As Connor moves with the others he hears the words of the slim, dour man in their company - who had become more mellowed as the night had progressed - address him.
"You seem to be a man of many words. You may want to judge them before they cross your lips. It seems you often regret them once they are spoken." He gives a crooked smile and a wink before he falls in behind him.
Connor turns and stares down at Riely with flat eyes.
"Perhaps you are right," he says with a soft, toneless voice as he studies the man.
Later, when Riley moves to stand behind him, Connor does not respond to this decision; instead, he merely remains silent and somewhat stoic as he waits to hear what the baroness will say next.
”It is true, I have not met all of those charged to protect this place, but in truth, I did not mean to denounce any but what I have seen.”
”There is a saying with my people – Never trust a sword until it is tested.”
”My apologies, Talia Orem. You are right; I do not know their chief or their shield brothers. Perhaps, when I meet them, their skill may impress me and I may indeed think highly of them – but I speak the truth to you now that these two are fools.”
”Meanwhile, their chief gave these two authority while he was gone, yes? Does he not know their quality, or does he not care that the two he placed in charge in his absence are incompetent?”
In truth, she had never met such a vocal warrior before, yet perhaps in his culture it was the rule. She responded to his complaint with a steady and quiet voice,
"Master Connor, does not your people's saying also apply in regard to you and your friends? You are strangers to the town and are under the scrutiny of all within, until you prove your worth. I counsel patience. I do believe Sir Benhovy knows that these two lack experience, but he had an official task to perform - to return a criminal to the proper authorities. Ours is a sleepy town, and, troubles such as this have not existed until now. He could not have foreseen the Witch Tower collapsing, nor the town in chaos. Let us concentrate on what can be done now and do our best to discover the culprits."
Talia inclined her head, and, together with Delfi moved toward a mother and daughter, who they appeared to know. Jax and Jorje kept a close eye on their young mistresses, prepared for trouble if it broke out.
He calls over to Talia, "Why don't you join us love?"
Once Talia had reassured some of the local townsfolk, she lifted her head upon Riley's invitation to join them and nodded in his direction. Together with Delfi she moved back to her guests, who apparently had been summoned before the Baroness. She would not interfere in the discussion lest it be to reassure the Baroness that the group appeared to be goodly folk.
All Felix's nose can pick up at present is that the noble leader of the town smells like wild lavender. She has a fresh scent about her as if has recently bathed.
You don't get a sense of the noble lady's intentions. Her trained, experienced features could be masking your efforts to "read" her motives. Or there may not be anything sinister or untoward in her request to see you. Either way, you are not sure at this time.
Image of Lady Origena Devy
Image of Arnholde Devy
The noble woman who stands before you appears to be in her mid forties. Even in middle-age, she has retained most of her looks and petite figure. Her hair is the colour of platinum blonde lending to silver and her eyes are a bright hazel-green. She has a regal bearing and possesses an air of authority. The younger man beside her; her son and the future Baron of Belhaim, is a man strikingly different to his mother in appearance. He is tall and lean, with dark hair and eyes. He appears to be in his mid twenties and he looks to be assessing each of you with his direct, dark gaze.
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The baroness was pleased with their courtesy and general manner. That was a good start. She was somewhat astonished by the striking cat-man with the courtly manners, yet she kept her reaction from general sight. Never had such a creature as he been seen within Belhaim before this day. Both women were extraordinarily beautiful and her keen senses picked up that there was something other than human about them. Then there was the warrior with the bright blue eyes and the dark-haired male standing in the shadows of the warrior. Astounding that such a group as this enter the town on such a day, she mused inwardly.
"I am Barnoness Origena Devy and this is my only son, Arnholde, future Baron of Belhaim." She paused, almost dramatically, so the detail would be remembered during their stay in her town.
”Today’s your lucky day. Mulle and Hodd here can’t handle this without Sheriff Benhovy to hold their hands, and I want to know what happened here." Did she did not look at either deputy but remained focused on the group.
"You appear to be a capable bunch. If you go in the tower and look through the rubble - find out what happened and why there are kobolds in my town - I’ll pay the lot of you five hundred gold pieces.” Again, she paused, allowing her generous offer to sink in.
”While you’re looking around in the ruins, keep an eye out for any signs of our local eccentric wizard, Hunclay. It seems suspicious to me that he’s not answering his door. Let me know what you find.”
Riley watches as the Baroness introduces herself and her son.
When she mentions the five hundred gold, he whistles in surprise at the large amount. He studies her motives as he waits for his mates to respond.
Rhialtyra was surprised by the sum, but did not react - it was generous for a Baroness to a group of adventurers, but the sum itself was no surprise to her. She'd seen greater in her father and cousin's ledgers.
It was work and for a generous sum - she wondered, though, that they would be able to find anything. She supposed, given the authority of the Baroness as well as some time and space, they might have better luck.
"Master Connor, does not your people's saying also apply in regard to you and your friends? You are strangers to the town and are under the scrutiny of all within, until you prove your worth. I counsel patience. I do believe Sir Benhovy knows that these two lack experience, but he had an official task to perform - to return a criminal to the proper authorities. Ours is a sleepy town, and, troubles such as this have not existed until now. He could not have foreseen the Witch Tower collapsing, nor the town in chaos. Let us concentrate on what can be done now and do our best to discover the culprits."
He nods at her.
"Of course, you are right," he said to her after a moment, then turns and leaves her.
Later, when he listens with the others to the baroness.
"You appear to be a capable bunch. If you go in the tower and look through the rubble - find out what happened and why there are kobolds in my town - I’ll pay the lot of you five hundred gold pieces.” Again, she paused, allowing her generous offer to sink in...
Connor glances at the others, then looks back at the baroness.
Anila smiles politely and says It is an honor to meet you both.
At the offer of 500 gold pieces, Anila thinks, This offer is too good to pass up, especially given the recent events that have landed me in this state. Outwardly, Anila shows little reaction to the prospect of such a generous offer, other than to appear to be taking time to consider the offer.
After a moment, Anila responds to the Baroness stating, While I can not speak for my companions, I will kindly accept your offer, My Lady.
Anila looks around to the group, studying them and waits to see what everyone else will choose.
Felix bows again to the Baroness and her son and says I too would readily accept your kind offer my Lady. Your town is truly a jewel amongst the wilderness with the hospitality and now an offer of honest work that we have been shown. A thousand thank yous. Finishing with a flourishing bow, he looks at the others to see what their response will be.
Connor hears both Anila and Felix make an accord with this woman but says nothing.
He is not entirely sure about this "baroness". It seemed like too much of a coincidence that she appeared in this small town less than an hour after the tower collapsed and the bodies of kobolds were found in the ruins of the fallen tower.
Was she merely visiting the town at the very hour that the tower fell, a simple coincidence? Or did she manage to hear the news and then journey from her estates in the middle of night with such speed that she arrived at this town just in time for her to offer her opinions?
Neither option seemed very likely and so he was suspicious.
Also, if she was worried about the status of the missing wizard, why delay? Why not simply order her own men to enter his house and demand an accounting of his actions? Why should she decide to enlist the aid of outsiders?
If you are to do a dirty thing, make sure that when it is done that your hands remain clean...
The words were his uncle's and his eyes narrowed as he recalled that lesson and wondered at her decision to ask them to do it and not use her own people for any of these investigations.
For now he keeps his mouth shut, though, and simply studies the woman and tries to gauge what type of person she may be before he agrees to anything publicly.
You can hear a certain strain in the baroness's tone. You certainly wonder if there is another reason why she has offered you the job of finding out what has happened.
The baroness's current offer is sincere/genuine. You sense no guile in her offer of 500 gp for the work - for unlike Gribb you sense she is a woman of her word. There is a crisis in her community and with her lawkeepers out of town, it makes sense for her to reach out to the people hired as caravan "guards" to help discover what has happened to the Witch Tower and the wizard, Hunclay. You are the closest thing to "professionals" she has at present and although you are strangers you are the better option over Mulle and Hodd.
”Well met, indeed!” he says to her with a sincere smile brightening his otherwise grim expression.
”You offered good advice in a hard situation and that is worth praise,” he adds, then he releases her hand and swaps his axe back to his right hand again as he looks up and notices the presence of a somewhat regal lady called “The Baroness” who is giving orders to the two deputies who have returned.
"It seems I have been summoned so I must leave you. But perhaps we shall talk again later?" he says to her with a friendly smile.
The Undertaker nodded her head receptively. "I can be found at The Sunset House. Talia Orem can show you the way. Good night, Connor son of Ceorl", and giving the warrior a small smile, Calladastina moved off to a nearby group of locals.
Riley leans up and whispers in Connor's ear from the shadows. "What do you say mate? I sure as hell am not going in those ruins without your axe. Make the call." He leans back and awaits Connor's decision.
"It is pleasing that you have accepted my mother's offer. The hour grows late and the townsfolk should return to their homes and beds. The tower can be dealt with in the morning for it is too dark to move about safely within its ruined structure. There may yet be another tremor and could prove hazardous still."
Arnolde Devy called out to the townsfolk congregated in the area, "Good people of Belhaim, it would be wise to return to your homes. The situation is in hand and all will be done to discover and bring to justice the perpetrator." Arnolde seemed to leave the detail of the kobolds out for it would only make the people more restless and concerned. His dark gaze fell upon Mulle and Hodd, "Start encouraging people to return to the safety of their homes. Now", Arnholde's voice was quiet but held a force of command behind it.
Between the baron-in-waiting's instruction and Mulle and Hodd ushering people back to their homes, the area began to clear in due course, leaving the Baroness, her son, the caravan guards and Talia and her people. Mulle and Hodd walked back with the townsfolk - toward the garrison.
Talia stepped forward, "Your Lady, Sir, these people are my guests at the inn. I shall see them back, once you are done with them", and respectfully inclining her head to the noble pair, moved back and out of the way of the discussion. Delfi kept quiet in the presence of the baroness and her son, as did Jax and Jorje.
A long sigh escaped the Baroness's lips. Her next words were spoken a little more tersely, "My fool husband lost his life poking around in the damn tower and since then I have considered the tower his memorial. I am not too surprised to learn the old ruin finally fell. Hunclay has long pestered me for permission to knock the tower down and his absence this night is most disconcerting." Lady Origena reached out for her son's hand -- a mother seeking the reassurance of her son. Arnholde yielded as a dutiful son would.
As the locals began dissipating, Rhialtyra felt herself relaxing some. The scrutiny of strangers - especially in large groups - made her nervous. "I am in agreement," Rhia said, quiet. "We should return in the morning to better examine the ruins. Perhaps we will then also find that this wizard Hunclay answers his door at an hour less late."
For all they knew, after all, he wasn't even in his tower. That the kobold had been charred on his doorstep, however, was... of interest.
Still, there was no need to disregard all of the options. A bit louder, to the nobility, she said "With your permission, then, we shall begin our investigation with the morning light."
Considering it was a potential crime scene and one they had to investigate, she wondered to her companions aloud: "Should we set a guard here? Will this place remain untouched until dawn?"
She felt sympathy for the Baroness when the woman reached out for her son. Her words were sad. Rhialtyra wanted to offer comfort, but there was no place for that here.
The Undertaker nodded her head receptively. "I can be found at The Sunset House. Talia Orem can show you the way. Good night, Connor son of Ceorl", and giving the warrior a small smile, Calladastina moved off to a nearby group of locals.
Connor raises his hand to her in a farewell and then turns to attend to this baroness.
As Connor considers her words, he feels the presence of the man behind move closer and hears his soft voice.
Riley leans up and whispers in Connor's ear from the shadows. "What do you say mate? I sure as hell am not going in those ruins without your axe. Make the call." He leans back and awaits Connor's decision.
Connor glances at Riley and seems as if he is going to thank the man for his courtesy, yet before he can respond the son of the Baroness has moved forward and is already addressing the group.
"It is pleasing that you have accepted my mother's offer. The hour grows late and the townsfolk should return to their homes and beds. The tower can be dealt with in the morning for it is too dark to move about safely within its ruined structure. There may yet be another tremor and could prove hazardous still."
At this time the baroness begins to speak to the townsfolk and Connor turns full to Riley and speaks to him quietly.
”This Baroness may be many things, but I do not sense any guile in her. Her word is trustworthy, and – as I am already looking for work – I have no issue with accepting the contract,” he says with a small smile, in answer to Riley's question.
He turns and glances at Arnholde for a moment, considering the man’s suggestion that they should return to Talia’s place this evening and he turns and peers around, his eyes narrowing thoughtfully, as if considering something.
He notices that the townsfolk are finally returning to their homes, but whatever is on his mind distracts him from any noticeable reaction to that.
Talia stepped forward, "Your Lady, Sir, these people are my guests at the inn. I shall see them back, once you are done with them", and respectfully inclining her head to the noble pair, moved back and out of the way of the discussion. Delfi kept quiet in the presence of the baroness and her son, as did Jax and Jorje.
He continues to think about something when he hears Talia speak up, and notes the baroness’s response.
At that point Rhialtyra responds as Connor continues to stare to the south.
"With your permission, then, we shall begin our investigation with the morning light."
At Rhialtyra’s words, Connor gives her a glance and then responds somewhat impetuously, but he suddenly seems to have an idea that he wishes to act on.
”Your pardon all – but this road there,” he says pointing at the road that cuts across the grass south of their position ”it is called the “Quarry Road”, yes?” he asks whoever might answer him.
He glances to the west and sees what looks like a stream or river in the trees, then turns to glance at the east, his eyes narrowing.
He turns to the Baroness.
”Lady Devy, these kobolds came from somewhere, yes? Many kobolds come from beneath the ground and it is possible that quarrymen may have unearthed more than simple rocks.”
He glances at the moon above for a moment and his gaze turns back to the west.
”Lady, I, too, accept your terms; and now we have an accord. But to do our job properly I would ask a moment of time before we return to the House of Talia Orem,” he says with a loud but polite voice to the nobles and Talia's people.
He then turns moves to his new partners and speaks to them rapidly –
”I think it might be better to spend a little more time searching now,” he says to the group.
"We should return in the morning to better examine the ruins.”
Connor turns a glance to Rhialtyra –
”We can always return in the morning, aye, but if they came from the quarry then they may have left tracks between this tower and the rocks there. Also, even if the tracks do not fade by morning, I am thinking that when there is trouble sometimes it is best to sniff it out,” he says, and turns suddenly to Felix.
”If you can track the stench of these things than maybe we can find their scent on the trail, even if we cannot find their tracks. It will not take long to check for clues, and by daybreak the tracks and the scent may have faded.”
As he waits for his comrades to consider this information he turns and moves back to the Baroness.
”Your pardon, Lady,” he says to her ”I am eager to return to the hospitality of the House of Talia Orem, but in order to aid you better I wish to try something before we return to Mistress Orem’s House.”
”It will not take long, and it could prove helpful in our search,” he says to her.
As he waits for an answer, another thought occurs to him and he turns a glance to the east, then back to the Baroness.
”With respect, how far is it to this “Quarry”?” he asks her.
Connor is both direct and bold when speaking to the Baroness. While he still uses formal terms of his respect, his manner is less cordial than it might be.
However, Connor does not bother with so many courtesies at this time, while he is capable of them, simply because in the case of Origena Devy he is not afraid that his bold actions and lack of “Court Manners” will bother her much.
When he studied her eyes he believed that he is looking at a woman far different than the two foolish deputies. Further, he already senses that – though she may be a bit startled at what has happened tonight – she is the sort that prefers direct action that can get some solid results rather than wasting time with something as trivial as “proper etiquette”, especially when there the time to act may be limited.
Still, he has now pledged to honor her contract and so he will respect her orders on when they can begin the search formally. For now he waits for her answer.
As he waits, he hears Rhialtyra speaking again –
"Perhaps we will then also find that this wizard Hunclay answers his door at an hour less late."
He turns to her.
”There was a woman I spoke to earlier tonight, an Undertake named Calladastina. She may have more information about this wizard. When we return to the inn, we may wish to spend some time speaking to her before we sleep. The night is young and she may have further news for us to consider about this wizard – further, she indicated she was open to conversation and our presence at her doorstep is likely expected.”
He studies Rhialtyra for a moment and then shrugs.
”You have studied and maybe your knowledge of history and culture can be useful when speaking with this woman. Besides, an Undertaker likely knows many things about the people she has placed in the ground when their kin speaks at their passing; perhaps she will have unique knowledge to share with you about those who have passed?” he adds.
”Once the Baroness lets us know if we can search for a short while this evening, then we can act on that. After we act we can return to the House of Talia and then spend a short time speaking to this Undertaker with any of our company who are agreeable.”
”What do you think of this idea?” he asks her.
As he waits for Rhialtyra (and any else who might answer) to respond to his plan, his gaze flicks back to the Baroness to see what she will say about his suggestion.
”This Baroness may be many things, but I do not sense any guile in her. Her word is trustworthy, and – as I am already looking for work – I have no issue with accepting the contract,” he says with a small smile, in answer to Riley's question.
Riley nods at the man. "The gold would help."
He turns a glance to the east, then back to the Baroness.
”With respect, how far is it to this “Quarry”?” he asks her.
A look passed between mother and son as Connor spoke but the non-verbal exchange had gone as quickly as it had appeared. A hard glint remained in Arnholde's dark eyes. It was he who answered the warrior's question.
"The Old Quarry is a quarter mile east of the town. A little over a two year's ago an earthquake struck the area. Belhaim proper was relatively unharmed, however the tremors caused the town's limestone quarry to flood and we lost all our fine limestone - a primary setback to the industry of our town. The quarry has been closed ever since. The Old Quarry Road has not been used for some time and has become quite overgrown and dangerous to traverse. The townsfolk stay clear of the road and quarry. I suggest you do the same." The heavy emphasis upon the word 'suggest' seemed more like a dictate from the younger noble man, who would appear is unused to having his or his mother's instruction debated so openly or readily.
The Baroness raised her eyes to the group and supported her son's stand,
"Indeed, attempting to bypass the Old Quarry's road and entering the flooded quarry is out of the question, especially so at this late hour. In good conscience, I cannot support such a foolhardy endeavour. I simply seek to know what caused the tower to fall. This is what I will be paying you for. As to the kobolds, only three were discovered, dead, in and around the tower. Perhaps they had made the tower their home - who is to know. You may search the vicinity of the grounds here this night, before you start properly in the morning. However, I do not want you venturing onto Hunclay's property this night. The eccentric is a powerful wizard and the two bumbling deputies spoke the truth when they said the Manor and surrounding property could well be magically warded/trapped for he was against trespassers, especially strangers."
She paused before adding one final thing, "Now, if these terms are acceptable to you, we shall bid you a good night and return to our home. You may report to me after your initial investigation by day's end tomorrow." Upon gaining your acceptance, mother and son then return to their carriage and head back to Devy Manor.
Riley bows slightly to the noblewoman and her son. "Understood mi lady. Thank you for your time and your generous offer. We will endeavor to do our best to find the source of the collapse." Riley's tone makes it obvious to the group that he thinks the conversation should end there.
Riley turns and looks at Talia as he speaks to the group, "Let's do what we need to do quickly and then return to the inn. My flask is empty and my heart could use a merry tune!" He gives Talia a wink.
Talia and her people had inclined their heads as the noble family bid them all a good night to return to their home.
Upon raising her head, she felt Riley's eyes on her and listened as he spoke of more merriment upon their return to the inn. He winked at her readily and she wondered anew at the teasing in his earlier, easy endearment and present expression.
Talia cast a glance at the bright-eyed warrior to Riley's side. Connor was adamant he would search again this night, but did they not already search the ground for tracks and had not the feline-esque Felix attempted to ferry out a scent? She returned her attention to Riley and the others, and with a soft smile, responded, "Aye. Once you are done here, and we are returned to the inn, we will do our best to lift your spirits before you retire for the night. I suppose you will want to rise early to start upon the Lady Origena's task?"
As Connor waits for an answer, Arnholde responds to him –
"Tremors caused the town's limestone quarry to flood and we lost all our fine limestone - a primary setback to the industry of our town. The quarry has been closed ever since. The Old Quarry Road has not been used for some time and has become quite overgrown and dangerous to traverse. The townsfolk stay clear of the road and quarry. I suggest you do the same." The heavy emphasis upon the word 'suggest' seemed more like a dictate from the younger noble man, who would appear is unused to having his or his mother's instruction debated so openly or readily.
Connor’s mind tacks back to something that Talia had said earlier to him –
"The Verduran Fork is clean, to be sure. Yet, to go swimming in unfamiliar rivers is not always prudent. I am content to see you have returned uninjured… Please do not take to the river, day or night."
She had recommended that they do not stray in the river. Now he heard of tremors which caused flooding to the quarry. Could there be a connection between the now flooded quarry and Talia’s recommendation to stay out of the water of the river?
At the time the river did not seem very dangerous to him; it was merely a river that had nothing in it but some cold water.
Or was it?
As he considers this possibility he naturally dismisses the words of Arnholde.
After all, this Arnholde is not his employer. Instead, he concentrates on the words of Lady Devy, who was speaking now.
"Indeed, attempting to bypass the Old Quarry's road and entering the flooded quarry is out of the question, especially so at this late hour. In good conscience, I cannot support such a foolhardy endeavour. I simply seek to know what caused the tower to fall. This is what I will be paying you for."
For Connor that settled the matter.
He was contracted to do a job, the rest of it did not matter much now.
As he reflects on that he hears Riley speaking.
Riley bows slightly to the noblewoman and her son. "Understood mi lady. Thank you for your time and your generous offer. We will endeavor to do our best to find the source of the collapse." Riley's tone makes it obvious to the group that he thinks the conversation should end there.
Connor has no issue ending the conversation at this point.
He know knew what he needed to know about the location of the quarry; with that in mind, he has no need to explore the surrounding land for tracks – if he wanted to find the answers to that mystery he suspected he would find those answers when he decided to visited the quarry.
As Riley finished speaking Talia responded.
"Aye. Once you are done here, and we are returned to the inn, we will do our best to lift your spirits before you retire for the night. I suppose you will want to rise early to start upon the Lady Origena's task?"
He looks at Talia.
”Who knows what he dawn will bring?” he says with a little shrug.
”As for tonight, I shall happily return to your House. As it is early I may have other business before I sleep, but I welcome your hospitality tonight.”
When Riley gets the opportunity, he pulls Connor over to the side and rests his left hand on the warrior's right shoulder.
"I was not trying to call you out earlier for talking too much. I just didn't understand why you kept apologizing for your comments. You are a warrior and there is no need for you to soften your message for these country bumpkins. We already have three honey tongued companions over there who excel at the niceties." He looks at the others and back at Connor. "I am afraid that a time is coming when some dirty work is going to need to be done. When that happens, you and I are the ones that burden will fall upon. I need to know you will allow your savage side out...the side that chose to swim butt naked in an unknown river with leeches and gods know what else. When that time comes, I need your word that I can trust you to fight by my side Connor son of Ceorl. What do you say?" He looks his mate directly in the eye and reaches out his right hand to grasp the inside of Connor's left forearm.
Felix takes a quick circuit around the wreckage to see what he can find as far as distinctive scents.
When Riley gets the opportunity, he pulls Connor over to the side and rests his left hand on the warrior's right shoulder.
Connor turns a glance at Riley.
”Ah! Do you really think many people noticed my apologies? I did not think they were something that many people had paid attention to,” he says with a strange smile.
”It is true, I tend to be more mild-mannered than many of my folk often are, and – on occasion – I have heard many suggest my determination to reason with people is not how a true warrior should act,” he adds as he watches Riley carefully.
”Still, it cannot be helped, I suppose. After all, all men must stand true to their nature and some may also be considered weak from time to time, though they are only being courteous.”
He claps his hand on Riley’s shoulder and turns a glance to the ruined tower, his gaze flicking toward the house of the wizard thoughtfully.
”You are a traveled man; I wonder, have you ever heard the tale of Fenris and his lambskin cloak?” he asks after a moment, then turns a glance at Riley.
”My uncle told me it. It is a good tale; maybe one day you will discover the ending with me,” he adds with a grin as if smiling at a private joke.
After a moment he turns to look at Riley squarely.
”You do not need to worry much about me being at your side in combat. When battle calls the only thing that matters is survival; and a man cannot survive long if his own shield brothers do not stand together.”
He turns back to watch Felix searching for tracks.
"Oh, and do not fear - it is too cold for leeches yet," he says with a grin.
Anila listens carefully to the conversations, taking mental note of the warnings and information provided by those around her. She will continue to wait until everyone else is ready to go back to the inn.
Riley awaits the results of Felix's search. The cat-man was definitely skilled at finding tracks. He looked forward to seeing what other skills he possessed as well as to hearing him perform again later this evening.
After a bit, Riley walks over to Talia and Delfi. "Ladies...May I walk you back to the inn?" He offers his elbow for Delfi to take and grins warmly at Talia.
After a bit, Riley walks over to Talia and Delfi. "Ladies...May I walk you back to the inn?" He offers his elbow for Delfi to take.
Seeing that Riley is ready to head back, he nods at the man.
Connor observes that he is offering his services to the ladies and turns to see that Felix is currently searching.
Noticing that the nobles have left, he glances back to Felix.
"I think I will help him for a little before we return," he says to the others in their group.
"Do not fear, we shall return soon."
Now that the townsfolk have cleared, you can get a better sense of what scents remain and are unique in the area. From your earlier study via smell, you catch the trail of the kobolds (theirs is a pungent odour - like a wet dog and stagnant water), in and around the entrance of the tower where the rubble lies and also down along the road leading to the wizard's manor. But the scent is markedly stronger as though several kobolds had passed through or been in the area and not just the three that were discovered. There is also another smell - faint - a trace of something alchemical but it appears to be deeper in the ground, past all the rubble and debris of the fallen tower. You almost missed it from all the trampled earth but the wind picked up and it came and then dispersed again.
After a bit, Riley walks over to Talia and Delfi. "Ladies...May I walk you back to the inn?" He offers his elbow for Delfi to take and grins warmly at Talia.
Delfi looked from Riley to Talia, eager to get away and return to the inn and her bed for the hour was growing late and she had to get up early to bake the bread.
She linked her arm with Riley's and the other hand held Talia's so all three of them were linked together as they walked.
"I believe that answers your question, Master Riley", Talia softly laughed and then grew sombre again with a last parting glance at the fallen Witch Tower. "We should go, now" she said quietly and politely gestured for Jax and Jorje to follow.
Before Jorge fell into line with his companions, he passed the place where Rhialtyra stood and quietly secured her attention, "When we return to The Wise Piper, I would like to have a quiet word with you, Mistress Rhialtyra, if you would oblige an old man a few minutes of your time?" Upon Rhialtyra's reply, the old fiddler bowed his head and moved to Jax's side, ready to protect the two young mistresses as they walked back to the inn.
As Connor works to find clues on his own, something has just occurred to him and he speaks softly to Felix -
"During my time in the River Kingdoms I knew many kobolds and became familiar with how they normally carry themselves," he says softly, his eyes peering around suspiciously.
"Kobolds use weapons; daggers, spears, swords. They carry tools when they're on the move, some tools as basic as pouches to hold things they find or things they need, be those things a flint and tinder, or food, or even coin," he adds.
"We found multiple bodies, but in our search we found no gear on them."
"That means that either these kobolds came to this place without weapons, armor, tools, food or anything else on them at all - or it means after they died that that something stripped them of their gear."
"That might have been townsfolk who found the bodies and removed their gear; but it might also mean that when they died that they had allies near them who stripped the bodies of useful gear, too."
"In which case, there may be others that we did not find that are lingering about..." he adds softly as he continues to scan the trees around them.
"Whatever details you have found, perhaps it would be better we discuss them with the others when we have a place better suited to defend against a possible ambush," he says as he continues to watch the trees.
If Felix shared the details on what he found with Connor then Connor would have tried to look at the road to the wizard's house for additional tracks and would also try to count how many kobolds actually passed and how long ago with his Survival check, in addition to whatever other details he may have found with it.
As Riley walked arm in arm with the blonde, dimple-cheeked teenager, his thoughts turned inward. It was nice to see a girl so sheltered and innocent. He wondered silently if Talia was as equally naive to the horrors of the world or if she had been forced to grow up quickly to protect her younger sister? Had something happened to their parents?
He looked down and noticed the smile on the girl's face. She was proud to be walking with him. If only she knew the men I have killed...the women I have seduced..." His thoughts turned back to Lily. He felt the familiar torment of the thought that he was unable to protect her as a young boy. Oh...he had tried. His back bore the scars to prove it. His imagination remembered himself lying curled up in a ball, sobbing in a pool of his own blood as his first love spent the night pleasing strange men for Hannibal. The feelings of helplessness still haunted his dreams. He gritted his jaw.
Now it appeared that evil had arrived in this quiet town. Riley knew something was fishy about the town wizard and guessed he had gotten into magic over his head. He looked back at the two sisters and settled it in his heart that he would do what needed to be done to protect these two ladies. He was not the weak, broken-hearted circus boy anymore. He would end the threat to the town if it cost him his life.
She listened and watched as the nobility said their piece and her companions briefly conversed.
"When we return to The Wise Piper, I would like to have a quiet word with you, Mistress Rhialtyra, if you would oblige an old man a few minutes of your time?""Oh course, good fiddler - it would be impertinent of me not to." Rhialtyra said, speaking quietly, but with an easy smile.
Soon enough, it was time for them to return. She fell in step with the others, not ahead, but not behind either.
It seemed the baroness and her son had enough influence here that there was no need to worry about anyone disrupting anything... or so she hoped.
She sped up only slightly, curious to see how Delfi was doing: "Aren't you tired yet, young one?" she asked gently. "I bet you'll sleep swiftly tonight."
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If Felix shared the details on what he found with Connor then Connor would have tried to look at the road to the wizard's house for additional tracks and would also try to count how many kobolds actually passed and how long ago with his Survival check, in addition to whatever other details he may have found with it.
Upon Felix's remarks that several kobolds have moved through the area, Connor's eyes (with the aid of the torchlight) scan the numerous footprints in the dirt/ground in the area (due to the recent influx of townsfolk), and, his keen search at the forked road between the tower and the manor house results in discovering a fainter fourth set of kobold tracks going into the property (toward the manor)! They had been slightly obscured by the human boot/shoe treads, but not entirely destroyed by the townsfolk. Continuing to look in the area around the fork in the road, torch in hand, you can see tracks coming back out from the Hunclay's land - but only three sets of kobold tracks this time. This made sense as the inexperienced deputies did say they found one dead, charred kobold corpse on Hunclay's doorstep when they went to find the wizard.
So it appeared that four kobolds had been in the area, and, by the indentations of the tracks/disturbance of the soil, possibly within the last two hours.
She sped up only slightly, curious to see how Delfi was doing: "Aren't you tired yet, young one?" she asked gently. "I bet you'll sleep swiftly tonight."
Delfi's expressive hazel-eyes met Rhialtyra's bright sapphire ones. The dimpled smile was instantaneous - the girl's nature/smile was akin to the sunlight and could instantly warm the recipient.
"I am a little, Mistress Rhialtyra. And I need to rise early to bake the bread." The Aasimar quietly noted the dark shadows under the girl's eyes - sign the tiredness was there but, for reasons of her own, the girl wouldn't admit to its degree.
Delfi was securely ensconced between Talia and Riley and was happy to be, if her expression was anything to go by.
"The sooner we get home, the better!" I don't like this place, she thought to herself.
"Since our agenda has since changed for tomorrow, would you show us around later in the day, perhaps after your chores?" she asked, offering an alternative to the early hours the girl was no doubt looking at.
Her hope was that the girl would be able to sleep in, attend to the chores Talia had assigned her, and then show them around. Considering they were going to be looking at the rubble of the Witch Tower in the morning, she thought it was a fair rearrangement of their time.
Riley continued to walk with Delfi's hand resting inside his elbow. He listened as Rhia spoke to the young girl. He wondered inwardly why the religious woman was so interested in the teenage girl. He hoped that she did not plan to prosthelytize her.
Connor peers at the ground and makes a wide sweep of the terrain until he finally finds something unique – specifically four set of tracks leading to the wizard’s manor. Yet only three sets left the manor…
He studies Felix for a moment.
”There was a forth kobold who died at the wizard's doorstep; likely of some sorcery," he mutters.
"It was good that we did not try to enter his home tonight," he says as he peers at the walls with a scowl.
He glances to the others congregated around Talia and her crew, then turns back to Felix.
”We were told to explore only certain things and that is how we shall earn our coin,” he says.
He pauses, thinking a moment.
”I do not think she will break her faith with us if we hold true to the arrangement, yet now I do not wholly trust her. She is hiding something, but I do not know what,” he says to Felix, then he shrugs.
Connor moves back to the group.
”We have finished the search,” he says to them.
He looks back to where the Baroness and her son had lingered.
”Let us return to the tavern,” he says with a friendly voice, yet one loud enough for anyone serving the Baroness could have heard.
After they return to the tavern he moves and speaks softly to Rhialtyra –
”Whatever you can find about the wizard could be useful.”
"Any lore, any knowledge, any history could be very helpful," he says softly to her, then leaves her to her food and drinks.
He wanders over to Riley –
”You seem good at discovering information. I am no expert, but I think that anything you can find out about the Baroness could be useful. She is now our employer, yet we have had bad luck with employers recently. She was loathe to have us do work outside the ruins of the tower or disturb the wizard this night, yet there were kobold tracks leading to his house that did not return from it."
"She did not know this, but did not wish to pursue things tonight. I would think that she would be eager for us to examine his house without delay. I do not know why she was opposed to looking more tonight. I think that the more we learn about her, though, the better.”
He glances at the window to the tavern and considers when we swam earlier.
"If you manage to learn more about their assets regarding the limestone quarry, that may be useful, too," he adds.
Connor considers meeting with the Undertaker, but decides against it. It is not even ten o’clock yet, but it perhaps these rustic folk sleep sooner than later.
He nurses a drink for a moment, then moves to Felix.
”That this thing happened tonight may be a coincidence, though I do not think so.”
He glances with some skepticism at the sorceress that has traveled with Felix.
”The witch you journey with,” he says, making a strange sign with his hand as he glances at Anila ”is she knowledgeable in history or religion? Perhaps this thing happened on some religious day we know little about? Or perhaps its events were told by the stars – but I am no Seer to know for sure.”
”It is possible that her skills may reveal many clues about this mystery, if she is willing to use them…” he says softly.
He scratches his beard thoughtfully.
”The Oracle with us said that there was sign of magic used on the destruction of the tower, but you said that you smelled something strange,” he says slowly.
”Could it have been destroyed with alchemical means? And if so, what sort?” he asks Felix.
”Of course, I myself do not know, yet perhaps the witch may know more than we do on these matters?”
”I would ask her myself, yet it is possible that she may listen to you more than I.”
He glances at Anila again, then back to Felix.
”I wonder - if you are able to enroll her in this task directly - well, perhaps that may be a good thing,” he says as he studies Felix’s eyes carefully, then claps him gently on his shoulder.
After he is done talking to the others, he takes a drink and flings himself into a chair before the fire and watches the flames for a while before he decides to retire for the night.
"Since our agenda has since changed for tomorrow, would you show us around later in the day, perhaps after your chores?" she asked, offering an alternative to the early hours the girl was no doubt looking at.
"Aye, the afternoon is fine. I have to get back before dinner preparation." Looking up at the dark-haired Half-Elf whose arm she held, then back to the pretty woman, she asked, "Will Master Riley be coming along, too?"
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Not long after their return to the inn, and waiting patiently as the delicate beauty completed her conversations with her fellow companions, did Jorje find his way to Rhialtyra's side, drawing her politely toward the far corner of the hearth where they would have some semblance of privacy.
Talia was occupied preparing warm drinks for the party and it was the perfect opportunity for the fiddler to speak with the caravan lady.
"Mistress Rhialtyra, I hope to give you some local history about the Witch Tower. Talia is familiar with the tale, although we local folk can be a superstitious lot and seldom share the sad history of the founder of our town. To speak of it, would mean bringing down trouble on ourselves and our families. But I shall do so, as you have asked about the tower and now said tower has fallen."
Jorje drew a chair before the woman and politely requested to sit before he did so. "It is a story, so please bear with me." His words were now spoken more quietly.
"Our town is named after its founder, and, local hero, Tula Belhaim. She was a fine, courageous woman - a dragonslayer who married a fellow slayer named Arturic Canteclure. They built a castle atop one of the town's hills. She bore her husband four children and all perished before their ninth winter, either through accident or misadventure, leaving the barony without any heirs. Most sad. It left its mark on Tula and Arturic, unfortunately, and they grew apart, distant and Tula even slightly mad. One rainy night they argued, terribly, and as Tula made to get away she slipped and toppled over the balcony railing and was impaled on a dragon statue below. Overcome with grief and guilt, Arturic made for the stables and took off on his horse to find some help. He had not ridden more than a hundred feet from the castle when his horse reared at a thunderclap, and the rider fell and broke his neck." Jorje paused as if speaking of the tragedy was a hard thing for him to do.
"A distant relation of Arturic's, Sarvo Canteclure, took rule of Belhaim and he proved a most vicious overlord. Out of spite and opposing alliances, Baron Sarvo razed Castle Tula, and it became superstitiously known thereafter as the Witch Tower for all the ill that had befallen Tula and her family."
The musician gave Rhialtyra a gentle smile.
"Talia is an honest woman and did not mean to mislead you with her refusal of answer. The townsfolk seldom speak of the tragedy to those outside the town out of respect for the locals, the town's reputation and the current Baroness, whose late husband's ancestor was awarded the Barony of Belhaim for removing the seditious Cancteclures from power. So now, you have the story of the Witch Tower. I hope knowledge of it helps you and your people." And with that, Jorje stood, put the chair away and bowed his head before Rhialtyra before returning to the place where his fiddle stood.
Riley nods to the warrior, "I shall do my best. Now...back to the rum." He gives Connor a cheeky grin.
Riley smiles at the young girl's question. He turns and repeats it to the attractive lady. "Yes Rhialtyra...Will I be joining you guys on your tour of the town?" He gives a charismatic grin and brushes his long, dark bangs out of his eyes.
Riley pours a little more rum into his flask as soon as they return to the inn and then sets to helping Talia with the warm drinks. "How are you doing love? Your nerves OK?" He looks over at Delfi making sure she is not in ear shot so Talia can speak unguardedly.
Talia watched as Riley attended to Delfi and then dallied with Rhialtyra. She wondered inwardly if he enjoyed plying females with his charms, but since the conversation at hand did not involve her, she remained silent, but thoughtful, as they walked back to the inn. Are they lovers? The thought caught her by surprise and she pushed it away. It was none of her concern.
"How are you doing love? Your nerves OK?" He looks over at Delfi making sure she is not in ear shot so Talia can speak unguardedly.
That he stepped up to help was a kind gesture, yet his question was unexpected, and she noted his eyes stray to where Delfi was standing in the dining hall.
Was he always overly familiar with women? She was not his love, yet he had called her by the endearment a number of times this night.
"I am well, Master Riley." Does he believe I am too delicate for such troubles? "I am concerned about the arrival of kobolds and what it could mean to my family and the town. The Witch Tower has been tumbled and who is to say other buildings in town will not meet a similar fate or worse. I am no warrior, but I will not stand by as people I care about are in danger." Her voice had risen a little upon her last words and she blushed slightly at her impassioned declaration before Riley. Talia, too, hoped she had not drawn the attention of any other in the room with her words.
Rhialtyra smiled at the sweet child and easily assented: "I don't see why not - weren't we all going to explore in the morn together anyhow?" She grinned at Riley. "Anyways, we'll need ourselves a guard in case any other kobolds come out to cause mischief."
When they arrived back at the tavern, Rhialtyra took a moment to relax and observe her companions - for that's what they now were. They weren't strangers bound by the common cause of caravan guarding, but by the betrayal of Gribb, the fall of the tower, and its resulting job offer.
"Mistress Rhialtyra, I hope to give you some local history about the Witch Tower. Talia is familiar with the tale, although we local folk can be a superstitious lot and seldom share the sad history of the founder of our town. To speak of it, would mean bringing down trouble on ourselves and our families. But I shall do so, as you have asked about the tower and now said tower has fallen."
She thought for a moment before responding. It was immediately clear that he was breaking the cultural norms of Belhaim to tell her what he knew.
"I pray no ill will fall upon you," Rhialtyra said, "And I thank you for sharing this information with me - I know not that it will help us in our endeavors, but I can be certain that not knowing its tale may have driven me spare."
He drew out a chair and requested she sit, so she did, with a nod of thanks as he began his story. She was impressed by its great founders, but immediately saddened by their tragic end. Such was the sort of sad ending one might find in the bards' tales of Oppara. That their home was razed and thus renamed was almost a bittersweet reminder of the little town's great beginnings.
When he spoke of Mistress Talia and defended the woman to her, Rhialtyra only smiled easily at him, matching his gentleness with her own. "I would hold none of this against her or you - you're both very kind and generous people who have done much to lift our spirits and aid us. I am sure that this frame will be one we can refer to when we investigate. There is no telling what will come in handy in such situations." She stood with Jorje, carefully replacing her own seat, and murmured a final, "Thank you," as he bowed and returned to his fiddle.
He'd certainly given her a lot to think about - dragon slayers were no weaklings and they may well have made enemies in their lives that would not have realized they'd long passed.
...I will not stand by as people I care about are in danger."
"Well spoken," Rhialtyra commented, rejoining the others. Riley was helping Talia to obtain drinks and while it was no doubt a private conversation, she thought that last - the only bit she could really hear - was a sentiment that revealed the strength of the woman's character. "While I am no combatant, I'll do my best to be of use as well." She smiled at their hostess and added, "You've certainly done enough to earn my service in guarding your home against any terrible terrors for the time being."
The crispy charred kobold discovered on the wizard's doorstep was only seen by the deputies so Connor and/or the others would not know what it has on it. But they left the body there, so ...
The two kobolds dead and buried in the rubble -- all one could see were their green scales and broken limbs/arms and no one dug them out to look over their bodies. In the rubble, Connor did not see any weapons but then again there was far too much debris from the fallen tower and weapons and alike could be buried beneath.
"I am concerned about the arrival of kobolds and what it could mean to my family and the town. The Witch Tower has been tumbled and who is to say other buildings in town will not meet a similar fate or worse. I am no warrior, but I will not stand by as people I care about are in danger."
"Aye. As you should be." He enjoys seeing her passion. He watches as her cheeks begin to flush. His gaze slowly travels from her fiery eyes to her lips. It lingers there for a bit. A smile tries to hide itself in one corner of his mouth. Her lips were full and lush. The redness from her passion only added to their beauty. He feels himself instinctively go to reach out and touch her cheek softly with his palm, but he catches himself. He returns his gaze to her dark eyes. "You are no warrior Talia...this is true, but you have obviously done well for yourself. It is apparent you are a strong and talented woman." He looks around, impressed with her business. He continues to aid her efforts and changes the subject, attempting to avoid embarrassing her. "I hope you do not mind my help. You have shown us kindness and hospitality. On my ship, we chipped in and helped each other. It is what I am used to. If it makes you uncomfortable, I can stop. I have a hard time enjoying such pleasures without returning the favor." His gaze returns to her lips and he pauses to judge her reaction to his last flirtatious sentence.
After the quick pause, he looks over at her little sister. His face hardens. "I will do my best to see that no ill befalls you or your family Talia." His eyes water a bit at the thought of Lily. He catches himself and returns to filling drinks, hiding his hazel eyes under his bangs as he looks down at his work.
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"Well spoken," Rhialtyra commented, rejoining the others. Riley was helping Talia to obtain drinks and while it was no doubt a private conversation, she thought that last - the only bit she could really hear - was a sentiment that revealed the strength of the woman's character. "While I am no combatant, I'll do my best to be of use as well." She smiled at their hostess and added, "You've certainly done enough to earn my service in guarding your home against any terrible terrors for the time being."
Her flushed cheeks brightened all the more for having been overheard, yet she smiled softly at Rhialtyra. "We have means to defend ourselves, but together, we are stronger." She politely handed Rhialtyra a cup of soothing lemon myrtle tea.
"You are no warrior Talia...this is true, but you have obviously done well for yourself. It is apparent you are a strong and talented woman."
"My parents died when I was seventeen and Delfi was only nine. Jax and Jorge stayed on and together we made The Wise Piper what it is today. I had much to learn and quickly. I am still learning." Talia's soft smile held a trace of melancholy, for she missed her parents every day. They had been good people who had been taken from them too soon.
"I hope you do not mind my help. You have shown us kindness and hospitality. On my ship, we chipped in and helped each other. It is what I am used to. If it makes you uncomfortable, I can stop. I have a hard time enjoying such pleasures without returning the favor." His gaze returns to her lips and he pauses to judge her reaction to his last flirtatious sentence.
After the quick pause, he looks over at her little sister. His face hardens. "I will do my best to see that no ill befalls you or your family Talia."
"You may help, Master Riley." His words pertaining to pleasures and returning favours (or the double meaning thereof) seemed to be lost on her at the present time, although she did notice his gaze kept straying to her mouth. Her cheeks were aflame. He had pretty hazel-eyes; their hue a little darker than Delfi's. Upon his vow to protect her and her family, she wondered why he would seek to protect people he barely knew. Yet, she was well-disposed to the overture. "You honour me and my House, Master Riley. Thank you," her words were softer than before. There were some in town who had known her her entire life and they would not be predisposed to offer such assistance and here were strangers who would put themselves on the line for her - it was humbling and gratifying.
Talia looked over to where Delfi was sitting and saw how she yawned and how her eyes were closing. "Delfi, my love, go to bed now. It has been a long day."
Delfi's head turned to look at Talia and gave a tired nod, before the dimples appeared and she smiled sleepily at her sister and the others.
She got up from the chair and moved to her sister's side. Delfi leaned up and kissed Talia's cheek and then standing on tiptoes and pulling Riley down a little so she could reach his face, she kissed his cheek, too, before giving a little giggle.
"Good night to all. I'll see you in the morning," and kissing the cheeks of both Jax and Jorje, Delfi made her way up the stairs to her bedchamber with very little fuss.