"Any truth to the implication? Or possible perception of truth? A vindictive wife at that level could very well cause the situation you find yourself in."
Trinia gives Seren a sour look, "Not true at all... but, during my painting sessions, I was with the King alone. Well, not 'alone' alone... there were always guards around."
Cherias notices Absinthe's tail for the first time and blinks for a moment, then thinks for a moment about Trinia's answers. "Did you see the Senechal any other time during your work, and did he say anything else to you? Also, do you know the guard who supposedly confessed to 'conspiring' with you?"
Segang, liking the last question, nods encouragingly at Cherias and listens for the response.
Trinia thinks for a moment, but shakes her head. "No, the seneschal only came by a few times, to see the king on administrative business. He made me leave the room, usually, and I don't think he said anything to me directly."
"Other than hellos and goodbyes, none of the guards talked to me that much. I don't know who this supposed conspiritor of mine is, or was."
"This seems elementary. Trinia, did you ever serve the King tea? And were you in the castle the night he died? There should be a record of all guests to the castle, unless it was faked. I find it highly irregular that a painter and a guard would serve a monarch tea, and not a servant with a royal taster by their side."
Melianthe narrows her eyes, pondering the implications.
"No, never. Once the King's health got worse in the last few days, I wasn't summoned to the castle."
"I believe her. But do you realize what that means, then? Someone really is setting her up. Someone with some pull ... someone we are likely working for . Damn it, I didn't want to get involved with these governent clowns"
If we could get her outside the walls, way outside, she could reside with The People for a time...
"We need answers, but not from Trinia. Our employer. I can't surrender an innocent to take the fall. Seren, perhaps you can disguise her and we can keep her hidden while we confront the authorities."
Melianthe thinks. "The King. His health got worse and then he died? Perhaps it was poison, but an accumulation of small doses. We should find this seneschal as well."
Trinia raises a skeptical eyebrow to Segang's suggestion. "Thanks, but no thanks."
"There are spells that can compell telling the truth, that Field Marshall Kroft could use to verify that Trinia is innocent. The guard could protect her, and Seren, even though we're working for the government, that doesn't mean we're working for the people who did this. The government isn't a monolith, it's just people. Kroft is good people, I truly believe. "
Segang follows Cherias' words. That sounds right. Kroft is up and up. But she already believes Trinia is innocent. We need a place to keep her save while we report in. Maybe Kroft will know what to do next.
"This place is fairly safe as long as the money does not run out," Absinthe says. "But it is only temporary. And there is another concern; even if the guard goes from hunting Trinia to protecting her, this will not put an end to the rumours of her culpability for the late King's death. Once the Marshal has been informed, one believes the sensible course of action would be to smuggle Trinia out of Korvosa."
"Trinia, where do you want to go? We need your testimony with the Marshall. We can negotiate for your safe extradition to...where you want to go." Melianthe nods in accord with Absinthe.
"Well..." Trinia ponders. "You've been fair to me, and if you think it's safe, I'll come to meet the Marshal. Korvosa's my home... I don't want to just run away. If we can clear my name, hopefully I won't have to."
Seren will aid her with a disguise if we wish to do that.
"Alternatively, we could set a trap and see if anyone else is looking for her. I could create an illusion of he that we take through the streets to Crofts and see what happens, while she remains safe some where?"
"Seren, that will make people think she is guilty and give them more reason to scorn her," says Melianthe. "Let us disguise her and take her to the Marshall."
"You're saying they don't already think she's guilty? I'm concerned we don't know who we're up against. This may not be the way, but we need to draw them out."
"Might it not be better to send a runner to the Marshall and ask her to come to a neutral point, then go there over the roofs?" Absinthe suggests.
"Seren, I see your point--to ward off not necessarily the maddened throng, but specific players who may want to abduct Trinia, or worse. Nevertheless, drawing them out will alert them to the fact that the game is afoot, and if we just leave after disguising her, and then meet the Marshall at a neutral locale, they shouldn't be any wiser. Whoever they are."
Woud it suffice to simply let Kroft know that Trinia had been picked up and is safe? I am not sure we need to bring the two together, do we?
"Perhaps we can ask Field Marshall Kroft to make sure that Trinia is questioned under a Zone of Truth as soon as we bring her in. Or even bring Kroft and a priest who can cast that, or a scroll of it, here? Say, that could work, a scroll of Zone of Truth -- I'm pretty sure I could read it."
One of their own who implicated the artist has already had an unfortunate accident in the care of that group. Trinia says she does not know that guard. If true, and I tend to believe Trinia , this means that whoever wants Trinia to be found guilty had the power to arrest an innocent man and have him killed while in custody. The man's loyalty meant nothing to these people. Trinia will not stand a chance in such a mockery of justice.
"She doesn't stand a chance on the streets either "
"So it comes back to smuggling her out of the city," Absinthe says, shrugging.
Trinia shakes her head. "Why do I have to sneak out of the city? If this 'zone of truth' spell can verify my story before the authorities, I am exonerated of my supposed crime. Do you trust Marshal Kroft to stand by her word?"
Its complicated. I trust her to do all she can. But I do not know if even she can protect you. If this is what you want we can bring you to her. She is a good person. I believe this.
"I trust her to do what she thinks is just. She does report directly to the K...Queen. No one else is going to force her to take actions that she doesn't agree with. If we convince her, I believe you will be safe. Should we send her a message, or go ourselves?"
Melianthe frowns. "I don't like the idea of sending Trinia to her doom. If Kroft's good intentions are superseded by the Crown's mechanisms, we have to guarantee her safety ourselves."
"Based on what you're saying, it sounds like I can either stay here in hiding, safe but at risk of always being a fugitive. You could tell the Marshal that I got away or something."
"Or, I can risk my life by coming in, but have the chance to clear my name by getting the truth out." Trinia sighs. "Neither is an easy choice. I don't want to run, not if I can stay and do something to help... at least, once things settle down."
She remains silent, thinking for a few moments, and then finally nods, "I'll go in."
"Then Kroft is the only option," Absinthe says. "There is a fairly good fish restaurant nearby. One can go collect her and some reliable guards, and bring her there, while the rest of us stay here and guard Trinia. Bring her over when one has brought the Marshal; one of us would need to watch the restaurant to bring the news."
"Wait, I need to get the scroll... and I need the coins to do so."
We are agreed. I will stay and guard.
"Well, if another caster can use the spell, I suppose that would work... It would also be someone that the Marshall could trust as well. Let's get that message to her and see if she can collect such a caster, otherwise I'll go purchase such a scroll."
"I can read the scroll as well, Cherias, but I have a feeling that Kroft would trust her own cleric further. I can learn the spell, but it involves...feeding it to my scorpion." Melianthe pets her aforementioned familiar, who appears as if summoned from under her garments.
Cherias backs up a bit, surprised by the reveal of the arachnid. "Your scorpion? He eats magic? Hmm... I'd like to talk to you about magic and all a little later when we're not busy."
"Are we leaving Segang with Trinia and the rest of us going to talk to Kroft, then? Or will someone else stay with him?"
Ill stay with Segang.
Field Marshal Croft is obviously relieved, but still nervous, when you inform her of Trinia's capture. She musters a platoon of Korvosan guards and follows you back to the inn. She enters the establishment, but leaves the escort outside. Upon meeting Trinia, she nods grimly.
"I'm glad you are well. It is unfortunate how this situation came to pass, and I hope it resolves more orderly than it began. Now, for the formalities... Trinia Sabor, I place you under arrest for the suspected regicide of King Eodred Arabasti II. You will be escorted to and kept safely imprisoned in Citadel Volshyenek until the time of your trial. Then, you will be given the opportunity to tell your story, under a zone of truth. If you are truthfully innocent of this crime, you will be set free. If not, your life is forfeit. Do you understand?"
With a gulp, Trinia nods solemnly.
Cressida nods and sighs, turning to the group. "Thank you for bringing her in safely. I still don't know exactly what purpose is behind inciting the mob, but you've done a fine service to both Trinia and Korvosa today... though many in the city may not know it yet. Keep safe and out of trouble, and I will contact you soon." She hands over a heavy purse before escorting Trinia out the door.
"I can't speak for the others, but I for one respectfully request to be present during her questioning."
Cressida nods, "When her trial commences, I will let you know."
Field Marshal Croft? Segang calls after the departing woman. I would become concerned should our new friend come to harm before her trial.
"As would I," she responds over her shoulder. "I will do all I can to see this through, legally."