Father Peter points to the fancy dagger and ring on the desk.
"What was the significance of these items?
Captain Ronald looks at Father Peter.
"Why are you here? What do you have to do with all this? Do you know these people?"
"Heavens no! But if there are fiends about, we must stop them!"
Captain Ronald looks at Bob.
"And why are you here? ... And who's Angelina?"
"Don't you remember, Sir, when we had that... Uh... 'fire problem' a few years back... Angelina's the one who saved us... I told you all about it..."
"Ah, yes. Blue-haired woman. Met her once. Lovely girl."
Father Peter looks around the crowded office.
"Where is she?"
"I need to know what the real threat to Vigilant is. What are these things capable of? What kind of numbers are we talking about? Who's behind all this, and why?"
He looks down.
"And, could someone take these bloody things off my desk?!"
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Natanja, having stood silently to the side of Eli in the Captain's chamber, reached across her tall cousin and took hold of the strings of the sack and pulled the cargo of dead imps away, dropping the bag to the floor. There was no need to further unsettle the Captain of the Guard. Oko stood unblinkingly on her shoulder.
Eli qietly waits for the confusion and responses to sort themselves out. He watches Natanya put the imp corpses back into his bag. "Thank you, cousin." he states flatly, nodding with respect.
Turning back to the captain, after a pause, "I have spoken what we know. You asked for swift and thorough answers. You have received them. We do not know numbers. We only know basics." Eli explains flatly.
"I took this axe because none living were around to use it, and we expected an attack that never came. It would have been sinful to waste such. If it is yours by right, take it. I am no bandit." he proffers the axe towards the captain.
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Her voice was as husky as always when she addressed the leader of the guards.
"I am called Natanja. My cousin, Eli, has shared with you all that we know or have seen. We certainly cannot tell you their numbers, only they may be assembling even now as we speak. If you have seasoned scouts who may scatter and gather information then perhaps you may choose to do so. We had to ensure the safe return of Gina to her kinsman and have made our report to you. What more can we aid you with at this time, Captain Ronald?"
The faint scent of smoke can be detected now they are ensconced in the Captain's chamber.
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"Imps are nasty, tricky critters. Not only can they give a poisoned sting, they can fly away invisibly afterward, causing all kinds of deadly mischief. However, usually they vanish out of this world a short time after being summoned into it ... or so I thought..."
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Azmaria listened to the echange, she wondered if this is what it was like when mother superior had to go before the council of saints.
Finally she pulls out her gun. pointing it up in the air.
enough already!, I am Sister Azmaria, of the Holy order of the Didache in the city of York. It is duty of our order to protect God's creations from the incursions of fiends from the depths of Hell.
These creatures are commonly referred to as Imps, They are born directly from the pits of Hell, imps are among the least of the true devils; these vicious, manipulative fiends, however, hold an important role in the corruption of mortal souls. Unfettered from the ranks and duties of diabolical armies, imps delight in any opportunity to travel to this world and subtly tempt mortals toward acts of ever-greater depravity. In truth, though, an imp works to deliver souls to Hell, assuring that its master's soul—and as many collateral souls as possible—faces damnation upon death.
she pauses a second.
This is what faces your city. So you can sit and discuss, or, you can take action. I have prepared a full report to send back to Mother Superior back in York. and should it be requested by this council, a contingent of milita and exorcists special trained to battle the forces of Hell. of course it will take time for them to arrive, so in the meantime, you will have to simply trust us.
Azmaria takes a deep breath having finally spoken up.
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Oko squawked and ruffled her shimmering, white feathers before settling back down. The gunfire was overly dramatic as seemed to be Azmaria's way. Natanja wondered how a captain of the guard would take such a show and waited for his response.
As she waited, Natanja silently pondered her own knowledge of such things after Azmaria had her say.
Everyone falls silent at Sister Azmaria's dramatic interjection.
Captain Ronald glances at the fresh hole through his office ceiling as the two guards in the room ready their weapons to attack Sister Azmaria, looking to their boss for affirmation. The Captain speaks...
"First of all, I don't care whether you're the Queen herself. You WILL holster that weapon, Sister. And if you ever discharge a firearm in my office again, you WILL be put under arrest. Do I make myself clear?"
Two more guards fling open the office door, weapons at the ready. Captain Ronald orders them to stand down and return to their duties. He then continues speaking to Sister Azmaria and the rest of you...
"Second, presuming Vigilant survives the incoming fiendish onslaught, you're paying to fix my roof."
He looks at Natanja.
"Third, as far as aiding me goes, I need more information. Are we talking about an army or an infiltration? When? Why? You killed three of these things. What do you recommend for defenses?"
"Zzzzzzzz" *Snuggle, snuggle*
Father Peter steps up to Sister Azmaria and offers his hand.
"Father Peter, Servant of God on the path of Saint Pelor. It's an honor to meet you, Sister. That was an inspiring speech. What action do you suggest?"
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Cernan, quiet except for the properly-filed report he handed in (that was overshadowed by a bunch of imp corpses) speaks up.
"Captain Roland, I apologize for the brash behavior of my compatriots. The fact is, we don't know exact details of the threat. The only one with a firsthand view of the assault was a small girl, who is likely traumatized beyond clear memory."
"We do know that the imps we fought behaved as forward scouts might. I would recommend posting a few guards with good eyesight—or a few magic traps against invisibility—at vital entry points to the city; the best way to get more information would be to intercept one of these imps, alive if possible... though unlikely."
"Second, you'll need silvered weapons. A lot of them: enough, at least, for every guardsman to carry at least one silvered weapon or a fistful of bolts. Make sure these are carried on every patrol. I can assist with this if necessary."
Natanja was ready to respond to the Captain's subsequent question when Cernan spoke up and answered it. She merely gave a brisk nod in agreement and remained silent.
The Captain flips through Cernan's report appreciatively, nodding as he scans it.
He then writes something quickly on a sheet of paper, signs it, and hands it to one of the guards in the room...
"Put everyone on high alert. Double duty, starting now. Potential threat of invisible, flying enemies. Go."
The guard nods and slips out of the room.
Captain Ronald then looks back at Cernan and Eli...
"You said these things are weak against silvered weapons, that you recovered silver and other resources from Endurant, and that you can make or otherwise acquire silvered weapons for our guard. If you're willing to provide this, I request such weapons for two-dozen men."
He looks at Sister Azmaria...
"You mentioned sending for back-up. If these others will be shooting enemies and not ceilings, then, by all means, send for them."
He looks at Natanja...
"Our resources are, unfortunately, limited, and mostly traditional in nature. I have heard no warnings of anything like this, until now. What men I have, I will use to defend Vigilant. You seem highly capable of gathering information. If you are able to learn more about this threat, about numbers and tactics, or about who is behind it, I would appreciate you reporting to me again."
He looks back at Cernan...
"You also mentioned magic traps against invisibility. I'm afraid I'm not knowledgeable about such things. If you have such devices, or a means by which I might acquire them, please inform me. We're more prepared to defend against traditional forces. A threat such as this ... is disturbing to say the least ... as is the lack of knowledge about our enemy."
"I apologize Captain. I will find a Carpenter for your roof." Aeryth turns and leaves to go find a Carpenter in town.
EDIT:
"My Uncle Max is a carpenter! He could fix it!"
"Thank you Gina." Aeryth turns to the Captain. "If you have a forge I can help make those silver weapons." He stays a minute to hear the Captain's reply.
"I can order a local blacksmith to grant you access to his forge."
He scribbles another note, signs it, adds a wax seal, and hands it to Aeryth.
"I don't know where my Uncle Max lives, though. I only visited him here in the big city once. Most years, he came to see us."
"I know where Max's shop is. He replaced my counters for me just last month."
"I'll need to inform The Lord Mayor about this threat shortly. Is there anything else I should know before we split up? Where can the lot of you be reached?"
"Thank you both. What kinds of weapons do your guards use? Should I be making Swords, spears, axes, hammers?"
"My men could use any of the weapons you mentioned, but are probably most practiced with swords and spears. However, what weapons would be best against these flying things? Spears or bolts, perhaps?"
"Captain," says Eli, "while I have little experience personally, I do have some suggestions. In the ways of the Embishiu, the bow is considered a sacred weapon of evil's bane. While most of it is likely just ritual, it may well be that such ritual is built upon a basis of truth." he explains in his monotone.
Nodding, he continues, "Other ideas we have forged include locking windows and putting barbed nets - not barbed wire, but simple nets with sharp prongs all around - with bells attached, enough so that roughly four individuals working together could not easily disassemble it. This will have consequences including tangling anything that attempts to get through, and alerting those on the other side. More simplistic is simply placing bells that automatically go off on the other side of doors and windows when they are opened. While not an offensive measure, this may well help people to be more defensively prepared than they were in Endurant. Additionally, if flour or some other common but sticky and fluffy dust is available, perhaps it would be good to have on-hand to cast into the air - perhaps it would reveal an invisible presence in the gap left by such." he says flatly.
Eli nods at the bag on the floor. "Spirits these may be, but they are flesh, as any are. They are much tougher than they look - hard to harm, and hard to kill. They recovered from wounds we dealt them quickly, and were difficult to harm in the first place. Their stings slow the body and reactions. I do not know if there is a cure, though it slowly recovers on its own. Do any of you know, cousins." Eli... asks, yes, he's asking a question. "Also, Chap, Arabeth, and those guarding them should be informed of what we said here today."
Turning to the captain he says, "Ah, and your question was unanswered. Apologies. We are currently staying at the Green Tree Inn, run by Lady Alice and Master Bob here." he gestures. "You should ultimately be able to contact us there, if needed. Beyond that, I offer my skills as an armorer, to better assist with anything needed. I do not know that I will be able to progress far on such a large project, though I am quite willing to help as I can." he explains.
After that, Eli looks at Aeryth. "I agree that it is important to see 'Uncle' Max Gelthis. Let us go and do this together." he nods at the man.
Father Peter steps up to Sister Azmaria and offers his hand.
"Father Peter, Servant of God on the path of Saint Pelor. It's an honor to meet you, Sister. That was an inspiring speech. What action do you suggest?"
Azmaria takes the father's hand greeting him. I am Sister Azmaria, Exorcist for the Holy order of the Didache, unfortunately the methods we use at the order are not available to us here. What I might recommend is.... her sentence cut short as the Captain again barks out orders and questions....Azmaria, simply shuts up and listens. she turns to leave once the orders are given, deciding what part she wants to follow. it no longer mattered what she thought the best course would be, the Captain has already decided.
Azmaria will accompany Gina to her Uncle's place, since Vincent has moved on, Azmaria has taken responsibility for her, there is little else she can do at the present.
As she slowly opens her eyes she give s soft huff to blow a loose strand of hair from her face even as she gazes wistfully at Chap asleep within the bed of the wagon. A smile plays across Arabeth's lips though what brings her joy or humor of any one's guess. Slowly, gently, softly, carefully Arabeth works her way off the wagon and onto the stable floor. She looks around at those who are also present.
"So... how goes things? Have we a place to stay and rest properly? How are things for meals and bathing?" She asks quietly. She absently picks straw from her great cloak, even as she adjusts its sit upon her shoulders.
The Captain nods at Eli.
"Nets, bells, flour. Got it."
He looks at Natanja, confirming contact location...
"Green Tree Inn?"
He also starts to gather Cernan's report and a few other things from his desk in preparation to leave for his report to the Lord Mayor. His hands brush the fancy dagger and hawk crest ring lying there. He glances down at them.
"Why do I have these?"
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Lesith jumps when Azmaria fire her gun. She looks slack awed at the woman impetuousness.
"And I thought I was impulsive!"
To the Captain she answers.
"We found them in the town ruins. The girl has told us they belonged to a vising noble that we fear probably died in the attack."
When the Captain is about to leave she asks.
"Do you mind if I tag along to see Lord Mayor Vertin? Maybe I could be of assistance if he has questions."
In his relentless monotone, Eli looks at the captain, "Lesith is correct. As I said before, the ring and dagger belonged to a noble we believe was named 'Hawk-thorn' from what Gina can recall and our own Vincent can think of." he goes to gesture, but doesn't see him. Odd. "Hm. Regardless, it seems this 'Sir Hawkthorn' was in Endurant at the time of the attack and destruction. If there is no reason to hold those items, we will continue to do so. Also the axe, if not needed." he states emotionlessly.
Eli would gesture to the ring, dagger, and axe one more time, and, if taken, he would leave them with the captain, and otherwise would reclaim them.
"These I shall take and keep. I plan on turning them into something to protect one of us. Perhaps working with Cernan to generate something useful from what blood is left over or their stingers." he states flatly, picking up the imp corpses. Then, masked face looking at Father Peter, "Unless there is reason to do otherwise." he says. He glances at the captain. "Maybe show the guards what one looks like." he continues in monotone.
... it's... an... offer? Yes. It's an offer.
Chap stirs from her slumber, stretching out weary muscles before sitting up. She yawns as the others speak, but Chap is too weary to connect the words together to understand any intelligent thought or conclusion, at least for a moment.
Chap shifts herself to a slowly upright herherself, tugging at her armor where it was binding.
At Lesith's offer, the Captain hesitates, but Natanja speaks up...
"Captain, it may indeed be wise for some of us to be available to answer the Lord Mayor's questions directly, and we would be happy to accompany you."
The Captain nods.
"Fine."
He gestures towards Natanja, Cernan, and Lesith...
"You three, with me."
He finishes gathering the things on his desk, including the report, the dagger, and the ring.
He then looks to Eli.
"Please hand Mayor Daniel's axe and the sack of enemy corpses to my officer here. I currently require them as evidence. However, should they no longer be needed, I will return them to you."
He pauses and glances at Gina.
"I am sorry for your loss, child. You are welcome here in Vigilant. We will endeavor to ensure the protection of this town, so that it doesn't suffer a fate similar to that of Endurant."
Captain Ronald then steps to the side of his office door and gestures, expecting everyone to file out.
"Oh, um, thank you."
After all of you have exited Captain Ronald's office, Natanja kneels down next to Gina, Oko squaking slightly on her shoulder.
"You take care, Little One. Stay safe and be brave."
Gina suddenly wraps the woman with the fiery hair in a fierce hug.
"I will!"
"I shall return to my church to make preparations and warn the people."
Father Peter looks at Gina.
"Should you or your Uncle ever need assistance, my dear, remember, the Church of St. Pelor is open to you."
He turns to Sister Azmaria.
"I hope we will see each other again, under less dire circumstances."
Finally, Father Peter addresses the whole group of you.
"Thank you all for your work in uncovering and fighting this great evil.
I pray that good shall triumph in this land!"
With that, he heads off towards his church.
"I will head back to the stables to update the others. Also, I may be taking Kiwyn on something of a side trip, following a hunch that may prove to assist our cause. It is possible I won't see you for some time. Fare well, cousins."
And with those mysterious words, your Catfolk companion floats off.
You are struck by the memory of a harsh, grizzled man who was once a part of your company, but who departed, leaving behind only a note at the inn's front desk...