The inquisitor of Abadar nods to Vados. "Yes, I will see what I can get from the man. The presence of the mages may limit me somewhat in my normal methods of interrogation though."
The inquisitor gives a wicked grin as the woman assaults the man with magic, nodding approvingly.
Amon sees his mentor's reaction to the lady's spell and assumes she is using pain to weaken the criminal's resolve. Good then. He will be dealt with appropriately.
Amon steps to the side of the prisoner with his arms folded and prepares for his responses. He gives the lady a nod of approval.
A hooded man approximately 5'11" steps to the prisoners left side. He catches the lady's eye as she casts her spell and gives her a nod of approval. His pale complexion mixes a hue of dark blue with drab grayness. Most of his facial features are well hidden by a crimson scarf as well as by the shadows cast from the hood of his sand colored cloak. His breastplate is a ceremonial golden scorpion carapace. A silver symbol (Unholy) hangs from a chain on his neck and rests on his arms which are crossed at his chest level. Black leather gloves adorn his hands.
Before entering the room with the mages Cindy will cast Detect Magic and will be concentrating on it during the meeting. She will try to understand any spells cast of ongoing effects on each person.
The pales womans spell strikes the man, but nothing seems to be happen.
Showing no emotion the man back at her, "I didn't realize there would be a show involved."
Taking a moment to gather in his surroundings. He speaks again. "In all seriousness, I am glad you are here. There is a murderer in our midst. Arrest this witch!" his gaze moves to Cindy. "Guilty of cold blooded murder. Showing no respect for the laws that the mageocracy uses to keep people safe from such evil."
The hafling, Tomlin, who has had a deep scowl on his face this entire time begins to smile as the interrogation begins, but it turns back to a scowl when he realizes the womans spell does not take hold.
His claim of "Guilty of cold blooded murder" registers with your discernment of truth and lie as a falsehood. He doesn't really expect action will be taken against Cindy, but if he can drive a wedge between the groups he will do so.
The inquisitor of Abadar speaks up, his voice is cold, "Playing the innocent martyr? Pfah. What part did you take in threatening the life of Mr Jumai?"
Amon leans in and looks at the side of the prisoner's face intently as if looking for something hidden on his skin. He lies. He is attempting to drive a wedge between those in attendance.
The prisoner is slow to answer, staring intently at Amon for a moment before speaking again. "You don't know me. And to pretend to know enough to call me a liar is not only rude but shows lack of thought. Why don't you prove my accused lie and bring in my friend whom you say was not killed in your bloodlust. After your magic beast left him barely a carcass. The overly manly female dwarf was carrying the body away. I'm sure she has already devoured my dead friend and we can use your magic to identify him by the blood that now stains the street."
He clears his throat and opens his mouth to answer the inquisitors question but stops mid breath. Shaking his head slightly, "It seems clear that regardless of what I say I will be accused as a liar. It seems to me the quickest way for actual truth that can't be disputed would be to have this Jumai person look at me face to face. He will confirm that I was not one of his perpetrators."
The only thing that registers as a lie is "I'm sure she has already devoured my dead friend and we can use your magic to identify him by the blood that now stains the street."
Vados stays back in a corner of the room, preferably behind the prisoner, arms folded.
Realizing her magic did not take hold the woman glowers at the prisoner, then at Amon, listening as each speaks, finally turning back to the prisoner, "Enough banter. You claim innocence, then simply explain the circumstance that brought you here. Why were you in the altercation that brought about your incarceration? What is the meaning of the black feathers? Who are the others you are working with? What is the goal you are working towards... If you are innocent then you lose nothing by explaining yourself."
He leans over and whispers to Amon.
He steps up an interrupts the woman, holding up a hand. "We have credible witnesses both among the merchant's guild, the staff and customers of The Crow, and amongst the guard that ye were impersonating a ranking member of the Mageocracy, namely me. This alone is a serious crime. Halt yer lies and speak truth, or do ye truly believe we do not have divinations in place to piece yer falsehoods?"
"Yet there may yet be a chance for you, tell us what we want to know about your outfit criminal and we will find leniency."
His voice and accent give him away as the dwarf Valdr you'd met with previously.
Amon responds to the man with the twin blades loud enough for others to hear. As you wish master. He steps back and allows the two newcomers the space to interrogate the prisoner.
"I like simple. Though I'm sure everything I say will be called a lie considering that the merchant thugs will manufacturer any sort out evidence to prove they are right after the fact. Thus allowing them to use their guilty until proven innocent approach to law. Killing unsuspecting people in the streets only to accuse them later so they are justified."
"Regardless, I frequent the Crow often. Meeting with a friend to talk about a business deal. As best that I can guess the witch assumed I kind of looked a member of the mageocracy. Why she would attack someone that she believed to belong to the mageocracy is beyond me. Though it does show how the merchants feel they are above your laws. They killed my friend who is guilty because he knows me? Seems such a harsh penalty. I guess the merchants have the power to kill whom they wish regardless of no proof in taking part in a crime. His young sister will be devastated, especially now that I am her guardian. I of course tried to run for my life but my speed is not able to outrun their magic. And as I was backed into a corner, I did not resist and offered to turn myself in. I made no hostile actions and they continued to try to slay me in front of a dozen or so citizens. They were claiming I robbed some spice merchant. I have no idea what they are talking about. Again, they make their own laws to pass judgment."
Speaking again directly to the man he impersonated. "If I were to impersonate someone it would stand to reason that I met them. Took time to get to know them and learn how they speak. So knowing I will be accused of lying. You good sir please explain where we were to have met. Being the most credible witness for such a thing."
The following are lies.
Regardless, I frequent the Crow often.
As best that I can guess the witch assumed I kind of looked a member of the mageocracy.
I of course tried to run for my life but my speed is not able to outrun their magic.
I made no hostile actions and they continued to try to slay me in front of a dozen or so citizens.
The inquisitor states, "You didn't answer all of the ladies questions. Did you or your friends leave the black feather at Mr Jumai's? A simple yes or no will do."
The inquisitor states, "You didn't answer all of the ladies questions. Did you or your friends leave the black feather at Mr Jumai's? A simple yes or no will do."
"To my knowledge none of my friends handed a feather to Jumai."
The inquisitors face flushes red with anger, but looking at the mages representatives he takes no actions except to lean over to where Cindy and Amon are standing next to each other to whisper to them.
"You notice he only half answered the question? Answered on behalf of his friends but not on behalf of himself."
"And as for me. If I was some skilled thief that I am accused of being why would I be stupid enough to leave a feather behind me for someone to follow. I suggest that we invoke the powers of divination as this other man suggests you have. Where that will give you the true criminal. Although I have a feeling that you already have and it didn't point you to me. If it did then we wouldn't be having this pleasant conversation."
Tnnny speaks again, "Answer the inquisitors question and then answer mine." He glances back at Amon, looking for some sign or indication of any lies the man has told, then continues, rattling of several questions in quick succession, “What is your name? You said you were meeting with a friend to talk about a business deal at The Crow. What is your business? What is the name of your friend? What was the name of your other friend who died resisting arrest? What is the name of his young sister and where can we find her? She will need shelter and protection. What were you doing with possession of so much contraband?”
His last question is a bluff. He is hoping to catch the prisoner off guard.
"As to answer when we could have met. There are ways to impersonate another man using magic. This I am sure you are aware. It seems perhaps you observed or interacted with me in another guise." As he speaks his form changes from that of Tunny to be replaced with the foreboding image a hooded executioner.
The alabaster skinned woman adds, "Rather than pose questions, please speak in statements. Have you seen the man you are accused of impersonating before today? If so, when and where?"
Amon leans over to Tunny.
Amon glares at the prisoner. To the inquisitor: Master...should we be more persuasive?
Cindy comment to the group. At least for me this is a waste of time. Most everything the man says is a lie or half truth, and I do not expect that to change. I know all I need to from him and look forward to briefing you all after you tire of his lies. I am ready to have him thrown into a deep hole and locked up where he cannot conjure his ninja magics and where he might reflect on the value of speaking the truth. With that she steps out of the room.
The man standing before him with his spiked gauntlet seems to get the prisoners attention.
Showing a glimpse of fear for the first time with his eyes on the spiked guantlets, he answers cautiously, "Whoa. There will be no need for that master. My name is Vaek. My friend that the merchants killed is called Maeltheron, though I often referred to him as Mael. It should be noted, that when they attacked us, that they didn't claim we were under arrest for trumped up charges. In fact my friend was killed in mere seconds. So there was no opportunity to pretend to resist arrest. In the way that assassins prefer. I was speaking to my friend about trying to open up a business. One where we obtain magically enchanted items and sell them to would be adventurers. Though our business idea wouldn't be able to come to fruition for months."
Taking in a breath, he keeps his eyes on the spiked gauntlets before shifting his eyes slowly back to Valdr. "It is my understanding that the man who gave Jumai the feather in question went by the name of Gaylen. He is in his late 50's. About 6 feet high. Mostly bald with a little bit of hair around the base of his head. He was a friend of Mael's. He was very bossy, and wanted to kill Jumai's family, but I'm not sure why. Though I do not think that Mael ever met Jumai."[/b]
He takes in a deep breath and visibly cringes just slightly as he answers "My friend's daughter... you will never know her name. You will never know where she lives. I am responsible for her and no one else thanks to murder. You may kill me, throw me into a hole if you wish. And the girl will perish due to baseless accusations."
"Contraband? Now who is throwing out baseless accusations. I thought only the merchants did such a thing. That is about as true as you being the person that you are impersonating and that I'm accused of. If I didn't answer a question, forgive me, so many quick questions its tough to remember what has or hasn't been answered.”
”I will try to answer all your questions, but I am done with having the merchants here, I won't allow them to twist the truth to justify their murder. I will say nothing until I am alone with the Mageocracy. And then perhaps we can get to the real truth.”
”If my request is too much, then you may pummel me, or do as you wish. But the knowledge that I have, that I know the Mageocracy desperately seeks ... no ... that you desperately need to control this city. leaving the merchants here will profit you nothing."
Lies given.
In fact my friend was killed in mere seconds. So there was no opportunity to pretend to resist arrest.
I was speaking to my friend about trying to open up a business. One where we obtain magically enchanted items and sell them to would be adventurers. Though our business idea wouldn't be able to come to fruition for months.
He is in his late 50's.
He was very bossy, and wanted to kill Jumai's family, but I'm not sure why.
The dwarf Valdr shows impatience at the lack of answers given in some areas.
“This is your last chance to cooperate freely with us before things become more unpleasant for you. I want you to answer each question, with no evasions or half truths immediately. If you fail to do so…” He left that part unspoken. He pauses for a moment, taking a deep breath.
“Yes or No, Did you leave a black feather at Mr. Jumai’s place? Yes or No, have you ever met Mr. Jumai? Yes or No, did you knowingly impersonate a member of the Mageocracy? Yes or no, when you were captured were you in possession of contraband? Yes or no, were you in possession of items imbued with magic? Yes or No, did you possess a device or spell that allowed you to alter your appearance?” He glances back at Amon.
“Yes or No, are you involved in the illegal pesh trade? Yes or No, do you know who Ilvaria Cha'ona is?” Yes or no, do you know who Maklo Roath is? Yes or no, do you know who Cheyle Nayss is? Yes or no, do you have dealings with any of the three individuals I just mentioned?”
“Where is your lair below the streets? Yes or No, Do you know who Drail Banden is? Yes or No, Do know know who murdered Drail Banden?”
Amon leans over to Tunny again and whispers.
Amon grits his teeth and speaks out loud. If he continues to lie, we should leave a guard here with him and go out of the room to discuss our plans for him.
The dwarf, still in an executioners shroud listens to Amon then calls out "The merchant's can leave. The church of Abadar will however stay. Speak now."
Looking at both Amon and Vados he replies, "Once the undines have left I will share with you what I know. Its up to you."
The man with the spiked gauntlet backhands him leaving a new bruise swelling on his cheek. This is followed by a crack to the head that leaves him dazed. A few more strikes brings out a cry of pain but the prisoner says nothing more.
Making sure that her team is with her, Cindy waits for the mages to come out of their questioning of the prisoner. When they do she explains It might have been better for us to brief you before you talked to the prisoner, as we have quite a bit to share with you. First I want to reiterate our desire to work as a team with you. In fact when we found out where the rogues guild people who had extorted Mr. Jumiai were, my first move was to try to contact you so we could plan a joint attack but you were out of the city. Had we been able to attack them together I do not think 4 of them would have gotten away.
She gives them the rough details of the fight, making sure they know that both the rogue that was killed and the ninja that was captured came at her group instead of choosing to flee, when both had plenty of chances to get away. She also makes it clear that they did not intend to kill any of the enemy despite the claims of the ninja. She mentions the effectiveness of the Stinking Cloud spell and that, truthfully her group might have been in trouble without it. Truth is that these rogues are quite tough, and I believe we have taken out the two weak ones.
She sums up the story by asking her team members to fill in any important details she might have left out. After that she adds It was at considerable risk that we pulled off the attack in a very dynamic environment. The rogues were on friendly turf and their allies at the crow helped them. We had to strike when we did as they were beginning to depart on some unknown mission of crime. We had good intel and so we acted. But we were pretty lucky and even with surprise we were somewhat outclassed. I expect them to come looking for us now. They seem the vengeful type. Its more important than ever that we work with you as a team. Lets make some plans.
Another of the mage representatives, one who has been quiet all this time, speaks up. ”I could always use the prisoner. The dead do give up some secrets."” The man is thin, with a black beard and mustache covering much of his face. A chain shirt, light crossbow are his only obvious equipment.
The man who has been working over the prisoner gives him a solid punch to the stomach, knocking the wind from him, then grasps him by the throat. "Hear that pretty boy? We got a choice between doin' as you ask, and killin' you. Either way, you talk."
The alabaster skinned woman speaks up, "Wait a moment."
She glares the prisoner for a few moments, then laughs in a heinous manner and finally touches him on the forehead, leaving behind a scar shaped like a rune.
"That mark will show through any disguise and marks you as mistrusted. My powers can now affect you from a great distance. You also cannot escape scrying by me. In short, you are now mine. If you decide to cooperate at a future time, I will consider removing it."
The scar is roughly in the shape of an infernal glyph, denoting one who is a liar.
The halfling, Tomlin, in turn motions to several of his companions and they step out of the room.
Tomlin addresses Cindy, ”We will take him to the jails where our investigations will proceed. Is there anything else we should know about the situation before we take leave?”
The dwarf Valdr, still in his disguise as an executioner adds, "We would like to take the corpse of his companion and also examine any possessions he had on him. We may be able to divine further into where their lair is. The items may also lead us to thee fence or blackmarket supplying them. What else did this Vaek have on him when ye apprehended him? More then just feathers I trust?"
The halfling Tomlin nods as Cindy recounts the events.
"You were right to look for us before acting; please do so again if similar information comes to light about this group. We are currently pulled in a number of directions, some of which likely do not involve these criminals at all. As a result we may not be able to give this concern our full attention at the moment. Again though, do let us know if additional information about them comes to light."
The dwarf stands patiently waiting for a response to his requests for the body of the elf and a look at the equipment recovered.
With the equipment taken from the two brought out three of the members of the mages representatives examine the equipment, the dwarf Valdr, the woman, a the man with the thin black beard and mustache. Each casting a spell to detect the magical properties of the items. They spend several minutes examining everything conferring with each other on the items before preparing to depart.
Raseb reappears to escort them out. The older man in the breastplate, a bit of blood on his gauntlet where he had struck the prisoner asks, "Prisoner transport, dangerous thing. You never know when the scumbag you caught is important in the underworld. You willing to spare a few men to make sure this kid gets put to bed?"
Raseb replies simply, "I can send half a dozen armed guards with you to assist."
As the prisoner is brought into the outer room the halfling Tomlin clamps a pair manacles around his wrists.
Amon will offer to accompany the Mageocracy to the jail. During the trip, he pulls Tunny aside.
With the mages gone Raseb speaks up, "Masters Sorrin and di Alkanov would like you to escort them and a few of the other merchants to the meeting. They should arrive here shortly."
It isn't a long wait before several of the merchants gather along with a couple of personal guards each. Master Sorrin, head of the merchant council is a man in his early forties, richly dressed and several rings with gemstones adorn his fingers.
Mister di Alkanov gives you a nod and introduces another woman as Miss Ashin. She is young, perhaps twenty-five at most, with long blonde hair and blue eyes. She is slender and offers a smile, though it carries little warmth to it.
Also present is a Mister Duluth, one of the lesser merchants. He is getting on in years, probably at sixty years of age. A little overweight with modest, but well kept clothing.
The journey to the library is short all in all and a large crowd of people mills around the entrance where a number of guards are peace bonding any blade or weapon larger than a dagger. The guards go about their work with a bored detachment.
The meeting hall is crowded. Even the balconies above have people standing at the railings looking down into the room below.
A dozen city guard stand placed around the room, their armor and uniforms standing out from the rest of the crowds. Four tower guard stand near the east end of the room where three mages sit facing west, breastplates and helmets of a slightly different design than the city watch, but still bearing the familiar crescent moon symbol. A fourth man stands to one side of the three mages, his clothing suggesting he is a mage of the tower as well, blue robes covering his short 5' and a little height. Short brown hair neatly trimmed and combed frames his face. The man looks to be in his mid forties.
The three mages are Master Veray, head of the council of seven.
Master Torenest, third seat on the council.
And Master Liam, seventh seat on the council. Master Liam is almost always present at these meetings and conducts the meetings.
The fourth mage is not a member of the council, but still commands a good deal of respect in the tower, Master Hast.
The rest of the room is filled with chairs where merchant's and commoners alike sit packed close together, though the front two rows have been reserved for your entourage.
An elderly mage, one of the three, stands up to the podium and the small talk instantly quiets. The mage speaks for several minutes covering several details of city management and concerns that are of little interest. ”The rest of the time is now open to the public.” He looks down at a sheet of paper he carried up with him. ”Anton di Alkanov, you have something to bring before us?”
”Yes, I do Master Liam.” Anton stands from the front row and moves up to the podium as the mage sits down. Anton wastes no time in getting straight to the point. ”As the government is well aware, one of my ships was attacked on its way back from the islands several days ago. The pirates are at this very time still sitting in your cells. How long will our seeking redress for these things fall on deaf ears?” There are several angry mutters from the crowd.
The mage speaks up, ”Mister di Alkanov, we hear your words, but considering the tidy profit you made from that expedition, uh, a new ship added to your fleet, I don't believe you personally are suffering from the issues facing our kingdom.”
”Oh, I was fortunate, this time at least. But my colleague, Miss Ashin, we've learned today has not fared so well.” di Alkanov gestures Miss Ashin but a man in leather armor sitting next to her stands. ”Idmech, can you please relate the events of two days ago to this council.”
The man steps up to the podium as di Alkanov steps to the side to make room for him. His face is well tanned from what has likely been a lifetime in the sun and he walks with a casual ease. ”I am Idmech Daniay. I serve as one of the caravan guards for Miss Ashin. Two days ago we were ambushed on the road to Issust Hold, little more than a days journey outside of Coran. Several men and one woman dressed in the livery of the empire approached us with claims that our captain was smuggling flayleaf. When our caravan captain refused to bow to their fraudulent demands they attacked us. There were several hiding in the trees, a catfolk, a wizard of some kind who conjured up a demon, and another whom I did not get a good look at, had a cloak pulled down close over his head.” The room is silent has Idmech continues the tale. ”Seeing the caravan guard rushing toward them they ensorcelled our captain, and demanded we depart. I had already taken several arrow wounds, and some of the men were also hurt. Being as we were outmatched we had no choice but to withdraw and have seen naught of the caravan or our captain since.”
Mister di Alkanov stands again, ”Will you deny Miss Ashin redress for the loss of her caravan? And Idmech brings up a concerning point, are the patrols no longer to be trusted? Do they harass the honest and hard working folk for their own gain now?” More mutters from the crowd at the questions.
The mages confer for a moment with one another then older mage who has been conducting speaks again, ”I can assure you Mister di Alkanov that those who waylaid the caravan are not representatives of the tower.” His look shows anger that such would even be suggested as true. He turns his gaze to the woman, ”Miss Ashin what was the value of your caravan?”
Her voice is nasally, ”Fifteen hundred gold crowns Master Liam.”
The mage sighs resignedly, ”Very well, we will see your losses are covered.” He leans over to to confer with one of his associates again to whisper for a moment. ”And from forthwith there will be a change in the road patrols. Two members from a patrol will hereby accompany all further caravans as both added protection and to prevent any such attempts to impersonate government authority. The same will be done for all sailing vessels headed down the coast to Issust Hold or to the islands.”
Anton di Alkanov nods his head, a frown on his face, perhaps not quite the solution he had been hoping for.
As Mister di Alkanov takes his seat the elderly mage speaks again, ”Coen Aldath, you may take the podium.”
A man in rich clothing and jewelry stands, one ear is pierced and a tattoo of a dragon climbs along one side of his face. He is a little taller than average with blonde hair and a handsome face. His voice is a clear tenor as he speaks. ”You are well aware I'm sure of the murders in the city streets of two nights past Master Liam.” Coen's face grows dark for a moment, but he suppresses whatever anger he has. ”I also heard this afternoon a rumor that Radgar the Butcher has returned, and that he was responsible for the murders.” There are gasps and murmurs among the crowd. ”What do you know of this news? It is also said there was a small settlement a day east of Gumlat that was slaughtered.” His hands clench and unclench around the pulpit.
Master Liam is about to speak, but one of the other mages puts a hand on his arm and stops him. The other has a finely trimmed black beard and mustache, he is of average height and a little overweight. He stands to address Coen, his voice is calm when he speaks. ”We have indeed heard that news. And I myself traveled there this afternoon to see for myself if these rumors were true. I will tell you there indeed has been an atrocity committed. However, it could not have been Radgar that committed the murders in the city. That is a separate incident .” His eyes flicker your direction. "We already have several leads on this particular case, with two of their number having been taken."
"You will see the matter of Radgar through personally, Master Veray?" inquires an ifrit woman from near the back of the crowd.
Master Veray looks around the room for a moment, his eyes settling on the woman when he finds her. "I will be overseeing the hunt for Radgar. He will not escape." Master Veray speaks with confidence, the apprehension of the murderer is a foregone conclusion in his mind. "We are also increasing the watch patrols until he is apprehended."
Coen speaks up again, "And what are we supposed to do until he is caught? No one is safe while he roams free."
"I cannot deny that what you say is true Mr Aldath. Radgar is very dangerous. If any encounter the man they should immediately find members of the city guard. In the meantime though we cannot let our fears rule us."
Coen calls out, bristling with anger, ”Ten years ago that animal evaded the city guards and the towers mages. What makes you believe he will not simply outwit you again?”
Master Veray's face darkens and his eyes narrow, but his voice remains calm. ”I was not on the council ten years ago Mr Aldath. There will be no escape for him and he will be executed for his crimes, both past and present.”
There is a tension in the air, though none seem willing to openly express their doubts regarding the mages words. Coen Aldath returns to his seat. Master Liam calls out, ”Are there any others who have issues they would like to bring before this council?”
A woman in her late twenties stands to address the mages, ”This afternoon there was a brawl in the city and one murder in broad daylight. It is rumored that the merchants guild has connections with these criminal elements and that they were involved in this. What information can you give us regarding this?”
"False rumors. The merchants are upstanding members of this community."
Several murmurs of quiet disagreement come from a few near the back, clearly not everyone holds the merchant's guild in high esteem.
Cindy nods. But of course. I had hoped to get to attend the meeting and it would be my pleasure to attend in the company of Masters Sorrin and di Alkanov.
While waiting for the merchant masters she dons a new personal taking the form of a male human guard. When di Alkanov arrives she speaks with him in friendly greeting asking about how her sorcerer friend is fairing in his employ and how the new ship might be fairing.
Later, at the meeting she recognizes the members of the mages council but does not recognize the 4th man.
If she can do so, she will cast Detect magic clandestinely before entering the meeting, and observer the proceedings through that enhancement.
Amon will use his ability to mask himself as a human and disguise himself as a bearded merchant. He leaves his animal companion in an ally hidden to keep an eye on the building.
During the meeting, he listens to the conversations and mingles while keeping an eye out for trouble.
Vayga looks around the room to see who there might feel unkindly toward her. After determining that everyone has one or more reason to hate her, albeit unfounded, she stands uncomfortably near the back exit.
Valdr whispers back, "I am glad that you are of like mind. The laws must be maintained and upheld for our society to continue down an orderly path. The citizens do not want disorder, anarchy or crime to run rampant. Those who disregard the laws, even minor ones, tip the scale and disrupt the peace of community. Let us recognize each other by the hammer and the scale, symbols of progress."
The mages accept your aid in transferring the prisoner, though the affair is uneventful. A compound surrounded by a 15' wall and fully lit by sunrods and protected by two dozen guards in medium armor, shields - at least those who are not obvious spell casters - take the prisoner in through a single narrow entryway to the prison.
While no mention is made of it, you expect the prisoner will be held in one of the below ground cells where common street knowledge tells of a anti-magic shell covering the basement cell block.
Anton di Alkanov chats in a friendly manner with Cindy, "Iryanzi hasn't been released yet. She is busy with community service though that should be finished in a day or two, which should be just about right to get the ship out to sea after some refitting and repairs."
Approaching the library reveals several strong auras of abjuration on the structure itself.
In library meeting hall, the number of magical aura's is overwhelming. While many of them are minor enchantments, more powerful aura's emanate from the mages, Sorrin and di Alkanov. The number of auras those is confusing and it is impossible to sort through them.
Amon passes the message from the Mage Guild to his friends.
Vayga stands uncomfortably clenching and unclenching her fists. Talk of Radgar has unsettled her.
Not much, but ten years back a number of gruesome murders occurred in the city, later all attributed to the man Radgar. A massive man hunt by the city guard, several mages from the tower, and the paladins of the Mithral Rose all worked together to find the man. They believed they had him cornered but he slipped from their grasp and had not been heard of since.
The meeting continues on for another hour though nothing of particular interest is brought to light. Petty complaints from various citizens of the higher classes of society. Master Liam of the council deals with each in turn, in most cases referring them to their local magistrates.
As the crowds begin to disperse Anton comments, "Not quite as droll as they usually are, but still not quite the excitement of life at sea hey?" he chuckles. "Thank you for your company, I shall be on my way home, but I believe Miss Ashin should like an escort to her residence." As di Alkanov is speaking you can see Mister Sorrin speaking with the mages, his face is slightly flushed and he looks agitated.
Miss Ashin gives you a nod that she is ready then strides towards the exit into the chilly night time air.
Once you are away from the crowds she speaks her voice is still nasally and is somewhat tense. "As you heard from Idmech I'm currently down a caravan captain. I have a shipment that is supposed to be heading up to Akleta carrying ores from the Hold. And with the reimbursement from the tower I need to organize a new wagon train down to the hold to make my promised delivery though, albeit now late."
"I'm of two minds though. Goblin raiders from the mountains have grown a bit more daring and I lost a single wagon carrying wool from Akleta a week ago. Four caravan guards, two horses and the one wagon were lost. The remaining members of the caravan were forced to flee. That leaves me concerned for sending the ore shipment north. On the other hand with the recent banditry on the caravan to Issust Hold I'm concerned over the safe delivery of the new caravan I'll be sending. I would be much obliged if you would agree to see either one or the other caravan to its destination. Your assistance would allow me to reassign a few of my normal caravan guards with the second group."
Goblin raids from the mountains on the caravans are rare, but not all that unusual.
Generally such raids are unsuccesful though, and even those that succeed the goblins generally grab what items they can carry from the wagons during the confusion of the intial attack then flee into the mountains. To actually lose a wagon and its full load is practically unheard of.
Vayga quickly steps up to Sorrin feeling the agitation he displays mingling with her own. Master Sorrin, what can I do to help? I'm very worried about this situation. She continues to clench and unclench her fists while looking suspiciously around the room.
Miss Ashin, I would be pleased to accept either assignment. While I would prefer to accept the job you most want to protect, I must admit to liking the idea of seeing the mountains this time of year. She looks to her friends to see if they have a preference.
"Vayga Glitterblade is it?" Master Sorrin responds. "Master Veray thinks it no big thing to have lured my daughter off into the life of adventure. She has been gone some thirteen years now but is returning home soon - to what? The seas plagued by pirates, a serial killer on the loose, the roads beset by bandits. Assuming she even arrives safely our mage friend here will no doubt encourage her to place herself in danger to help sort things out around town here. Mariann is a capable woman but accidents can and do happen in such situations." He gives a scowl at Master Veray, "And it is only due to the good fortunes of her friendship with a priestess of Serenrae that she has survived this far."
There is certainly no love lost between Mister Sorrin and the head of the mage council of seven.
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Miss Ashin visible relaxes at hearing that at least one of your number is willing to take on this task. "Of the two shipments, the one traveling north into the mountains is the more valuable one, and also, at least in times past, the more dangerous road. Trusting your friends are also agreeable to this task, the caravan should be ready to head out in the afternoon tomorrow. You can meet up with it at the western gate. Are there any additional provisions or supplies I can assist you with in preparing for this?"
Miss Ashin sags her shoulders, "It is probably to much to expect that anything could possibly be found or salvaged of the lost wagon, but among the caravan guard will be several of the men who were with the group that was ambushed. They can show you where the ambush took place. If it is prudent to do so could you also take a few hours to at least look around the area? Eight bales of wool would be a lot to haul off once the wagon left any trail large enough to allow its passage."
Vayga thinks back to her youth in the city before taking over guarding her father's caravans.
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Seeing mountains while doing what she's trained for her whole life appeals to Vayga. Also, mountains means goblins and goblins just need to be dealt with before.
Amon stands next to his barbarian companion and listens to Master Sorrin. I am sure we would be willing to help with either delivery mi amore. We could use some time out of the city due to the recent encounter and investigation is one of my strengths. I have a good knowledge of Issut Hold if you are still having problems there after we solve your issue in the North. We will definitely spend time investigating the ambush site. He takes the lady's hand and lightly kisses the back of it before bowing.
If there is nothing else, my partners and I should probably head home for a good night's rest and planning.