Pel notes Cressida's disposition towards Bashiel, but decides against commenting on it for now. Instead, he says, "And may Cayden's luck be on your side. I think we'll all need a bit of that in the days and weeks to come."
The arcanist takes his leave along with Bashiel and Zamanda. At Bashiel's words, Pel says, "A bar sounds like as good a place as any to try. We'd best find him quickly to update him on our conversation with Cressida. We can't afford to not be on the same page right now."
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Kalem sat in his favorite watering hole. It was where he had first met Bashiel in what felt like so long ago. He drank, but not too much. He half expected the watch to come kicking in the door any second now. He told himself not to worry. It was crowded there. Crowds tended to be like that. And it wasn't like anyone was stupid enough to march up to the leader of the watch and say "I'm a traitor! Guess what I did!" He chuckled at the thought of it. The look on Cress' face if something like that were to happen.
He figured that there were only two options here. The first, was that everything went well, and his friends would show up with another job from Cress. Or, someone saw what happened, and they were sitting in prison right now. Sure, Bash was an upstanding watchman, and Zamanda seemed to have some kind of familial pull. But this was treason. He'd be arrested before just for being a tiefling who had been too close to sketchy business. If anyone was to hang for treason, he had no doubt that he'd join them on the noose just because of the color of his eyes and skin.
He sipped his drink, the mirth of the ridiculous idea of anyone admitting treason to the watch no longer seeming so funny. This wasn't a game. He was honestly worried for his life, more so even than when they had fought the cultists. Delving into the cult's lair had felt almost dreamlike. But sitting in a jail cell? People coming to see him be killed for a crime he didn't commit? That he was worried about.
For the hundreth time he thought about skipping town. Joining everyone else with half a brain. Getting out while the going was good. But he had come to like his group. There were few people in his life who had ever actually accepted him. Fewer that he would call real friends. Despite his fear, he resolved to wait awhile yet.
It takes an hour or so of asking, but eventually you run across another tiefling who seems to know. ”A dark-skinned plane touched? Yeah, ‘Shadow’. Don’t rightly know where he lives but he’s usually drinking over at the Drunken Dragon. Careful. Can be rough over there if you’re, well, an outsider.” His look at the lot of you clearly suggests his conclusion as to which “side” your on.
Pel gets over his initial knee-jerk repulsion at the tiefling and thanks the man for the information.
He says to the others, "Shadow? Is that Kalem's nickname?"
The Queen dismantling the Guard. Cressida had seemed sure it would happen, and somehow he felt the same way. The Guard had many failings, it was true, but to disband it entirely was drastic, crazy even. Public order would rely entirely on what... the Hellknights? This new corps of Grey Maidens? Both would hardly be a replacement. The whole idea didn't seem quite real, and yet, he believed it.
At the same time, he thought about Cressida. Even in their current situation, she kept her cards close to her chest. Did she not trust them? Did she not want to risk the Guard's resources upon a group only recently tempered by the city's upheavals? Or did she hold some suspicion, seeing as they had been selected by the Queen?
Either way, his ancestors had *pushed* him towards a clean break with her. He was sure of it.
Phiatep's mental voice affirms his musings. ~պարտադիր է ձեզ հիմարություն: Հանել այն, ինչ կարող ես անել եւ դրանով զբաղվել: Դա մեր բնության մեջ մենակ քայլում է:~
"It's in our nature to walk alone"? I'm not so sure. The allies I've made so far have let me accomplish far more than I could have alone. Give them and Cressida a chance.
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Pel's voice snaps him out of his introspection. "Pel, I don't think he's ever used that name around us, but it isn't too much of a surprise. I met him for the first time a while ago at that bar. Took him for a small time criminal at that time to be honest, though of course he's become a much more upstanding sort since. It doesn't surprise me that he has a pseudonym or two."
Bashiel strides into the bar, answering every hostile glance with an amiable smile. While its not quite his normal stomping ground, he's been here enough times to be used to the reception. Spying Kalem at a table, he orders a drink, makes his way over and drops down into a chair.
"How's the drink, Shadow?" He grins at the tiefling. "You've got nothing to worry about, by the way. At least not yet. The boss seemed happy with what we did rather than eager to turn us in. I'd like to give you the full details, but this isn't really the right place for it." He leans back and takes a look around, then beckons the rest of the group to join them if they haven't. "Quinn's friend wants to chat, and his place might be a better spot to get you up to speed. Are you with us?" He extends a hand to Kalem.
Kalem smiled with relief at Bashiel, and downed his drink. "Shadow? Huh. Different name for a different life. But yes, I'm with you Bash. If it wasn't for you I'd be a horser right now. Let's go. You can fill me in on the way."
Zamanda looks over at Kalem when he uses the derogatory word for the Shoanti, not having pegged him as such a racist. Too bad. she thinks.
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Quinn smiles to see Kalem is well and in fairly good spirits, "You had them worried!" You leave the Drunken Dragon -- suffering only a few side-long glances and sharp elbows on your way out -- and make your way to Orisini Academy at 16 Hillcrest Street. A sign hangs from the front door "Classes Cancelled Today." Quinn pulls out a key and opens the door anyway, calling into the interior, "Vencarlo, it's me, I brought our friends." He ushers you inside then closes the door behind you. You find Vencarlo in his study but, one thing you notice, is that all of the windows to the academy have been shuttered and curtained. He speaks in hushed tones as he welcomes you, then says, "I was making ready to leave town with our mutual friend when a new development arose. Don't worry, she is safe, but this concerns someone else. Ah, and here she is now..."
You turn around to find entering the room is a woman wearing simple traveling clothes and holding a wide-brimmed rider's hat and a wig of long red curls. She seems nervous and fearful.
Vencarlo says, "It's alright dear, come over here." To you, "You were all at the queen’s debacle, so I don’t doubt you recognize this charming young woman. Her name is Clara. I had only just reached my home the night of Her Majesty’s morbid gala when that troublemaker Blackjack and this startled woman arrived at my doorstep. The so-called “people’s hero” and I have had some dealings in the past, but it’s been some years since I’ve seen the scoundrel.
"He was quick with his words and soon swooped off, doubtlessly to right some other festering wrong, but not before entrusting Miss Clara to my protection and care. Although I don’t know Blackjack’s motives or politics, I trust his judgment and have seen much right done by his blade. He says this woman is innocent of the crime she’s been accused of, and -- in addition to that other matter we've been dealing with -- I’m more disposed to trust a hero of the city than the tantrums of some bloody-minded child playing at queen.
“The matter is simple: Korvosa is no longer safe for her. I’ve arranged for friends in Harse—a couple of well respected ranchers—to take in our beautiful renegade until this whole ‘assassination’ foolishness blows over. It’s the first leg of the journey where we find our problem, though. Ever since the queen’s put a price on her head, mercenaries, soldiers, and the queen’s new Gray Maidens have been searching for the young lady tirelessly. They’ve stopped by here three times so far, and each time I’ve only just barely been able to turn them away without inviting a search.
"My most reliable contacts have gone to ground in light of the recent uprisings, and Her Highness’s bounty for 'Trinia’s' capture makes the use of new agents inadvisable. Thus, after some time to let her trail cool, I turned to you resourceful lot. Care to escort a lady home?”
Zamanda likes the idea, but is worried about what will happen in the city while they are gone.
How long will this trip take, do you think? And, no offense meant, because I honestly want to help, and won't refuse in any case, but is it possible for you to bankroll our efforts? With the possible outbreak threatening (have you heard?), I prefer to be doing something that helps me prepare and protect my family, which in this case means making sure I have the means to get them cured should the outbreak touch them.
'Dealings with Blackjack, a man who hasn't shown himself in years? He's definitely hiding something.' Varor thinks as he listens to the man explain the situation. 'Still Blackjack has done good for the city in the past. Besides who am I to judge. ...No I shouldn't think that way, we all have our sins but ignoring them is a sin in and of itself.'
On the way to the Academy, Bashiel brings Kalem up to speed on the basics of their discussion with Cressida, using some oblique language to avoid references to the Queen (just in case). He concludes with "...So with Cressida playing damage control, we're likely to be at least somewhat independent for a while. I'll be frank with you. It's going to be dangerous work, and its probably not going to pay well, if at all. If we're lucky we'll be able to seize some resources from any Urgathoans we bust, like we did in the Grey District. But other than that its volunteer work."
"I know the pay matters a lot to you, but the city desperately needs people to keep it together. And we would be in a hard spot without you. I wouldn't blame you if you left for Magnimar or Kaer Maga if you're adventurous, but we could use your help."
"Harse?" Bashiel tries to run a hand across his beard only to realize that a gauntlet and beard don't mix well. He winces and continues "I don't know much beyond the city, but that's somewhere rural, right? Far from here. I don't know if we can spare the time. There are pressing matters for us to investigate in the city. As Zamanda mentions, there's an outbreak brewing, and if we can I'd like to stop it."
He shakes his head. "We do owe you. But you ask us for something that would come at great cost to us and maybe at great cost to the city." Bashiel's words grow increasingly uncertain as he speaks. Though he tries to think rationally about the use of manpower, the girl's plight is obvious and immediate. He can't help but feel responsible.
Pel's glad that they were able to find Kalem so easily. With Korvosa growing more dangerous by the day, Pel had half-expected to hear that Kalem was dead or had at least skipped town. He realizes that he had been foolish to think that. Kalem doesn't strike him as one to run from anything.
Once at the Academy, Pel considers Vencarlo. The man has a business that seems quite well off. And he appears to have been around the block a few times. Why would he risk associating with someone as controversial as Blackjack? Pel decides that now isn't the right time to ask. Even if he'd heard of Orisini and his Academy, this is Pel's first time actually meeting the man. It would hardly do to interrogate him.
Instead, Pel considers the man's request. They had helped Trinia, so would they deny help to the Queen's replacement scapegoat? And yet, Pel finds Bashiel's wisdom quite helpful in this situation. By all accounts, Trinia had made it out of the city just fine. It's what's inside the city that's dangerous. Did they really have to escort the girl all the way to Harse?
"I'm afraid Bashiel is correct," Pel says. "Blackjack was able to get her out of the worst danger. Is there a reason she can't be sent the rest of the way to safety just as Trinia was?"
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So it comes down to this?
Ilsa feels conflicted as she considers their options. The Queen had recruited the group, personally. It had been the Queen, at least through her marshal Cressida, who had helped her find Briget. And the Queen was the ruler, both nominally and in fact.
Do we risk a lifetime in prison, or more likely death, if we help Clara?
She purses her lips as she considers this probability.
"This is dangerous work you are asking of us," she says to Vencarlo. "I have a niece to take care of. But...something has turned for the worse in this city. I have to do...something. And we can't allow someone to die as a scapegoat. I want to help."
Vencarlo seems a little surprised by your collective reticence. "I can, of course, fund the means of escape, providing horse and supplies for the travel. And you would not need to go all the way to Harse. You need only escort Clara to a wayside inn called Trots where a friend of mine, Jasan Adriel, will take her the rest of the way. It's a 12-mile trip and, if you leave now, you'd be back tomorrow, and I'll also give you coin for a room at the inn if that's a problem. I'd take her myself but, to clear up any confusion, the real Trinia Sabor is still in Korvosa. My intent is to take her in one direction while you take Clara here another."
He looks at her, then back to you and adds, "What are we to Korvosa if we do not help the innocent when they are in need?"
Quinn chimes in, trying to soften the risk of a potentially escalating debate over moral obligations. "Ven, there's something else that you might be able to help with. The field marshal has a set of her own concerns now and has had to cut off ties with us. It's complicated. But, in short, they could use a safe house of sorts. I don't know if you have anything like that available..." His voices drifts off as a brow arches in query.
Vencarlo stares at Quinlan, the edge in his features softening somewhat, and he sighs with a nod. "Yes... yes, of course. I've an old townhouse here in Old Korvosa I could give you use of. It's hardly luxurious but it's sturdy. I can also give you five-hundred gold to offset any personal expenses."
He looks at the lot of you expectantly.
I'm in says Zamanda.
Kalem watched all of this in silence. What they were talking about was treason. Beyond just yelling out in a crowd. But actual, honest to the heavens, treason. And he was conflicted. On one hand, this woman was innocent of the crime she was being executed for...but he was still fairly sure that the queen would have chosen her scapegoat carefully. Someone who was guilty of another crime, and whose disappearance wouldn't be missed.
He had been motivated to fight and bleed out of the promise for a better life. Now...what? The watch was no more, so they were out of a job. What were they going to do?
"I feel the need to ask, and I hope that nobody takes this the wrong way...but are we talking treason here? If we are here to root out the Urgathoans, then I'm all for it. If we are here to keep order, well, there are worse things to do. But if we are talking about revolution, or supporting a revolution, then, well.." He chuckled "My face is far too pretty to be seen hanging from a noose."
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Ilsa nods at Kalem. "I have the same concerns, if I'm honest with myself," she says.
"But...maybe the Queen doesn't have all the facts. What if...what if someone lied to her, and she is just making the best decision she has with the facts she's been given? Then, if we saved Clara and Trinia, we would be saving the Queen from making a big mistake," she says with a hint of optimism, though it's unclear whether she believes it herself.
"We are talking about treason but what's your point?" Varor asks. "Buddy we already committed treason when we didn't turn in the actual alleged assassin. Besides I don't think anybody here is actually talking about a full on revolt. The Queen has been doing a lot of shady things but she hasn't been that bad all in all. And even if we were talking about a revolt, who would we replace the Queen with? I can name three people who would be qualified for the job and I don't think any of them would actually be interested in taking it."
He turns over to Ilsa shaking his head saying, "I'm sorry Ilsa, but no. Even if the Queen was working on misinformation there's no denying that she was scapegoating Clara, or have you forgotten that she's the one who started the hunt for Trinia in the first place."
"My point, elf, is that I don't want to hang from the gallows. How long do your kind live again? You don't look old, so I'm assuming that you've got many a year left in you. If you don't hang next to me. SO what I'm saying is this. Do a good turn? Fine by me. But what I don't want is to get wrapped up with some caped crusader I know nothing about. Because while YOU don't know who to replace the queen, with, from where I was standing it seemed like he had a few ideas. Few people call for the end of the monarchy without an idea of what to replace it with."
How much could a day away hurt? Pel thinks to himself.
Quite a lot, he replies to himself.
Perhaps replying to himself wasn't a good thing. That's a sign someone's crazy. Or at least mentally disturbed. Perhaps he had read a few too many treatises on psychological health at the Acadamae.
Shaking his head, Pel returns to the matter at hand. "I don't think we're talking about revolution, Kalem. Even if Clara is guilty of a crime, she's not guilty of the King's murder. And I, for one, think that Blackjack's intervention indicates she's not guilty of anything worth punishing her for.
"If we'll just be away for a day, I don't think it'll hurt too much. There have been no reports of illness that I'm aware of. Perhaps we can check with Varor's temple or the Church of Abadar when we return. If anyone has heard of something brewing, it would be them."
To Vencarlo, Pel says, "I'll help. But are you sure you'll be fine taking Trinia to safety on your own? I don't want to risk either of their lives, or yours, for that matter."
Kalem sighed. "Just so long as we are on the same page. This group hasn't steered me wrong yet. Let's do what needs to be done."
Zamanda is happy to participate in anything that Vencarlo or Blackjack suggest, honestly, but she looks around and keeps her mouth firmly shut, thinking that if she expressed her own feelings about the queen it would only encourage Kalem and Ilsa to stay behind.
The 500 gold was the icing on the cake, because she needed to save up money to buy some cure disease potions for her parents if possible. She hoped they could prevent the outbreak, but wasn't all that confident, so preparation for the worst was her main concern.
Kalem's comments have fueled his curiosity, so Bashiel peers at 'Clara' and utters a short mental prayer to focus his mind.
As the others chime in to voice their own perspectives on this mission, Bashiel seems more and more swayed towards helping Clara. He offers "I think we can spare a day. I had thought this would take us out of the city for weeks. That kind of time we don't have. But if we can bring an innocent to safety, I am happy to dedicate a day. Cressida may pull through on those informants for us in the mean time. And as you suggest Pel, we can ask the temples about any signs of disease once we return."
"As for our position here with respect to the crown, I'm with Pel and Ilsa. We're hardly trying to incite revolution. This is a miscarriage of justice being set right, not some great crime against the crown. The Queen may only be searching to save face after that madman Blackjack subverted her first public event." Maybe. We are certainly defying the Queen's will in this, whether that counts as treason or not depends on how strongly she cares...
"Vencarlo, I'm in to help her as well. And your offer of a townhouse is very generous. Of late we've found ourselves in need of a new place to meet and organize our efforts."
Vencarlo smiles wryly as you discuss treason and rebellion. "Oh, no. Let's not get so far ahead of ourselves. This is just about helping a pair of innocent women wrongly accused of crimes they didn't commit."
As Bashiel studies the woman, he finds no trace of evil. She looks fretfully about as you discuss her fate and stammers just a bit as she says, "I truly appreciate it, m'lords, m'ladies. I swear it, I 'aven't done nothin' to the Queen nor the King, rest his soul."
Vencarlo nods, "See? Innocent." He suddenly shakes his head and becomes serious, "No, truly... I recognize this is a bit of a bind. You're young, most of you," he glances at Varor. "and you're going from one side of the law to, if not quite the other side, definitely not the same side. But, take it from an older, wiser man... the law isn't always just and sometimes the little people get caught in the gears and ground up. The law is there to serve the people, not the other way around. But, anyway, I blather away when you've already agreed to help. I should be saying thank you."
He gives you coin and then helps Clara don her disguise, and finishes up with the last of the directions. "Cross the North Bridge and you can procure horses for rent from the stable. Don't tell them you know me. The point of this is to gain some anonymity and avoid attention. I'll be leaving town in a disguise with the real Trinia. Head to Trots, just a few hours ride east of here. When you get there, wait for Jasan. He's a beast of a man, size of a bear but the heart of a puppy. He'll take care of Clara and see her to safety. Anything else"
Varor glances at Clara before turning back to Vencarlo and says, "One promise of a story on why you know Blackjack would be nice, but you're a smart man and a smart man would lie about knowing such a rogue. So I'll just take one promise that if everything goes wrong this is all your fault."
Can only make it on a 20, but figured I would try.
Vencarlo's words make perfect sense to Zamanda. She nods, and after he explains what they are to do, she says North Bridge, Rent horses, East to Trots, Meet Jasan. Got it.
Bashiel doesn't really agree with Vencarlo's cavalier attitude towards what the law is or is not, but the idea that the law is there to serve the people resonates with him. He can't help but give a small nod at that in the midst of Vencarlo's explanation of what to do next.
He stops to think about the current state of the city to get a sense for how difficult it'll be to leave the city by the North Bridge.
"I can't think of anything at the moment. When do you expect to return, should we need to speak with you?"
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Don't worry Clara, we'll make sure you are safe.
Pel is a little out of his element here in Old Korvosa but Bashiel’s time with the Guard lends him some insights into the best way to avoid patrols. There will still be issues at the bridge — and any crossing of the Jeggare River — but should be manageable if you can avoid attracting suspicion.
As you prepare to leave, Quintana pulls you aside from Vencarlo and Clara. ”Look, I think I’m going to go with Ven for now. He needs help with all of this. But, you should take this...” He hands one of you the Harrow Deck. ”Zellara has been pushing at my mind lately. I think she wants to talk. I wouldn’t wait too long as I get the sense she may take matters into her own hands.” He hesitates, then adds, ”Good luck.”
Kalem walks over to Quin and puts his hand on his shoulder. After a moment, he said ”Be safe.” He wanted to say more, but didn’t quite have the words for it. Having said his peace, he turned and walked away.
What does a deck of cards have to do with a woman named Zellara? Pel wonders. He's thoroughly confused by the matter. Perhaps things will become clearer once he actually meets this mysterious Zellara.
"Take care, Quinn. And you as well, Vencarlo. Korvosa needs as many good people as it can get these days."
To the rest of those present, Pel says, "We should probably head for the bridge soon. The sooner we leave the sooner we'll be able to return."
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Ilsa gives Quin a hug before he leaves.
They all did so much for me...how could I ever pay them back? They have become my closest friends in just a matter of weeks.
Ilsa takes the deck of cards from Quin and begins looking through it.
"Maybe I should hold this," she suggests. "I think that maybe...maybe Zellara's magic is the same kind I have. I think we should try to find her sooner than later. Perhaps before we go." She looks at Pel and Zamanda.
"This will take some explaining..." she says.
"We can explain later in Old Korvosa when we have some privacy, for now let's just get Clara out of the city," Varor says.
Bashiel shakes hands with Quinn and Vencarlo, offering a "Good luck, both of you. See you in the next couple of days, hopefully."
"Ilsa, I'm eager to talk to Zellara too, but-" He glances at Clara "-maybe we can save it for once we're done here. There's a lot to talk about, and some of it is quite sensitive. The privacy of Vencarlo's townhouse in Old Korvosa seems the right place for it." He nods at Varor's suggestion.
He steps over, puts his hand on Clara's back and guides her gently out of the house. "Alright Miss Clara, just stay calm and we'll have you safely out of the city in no time. With Vencarlo's disguise, you won't even be given a second glance."
While there are a few tense moments, particularly when crossing the bridge under the eyes of the Guard and a pair of Gray Maidens, you're able to slip out of Korvosa without incident. You find Clara eventually warms up and begins to talk. She is friendly if a little in shock over all that has happened. If anyone asks about Blackjack, she is at first effusive with gratitude but then becomes evasive if asked for details.
When you're about an hour away from Trots, the sun is just beginning to dip across the horizon when a series of loud 'cawing' sounds come from above. You hear the flap of enormous feathered wings and then a pride of hippogriffs swoop across the tree tops. Spotting you, they circle about then land in a circle around you. They paw at the ground and shriek.
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Bashiel calls out in shock when the hippogriffs come out of seemingly nowhere "What are these things? Other than really angry?" His hand goes right to his longsword. "Well, whatever they are we have Clara to protect. I've got this one!"
He rushes forwards in a charge, drawing his longsword and swinging in for a deadly blow with both hands.
For a moment, Zamanda just stares in awe at the beautiful creatures, wishing that somewhere in her misspent youth she had learned to handle animals. One of these would be a magnificent mount.
Then she shakes herself and, seeing Bashiel attacking, attempts to assist in dealing with the threat.
Kalem didn’t know what the creatures were exactly, but he knew hostility when he saw it. Well, at least this is a chance to test out what my blood can do he thought. He charged forward, his eyes blazing, his hammer aflame, and his fingers having turned into claws.
”And I’ve got this one!”
Pel notes how strange it is for the hippogriffs to be in this area, near a relatively significant roadway. Perhaps it was just unlucky and the beasts only recently moved in.
To his companions, Pel shouts, "They're notoriously territorial. I don't think we're going to be able to just scare them away. And since we're so close to a roadway, I think it's best we end the danger both for ourselves and for other passersby."
Pel turns toward Clara and says, "Stay close. We'll keep you safe."
Turning back to the hippogriffs, Pel draws from his arcane reservoir to enhance his next spell. Targetting the hippogriff to the northwest, Pel released a volley of magical missiles at the beast.