"I don't know Quince. He is good at words it seems. Someone like that has some motivation. If we can find out what it is perhaps we can sway him to our side and he could fix everything for us. Arrest that is the worst idea. No one said anything about doing that. I think we invite him to dinner but that decision is up to you. Larina my sweet lets go see what we can find out of this cult. Your much better at talking to people than me."
No Aid :(
Very quietly she whispers in Tristan's ear, "Killing him in front of the townsfolk would be the worst. Of course my dear."
hours later she finds out that it is mostly just rumors. Nothing concrete and no easy leads. Some of the folk said that pained women are the most likely to join such a cult. There are 6 women named but there could be more.
"Best we can do is return to the others with this information. Maybe they know or can find out about the women."
"We could always send the psuedo dragon to spy on him."
Quince goes and seeks out those leaders left behind hoping to hear all reports, find some good news in all this. He asks each;
"When did this charlatan Grigori first arrive? How long has he been talking the folks ears off? Anything suspicious about him?"
Likely Quince calls for a council meeting. Tristan and Larina get there just as the proceedings are finishing. Upon his questions many of the council have information for you.
Those in attendance:
Ruler Quince
Councilor Sulvanii
General Saren
Grand Diplomat Bearik
High Priest Katrina
Marshal Kevros
Royal Enforcer Larina
Spymaster Stalker
Warden Tristan
Missing:
Duke of Destruction Krazok and his consort Selena
Viceroy Oleg
Treasurer Jhod
Magister Sota
"I have been lending my rangers and spies to help fill the role of the nation's spies. As such I have been assisting Stalker fulfill his role as spymaster. The results are not good. We don't know who is backing this Grigori. He was hired but it was handled through lots of proxys. I have my top spy on the situation but there is no telling how long it will take. Grigori has been slandering your name from the Five Nations here. He really has kept his insurrection quiet for the last few months and this month he has begun speaking publicly."
"I would suggest that we quietly have the man poisoned. Though the ramifications of that being found out by the populace would be disasterous. We could arrest him for insurrection and being a traitor, though we would need to find him guilty with evidence in an open court to have him fully denounced and have his implications be swept under the rug without troubles. As of now we have no evidence." He says trying to fill the part but you can tell he is very insecure still. He has a very bad feeling about all this and you can tell.
"Well none of us have made enemies to warrant this on our own. I would suspect it is a rival nation or one close that doesn't like what we have started here. Following or spying probably will turn up nothing. We should try and befriend or talk to him first. If nothing pans out then we can visit other ideas, but killing or arresting should not even be talked about."
"Have him watched. He is well informed and has a network of informants or he is a caster and is magically keeping tabs on us. If he is just a rabble-rouser then doing well by the people is our best recourse. If it is more nefarious it will be revealed. Don't forget we have invisible fey allies who might relish the chance to spy . . . or torment him."
Kev takes his seat next to Kat and listens to the conversations, making sure only the Wardens will hear his suggestion, then he stands up to address the court, "Fellow wardens, I say we arrest Grigori for attempting to disrupt the peace, in which innocent civilians could have been severely injured or killed due to negligence without first speaking to the magistrate and/or court regarding his complaints. This sentence is only a few days in jail instead of charging him with being a traitor which carries a longer sentence or death, only requires a magistrate instead of a jury, and that maybe we are trying to hide something. This will give us time to set up our network to watch him. In addition, he or his care takers are probably expecting us to follow him now and will either expose us and ambush our spies. During his stay in jail, let's place him in a noisy part of the jail to keep him awake during his short sentence so when we release him, he will be too tired to be careful and his care takers will not necessarily be ready like they probably are now? In addition, are there spies we can use that are less magical just in case they are using defensive magic and wards? It has to be something they are not expecting. Don't get me wrong, I love magic and our fey spies but this already seems to be an elaborate scheme and magic is probably already at play.
As for befriending him, I think that will just make him more alert because who else in the world would befriend him for something treacherous without some sort of motive? Let's go by face value, he was disturbing the peace and it is quite possible innocent lives would have been injured or killed, and quickly capitalize on it."
Kev then looks at Quince, "And Quince, my friend, that was truly an eloquent display of diplomacy to get Grigori to step off his soap box. I commend you!"
The messenger for Sota would have relayed the message that she is out of town for a few days on work for the Wardens.
Jhod on the other hand is... missing. No word from his messenger that was sent nor of Jhod.
"It's a fine line. I for one won't let these lands or title change me. The people should be able to question us and our motives as we are the ones keeping them safe. If they have issues it should be talked about. This man has done so on a grand scale and to cause unrest. That is for certain, but arresting him would only do more damage and cause the people to not trust us. We should hold a public meeting and lunch where we can sit an talk with him instead of a closed doors dinner as I originally suggested. All who wish can attend and let us be heard answering all he claims against us. We should not hide anything from those who choose to follow and trust us. That is my voice and decision but I will do what is asked of me. Do you wish him arrested Quince?"
Kevros nods, "I will agree with you, Tristan, if instead we have a public forum instead of dinner or lunch. Then perhaps another day, we have a kingdom festival?"
"No you share my thoughts on this Tristan. Speach is best responded to with the truth. He will lose credibility. Have him watched as closely as we are able. Any vandalism or violence can be responded to directly. If we keep the right tabs on him it will be revealed. I do believe him to be nefarious. He will give us cause in time. In short. Arrested no. Watched by an invisible trusted agent."
He frowns. "Jhod did not respond to our meeting here nor has his messenger returned. That might be a problem. That should be checked on."
Yes, Oleg is in the after life.
Kev nods, "A very naturally stealthy agent that will be difficult to detect?"
Kev pauses, "Better yet, let's use both Magical and Naturally stealthy types."
"My agents may be numerous but most don't have magical talents, though they can be stealthy as most rangers are. Though this sounds like you need a specialist. A rogue, though we do have some in employ I would not trust them to this case. Any suggestions to who or what would fit that role best?" Bearik asks thinking and looking through some scrolls.
"I may be the best ranger for the job but I agree with Bearik and your suggestions. We need an expert or specialist, that has magical means and is naturally stealthy." He puts out there.
Kev nods then begins speaking while looking at Stalker, then to the rest of the Wardens as he speaks, ending on Quince, "Brother, the only ones that would fit that category would be our smaller fey cousins that Warden-Duke Quince mentioned earlier. Or Warden-Magister Sota if he is still with us? Unless someone has someone of something in mind?"
{b]"I still believe this to be a waste of time and resources when it could be settled upon meeting. I have no one or know of no one to assist in this."[/b]
"Maybe we should start with a meeting? And if the majority of us do not have good feelings with the meeting results, we can use more clandestine methods as a follow up?" Kev pauses, "I have said my peace since I do not want this meeting to go on forever and get nothing done. Plus time, is of the essence."
"Send the Fey. If the man remains a nuisance we can invite him to dinner. If he proves worse we can follow through accordingly."
"This cult seems more pressing as does the missing Jhod and the messenger sent to fetch him."
"Who has contact with these invisible fey?" he asks honestly.
"A good question Bearik, they seem to check in when they like."
Kev looks at Quince, "Quince bonded with them the most so he probably has some sort of secret handshake or something?" Then smiles.
"I should no better . . . the fey have their own concern. Do we have scrying as an option? Send somebody to monitor him closely his dealings but make it obvious. Some wearing a uniform. Send a second agent to be in the crowd and appear to be swayed. Both learn what they can." He sighs "More will come out and give cause for action."
"We should check on Jhod. He failed to come to the meeting nor did the messenger return."
"Missing child that is distressing. What do we know?"
"We know only what is in the bounty listing. Young Tig likes to collect wildlife. Especially by the water. Hopefully, he didn't find or get too close to Old Crackjaw. There is a bounty for killing or running him off as well. Anyone in the mood for turtle soup?"
"I am up for hunting or herding turtle once we have a firm reconnaissance plan for Grigori and this cult he belongs to. Since the fey are out of current possibility, Stalker, my brother, do you have any trusted contacts that can carry out what you suggest and/or Quince's plan? If you need to add someone to the payroll by all means but only if you trust them.
"I can try my best, perhaps get Saren to help with the uniform, or perhaps Svetlana? Unless you suggest someone else?"
"Tristan has most of it, his parents are a bit distressed since he has not come home in four days. Sometimes he wanders off but always comes home after two days or less. Not many folks are willing to go into the wilds still and prefer to stick close to town unless they have to go find resources. This bounty basically rests upon your hands, unless you assign it to other Wardens. Now as for Grigori scrying is likely out of the picture and Saren has a strong presence with our citizens as Stalker is almost an unknown."
Tristan remains quiet for a bit before speaking, as he is obviously ready to get out and search for the boy or deal with the cult.
"Stalker you just go see what you can find out unless the others disagree. We have two pressing matters a cult and the missing boy. Larina shouldn't be too well known among the people. We could go look for the boy now. We shouldn't be gone more than a day if that. Larina could try and get herself recruited into the cult, then when we return we can crush it. What say you my sweet. Are you up for it?"
"We certainly should look for the boy. But Jhod and those sent to check on him have not returned also. We should know if we have a bigger problem on hand."
She smiles at her being brought up, she takes a few moments to think it over and nods thoughtfully, "I will do my best, a women's touch might be easier to get close to him."
Just as you say his name again, Jhod comes through the door, a bit shamefully he shakes his head, "So sorry, I was indisposed and still not feeling the best. The fool of a messenger I had went off with his girl. I will reprimand him. What did I miss?" Sitting down he asks the last question.
"We will inform Jhod of the notes of the meeting, why dont you head out and look for the boy. Ask around town, I am sure many of the folk have seen roughly where he wanders off to. Larina, Stalker, and Saren will work on Grigori. Anything else you need addressed?" he states confidently summarizing the commands.
"That probably covers everything for now. Shall we?"
Kev looks at Jhod, "Jhod, perhaps you should visit with the High Priestess and/or her acolytes to see what ails you and provide treatment?"
Then he looks at the chosen spy investigators, "All of you be careful and don't become a sacrifice or whatever this cult is into."
Kev nods at Tristan, "We should."
Quince squints looking over Jhod.
They nod and agree to Kevros's suggestions.
Quince frowns and rises from his chair with an aire of authority. "We've a missing child a roving charlatan and a dangerous cult here in our fair city. You've no need to dishonor us with a meager attempt at saving your pride. Speak on matters plainly. What have you heard on this cult?"
"No, no, no, its not that. I don't know where the boy is, anything of this cult, and very little of the charlatan. I... I have my own problems that you will eventually come to know. I guess I should tell you so get it from the horses mouth. I was chased out of my last three perishes. The last one not even my own fault, really. I like to partake in the drug some know as weed. I only take it when I don't have, well duties, and mostly at night. I had a massive headache and it helps a lot. I am an old man. Please forgive my short sights." He says shamefully especially in front of the whole council.
After Jihod's response, Kev looks at Jihod with Scrutiny.
Quince frowns in obvious annoyance. "Honesty around such a vice would have been better dealt with before now." Quince calms, "You are relied on as a scholar Jhod. Do some research on the cult. So we can compare it to what we find out here in our fair city. Perform well in this and you will help us search for your replacement with honour."
Quince shakes his head. "The child what do we know what's the next step. That's our focus till we know more."
"We go look for him in his usual spots and hope to find a trail. He has been gone a few days. I fear the worst but hope for the best. Shall we go then?"
Assuming everyone is ready Tristan will take the lead as Larina goes and tries to get recruited into the cult.
"If nothing further, I can prepare." Kev looks at Kat with a smile, "Will you be joining us High Priestess?"
"Lets go."
Jhod nods and accepts the request.
"I will gladly come along, plus picking up information from our locals is my skill set!" She free spiritly says.
Going out among the crowds she touches each of them with a blessing, using her healing hex to heal each of them at no cost to herself. Then she begins to ask...
"Well from the boys about his age I was able to gather he wanders along the water. He was challenged to survive several days near Candlemere to find out what those lights were all about. His best friend Quallip is suppose to be around somewhere but I haven't found him." She relays to the group after hours.