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"Understood. How long do you think he will be? If we have time I'd like to settle into the inn."
Yanda is dragging around her portable lab and various camping equipment on a makeshift wheeled carrier fashioned from her any-tool and some odds and ends. She is a bit sweaty and tired already, and beginning to feel cranky at this newest delay, though she is trying to be polite. A simple sense motive check will easily pierce the veneer though.
The woman at the door turns like a leaf in the wind upon hearing that the Pathfinders are here to help with the kidnapping of Thalia. "Ah, I see. Why didn't you say so. Please, come in. He said he wasn't to be disturbed, but if you're here about Thalia I'm sure he'll want to see immediately, once he's finished his meeting with Consul Bryton." She steps aside to let everyone in, including Captain Demrick. "Please, I'll lead you to the sitting room. You can wait there until Master Anderes is ready." The manor proves as imposing inside as out.
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The woman leads you to a parlor, but doesn't make any attempt to leave. Rather, she hovers around the edge of the room. "I am Dorabeth, by the way. Do you have any idea what may have happened to poor Thalia? I must say, I have a few theories myself: Maybe, Kyonin elves have crossed the border and abducted Thalia to sacrifice to their forest gods," (she shudders at the thought), "or a Chelish spy stole her away and has hidden her body in one of the wine casks - You know, there's still bad blood in Cheliax, even after all this time!"
The halfling looks rather incredulous. "I am not sure these Pathfinders have had time to form theories yet, Dorabeth. They just got here, after all. But maybe we can help them with some information, while we wait?" He looks at the rest of you. "Is there anything we can help you with?"
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Yanda is almost disappointed when the doorkeeper ushers them in. She pulls her contraption into the foyer, grunting as it passes over the bump at the threshold. She takes a seat and nervously fiddles with the latches to her lab, quite unconsciously.
"That's OK. Its natural, and frankly quite healthy, to entertain theories as long as you don't get too attached to any of them. Do you by any chance have any empirical evidence to back up any of your theories?"
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He frowned for a moment at the bluntness of the halfling and was about to say something but when they were allowed in the Tiefling followed suit. The claims about Chelliax warranted him for a deep intake of air which could be heard for those paying attention to him. "Theories are made in due time in cases like this... Your theories might hold some truth to it, or not... it's all speculation for now..."
Turning his head he contemplated on the scenery and let his mind wander about the consul himself, turning back to the woman he pursed his lips for a moment "Do you know if there are any enemies for the Andares family?"
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Frankie's face gets an extra glazed look over it when this Consul Bryton is mentioned. One eye half closes and the other goes a bit wide before he shakes his head and pipes up "I don't mean to be rude, but we just got off the ship, any way we can use a bathroom and maybe get a snack and something to drink? I'm quite partial to cocoa... "
As the conspiracy theories start to fly Frankie gets excited and starts pondering his own possibilities "You know, I once heard about someone falling down a well and getting stuck for like a whole year before anyone found them, that's possible right?"
"Maybe a dragon moved in nearby and the town hasn't paid its wine tax so it kidnapped the girl until it gets paid, but instead it fell in love with her because he's pretty lonely."
"Mom forgot to check on Grammy Franko for a while and when we finally did she was dead."
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As theory after theory flies by, Yanda's face twists into a grimace.
"Like any investigation you absolutely MUST start with examining the evidence; otherwise, theories are nothing but trog-brow entertainment. Now, please, I'm interested in getting the answer to Farith's question before we introduce any new theories. I'd also like to know if there are any other events of significance that have happened recently - particularly in the realms of relationships, business, or politics. We might as well start with motive. I find events like these have the greatest chance at being related to an event like this. Was she seeing a boyfriend? Is there a new player in the wine business? Was anyone in the family running for a governmental office? Are there any familial ties to nobility? Things like that."
Dorabeth makes a quick hand sign to ward off danger at Amahl's reassurances and Frankie's subsequent horror stories. "We all pray that she is safe, and will be found soon. I don't have any real evidence of course," she replies to Yanda's question. "But it's just what people talk about. You never know whether there's some bit of truth in gossip, is there?"
She looks a bit taken aback at the suggestion that she fetch something to drink. "Yes, of course. Of course. I'm forgetting my manners. It's just, with Thalia gone and you showing up to help. Well, I just wanted to make sure that you had the information she needed. We don't serve cocoa a lot here, but I guess with the weather being what it is..." She shows Frankie the bathroom, confiding in him on the way. "I am so glad that you're here. I'm just terribly worried for Thalia. If there is anything I can do to help..."
In the meantime, Captain Demrick takes the time to answer some of your questions. It's clear that he's more level-headed than the Andares' servant. He's paid attention to your questions and answers as best as he can. "I can't think of any enemies or competitors to the Andares family. Ever since the Revolt at least, when the Sauers and Hillons chose exile rather than stay in Andoran and give up their noble privileges like the Andares family did. Their winery employs many of Sauerton's people, and they've been influential on the town council for years." His brow furrows in thought. "I'm not sure when we've last had a mayor who wasn't related to the family, now that I think of it." Coming around to Yanda's question, he states "There will be elections in a few months. Consul Andares's only major political rival is Vivianna Talwin. It seemed like it was going to be a bit of a rough reelection; people were noting the rash of attacks by wild beasts from the forest, but it seems like his popularity has gotten a huge surge now." He furrows his brow again. "It’s funny. Anytime things seem to go badly for an Andares, there always seems to be a silver lining or convenient turn of events."
By this time, Dorabeth returns with a tray of mugs and cups, together with a pot of tea and one of hot cocoa. There's also some shortbread on the tray. "I think I can tell you a bit about Thalia," she says as she pours the drinks. "She's such a sweet girl. A proper child of Andoran, I'd say. She's very interested in philosophy, and well-read on the founding principles of our fine country." She lowers her voice a bit. "I'd say that she wasn't lacking in attention from the young men of Sauerton, but she didn't seem to interested in them. If there was someone in play I would know, I'm sure."
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Yanda scribbles stuff down furiously, using the same shorthand notations she uses in her formula book. She does, indeed, take a while to digest the information, sitting quietly, her nervous twitching completely gone as she muses, nodding occasionally to thoughts only she can hear.
After a long pause, she ventures another question.
"Silver linings you say? Care to elaborate? Other than the obvious if distasteful political silver lining from the girl's disappearance. Say no more about that, but I'd be interested in past events of a similar vein."
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Frankie smiles and hops up and follows Dorabeth out to find a bathroom. As she talks with him on the way he begins to form an idea... She sure is helpful, I wonder just HOW helpful?
"I feel real bad about all this, I'm really happy to help. Life is really hard on young people these days, I can only imagine if your father is the Mayor!" He stops walking and continues, crossing his legs a bit to ward off his bathroom urge a bit longer. "Did you help raise Thalia? You seem to know a lot about her. I have a couple questions that I must say I'm kinda nervous about asking around the Captain... Who's this Bryton guy and you wouldn't happen to know if Thalia had a diary or something? Might help us with some clues!"
Frankie sits and indulges himself on cocoa and shortbread. "MMmm this is real good thanks!" He mumbles with his mouth mostly full and chewing. "Your cocoa tastes different here, is Andoran cocoa a different kind than Absalom cocoa?"
On occasion he leans over to try to steal a glimpse of what Yanda writes about so feverishly, almost like he's trying to cheat on a test. He quickly looks up and smiles, raising his mug of cocoa in a toast if anyone notices.
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The tiefling raised his brow at the Halfling bluntness and openess. Sometimes they were indeed better off in the chains or as slaves in one of the richer manors in Chelliax. They could be a bit of an emberassment. He sighed when the halfling was gone before he turned his attention back to the captain as he started to explain things. Contemplating on his words his claws could be heard making a ticking sound as he pondered on the issue. "Who would benefit if the Andares pull out of the elections, would it be a clear win for the Talwin?" Before the Captain could answer another thought came to mind. "What would the consul gain with Talia out of the picture?"
With the return of Dorabeth and her information the gears were slowly grinding in the inquisitors head "Care to elaborate about the suitors, could some of them be considered, stalkers?"
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Cypher watches the antics carefully, and hides their expression behind their fan. The others where asking all the relevant questions, so now they will simply watch and observe.
-Posted with Wayfinder
Something in Frankie seems to spark some matronly instinct in Dorabeth, because she takes the time to lecture the young man on Andoran history, explaining things in detail. "Sander Bryton is a consul, one of the elected officials responsible for directing Andoran’s military. Although the consul general - that would be Reginald Cormoth - is the head of the Eagle Knights, Sander Bryton often assists the general directly in deciding Eagle Knight actions and policy. How you ever seen them? Breathtaking! The Bryton family—all successful military leaders going back four generations—has been prominent ever since the People’s Revolt. At no time has the elected national government not included a Bryton." She laughs at his honest second question. "I don't think Thalia kept a diary. She's more of a reader, spent many a day cooped up in her room with some good books."
Back with the others, Dorabeth quickly shakes her head at Farith's question. "Stalkers? Oh, no. They're good and honest young lads, the men of Sauerton. They wouldn't dream of harassing the mayor's daughter!" Still shaking her head, she considers that enough to dispense the inquisitor of any illusions in that regard.
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Captain Demrick struggles to answer Farith's questions. "I suppose, if the Consul didn't stand for reelection, Vivianna would win. But he'd never do that, I think. He's too fond of Sauterton to just quit his job. I honestly can't think of what he would gain with Thalia gone." The thought seems offensive to him. "He loves her, and always mentions how his smart daughter is going to take over his business one day." He also has to think for a while on Yanda's question. "Hmm, let's see. It's hard to think of specifics, it's always just little things. Oh, there's one thing that I can think of. Around the time when Mayor Andares became a consul, his winery was struggling a bit. Something about export tariffs, or something. There was suddenly a breakthrough in the negotiations, which cleared the way for Sauerton Red to be exported without much trouble. They're just lucky, I guess. You know, kind of like us halflings." He beams you a proud smile.
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Some noise can then be heard from beyond the doors to the drawing room. Tercio Andares—a tall Taldan man who has aged gracefully with curly, graying black hair—opens the drawing room door for Sander Bryton, saying, "I thank you again for your concern, cousin Sander, but the services of the Eagle Knights are not called for here. Surely you would not risk Thalia’s safety in such a bold manner." He pauses upon noticing the group of Pathfinders. "Good day to you, Captain Demrick. You've brought visitors?" With a hint of quickly suppressed exasperation he addresses the others. "Yes. Please introduce yourselves..."
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Amahl bows slightly to the Mayor. "Mayor Andares, we represent the Pathfinder Society and have been tasked with offering our assistance in the recovery of your daughter. No disrespect to the Eagle Knights, but we are accustomed to acting quietly and covertly, sir. And we always get results." Amahl introduces himself, then each member of the team.
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Frankie stands up and quickly brushes off any remaining crumbs to look his best before introducing himself and the group with his serious voice "We're not visitors on a social call, we're working. I'm Guisseppe Franko of the Pathfinder Society in Absalom and these are the other members of our team," as he goes around the room introducing everyone.
"You Sir must be Consul Andares, father to Miss Thalia? And you Sir must be Consul Bryton, the fine military commander, are you not?" He moves to shake each of their hands vigorously. "We've been asked to assist in finding your missing daughter." but Amahl stands up right in front of him and buries him from view behind his large posterior.
A look of deflation washes over Frankie "Ya. Hi, I'm Guisseppe." I've gotta be quicker if I want to stand out amongst all these adults as a great adventurer!
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"No disrespect to the Eagle Knights, but we are accustomed to acting quietly and covertly, sir. And we always get results."
Yanda visibly starts at that pronouncement.
Are there different teams out there for different missions? Perhaps that is is! I hope I don't make too big a mess this time. I'd hate to see a repeat of the Blakrose Museum mission.
She nods when her name is mentioned.
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The tiefling watched the introductions with mild interested, those paying attention would see a sneer on his face at the mention of the Eagle Knight. It was common knowledge that the Eagle Knights were an afront, quickly dismissing the sneer on his face his eyes bore into the area behind the consul aws if to dismiss the Eagle Knight. When introduced he merely nodded and let Amahl do the talking for now
Consul Andares makes a curt nod of his head at each Pathfinder introduced, pausing for a moment as Farith is introduced and again at Cyhper. When Frankie is introduced, he gives the halfing a very critical look, and you can catch a glimpse of question in his eye when he looks at the others. However, he doesn't make any remark if he think's something is amiss.
He then takes a moment to read the letter of introduction from Venture-Captain Brackett, . "Well, I must first welcome you to the lovely town of Sauerton, although I'm sorry that it has to be under such circumstances. The Pathfinder Society's offer for aid to my side is much appreciated. I will of course remember this generosity. However, it is with a heavy heart that I must decline the aid offered." He motions to Bryton and to Captain Demrick as he continues "As I just explained to Consult Bryton - and have discussed with Captain Demrick earlier - I fear for the safety of Thalia if I were to accept outside help in this regard, of the Eagle Knights or of the Pathfinders. I received a letter from the kidnappers threatening my daughter's life should I help any investigators. I wish things were different, but I cannot in good conscience take this risk. Please, I must ask you to leave my house. I cannot help you."
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The tiefling sighed for a moment as he waited for Amahl to be finished speaking. "Consul, my apologies for being blunt at this very point, but it might be wise to drop the act, if you feel it to be to harming to you or the Eagle Knight company you have, the Captain can leave the room and that way, he can pretend to know nothing..." He crossed his arms for a brief moment as the Tiefling seemingly dismissed the Eagle Knight and called the consul out on his claims.
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Frankie's hair raises as Andares gives him a funny look Am I found out? Is my mustachio coming unglued? Help me Desna! He takes a step to the side to get back behind Amahl's behind and double checks his face to be sure everything is in order. He peeks back out once helmet head starts calling the guy a liar...
Frankie, being a bystander to uncomfortable and heated situations for most of his life, quickly changes the subject "Ummm maybe if you don't think you could help directly, you could umm, just leave the note out where someone.. like me.. could get a look at it without you knowing? Then we could take it from there on our own!" He says with a smile hoping to diffuse what he expects is a brewing situation. Mom would have smacked that smirk off helmet head in a second if he said that to her! He rubs his face unconsciously, remembering all too well.
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Cypher flips their fan up for a moment in thought and then walks near the Consul and murmurs low.
Not all of us pathfinders are quite so... brash, as my fellows good Sir. There are some of us who are trained to make more... discreet, inquiries. Please understand that we're here to help, and we'll do everything we can to take care of your daughter and you. You don't even have to publically endorse us... denounce us even if you need. Just don't interfere with our work. We're very good at what we do, despite some... unorthodox methods.
They glance pointedly at their comrades on the last words.
The Consul does not take kindly to Farith's words. "Drop the act?" he quotes. "There is no act. I trust neither of you has children to think of. My daughter is in danger and I will not do anything to jeopardize her. I've not received a ransom note yet, but have been instructed not to aid investigators. If you think you can find and free her, I would be very thankful, of course. But it must be without my help. Now, I must ask you to leave." His words have a finality to them and he makes ready to withdraw. "Consul, Captain," he greets, before leaving you with the three others, each looking vaguely away and unsure how to act.
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Scoffing at the actions and words from the Consul the Inquisitor regards him with a cold, seemingly dead stare from the ember looking eyes. It was clear that the Inquisitor knew something was amiss with what was going on and in regards of his reaction. Once he was gone he turned and regarded the Eagle Knight and the Captain. "While I am sure you both, and my companions judging by their reactions, disagree how I treated the consul in regards of the vanishing of his daughter. It is clear to me that the man either knows more or something else is amiss. His actions and words prove that to me..." Turning towards his companions he continues. "The consul knows more about what is going on but refuses to allow us to assist him. It is time we take matters into our own hand and figure this mess out and see what people could gain with kidnapping his daughter..."
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"Well we do have a lead, at least. Let's see where that takes us. It wouldn't be the first time we've meddled where we weren't wanted, eh?"
"Well, THAT means we can go to the inn now and unpack, right?"
She adds this brightly and immediately pops up from her chair and starts hauling her stuff towards the door.
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Frankie mostly looks with mouth slightly agape as the two hot heads exchange heated words. Best I keep my mouth shut for this else its gonna get slapped I'm sure.
Once Andares leaves Frankie pipes up to Consul Bryton "Do you know any more of what's going on here Mr Bryton? A man of your prestige and general high regard must have heard something? The Society really wants to help out a friend in need. That's what friends do!"
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"Something more is going on. Why would you not accept help from either the Eagle Knights or the Society unless you were expressly asked not to ask for assistance. Why no ransom demand? Who takes a young woman and then doesn't contact the family?" Shera looks at the Counsel. "Young Frankie has the right idea. Do you have any insights into this mess? "
-Posted with Wayfinder
With nothing else to be done, Dorabeth shows you out, leaving the Pathfinder standing in front of the Andares manor with Consul Bryton and Captain Demrick.
Consul Bryton bristles at Farith's words. "I cannot claim to know what goes on in Consul Andares's mind, with his daughter taken like that. However, I respect him greatly and trust him to have his reasons for what he does. I will not stand for allegations that he is willfully negligent." He takes a somewhat softer tone with Frankie. "I am sorry, Master Franko, but I really do not. I would bring in the Eagle Knights to comb the entire area, if it didn't go against the express wishes of Tercio. As he told me, he did receive express instructions not to involve anyone else. Unfortunatly there are no clues to go on, as far as I know. No offense meant, Captain - I know you haven't had a lot to work with, given Tercio's refusal to cooperate. So, unless you have new information...?" He accompanies you back into town. "I'm also at the Eagle's Inn, for a few more days at least. Let me know if you need anything."
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Captain Demrick makes a suggestion. "Shouldn't you try to make haste, while this lead you have is still good? Sauerton isn't a big town. Once people know you're here, maybe that could work against you?"
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Yanda has a look of panic in her eyes when the captain suggests they make haste for the derelict building.
"Ah, yes, my dear man. Haste. Uh, the child and all that."
She desperately searches her brain for some reason for stop at the inn and actually settles on the true reason, or at least part of it and an exaggeration at that, for stopping.
"I'm going to be no good to anyone if I don't rid myself of this thing before we see action."
Yanda, sweating and puffing, tired and irritable, keeps noticing that her luggage occasionally gets a bit heavier, particularly when moving uphill. Whenever she turns around, a suspiciously innocent looking Frankie (yes, Frankie can look innocent AND suspicious at the same time) is strolling along right behind the luggage.
Finally, she spots him in a window and watches as the urchin pops off the back as she turns.
"Young man, how about you lend a hand and push for a bit instead of making me do all the work hauling you all around."
As soon as the words are out her mouth she feels a nagging premonition of doom.
Nah, you worry too much lady.
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"Oh... sorry Yanda. I was trying to get this rock out of my shoe and didn't want to slow the group down. I'll help push up the next hill!"
Frankie nods in agreement with the Captain. "You're very wise for a Halfling. Us Halflings aren't usually well known for our wisdom."
"Maybe you can just bring it with you Yanda and leave it outside? Or... we can pretend to sell some wine out of it as a distraction!" His eyes light up and he gets super excited about that fine idea.
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"...Yes, a pebble you say. And the other 4 times you hitched a ride. Sure are lots of pebbles throwing themselves into your... Nevermind. Just push will you"
later...
"Yes, well, the alcohol I have in here is NOT for drinking. Its for making bombs. We could sell bombs but then the captain might have to arrest us. Let's you and I just stay out of the explosives business, shall we?"
Well, you at least.
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Frankie absentmindedly sits back on the back of the card as he explains and digs through his other shoe "No no, we get some REAL wine and have it to 'sell'... kinda like pretend? You know? Either way, lets get moving, you take so many breaks!"
"Oh look, I think that guy up there was admiring your cart, you should hurry and talk to him!"
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Shera smiles at Frankie and Yanda's antics. "Yanda let's get your cart dropped off at the inn. Then we can go out and look around. Would that be acceptable?" She shoos Yanda out of the way and grabs the handle of the cart. "Frankie off. You can walk. If I catch you riding while I'm pulling it Erastil will visit you in your dreams."
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Cypher follows them back. As options are discussed, they muse quietly... "I could make some inquires around town about the old families mansions that was burned."
-Posted with Wayfinder
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The inquisitor wasn't impressed with the Eagle Knight at atll, it might have something to do with his heritage and Hellknight indoctrination. While they were making their way towards the inn he regarded Frankie his antics and actions that seemed to get on Yanda's nerves. It was clear that the Halfling should learn some etiquette. Maybe some time in Chelliax under the wise ruling of a Hellknight he might not cause such troubles, selling into slavery? maaaaybe. But those thoughts were kept to himself.
"We will need to consider what to tackle first, it seems that with upcomming elections this is going to be a political game where Thalia might be used as a pawn to gain favor or power for the opposing faction... We will have to look into that... And we will do it by following the law, that means no "accidently" wandering into the wrong building, pretending to be lost etc..." As the words were said the stern gaze of the inquisitor rested on Frankie.
"Right you are, Frankie," Captain Demrick replies. He nods at Farith, happy that he won't have to stand up to the imposing tiefling. "I am glad to hear that, Sir. As glad as I am for your help, I would hope that you could be... discreet, and not cause too much collateral damage. I'm not quite sure that me aiding you is even all right with the mayor." He looks doubtful, but still determined to help.
Finally, he comes back to Cypher's point, blushing slightly. "I err.. Don't you think the Sauer mansion would qualify? I could give you directions, if you want. I... I should probably tell you that maybe people consider the area cursed, suspected of being haunted by the spirits of bitter nobles." You see him in doubt for a moment, then he asks. "You asked about burned mansions before. Do you have a clue, that it's connected to the kidnapping?"
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He watched the Halfling for a moment before he seemed to shrug "We will do what we need to do to ensure Tahlia comes home save. I am sure your aid will be valauable since you know the city..." With that he turned towards Frankie and Yanda and coughed once "Frankie, focus on what is at hand, we have a mission, pestering or annoying one of your fellow travellers won't aid you nor us..."
With everything said and done he contemplated on the next action. "Those burned buildings, can you have someone show them to us? They might be of importance..."
Captain Demrick looks somewhat uncomfortable. "Well, it's pretty easy to find. You follow this road here, turn left at Thoral's bakery, follow the road out of town until you get to a crossroads with three birches. If you turn right there and follow the road for about five minutes more, you should see it. The road gets pretty bad at the end, I think. Like I said, we don't like to go there." He looks somewhat sheepish again. "That should be enough for directions, right?"
He's could probably be pressured into joining you to actually show the locatio, but would be quite uncomfortable doing so.
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Frankie gives Yanda a look of hurt as she swats him away from her cart "Hey now, I was only keeping something from falling out! All these bumps in the road is bouncing things around back there."
Frankie's eyes light up at the mention of a cursed mansion. "Oh yes, if its cursed that's where I'd hide someone that's kidnapped! We'll have to look all around right away! I can be pretty discreet too, but not that weird breathy kind like Cypher... more like the sneaky kind!"
Frankie laughs "Come on now Demrick, you've come this far! If want I can make you up a disguise.. only take a little bit, then you can do what you want!"