Pelipe will explain what she knows to the more cautious Ahto. Who is she to complain about his stance? Would she encourage him to ride openly and potentially put the rest of them at risk? In part, she wants him to ride in and greet Mayor Raston Selline, but another part of her is glad he wishes to pass through.
"M'lord, I'm certain that a general description of your party would be sufficient to identify us. Wonky, the Vermillion Vixen, Melianse, are easily recognizable and others would provide ample source for people to suspect us. Perhaps if our path is direct to the Mayor, we can find good standing, or we should all split up."
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Ahto pauses, and listens to Pelipe's argument.
"A meeting, and possible alliance with the Mayor may be useful, but the protocols for doing so at this point and time will put us farther behind our intended schedule to Uringen. Whoever the Mayor is, I doubt they will greet us informally, and will probably insist on a lengthy visit, perhaps even staying the night. That being said, I will accede to the general consensus, if you and the others find value in such a meeting occurring today."
The Vixen says, “I ain’t opposed to this, but we’re on a two-way trip. If we can get through this town unhindered, then visit the mayor on our way back… that’d me preference.”
She doesn’t say: I didn’t don this snazzy helmet and muss me hair for naught.
"Perhaps it is enough that we have come here and seen that this place is well organized, provides ample protection for its citizenry, and is a worthy trade hub of the region that your kingdom can connect to. From what I can see, there is nothing concerning to your rule, sir." She looks around some more before tucking her hair behind her ear. "I'm sure that if you are willing, you can open up formal discourse with the good Mayor here in your own time. You are correct, we don't need to busy ourselves and distract from the task at hand."
A faint smile forms on her lips, "It was just a kind suggestion based on something my father told me about 'spending the gold while it is in hand'." She then tilts her head and asks their now concealed group leaders, "Would it be permissible if I rode ahead and found a place to send a message? I would love to be able to have communication with my family to at least tell them I'm in safe hands."
The Vixen replies, “Ye needn’t ride ahead alone.”
If Pelipe is permitted to ride ahead, the Vixen will be her bodyguard. (If she has any opinion about Pelipe riding ahead, she doesn’t hint at it one way or the other.)
“It’d be me pleasure,” the Vixen replies.
She’s well aware the will-not-command bit was intended for Pelipe.
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"Thank you," she volunteers to the Vixen as she offers to assist her. A grin spreads on her face as Ahto grants her freedom. "Come then. I cannot say my letter will be short, but I'm a fast writer. I will catch up. Be careful yourself."
With that, she spring into action and will ride off at a faster pace, but still within reason for an inner-city pace. Her horse seems thrilled with the change and tosses its head happily from side to side as it trots. Pelipe, along with VV, will keep an eye out for a town center where an office would likely be. Fortunately, Pelipe has already written much of her letter on the journey. The mage spends a few minutes in the office finishing it off and will then seal it with a signet ring that she pulls out from a concealed place in the folds of her clothing.
"I wish to convey to you my deepest feelings of love. Greet each other with a hug and kiss for me, because I do not know how long it will be before I again can embrace you and share these sentiments with you. Before long, I hope to return and be reminded of your good parenting.
As to the travel here: I have bad news. Please, do not be alarmed. I am well. Only just, but your daughter is well cared for. My news pertains to the unfortunate fate of our shipment of metals and supplies to Lord Ahto's lands. More importantly, we were set upon by bandits at the onset into the Stolen Lands and those who accompanied me perished in defense of your daughter.
I have managed on my own and struggled in hopes of continuation of our intended alliance and have met with great fortune. My personage was joined by a ranger and noble of the House Surtova. These are named Katrine, who is a professional ranger and owner of a fine dog. A sweet girl with strength of character and wisdom. Her capability has kept me alive. Hired as a guide by a certain, Antonin Surtova. My guess is he is a distant relation of ours? He is a wizard of capability like myself and has proved his worth.
These led me closer to my intended target and by means of the wild, we managed to stumble onto a keep. There, fortune favored us once more, as none other than Lord Ahto and his council were there. I got to see the man himself in action. Aside from being considerably good-looking, strong, and capable, he is a grand fighter. So are all of those with him, who by their character, have proven nobler to me than many in our acquaintance. I would not wish you to think less of me for joining them here. It is a noble cause, and Lord Ahto is as fine a gentleman as I've seen. He holds great worth in the individual and metes out justice with a powerful hand. I believe he is the one to unite these lands under a civilized rule.
I will write to you as soon as possible, as we are headed in other directions securing the lands here. My next letter will contain more information concerning my other companions and events I have seen along the way, particularly containing more information on those of the royal entourage here, but time is of the essence now and I do not wish to delay Lord Ahto with my letter.
I know you would wish me to return to you given the news above and danger of these lands, but my service to them is steadfast and I do wish to stay here for a time. If possible, send word through to Mivon with instruction to hold the letter for some time, as we will likely be returning this way in due time. Please, do not come yourselves. I am well. I am well.
With all the love I have,
Pelipe Constance Lightdriver"
She then delivers it to the postmaster for deliver to her home. "What do you say we bring back a surprise for the group? Some sweets and dog treats?"
Normally, The Child would write the letter home. But Pelipe has one bodyguard. I can’t afford to slack off. Especially with a girl who attracts killers so often. Not like anybody e’er goes on a killing spree in a post office, but there’s a first time for everything.
Besides, how hard can it be to write a letter?
The Vixen remains the Vixen and remains tensely on guard as she writes. By the time Pelipe is done, the Vixen is not. She takes another minute to add three more sentences and her signature, then seals and hands over the envelope addressed to Kelsie and Edan Lane.
I have new boots. Duty calls, so I shall write another time. Say hi to Father for me.
All is well.
Your daughter,
Mrs. Kavinka
She nods to Pelipe. “Sweets’ll do.”
Katrine pulls the hood of her fur poncho over her head as they enter the city, shading her mismatched eyes. There's not much she can do about the claws other than try to keep her hands hidden; they're too long to effectively conceal in a pair of gloves. At least she's not the only one who has to hide herself here.
"Sounds good to me. I hope they don't take too long. As you said, we're already behind your schedule." And they still need to deal with the hag coven on the way to Uringen. Joy. Katrine slows her horse to ride behind the carriage, not wanting to crowd the city streets. Plus this way she can watch the group's rear.
Once Pelipe's business is done, and the general store candies and pet treats (as well as some apples and carrots for the horses) are purchased, she will ride with VV briskly to catch up (at safe speeds still for town). Once caught up, she will tell the group what they got. There seems to be a bright smile on her face as she feels relieved to be able to tell her family she is safe. She knows her mother's worry.
Katrine urges her horse back up beside the carriage, followed by Storm and the mule tethered to the back of her horse's saddle. "I thought we were just passing through, since this is the most efficient way to cross the river."
As VV and Pelipe ride to the others, the Vixen says to Pelipe, “Good o’ ye to write home, and I’m sure the others’ll be pleasantly surprised by the treats for both person and beast.
“What kind o’ sweets did ye settle on? Chocolate?”
I like me chocolate the way I like me past: dark.
The Vixen can feel the look The Child’s giving her.
You successfully, and wisely, keep a low profile whilst in the walled city of Mivon. Despite its reputation as an island of stability in the River Kingdoms, it is still a chaotic and hectic city. You pass the ornate square where duels are held, but no challenges are fought during your visit. The crossbow-armed guards who patrol the walls and docks, you discover, do not represent an official organized town guard, but rather they are mercenaries provided by the Aldori houses who compete for the privilege of (and influence provided by) being entrusted with the city's security for the time being.
Whilst replenishing your provisions for the next leg of your journey towards Uringen by way of Glowerhaven, you pick up a particularly relevant piece of gossip: you are not the only ones to recently embark upon this route. A woman, accompanied by a gray-haired gnome, passed through Mivon about five days ahead of you, and they purportedly sought directions to Uringen.
"A few chocolates to share, some more perishable baked goods, and some hard candies for later. Plus, I don't know if it is relevant, but we heard an interesting rumor when in the store." She will relay the tale of the woman accompanied by the gray-haired gnome and then will give Wonky and Katrine some treats that could be presents for their dogs if they wish. Meanwhile, when finally at camp, she will feed her horse some of the carrots and apples she picked up in a sack. The horse visibly is pleased.
"I was thinking of the nature of Mivon. It seems quite wild, doesn't it? Have you heard from the leadership there at all, Lord Ahto?"
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Wonky accepts the treats for Sprocket and Doo-dad stoically as she carefully considers the information about the other travellers.
"As a general rule, the colouring of my people strays as far afield from gray hues as can be imagined unless someone has been afflicted by the Bleaching. The rare gnome that would survive that fell disease possesses an ill-contrived serenity to their dispassionate disposition...we should make haste to Uringen."
Wonky abruptly breaks off the conversation and busies herself with her canines.
"Perhaps we can move at double the speed we have been then?" she considers, given the chance of catching up with these people. "I'm willing to ride through the night as long as we give the animals the occasional breaks." The mage then lovingly rubs her horse's neck and gives it scratches up into its mane. Before they rush off, each of them will get a pastry and a handful of hard candies if they wish them. There are only a couple of bars of dark chocolate and a couple of bars of white. Pelipe will not take anything for herself except a white chocolate bar. "Sweet deliciousness..." The delay only takes a minute or two of time and the pastries are small enough to not take more than a bite to consume.
"Thank you, Pelipe." Katrine takes the mage's gifts with a smile, savoring the delicate pastry and tucking the candies away for later. She produces a piece of jerky and a couple dried apple slices from her bandolier, giving Storm, Rowan, and Dusty treats as well. "As for riding at night... I would only be willing to do so if there's a road between here and Uringen. Horses have poor night vision; riding or driving through rough country at night is a good way to break a horse's leg. And probably the wheels or axles of the carriage as well. Still, we can try for better speed during the day."
"I am the same, but I'm certain we would use a source of light for their sakes. While not ideal, it would help us catch up. Or, during the day, we can press harder?"
As she and Ahto speak about Mivon, the mage considers his words. Something about what he says doesn't sit well with her. If he were a friend or she was more experienced in the matters of local government concerning Tamlyn, she would be certain of her feeling, but she reserves them for the time when she, hopefully, will live to see Tamlyn. All she ends up saying is:
"I've never been to Tamlyn. I look forward to seeing it."
After gathering both supplies and tales in the market, you depart the walled city-state of Mivon. You cross one of the broad wooden bridges that spans the East Sellen, connecting the two halves of the city, and resume your journey out the southern gates into the wide open, albeit marshy land of this River Kingdom.
Danger remains sparse during your two days of travel. Small hamlets and fortified farmsteads sit along creeks or huddle around large ponds that promise a bounty of fish and eels. Wary eyes watch you pass from a distance, but no one attempts to draw close or even hail you. They leave you to your business, likely hoping to be left to theirs, as well.
The land eventually slopes down at a gentle grade, but it is enough to provide a panoramic view - including the first sight of the gnarled, tangled canopy of the Embreth Forest. What's more, nestled between a feeble creek and a twisting arm of the forest, you spot a village that must be Glowerhaven - the last landmark on the trail to Uringen, which waits within the forest beyond.
Tottering steeples and mossy gambrel roofs, bespeaking a curious architectural tradition, make up the silhouette of Glowerhaven. Cropland and pastures radiate out like spokes on a wheel, demarcated by rotting rail fences. However, these fields remain rather empty. Most of the activity is in the village square, where you can see - even from a distance - many figures heaping together firewood in preparation for an apparent bonfire.
“Is this a party, or…?” The Vixen checks to see if a ten-foot stake protrudes vertically from the woodpile.
“Unlike the proverbial moth, I prefer to be drawn toward the flame before it’s lit.”
She’s ready to stick her nose in whatever business is going on in the square, unless there are objections.
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Once the group is well away from Mivon, Ahto removes the guard helmet and hands it back to the driver.
As the party approaches Glowerhaven, he takes careful note of the pyre being constructed in the square. "It could be strictly celebratory in nature," he says to no one in particular, but his voice is tinged with doubt.
Once again, Katrine has pulled her hood all the way up, and this time she's draped her poncho over her hands as well. It's winter, hopefully nobody will think twice about her attire. She does not want to be noticed.
"The question is what they're celebrating. Here's hoping it's a wedding or something..." Despite her words, Katrine sounds doubtful as well.
Between her and the others brainstorming on Gloamhold beforehand, it is clear this is the place.
"Oh wow...I love the trees here," she comments, looking at their garly, twisted nature. She is perfectly serious. As the view gives way to farmland she looks around for farmhands and crops, but finds them empty. "It is the tail end of winter, I suppose. Still..."
Eventually, they approach the square and she sees where they all are. "Hags, witch-burning," are her immediate thoughts, although Ahto's stance on the subject makes her feel somewhat guilty for the thought.
"Surely, probably a wedding. With a large bonfire," she voices with optimism. Meanwhile, she pulls out her water and takes a small drink and then replaces it. She will try to spy out a place for them to tie up their horses and perhaps to see if she can spy someone who looks like they are apart from the ceremony and observing with disdain.
Whatever she finds out or reminisces on, she will express to the group before they intermingle.
This practice draws little if any condemnation from neighboring lands. The disparate River Kingdoms already enforce very few laws, beyond the taboos of slavery, so there is no prohibition on such forms of "frontier justice." Indeed, since the River Kingdoms are known to be rife with all sorts of dangerous denizens, hags and witches included, there is tacit approval for such local authorities to do what they have to in order to protect their people.
Thus, rather than a benign bonfire, it is highly likely that this is, instead, a pyre and they intend to put a suspected hag or witch to the flame.
...
Pelipe recognizes that it is too early for them to be celebrating Planting Week, since the vernal equinox is not until next month. The other major Erastilian holidays don't fall until even later in the year. This could be a regional celebration, as Glowerhaven is reputed to deviate from traditional practices.
When she draws closer, Pelipe finds no trace of mirth among the dour faces populating the tiny village. Their already grim expressions harden yet further when they see Pelipe, clearly wary of the outsider.
The wood heaped in the town square is not even properly cut cordwood. Rather, it is an eclectic mass of gnarled branches, cracked tree trunks, and even broken furniture. The worst-case scenario is confirmed when she discovers a single wooden pole rising like a monolith from the center of the pile, clearly awaiting some poor soul to be lashed to its splintered surface to await the flames.
The Vixen grits her teeth.
“I’ve partaken in an execution once. The man hurt li’l girls. For pleasure.
“His death was… unpleasant. But a mercy compared to his crime.” She points to the stake. “A hot stake’s far slower than a cold chop. Curious what a person’s gotta do to have his eyes melting, privates engulfed, innards simmering to a boil, flesh seared, and screams distorted but not silenced for a very. Long. Time.”
She is relatively certain that his is not the appropriate pronoun.
Katrine shivers despite her warm furs, bowing her head slightly to shade her eyes even further. If they're burning a witch, she really doesn't want to be seen. "So... anyone feel like asking someone who they're going to burn and why? Vixen's right, there are very few crimes that justify burning. If you have to execute someone just chop their head off or cut their throat. Make it a clean kill."
"While I enjoy being optimistic, chances are slim it's anything short of burning a suspected hag or someone associated with them. Look at their faces. There is no mirth. I suppose that I could ride ahead and ask some questions. Would you accompany me?"
She would really like Lord Ahto there by her side given the mental state of those ahead of her, as well as the potential information or stance he could gather from his experience in these regions, but she will do her best.
With a light kick into her horse's ribs, she encourages it toward the group of people, although he is nervous. She calms him by rubbing her hand on its neck. Once she is near a more shabby-dressed individual on the outskirts of the group, she will lean down and ask him kindly what is going on.
"Excuse me, sir. Can you please tell me who or what is intended for this pyre? I would be willing to purchase your next drink for whatever kind information you could spare."
She holds in her fingers two coppers, enough for a drink at what she would guess would be the local tavern.
The Vixen is not even pretending she’s okay with this.
She steps onto the heap of wood, looks the stake up and down, and she thinks about giving it a swift kick.
Then she does.
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Despite her polite introduction, Pelipe elicits nothing more than a derisive snort from the man she accosts. He gives her a cold shoulder and returns to hauling the chair with a broken leg towards the pyre - or at least, he attempts to.
Ahto's arrival changes the man's attitude, and it becomes clear that an air of authority - combined with Lord Ahto's naturally imposing form - has greater effect than niceties and generosity with these locals.
"We caughts a Chelish witch tryin' ta lurk abouts town," he states, pausing to wipe his nose on his forearm. "She traveled with one a them, whatcha'callits, a familiar. Took the form of a gnome with streaks of gray hair. She works for the hags, lookin' fer men to bewitch and children to steal for their cookpots."
The local color is interrupted by the sharp sound of cracking wood.
The Vixen's kick breaks the log as though it were a mere branch. The top half snaps off and gives a couple end-over-end spins before it lands and plants itself in the soft soil, jagged end pointing skyward.
This earns looks of shock and awe from the folk of Glowerhaven.
The Vixen leaps from the woodpile—
—quite gracefully.
“A grey-haired gnome may fit the imagery of a witch, but the woman ye were about to burn’s likely a victim of a horrible disease known as the Blight.
“To kill her for looking that way’s tantamount to hanging a man for piracy on account of his wooden leg.”
She considers the effect that kick had on the crowd. Far more effective than had I simply knocked the stake o’er. She’s not afraid to step closer.
She does.
“We can forgive the whole ye-were-about-to-torture-an-innocent-woman-to-death thing, if ye'll kindly bring her to us.” Remembering the gnome’s familiar, she adds, “And her pet.”
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The far more shy Pelipe recoils as she sits on her horse at being ignored by the rude man. All she wished for was information. Was that so hard? She looks as Ahto masterfully handles the man and shrinks a bit more.
It is then she is shocked by the sound of the crack of wood. She then sees a blazing example of confidence like she's never seen before. Immediately, she is star-struck with VV.
"No fear. She could be killed by them all. I can't...She's my hero...I could never be like that...She is a true heroine...like a character from a story...but real" she thinks with chills running down her arms. Her chin quivers slightly as she takes in a deep breath.
"I am paralyzed," she considers as part of her wants to ride to the aid of VV and her side. Instead, she can't help but stare. A moment later, she shakes her mind free of its prison and moves closer on horseback. In a way, she is presenting her horse and her sitting upon its back as another obstacle for anyone feeling brave and who would desire to harm her companion.
"Where are you keeping them?"
There is a wellspring of might bubbling up within her at the bravery of Addy. She is now trying her voice to try to motive the awestruck, the dumb, and the defiant of those townsfolk who didn't think VV's display was enough to get their ass moving to get the prisoners and bring them out.
The Vixen’s lips form into a grin as Pelipe speaks in such a courageous tone.
Katrine boggles at the Vixen's casual display of strength and acrobatics. "Wow..." Well, she can't just sit here. The ranger rides up next to Ahto, Vixen, and Pelipe, followed by her faithful wolfdog. She glowers down from her horse, fingering the haft of her axe in a threatening fashion.
The man's look of awe, engendered by the Vixen's display of strength, turns to confusion when she questions him.
However, the fear soon returns to his face when confronted by Pelipe.
"But...we weren't goin' to burn the gnome," he stammers. "When we caught 'im travelin' with the witch, he cooperated and testified again' 'er. We ain' got no magistrate or even a sheriff, so we's keepin' him over at the pub 'til we figure what to do with 'im.
"As for the witch..."
Before the local man can complete his thought, he is cut off as a new voice dominates the air. You can hear her long before you see her, as she hurls creative invectives and threats at everyone around her.
"You rubes have doomed yourselves! I warned you of my family's clout, our power! Every agony you have visited on me shall be repaid a thousand-fold!"
You soon come face-to-face with the purported witch, as she is dragged towards the pyre by a pair of doughty farmhands. The raven hair and haughty, albeit furious and haggard, countenance are familiar to more than one of you.
The accused is none other than your old rival, Althea Thrune.
"Other than being mouthy," she comments while Althea is at a distance, "What evidence do you have she was a witch? Did she attempt to ensnare the minds of the populous?"
As the gasbag of a woman, screaming and yelling at people comes closer, Pelipe observes her from head to toe, then her eyes move to the companions she travels with. Pelipe assumes even before she has observed this woman is that she is a noble in over her head. Words such as clout and "thousand-fold" were fancy terms that such citizens of..."country manners" and intelligence wouldn't use.
“Who the hell is this?” Whether the question is answered before her patience runs out or not, she notes, “She’s screaming now. You want to hear her in agony?
“Unless she’s actually cooked children, burning is way over the top. A punishment shouldn’t be worse than the crime. And I’m done sticking up for this blighted gnome if he used false witness to trick all o’ ye into lighting up a woman.”
The Vixen’s impression is that the woman has not come to terms with her grave situation. She’s probably used to being untouchable from power, and has lived a life taking advantage. But these are all preconceived notions… Ash never cared if ye were born with a silver spoon or a tin roof. How would she judge her?
…she wouldn’t. She’d give time to understand what’s going on. Be like the Mrs.
“I broke their stick, Lady. Now’s yer chance to tell yer side o’ the story. Speak the truth. Me strong-jawed friend here’s BS-proof. Trust me on this.”
An ironic way to follow a warning not to lie. That’s not lost on the Vixen… after hearing herself. Ahhhh, nuts.
The Vixen turns to Ahto. “I recall the name. You and Eunomia mentioned her…” Attempted murder. “…past.”
Who was her target? Did she actually, successfully kill? Yes, the Vixen knows trying to is a crime. But the woman just doesn’t seem like a killer so much as someone quick to wield her political power.
And at the moment, she doesn’t seem to have any. There I go jumping to conclusions again.
Katrine remains silent, face still covered by her hood as she watches and listens. She has no idea who Althea Thrune might be. Probably a noble of some sort, given the 'don't you know who I am?' attitude.
"Ah, the Abadaran!" Thrune exclaims when she sees Lord Ahto standing among the party.
"This may come as a shock to you, but they have not a magistrate, nor even a sheriff. When I deigned visit their backwater hamlet on my journey, they set upon me in an angry mob as though I were a common highwayman. My sole traveling companion turned traitor and spoke falsely against me, trying to save his own half-bleached hide.
"I have done nothing to wrong them! Nothing!" she shouts to the assembled crowd, her strained and cracking voice coming out as a hoarse shriek. This is definitely not the first time she has made this plea to the locals, to say the least.