As Belko reenters the room, Amria holds up the contents of the sack for his inspection. "Do you recognize any of these objects?"
Looking back to Yves, he asks, "Do you recognize any of the other pieces here? Could you ask your fellow to come back in and we shall see if he recognizes any of these objects as well."
Belko moves over to look at the contents of the sack. "No sir. None of those objects look familiar to me at all. Those items are also much too cheap to have belonged to any guests at the Inn. Perhaps he picked some of them up before arriving here?"
Belko will then ask Arn to come back in for a moment. He also takes a look at the items and shakes his no. "Sorry sir. I can't say that I've seen any of those before."
Arn. Vasili turns to the other employee.
What can you tell us of Redgrave? You seem to be quite a perceptive man. I'm sure you noticed his eccentricities, yes?
"Well, he was a bit odd sir, but so are many of our guests here. So we tried not to pay his oddness any mind. His thinks like midday naps, late nights out, liking his food far too rare for my taste. The most normal thing the man did was to chase after women, just like any other young noble I've ever seen."
Kair speaks without moving from chair, "And these women he chased... Any of them we can talk to? Would greatly improve our situation, though I am aware most of them would deny such things in public."
Arn appears a bit flummoxed by the question. "Uhm, well, he flirted with any female in sight, but he seemed to only seriously pursue women on par with his own social standing. Some of the women were staying here at the Inn and have already checked out. Others are here in town, but I have no idea where they live or how to go about requesting their assistance."
"A couple of names would be nice. Your name or your... establishment will not be mentioned, I swear on my house's name.", says Kair, a bit more firmer in his voice.
Arn gives you the names of two of the young women that he could remember.
Cruentus takes the meal and flips the servant a gold piece for a tip. Moving away from the group he turns away and ravonously downs the meal. Runturning to the group Cruentus listens in, digesting the revelations.
Dhampirs! Maybe this redgrave family will have some sort of information on his old master.
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Vasili smiles at the employees of the Inn. Thank you very much for your time. I believe we are finished and can leave your fine establishment. I hope nothing like this comes up again.
He rises from the chair and makes to leave, but stops for a moment near the door, Oh, what were the names of the Constables that came by again?
"I did not catch all of their names sir, but Constable Ivor was in charge."
"Hm. Does someone know more about this Constable Igor? I know some matters are usually kept quiet, but not when His Grace is involved. Let's go and talk to him, and then go and talk to the women involved. Anyone has any other suggestions?", says Kair, swiftly stepping on his feet and looking at the group?
I'm sure there's no need to bother the Constable with this business, Vasili says, while giving Yves a reassuring look.
With a few smiles, a shake of the hand, and some pleasant niceties, Vasili makes his way for the door. He waits until they're escorted out before responding to Kair,
I think we should skip speaking to this Constable Igor, yes? He and his associates have obviously been paid by Redgrave. If we confront him, we risk the possibility of them warning Redgrave that we are coming. That, and they will know that the young lady spoke to us about matters that she was warned to keep silent on. He frowns, They may even wish to detain us, if they feel they can. He adds quietly, And dead Constables will be a problem for the Baron, no matter his power here.
As to the women, if they are still in town, I agree. If not, they will not be close by. I think our best option is to travel to the Redgrave estate with haste. Given the trophies he's left behind, I fear how we will find the Baron's daughter should she not please this man's family. He looks around the group, I trust everyone has a horse, and is packed for travel? If not, those of us that are can see if these Ladies are within a convenient distance. And those that aren't can make themselves ready, no?
"Hm. Good point. Let's go there, then. I still would like to take care of him later. A corrupt constable isn't something that should be left alone.", says Kair, moving towards his horse, and checking his gear. He takes out his Double-Bladed Axe and puts it behind him on the saddle.
With a smirk, Vasili responds, As I understand it, all lawmen are corrupt, yes? He throws his scarf over his shoulder, I find that those that take gold are at least predictable. For the others, the law is a tool to soothe their pride, or their conscience. Those that claim to serve the law are often the most blinded by their own biases; most corrupt, and all the more dangerous for it.
A chuckle and a wry smile, But you are right, of course. Those that take gold and lie to our employer should be dealt with. His tone becomes more serious, though the smile still remains, There are, after all...Rules.
The thought of delaying their trip to question these fiends troubles Cruentus greatly and his expression shows it.
If this family turns out to be anything like his experiences in my youth then the Barons daughter is indeed in trouble.
"While I can agree that it is clear the law here is subject to how much gold you carry, I believe there is wisdom in not giving Redgrave any notice of our arrival. And if our suspicions are true as to the heritage of our would be bounty, then I believe it is in our's and the Baron's best interest to find his daughter as quick as possible. Perhaps afterward we can deal with our less than honorable law men. "
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Onvyr stretches a bit as he walks with the others out of the inn, climbing up onto his mount once they are outside.
"I agree that the Redgrave estate seems our best lead at the moment. While I do agree that dealing with unpleasant constables is something of merit, they are unlikely to suddenly cease to be an issue in a few weeks. But as Vasili intimated, our young charge might not fare well if we don't rescue her. And I don't think the Baron would be all that happy if we returned with his daughter...not entirely alive. I mean I can offer some changes that I'd personally think are greater than the sad living condition for some, but that's neither here nor there."
He shrugs at Cruentus's comment, "As for notice, I don't know. If this estate is isolated, and especially if it is guarded, are going to see us coming at least some distance away. But I do agree that getting detained by a constable would...but a damper on our plans."
Kair looks at Onvyr and Vasili and nods, "Hm. Good plan. I'll pretend I didn't hear that about the changes, though. Let's go there. People may see us, but I doubt anyone would try to stop us after we explain our business. Especially with our smooth talkers here."
Looking at Cruentus, Kair says, "I can give you a ride, if you want. Just try not to startle the horse."
In any case, we should make haste. I suggest a horse of your own, but if not, find a saddle to get behind and we shall be off.
Vasili throws his scarf over his shoulder and makes his way back to the Baron's estate and his horse.
Amria nods in agreement with the group consensus. "Yes, let's be away from this place. Time is against us in this endeavor and we must make haste to regain some ground."
After bidding farewell to the Inn's staff, your group makes it's way through the busy city and out the main gate.
The day is slightly overcast, with rays of sun peaking through the clouds at irregular intervals and very little wind. All in all, it seem to be a rather nice day for traveling. Neither too hot or too cold and no sign of rain.
Your group takes the western road that takes you in the direction of the Shudderwood. On the right of the road is a thick forest and to the left are open fields. Though you had passed other travelers near the city's gate, you don't see anyone else as you ride farther away. Soon, the only sounds that you hear are your horses' hooves hitting the road and the sound of the birds overhead.
After a couple hours of monotonous travel, your group can see a large clearing off to the side of the road, clearly meant for camping. In it sits wagon with a broken wheel and a child-sized figure huddled by the dieing embers of a campfire.
A short whistle sounds and the bird resting on Vasili's shoulder takes off with a few quick flaps of it's wings. He nods over to the clearing, halting his horse, and letting the others lead the way.
Kair jumps down from the horse, drawing his axe while at it. He approaches the figure, with the axe in a relaxed position. If the figure looks at him, he waves with his other hand and looks back at Vasili.
Amria stops short of the disabled wagon. Dismounting, he approaches the small figure.
Onvyr dismounts but doesn't approach, simply looking from where he is.
As your group moves closer to camp site, you notice movement under a blanket in the back of the wagon. Also, you think you notice movement up in a tree and behind some bushes.
"Just so you know, that isn't a child."
Onvyr draws his sling and attempts to fire at the figure in the tree once it is revealed.
Well, this is embarrassing...We aren't looking for a fight. No need to do anything rash. He gives his best smile as he dismounts his steed.
Kair holds his axe at the ready, saying nothing.
Flying out from one of his companions saddlebags, Cruentus flush into the trees to get a better look at the ruffling and the "child"
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Amria draws his longbow, the deep darkwood flexing as he draws it back to his ear. Readying against any hostile movement from the small figure, he takes aim.
Vasili hexes the small figure.
Amria hits the small figure with an arrow.
Cruentus flys up to get a better look at the ambushers.
The small figure stands up and points a crossbow at the group and announces: "Give us your money and we will let you live!"
Amria hits the small figure with an arrow after his threat is made.
Onvyr misses the fellow in the tree as he shoots at Amria for attacking his little friend.
Kair holds ready.
The fellow in the wagon rises from his crouching position and fires a bolt at the intimidating looking half-orc.
"Highwaymen are so passe. Perhaps if you give us all of your money, we will let you live."
Onvyr attempts to hit the one in the tree with another bullet from his sling.
After flying into the trees Cruentus goes hybrid form as soon as he locates an ambusher, raging, then lashing out with a vicious bite.
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With an angry look, Vasili points a finger at the small figure. have chosen poorly.
Saying nothing, Kair charges at the small figure , swinging his axe at him at the end of the charge.
He then grabs the other handle and stands ready.
Grunting in pain from the arrow now sticking out of him, Amria focuses past the pain and immediately draws again, letting loose an arrow at the diminutive bandit.
The Halfling highwayman manages to shake off Vasili's attempt to knock him out, but then is downed as an arrow from Amria goes right through his left eye and into his brain. His childlike form drops lifeless down onto the ground.
Cruentus succeeds in knocking one of the human highwaymen off his perch in the trees as his throat is bitten out.
Onvyr misses the highwayman in the wagon with his sling. Kair, seeing the halfing go down, charges the man at the wagon, cutting him down effortlessly.
"Well fought. It'd be smart to take care of their bodies. You never know when a necromancer or something may raise this scum to pillage and raid again.", Kair says. Realizing who he travels with, he gives Onvyr a look, his face saying nothing.
If time allows, he'll give them the quick version of Pharasma's blessing and try to burn the corpses.
Before coming into view Cruentus shifts back from his monstrous form, lapping the blood from himself. Feeling sated, he now embarrassingly climbs down.
I hate for others to see this side of me
"Good to know when we come up against some resistance ,which I'm sure we will, we can all handle ourselves. "
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That went well. He whistles and a bird returns to his shoulder. Vasili slowly walks to the small corpse and nudges it. A waste. You are correct, we should at least send them off with a blessing. Perhaps in the next life they shall choose their targets more wisely.
He aids in moving the bodies and burning them, though he searches each first and removes anything of note. I wonder how successful they've been. Perhaps an employer we should look out for, yes? Vasili stands with a flourish, I wonder where the wagon came from? Former victims, I would guess. Unfortunate. With a frown, Vasili continues his search.
Onvyr stands to the side, just looking around while Vasili searches the area.
"Did you find anything that would suggest that they were anything other than simple bandits?"
The highwaymen do not appear to have been very good at their chosen profession. During your search of the camp, you turn up: 3 lightcrossbows (one for a small person), 3 daggers, 1 short sword,67 copper pieces, 43 silver and 12 gold. The coins we in 4 different pouches, likely the ones they were stolen in. Your group must have been the largest that they had attempted to rob. Obviously they were not up to the challenge.
Hidden behind the bushes, you all also find a horse. Possibly the one that goes with the wagon.
Vasili tosses the gear and pouches down on the back of the wagon as the bodies of the Highwaymen burn. No, it appears they were even more common than I had thought.
The horse tosses it's head back as he draws it closer to the wagon. Easy boy, easy. He looks around, Well, it seems you could ride a wagon if you like, Cruentus. Perhaps until we get to a town and get you a saddle?
A chuckle and a sparkle in his eye, More comfortable than a bag, yes?
Amria mounts up and looks impatiently to the others. "We are done here. Let us be on our way. Our quarry does not wait for us."