the stronghold in the mountain pass and overthrew the paladins set to guard it, and the armies spread forth into the lands beyond. Ris'jae was ultimately defeated by the combined might of those kingdoms in that land, though some rumors abound the he yet lives. Most discount the rumors though as not organized force has since come forth from Marldell."
"Other rumors suggest that while he was defeated, many magical trinkets that were used by the lich still have great power to them. A few even attribute that mighty necromantic magic is contained in the bones of the lich, though not to the degree of Vecna's infamy."
"Ris'jae's place of dwelling in Marldell is rumored to still contain hordes of treasure and arcane knowledge secreted away in undiscovered rooms and passages. It is perhaps there we should seek next as the Necromancer appears to become more central to our situation."
"And Ian, I believe I should take a look at this diagram. It could have information we require in the symbolism. I would suggest we go quickly before it is destroyed."
The devil chortles, "Ah, very well, very well."
"The ring also has within it a powerful divination for locating... other powerful objects of magic that were attuned to Ris'jae. But be cautious, using this magic comes with a price. Long use will effect a permanent change upon the user, both physically and mentally. The user will lose their sense of purpose, madness, and their body will be granted longevity of life, though not cease to age. This Nasun?... his final state was no doubt a result of these effects."
A increasingly rare occurrence, but you are quite stumped by the purpose and nature of the symbols in the diagram. They are clearly of magical intent, but beyond that you cannot tell.
"The ring has one other property that may assist us. It is capable of locating other powerful artifacts that were attuned to Ris'Jae. Unfortunately the ring will also slowly alter the user into a nosferatu - so frequent use is not an option."
"So. What do we believe our next steps should be? Deal with the drow? Pursue the legacy of the Necromancer? I also have one task that I could use your assistance with before we leave."
"Well, putting the torch to some undead sounds like a fine way to spend the week."
The devil hands over the two scrolls, then holds out a third parchment for you to read. "Memorize it. Do not share it."
When done the devil burns the parchment and scatters some of the ashes, and returns the rest to a bag, likely to be scattered later across the plane of its origin.
After two days of relative rest, Maklo is scheduled to be executed the following morning.
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Soliel listened impassively as Serelina spoke, though her eyes narrowed slightly at Edmond's suggestion. In my experience undead are merely tools. Problematic in the wrong hands or, if intelligent, with misaligned goals, but potentially useful if harnessed. No use burning what could be helpful, the rest can of course be destroyed.
Turning her attention back to Serelina's question she added, Ma'am, we of course can prioritize the task you mentioned. And considering your knowledge of magic I submit to your judgment regarding the usefulness of these Ris'jae-related items. If they can be readily found, by all means.
A slight pause. That said, I am unclear aside from Radgar's potential interest in these items how they are related to our current panoply of problems. I do believe executing Maklo to be the correct call, with a forceful, persuasive voice at that event calling for the extermination of drow criminals in the city. Afterward, we can address the task you mention and ascertain the location of other Ris'Jae items. At that juncture, I would recommend a re-focus on the demon threat. Tracking down this Bannali might prove useful.
Soliel presented her ideas as suggestions regarding the way forward and seemed to wait for Serelina's consent before moving forward.
"It is my understanding that a number of 'potentially useful' criminals were hoarded here, and now are free. Perhaps hoarding things we cannot maintain control of is not the wisest course of action. Especially as it lured dangerous malcontents here that murdered clearly outclassed guardsmen."
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Soliel nodded to Edmond, conceding the point. On that we have no disagreement. These prisoners should have been put quickly and harshly to the question. Once all relevant data was gleaned they should have been executed. I highly doubt we will make the same mistake again.
Afterward, Soliel again turned to Serelina for a decision on the group's next steps.
"I should hope not. Question them and then leave the refuse where it was found."
Listening Serelina nods. "I have an idea where Maklo may provide one last bit of usefulness to us, but it will we require me to do a bit more research first. As to your suggestion, I believe you are correct Sister. The rise of Nasun, the discovery of the ring, the relationship with Radgar need to be explored... it is too much to hope that coincidence excuses such concurrence. But we have an immediate issue to deal with here first with the drow and lost prisoners."
Ian looks to Serelina, "If you lot do end up going a thousand miles away, I'd request to stay here in Coran."
The council comes together again, calling in the team prior to Maklo's formal trial and execution.
Master Isul, second of the council, acts as mouth again for the council.
"Master Veray is still absent" she frowns slightly, "I had expected him back by now."
"Master Danroth and Master Hast have made us aware of what they have discovered of this ring, formerly owned by Ris'jae. That gives pause for a troublesome question - why did it end up here in Coran? Are there other relics of Ris'jae in the vicinity? We will hold on a decision regarding the ring till Master Veray returns. This is to critical a decision to make without the full council."
"Next, Master Liam, how have things gone with Yabel?"
Master Liam, his gray hairs in slight disarray, responds solemnly, "As I expected. Yabel is demanding additional resources for protection of halfling district. He proves to continue to be a manipulative and crafty politician." Master Liam sighs, "I don't know what the Masters were thinking when they allowed for the semi-autonomy of the halfling district back in their day, but it continues to be a cause of pain for us in ours. We have however, both made some compromises. We will be providing some additional funding for their city guard to purchase equipment, Yabel will be hiring and training additional guardsmen, a portion of which will be used to help patrol the other parts of the city."
"I will be relieved the day that Yabel loses his seat though as magistrate for the district."
Master Isul nods and turns to Master Akeli. "The trial of Maklo is ready?"
"Yes. Assuming no unexpected revelations we expect an execution to follow the trial. The testimonies and evidence are sufficient."
Master Hast interjects, "If I may propose something to send a message?"
Master Isul nods.
"If Miss Bellafini is promoted to the council, having her play executioner prior to her being raised to that position could send a strong message to the criminal element in the city that we are tightening our response to these activities. Having a member of the council focused on reducing crime..." Master Hast leaves the sentence hanging.
There seems to be mixed reactions on the faces of the council members. Masters Isul and Liam seem concerned over the suggestion, the other three, Akeli, Danroth, and Banock seem to approve.
Master Isul speaks again, "Doing so may also cause some fear among the populace. It may send a message that we are looking to create a police state."
Master Banock speaks up, "I understand the concern Master Isul. We will need to make it clear that Miss Bellafini is focused on only the most troublesome of agents for crime. Radgar, the drow Diguri and her crew, and others involved with murder in this gang war."
Master Isul turns to Serelina, "And how would you feel about taking on this role Serelina?"
Edmond smiles at the victorious situation the halflings have crafted for themselves. He wonders if the masters know the purpose of those additional patrols.
Speaking a dignified and business like manner, Serelina nods at the honor bestowed upon her and says. "I believe that at a time when such chaos is being sown throughout the city, a strong showing of direct involvement of the Tower would be of great benefit. I agree that such measures must be focused specifically those individuals and am willing and honored to take on the role."
"Very well."
Master Isul calls for a vote, which results in a 5 to 1 in favor, with only Master Liam dissenting.
The trial is later that day, and results in the expected outcome, the execution to occur two hours later. Quite a few people gather to witness the event.
Master Isul reads the crimes of Maklo before the assembled crowd. Murder, attempted murder, being a part of instigating a gang war.
Ian keeps an eye out for anyone who might be Radgar out-of-armor, just looking for a grim, determined, satisfied expression and body language really.
Once the vote occurs, Serelina says to the group, "We should all be fully prepared for battle at the time of the execution. I have significant preparations to make to call forth our executioner. Delicate and powerful magics will be used and we need to be prepared for event that our executioner grows greedy."
In the hours leading up to the execution, Serelina carefully designs a ritual circle crafted of paints with flecks of silver within before the stake where Maklo will be bound. She is meticulous in her work double and triple checking against scrolls and books. She also occasionally turns her head as if listening to someone just next to her, then continues her work. Once she seems content she sets out several foci and devices of power about her and stands next to a lectern with several books and scrolls on it. She then sits and prepares herself in a meditative focus as the crowd gathers.
Once the appointed time comes, she begins complex casting incorporating scrolls and her own spells in a rhythmic chant in the infernal tongue of hell. The runes and diagrams of her magic circle begin go glow as minutes pass and she continues her precise words and movements in a powerful invocation of calling.
Suddenly the energies of the circle pulse to call forth a hideous being from into the circle. Serelina begins speaking clearly and forcefully in a tongue the harsh infernal tongue that she used during her castings.
A the height of the magic, she calls into the circle an infernal creature of hell, a devil of hell's armies wielding a vicious, saw-toothed glaive, while below its toothy maw writhes a hideous, twitching beard.
Serelina smiles coldly, moving her hands about her shoulder as a creature materializes cackling as it watches the carnage. As minute devil perches upon her shoulder, silver skinned and nimble as it enjoys Serelina's caress.
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Soliel stood impassively as the vote was taken; such was normal for members of the Friends of the Tower when the Masters were deciding matters. It was not for the Friends to decide, but to execute decisions. Faith in the Masters to make the correct decisions was one of the first and most fully inculcated lessons one receives when completing the unforgiving training to join the Friends.
Following the vote and Serelina's instruction to prepare for the execution, Soliel completed the last of her alchemical creations and readied herself for potential violent conflict. Such took very little time, as any Friend would rise from sleep essentially so prepared. She then wordlessly followed Serelina out to the execution site and like Ian kept watch for any trouble. However, she also kept one curious eye on Serelina's preparations, clearly intrigued.
As the crowd gathered for the execution, Soliel approached each of her new companions and quietly informed them that, while they may not be able to perceive her presence, to rest assured she was around. To Serelina she additionally asked, Ma'am, would you perhaps have the ability to cast the spell that allows quiet, confidential communication between you and I? If so, I would ask that you cast it, as it could prove quite useful should I perceive a threat. Afterward, Soliel vanished into the crowd, likely noticed by no one.
As the devil appeared and tore into Maklo, Soliel's eyes turned a milky white as she smiled in delight. Though likely seen by no one, she whispered back through the Message spell to Serelina in native-level Infernal:
Edmond stood near the edge of the platform off to one side, looking around for threats. He smiled seeing that the Tower was now taking a more pragmatic approach to the problems of this city.
At the sight of the devil appearing there are shouts and screams from the crowd of watchers, and once it rips into Maklo those change to a mix of horror and raucous jeers.
People shout out things, but amid the general noise it is hard to hear what all is being said.
"...protect us from demons..."
"...will bring order..."
"...cannot be trusted..."
"...bring down the wrath..."
"...to long have they..."
"...Radgar still runs loose..."
There are several individuals near the back of the crowd who stand out a little:
Dether, whom you recognize from having met him before. He has a look of sterness on his face, and a bears a slight frown.
Another man standing near a corner of a building. He has a hood pulled down covering his features. He watches the scene, giving no reaction of any kind.
Also Coen Aldath, whom you recall from seeing at the public council meeting in the library. Reminder reference from 2+ years back real time. The rich man with the dragon tattoo looks angry, much like when you last saw him.
Looking upon her new infernal servant, Serelina says "Take the remains of your meal and await me in my chambers until I arrive. Disturb nothing while there." She gives quick and precise instructions as to the location, knowing the creature can teleport itself without error.
She then calmly looks over the crowd gauging the impact of her display of power. If she makes him out in the crowd, she specifically makes a small nod of greeting to Yabel.
She then mutters a word to the imp on her soldier and he vanishes from sight as she moves out of the center of the execution grounds towards shelter from the crowd.