Hasta dodges forward to get behind the remaining shield bearer.
Nio switches targets to the remaining crossbowman, speeding up his tempo and launching arrow after arrow.
Bastargrae squinted and flicked a thumb, sending a sparkling silver piece slinging from his hand with the force of a loose crossbody into one on their harasser. It hit flesh with an audible thmp.
I'd take Indrio up on his kind offer. Otherwise,I'll be digging these coins out of your still warm corpses later.
Idril darts forward to get a clear shot at the crossbowman - currently reeling from an arrow to the chest. She slings another bullet, and he falls.. his body jerks, then goes limp.
The shieldbearer's feet seem unsteady.. as if suddenly exhausted by the overwhelming assault. She raises her mace, and yells.
"Master of Witches.. Lord of the Pit.. I die for you!"
Just as well, it is better there are no witnesses that can identify us.
Indio strikes out at the remaining enemy.
Not bothering to reenter her defensive style Stricia just attempts to put down the last zealot, expending some Ki to hit an extra attack.
The dottari is only able to deflect Stricia's first punch.
After two solid blows, final guard falls dead.
Sighing at the waste, Nio goes to recover whatever arrows he can and investigate their ambushers' bodies.
Stricia sighs as she starts to search the bodies, starting with the spellcaster.
The sewers are no longer safe. Their disappearance will be noted soon enough.
Stricia finds 72gp total among them.
The spellcaster carried/wore a few items of quality...
a white gold onyx ring, mace, belt, and a silver Asmodean amulet.
It will help fund our activaties Stricia says with distaste as she carries the results of her looting back to the group.
Nio nods at Erodel. "Not least because there's no way these were the only city guards wandering around in the sewers tonight. Time to find a different way to move around the city."
"For future encounters such as these, let us avoid using names.
If our enemies escape, they can use that information against us, and even should they not escape, there are magic capable of communicating with the dead.
I would not put it past our enemy to employ such tactics."
"Before we move, Erodel, let me heal you. I need to take care of Hasta, too; she's hurt." Nio flicked his wrist and a wand popped out of his sleeve. He murmured a command word and healing energy flowed into into Erodel.
Idril takes a few steps down the tunnel, looking for enemy reinforcements.
Idril neither hears nor sees any signs of reinforcements. You unlatch and pass through the grate, and yet again the lamplighters path under the bridge lies before you between the support pillars of Bleakbridge.
The rain has grown more intense - as has the flow of storm water at your feet which empties into the Yolubilis.
You see no hazards ahead. The lamps on either side of the bridge's exterior cast little light in arches on your path between the pillars - illuminating not much higher than your ankles as you cross.
Marquel whispers...
"Will we go directly to the ship?"
It would be the safest place for you Stricia says with a nod.
[b)"In addition, we are vulnerable outdoors.
I would prefer to make this..."delivery" as quickly as possible."[/b]
The safest place for us all in the meantime.
Nio follows along, frequently looking over his shoulder for pursuers.
The rain grows stronger still - a curtain of water falling on either side of you. The sound of it covers whatever noise your crossing might make. Erodel does faintly hear guards above at one point - just cursing about the weather.
It is a long haul to Old Kintargo.. ankle deep in water - Bastargrae to his calves. Marquel thanks you repeatedly, apologizes for the trouble a few times, but adds...
"I'm certain you will be well rewarded.. the Captain knows the worth of good work."
..and later as you near the exit... "If I may... I can't help but wonder.. what brought you all together? You are a curious batch."
The current leadership of the city has wronged many. Stricia says and every wrong cries out for justice.
Idril snorted.
"I don't know about the others, but I met them outside the opera house.
"It was just a protest, and I was just looking for my patron, when Bamf! Out pops his infinite lordship to make one of his famous proclamations. Naturally, the people rioted instantly.
"We all met trying to get away from the armored thugs he sent after the rioters." Said Idril, remembering.
I'm but a humble tea merchant...NO ONE tells me what tea I can and cannot partake! Outlawing mint was the pin in the cushion. I could not standby with such nonsense gripping my city!
Without turning his head, Nio said "Laws are not lawful merely by virtue of being laws; they must be examined lest they be corrupted. Those who pervert the law must be hunted down to face justice." It sounded rote, like something he'd memorized.
Indio runs a finger over his mustache for a moment.
"I suggest we postpone further conversation for now, we are close to our destination, and I for one want to complete this mission.
We will have time to talk, and in more comfort once we are onboard the ship."
You reach the sewer exit in Old Harbor, and climb out into the heavy rain.
After a ten minute walk, you come to the part of the docks where the Scourge of Belial sits.
A man near the gangplank - who stands as if unaffected by the rain - whistles as you approach. You soon see Lieutenant Elia Nones at the rail holding a hooded lantern. She motions for you to board. The man nods then repeats her gesture to you.
Elia raises her voice over the thundering rain.
"Captain Sargaeta is waiting for you.", and leads you to the glass paned double doors to his cabin which glow from the warm light within. The small goofy face of a curious monkey pops into view behind the glass. He bounds toward his master and leaps to the top of a chair back as Elia opens the doors. Both are dressed in fine "lounging" robes.
Several leather chairs arc around a fire in a sort of low brazier.. no smoke rises from the flame, but you feel the warmth. Beside this seating, the table is set with a platter of breads, fruits, and cheese... as well as the tray for tea service. One of his halfling attendants stands at attention behind.
Captain Sargaeta exclaims "Aha! You've done it! Marquel! Ha ha!", then after the two embrace and exchange a few whispered words...
"Please.. come warm yourselves by the fire... a drink?" The attendant steps between the bar cabinet and table, and gestures to both.
Idril will accept a glass of good wine and warm herself by the fire.
Strica takes some bread and a little bit of cheese, and remains standing near the door as she bites into it. She is very very tired.
Indio takes a moment to compose himself, masking it by gently dabbing his face with one of his fine handkerchiefs.
"I would appreciate a glass of oldlaw if you please. It has been a trying time indeed."
"Thank you for offering. I will not partake, though. You are very generous." Even though he keeps his full-face helmet on, Nio does take a seat. Hasta sits next to chair like a loyal hound, nudging his hand with her head for scratches.
As you are served, Captain Sargaeta turns back to Marquel, and beams.. "So you are here... Dare I assume the answer is yes?"
Marquel nods, and they embrace.
Sargaeta calls over his shoulder. "Hopgut play for us!"
Another halfling comes in with a violin.. he sets it on his shoulder and begins to play a lilting tune.
There is brief idle chat, then Marquel tells Sargaeta how the night played out. Sargaeta's face is awash with gratitude as he speaks to you.
"You've done well.. I am in your debt. I always repay my debts."
He holds out his tea cup.. turns it over.. it is empty, then hands it you.
"Take this, and drop it." He gestures to the floor in front of you. "Right here on the floor."
Indio raises an eyebrow at the curious request, but he does take the cup, glances at it for a few moments to admire the handiwork before dropping it.
A shame, it does look like good craftsmanship.
The teacup shatters into six pieces. The halfling attendant picks up the pieces, and hands them to you.
Captain Sargaeta smiles.. "The fragments of this cup represent the number of favors I owe you,” says Sargaeta once the shards are gathered.
“Anything - short of outright public treason to the queen - I’ll do for you. Simply write your request on a scrap of paper and use it to wrap a shard of the teacup. Deliver it in person, or perhaps via one of your silver raven trinkets. And know that you have earned a friend tonight.”
Marquel raises his glass "Here here..", and bows his head to your group in appreciation.
Idril raised her cup as well.
"Here here!"
Bastargrae fought the overwhelming surge of horror at the sight of the pristine gold filigree porcelain smashed like common trash. He bit back his protest at the destruction of the masterwork teacup.
When he recieved a shard of the cup, a curved bit that contained what remained of the handle, he bowed his head solemnly. It was a rather theatric gesture.
Many thanks, good sir.
Stricia is at first confused, then irritated by the theatrics, but, an ally was a valuable commodity, the first they had made. Do you know of any others in the city that would be open to aid us as you have done so generously? She asks.
It is a good choice to ask for something that we can focus our efforts on next.
However, I suspect something or someone will fall into our laps soon enough either way.
Still, no reason to be reactive rather than active if we can choose.
Captain Sargaeta hems and haws for a moment, then replies
"There are a likely few. There are those who are merely dissatisfied with Thrune rule, and those who are willing to aid in maneuvers against him. It takes some cautious calculated discussion, and other means of vetting to determine where those I know lie."
"To the point.. I will get back to you on that."
He rubs Marquel's back affectionately, and says to you..
"I believe we will retire for the night. You are welcome to stay the night... Wencella will show to the passenger cabins. Either way... I bid you good fortune until we meet again." One of the halfling attendants steps up and bows as Sargaeta speaks her name.
The gnome couldn't stifle a jaw popping yawn that seized him. Hm. Yes, Tis been a rather eventful evening. A good night's rest and we can make further plans.
Stricia bows, You hospitality is generous
Nio nods. "A safe place to sleep is a gift these days. Thank you."
Idril also bowed with courtesy at the offer of a hammock for the night. It had been a long day.
"Hmmm...."
Wencella the halfling attendant leads you to the two passenger cabins. They are well furnished - an understated richness, and surprisingly comfortable.
Morning comes without incident.. leaving you to decide what comes next.
"Do we have anything else outstanding before we head back to headquarters?" Idril asked the others.
"Wait. I know!" She exclaimed, her face lighting up. "I want another crack at exploring that Lucky Bones place!" She said, her hands slapping together.