Leira blushes upon hearing her friend's nice words "Let me help you Delia and Adir. I will try to fix those bedrolls we found in the ruined temple room"
The girl uses her minor magic to quickly fix and clean one of the bedrolls from the campfire in the temple.
Using a couple of wooden bars from the crumbling furniture as a base, she makes the bedroll ropes to strip into the bars "We can use some bandages to cover his face, unless you have access to a nice helmet"
Dundin examines the well made chain shirt. He exchanges it for his own if it fits.
The armor fits well enough, but it wouldn't hurt to stop by the Clamor and have it adjusted in a few points. No sense in chaffing needlessly.
It is night now, so the dark should provide cover for your return and some concealment of your identities, then once you are past the town gates you should be able to scatter to some place to hide without much difficulty, that is unless Daktani was supposed to report on his meeting tonight...
Adir and Songan easily fashion a litter to carry Daktani upon, though it will not be useful until upstairs or outside the ruins. In these tunnels it will be too unwieldy to manage with the half-orc in recline.
"You are just so resourceful Songan" the girl closes by the catman attracted by the manual work he makes with the litter.
Once ready the girl follows the party, trying to help as much as possible, in the way back to Trunau.
"Let's try to be as less seen as possible" the girl tries to move stealthily and hopes for the guards and Garth to be accepting the group fast.
Once at Garth room she updates the captain explaining all what happened and requesting vengeance against the Twisted Nails and their minions.
Dundin takes the time, while everyone else is hauling Daktani up and out of the ruins, to make his way to the infirmary. He dashes down the row of beds, offering a quick muttered prayer of forgiveness, and reaches the far corner of the room. As he passes, once more the dead specters rise up and bemoan their fate, the smells and sounds more clear, more vivid than before. The dwarf steels his nerve and makes it safely to the far side.
Searching the area quickly, he finds that a small cabinet hangs on the southern wall, burnt but still intact. Inside he finds an ornate hopeknife gilded red gold, a heart-shaped gold locket with a small portrait inside and a moth eaten cloth pouch which holds 63 silver coins. Collecting the items, he makes a mental vow to use what they have found to find some way to lay these poor souls to rest.
Looking back, he sees the spirits fading once more from view, their energies again spent they are loosing their hold to the material world, if only for a short period. Something will need to be done to free them, before they begin manifesting beyond the edges of the ruins. Perhaps it is their torment, or something worse, that brought the spectral rats to Trunau's doors.
Dundin nods to the dead, and plans to use some of the treasure to consecrate the infirmary. He rejoins the procession back to town, displaying what he found to the others.
"There was some treasure in the infirmary." he says simply.
Everyone meets outside the ruins, taking what treasures they discovered with them. Othdan leads the way as they cart their prisoner along, as well as the head of the flood troll, all fat tongued and glassy eyed. Wounded and weary, the band has made good work of it and a small measure of pride wells up in everyone. The camaraderie is light despite the burden being tiresome, the journey somewhat longer with the near dead weight of Daktani in tow. Othdan leaves you at the city wall, rushing off to find his father's farm. The distance is short and he is sure this time he will make it alright. He promises he'll find some way to repay you for saving his life.
As you approach the closed gates, you call out to the guards for entry. It takes a little convincing, but soon the way is open and you make it through to the town proper. The guards inform you that you may take the prisoner to the Longhouse, but that both Kurst and Jagrin Grath are unavailable this night for further discussion. The elder Grath has won his way with the Council. Rodrik's body is to be cremated tomorrow eve, and both men have gone into fasting and meditation for the coming ceremony. They will not be available until the following afternoon.
Lieutenant Grath did leave instructions that anything you find should be given merit and any prisoners, evidence, or properties adequately collected and documented. Looking at Daktani, they call for a priest and escort you into an adjoining waiting room. They seem nervous once they recognize who the half-orc is, more so for the damage that has been inflicted upon him. It is then that you realize he is in rough shape, and appearances can be mistaken. The man has severe and deep cuts which have been torn open once or twice, the man broke his own wrists while hanging tied to the portcullis in straining to take his own life, and it does not appear more than superficial aid was given to his needs. The arriving priest looks on the man in thinly veiled horror, but does use the aid of Abadar to treat his wounds and bandage his wrists and hands.
As things start to turn dark, the troopers eyeing you suspiciously, Sergeant Frum arrives, sober but obviously suffering a slight bout of detox, and takes over the situation, ushering everyone out of the room. He asks a few questions, and in a span of several minutes you tell him everything that happened since you last saw him. Bad off that, gesturing to the slumbering Daktani, but don't worry, I'll handle the guards. They'll keep this quiet, at least for tonight.
He walks you back to the entrance, giving instructions for the prisoner to be taken to a cell, No visitors without mine or Lieutenant Grath's approval, no exceptions. Once the guards are gone with Daktani, You've got to remember, your investigation's not sanctioned by Jagrin Grath or the Council. They decided, for the best of the town, they go forward with Rodrik's "suicide" and send him to his rest. The words clearly pain the man, and he wipes a tear from his cheek as he continues, leading you out into the street.
I think it best that we keep that one out of sight until tomorrow, and you folks should duck down the hill as well. Do you have somewhere to stay, somewhere together? He looks off down the hill, watching as many avenues appear darker than usual, more foreboding. I can arrange for Kurst, Jagrin, and key members of the Council to meet you there. I think it best they hear what you have to say from your own lips.
He draws closer to you, his voice lowering a bit. Everyone's tense right now, and this'll only make matters worse. We had three humans and a visiting elf mugged and beaten senseless tonight. A half-orc was tarred shortly after leaving the Clamor earlier. Ol' Gushen, and he's been known around here for years, a good man, even for a half-orc. He fails to realize it is that same prejudice, however innocuous, that the enemy may be counting upon. It's getting out of hand, I've had to increase trooper patrols throughout town, taking men away from the wall. It's quiet now, but for how long.
As you move to leave, he calls after, We need to figure out what is happening, put a lid on it right soon, before it all boils over.
|
"Things are getting bad..." Songan begins as the party makes their way back down the hall, he keeping his new longsword in grasp and glancing down each dark alley that they pass. "The dominoes begin to fall and if we don't get ahead of this thing, I'm afraid the spirit that has embodied Trunau for so long will be lost. I don't think we have much time left. Fewer men on the wall means more risk should an assault take place...which may have been the ultimate goal all along."
"We need to met with Kurst and the others as soon as possible, but in the meantime, there must be something else that we are able to do to further our goal."
"After the day we had, resting is probably the best thing we can do. We've alerted those who can do something about the situation and they know how to protect Trunau."
"And we rest together, where we can watch each other and make sure nothing happens."
Dundin says the last statements with finality.
"If I have to take a bath to make that happen, I will."
Dundin does not want to be called on that one.
"I don't like at all that Jagrin and Kurst are not available. This is very important, I don't understand why Frum want us to wait until tomorrow! Rodrick mourning is important, but it can't go against the security of the town" the girl looks desperately around "I also want to rest, but we have to found one of the Garth's now and let them know"
Delia agrees with Leira's statements; however, being a member of the militia limits Delia's ability to go against Frum's orders. "I agree, Leira, but perhaps we should respect their wishes. I do not want to further agitate Jagrin beyond what we already have. Though, perhaps, if an outsider wanted to try to force the discussion with Kurst at him home..." she looks pointedly at Songan. "Afterwards, I suggest we all stay the night at my home. It is safe and well protected, up on the bluff with a good view to overlook much of the valley below."
Leira looks at Songan "Delia is right about it. I know we are asking you a lot these days, but please, Songan help us again with this affair. It can save Trunau." she seems hopeful at the catfolk intervention "I will go with you if that reassures you. I am no member of the militia, and anyway this is way too important"
Kurst and his father both reside in the officer's wing of the Longhouse. It is not difficult to reach, nor usually even guarded being the center for Trunau's military. Their doors are opposite one another, with Rodrik's former room next to Kurst's.
"I will speak to him, one warrior to another."
Dundin prepares to go too.
Adir shakes his head, uncertain how to feel about the intrusion.
Leira leads the group along the hallways, trying to remember which way to go to reach the officer's quarters. After first one, then almost a second wrong turn, she spies the correct hallway and together you find yourselves standing before Kurst's door. His father's doorway stands behind you, a heavier stout oak that seems nearly as imposing as the man. Rodrik's room stands nearby, draped in a black garland and sash.
You knock lightly, Rap, tap, tap. No answer.
You knock a second time, Bap, whap, whap. Again no answer.
Do you wish to knock louder, in case he is sleeping at this hour or lost in his mourning preperations? Do you wish to simply try to enter?
Concerned, Leira knocks again to the door, using a loud enough tone to make sure if someone is sleeping at the other side, he will wake up "Captain. We are most sorry to interrupt your mourning but we have urgent news to deliver. The town is at great danger of an imminent attack and we would need to prepare for. We have discovered why Rodrick was assassinated and by whom, and have proves of an imminent alliance between the Twisted Nails and the Heart Eaters"
No sound comes from within Kurst's room. Movement however is heard behind Jagrin's door, which is thrown open to reveal a weary, sunken eyed Watch Commander. How dare you interrupt my mourning with this noise and blather, no doubt with more of your damnable lies. Who let you in here, what are you doing running about the garrison? Leave now or by the very gods I will have you all arrested. Is it not bad enough you have stained my son's good name with your talk of dalliances with a half-breed. Oh no, you had to go and spread he was also in league with half-breed raiders, and too incompetent to see his duty to protect Trunau. And now you dare bring other lessers to my son's door, to my door, on the eve of my older son's funeral. Harpies, tempters, mongrel breeders the lot of you. Get out now, get out. Guards, guards, arrest these fools...
The man is clearly distraught, dressed only in a loose night shirt, his bare legs showing the signs of age, not as strong and thick as they once were. His hair is disheveled, his eyes red rimmed and bleary, his skin shallow and sunken. He gazes at you with eyes that flash angrily, but seem to see through you. You realize now why he has not been participating much in the happenings of the last few days, he is lost to his own depression and inner demons.
Dundin nods, distressed by the man's words and, he feels, no words can help here.
He gives the man a quick salute as he closes the door quickly and holds it. He motions for the others to get a head start back. Maybe Dundin would get in trouble. If the others get a head start, he quickly follows.
Yep, always having to talk things out is not best.
Songan clears his throat quietly, stepping forward and licking his "lips" hesitantly before he begins to speak. His voice is low, reverent, apologetic, sincere.
"Commander...I know that I am a newcomer to Trunau and you have no reason to trust me. You have every reason not to. But...do you remember Ruby's hopeknife ceremony and the first event? The tug-of-war? How hard I fought for Ruby to help her win? If I fought that hard to help Ruby win that simple game, do you believe I would not try even harder to find the truth behind what has been happening here? Please, sir, I know we do not warrant your time, especially for interrupting your mourning your eldest son's passing, but it is only because we all believe in the urgency of this that we come to you. Please give us just a few minutes to tell you what we have learned. That is all we ask. Once we have told you what we know, you can make your own decision about what to do with it. If we were wrong then I will gladly turn myself over to the guards to be arrested for interrupting your grief."
Leira gets a bit desperate at seeing the state of the one who has to ready the town for the worst and lead it to success. Nevertheless she tries to help Songan "Sorry for the irruption sir. We would have never reached you if this was not of vital relevance. Listen this man here. He has proven his worth."
Kurst's door has remained closed, his room silent throughout your exchange thus far. Jagrin however, does not give you the time needed for a Diplomacy check. As Songan starts to discuss fighting for Ruby the man becomes even more livid. Oh yeah, you fought so hard for a fatherless bastitch girl, mothered by a mongrel loving whore, an orcish fornicator. Where were you to prevent my son from colluding with orcs, where were you when he took his own life? Some heroes you think yourselves to be. Guards, guards, to me, NOW...
At this point you can smell the drink coming from Jagrin, and you realize the alcoholic stupor you found Frum in was nothing compared to the level Rodrik's actual father has fallen. No wonder Garth and Frum have been your only contacts with the military, no wonder Halgra has been preoccupied with managing the Council. With Jagrin in despair over Rodrik's death, he has been in no position to lead, others are doing so in his absence.
Before you can take advantage of Dundin's opening and attempt to run, troopers appear at both ends of the hallway, led by Sergeant Frum. Omast throws a quick salute at Jagrin and has the men "handle" you, holding your arms and nudging for you to proceed away from the rooms. I will escort them sir, they will not be bothering you again. I you need to ready yourself for Rodrik's funeral pyre this evening. We will leave you to it.
Turning back to you, he motions for you to proceed. This way, prisoners. Omast leads you round through the halls back to the main hall. I am sorry you had to witness that. He doesn't mean it, not really. Jagrin is a good man, deep down. An honorable heart, a heroic soul. He has given up so much for Trunau, to now lose his son as well. He has lost himself with Rodrik's death. Their last words together were angry ones, ones he can never take back, ones he cannot find a way to forgive, a way to forget. The troopers release you and form up ranks behind Frum. Trunau needs to believe in a strong leader, and Jagrin will be that again, once he comes to grips with his grief. Kurst and I will remind him. Please, for everyone's sake, keep this outburst quiet, keep it to yourselves. It would do no one any good to hear of it on the street.
You find yourselves again by the main doors out of the Longhouse. Through the windows you see the others, still standing, waiting in the roadway. By morning Jagrin will have forgotten your arrest, by afternoon the entire incident altogether. I have sent word to Halgra and the Council, they will meet you tomorrow, first bell past noon at the Counting House. You may present your case then. He motions for the door, the troopers snapping to attention, offering a smart salute, then moving off back to their duties within the Longhouse. Frum watches, waiting for you to leave, standing by the window to make sure you don't try to return to Jagrin again.
Leira nods a bit ashamed "I hope Krust is ok, we haven't find him"
Rejoining with the rest of the party the girl explains what they have seen "It seems the Captain is in very bad mental conditions. Rodrick's death was the last thing his ill brain was needing" and after a pause to listen other's thoughts she adds "Perhaps we should proceed to the Sanctuary to rest as we were suggested to do. Tomorrow is going to be a long day if we want to track down our enemies"
And that said the girl starts moving towards the Sanctuary to rest as decided by the group. She will just pay a small visit to home, not far from the Sanctuary, to say she is ok, and she will be sleeping at the Sanctuary until all is ended. Afterwards she rejoins the party and tries to repair the bed as good as she can to pass the night.
"Fair enough. Delia, you said we can stay with you?"
Dundin nods and decides to impart his learned wisdom: "Sad dad not want to meet those who exposed he almost had a half orc daughter-in-law."
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While the accommodations are cramped and crowded, you manage to all find a piece of floor or furniture to call your own. You find yourselves wasted from the days activities and settle in for a fitful beginning. Near dawn you all manage to fall into a decent slumber, one which lasts longer than expected.
By mid-morning you finally awaken to the sounds of activity in the kitchen. Delia's family, feeling the need to honor the precepts of hospitality, have put themselves out preparing breakfast, nearly clearing the cupboards to provide everyone with enough to eat and libations to drink. The food is simple but made with skill and care, delicious and quite filling.
Once you are finished, they begin to clear the table and wash up, nearly every plate, bowl, cup and utensil needing a soak and scrub. Delia's mother refuses to allow any of you to help, putting the rest of the family to work instead, the family's way of honoring your actions both to Trunau and in keeping their daughter safe.
As you pack up your gear, you hear a call out in the street. A patrol is looking for you, stopping by Delia's, inquiring after you. It seems Sergeant Frum had mistakenly assumed you would again be at the Sanctuary, as you had stayed there previously and no one had mentioned to him otherwise. He sent the Council delegation there to meet you. They became alarmed when they discovered you had never arrived.
Shall I send to have them come here? the trooper asks, nervously.
Rival corpses pile around the large orc, his breath, deep and fatigued. Yet a lanky rival orc with a skull mask stands in front, opposing him in the way to freedom.
"You are no a rival to me" he says, and then a swarm of ants pour through his fingers attacking her. The ants climb through her legs and bite her up into her most intimate parts. She roars in fury and pain, and battles franticly against the nefarious creatures without success.
Then her eyes fill with fire, the fire of vengeance, she extends her hands and tongues of fire pours through taking into flames the diminutive creatures. The shaman in front shrieks in fear as the flames extend up to him and burn him, burn, burn... smelling to burned skin, and burned wood... and cloth...
Smelling to burned cloth... Leira suddenly wakes up, her bed sheets on flames "Uaaah!" the girl hastily moves to sooth the flames with the rest of the sheets and the pillow.
Once the small fire is under control, the girl props her up on the wall and peers through the window What is going on with me? What is this orc in my dreams? What is all the magic happening around... And just at the moment Trunau is under such an unrest and danger... she looks distracted at her left hand, and now there a new tattoo has spread through her skin, one depicting a couple of flames twisting around her fingers. The girl, jumps in place, both surprised and scared by the finding.
---------------------------------------------------
After the breakfast, Leira apologises for the burned sheets and promises to take new ones just during the morning.
Once the patrol hits the house, Leira nods to him and adds "We have to make sure no one knows where are we resting as we fear our enemies have us under surveillance. We are sorry for the troubles we might have caused. I think we can follow you to the Council, there is no need for an official delegation."
Adir thanks the family for their hospitality and generosity, keeping in mind how much he eats. When the trooper shows up, he sheepishly responds, "Uh, no... we'll follow you, of course, obviously."
Mother is not going to appreciate her time being wasted. He hangs his head at the thought.
If everyone else is ready, the troopers quickly march you through Trunau, down the hill and to the Sanctuary. As you arrive a small group of people stand around talking, awaiting your arrival.
Most of the waiting dignitaries you have met or dealt with previously, some may only be known by name or reputation. You see Chief Defender Halgra of the Blackened Blades, mother of Adir and leader of the council; newly promoted Patrol Captain Kurst Grath, weary looking with sleepy eyes but a soft smile of greeting; Councilor Lessie Crumkin, the high priest of Abadar, a mousey looking man, fidgeting and nervous as he plucks at beads on a counting string; Councilor Agrit Staginsdar, a proud looking dwarven arcanist and the spouse of Sara Morninghawk. Agrit nods towards you as you arrive; High Priestess Tyari Varvatos, your most recent host and head of the Sanctuary of Iomedae, though not a member of the council; and lastly Patrol Sergeant Omast Frum, looking relieved to finally see you, moving to wave everyone towards a long table set up to the side of the chapel, allowing the council members a seat and everyone else filing in and taking seats at pews or benches in the area.
The meeting is impromptu, but quiet, and the Sanctuary well guarded by the troopers outside. Frum takes a few moments to make introductions before turning the meeting over to you. He outlines that the Council of Defenders has conceded to Patrol Leader Grath's wishes to close the matter of Rodrik's "Suicide" and allow the man a hero's funeral pyre to be held this evening after sundown.
Halgra speaks at this point, sparing Kurst from commenting. The council and Grath family thank you for uncovering the evidence that Rodrik may have been murdered. While it benefits the council in knowing the truth, it may not be so for the common townsfolk. For this we hope you will exercise caution, and keep further information quiet at the behest of the family patriarch.
Frum continues that patrols have been increased in town to watch for vandals and unrest, but tensions have risen with unfounded accusations that every half-orc in Trunau is in league with some unknown enemy. Priestess Varvatos chimes in to mention Katrezra was accousted just this morning, slapped and kicked by a parishioner when he stooped to help her child who had dropped a toy. The woman "believed" he was going to bite the little thing. Hysteria and hatred are boiling over in town. It is unnatural how quickly, how deep this is running. Halgra turns and states, And you are here as a courtesy, pinkskin... her eyes flashing dark, but suddenly catching herself. I am sorry, that was uncalled for, please, accept my apologies... The priestess nods in acceptance, settling back into her seat.
The room falls quiet for a moment, the stress clearing working on everyone. The air seems a bit more oppressive, heavy, and hot, the light a little less brighter than before. Even the walk through town seemed more a funerary procession than a stroll to perhaps the most important meeting of your lives. Dark times are falling over Trunau.
Frum coughs to clear his throat before continuing. We have only two patrols left to return to town, one due shortly, another not for three days. Men watch from all the towers, and I have a crew working to check each watch pyre for preparedness. After the ceremony this evening we will implement any additional changes, should your information warrant it. With that he signals it is time for you to deliver your update.
Dundin steps forward, nods, and says simply:
"Trolls and orcs conspire inside Trunau, orcs and wolves attack inside Trunau, and people inside Trunau mistrust each other. I pledge my axe to this town's defense."
He then steps back.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Adir flinches at his mother's use of the orcish derogatory term. Not only is it unexpected from her, but it is an indication of just how things have turned in a matter of only days. Is Trunau so fragile as that? That's a word I never thought I'd associate with my home. He sets his shoulders and straightens his back, rising to his full height.
"We are certain that Rodrik was murdered. Spurred on by Katreza's visions, he investigated the Plague House. We have it by his own hand, in his journal. In our own investigation at the Plague House, we discovered a meeting taking place between Daktani, the prisoner that we brought in last night, and a flood troll." With that, Adir pulls out the troll head, dramatically putting it on the table facing the council. He pauses a moment before continuing.
"It had the markings of the Twisted Hearts tribe, and we know the Twisted Nails are involved also, maybe more tribes. Their spies search for something within Trunau's walls, the Giant's Final Rest. Names that Daktani gave include Skreed, Urnsul, and Gavrick." With a nod to the priest, Adir says, "And Daktani tried to kill himself to stop us from bringing him in. Safeguard against that; he may have more information."
Although you cannot put your finger on it, you get the feeling while Halgra did not mean to use the racial epitaph she uttered, at the same time she is not fully apologetic for it. In fact, you get the feeling many of the council are harboring uneasy, anxious or reclusive emotions while around each other, almost as if forced from their comfort zones.
You see the look in Halgra's eyes after her brief exchange with Tyari. You have seen it yourself when making a mistake around mother, and she reserving reprimand for a more private moment. Never before have you remembered her acting or speaking so vulgarly towards another human, nor other humanoid for that matter. She has always been open and accepting, judging people on their actions, their deeds, never the color of their skin, the circumstances of their parentage. It is then that you see her eyes, dark, sunken, slightly glassy. The same with the other council members, each bearing to some extent that same hollow darkness. Even your own friends bear a faint trace of it, hidden beneath the surface, masked by restless nights and too recent memories of violence and chaos.
You realize while Halgra did not mean to utter such a racial epitaph, at the same time she is not apologetic for it. Each of the councilors are harboring uneasy, anxious, reclusive emotions. You can only imagine how such a darkness would effect Jagrin Grath, already known to be unapologetically predisposed against some races. Or worse, how some of the more vocal critics of the town, those who for years have spoken out against Trunau's inclusive nature. If not ended soon, it will not be the orcs that tears Trunau apart, it will be her own people.
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"Skreed was the name we were given as Daktani's contact. Skreed Gorewillow; according to him, Skreed is a human resident of Trunau, though he didn't know where Skreed stayed; he'd only met him at his flophouse or at the Killin' Grounds. We were also attacked by a group of assassins with some kind of liquid crystal daggers that were apparently hired by this Skreed fellow."
** spoiler omitted **
The council quickly points out that Skreed Gorewillow, if that is the man's true name, is unknown as a resident of Trunau. He may be a migrant or traveler staying in town. The records show no such person owning property, paying taxes, or having documented business dealings with anyone in Trunau.
"We also found a dead priest with coin from Grask Uldeth, the orc king of Belkzen." Leira makes a pause before continuing "I don't understand what is going on sirs. But my family has explained me about the last time the trolls and the orcs worked together in the Twisted Heart alliance. The Plague House is just a testimony of that time... What do you think it has to be done now?"
She gives a time for the Council to say what they think it has to be done then gives her own opinion "We have to try and find this place, 'The Giants Final Rest' and why the orcs are looking for it, but we know Skreed was laying about his progress in the matter to avoid the alliance to start the attack and obtain more time to search. Thus, we have to start preparing for battle."
"What we can do is our group to try find Skreed and his half-orcs in town while we check around places and legends for what this 'Giants Final Rest' might be. We believe their marks mean places they have already searched. The militia and the town should probably be informed and start readying weapons, and building trenches and other obstacles, and the civilians involved in readying the defences. We don't know when, but we can be sure they are going to attack us, whether they have news about that mythic place or not"
Delia remains quiet during the initial exchanges and introductions, knowing most of the individuals already. She frowns deeply at Halgra's sudden explosion towards her fellow human, but does not say anything yet. She uses her silence to gauge all of the council members, wondering what is going on within her home. She cannot quite put her finger on it yet, but there is something amiss within the meeting... The more she listens, the more her anxiety builds, thinking about the possible army amassing in the plains outside Trunau... an army made up of the same tribe that stole her brother and father from her... She runs her hand over the wrist sheath containing her Hopeknife... Suddenly she cannot abide by the dissension any longer and she stands abruptly.
"Honored Counselors, some of you may know me, personally, while other may not. My name is Delia Everheart, my family was part of the founding of Trunau and we have proudly and quietly served as protectors of our home since that day. Trunau has faced countless dangers before this day and will face countless danger after. We have always prevailed, just as we will now! I do not know what this darkness is that has befallen our home, but you are our leaders and must find a way to dig yourselves out from underneath it! You have been chosen by the people of Trunau for your valor in battle, or your exceptional ability to lead, or for your compassion despite the most dire of circumstances. This infighting serves nothing, but to embolden our enemies." She looks each person in the eyes, holding their gaze for a moment. "Everyone in this room has experienced the sting of loss, myself included, but I refused to let that define me! I am disgusted by what I have seen in this room this day."
"You have given into the fear and hatred that our enemies strive to force upon us and in that way, they have already won the war." Suddenly Delia's Hopeknife appears in her hand. "And if that be the case, then you may as well draw your hopeknives and end your sniveling lives here and now." She glares across the table towards the supposed leaders of her home. "I will not stand by and let my home be torn asunder by your ineptitude. I will rise the call myself if need be. Now are you with us? Or will you wallow in cowardice and hide in the shadows to die?"
Buoyed by Delia's confirmation of what he is seeing, Adir places what he hopes is a comforting hand on Delia's shoulder. "Moth...umm, Chief Defender Halgra, in two decades, I have never heard you speak so to another. Perhaps it is time to consider the possibility that the strife in Trunau is being magically enhanced by those from without. A weakened Trunau is an easier target," he ends, stating the obvious.
Delia finds she cannot easily read the group, cannot accurately sense what is going on behind the doors of power. The group is holding their thoughts close, guarded even from each other.
Leira brings up the fall of the original church of Iomedae, while herself being inside it's current walls. The council seems to rile slightly as the young girl begins laying out plans for the town, plans for the leadership to simply bow to and obey. Cheeks flush and backs tense as she continues.
It is then that Delia begins for all effects and purposes to scold the leaders, accusing them of endangering Trunau, of not being worthy of their positions. The young girl at the same time gives voice to her own superiority and heritage in the town, belittling theirs. Her words have an effect, one stronger than Leira's. The councilors' expressions turn dark and stern. Their eyes narrow and their grips tighten as the haranguing barrage continues from the young heroes.
Lastly Adir steps in, adding his own comments to his mother, and to the leadership of the council. It appears this is to be the last straw. The councilors take apparent and haughty umbrage at his casual comment, unintended as it was, that they are of weak wills, they have fallen under the spell of some foul orcish sorcery. His mother Halgra stands, the other councilors nodding, following suit. She taps a small gavel once, twice, three times, silencing the room.
Chief Defender Halgra then coolly and calmly stares down her "accusers". Trunau thanks you for your services, what they were, but understand they have now come to an end. You have uncovered the nature of Rodrik Grath's death, and given what solace you could to his loved ones. You discovered a band of spies operating within OUR TOWN and soon WE shall deal with it. You have shown yourselves to be of usefulness in squabbling with bandits and rogues. But now is the time to let others clear away the mess, to tidy things back up. We have your statements, we have your prisoner, we will continue on from here. You may go back to playing with your pets, to mucking about your stalls, or, for those of you who actually have made an effort to grow up and be part of the solution, not the problem, I suggest you return to your duties with the garrison. The group begins to file out, the councilors neither acknowledging you nor Tyari any further. They and their trooper escorts depart, the soldiers moving to block anyone approaching the officials. Kurst makes a small nod to Omast as he allows himself to be swept out of the room.
Sergeant Frum hangs his head, shaking it slowly, but dutifully follows his superiors from the room. As he reaches the doorway, he turns to you with a sad and pained expression. I hope you will all still come to the ceremony tonight, Rodrik's consecration and cremation. Kurst stayed last night with Brinya, sharing fond memories of a good man. They would be sorely treated if you did not attend. I know you are better than what some stubborn fools would have it believed. Thank you for all you have done, and all I know you will continue to do when the duty calls. He then leaves, catching up to the others.
Dundin follows the group out, and steps in quickly with the orcish-blooded priestess. "Humans are often emotional and over-react. I would give them some time to see reason."
Dundin then joins his group and takes the lead as they head out. His alert senses scan for danger and suspicious people.