He looked over at Cataria and considered for a moment, when she looked over at him next and slowly began to move his hands using pathinder sign language *Do you know this?* It was worth a shot.
Cataria shakes her head, looking away and blushing. "Forgive me, no. I'm familiar with the language, and hope to learn it soon. Please understand, it's only recently that I've become...gifted. I am learning it, but progress is slow. There are no sounds. It is harder than I expected!" She smiles at him, stepping closer and placing her hand on his forearm. "You are very thoughtful to ask, though. I'll study harder, so that I might speak with you more easily."
Somehow, perhaps because of the way Algund smiles and raises his arms on the last four syllables, he seems quite hopeful. He shoots a quizzical glance at Cataria, winks, then realizes what he's just done and shakes his head, grimacing.
Cataria arches an eyebrow at the young man's poem. Really? Lyrics without song? What is this boy thinking, wooing me in the first place, let alone with poetry... She smirks as he shakes his head, shifting her pack onto her shoulder and placing her hand on Corwin's shoulder, silently nominating him as her de facto guide for this particular trip. Her other hand reaches down for Wren, resting atop the girl's head, tussling her hair and giggling. "Thank you, and your benevolent Goddess, for your hospitality." She says to the chaplain as the group departs, freed of no small number of orphans.
"Yes, I'd like to see Anca, and I'm certain if I bring her a child or two, she'd be delighted. If she has issues, I will tend to them, I assure you." I'll steal the money from my father, if it's necessary... Now then, let's be off. I'm sure she'll need food as well, and I'd love to bring her some before any merchants we do encounter empty their stocks.
Leading the others to Anca's place of dwelling, the old woman is certainly pleased to see Cataria again. "It lifts my heart to see you safe and sound, Cat, you don't know how worried I've been." Looking over the others, the woman continues, "And I see you've found some companions, they are certainly welcome here. Are you all safe, and your families? I have heard stories about things happening all over the city that I hope are just wild exaggerations," she says with a sad expression.
Cataria shakes her head, looking away and blushing. "Forgive me, no. I'm familiar with the language, and hope to learn it soon. Please understand, it's only recently that I've become...gifted. I am learning it, but progress is slow. There are no sounds. It is harder than I expected!" She smiles at him, stepping closer and placing her hand on his forearm. "You are very thoughtful to ask, though. I'll study harder, so that I might speak with you more easily."
Gadren nods "I'm not certain if I should teach that one to you unless you are a member of the Pathfinder Society. I have seen Sczarni using hand signs briefly and heard knowledge of it is tied to the Varissian people, if you know it or someone who does I will happily learn it. Lip reading can be tiring."
Later
"Gold, that's barely worth coppers on a normal day, that apple's more banged up than a goblin trapped in a dog pen."
The hour grows late as you set out from the Five Corners district, and you notice more and more laborers that are running in mobs, snarling slogans like "Death to the false queen!"
Not long after, you come across what appears to be a riot in progress. A mob of thugs wielding shovels, chair-legs, and other club-like weapons, surround a beardless young man. He's dressed in fine-looking, expensive clothes, and has a thin blade hanging from his belt. The young nobleman has his hands up palms outward, in a defensive gesture. On closer inspection, he is bleeding from a wound near his temple.
One of the rioters, a burly woman with greasy strings of hair framing her rotund face, jeers and adresses him in a booming voice, "Bet'cha never worked an honest day's wage in your life, eh, queen's man? M'brother had his arm crushed by a barrel on the docks when he was even a good bit younger'n you. Never raised a mug of ale with that wrist again. Wanna know what it feels like, eh, queen's man?"
Gadren hoped by taking the air out of the burly woman it might deflate things. "If you've got objections with the Queen bring them up at the pyramid. This young gentleman, clearly comes from money. There's a lot of people watching what happens here. Once everything settles down again I wouldn't be too trusting that no one would like to earn some coin at your expense. But he's not too banged up so far, maybe a bit groggy and not remembering things clearly, wouldn't you say Queen's man? Go home without any more lumps and keep to himself."
"Poor man... picked the wrong day to take an afternoon stroll..."
Adjusting her parade uniform so that the emblem of the Korvosian Guard emblem shows more prominently, Rebecca draws her rapier and clears her throat loudly.
"What's this, then, eh? More rabble rousers looking for a comfy stay in the city's cells, courtesy o' Captain Mavern an' the Korvosian Guard's 'ospitality?"
Speaking loudly and pointing her rapier first at the burley woman, then at Gadren, and finally at the young noble, she narrows her eyes.
"You there! You are coming with me, you inciting posh dressed bastard! Think you can get honest working folk t' riot on your account for sport." Rebecca spits and grabs the young man by the collar. "The rest of you best disperse or suffer the same fate! Especially you, sweet'ems." She glares at the woman truly responsible for the mess and begins forcibly marching the accosted noble toward their destination.
Poor lad, doesn't look like this will end well for him without some help. Let's see how the crowd reacts to Rebecca before I cast something.
Glad in glittering steel from head to foot, Algund lowers the visor of his helmet and holds his glaive at an angle from the ground. It isn't quite pointed at the crowd yet, but anyone who came within eight feet would be placing their neck a foot away from sharpened steel.
"The rest of you best disperse or suffer the same fate! Especially you, sweet'ems."
Algund grunts to accentuate this point, taking a slow half step forward. I hope nobody recognized me. But if they did, maybe that's not so bad either. Hopefully in a second when she takes that man away I can smile and have a chat with these people.
The nobleman's eyes swivel towards Rebecca. You didn't think it possible, but he grows even more pale than before. "B-But I-what? N-no!"
The burly woman, on the other hand, doesn't seem fazed by your appearance. "Yeah, I got objections with the queen. That damned harlot thinks we'll just accept her rule because Eodred jus' happened to be blind to what she really is, everyone knows her to be from Cheliax, and they ain't nuthin' but devil-worshippers there. Our dad used to work for one of them Chelaxians, broke his back for em, and never gotten so much as a thank you, he did."
She grins to Rebecca as you grab the man by the collar. When Rebecca adresses the woman herself though, she clearly turns sour. "Well looky here, another one of the mighty guard. I did'nae think you'd be showing your faces here again." She then looks the others over, and adds, "Who're these posers then, they yer bodyguards? Can't blame you lot traveling in packs nowadays, after what happened the other night. We sure showed that runt, didn't we boys?" she turns to the rest of the rioters, eliciting a loud guffaw from them.
"Yer fellow squealed like a pig as we dragged him through the streets. Cried for his mommy, he did," the woman grins wickedly at Rebecca, displaying a rotten set of teeth.
The young nobleman meanwhile, is edging away, putting Rebecca and the others between him and the rioters.
Gadren had turned his head to lightly rebuke Algund for taking actions that might escalate things and then the woman spoke again. His head turned and his eyes were blazing with anger... did she just brag about attacking and possibly torturing a guard? He drew his hammer and shield keeping his eyes firmly on the large woman
"The next words out of your big mouth best be you saying your drunk and going home because you didn't just admit to attacking a guard during a riot? If you want to make a clearer confession just wait there and I will come to you amd loosen some of those rotten teeth.
Rebecca's look grows cold. She shoves the noble toward her companions and turns to the mob.
"If any of you," She gestures toward the other mob members with her free hand, "wish to claim innocence about this woman's claims, now is the time to run."
Looking square at the woman, she points her rapier an inch from her chest.
"You, on the other hand, have just signed your death warrant."
Without further preamble or warning, the aasimar strikes for woman's heart.
Gesturing quickly, Thorfinn orders his companion into the air, then wordlessly begins cranking back the string of his crossbow. When he finishes, he'll slip in a bolt and aim in the crowd's general direction, but low, more likely to hit the cobbled street or someone's toes than anything else. Of course, it will only take an instant to raise it.
Whoa! Algund shouts, perhaps not quite as loud as he could. He takes a step forward and grabs the woman, pulling her away and behind him to shield her from further blows.
Take a second think about what you're doing, he warns.
Pia having talked (for her) alot this morning has been quiet as the group traveled about the city doing errands.
When they came across the current disturbance, Pia was more than happy to let the more diplomatic companions try to resolve things. Throughout the womans tirade about Chelaxians, Pia remained calm. Despite a good portion of this city descending from them, they always wanted to distance themselves.
But when the woman started talking about the poor guardsman they harassed, Pia's head suddenly snapped up. Is he still alive or is he too laying in a ditch in a back alley, a wife or mother at home worried about him not knowing if he will ever return?
Pia barely registers Rebecca's lunge at the woman or Algund's interception. She takes purposeful steps toward the woman until she is right beside her. Pia's voice but a barely contained rasp of anger.
"Tell me true woman, for if you lie, the spirits of this city will surely let me know, then your voice will join their ghostly echos, your soul never resting, as you walk these streets forever. Where did you leave him and was he still alive when you done so?"
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Cataria watches, tight-lipped, as the conversation rapidly devolves into heated words and boastful confession. Is this what it is, to wish someone harm? I don't like this feeling, but I can't abide this ugliness in sweet Korvosa... As Rebecca lunges with her weapon, Cataria will step forward, standing beside Algund near the front of the line, her morningstar drawn from it's loop on her belt.
"Best be on your way, now. After you answer Pia's question, the next words I expect to see on your lips are 'I'm sorry, Miss Rebecca. I will be going home now.' Is that understood? I'm sure you don't wish any harm to come to anyone else - times are hard enough for Korvosa, aren't they?"
Grimacing as Rebecca stabs her with her blade, the woman falls down. Her compatriots seem unsure of what to do, and for a moment, they look as if they're about to engage you, but as they see everyone brandishing their weapons and Pia and Cataria talking them down, they quickly flee the scene.
The burly woman coughs as she clutches her wound, a red mist staining her sleeve. "B#**&─we left him near Seashore Pass in the Old Dock. Dunno if the poxy bastard was still alive..."
The young nobleman sighs, and turns to you. "Err, thank you for your assistance, I suppose. My name is Amin Jalento, I own a residence a few blocks away. If you would allow me, I would like to reward you for your help, and I would prefer to get off the streets as soon as possible," he says, a skittish look on his face as he looks left and right.
"It seems like you are willing to co operate now, which means as long as you don't try to run Rebecca wont be striking you again. But your long term prospects will look even grimmer if he isn't still alive." Gadren makes no move to heal the woman unless she goes unconscious from the injuries, there are many more in the city far more deserving of Pharasma's blessings than this woman.
"Alright Amin you've had a long enough day I think we can bring you home, provided this brutish woman accepts a blindfold and gives no further reason to draw ire. How are your injuries?" The man had been through enough but he didn't want this thug of a woman knowing where he lived. It was a bit harder knowing if he should expending curative magics on the man.
Rebecca keeps her blade trained downward toward the woman.
"If he is still alive, you get to face whatever fate the courts have in store for you... once they get around to prosecuting your sorry arse. If he is not, you will get to apologize to his soul in person as you both await whatever judgement Pharasma has in store for you."
Looking up at Algund, she adds, "And you will not be delaying that appointment. The penalty for murdering a Guardsman is death, to be carried out by any loyal citizen of the city."
Once the woman has been properly secured by her companions, she finally addresses Amin. "A reward is not necessary for me, though I will not speak for my companions. Once we get you to your residence, I recommend bolting the door and staying off the streets until order has been restored. Mobs are not the only danger right now."
The young nobleman touches his temple, and winces visibly, although he tries to hide it. He answers Gadren, "I'm fine, really. It's stupid, I was just out visiting my cousin, I should have known better than to be out with the city as it is, and with all these hapless laborers up to no good. We can only hope that Queen Ileosa takes care of the situation quickly."
The burly woman lies on the ground defeated, glaring up at Rebecca, silent but her angry eyes flashing with indignance and hatred.
"Leave the Queen grieve or try to settle things but it will be the Korvosan Guard, Sable Company and the Order of the Nail that will take care of the situation on the ground. Best you lay low, if I had more sense I'd do the same." Gadren still kept his hammer in hand staring down at the woman. "With the King dead there's enough disorder and chaos about with you adding to it. The Queen's from Chelliax, wouldn't be the first and the Asmodeans aren't new to the city and the people made the local rules clear to them long ago. We've got the Sable Company for a reason."
And you will not be delaying that appointment. The penalty for murdering a Guardsman is death, to be carried out by any loyal citizen of the city."
Uh...doesn't seem like there's any reason to be hasty. I mean, if you're sure it's the right thing to do then I guess you don't have any reason not to, but you really should uh, you know, consider what you're doing. More, I guess, since you were probably at least pretty sure of what you were doing. But uh, that's a stupid law to apply in all situations, like the riots that went on last night, and you certainly weren't right to follow it in this case, right? Algund turns to look at the woman for a second, yeah because uh...she just clearly stated that he wasn't necessarily dead. He nods to himself.
So that's uh, that's at least one reason why you should, you know, just uh...think a bit more. Just don't be uh...hasty. Yeah. Algund begins to pace a bit in between the two women, not looking at either.
Anyway, there's also this whole other thing where the rioting makes it, that's the law is what I mean by it, makes it much less applicable. But that's a much worse reason not to kill her. Although it might be a good reason to stop and think for a bit and question the law and stuff, at the very least to make sure it says what you think it says.
Because we aren't good at remembering things...though you're not human so that might apply less to you? Hmm... Algund strokes his chin for a moment, and stops paying attention to the conversation taking place between the others for the time being. I could kill her...I could. It wouldn't even be very emotional, although that would be mainly a result of not allowing myself to feel it.
"We've got the Sable Company for a reason."
To be fast! Algund jumps back in, having now raised his visor.
"Riots are no excuse for slaying a guardsman. Hell, if nothing else she is going to jail for assault and fomenting civil unrest. If her victim is alive, that is. If he died, she does too. Period."
Rebecca's halo is glowing around her head now, though it is apparent that she isn't aware of it.
"And, no, the law does not work like that. Just because riots break out does not give everyone a pass to do whatever the frick they want to under the cover of them. That type of thinking leads to anarchy. And even if the riots somehow were a magical legal defense, it would be only on account of not being able to accurately connect a particular crime to a particular person. She has, by her own lips, effectively surrendered that defense in her hubris."
Gadren nodded in agreement with Rebecca. Korvosa was a city with layers of laws that formed a maze but this matter as presented seemed straight forward. "Sounds about right bar proof she was not acting under her own free will by means of a magical compunction I'd be surprised if all but the best lawyers could do anything with her case, if she gets one."
"I am not hidebound by the law for the standards of the city but this woman is ridiculous." Gadren casts detect magic to see if the woman is under any kind of enchantment magic.
"The law is the law. I'll trust our guardsman here" he says, nodding to Rebecca "to know its intricacies, though I hope the man can yet be found alive." Thorfinn says, eyes never leaving the rioter, crossbow held loosely, but still pointed in her general direction.
"I feel the same as Thorfinn in this matter. The law is the law, for a reason. And the law has kept this city together when it would have fallen apart. Now is another time. The murderer here knows the law, and she knows that she broke it. I recommend that we see her to a guard post quickly and be done with this matter. We have enough on our plate at the moment."
"Let's get Lord Jalento here off the streets before he attracts more undue attention. If he is offering a reward, we should take it. As we still have our young charges to ensure the welfare of, we cannot be stingy when opportunity for funds appears."
Then turning to the noble. "Thank you for your offer of a reward. We recently rescued some young children, including my daughter from a thieving ring, and will be needing funds to feed and clothe them." he says by way of explanation.
Amin Jalento raises his eyebrows at Corwin. "Truly, that is quite the tale. I will be pleased to reward you then, knowing the good cause you support. But please, let's get off the streets, and we can talk more later." The burly woman offers no resistance, and has gone silent, clearly intimidated by the talk of law and sentences that are coming her way.
Assuming everyone follows, Amin guides you a few blocks further to a large place of business, with whitewashed facades, thick pillars, and rectangular windows. Above the entryway, a sign reads 'Jalento Import and Export'.
"My family has run this business for several generations, and we have been... moderately successful. We mainly deal in luxury goods, clothing, jewelry, furniture sometimes," Amin explains. After leading you inside, he opens a heavy-looking armoire with a tiny key, and takes out a tiny box. "I personally specialize in jewelry. This is an old signet ring, from a died-out noble family in Kintargo, should fetch you a decent sum. I've appraised it at two hundred and fifty gold pieces, at least."
Inspecting the box, inside of it is a gold ring, sitting on a red piece of cloth.
Rebecca examines the crest intently, curious if she can identify the line from her mother's old lessons.
Rebecca studies the signet ring, which upon closer inspection, shows some kind of bird over three crosses aligned in a triangle shape. Rebecca determines it belonged to the Valenclair noble lineage, which was wiped out during the three decades of civil war that tore through Cheliax about 100 years ago, following the death of the god Aroden.
Algund doesn't respond to Rebecca, instead shaking his head, I suppose if you assume I'm an idiot that's the case, or if you assume that whoever is making my argument is. She won't listen, neither will they.
It is only when they look to be leaving that he speaks up again. Shouldn't someone take a look for the guardsman? Seems like uh...a really interesting idea to not do that. He might be slightly angry, it's difficult to tell, and if he is he's very in control of himself.
Gadren looks at Algund. "We needed to get Amin home first. He is injured and recently assaulted. Our escort might have meant the difference between life and death for him. We can track down this injured or dead guardsman soon but first we needed to get him back, most likely he is stable hold up somewhere or dead."
"Thank you Amin, for this kind gesture. Your kindness will not be overlooked." Corwin says, kindly.
"Now let's see about getting you home, unless you have guards or employees here who will see you safely to your residence?" Corwin asks.
"This is my home," Amin explain with a smile. "Now, since it is getting to be dark outside, I would be remiss if I didn't offer you a place to spend the night. We do have a few guestrooms, and the sofas in the drawing room are quite comfortable," he offers.
Your rioting female captor scowls and harrumphs, and she can be heard muttering to herself. "Hmph. So-fa, dra-wing room," she grumbles in a mocking tone.
Rebecca lets out a low whistle as she examines the ring.
"House Valenclair... one of several casualties of the death of Aroden. From what I remember, they fell to infighting in the aftermath, some supporting Thrune, others supporting the more... traditional... lines of thought. In the end, the few survivors died out, destitute and forgotten by most."
Seeing Amin's look, Rebecca blushes. "Mother insisted that I learn about history growing up. House Mavern is no where near the size or stature of Valenclair, but that didn't stop her from scheming up ways to ensure her daughters were married off properly." She rolls her eyes without thinking about it as she continues.
"I would say 250 gold is a low estimate. Given the right collector, you might find someone willing to pay twice that on the spot without batting an eyelash. Still, most such collectors would be in Cheliax... not likely to find one here, I suppose."
Turning to their captive, Rebecca glares. "She will not need either accommodation, and I likely will not either. We have a guardsman to ensure lives the night, and a criminal to ensure meets justice in one form or another, before sleep takes us."
Amin Jalento raises his eyebrows slightly as Rebecca identifies the ring. "Quite impressive lady, Valenclair, that is correct. A name not easily recognized by many people in the past few decades. But yes, your assessment that it might be worth more to a Chelish collector is an accurate one. Perhaps imigrating to Cheliax might not be such a bad idea, with the recent events. I believe Korvosa is facing some troubling times ahead. 'May you live in interesting times', I believe is a phrase sometimes used in the Dragon Kingdoms," he offers a wry smile.
As Rebecca declines the offer of a night's rest, he nods as he casts a quick glance at their female captive. "No rest for the wicked, huh, I understand. Stay safe out there, and don't hesitate to call on me if you believe I can offer any aid."
Perhaps you could take in some orphans? Algund looks up at the man, taking off his helmet, we've recently found quite a few, and it's not easy to find a place for all of them. It would make the poorer residents look more kindly on you as well, which is a good thing because then they wouldn't, you know, try to kill you.
Amin once again glances at your captive. "Some people will always find something to gripe about, no matter one's actions or intent. That said, I am not unsympathetic towards your predicament. My wife and I have been talking of adopting a girl. I will have to talk it over with her, naturally, but I think we can take one in. She will be loved here."
"I amn't going to get too hopeful about the guard but I'd like to at least try before retiring for the night. Your offer is kind and appreciated however." Gadren nods at Amin before looking at the woman. "Better for you I'd say, the longer the poorer the likely outcome for you. A wise woman would start praying rather than getting snippy about drawing rooms."
Cataria nods her appreciation at Amin's generosity. She has been watching silently, not wishing to give any indication of her condition. Her hand rests on Gadren's arm during their travels, and she remains at his side during the conversations during the day.
Algund looks about ready to head off in search of the guardsman. She should come with us, he gestures at the injured woman.
What's your name?
"Of course she is coming. She knows where she left the guardsman."
Rebecca says in an off hand manner to Algund.
"Also she should have the... benefit... of knowing what judgement awaits her for her actions."
Turning to Amin as they depart, the young woman smiles.
"We appreciate the hospitality. Like I said earlier, I would stay within your home for the next few days until things settle down. I was not kidding when I said that rioters and doomsday prophets are not the only threats on the streets... we were attacked by one of the monsters the city uses to clean the sewers earlier today, come out of the ground to get additional sustenance in the form of the citizenry. Be careful."
"If we're going to do this before dark, we'd best be about it." Thorfinn says, looking to the door, where his hippogriff stands guard.
The party bids farewell to Amin, and once again braves the streets of Korvosa. Night is beginning to set in now, and while clear that the situation is not as bad as when the troubles first started, the city is still a mess. Lots of shady figures out and about, and the night air echoes with people shouting and, occasionally, the sound of glass breaking.
These sounds only increase in volume and frequency, as you do manage to carefully pick your way to the Old Dock ward, where your captive claimed they left the guardsman. The buildings here are old and run-down, and the spaces between them are cramped with increasingly narrow roads.
Picking your way through winding narrow alleyways, you shield your nostrils from the stench that not even the breeze blowing in from over the Jeggare river seems to be able to disperse. Finally, you arrive at Seashore pass, a street that leads down to the northern end of the docks, flanked on both sides by tall, imposing buildings. The street appears empty, but is littered with all kinds of refuse; abandoned crates, empty barrels, rotting rope, and other sundries. Only a few of the lanterns here are lit, so large parts of the street are covered by darkness.
"Figures that this would happen here. While I was still patrolling we never came here without at least a full squad... often we would still come back with wounds. We had best be quick, it is unlikely that he would last long here even under ideal conditions."
Rebecca has her rapier in hand as they move forward, keeping the point close to the back of their captive. Hearing the snoring, Rebecca holds up her free hand.
In a quiet voice she addresses her companions.
"Sounds like someone is asleep ahead. No way of knowing if they are friendly or not, but safe money is on not. If we can avoid waking the locals it would be ideal."
Looking their captive in the eyes, she adds, "I won't gag you... but instead I promise that you die first if you try anything suspicious."
"I wouldn't test the truth of her words if I was you." Gadren casts light on a pebble clenched in his fist holding it forward in the closed fist towards Rebecca. "If something happens just throw this down to illuminate the area, best to be prepared for trouble than not." Gadren kept his shield and warhammer handy as he eyed up the deep shadows all about them.
Rebecca smiles gratefully as she takes the stone from Gadren's hand, keeping a firm grasp on it lest its brilliance escapes her fist.
"I hope it doesn't come to it, but better prepared than not. Thank you."
Yeah it's a rough area, there's a lot of cyclical stuff that happens which makes it real hard to be a good person. Which way are we going? He asks the woman, what is her name? I must have forgotten...stupid of me.
The amount of voices, images, and other sounds screaming in her head makes it hard for Pia to think once the enter Old Docks area.
Try as she might, she cannot hear the sounds Rebecca hears in the alley, but trusts the ex-guardswoman when she says she does.
Pia does her best to stand by and wait, while trying to quiet her brain.
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As they enter the seedy area, Thorfinn readies his crossbow. Continuing on, he constantly sweeps both sides, ready for anything. When Rebecca mentions someone ahead he nods and raises his crossbow to his cheek, ready to fire at any time.
"I am now entirely certain that this was not a good idea...I had forgotten how seedy this part of town is. Certainly nothing good happens here, especially at night!"