Kadwyn listens intently as Zeldana explains the situation. "Do you trust him?"
"After this today, yes." Zeldana said with a nod of her head. "If he wanted to he could have taken those men who saw us and we'd all be thrown into cells and likely executed. He would have even gotten honors for it. Yet he chose to kill the only people who could properly identify us, and warned us to keep our heads down." She pointed out. "I had talked about possibly turning Dalth to our side, after today I think that is more possible than ever before."
Sholti meanders around the city for a while, window shopping, browsing, and taking breakfast at a cafe. She spends a good while on these things. Partially it is to cool off after the debacle of Dalth holding knowledge of their deeds. It is also to throw off anyone who might be tailing her before she goes home, so she hopes at least.
Bah, 'My Torrent Knight'! She says that like it's a magical charm against the facts. Dalth WAS a member of the Torrent, true. But he alone of the entire Order remains. All the others disappeared. He is a member of the Order of the Rack now. What does THAT say about him? Only he was good enough for the Rack bastards? He turned on his own Order? Who knows?
That is exactly the problem. We know nothing. He knows everything. 'Trust trust trust' says Zel. Not with these kind of stakes. She's so flattered she can't see she's asking everyone to risk their lives, and plenty more besides, on the power of the man's infatuation with her.
Sera shrugs slightly over the Big Deal. "I don't really care about who shares your sheets, just be aware it might cause friction later on. Do you think he would welcome the rebellion if you got hurt, or were no longer in it? Even if he is honest about his affections and not an enemy, its relatively simple for someone to use the relationship against him. If he picks you every time, then it might cause problems. Now, as I said, I don't really care, and I think that its ultimately your choice but I certainly think its going to cause a risk in the long term...for both of you."
Kadwyn crosses her arms and shrugs her shoulders. "I was raised in the church of Asmodeus as a young girl before my family discovered the celestial traces in my blood. My parents turned on their own faith and eventually gave their lives for my safety. I know people can change, especially for those they love. If you trust him, so do I."
I have no aversion to upholding laws Sticia says while shrugging for her turn Indeed as long as the laws in question are just they should be upheld. Did I not hear that this 'Torrent' order has been persecuted? If so this man may have his own grudge against those who currently rule. In any case there is little we can do except try to be more discreet in our future movements.
"I know it will be a long struggle Sera. I've no illusion about that." Zeldana said with a nod to the alchemist. "I also believe that is why he doesn't wish to hear of anything else we do, so that he doesn't have to cover for us unless he has to. Like he did at the salt works."
"Thank you, each of you." Zeldana said with a smile to them. "For trusting me on this. I know it's a lot to ask and it isn't something done lightly. But it says a lot."
With that Zeldana clapped her hands together. "As we're laying low for the day why don't you all stay here with me? I could use the help around the shop, and honestly I'd welcome the company." She told them.
Stricia nods. If there are any heavy objects that you have been wishing to move then now would be an excellent time for me to do so the tall Vudran stands up and gives a short bow towards Zeldana I think all of you for the hospitality you have shown a stranger
"Well, as it's starting to get colder I would like to clean out the storage room." Zeldana said with a simple shrug. "The back half of The Butterfly's Silk is all storage for the shop itself. Normally I'd be doing this with my parents but...." the young half-elf shook her head slightly, a sad expression in her face. "If two of you would like to do that, then the other could run that shop while I tend to the The Blooming Butterfly, and before you asked, no. Fortune's Flower is closed... I just couldn't run all three shops with one being a Harrow reading shop. Those take time and a line of people wanting their things now." She explained.
"But, if some of you are looking for work and a place to stay I can offer that. Like I said, I'd welcome the help and company. The top up here is our house and it has a total of three rooms. I could move into my parent's room and allow one of you to take my room and the spare room. It is normally only used when my uncle was going to stay a bit after dropping off his goods from the caravan. He's only ever used it three times I can remember thus it's fair game. The storage area has a fairly sized closet we use as the larder for things that keep long while everything else is kept up here but we could easily clean it out and put a cot in there till we can get a hold of a small bed." Zeldana said as she tapped her chin. "I haven't been going through our food quickly back I only need to feed myself, and cooking for four isn't so bad. This is of course assuming you've no where else to stay..." Zeldana muttered the last part, a little embarressed she hadn't thought of that before.
Stricia bows to Zeldana again This is a fine place. It feels like a home well loved and I thank you for sharing it. For me, I have no place else to go in this city so I will take your offer, and work for my keep.
Kadwyn smiles when Zeldana's cheeks flush with embareassment. "I'd be honored. Regardless of my current accommodations, I think staying with you will allow us to watch each other's back in these dangerous times."
Zeldana nodded and smiled at them both. "I thank you both. Stricia, as you've no place here does that mean those are the only clothes you have?" Zeldana asked "You seem to be the same size as myself so why don't you barrow some of my clothes so that we can clean the ones you're in." She smiled before she got up.
"Stricia why don't you take my room that way you'll be able to access my clothes better." She said before she turned to Kadwyn and Sera. "Sera, should you chose to remain, and Kadwyn do you wish to draw straw for the spare bedroom or come to an agreement?" She asked.
"How big are these beds? I don't mind sharing. Unless you snore." Kadwyn elbows Sera playfully.
"Oh if you don't mind sharing than the spare room would fit you both. Though it is a bit small with the dresser in there as well. So it may feel crowded." Zeldana answered with a simple shrug. "Though I think that's just began the bed takes up most of the small room."
Kintargo -
The fox force minus one spend the day working at Zel's shop and setting up their sleeping arrangements, at least for the forseeable future. Sholti fails to return or materialize the next morning.
After the "off" day, there is a knock on the door of the shop , when the door is answered, a note is stuck to the front door.
Opening it, it reads:
"Dear Sister -
I have made a break through in my work and would love for you to come see it.
Yours Truly,
Rexus
It seems that Rexus has made some headway in the documentation recovered from the Silver Ravens old lodge. Time for a trip to the Long Roads Coffee House!
Zeldana brought the note inside, thanking Desna silently that the shop wasn't properly opened yet so only she and her new roommates where there. "It would seem Rexus has something for us." She told them with a small smile. [b]"So sisters, do you think we should close for the day?"[/s] She asked as she showed them the letter.
Sholti waits until well into the afternoon before starting toward her home. Her day so far should have been plenty boring, enough to make anyone without great determination to follow her give up. She does want to arrive in time for a bath before dinner though.
She spends the time, plus plenty before as well, wrestling with what, if anything, to tell her parents. The threat is greater now without doubt. A word from the Hellknight would place Thrune's agents at her door.
But, she could not think of a way to convince her parents they should leave Kintargo, the only sure solution to keeping them safe she could think of. Her mother had spent more than two decades building her business and she would not leave it under any circumstances Sholti could imagine. Besides she is stubborn, reflexively unlikely to heed any warning from Sholti.
Warned or not Sholti's parents would remain, so which would be better?
Sholti asks the maid to prepare a bath for her, then she tries to relax for a while in it. Dinner with her parents is not tense, but the conversation is sparser than usual. Sholti is not in a mood for talking. Her parents ask a few questions, asking after Rexus, how she's spent the last couple of days, and so forth.
Sholti had been so caught up in other events she hadn't thought much about how she would handle these sorts of questions, so she kept her answers brief. Rexus is fine. She is staying with him now, yes. She had ceased singing lessons with him as they had demanded, and is now looking for a new tutor. She and Rexus had enjoyed the last couple of pre-curfews out, to the extent such a thing is possible.
One thing Sholti did not do is tell her parents anything about her true involvements. Even now, they are better off not knowing how to answers any questions that might be put to them sometime in the future she decides.
The next morning, after a wonderful night in a real bed, Sholti remains at the house. She doesn't want to seem overly anxious to be away. It is after lunch before she leaves, telling them she will be back again in a few hours. Rexus will be performing at a private engagement in the evening, and she would rather not spend the night alone.
The walk to the coffee house is not a long one, but Sholti doesn't hurry. She figures the others will be coming as well today, and wants to give them plenty of time to arrive. Once she's there and slips into the back, she finds Rexus and speaks with him for a time. Then she finds Zeldana, Stricia, Sera, and Kadwyn. Sholti approaches them rather stiffly and greets them all, asking for a few minutes of their time.
"As you are all more than aware by now I'm sure, I am very concerned about Dalth's knowledge of us. I've argued in the past that we should take great care about him, and do everything necessary to keep him from finding out about us. But now the time for arguments about the subject has passed. He knows and nothing can undo that."
Sholti takes the her raven figurine and places it on the table. "I have thought at length about where we now stand. I am sorry, but I cannot continue further with you. We are compromised, and I will not place the future of my family in the hands of a man who's motives are uncertain, and who has the power to destroy us all at a whim. I will be assisting Rexus some with the documents he is translating for a few more days, but after that I will be cutting ties. I sincerely wish you luck and safety, and I hope you accomplish all you seek to. I bear no grudges or ill will against any of you, and I hope you feel the same."
Sholti takes a deep breath. "So, in case I do not see some of you over the next few days, goodbye. May Sarenrae's grace protect you all."
Sholti turns without waiting for any reply, and quickly walks out. It is possible she might shed tears, and she doesn't want that to be seen.
Sera frowns a little at Sholti's argument, not really understanding the logic behind it. If Dalth already knew of Sholti's involvement, whether she cut ties or not - he would still think or suspect she would continue to be a part of the movement - even if she had left. Therefore, she rolls her eyes a little at the drama, but doesn't pass comment, she wasn't going to force anyone to stay even if she disagreed with their motives.
Stricia, who had paused her work in clearing out the heavier boxes from the back room, bows to Sholti as she leaves.
She has ties in this place she wishes to protect. It is an understandable one. the monk says. She hadn't known any of these women long so she doesn't have much else to say.
"I suppose I can understand your position. I have no one left to protect. The only thing that keeps me going is the church of Asmodeus. As long as it survives, I have a purpose. Reflecting on all that's happened in the past few days, I'm starting to think that's why the gods blessed me with celestial abilities."
The look on Zeldana face seemed to be one of anger while being upset. Though she quickly shook her head as Sholti walked out, obviously not wanting to hear a single word anyone wanted to say about this topic.
"Just let her go. She wants to look after her family about all else which I cannot fault her for." Zeldana said with a small shrug. "Think she'd at least allow us to talk over this topic but Sholti from experience doesn't do well with this kind of thing." She stated as she crossed her arms. "Maybe Rexas and Lavinia can talk to her." Walking over Zeldana picked up the figure of a raven and set it in a safe place in case Sholti came back for it. "There is nothing we can do about it now, let us speak with Rexas about what he's found and go from there."
Have any of you... Stricia hesitates as she reveals a bit of her own motivations to these women that she is now living with and committed to. heard anything about a library or librarians who have been swept up in all this madness?
Kintargo -
---
---
After Sholti's announcement and her departure, Rexus sighs, "She must do what she believes is right. She told me what transpired and I must admit I too am a bit perturbed that our seed of Rebellion hangs on by the precarious relationship between you and a Hellknight Zel. I know that Laria also has some thoughts on this and will share them with you but not during business operation hours.
Still, what I did find and the reports of both Tiel and Irisa give me hope. Oh and by the way, Korva managed to sneak into the city the other night without any of you, seems she was trying to see if she could do it without endangering anyone but herself and well, mission accomplished, you can ask her about it as she's down below if you wish to.
Here is what I decoded thus far:
• The Silver Ravens were established in 4606 AR in the wake of the chaos that swept over Cheliax after Aroden’s death to help protect the city of Kintargo from oppression.
• The woman who founded the Silver Ravens was a mysterious elf known only as “Jackdaw,” a figure who, before the advent of the Age of Lost Omens, built herself into a sort of Kintargan folk hero who fought for the rights of the city’s downtrodden.
• Many of the Silver Ravens were adventurers or worshipers of Milani. Jackdaw, a swashbuckler, was the most powerful and influential of them all, but others who rose to particular prominence among the Silver Ravens were Amyreid a female half-elf cleric of Milani, Ba a male halfling enchanter, Kyda a female human rogue and bard, and Brakisi a male human city ranger.
Hopefully, by the end of the week with Sholti's help, I can uncover even more secrets of these documents.
Now to what Tiel and Irisa shared with me, During the Night of Ashes, three buildings mysteriously burned to the ground. No one’s saying it out loud, but the general consensus is that these three buildings and many of their occupants were specifically targeted by Barzillai Thrune as dens of sedition.
The three ruins are the Victocora estate, the Thrashing Badger Tavern, and a music store called the Silver Star. My parents were part of the Sacred Order of Archivists, and I suspect that they were targeted by Thrune’s agents for this reason.
The Silver Star was owned by Shensen herself an outspoken critic of Thrune. There are rumors that the location was also a secret shrine to Sarenrae. Furthermore, the Thrashing Badger was a favorite watering hole for the rebellious cult of Milani.
For the first few days after the Night of Ashes, the Dottari patrolled the sites of all three ruins heavily, but now they’ve turned their attention elsewhere. I doubt there’s anything worth salvaging from my family estate as I went over it a few times.
The Thrashing Badger’s ruins are almost entirely gone; the building burned through the boardwalk and collapsed into the water below. I suppose you could check that location if you wish.
However, no one has checked the ruins of the Silver Star, perhaps that is our next lead?"
Stricia gets up and bows low to Rexus If you are of the Sacred Order of Archivists then I was sent to help guard you in your holy work. I apologize that I was not here to protect you from what happened to the city.
Kadwyn listens intently to Rexus as he briefs them. When Stricia speaks up, the aasimar raises an eyebrow, visibly surprised by thise piece of information. She regains her composure, however, and turns back to Rexus. "I don't know enough about this Hellknight to really have an opinion about him, but Zel trusts him." She shrugs and continues. "In any case, I agree. Based on your description, I think there is much to learn at the Silver Star."
"I agree with Kadwyn, the Silver Star may hold some clues." Zeldana said with a nod to her. "Also Rexas, I shall point out once more. I told you that it might be a problem. That I had caught his eye. I tried to keep it all under wraps. Do you really think it would have been better if I just rejected him? It could have made all of this worse. This is what we have right now. Dalth isn't turning us in, he's turning a blind eye to our actions, and he even save us from being recognized by the guards of the Salt works." Zeldana pointed out. "Granted it was in the way I'd never ask for or approve of but it happened so there is nothing we can do about it now." She crossed her arms and sighed "Yes, I know that I'm walking on glass without my shoes right now. Can we please move past it? It's already cost us Sholti because she doesn't trust me and she's worried for her parents, I'd rather not continue upon it and risk saying something I'll regret."
Before she goes to find the others and tell them of her decision, she goes to speak with Rexus. She fills him in on anything he doesn't yet know about the raid on the saltworks and their subsequent return.
"Now it's certain the Hellknight knows everything there is to know, or close to it. I don't know what he meant by his comment about wanting to hear no more "scandalous rumours" about Zel, but I have my family to consider when I interpret it. I have to take it to mean he has intervened on her behalf once, don't expect it again. Zel, Sera, Kadwyn, and Stricia may not agree, But they are all freer than me to take that risk."
"I think there's a deeper difference than Dalth though, and he is a symptom of it. We've never really spoken at length about what it is we want to accomplish aside from vaguely removing Barzillai Thrune's rule, or how that could be done. I think I see it as more of a war than they might. Or perhaps they see it as a conflict more easily accomplished than I do. Regardless, I believe that if we take any more steps, there is no way back, and there is no middle path. Resistance to mitigate the worst of Thrune's abuses is futile. Given time, he will destroy any resistance, even minor resistance that doesn't threaten his position."
"The only way any resistance can survive is to be completely dedicated to his destruction. It will be kill or be killed. Dalth will not be able to commit to both sides. He might be willing to indulge Zel and shield her when she makes what he sees as some do-gooder mischief now. But very soon he will have to choose unequivocally one or the other. I just can't bet on him to go that far."
"I have thought about this constantly since, and I have decided I must leave this little group. I still believe in the cause, but I think we have become too vulnerable to achieve it. I will carry on in some different way. I have some ideas, but they are not firm enough to go into yet. I'll help you with the translations you're working on over the next few days in whatever way you need, but that is all. Afterward I may not be able to come here anymore, I'm not sure yet. As I figure things out I'll tell you more."
"One thing I'll ask now is that you think about artists and entertainers you could put me in contact with. With so many venues, including the Opera House closed now, it's time to figure out some way to get them working again."
Sholti places her hands on either side of Rexus's head and kisses his cheek. "Thank you for all you have done for us, and the extra work you've done for me. Take great care, and think about contingency plans for yourself. Things are going to get much more dangerous."
I will do as the Archivist suggests. Stricia declares We should explore the Silver Star
Kintargo -
Rexus smiles at Zel, "I understand where both you and Sholti are coming from. I shall speak no further of it. We must trust each other and each other's judgment else all is lost.
Now, the Silver Star was being patrolled heavily but may not be now that it has been some time since it was destroyed.
Will you go explore it now or later? If later, I would suggest heading below. If now, take care that no patrols are nearby while you investigate".
---
Now, if you change your mind, Tiel and Irisa have told me that they believe that the ruins of the Silver Star is worth exploring. I hope that the Ladies do see you there later".
With that you take your leave.
Stricia would want to go ahead and investigate the Silver Star as soon as possible. Having found the group she was to join and protect she is fully committed to the cause of the Ravens as they are helping the remnants of the Archivists as well.
"I'd rather wait if it reduces our chance of being seen. This isn't a remarkably time sensitive operation, correct?" Kadwyn adds, shrugging again. She is strong an charismatic, but between her imposing height and armor, she isn't very stealthy.
"I don't know about that... I'm not very stealthy. If it's already burnt down and they've left it be why would they care if we went to see it?" Zeldana asked.
Sera frowns as she thinks a little on the situation.
"Whatever we decide, its worth being careful. Its weird that something gets patrolled so heavily and then gets left alone, to me, that either means everything of worth was taken, or that it since has unseen defenses and therefore no longer needs further patrolling."
Kintargo -
Rexus shrugs at the points the Ladies' make, "It may be that everything worth taking is indeed gone.
I think they stopped patrolling simply because the time lapse since they destroyed it has been long enough that they believe no one who can or will resist is left within the city.
Correct, it is not time sensitive but should be done, who knows what you will find?!" His eyes gleam with interest over what may be.
Kintargo -
The four opt to head down in the Wasp Nest, after all it has been a few days since they went down to check on things.
Moving through slowly to make sure no one is seeking to follow your group down, you finally open the secret passage and enter the new HQ of the Silver Ravens. A tense moment where you sense someone watching all of you passes as you realize it is merely the Tengu hiding in the shadows.
Maggie, the youngest of the bunch grins, "We were starting to think you would all never come back. Where are Irisa and Tiel and who are these Ladies?"
Stricia bows I am Stricia. I am new to your city and I believe I have joined your rebellion.
"Irisa and Tiel are away on rebellion missions. As Stricia said that is she, and this is Sera and Kadwyn. All have agreed to join out little group. How are you all doing?" Zeldana asked. "Is there anything you need?"
Kintargo -
Before Maggie can respond, the sound of a crash echoes from around the corner, in the same location where the Fox Force encountered the Dire Corby!
A scream rings out right after the crash.
Maggie turns, "My sisters!" She rushes around the corner.
Stricia responds by following Maggie. What was that sound?
Kadwyn remains silent as she quickly draws her sword and shield.
Zeldana drew the paladin once more, allow its armor to become her own before she ran off after the Maggie.
Sera immediately heads straight for the source of the scream, reacting instantly as she prepares for a worst case scenario.
Kintargo -
As you race around the corner you find one of the Tengu, Maggie, under some rubble! She looks to be in bad condition.
Sera doesn't have the greatest skills in heal, but she knows sabotage when she sees it, as she prods the area with her foot.
"This was done deliberately I feel, look, see the tool marks in the wall. So, unless we recently invited someone in here, we might have an intruder."
Stricia recognizes death when she sees it. She needs help right away or she may die! Healing magic perhaps.
Zeldana stepped up, "None of us have healing magic." Zeldana said as she dug in her bag. "But I might have a potion in my bag." Zeldana said.
Healing may not be part of Kadwyn's repertoire, but physical might is. She begins to pull hunks of rubble from the pile to free the tengu.