Bradley steps back and sees how Misha reacts to Cedric. He also spy's Albert, and wonders why he has such a sour face.
Opalia dances in from behind Cedric and claps the priest on the shoulder, "hi there! Opalia at your service."
Very blunt, Hopefully the priests won't take too much offense at that.
Charnum begins to sweat slightly, but continues observing.
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"I... see," Misha replies. "I suppose that I have no choice. Follow me."
She leads you through a door to a a large room, divided by a rich blue drapery just west of the door. The area that you see is empty except for three plain wooden benches. Misha draws aside the curtain, revealing a softly carpeted room with a small table surrounded by three comfortable chairs. A small shelf to the side holds several unopened bottles of wine, and a half-dozen glasses.
"Please, wait here. I will fetch Abramo."
Opalia follows Misha with a constant smile.
....
After whatever conversation takes place and the acolyte of Abramo leaves she hisses to Geary, "you should follow her. I don't trust that one. Not as far as I could spit her."
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As the priestess is leaving, Albert stops her "Stop the charade. Heironeus have shone his light upon me, and I know your aura is evil, as so you are." he says as his hand goes to his bastard sword's hilt "If you try to move in any manner, I will strike you down. If you confess and speak of what have you done in this town, I will only arrest you for posing as a holy woman and revering evil deities. But if you lie to me, it will be Heironeus the one judging you."
"Are all Paladins this subtle", Bradley says as his hand goes for Keen Mary.
"Sorry, miss. But you have been accused of misdeeds and the involvement in the disappearances of a number of villagers. Surrender and I promise leniency and safety."
As all that excitement is happening inside the church, Geary will be surreptitiously checking out the rest of the church property (Ya know, like any sort of free standing buildings other than the temple on the property, that sort of thing).
Opalia slaps her forehead when she realises that Geary isn't there. Then Albert speaks and .... she slaps her open mouth in horror at the gaff. Even she would have used more tact.
Out comes her sword as she blocks the exit too.
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"Who are you? Go away! Visitors are not permitted back here! If you need something, go see the acolytes in the temple!" He is unarmed and wears only a simple robe.
Cedric seems somewhat surprised by Albert's outburst. "That was subtle?" he says to himself.
"Some of us are more brash than others. Albert speaks what is on his mind. But due to his suspicions, I think it would be best if we all stayed together. Where is Abramo?" he says trying to diffuse the situation.
"And Geary - where's he gone? I think this one knows where Abramo is. Albert are you sure about this - I mean she seems to be innocent from what she said. You sure she's evil - I mean what proof have you got other than bad gardening husbandry and a strange feeling in your head."
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"I am completely sure, Opalia. My Lord has never failed me and he has show me her aura. She is evil, but she isn't powerful. And she is afraid." says Albert as he gets closer to her, hand still in the hilt "That's why she is avoiding confrontation. She is a mere scared pawn of a greater evil. But she will speak."
Backing away from the situation. "I have friends conducting business in the temple. I'm not the religious type so I'll just head back out front and continue waiting for'em."
"So your proof is your faith in a greater being who no one else can see or hear? Not very conclusive is it, Albert?" Opalia shakes her head at the determined warrior.
"I'd prefer something we can take to the Mayor. Maybe from her room?"
Charnum speaks up.
"Albert, you said she had an evil aura? How would you know this information? If it is true than this is no follower of Merrika, and thus she should be taken to the mayor."
Does it really matter at this point. Miss please comply for the moment, I'll just tie you up so out friend dear is a little less threatened by you and will clear the whole thing up
He pulls the rope from his pack and walks up to her to start the process.
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"I am a Paladin, the sword and shield of Heironeus! He blessed us with holy protections and sharp senses, the better to find evil and cleanse it while remaining unscathed!" says Albert, not angry but exalted as always, before turning to Charnum and Opalia
"Would you distrust a spell of detection that told you she is evil? The only difference is Heironeus gift flows through me, I can sense evil I don't need to conjure the magic."
"Alright, you four should find the Priest, I'll sit tight here and guard the lady. See if you can find anything nefarious with those gifts of yours Albert. And if nothing is amiss we will be on our way, with our sincerest apologies priestess. "
He sits the priestess in a comfortable position at a chair, then secures the bindings to a chair. He walks to Albert and in a quiet voice says to him.
"Don't kill anyone please. We are here to save the town, not butcher them."
He looks around to the rest of them, then says "Where's Sonya?
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"Worry not, Bradley, I am a protector not an assassin. I would never attack anybody based only on their aura, but she claimed to be the priestess... I needed to act, least she drew us into an ambush. I apologise for my course of action anyway." answers Albert in a humble voice before heading towards the door that the priestess was headed.
"No need to apologise, holy detector! She is a bit too compliant at the moment for my liking. I'll stay with Bradders just to be friendly. Good luck you guys." Opalia smiles at the paladin as he leaves. Then turns to the "lady".
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"I doubt that would do much good. It may make things worse hiding a captive, and I don't think a curtain....
Bradley looks around the room at the curtains in the room. He begins to check behind the curtains for secret entrances or hiding places.
Charnum follows behind the group. Staying a short distance away from them.
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This long north-south hall has a gleaming white tile floor and a series of alcoves along the east wall. Each alcove is lined with black velvet to highlight the beautiful golden items there. A door lies further to the south, while north, the corridor turns to the west.
As you consider your next move, there is a loud gonging sound!
"Mmmmhhhh. Sounds like a calling or an alarm. Someone will be looking about soon.
Bradley unclasps Keen Mary from his back and peace-bonds the scabbard on to the sword. He wants to be able to swing hard without a cutting edge.
"We'll have to hold till the others are back. Let's try talking, if anyone arrives. If not be gentle with them... You wouldn't happen to know a sleeping spell or some such."
He takes a parade rest stance, sword in front, hands with a relaxed grip on the handle. He positions himself in a manner that can watch the priestess and the door.
Bradley takes note of displeasure and says,"Opalia...it does seem a tad bit rude to swing a chair at someone walking through a doorway."
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