"Jalene do you know of any other detail of what happened. I know its hard and you've seen a lot but no one wants to find out that we sent an innocent man to the gallows. I know its hard but anything can help"He says calmly and softly.
The dwarf looks kindly at the dryadic like human.
”If all the dead in this town stood up at once it would look like the forest had suddenly grown up again. Heh, maybe an exaggeration, but I am bettin there are a lot of lost souls and stories around this place.”
He turns back to the revived suspect and speaks aloud.
”So Mr. Lawrence, I’m gonna go out on a limb here and guess you and Tock didn’t roofie yourselves. How the heck did you wind up drinkin outta this bottle here an get yourself poisoned?”
The dwarf runs the opening of the evidence bottle near the Sherif’s nose.
”I mean, what’s left in here stinks enough to make one want to physically recoil from it, how could you not know it was in there?”
The dwarf’s eyes narrow.
”Plus, only Tock and Mr. Lawrence were effected. So—that points to the barmaid again, she had access to the bottles and would’ve been serving . . . Unless, Tock slipped it in, Poisoned Mr. Lawrence, then the barmaid slipped a knife in’tah Tock and opened him up?”
”Yah know, someone should start writin this stuff down, this is one heck of a yarn we are spinnin here!”
The dwarf notes the side conversation.
”Say Magistrate an Splint, is there something you put together over there?”
Freyja's face turns hard and she takes Jalene's hand in her own. You are talking to a trained bard and performer lass. Such tricks as this Freyja turns the hand and indicates the bruise do not go unnoticed. And there was no cheese at the crime scene this morning. You were there the night before... Why the deception girl? I am giving you this once chance to come clean. Don't you realize that a man's life is on the line!?! Turning to her companion Freyja says Sir Wulf if you do not have other restraints a rope will do to secure this woman if she continues to lie.
"I have rope" he says his eyes lowering.
"I do hope you have a good tale to tell about these observations. I don't want you ta' be makin' a fool outta me. I mean you are such a nice and lovely woman." he starts to reach for the rope.
"I will say if ya wish we can continue this at the Sheriff's office, there you'll be protected by the law and if anything goes south I promise ta get ya outta the city' he says grabbing the rope and pulling it out.
"You are right. Kreed does do business with a number of professional assassins. It is part of how he's stayed in power for so long," he explains with no small amount of trepidation. "This is not their work. The Gavel needed this done quickly, and I think I know why.
"Kreed's sources have warned him that a surprise inspection would be arriving soon - in one week, I believe. Representatives from the People's Council, almost certainly accompanied by Diamond Regiment soldiers, are coming to investigate the Consortium's business practices. Misters Tock and Lawrence, together, might have information to provide them that could give Kreed reason to worry."
"If...if you are certain it is necessary," she whimpers, holding out her wrists to be bound.
"...has anyone been to Tock's dwelling? We need to check the deceased's residence for any notes he may have left. And quickly," says the Qadiran.
Well lass we were surely hoping it would not be necessary. Can you not simply tell us the truth?
"it is for the best to be as truthful as possible in an instance like this. I don't want Tim to get executed for something he didn't commit, nor do I Tocks' death to go unavenged. So please Jalene., I know you are honesty and a good woman. You took care of my brother when he came into drink, and you always greeted me with a smile the times we have met. Please be forthright as I would hate to have to tie you up and treat you like a hostile enemy withholding information.'He says truthfully, remembering a bit of the training he was given about belligerent captured enemies who held crucial information.
"We were just at Tock's dwelling," Deputy Corin answers Kit. "That back room where we found him serves as both his bedchambers and office."
"Oh?" Jalene says, her eyebrows raising in surprise. "And here I thought we were operating on some forgone conclusion, and that you'd come to suspect me, of all people.
"The truth is, Kreed made me dispose of the knife and bloody sheets to hide the evidence," she says with downcast eyes. "He arranged for the killing and coverup, and he forced me to help."
Jalene's talent for misdirection is wearing thin. It is all too clear that she is lying yet again. You suspect that she does know where the missing evidence is, but not simply because Kreed ordered her to hide them.
"So we have a means, motive, and opportunity for Kreed and his men, yes? That makes more sense than someone poisoning himself so that he stays at the scene of a murder."
I guess you cannot simply tell us the truth. I'll be asking ya one more time for the truth. People have died Jalene. More might die still. You have ta see that. Don'tcha want ta help. Freida tries to be reasonable.
But seeing the look in the woman's eyes she hardens. You continue to lie an waste our time. There is yet much ta do afore we can rest this day. I'm thinkin the sherriff will not mind much if you are a wee bit bruised and battered when we turn ya in. Now talk girl or I'll show ya the nasty side o' me. I wont enjoy it but by the gods you deserve a good beatin.
Kit tries to be patient. "You were just there. Surely writing implements are used in this region, yes? Or did Tock keep everything in his head? None of us are skilled enough to speak with the dead..." Kit rubs his chin, thinking of that last point.
"Perhaps we should look more carefully for notes. If he was suspecting that he might die I would hide the notes in an inconspicuous place like a tree trunk...", Teasel says in response to Qit.
"Frankly, I'd find it surprising if Tock was even literate, much less that he kept notes and records," Sheriff Baleson muses. "If he kept anything hidden, it would not be too elaborate - hidden under a floorboard or something. Unfortunately, if Jalene is working against us, I fear she may already know Tock's secrets and hiding spots."
Perhaps the new woman in town is tougher than the barmaid anticipated, or perhaps Jalene accepts that she cannot talk her way out of this situation. Rather than trying to talk or, more foolishly, trying to fight, the suspicious barmaid begins to bolt - trying to rush past Wulf and Freyja and seek an escape.
Freyja is stronger than she looks and her hand shoots out almost as if anticipating the woman's plan and grabs her. Her grip is like iron. Its ta be the hard way I see. Freyja says sadly.
Wulf seeing Freyja go in for a grapple he gets the rope ready to wrap her up.
Wulf readies himself to grab or trip the woman if he can't get the rope on her.
Wulf crafts a quick halter and tries to get it around Jalene.
Perhaps it is the unexpectedly steely grasp that Freyja places upon her, or perhaps it is the lingering threat of the bard's intimidation, but Jalene's resistance dies quickly. She does not even try any of her own sleight of hand while Wulf applies the rope.
"You got me," she groans bitterly. She then lowers his voice to a whisper, saying, "But if it spares my neck from the noose, I'll tell you who put me up to knifing Tock."
SHE kiled Tock! Freyja allows what Jalene is admitting to sink in. By the gods why? I cannot promise you your life woman, but if you will finally speak truth I'll hear your reasons. Perhaps they are mitigating.
"Jalene you knifed Tock, I am shocked" he says as he slips on the other side of her slipping his arm in hers to escort her like his mother had taught him.
"I hope you can tell your tale to the good sheriff. I know he'll keep ye safe until the trial. If not I know I will" He says smiling trying to be as cordial as possible
Freyja and Wulf escort the bound Jalene back to the tribunal building, much to the surprise of the rest of the party, the sheriff, and his deputies. Clearly feeling she has no other alternative, certain that she's been cornered, the barmaid confesses.
"I drugged the both of them, slit Tock's throat, and made it look like Lawrence's doing," Ms. Artem states. "I will tell you who ordered me to do it if you promise that I will not be executed."
Understanding that this is not her call Freyja does not comment.
The dwarf listens with a critical ear before answering.
"A life was taken and at least one more hangs in the balance. To me justice is clearly laid down by the Forgemaster of Creation, and I don't know who in this town is righteously recognized as a proper just and impartial judge fit to grant or take freedom . . . But, I think you should speak and tell us true and see where the chips fall. As it stands now you killed a man and almost cost this innocent man his life, . . . so silence only stretches your neck."
"You understand me? I want to be clear."
"The truth may set you free in more ways than one."
"Perhaps a case can be made to ask for outside assitance depending on what the truth is. It is hard to know without haveing all the facts before us, but we will listen and hear you."
He steps forward leaning his head and chest towards the accused while waggling a finger warningly at her.
"And no funny business missy! If I catch you in a lie that's good enough for me, get it?"
He lets his words sink in and keeps his eyes boring into the woman's if she can stand to meet his gaze. Helgrim them relaxes and takes a step back before Wulf might think he needs to intervene.
He relaxes his face and body, nods approvingly and finally offers Jalene a gesture telling her that she has the floor.
"Proceed with the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth for the group please."
The dwarf strokes his beard absently as he prepares to evaluate Jalene's words and body language. He conciously makes sure that his own indicated that he is an interested and openminded listener.
Boggel shakes his head sadly. Deception seems to be all too common among humans. I am glad I have found a decent few. Thank you, Ketephys. I see the path you lay before me.
"She is the fang of the serpent, but the blame lies with the snake. Tell us, girl. Who has put you up to this? And what power do they have over you?"
Kit nods at the good work done by Freyja and Wulf and crosses his arms, waiting for further explanation from Jalene.
Teasel just silently stands there waiting to find out what happened.
Wulf stays quite a bit shocked at what had transpired. He knew Kreel had pull and influence but nothing like this. Jalene wouldn't have done that, couldn't have done that if the situation was different.
The shock just meant his efforts in this war would have to step up. No more people should turn on each other in fear of death at the hands of a tryant! Wasn't this still Andor! Wasn't this land a place for freedom and not the land bound to the whims of some corrupt lord! No, he would clean this town up or die trying.
Helgrim's intimidating wisdom loosens Jalene's tongue. At first she offers some more lies and half truths, but Helgrim susses them out and cuts her off just as she starts each. When it becomes clear that this dwarf will not countenance the same deception that she plies locals with, her shoulders shrink back and she accepts that the truth is her only recourse.
"Last night was exhausting. I was on my feet for so long, running between the Duck and Kreed's place," she groans as though merely complaining about a tough night of work. "When I saw that Tock and Lawrence were meeting, I slipped out to let Kreed know that they were scheming against him. He was in no mood, so he ordered me straight away to kill one and frame the other."
Wulf may be shocked to discover that the local barmaid is a murderer, but she is no shrinking violet forced to do a tyrant's bidding against her will. Reading her character, you're certain that Jalene would fit in among the criminal gangs of any city. She may not be a criminal mastermind, but she is quite experienced when it comes to deception and even murder.
Somewhat worryingly, she remains confident even as she confesses to killing Tock, framing Lawrence, and following Kreed's orders. Despite her current predicament, Jalene carries a self assurance that she will not hang for what she's done. You suspect that she does not even see herself spending too much time in a cell.
"I am not sure that we should even jail Jalene," says Kit. "If this Kreed is powerful, he will retaliate against the jailers and probably kill Jalene to silence her. Jalene, are you worried for your life now? You may want to leave town in a hurry. You are now what we call khayin far, a 'traitor rat'."
The Qadiran speaks in a fairly mild tone.
”Naw, she isn’t worried. In fact I suspect that we should be prepared to be payed a visit. She isn’t expecting to be confined for long . . . Are ye’missy?”
The dwarf looks over to Wulf.
”Well, this is Andor and there isn’t a proper court up here. I suppose we should take Jalene south straight away. Make sure she is given a proper trial. You know, we promised her fair treatment and we don’t want the Lady and her band to get a hold of her. I suppose Mr. Lawrence should go too, being the victim and all.”
Impressed with the dwarven barbarian Freyja nods but asks Why not just turn Jalene over to the Lady for justice. Isn't she a paladin? I doubt the Lady will do anything worse than Jalene deserves.
"The Lady doesn't work for the court. So turning her over would do nothing but get us and the Church in trouble. As for taking her south that is not a bad idea. I fear though if they have been watching, which I believe they have they are not far. In fact, I probably would surmise a visit here soon form our esteemed leadership or at least his lackeys." Wulf says clutching his staff.
"The Sheriff and deputies can't do anything to really stop them without unnecessary repercussion so I suggest we may need a change a venue like the Tower." Wulf says securing his hat and tapping the staffs end on his boot heels.
"Can a deputy escort her downriver, or should one of us? And I feel like a visit from the leaders of this town would be most welcome. I prefer to be attacked head on than stabbed at from the shadows," says the arcanist, who looks like he wouldn't be able to handle more than one or two attacks.
A single, mocking laugh falls from Jalene's lips.
"A deputy? Even if you got the sheriff tried to take me south, he wouldn't even make it to Olfden. There's a reason why, once people wind up in this hole of a town, they never leave, and it ain't just 'cause they're broke."
The recent arrivals to town, Kit and Freyja, both know what she's talking about, if only from Ayda Vorshin's stories on the road. The road south from Falcon's Hollow runs through geologically active areas, and it is currently plied by a bandit gang known as the Blastwaters. This is in addition to the usual bogeymen that haunt the Valers' dreams, such as werewolves and the fey.
When talk turns to handing her over to Lady Cirthana, Helgrim can notice a tense look of fear crossing her face. She likely fears that the Iomedeaen is liable to behead her, regardless of whether the priestess would actually do this.
"Make no mistake, I'd rather not stay in the Hollow," Jalene adds with a touch of nervousness, changing the subject from Cirthana. "North of Oregent, the Consortium is the law, and I don't want to be in their reach once Kreed finds out that I've squealed on him."
Do not be too confident murderess. Know that I will kill you myself before I let you go free. Freyja says coldly. I do not desire this but it would be the greater good. She proceeds to further bind Jalene so that the woman cannot walk and is helpless. You have no chance of freedom unless a court frees you.
Teasel just watches quietly saying,"This consortium just seems so evil. Why do any of you put up with them?"
"Jobs, the Consortium brings in money that creates jobs. Without them the town would be far less populated and less trade would come through. The kicker is that the Consortium knows this and has exploited it all these years. Its a sad truth but one that has been hard to fight against. I myself have fought in my own way for years. I however am just one man. One man with a family. Which I am thankful I sent south on the last caravan to make sure they got to my parent's shop" he says with a smile delighted in the fact his sister and the nieces and nephews were all safe.
Kit shrugs. "Keep her here, then. But--" he turns to the law enforcement. "--I wouldn't risk my life to save her, when an angry mob, an Iomedean, or the Consortium come for her. I do not envy your job."
He looks at the others. "We need her to write a confession, and hide it. Then, off to speak with some of Kreed's henchmen, I think."
He shakes his head. "Honestly, you northern barbarians. This is what one has governors and regents for--to stamp out this sort of local corruption. Well, I suppose Sarenrae has chosen us all to do the deed instead."
"It may be necessary to put an end to this particular snake. It seems as though his reign has been a terrible one."
Freyja reminds Jalene of the feeling of fear. The deadly barmaid winces, recoiling from the Ulfen beauty's ire. Nevertheless, Jalene listens in as the party speaks among themselves.
"Fine. Give me ink and paper," she says, overhearing what Kit says. She then turns her eyes upon Magistrate Harg and adds with a smile, "I find myself eager to write a confession."
With a start, the magistrate gathers the needed writing implements and brings them to the accused, whose guilt is already quite beyond most doubt. The sheriff has Daphne and Corin serve as witnesses, then he turns to speak with you.
"I don't trust Jalene," Baleson says grimly. "I hate that she's been operating right under my nose, hiding behind her pretty face. Worse still, even if we get a confession securing her guilt, Kreed will likely have the Consortium's barristers conjure a formidable legal defense for him. Kreed's committed murders of his own, sometimes in public. The fact that he still walks free speaks to the Consortium's legal influence."
He pauses to groan, clearly distraught by this history of legal abuse.
"I don't like it, but we may need to call in an outside authority to handle this matter. I don't expect anyone to go all the way to the capital, so Adamas may be a better option. The Gleaming Tower is the home of the Diamond Regiment, the army unit that guards the Vale. They may be able to both oversee Jalene's trial and bring Kreed to justice for his involvement."
Keeping an eye on the woman writing, Helgrim waves in the Sheriff, old friends, and new companions.
”Can we trust the Magistrate either? . . . “
The dwarf breathes to the Sheriff.
He then continues on.
”Look, we have a serious problem here. We are going to get a lot of innocent people hurt if we don’t act. I don’t know how smart it is, but I think we need to take her and Lawrence to The Gleaming Tower ASAP. Those two can be witnesses to what’s been happening We’ve got Wulf to give our story creedance and Boggel can get down the river like no one else here. If we wait too long Kreed and his thugs will be on us.”
The dwarf looks around.
”Plus, we’ve got ourselves some other major issues. Human trafficking for one, probably drugs for another, not to mention a possible reinfestation of hags and harpies. We can only focus on one crisis right now, but I think it’s time we bring in the government.”
”Look, Even if we can’t get a detachment sent up here, what if Wulf re-ups, returns an officer, and we can recruit a border guard here. Maybe Wulf gets a uniform, maybe he doesn’t, but Kreed might be deterred a bit from killing an Andorran Officer.”
”Maybe Teasel can find someone to enter into negotiations with about getting some protections put in place for the Wood and her people.” With the Feys help we could replant the forest and work out sensible forestry so that there can be lumber, growth and habitat for everyone for future generations. Not to mention we could use the as allies against the Hag menace.”
”And hell! Maybe I can get some documents off to my Kingdom. Not sure that would do much good, but it’s worth a shot anyway.”
”Well? What do you guys think? Am I completely crazy?”
I have just arrived. There are a lot of things I just do not know. I will defer to you master dwarf. You will have my support whatever you and Sir Wolf decide.
Kit shrugs. "As Freyja says. All possible solutions have tricky problems in the middle, for this situation."
"How far to the Gleaming Vale? If I am good at something, it's traveling a dangerous path and getting to my destination," continues the Qadiran with a grin.
"If this Diamond Regiment can be trusted to mete out justice, then we must go to Adamas. How far is the travel?"
"We should go together if we do travel. If the Aspis are as dangerous as they are they might want to kill us. As for the fey I can definitely try and help improve relations. It will be tricky to but solving this situation will help improve their attitude."
At the mention of the Military Wulf takes off his hat and nervously moves his fingers on the brim."Aye, the military would be fair and impartial. Just to bring them in might or might not go in our favor" he says looking down.
"Just if we do call on them, make sure to have them bring some of the Eagle Knights stationed there. Most are tested and would definitely lend a hand in keeping peace and justice. Also would be nice to see how some of them have been doing since I left" Wulf says flipping the hat back on his head.
"Might have to break out my old uniform to greet them." He says with a smile and a sigh.