"Maybe her desire for revenge at her death was so great she sent us to kill him. Who knows? Either, way, Korvosa is better off with him dead."
Leaving the head, Garran picks up the ledger and flips through it. "This'll take some time to figure out, that's for sure."
He notes Kyoden and Alistair's reactions to the items they've found, and doesn't pry about them looking at them. I get the feeling the two of them lost loved ones to this monster.
He looks through the strongbox and says, "Lot of good loot here to sell. Edarra, you seem to have some kind of magical ability. You want this wand?"
Edita drops to her knees and starts caring for the sick kids. Although she clearly has no idea of the healing arts, she tries her best to make them comfortable.
We should get these to a temple. I guess, old Gaedren here gladly pays for his little lambs well being.
After that she accepts the harrow deck with solemn reverence. Zellara is dead? I will keep this deck as a testament of her brave standing up against Lamm.
To Garran: Yes, I think. But make sure, that everyone gets his fair share. If this wand is to expensive, we better sell it and split.
The ceiling boards creak as the children in the room above that Edita put to sleep and the Oni knocked unconscious seem to be waking up.
Edita informs the rest of the magic qualities of the items. This brooch seems very expensive. Maybe a jeweler can give us a good price for it? At least we could let him appraise this nice little bauble.
She is at peace.....may her soul find the love that she showed everyone else...she has earned it.
Slowly turning around to see the others looking at the head of the women that brought them together.
That is not good....Lamm hurt her in more ways than one it would appear. Maybe her spirit was so consumed with anger and lose that she was able to bring us together to help her find her peace. To resolve that which she could not do herself.
Hearing the children upstairs moving around.
Alright let us finish up here and get out of this place. Grab all that is of value. We can try to get the kids to a church where they can be tended to and fed, perhaps even given a home. What of these two, can we move them with out injuring them more. The infliction that they have...is it contagious? We also need to find a place to drop off out little friend.
Garran grabs the ledger and tucks it into his pouch, then closes the lid on the strongbox and hefts it. "Let's get this finished. Kyoden, Alistair, can you carry those two?"
Kyoden redons his mask and and nods at Garran. "I believe I can." He then moves to one of the gaunt children and gently lifts them.
You gather up the sick children, the strongbox, and the ledger and head back upstairs to gather together the children. A couple of the older ones vaguely remember Mivaela from her days among them, and she manages to convince them to go along with you. Several begin tearfully asking if they will be able to go back to their families soon.
Staying together as a group, they head out with you into the night. Several show deep concern for the sick ones and stay close to those who carry them. The other children, once into the street, naturally move to the shadows, skulking silently along - some even turning coats inside out to show a darker side or pulling rags up to cover their faces.
One of the oldest of the children, a gangly, dark-haired boy named Kester, carries a pitchfork with bits of fish guts still hanging off of it, and says, "We're ready to go. Don't worry about the kids. As awful as Lamm and 'is bunch was", the boy spits towards the Old Fishery, "they at least taught us well. We can be quiet and know not to spread out too much. But where's we going?"
Alistair nods and picks up one of the children. Making his way out of the shack and into the fresh air.
We should make for a temple. There the clergy can care for these kids and make sure that get home.
Let's bring them to the Church of Abadar. The clergy there lacks a bit of warmth sometimes, but they are decent folk nonetheless. Also, the Church of Abadar is the biggest temple around here. Maybe they have an orphanage or somethin'.
Garran grunts. "As good a place as any. They may be able to recommend a merchant or two we can sell some of this stuff for."
He nods at the mention of Abadar...
That is a good idea...but I am not sure I want to explain to a church whose patron is the judge of the gods, how we came about these children and what we did to free them. We did what was right but the law will not see it that way. Especially if some Hell Knights are there. The church of Abadar works very closely with the city authorities. I would rather take my chances with the healers of Sarenae. The church is known for healing the sick, and reforming people. We could make a one stop and take our little friend there as well. I am not sure but I think they are in the same area.
I'd be ready to stand up for what we did here. But I guess you are right, Alistair, and there is no need to. So the first angel of mercy it is then.
...buffoons around with one of the children...
"Sarenites probably won't expect payment to help the children, either. That's a good idea, Alistair."
The gods didn't make a huge difference to Garran - they each had their place, and he prayed to whichever one was the most relevant at the time - Desna mostly for caravan guarding.
The Oni simply nods and follows the group with his sickly child in hand, the thoughts of the night weighing on his mind.
Nodding a thank you towards Garran.
I do not have a problem if I am to face justice for my actions but the children do not deserve to face punishment for what was forced on them. Let us get moving then.
The boy replies, "Temple a' Sarenae it tis then. We know it." He tells the rest of the children where to go. They skillfully scout around corners and the boy directs when they should dash across intersections. After a couple blocks moving south toward the temple, Kester moves back to the group and whispers, "I'm worried. There no sign a' guards yet, and it sounds like there's some kind of commotion deeper inta the city. A block over is Harborview Boulevard – it's wider and might give us a better look. Or we can stick to side roads and just be glad we don't run into any guards. Some of the night patrols aren't the friendliest."
There are very faint shouts or loud voices toward the west, but sound quite far away. Otherwise, the streets seem strangely empty so far.
Well at least empty streets mean unharassed moving around. Maybe we can climb on a roof to get a better look of why no one is out on the streets...
It is concerning that we have not seen any patrols yet....first priority is to get these kids to safety. After that we can look into why things are so quiet. Let us stay to the side streets for as long as we can.
”Agreed. Less interaction with patrols, less need to worry about explaining things.”
The Oni shakes out of his thoughts as the conversation was going on around him. It takes him a few moments to process what has been said before he responds. "I agree as well. We should stay away from the main roads as much as possible. I don't want to answer questions about why a group of armed individuals are traveling with sick kids."
So we are agreed then...on to the Sarenae and then once the kids are safe...we can decide what each of us will do. Lamm was our goal and that is over and done with.
The nearest temple of Sarenrae is easy to find, especially with the street savvy knowledge of the kids. At one point a squad of 6 griffon-riding Sable Company soldiers screech across the sky fast and low, nearly striking the rooftops, heading towards the center of the city, where much of the sounds are emerging in the distance. But otherwise, the group encounters no one as they avoid the main streets and instea duse small streets and alleys to navigate several blocks to the temple.
The temple is a decent size - certainly not the largest in the city, but still a sizable prescence. It is built of resplendent white stone and manages to be strikingly beautiful even at night, without excessive gaudiness. The main doors have a sun-shaped door knocker, and in response to the rapping of it, a young woman quickly answers. It seems as if she were already awake at this late hour. She opens the door slightl;y and asks, ”Yes, how may we be of service to you?” However, seeing the children, especially the two unconscious ones being carried, she quickly opens the doors wide. ”Come in! Come in! What is the matter? What else has happened this accursed night?” she asks with genuine concern.
The children were abused by an infamous criminal, m'lady. If you would be so kind to take care of them, we will provide you with fitting compensation.
But what about this accursed night you mentioned? What has happened here?
"They may have families who are looking for them. Those two," Garran indicates the unconscious children, "appear to be ill with something, though we don't know what."
My Lady,
I am Alistair Wellington...Please tend to the children and see to their needs. They have been living on the streets and that in of itself is a hardship. The children deserve help and if I am able to aid..please let me know. If these children do not have a home send word to my father at the Wellington Stables, he may be able to give them a place to stay.
He turns towards the children.
It is hard work keeping up with the stables and the horse but it is a honest living. If my father is able to he will give you a place to stay for as long as you like. You will work, be feed, clothed and given a roof over your heads. You will be able to leave at anytime if you wish too.
He turns to the woman that left then in after the children are being tended to.
My Lady what is it about this evening that has you worried? Might it have something to do with the lack of guards on the streets? We saw some Sable Company beating wing towards the center of town.
After handing the child over to the woman, the oni recedes to the back of the group and listens intently as to what might be the source of the commotion.
Alistair lets his eyes roam around the temple as the wait...
Surprised, she opens the door wide and ushers in the children and anyone else who wants to enter. "Yes, yes, of course, please come in." She waves over some acolytes, and directs them to feed and care for the children, as well as two of them to take the sick children into the sanctuary to try healing magic and rituals.
Looking around, the temple is truly a work of beauty, incorporating large open-air windows framed in intricate filigree and many flowering plants to create a lovely mix of architecture and nature. Even in the dark of night, the care and artistry is noticeable.
After the commotion leaves the entryway, she turns back to the group. "Thank you for your kindness in this, we will do what we can to help these children. Master Wellington, your offer is very generous, thank you. I am Assistant Priest Ayen, and it is nice to have some good news."
She leans in and lowers her voice, despite there being no one else in the room, "The head priest was called away because..." she glances about and nervously wonders whether she should share this information, "The king has fallen severely ill. If they were summoning priests this far out, it must be truly dire." She then thinks for a moment. "You say there was commotion in the streets? And Sable Company soldiers heading into the city. Oh my... it sounds as if the worst may have come to pass. We..." tears begin to well up in her eyes, "We may have lost our King this night."
If what you say is true then the streets will soon be treacherous to anyone out and about. Civil unrest will spread like wildfire.
He looks around the temple again...
I fear you may be in danger here as well. They will want to blame someone and I can see them laying that on your doorsteps. Do you need aid in keeping things under control here?
He looks at the others.
With the children safe and our mutual task finished....what will each of you do now. Those with family in the city, they may be in danger when word reaches the public. My family has there own guards that are loyal and will do their jobs to protect the estate.
My family is far away. But it is this city I came to love. So I will try to help make things better for the people. Who is with me?
...lifts a tiny shivering hand...
Garran grunts. "I don't have family, and if the city is going to go mad, it sounds like a good time to be getting out of it. I'm a merchant's guard, and merchants don't like unrest. They'll want to clear out - and are probably willing to pay extra to do it." He eyes the group. "You could probably do well for yourselves in the business if you wanted to come with. What do you say?"
If what you say is true then the streets will soon be treacherous to anyone out and about. Civil unrest will spread like wildfire.
He looks around the temple again...
I fear you may be in danger here as well. They will want to blame someone and I can see them laying that on your doorsteps. Do you need aid in keeping things under control here?
Ayen replies, "If they were coming to us for aid, this far from the Castle, I'm confident they were contacting as many temples as possible. We are not a very remarkable temple, even within our own faith. So we should be safe."
She excuses herself to check on the children briefly, and returns smiling. It is easy to hear the children thoroughly enjoying a large meal in the quiet night. "Although their language is a bit... uncouth, the children do seem to be rather well behaved and take direction well. We should be able to manage them with the staff we have. If you want to assist, you could inquire with the Guard to see if any of the children are listed as missing, but if you are unable to, or... don't want your involvement known... we understand and should be able to spare someone to do that soon."
The Oni listens intently before responding to Allistair's question. "I started on this quest to provide justice for my betrothed. Perhaps I can continue my quest in her honor and help others in this city. With the king dead, you are right that the city may fall to chaos. My skills may be able to help prevent some of that.
As the acolyte returns and asks for assistance. "I will speak to the guard and see if any of the these children have families..."
Letting his eyes roam from one to the other, he absentmindedly rubs the ring on his left hand.
Talk to me Alicia....
His eyes seem to be staring off at something far, far away.
Then he focuses on the group assembled.
Edita, Oni....Your skills will prove invaluable to the city. I would be honored if you would continue protecting this city with me. Garran are you under contract with any merchants at this time? If not, I have an offer for your services. If you are willing to help us when this city erupts into chaos I will pay you. How does half of my share from tonight sound as a down payment. I will give you a quarter of my share of any spoils we may take in from our journey. With the death of a king and the rise of a new monarch...I am not sure what the outcome will be. The people will need someone to help in their time of need. We are not the law but we can be their to help. What does everyone say?
Garran considers. He had no prospects right now, and none was guaranteed. Still, it would be dangerous staying in a city of unrest. And yet...he'd run a protection racket back when he'd lead his gang. The difference this time was that, instead of burning a shop down or breaking legs when the people didn't pay, he'd be legitimately protecting them.
Tymo Flint would cut and run. Any possible reward from staying in a city in chaos would pale beside the chance of death. If he didn't, then Tymo Flint would also see opportunity - the opportunity to gain territory, to take out rival gang members, and become wealthy and powerful would have been right there for the taking to him. He'd have become his own underworld kingpin - feared and respected.
Garran Fain didn't do that. He took contracts to protect goods, fought off the occasional bandit or goblin raid, and collected his pay. He didn't take unnecessary risks, but he didn't shy away from them either. Garran Fain wasn't a coward, but he was pragmatic.
That was the question. He'd been calling himself Garran Fain, but names could change easily. He'd done it once so far, after all. So was he Garran Fain, or was he Tymo Flint?
He looked about the temple of Sarenrae. He'd heard she was called the Redeemer, that she believed in second chances. Here he was, in her temple, facing a choice. Was Garran Fain just a mask Tymo Flint wore, or was Garran Fain his own person, who made his own decisions and followed his own path?
Garran looked at Alistair and said, "I don't have any current prospects, but you can keep your share from tonight. If we gain any spoils in the future, you can keep your share of that as well. I'll help you protect the people of Korvosa during whatever happens."
The decision had been truly made. Tymo Flint was dead - nobody missed him, nobody cared about him. Garran Fain had a life to live - it was time to do something with it.
Edita is visibly impressed by Alistairs generosity. After all those pompous words there seems to be a very kind and brave heart in him after all.
She says to Alistair: I wish you talked a bit less, but I like that you say some right things. Consider me in.
...jumping up and down, applauding...
Alistair smiles at Edita.
I guess I will talk more now
Coming from you...I will take that as a complement. Remember though, we are here to help the people of this city...not judge them. Glad to have you with us.
Without waiting for a response, he turns towards the monkey...and still smiling.
...cute...a little butter, some salt and pepper....tasty.
He start to turn away and to no one in particular.
That reminds me of a tavern that specializes in exotic meats. When this is all over and done, we should stop by for a bite to eat.
He walks towards the Garran.
Thank you for staying around.
He extend his hand towards him.
I think we can do some good things for the city as we have done for the children this very night.
He then turns to the Oni.
Your skill will be of use and I thank you for stepping forward to help us.
As the Oni goes to inquire with the guards about the children.
Once we get some information on the children, we can determine the next step for them but I think that they should stay here until things quiet down in the streets. It will be hard enough moving about the city..let alone trying to protect the children at the same time. I think we should rest up her for a bit and then we see what we can do to calm the populace. That is just my thoughts...anyone else got some ideas?
It's middle of the night right now. The kids have finished stuffing food in their mouths and are sleeping huddled together in just a couple rooms. The two sick ones aren't much better, but seem stable. If you listen carefully, you can hear some loud voices still in the distance, but it is quite far away and this part of the city seems quiet. Ayen is more than willing to let any of you rest here tonight if you want. There are some rooms for traveling guests and/or those requiring long term healing and care.
The Oni removes his mask and heads out into the night in search of the guard. "Hopefully I can find some information about those kids families. Hopefully the guard will talk to me with everything else going on." As he approaches the guard, Kyoden asks kindly, "Sir, I have it on good authority that several children have shown up at the church of Serenrae. Do you by chance know of any families that are missing children so that we might reunite them?"
Kyoden heads out in search of city guard, and has to wander for a while before finding any sight of them. However, when he finally does near dawn, it is a very unusual sight. Rather than the typical patrols, they march in squads of a couple dozen guards - several of them still buckling on their armor. Every couple blocks, the guard leading the squad points to a street corner, and two of them break off and take position on that corner.
As Kyoden approaches a pair, their hands go to their swords but they do not draw them quite yet. One barks out, "State your business!" After he asks about the children, the guard let's out a sigh and replies, "I am sorry, but there are greater concerns right now. The King has died -"
The other guard interrupts with, "Long live the Queen!" a bit too eagerly and a bit too loudly.
The first guard side-eyes him and continue, "The King has died and there is already unrest over it. If they are at the church of Serenrae, then they are likely safe there. We have other matters to attend to. If you must, go to the Citadel* and ask there. They should have information on any missing children if they can spare the time." He then turns his attention back to looking up and down the streets, clearly considering the conversation over. The other guard, however, continues to watch you closely.
-----------------------------------
In the morning, after some disagreement, there is at least consensus on getting the brooch appraised. The children are still sleeping deeply - probably sleeping better than they have in quite some time.
Between past experiences and asking around, the group finds a hopefully trustworthy jeweler. An older dwarven woman named Giovatia Sullio runs a rather large jewelry store. He shop focuses on the new and trendy and manages to cater to a large range of Korvosans. Nobles go there to find the latest fashions before they spread, and the upper ranks of the working class go there for the recently fallen out of fashion wares. Given what little you know about the brooch, it seemed like a good choice to handle whether it is extremely valuable or only of mild worth.
Inside the shop, a burly half-orc grunts at the group as she stands guard just inside the door. The shop is otherwise entirely vacant of customers and employees other than Giovatia herself. She waves at you, and greets you with a smile. "Ah, my first customers of this drearily quiet morning! How can I help you all?"