Balthasar snorts at Arianna’s response. ”From what I’ve personally observed, anyone who would distrust you is a fool or a traitor. Further, I’ll vouch for you. My family’s been fighting the forces of the Worldwound since the First Crusade. We have never wavered in our devotion, despite the blood we’ve shed for it. As far as I’m concerned, anyone who fights the demons and their allies as hard as you has earned their place, and deserves the trust of the crusaders. It would help if you told us why you expect such a reaction, but I will not force the issue.”
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Arianna sighed a little bit. There was no way out of this without admitting the problem. "My real name is Arianna Bienan. I'm the daughter of a traitor to the city and have had my own problems with the law when I was younger. If I show up to defender's heart with you it is doubtless that you'll be greeted with some suspicion and perhaps even hostility. None of you deserve that. I will accept my fate there but it will be best if you do not try to share in it."
Bitey sits and begins mumbling to himself. "Ok, when a mommy goblin and a daddy goblin get bored... then babies... God in mug say when two people get really really drunk... sometimes babies... I wish ZoZo were here to explain it all."
In an extremely calm voice. "Bitey think we have Limpy deliver info. She mating with super justice shiny pants lady... right?" Bitey thinks for a second... "Wait, how two girls make baby together?"
"They don't Bitey. You need a mummy and a daddy for babies." Iolaire explains calmly. "Sometimes with magic you can get around that, but not normally." She doesn't seem put out by this conversation - being born of a magical tree will make other species mating rituals a matter of less concern...
She listens to Arianna quietly, before offering the taller woman a hug. "You're coming with us. I insist. Shelyn says that all life contains beauty - you cannot judge someone on their past alone, but on their potential. And you have loads of potential Ari."
She looks around once more, "So, let's press on. I don't have any more healing to give."
Balthasar considers Arianna a moment, then asks, "Have any of these problems with the law involved betrayal of either the Crusades or Kenabres?"
"You don't need redemption for things you didn't do." Serena said firmly. "We are better than that. If we're going to beat the demons, we must be better - not just in war, but our day-to-day lives as well. Between us, I think we can convince them to lay off any trouble."
Thrall adds to the pool. "You're also forgetting that we have helped some of the most important peoplke in Kenabres to get back here safe. It'd be quite a foolish movement to distrust us."
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Arianna seemed hesitant to agree but with so many willing to take the risk she sighed and relented. Gazing at Balthasar first, she said. "No. I've never been an enemy of Kenabres or the crusades. My path changed a few years ago when one of my misadventures caused my former associates to lure me out into a trap. But that is in the past, if you are certain that you wish to accept this burden, then I will travel with you."
"Then as far as I'm concerned, your crimes are irrelevant. In the Fourth Crusade, my father often talked about how the southern countries used Mendev as a dumping ground for criminals they didn't want to incarcerate. He told me about how they came in with minimal training, and lacked courage. Some of them were just looking for a second chance, though, and they found it in the Crusades. You are not your father, and the law is quite clear that you cannot be prosecuted for merely being related to a traitor." Balthasar smiles and then says, "Besides, during the Third Crusade, my grandfather once told Lord Hulrun to sit his overzealous @$$ down and shut up if he didn't have any actual evidence of treason. I'll vouch for you, and if anyone doesn't like it, they can sit their overzealous @$$es down and shut up. Let's go."
Bitey lays on his stomach on the floor, intently kicking his little feet as he draws stick figures using the orc's blood. Some of the stick figures have little dresses drawn on them and they seem to form groups. The first group is a figure and a figure in a dress with two smaller figures. The next is two figures in dresses bu themselves. The last group is a collection of smaller dress and non dress figures and a collection of even smaller figures drawn in to boxes. Bitey continues to draw box after box mumbling. "Gob mate in scrum make many many babies all time... maybe best method pile... but then no know who daddy... long shanks like know who daddy some why... maybe two mommies pay a daddy make babies... then both mommies claim babies and daddy leave town...so silly, no care who mommy daddy make gobs happier... maybe why longshanks so not happy... head hurt............ maybe make more babies..."
Serena frowned slightly. "I don't like the notion that traveling with proven companions is some kind of burden." she said. "And, uh, not to sound racist or anything, but I think they'll be more surprised by Bitey than anything else. They might not even notice you for awhile." It wasn't wrong to acknowledge that Bitey's unusual existence was attention-getting, right? And that people who didn't know him were quite likely to be surprised?
The trip north to the Defender's Heart is far from eventless. You encounter several minor demons and a couple bands of cultists along with the omnipresent environmental hazards. When you near the Inn, your first sign that you're being watched from within comes via crossbow bolt over your heads. A strong voice commands, Lay down your weapons and surrender or we will kill you!
"Silverstrong!" Iolaire calls, holding Radiance above her head in the middle of the haft. "We are fellow crusaders, we were trapped when the plaza fell. Anevia is with us. I am Iolaire, paladin of Shelyn and these are my companions - good hearted warriors all. We mean no harm!"
"Open, for the Sword Lady!"
There is a pause, then the gate to the walled area around the inn itself opens and you are motioned in.
Most of the occupants are clearly either Eagle Watch or a member of one of the many mercenary units caught in the city. You are taken inside and there you are met by a breathless half-orc in shining (but slightly blood-stained) plate. Irabeth! Anevia cries and runs into her wife's arms. The two share a tender embrace.
Thank you, so much, for seeing to my wife's safety. says Irabeth. Whatever you need, I will do my best to supply. I am now in charge of the Eagle Watch, at least until the Mendevian army arrives to retake the city. I knows that word got out about the attack, but I have also heard that Nerosyan and other cities along the border are facing their own plights. So far, I'm relatively certain that none of the other border cities have suffered as great a defeat as Kenabres, but I can confirm that this city's wardstone has been destroyed and that as a result, the entire network of wardstones has diminished in power to a shadow of its former strength.
I thanks Iomedae daily for the inherent disorganization of the enemy. Had the demons made as focused an attack on Nerosyan as they did on Kenabres, things would be dire indeed.
It takes a couple minutes for anyone to really notice anyone besides Anevia and Irabeth, but as the update ends the whispers become audible. One group has noticed Bitey. The other has noticed Aranna.
”You are most welcome, Captain. I am Balthasar Heimrin, Standard Bearer under Sir Lorik Ventrel. When the attack came, we were trapped in the caves beneath the city, and have been journeying back to the surface. Previously accompanying us were Lord Horgus Gwerm and Magister Aravashnial. Lord Gwerm can be found in his manor, where he has secured himself. Aravashnial is at the remains of Blackwing Library. We took prisoners there - one is a traitor to the Crusades. They will need to be tried. If we need them, we also found potential allies.”
And who may that be?
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Arianna straightened up as the whispers came having sheathed her daggers as they'd made their approach to the inn and now lurked towards the back of the group casting a glance over at the group of crusaders who'd noticed her and made sure to keep her hands where they could clearly see that they were empty.
Thrall is quite proud that a half need like Irabeth is now in charge of the resistance. To him, that shows that there is still hope that people are valued by their real worth instead of origin, race or any other superfluous thing.
This thought crosses his mind again when he hears the murmurs, so he joins Vance at the side of his allies. "Bitey and Arianna are friends. They have been vital in the success of our escaping plan, and of all us have much to thank them. Does any of you have something to tell them?"
An older crusader startups forward in response to Thrall's challenge. That one and her family have been proven to be harbingers of doom. Whether she has been useful or not, her presence makes my skin itch.
Another younger crusader, emboldened by his elder, speaks, And a Goblin? Seriously? Exactly how hard did you hit your head down there? Even if he is "friendly" he'll eat us out of here within the week!
Serena glared firmly at the younger crusader. "Then let's make like the demons and get rid of people because doing the right thing is inconvenient, shall we?" she said, putting her hands on her hips. "And speaking of the army, do we know when they're likely to get here?"
Bitey, oblivious to the conversation raging around him, has been staring at the rejoined lovers intently. One question swirls around his head, echoing around in the chaos of his own thoughts.
Slowly, he makes his way over to the pair, tugging slightly on the large ones leg. "Hey, you and Limpy are happy mates make babies, but you aren't longshanks like Limpy, you are big muscle break goblins if not follow orders... how you happy?"
Putting his face in front of the young crusader's, Thrall gnarls. "Say it again to my face, if you dare. Come on, be brave." He points at Bitey. "This goblin has saved my life and many other's. My father was an orc. Your - and my - actual chief commander is also a half breed. I follow Our Lady Iomedae, and she has bestowed her blessings upon me. But you know better, huh? Then show it!"
”The Children of the First Crusade are our allies - the descendants of those Crusaders from the First Crusade who fled under the city after they were warped by the energies of the Worldwound. They are willing to aid us in battle - all we have to do is ask. They hold to the Crusader’s Oaths sworn by their parents. Though small in number, we could use every ally we can get. We also have the location of three safe houses used by the Cultists. Paladin Iolaire of Shelyn is also wielding the blade Radiance, which was stolen from the Grey Garrison. There is a lot we have to do, but I think we can drive the demons from the city.”
At this point, Balthasar hears what the Crusaders are saying about Bitey and Arianna. Turning from Irabeth, he steps toward them and says, ”Easy, Thrall.” Fixing the crusaders with a look, he says, ”We haven’t met. My name is Balthasar Heimrin. My family has been fighting the forces of the Worldwound since the First Crusade, when my great-great grandfather brought the family from Cheliax to Mendev. Members of my family have fought, bled, and died in every Crusade since. I say this so that you understand my viewpoint - my loyalty to both the city of Kenabres and the Crusades. Since the attack on the city, I have seen Bitey and Arianna both fight demons and cultists of Baphomet and Deskari. They have never fled from danger, and often have rushed in head first. Their actions have proven their loyalty to the Crusade. You are suspicious of them out of prejudice. In doing so, you violate the teachings of Iomedae, the very foundations of the Crusade. So, here’s the deal. I vouch for them - their loyalty and their character. You will accept their presence and not say a word of complaint. We stand in a destroyed city, surrounded by demons. If we are going to survive and drive them off, we need every sword we can get. And if you don’t like my deal, I don’t care, and you can sit your overzealous @$$es down and shut up.”
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Arianna sighed and looked between Balthasar and the older crusader and walked forward towards them moving to place her hand gently on Balthasar's arm. "No need for that." She told him before lifting her eyes to meet the crusader's. "You're right to be suspicious of me. I have done enough to warrant that suspicion. If you want to lock me up.." she pulled her daggers out in their sheaths and offered the hilts to the crusader. "Then here are my weapons. However, if you'd rather have another person trying to take back this city..we have information that might help you. Nyserian Manor, Topaz Solutions, and the Tower of Estrod have all served as safe houses for the cult."
There is a tense moment as the tension runs so thick you could cut it with a knife. Finally, Irabeth speaks.
We were just struck a blow to our very core. Rocked in a way we though would never happen to us. I understand that some of you feel that the world is better off with your tribe and no others. That there is safety in sameness.
Sod off.
Welcome, all. We need all the help we can get.
The two who spoke up seem to lock their teeth, but they don't retort.
Irabeth takes you aside shortly thereafter and says, I meant what I said, but there are very scared mercenaries here who don't put up and shut up nearly as well. I recommend we give them all something to do.
You all head for the Tower of Estrod after a good night's sleep and some food. Tomorrow morning, lets say. I'll put together a detachment for the other two. It'll be nice to get the men moving forward again.
Balthasar looks to Irabeth nods, and salutes, saying, "Understood, Captain. Thank you."
Balthasar will see to it that everyone gets a meal and finds a safe place to sleep before he heads to his billet himself.
Iolaire largely ignores the conversation over who did what to whose grandparents and simply gets on with helping the wounded as best she can. She accepts a meal when offered and sleeps soundly all night, curled up around Radiance.
For her part, Serena spent quite a bit of time casting Mending to repair gear and help get things into proper working order. Sometimes you needed to be strict with people, but she didn't really want to slap them around and do nothing else. Being useful was more likely to get on their good side. Only when she was done did she plop down for a good night's rest.
The morning dawns red and angry. The city still burns and is eerily quiet. The party rises easily and sets out. The trip isn't uneventful, but the odd minor demon or scattering group of lookers doesn't pose a real threat.
When you arrive, you notice that the sixty-foot-diameter gray stone tower is missing the bulk of its upper floors - some terrific force smashed its upper sections away, creating huge mound of rubble north of the building and leaving the tower now a mere stump with a jagged top.
"Um... tower fall down. Is there basement?"
"Maybe?" Serena answered. "Either way, I feel like we should probably go as far up as we can and see what's left."
"Well, with the big guys fighting here the other day, I wonder which tower would have survived."
"Wait, why this tower? Why we here again?"
"We think there might be cultists hiding in it Bitey." Iolaire responds kindly. "I'm going to stay out of sight - just in case."
She makes her way to the tower and begins to scale the wall using her vines until she can peek over the broken top of the building.
"Oh... so Bitey go pretend be cultist... maybe wear shiny show Bitey open bad goblin?" Bitey starts to fidget waiting for a decision.
"Yes. We'll approach and use the password. Iolaire can keep watch from above. Once we get in, we should try to find the leader and take him out quietly."
Thrall nods and hides his holy symbol under his armour.
Serena stayed near the back, doing her best to look inconspicuous. She wasn't as tough as the front-liners - her role was support from the rear, not boldly striding up front.
The door is locked. Upon knocking, no answer is heard.
Bitey stares at the door and in as loud a voice as he can. "We should use password. BITEY HAVE NEW MATERIAL FOR ARCHIVE! THAT WHAT BITEY TOLD TO SAY! BITEY HAVE NEW MATERIAL FOR ARCHIVE! YOU OPEN UP AND GIVE BITEY MUNCHENS AND NAP HOLE SO BITEY CAN CONTINUE BITEY'S WORK TRACKING DOWN PEOPLES!" Bitey grumbles a little quieter but still audibly through the door. "Crusaders not have nuf food on bodies to feed hungry Bitey. And Bitey no longer allowed to eat bodies..." Bitey gives his companions the thumbs up and smiles broadly.
Balthasar hides his own holy symbol of Iomedae and says, "We have new materials for the archives." That way they knew someone besides Bitey was out there, giving Bitey a smile and his own thumbs up.
A cultist of Baphomet opens the door and ushers you in silently. There is another flanking the door. The ground floor of the tower is now open to the air-a tangle of wooden supports above being all that remains of the building's upper stories. (Which Iolaire is probably lurking around in now) Two rubble-filled pools flank a central walkway that crosses to an open area with a few shelves, a desk and chair, and a flight of stairs leading down.
The door is closed quickly. Welcome. You are free to stay for the day. Here, let's get you set up. the door-cultist says. They give you a bedroll, some nasty looking food. Just bed down anywhere after you report to Faxon. He'll be expecting you.
The Lucky, he's called. He can't help but think about it now, inside a half-ruined tower in an occupied town, pretending to be a cultist and with only rotten food to eat and some rags to fight the cold. Would anyone call this a lucky situation?
"Well, it could be worse, I guess. It could be raining."
The thought makes him smile. He doesn't dare use any spell or incantation, for fear of being discovered, so he grabs his bedroll and leaves it anywhere. He'll have time enough to use it after they meet this Faxon, if the plan is to stay here.