Krissina will relate Nualia's history once out of earshot of Father Zanutus and considers, could Delek or even Nualia, if her presumed death was false, have conspired with the goblins out of some sense of revenge?
Vengeance can be a terrible thing, if left unchecked.
Lynnda scowls at Krissina's story about the fire that destroyed the cathedral and killed the former priest and his daughter. But her eyebrow raises at the mention of the lack of a corpse. She then nods slowly at Krissina's story of how Tobin's father and the rest of the town treated her.
"If Tobin's daughter is still alive, I can understand why she might be angry at this town. It sounds like she really wasn't treated very well. But I'd be very surprised if anyone would ally with goblins."
Halvor's brows once again furrow at the talk between the two ladies. Why would Father Zantus say she was dead if she wasn't? There was a lot of supposition going on here. Why would the woman, if alive, steal the dead 'father's' bones? Surely he and his kindness would be exempt from vengeance?
"I don't think we should jump to conclusions on this. I agree we should just keep this to ourselves, for now. I can't see anything good out of disclosing this information to the Town."
"I agree with you on that, Halvor. This is just speculation on our part-- 'What if?' talk. Let's not share this with others-- the town has been through enough."
Halvor smiles at the agreement and reasoning. Let the town settle back into its routine and get back to business as normal. He and his companions could shoulder this burden. For now, at least. "Where to now?"
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Cerin shakes his head. "Poor girl, I can understand a bit of how she felt. When my heritage first manifested, everyone in my village treated me like a new toy. They were nice enough, mind you, but they expected me to be able to perform new tricks on command."
Snapping himself out of his reverie, he replies "It is sad that anyone would ally themselves with those monsters, but almost nothing surprises me anymore.
As I said, I would like to head down to the river bank below the graveyard to see if we can pick up the goblins trail, unless someone has a better idea."
"Sounds good to me. Let's go."
After remaining quiet from his failed efforts of battle for the short time, Kyrian finally pipes up after thinking over the words that were just spoken. "Well I'll agree that we should try and pick up the trail, but really only to figure out where they did come from. If we're talking about a necromancer or a slightly upset woman" he says with a sarcastic overtone "then I don't think that following the tracks blindly would be a good idea. Let's figure out the direction, then once we get that, see if we can get a better picture of where the attack could've come from. Sheriff, is there anyone in town right now that we could speak about the typical goblin movement patterns?"
Unfortunately, Sheriff Hemlock has already departed to seek out the Mayor. You do recall that he mentioned a ranger by the name of Shalelu. She is the resident expert on the Goblin tribes of the area. Word has been sent for her to the outlying farmsteads and hopefully she should be returning to Sandpoint in the next day or so.
You make your way down to the riverfront near Tanner’s Bridge. You navigate the rocky earth down to the shore and move northwards until you are standing due east below the heights of the graveyard above. Scouring the area for clues you discover something alarming. A 20ft wooden ladder is found, discarded on the cliff side (out of view from the road or the town). Once erected and based properly, the ladder would greatly enable scaling of the cliff side to the heights above. Tracks lead from the north-east to the Cliffside and back. It is from this direction that the infiltrators came. The ladder is unwieldy and encumbersome in the extreme. It seems unlikely that anyone could manage to carry it into to position along the slopes. Indeed, you find no evidence to suggest this in the tracks found. Either the ladder arrived here by mystical means or more likely, was actually lowered from above to assist the climb.
Halvor surveys the area, noting the tracks and lack of drag marks for the ladder. Looking up, he shakes his head. Whoever it was had been inside.
Looking incredulously art the ladder, Lynnda exclaims, "Well, that's disturbing. Somebody was actually helping the goblins! Who on earth would do such a thing? I mean, people died in the raid!"
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As he walks along the trail inspecting the tracks, Cerin replies absent-mindedly, "Yes, it would make sense for them to have been inside before it started. Goblins are hardly known for their ability to make complex plans, or even keep track of what they are supposed to do when they have a plan! The person behind this might have aided the goblins in smuggling themselves into town, then come here to let down the ladder for this group to steal the body. One of us might have walked right past him or her at the festival!"
Straightening up, he furrows his brow. "Unless, of course, there is more than one accomplice..." He looks back at the others. "Shall we see where this leads?"
Halvor just nods, his face grim.
"Yes." Lynnda's eyes narrow.
Perched on her shoulder, Shadow's face has the same expression.
Following the Goblin tracks you scramble up the slopes near the north walls of town. As you pick your way through the woods the tower guard waves at you from his post above. Using this avenue of approach anyone approaching the town would easily be seen by alert guards. Never the less, the tracks do indeed wind their way through the brush here heading steadily north east. Eventually, the tracks emerge from the woods and take to the Lost Coast Road. This makes tracking ever more difficult on account of the recent footfall along this route. You slowly follow the trail to point about ½ a mile outside of town. There you realize that you’ve lost the trail. Your quarry may have continued on the lost coast road or they may have broken off of the road at some point further back. You are just about to double back and try to pick up the trail when you hear the sounds of a wagon approaching from the south.
As the wagon and rider trundles into view you recognize old Harl driving his mare onwards . As he pulls up to your position he stops with a toothy grin.
”Whoa, whoa there. Hello young heroes. Trying to get to the bottom of our mystery I see. The town is indeed fortunate to have such resourceful champions. For my part, I’m off to ply my try trade up north. But before I take my leave of this place, perhaps old Harl could offer you some advice. Ya see, something was fishy yesterday during that Goblin raid. Several of the little buggers managed to get inside the town. Seems to me they were smuggled in inside covered wagons. Now, if I had a mind to find out who the bastard was who had aided those green skins then I might do well to discover who owned those wagons. He he, if it’s one thing old Harl knows about is wagons. Now, there’s a lot of wagons about town so it won’t be easy, but let me tell ya, each one is different and each has got their own way of telling em apart - kind of like people. Now, just keep a sharp eye and I’m sure you’ll be fine. I best be shuffling on. Looks like rain today and want to get some miles behind me before it hits. Farewell for now young heroes. He he”
With that Harl slowy pulls away.
"That was odd. And Harl's theory doesn't exactly mesh with the goblin tracks we were following: They came and left by foot. Of course, if that group waited until the raid, then the guards on the towers would have been distracted by the little green bastards running amok in town.
Of course... we did see goblins jump out of one of the wagons in front of the cathedral. Do you think that the owner of that wagon was in on it?"
She looks into the woods on either side of the road.
"Regardless, we've lost the trail. I think we should head back to town."
"I agree. Besides, the wagon will likely lead us to the traitor more quickly, assuming we can make out some distinguishing features." He turns to head back down the road towards Sandpoint.
"Or that they are more than just charred husks."
"Well, at least we know a little more than we did. Not a complete waste of time."
Kyrian nods in agreement. Then for a moment, his face becomes inquisitive. "Wait a second. Who exactly is that guy? It's nice that you know him, but if we're bringing up goblins being smuggled in, then who do that put up on the questioning chop block? Who's to say that it wasn't just the one cart that had goblins stowed away in it?"
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Cerin chuckles. "Harl? You don't need to be suspicious of him! He's a very nice gentleman who gave Halvor and I a ride into town. I spent a great deal of time before the festival in his cart, and I can assure you there were no goblins in it!"
"Although, I do believe you are correct about there being more than one cart." he says thoughfully.
Cerin said it all succinctly, so Halvor merely nods his assent. Sometimes you trusted your gut, and his gut said Harl was clean.
"Of course, the thing about the wagons could just be just wild speculation on Harl's part. Still, no harm in checking a few of the vendors' carts.
Halvor heeds his rumbling belly. "Agreed. Investigating sure is hungry work. Thirsty work, as well. I shall have to go easy on Miss Kaijitsu's spirits."
Kyrian chuckles at Halvor's comment. "I'll have to agree with that one for sure. I've had one too many headaches in the past few days, gotta let the mind clear up at least a little bit, right?"
"It'll be good to check back in."
As you approach the Rusty Dragon a youthful Shayliss Vinder very nearly pounces from a nearby alley and engages in conversation with Kyrian.
"Kyrian, I'm glad to have found you! I have great need of a strong hero such as you. You see, we have a sort of a pest problem at our shop. Foul rats make themselves a nuisance in the basement. Since daddy is hurt he has been unable to deal with the problem. I thought of you right away. I know these vermin will present no challenge for a stalwart warrior of much renown as you and what better way to get back into good graces with daddy? I could fix you something to eat for lunch as well. Of, and we also have mead and wine. Please say you'll come straight away."
She leans closer to wisper in Kyrian's ear.
"I'm afraid we can't feed all your friends though. I know you can handle this just fine all by yourself. I think it's best not upset daddy with too many visitors at once just now."
Shayliss has smoothly latched onto Kyrian's arm and is gently leading him away. Her gorgeous pleading eyes and swaying hips make her seem warm and most inviting...
"Have fun!"
As she watches Shayless lead Kyrian off, Lynnds turn toward Cerin and comments, "Now there's a girl who knows what she wants."
Halvor watches the girl with amusement. While gorgeous, her very manner comes off as almost desperate. He shrugs at Kyrian...he can't blame the man if he decides to 'kill rats' for a while. He chuckles at Lynnda's comment to Cerin, continuing towards the Rusty Dragon.
Krissina looks in the other direction, blushing brightly.
"Ummmm...Kyrian might want a bit of privacy for his...rat slaying." Halvor attempts to keep the smirk off his face. Unsuccessfully.
Walking back with the group towards the Dragon, Kyrian is just about caught off guard as Shayliss pounces and latches on to him. Hearing her speak and shed light on the situation, his mind goes into a different sense of direction, one that for certain isn't reflective of the "stalwart hero" the girl speaks of. Turning his head back towards the group as Shayliss pulls him away, he speaks to them with a coy grin on his face. "No worries friends, I'm sure I can solve this by myself. It shouldn't be too difficult to take care of a basement..." as he gives a wink to match the grin on his face.
Turning his attention back to Shayliss, Kyrian begins to indulge her apparent fancy he finds towards him. "So tell me Miss Shayliss, how many of these vermin did you find in your father's basement? And how is he by the way of course? Staying home to rest I would hope..." he asks in the most gentlemanly way he possibly can. "If there's rats, there's rats. No big deal. The way she's clutching me though? Cayden, work a deal with Calistria to keep that man away from me so that he don't slaughter me like a rat for what I want to do for 'lunch'..."
"Hmmm... 'Rat hunting...' Is that what the kids are calling it these days? Let them have their fun. As for me, I could really use an ale and some of Ameiko's Minkai-style salmon. Who's with me?"
At that, she heads off to the Rusty Dragon.
"Mmmmm...sounds good." Halvor follows the dark-haired woman and the gnome to The Rusty Dragon.
Shayliss leads Kyrian off down the street arm in arm...
As you walk she continues to compliment your martial prowess and bravery all the while blushing and grinning sweetly. As you approach the General Store (a sturdy wooden two story building located just down the lane across the market), Shayliss leads you around back (into Wet Dog Alley).
”Wait here, I’ll open up the cellar doors and let you in.”
She quickly disappears back around the corner, leaving you alone in the alley for a moment. Soon you hear the sounds of a sturdy lock being opened. As one of the cellar doors opens Shayliss bids you inside. As you descend the stone steps she gives a quick glance around the alley and closes the cellar door.
In addition to storing supplies and goods for the store above the basement appears to be more of a wine cellar. Several large casks dominate the space. There are also many shelves of wine bottles and other spirits. A short flight of stairs leads to a wooden door. In one corner, someone has set up a comfy looking sleeping cot, complete with blankets and pillows. Peering around the room, you can see no evidence of rats or other animals.
You suddenly feel Shayliss embrace you from behind. You are surprised to discover that she has somehow quickly removed her bodice. You turn to face her and her hands drop to your waist as she begins unbuckling your belt. She kisses you full and passionately.
”Now that we are finally alone. I can reward you properly for saving Sandpoint from the peril of the Goblins the other day”
After being led to the back alley of the store and waiting for Shayliss to open the cellar, Kyrian's mind kept playing at the same thoughts. Walking down into the cellar after she opened it, he noticed pretty quickly that there weren't any rats in here. His face turning into a large grin seeing the cot, pillows, and candles, he instantly recognizes what is going on. Something that the he absolutely didn't mind in the least bit. "Gotta say that wasn't really hard to do at all..." he starts to think as he gets turned around by her to quickly stare at her body. "Yep. Game set and match, this is gonna be fun..." Hearing her "offer of reward", his grin somehow gets even larger as he responds. "Well I'm certainly not the kind of man to refuse a reward, especially from such a stunningly gorgeous woman..." as he begins to ravish her body in kind.
Meanwhile back down the street...
As Kyrian and his new found maid stroll down the street the rest of the group retires to the Rusty Dragon Inn for a meal. Soon, the inn is busy with workers, shop keepers and travellers all seeking out one of Ameiko’s finely prepared meals.
In the middle of lunch service, the front door of the Inn suddenly slams open. An irate elderly man stands at the entrance and bellows out something in Minkian.
”かかとは私の娘はどこにありますか!”
The words sound unmistakably like a command. The serving staff just stares for a moment stunned. The man enters the Inn and strides purposefully towards the kitchen. Most of the patrons become suddenly quiet and intensely interested in their food and drink. He is intercepted by an apologetic server.
”Now sir, your daughter is in the kitchen. I’ll go get her right away. Maybe you’d prefer to sit and have a refreshment while you wait?”
The man seems perturbed by the suggestion. By his appearance he is wealthy. He appears haggard and worn however. As if he hasn’t slept well in days.
” 白痴! Get out of my way at once!”
From the kitchen Ameiko appears brandishing a large soup ladle.
”What is all this racket out here? Dad? What are you doing here? I thought we were clear that you would stay away from my business. You’re not welcome here, especially screaming and carrying on as you are.”
The two exchange heated words in Minkian. The conversation becomes angrier and louder as the tension builds in the Inn. Finally, he notices the table of heroes off to the side and switches to common.
”It is just these sort of filthy vagrants that I’ve tried to keep you safe from. I raised you properly, gave you all the advantages and still you choose to debase yourself and cohort with the likes of these thugs. They should have left matters well enough alone and let the town guard handle the raiders. But like you, they are stubborn and proud. Thinking they can change the world by force.”
In the basement of the general store...
The two young lovers embrace one another fervently and soon, hastily discarded clothing strewn about the basement. Just as the pair collapse onto the cot the door at the top of the stairs can be hear creaking open. The unmistakable voice of Ven Vinder calls out:
”Shayliss, are you down there?”
Shayliss looks stunned and her eyes widen with fear. She slowly shakes her head and covers her mouth with her hands. She whispers quietly in your ear.
”Should I answer?”
Halvor's face turns an ugly red, his teeth gritting and grinding as he clenches his fist. Slights to himself he could stomach, but he would not stand the man shaming the woman, in her own Inn no less. He rises to his feet, speaking through his clenched jaw. "Go. Now." He raises his hand and points to the exit, eyes narrowed at the older nobleman.
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Cerin holds up his hand, gently urging Halvor to sit back down.
"Now, let's not be ungracious, the gentleman has the right to speak his opinion. Just the same as we do.
Sir, I believe you have the wrong idea about us. It was neither stubbornness nor pride that guided my actions, I can state with certainty, nor of my companions I would be willing to wager. It was rather a matter of compassion, a willingness to help others.
Although, I must in all honesty admit that there was a fair degree of self-preservation involved as well.
You might think as to what you would do in a similar situation. If hordes of monsters were attacking your property and your family, would you just stand by and let them destroy everything? Would you wish for others to just stand by and let everything you have worked for, everything you loved fall to ruin, or would you want them to help you if they could.
The constables did a fine job in fending off the attack, but even they cannot be everywhere at once.
Everyone needs some help sometime..."
Having said his peace, Cerin attempts a Minkian bow of respect (although he has only seen it twice, and that was quite a few decades ago) and sits back down to his lunch.
Krissina stands beside Ameiko, "You have made your feelings clear, sir, now accept Ameiko's wishes." her eyes flash angrily.
Not getting up, Lynnda seems a bit crestfallen when Kaijitsu calls her and her friends "thugs." You have no idea how right you are about me... She then turns toward him and is about to say something snarky, as Cerin attempts to talk him down and Krissina asks him to leave.
Instead, she starts applauding her friends' words, looking to others in the bar to join her.