Stricia nods and heads towards the boats. Before she does though she goes back to address the two still conscious guards.
It would be best for you if we never saw any of you ever again in this city. Be sensible and disappear
Noticing Stricia's plan, Kadwyn turns back to the guards. "We may not be so merciful next time."
"I know someone who can curse people, and trust me, they aren't fun." Zeldana added in as she glared at them with her one eye.
Night Assault on the Salt Works - Into the Night
While the thugs seem sufficiently cowed, their leader is still unconscious so it is not possible to say what, if any, impact your efforts will have.
Crowe though stays behind as the group made it clear, they do not condone his suggested tactics.
Once that matter is taken care of Korva hisses, "Time to go!"
The group and their rescued mercenaries hustle to the boats where Forvian grins widely, "Remulus and Christian. You dogs, you let the women folk do the rescuing, I hope you've stayed here just to work the tiller!"
Remulus grins, "You took too long, get in. Hurry before we're spotted!"
The boat begins to push off from the dock, heavily weighed down by all the extra bodies some of which smell to the Seventh Heavens.
Kadwyn frowns, taking in the scene around her. "I've never sailed before, but it can't be that complicated, can it?"
I traveled on a boat to come here so I believe I picked up some things
Stricia comments
"I don't know how hard. Let's hope it's not one of those things that looks easy, but is actually almost impossible without years of training"
"I've no idea what I'm doing... So I'm going to sit here on my hands and not touch a thing.
"I don't think that boats are really my thing, I'm more of an urban girl."
Night Assault on the Salt Works - Swallowed by the Sea
Remulus and Christian are able to expertly sail the boat past all craft. No cry rips through the night as the boat slowly sails away from the docks near the Salt Works!
After the group clears the final ship that could pose a threat Forvian Crowe finally breathes, "Well, I introduced myself and it seems you know my band. The questions that flood my mind now that we are... safe are as follows. First, who are all of you? Second, now what will you do with us?"
Stricia, being a newcomer has no opinion on the matter, she looks at the more senior members of the group for guidance.
"I think north is best. After we've arrived we can find an out of the way place to scuttle the boat."
Noticing that Stricia and Sholti did not answer the mans question Zeldana pipped up and smile at him "I'm Zeldana, that is Sholti and Stricia, and that is Sera and Kadwyn. I guess we're just a group of do gooders." She said with a nod. "Remulus and Christian made their way to my shop looking for some new clothes and stayed for lunch, in the end they told me about you and the band so I figured we should help." Zeldana told him with a simply shrug.
Kadwyn smirks at Zeldana's introduction. "We're simply not content to bend our knees to those we see as unfit to rule our beloved city. As for you, I'm not sure." She gestures to her companions. "Did we have any 'plans' for these folks?"
Kintargo - Northbound
Remulus and Christian continue to sail this time heading north as Forvian Crowe grins, "That's one hell of a lunch!
Well regardless, I am a mercenary for a living but a man of fair judgment at heart. The way I see it, I owe you my life. I'm yours to command until I save each and every one of you in turn, especially you Sera. What say you men?"
The men all nod in agreement and respond with "Aye's" not too loud as they are no fools.
The boat lands soon enough and the group is easily able to scuttle it about 5 miles north of the lands that the fisherman from whom you "took" it lives.
Crowe sighs, "We've some experience living off the lands so for a time we will do so, Remulus and Christian have enough for us to get started. What we will need from you ladies are weapons and provisions, at least if you expect us to be in any way effective in this fight. Or we could leave this place and sell our services elsewhere. With the skills of you five together we could make a great living is a more welcoming land..."
Sera flashes Crowe an amused grin, "Oh please, I think its far more likely I'll have to end up rescuing you again than being rescued myself! Still, I'm sure it wouldn't be too difficult to get together a few weapons and provisions to help build up your skills."
"Agreed." Kadwyn nods toward Sera. "We'll have to keep our heads down for a while in the city, but I'm sure we'll be able to scrounge up what you need."
How did you get into trouble with the Dottari? Stricia wants to know.
North of Kintargo
Crowe grins at Sera's statement, "I backed the wrong side. The Lord Mayor had us on retainer and the Thrune decided to eliminate as one of his first moves, I think we're alive because we were pawns removed from the game so early that he forgot to have us killed. I hope that's not his first mistake".
"It would seem more people backed the 'wrong side' than I originally thought." Kadwyn smiles. "Perhaps we aren't as outnumbered as we fear."
"If we could talk about this openly I think the whole city would join us. But putting ones boot on the neck makes speaking out hard." Zeldana said with a simple shrug. "Also Mr. Crowe, you can always send Remulus or Christian to pick things up at my shop. We get shipments from my uncle's caravan, so if they meet with him I can have him smuggle things out to you and your men outside of the city." She mentioned.
North of Kintargo
Crowe and his mercenaries agree, you leave them trotting north into the wild. With them on your side, your forces have doubled in size! Of course you will need many, many more to be successful. But Kadwyn's words inspire hope within you all.
The five of you are now alone, several miles north of the city with three of your number still dressed as Dottari and half the night still ahead of you.
Whether they decide to make their way back to the city or camp out for the night the group will need to make its way in the wild. Stricia senses that the others might be not very used to the outdoors so she does what she can to help.
North of Kintargo
The Fox Force decides to "rough" it for the night.
Attempting to aid Sholti
North of Kintargo
The group finds shelter in the wilderness of the North. Though they hear the sounds of threats nearby, their location is suitable enough that those same things, whatever they were did not see of hear them.
The night passes by uneventfully for all but those on watch in the dead of night.
---
Kintargo
The sun's rays shine down on the five ladies as they make their way, with Dottari uniforms stashed away, to the Nightways Gate. The guards begin to question you when a familiar figure steps up behind them, Dalth. Well a figure familiar to Sholti and Zel, the rest of you see a massive Hellknight fully armed and armored.
"Admit them", the Dottari on command begins to object when the Hellknight backhands him so quickly and with such force that the guards remaining standing don't hesitate to follow his orders.
He gives his arm to Zel as he begins to walk with her casually through the streets of the city, "So... how was your outing in the north?" He looks back to see if the rest of the group follows.
Zeldana gasped when Dalth backhanded the Dottari on command, not expecting him to actually do that. She looked to the group and gave them a 'Go on ahead' look before she walked up and took Dalth's arm.
"Not what I expected, didn't chose the best place to sleep and I must say my back is complaining about it." Zeldana answered as they behind to walk. "How about you? How has your morning been?" She asked, mainly trying to get attention off herself and her friends.
Stirica follows though she gives the others a glance with a raised eyebrow. Who is this? she mouths silently behind the mysterious armed man's back as Zeldana moves ahead with him.
Kintargo
"I imagine that was difficult indeed. My back is sore as well, it's difficult work strangling so many people to death with one's bare hands. Surprisingly difficult to the back muscles. One easy. Two still easy. But four humans plus a dwarf, that's work".
He turns to look at you Zel, "I am sure you would not know anything about that of course.
If I am not mistaken in fact, there are guards at the Nightgate that saw you and your friends take that camping trip north yes?"
Based on the direction he is headed in, you get the sense he is walking all of you back to your shop Zel.
He.... Knows! Zeldana's mind went into damage control mode. The fact that there had been four humans and one dwarf left at the Salt Works made it clear who it has been, but not why he had did it... Though deep down Zeldana hoped it meant he was on their side. Even if his way of helping was not what she had in mind. Swiftly she scanned the area and path he was taking. They where headed for her shop, which did put her mind at ease a bit.
"I'm sure someone saw us leave." She squeezed out as to try and not freeze up. "I'm sorry you had such a difficult night..." She added trying to not sound nervous.
Kintargo - Fortune's Flower
Dalth remains silent until the group reaches Zel's shop and she opens it. There are a few customers waiting out front but with a look from Dalth they all suddenly find some other place to shop at the moment.
Once the door is closed with the group inside Dalth locks the front door and turns to look at Zel, "It was the oddest thing. A Dottari Officer this morning, one of the ones who you met a few days ago, informed me that someone with your description was spotted as part of a group of na'er do wells who freed several prisoners from the salt mines.
After a lengthy confession, I was able to discover that your description was placed in the ear of these men by a Dottari who sought to do my personal reputation harm. Such activities are not unheard of and I will deal with that Dottari soon enough. With the confessions and the identification of your return to the gates this morning and leaving through the gates last night, I am sure that even upon inquiry it will be quite clear that you, nor your friends were involved in any such criminal activities.
I trust that I'll not be hearing such scandalous rumors about you again my Flower?"
Sera tries to relax, but is a little on edge at the almost casual intimidating aura that Dalth brings into the room. She decides to keep silent, not really wanting to butt in, and happy to keep a low profile.
The hellknight's appearance at the gates nearly stops Sholti's heart.
This can't be a coincidence. We are discovered!
She considers trying to flee for a moment, but there is nowhere to go. She assumes the walk with Dalth will end in their doom. When it doesn't, quite yet at least, she is only partially relieved.
Dalth makes it clear he knows more than enough about them. Even if he is turning a blind eye this time, their little rebellion now only exists at his sufferance.
Sholti says nothing during the walk or at the flower shop, and keeps as many people as possible between Dalth and herself at all times.
If I have slipped the noose today, it is past time to see my parents.
Kadwyn remains silent, her eyes glued to the Hellknight. She appears equal parts fearful and confused.
Zeldana gave an apologetic look to the customers before quickly getting Dalth and her friends in. While Dalth locked the door Zeldana looked at the group and nodded her head over to the counter she used for transactions, it would put a barrier between them and Dalth should that need one. She even ensured to put herself between Dalth and her friends.
However when Dalth began to speak, Zeldana was a bit taken back. "I must indeed say that is odd." She said, playing along with his charade believe it was his way of ensuring some part of deniability. "I shall ensure to make myself less notable, to avoid such scandalous rumors. Though even I cannot stop talk my Torrent Knight." Zeldana told him with a shrug.
Kintargo - Fortune's Flower
Dalth nods, "Excellent, I am glad to not hear of it.
Perhaps one day..." He pauses as if he wants to say something but stops himself.
"Perhaps you and I can take a meal together?"
"Does dinner sound good?" Zeldana asked as she offered a slight smile, glad to see that her judgment on what he was saying was correct but even more so that he didn't correct her. He was still a Hellknight of the Order of the Torrent "It would allow me the chance to cook for you and for us to talk." She stated as she nervously crossed her arms. "Unless you mean now of course?"
Kintargo - Fortune's Flower
"No, certainly not now. You and your friends I am sure wish to decompress from your... camping trip.
I will come to you tomorrow evening and would be delighted to eat your home cooking".
The Hellknight unlocks the door and leaves the five of you alone.
Zeldana turned and leaned upon the counter letting out a long shaky sigh. "He knows..." She muttered to her friends. "Yet he is willing no to say anything... he even ensured we'd get away with it. Not the way I'd want to that is for sure but... he did. I can't tell if that means he's with us or is just willing to turn a blind eye to us."
She looked to the ground, now calming down since Dalth left. "I'm sure you have questions." She said to Kadwyn and Stricia. "Ask away and I'll answer... also Sholti," She turned her attention more to her. "I don't think we need to worry as much as originally thought."
When the Hellnight is gone and the door is safely closed, Sholti slams her fist down on the counter. "Damn!"
"No need to worry at all. We know exactly who runs things for us now. Our Hellnight overseer will make all our decisions for us. Or simply keep us guessing where we might step over a line in his tolerance and quiet us that way. No need to worry anymore, we know we're f&*@ed."
Sholti's dusky complexion has reddened noticeably and her face is grim. She collects her things. "I'm leaving. Things to take care of. Looks like it will be a day off anyway, Our new master's words made it clear he'd prefer that. I know all I need to know already."
Sholti leaves, slamming the door behind her.
Zeldana watched her leave, not saying a thing. Sholti had seemed hot headed and this proved that she was. Waiting till the half-elven bard left Zeldana looked to the others. "I think she's blowing this a bit out of per-portion... just a bit mind you." Zeldana said with a small shrug. Of course she had reason to worry but slamming doors, especially doors that do not belong to her, was a bit childish.
"If Dalth wanted to be our overseer or master he would have stated so, even if it would have been in an round about way." Zeldana said as she crossed her arms and leaned upon the counter. "But then again I doubt she'd even think of that, she's never liked Dalth or even the idea of Dalth. Made that rather clear before..." She sighed sadly.
Kadwyn breaks the silence following Sholti's departure. "Uhm. What just happened?" She looks to Zeldana, completely bewildered. Before the half-elf can speak, Kadwyn unleashes all the thoughts that have been held captive over the last few minutes. "That was a Hellknight - and he was flirting with you - and he knows what we did - and he killed those mercenaries. Who's side is he on? Who's side are we on? What's Sholti's problem? Who is he?"
"Dalth is a Hellknight of the Order of the Torrent." Zeldana answered. "When my parents where taken away for worshiping Desna he began coming around and talking to me. I though that he was a plant to try and get me to say I was a follower of Desna as well, but it turned out he was actually interested in me romantically. We've only recently gotten to know one another. Zeldana stated trying to answer Kadwyn's question. "When we first began this... resistance, I told all those involved that I had caught the eye of a Hellknight, Dalth. All knew. I never hid it. Then the other day Dalth took me to lunch. Sholti saw me with him among a few of the others. Sera even spoke with him." Zeldana said as she pointed to Sera for a moment. "However, Sholti really didn't seemed pleased. She's worried about her parents with her involvement with this. I can understand that, but it became clear that she doesn't like the idea of Dalth. She some rules on me seeing him. I agreed with some alteration to them." She explained as she waved the others to come up stairs where Zeldana lived. She then gave a small laugh noticing that she had actually broken one of the base rules as Dalth now knew of Sholti and they had been in the same space.
"I believe he killed those mercenaries to protect me. Though it has to go deeper than that as well. I think... just maybe, he's starting to see how the laws Thrune is putting in place are hurting the people. He told me that we need rules else everything would fall to chaos. I replied with, effectively, rules are needed but not at the cost of people's lives. Using the newest law that was put into effect. It could hurt the trade here which would put people out of work and force them into a life of crime in order to feed themselves and their family." She went on as she took a seat and offered one to all of them as well. "I can't honestly say whose side Dalth is on right now. He is willing to turn a blind eye to what we're doing, so long as we're more... subtle about it." She explained as she crossed her arms. "Dalth isn't evil like those Hellknights with the Order of the Rack, I just believe he is a lawful person and that he honestly believes laws are needed for the people. But now... perhaps even he sees this is going too far."