"Who's 'they'? Vin?! Who's 'they'?!" Barek shakes his head. The man was broken and might continue to be if they couldn't give him some closure.
**********************************
Back outside, Barek looks at the note on the parchment. "And no idea who sent them this? It's signed 'Your Lordship' Sevilla isn't mentioned in this note. Could he have sent it? But he doesn't sound the type to sign things as a Lord."
"I think we need to see everything right now. That letter of introduction to Dr. Habe would be good, Sheriff."
"Ai eleana, more thieves and embezzlers. Don't they know the best things in life are free?" the elf says, shaking his head. "Still, the brutality of the murders and our suspicions of necromancy make me suspect that these killings are linked by more than just dirty money."
Once away from the man only then does Selena speak, The man is grieving and lashing out at anything. Do not listen to him or give it another thought. Instead let us focus on finding a solution to prove us right.
Nodding, Mirela's spirits appear somewhat buoyed as Selena rationalizes their encounter with Vin. "Thanks Selena, you're probably right, though I worry about what the town folk are saying of me though, if word has gotten out as Vin suggested."
Joining the others, Mirela listens to the Sheriffs recounting the events of the previous murder closely. A look of alarm flashes on Mirela's face as Barek mentions the signature. Grabbing the parchment to see for herself, her eyes quickly scan the note and linger on the signatory "Your Lordship, that can't be a coincidence..."
"So the killer, who we think is undead, targets certain humans for some crazed reason kill them and carve the Star of Evil into them. He lets any others in the area go?"
Selena is glad that she could comfort Miri up even if it was just with words at this time. Hopefully they can find some answers that will prove the words true though to the rest of the people of Sandpoint.
If that is true Tunder we also have to add intelligent to the undead part. These ritual killings and disfigurement is willful and designed. N doubt they have a grander plan and scheme than what we a currently seeing. The only connection I see currently to the killings and the disfigurement is that those individuals were doing illegal activities. The first group were con artists while Banny was skimming off the top of the mills profits.
Turning to Seldon she asks puzzeled, Have you ever heard of a good undead creature? I ask because that could be the answer. While the creature was alive it was on the side of law and good. Something traumatic happened upon its death and a fragment of itself remains. That fragment that remains is the will pursue those breaking the law. It seems like a stretch but that is why I am asking you.
Know religion
Looking at Miri Selena keeps trying to find answers to help the situation. The other way to look at this is who in and around Sandpoint would refer to themselves as Lordship? Would this Scarnetti fit the title?
Know local
"Don't forget it has in interest in Miri, which shows that it at least has good taste." Tunder tries to be supportive.
Despite Selena's deep knowledge, she doesn't know of any undead behavior that corresponds with what you have been witness to so far. She does know the "noble" houses of Sandpoint - the Scarnetti's, the Kaijitsu's, the Deverin's and the Valdemar's who were all original founding members of the Sandpoint Mercantile League that founded the city.
Hemlock scribbles you a quick note and provides directions. Habe's Sanitorium is about 8 miles south of Sandpoint built up against a limestone escarpment known as The Ashen Rise. On horseback the trip would take about two hours one-way. ON foot, about 4 hours. So far, you haven't secured regular mounts.
Smiling bemusedly at Tunder's comment, Mirela's normally cheerful self reappears, if briefly "Aw, thanks Tunder." Glancing back over at Selena a moment, the young varisian appears introspective as she considers the wizards comments "Never met this Scarnetti fellow, but that doesn't preclude him. No, the only person of rank around Sandpoint that I know is that dandy Foxglove, uh... Aldolf or Aldern, whatever his name was." With a quick shrug, Mirela adds "He did have a thing for me now that you mention it, but he's harmless, if perhaps even a little incompetent."
Barek rubs his head. "Scarnetti might see himself as a Lord in Sandpoint. Hell, he's powerful enough. But I'm not sure."
"A good undead, huh? Well if this is it's version of good, we have a problem."
To anyone in the group's knowledge, Titus Scarnetti doesn't refer to himself as "Lord" or has ever been called that.
Selena shrugs her shoulders at the reaction of a good undead. I understand it is far fetched but just trying to come up with some options. It seems though that our top suspects for different reasons are this Scarnetti and this Foxglove. The first because he is a power base and would justify the title lord. Add to that what we gathered from the lumber mill is Scarnetti sounds like he is ruthless enough to put a hit on someone who crosses him. This Foxglove did show interest to Miri but doesn't seem capable of such actions. As all we have is conjecture at this time we really can't go barging over to their residence and accuse them of anything. It looks like we will have to go see Habe and the lone survivor.
Sheriff, if seems like quite a walk. Do you have some horses and wagon we could borrow to get there and back before it gets too late? I was wondering as well if it would be possible to use them to go back to the goblin lair to clear it out in the morning. We got rid of the main threat but there are other area that need to be cleared out as well.
Hemlock hrumphs loudly. "Don't have no horses or wagons to spare, but I reckon you could sweet talk old Daviren Hosk out of a few mares, especialy if you tell him it's for goblin-killing. Hell, he might offer to join you."
"I also have nothing tying Titus Scarnetti to this, or any other, crime. He may be a slumlord, a cheat, and a scoundrel, but so far he ain't a crook. Follow it up if you think that's a lead, but as of now, I can't bring him in."
"Nary a moment off our feet before Desna calls us off again." he says, beaming. "I wish that the circumstances were different, but I find nothing clears a troubled mind like the open road."
"Let's go see Hosk and see if we can get those horses. The time saved will be worth it." Barek heads off to the stables.
Very well Barek, shall you and I go see about these horses and cart then. I would think Miri would normally be the best to ask given her personality and charm but at this time it may not be such a good idea. If he lets us use them then we can go there and still make it back tot he goblins today and finish clearing it out.
Selena makes ready to go see Hosk with Barek and any others who want to join. Once there she will knock on the doorway and call out. Master Hosk, may we have a word with you? The name is Selena and we have a favor to ask of you. We have been asked to do some work for Sherriff Hemlock that requires some travel. I was wondering if you would be som kind as to lend us some horses and possibly a cart for use for the day. We hope to make better time riding than walking so we can finish clearing out that goblin den so there are no more threats from goblins to Sandpoint. If so I would be happy to give you a full recount of the tale once we get back.
diplomacy
If it seems like he is unwilling to let us borrow them, I can understand your reluctance to loan such fine animals to almost complete strangers. What if we rent them instead. with the guarantee to pay you in full if something unforeseen should happen to them?
diplomacy again if necessary
"Aye lass, yae mae borrow mae wee horses. While yae mae bae a stranger tae mae, these oothers are noot, yae ken?. Wae made acquaintance when the wee buggers attacked Sandpoon' didna wae, Maester Barek? O'course yae cain use mae fillies if'n yae bae huntin' gobbos. If I were a wee bit younger, I'd bae askin' tae join yae, but mae old rhuematiz won't let me goo anymoore, ya ken?"
He brings around horses enough for everyone including a sturdy draft horse with a small cart for good measure. Once all are saddled and ready, he bids you farewll and good day.
Selena gives him a large smile at the sight of the cart. Why, Master Hosk you are truly a gentleman. If there is a way for us to repay you please let me know. I shall keep true to my word and give you the full tale once we are rid of those pesky goblins.
With the cart Selena asks Miri once they are all together. I don't want to seem insensitive but thought I would ask. do you want to ride in the cart under a blanket till we are out of town? I could care less about the townsfolk seeing you I just don't want you to feel embarrassed or ashamed by what they might say if word has gotten out. I will do what you want to help you just wasn't sure your thoughts on this matter.
Thorn is a bit unsettled about the whole thing. Before Selena and Barek go to the stables Thorn asks the group, not knowing if he should or not, "Should I look in on Shayliss, it seems relations may have gotten worse than I had thought, I don't know what to do."
Hosk tips his cap to the lady Selena as she compliments his kindness. "Aye, bring mae back some gobbo ears to hang in mae stables, an' we'll consider it even, eh? Nae, yae bae careful oot there in t'wilderness. Ain't nae place for a proper lady, yae ken? Coome back when yer doone an' have a drink wit' mae at t'Rusty Dragoon, eh? That goos dooble for all o' yae! Au'll bae waitin' tae hear them stories, indeed."
After considering Selena's offer a moment, Mirela scowls lightly and shakes her head "I appreciate the offer Selena, but no. I didn't do anything wrong, and I'm not going to do anything that suggests I have something to hide. Let them talk I if they really want, I can't stop them."
Glancing wide eyed over at the horses, Mirela scratches her head "You know, I've never actually had any former instruction on horseback riding... have any of you?"
Selena reaches out and touches Miri on the shoulder. I figured you would say as much but was still going to offer the suggestion. As for ever riding a horse, not even close, but I hope that they are gentle animals that we can control. No sense worrying about now though. Let us be off and get this over with.
"I confess... it has been... countless years." the elf says with a beleagured shrug. "When it comes to horses me and my friends at Thistletop are of one mind. I'm much more comfortable on my own two feet."
His usual grace gone, Seldon awkwardly lurches into the saddle, sitting nervously astride his mare, making several uncomfortable glances toward the hard, cobbled ground as they begin their journey.
Tunder joins the others. He sits astride Stomper, the greatest steed in all the land.
He lets the previous thought drift away as they get to the horses and he does his best to help the others understand the creatures a little better.
"Just trust in the animals and they will treat you well enough, be kind and offer them a treat if you have one. Such as a carrot or apple. If not then a simple stroke of its neck with the fur will likely still do wonders. With these fine mares I will leave Bestsy behind she moves slow compared to these." Some mirth returns to his face and voice as he explains.
Selena takes much reassurance from Thorn and Tunder as it seems they are quite knowledgable about animals and how to handle them. She takes a seat in the cart and settles down to look through her spellbook trying to decide what other spells she may need or prepare for the day.
With a nonchalant shrug, Mirela grabs the reigns and hops onto one of the horses. Though lacking in any formal training on horseback, Mirela seems neither uncomfortable nor challenged controlling her filly.
Smiling for the first time all day, Mirela appears to be growing increasingly at east "That's a good girl." glancing over at Thorn, Mirela nods and adds "You're right Thorn, this isn't all that hard."
Barek mounts the horse with a bit of difficulty. His armor was a bit more restricting than was useful on the horse, but he finally gets adjusted and manages to get his beast to follow the others. "Well, let's see this Doctor and see what shape this fellow is in now."
After securing the mounts from Hosk and a quick lunch at the Rusty Dragon next door, the ride to Habe's Sanitorium is uneventful, the countryside filled with rolling fields of corn, some already harvested, others still grown up higher than a man's head in the fields on either side of the track. Where the fields are tall on both sides, the group can't help feeling a bit claustrophobic and once or twice, a skittering sound from inside the corn raises an alarm, but turns out to be nothing.
The limestone escarpment of the Ashen Rise begins to loom before you as you approach the asylum and you soon find the squat three-story building that houses Habe's Sanitorium is built right in the lee of that massif. The building has a stout, stone-flagged roof, and seems to be sturdily constructed. There are a few narrow windows that allow light inside the building, but no normal sized panes of glass are visible from the road, but these are too small to allow access in (or out) of the building.
The building has a wide veranda that wraps around one side, wide stairs leading up to that entry porch. A single door of sturdy wood stands on the eastern side of the wide veranda, promising access to the interior. Another door, far back around the veranda's side, appears to be less used.
"What a nice day to be out for a ride, it lets my stresses drift away. I know enjoying the little things is good for everyone, we can't be worrying all the time or death will come all that sooner." He lightly says as he keeps close to his kin, Seldon.
"Well said!" Seldon smiles, leaping from the saddle and stretching his legs. After nervously hitching his horse, he'll make for the doorstep and knock on the front door.
Selena fastens the mare to a post and blocks the cart to keep it from rolling away while they are inside. Indeed Thorn we must appreciate the things on this side of the grave as who knows for certain what to expect on the other side. I do not want any of us to experience that again for a long time.
Climbing down out of a cart was never graceful but Selena makes the most of it and when down casts prestidigitation to remove the dust from her clothes. Hoping that she is presentable enough she approaches the door along with the others and waits for a response from Seldon's knock.
Barek dismounts from the horse and follows Seldon up the stairs. He crosses his arms waiting for an answer.
Tunder unrolls a rope ladder and climbs down from Stomper before hitching her.
Climbing down from her horse, Mirela gathers the reigns and ties up the mare to the same post as Selena. Glancing back at her elven companions, Mirela raises a single brow somewhat quixotically "My, we're all in a good mood today," shaking her head, Mirela scoffs "well, at least those of us the townsfolk don't suspect of conspiracy or murder."
Following Barek up the stairs, Mirela simply leans against the wall quietly awaits for an answer.
Thorn ties off his horse to another post, double checks that the horses look to be secure he follows along behind the group waiting as he leans against the railing.
The veranda's old floorboards creak loudly as any of approach the front door. Apparently, the porch makes it hard to sneak up on the place...As Seldon knocks on the door, the rest of you stand and wait. After a reasonable amount of time has passed, there is still no answer from inside.
The entry door does not appear to be locked, and eventually you try the knob opening the door into small reception area. The room is 10x15 rectangle with a desk in the center. An empty chair sits behind the desk, while a pair of comfortable waiting chairs are on the west side of the room.
There are doors on both the north and south sides of the room, but the most intriguing feature is a cord hanging from the ceiling on the south end of the room. A sign below the cord reads, "Ring for service".
No is present in the room, and the place is ghostly quiet.
I Pull the cord.
Moving silently about, Mirela can't help but be taken back by the eery silence.
This places is giving me the creeps.
Sneaking up towards the desk, Mirela looks to see if there is anything of interest lying on the desk, while keeping her ears alert for any possible noise.
Barek looks around bare, deathly quiet room. "Well. Maybe they don't get many visitors?"
Selena goes to follow teh others in but stops once the quietness of the room hits her. Letting the others ring the bell she steps back outside and looks through some of the narrow windows to see what is going on inside.
Thorn looks up as the group begins to fill up the room rather quickly and slowly makes his way to the doorway. There he stays standing leaning on the door frame, smelling Selena's pleasant fragrance as she walks by.
Selena catches Thorn's smile as she walks past him. She reaches up and gives him a small playful tap on the cheek accompanied by a wink as she goes out the door. It was nice to be noticed by males every once in a while, even more so with the lithe Miri around.
His smile deepened a little more from the attention given by Selena, even blushing slightly. Seeing that the room was plenty full he decides to stick with Selena. Once he catches up with her he looks into the windows with her and places his left hand at the small of her back.
Seldon raises an eyebrow at Selena and his kinsman, and biting his tongue moves deeper into the hall. "Ai eleana! Where is everybody?"
"Desna, onuva amin elee ikotane tanya amin aa'eleuva." he murmurs, under his breath, as he falls into a strange meditative state. Casting detect evil, Seldon will concentrate on his spell, his gray eyes turning a bright, swallowtail blue. He'll cast his eerily bright gaze around the room, scanning the complex for evil auras as they wait for their host.
Desna, grant me eyes so that I may see.
Selena is not the most observant all of the time and with her focus on the silent building and the windows befo she jumps when Thorn touches her back. Stifling a scream she quickly turns ready to cast a spell at the assailant..a split second before completing the incantation she realizes it is Thorn and sighs deeply heart racing from the adrenaline. Oh my, Thorn, you scared me. I was so engrossed in looking in the windows that I did not notice your approach. I was about to unleash a swarm of scorpions on you until I recognized you.
"Point taken I am sorry for startling you, perhaps it would be better if I do stay with you. Scorpions would be very bad." He says thankful that he was not set upon by the swarm. His smile still on his face as he stays next to her.
Chagrined at alarming him so after his horrific ordeal Selena tries to brush the idea off. Yes well, I was bluffing to tell you the truth I do not have the spell prepared for today but was trying to come up with something that sounded scary and that I could take care of myself. I would be grateful for you company though as this place is starting to give me the creeps with it this quiet. You don't suppose the murderer found out the survivor was here and came back to finish the job do you?
Selena realizes that she is rambling a bit and shuts up with the question hanging there.
"I trust you can take care of yourself but I will try to be there if you need any help, though scaring me may not be the best of choices. I am sure none of us feel at ease with the way this place is so quiet. Well an undead creature being that intelligent is a scary thought, only one way to find out, though I hope not. There has been plenty of death and pain in Sandpoint already." He says simply. They continue to look in the different windows looking to see anything, especially movement or a grisly scene. Soon enough they will get to the door at the end of the porch if nothing is seen.
The windows on the ground floor are narrow, but they are also covered to prevent folks outside from peering in. Your attempts to look in the windows are stifled by the curtains or blinds that cover them on the inside.
Seldon's scan for evil reveals nothing evil present in the room, or nearby.
There is nothing of interest for Miri to see on the reception desk, no notes at all in fact.
After the bell-pull is rung, a few anxious minutes go by, then the door on the southern wall is opened noisily, and a figure enters the reception. "Yes? Can I help you?" the man asks you breathlessly. "I am quite busy at the moment, and don't have time for a courtesy sales call. Thank you." And with that the man starts to go back through the door on the southern wall, starting to shut it dismissively.
Leaning up against the empty table, Mirela folds her arms while appearing perplexed. Shaking her head, she quietly considers the building "Hope I never end up in a place like this..."
Glancing over at the Selena and Thorn, a small grin forms on her face as she watches them flirt, albeit somewhat bashfully. Looking at Barek, Mirela makes motion towards the pair with nod "Isn't that adorable?" It felt good to smile again; the days events had left Mirela in a rather sour mood until just now.
Interrupted abruptly by the man, Mirela pushes off from the table "Hold on there, we're not here to sell you anything." Moving to intercept him before he leaves again, Mirela interjects herself between him and the door on the southern wall "No, we're here on rather important business... so best have a seat." Holding out her hand, Mirela appears to be inviting the man to take a seat. "To whom do we have the pleasure?