Lady Zadrian listens intently, Orn can tell she really cares about what he is saying. Or at least, she is very good at looking like she does. When he is finished, she smiles and says, "I had figured it was you who helped set that situation up at the orphanage. Though we haven't had too many troubles with the Sewer Dragons of yet, one of your own coming to the surface is definitely a new step towards harmonious living. I mentioned to Odryk here that in the future I may have a few things that need taken care of above and beyond what the Lodge sends you to do. While they may not gain you friends with some of our respective colleagues, they will go a long way to restoring the faith I have in the kindness of all people and those who feel as I do will share that with their colleagues. You both are in a good place to do some good in the world, not only here in Absalom, but abroad as well." She pauses as some party-goers walk by, laughing about some inside joke. "I will do what I can to keep tabs on your tribe's chief and I do hope that your charity and respect to his tribe will quell his need for expansion. Otherwise, well, we will help as we can."
The lord, the madam, and the warrior... Nori thought to herself as she spotted the three individuals. She doubted her beauty, or lack thereof, would garner Urkon's attention and she hesitated approaching the Lotus Guard knight. She'd rather keep her head on tonight. That left the beautiful Elissa. It may be worth making a connection with the Silken Court's mistress. Valuable information would flow like silver water from such a source. She approached with calculated steps.
"Good evening, Lady Elissa," Nori gave a graceful bow, "It is my honor to be in your glamorous presence tonight."
The woman known as Elissa the Fair looks at Nori with a twinkle in her eye. "Well, my dear, it would seem you are among equals, as all these," she sweeps her hand to the entourage and men and woman of many races who are in her attendance, "seem to believe the same. I believe you actually mean what you say, however. Though I am most curious how such a beautiful young lady came to be a Pathfinder, let alone the other path your life has taken." Her eyes look to the band on your arm. No one else seems to notice. "Perhaps you would regale us with your story?"
Orn listened, before bowing his head. "Thank you... but you give me too much credit. As I told Lena, I am not looking to restore any light to the world, or earn riches and fame, or any of that. I simply want to keep my tribe safe. I will handle our chief, if he becomes an issue. I simply ask upworlders not do anything rash until I can get a handle on things. But I appreciate your help."
The kobolds yellow eyes dart over as Nori engaged with a woman he didn't recognize. She seemed alright though... he'd keep watch for now. "...Odryk, you used to work for the city watch, yes? If you have any connections, please pass my concern and request along. If anything does happen, they will likely be the first to address it... I'd appreciate if they kept the response as peaceable as possible."
Odryk listens quietly as the Lady and Orn discuss the issue presented by the young Kobold. Loyal to the end the lad is. He thinks approvingly, admiring the courage shown by his companion at bringing something to attention that may have had backlash to him as well. He frowns when his friend requests his aid, only because he's unable to provide it.
"Unfortunately lad, it's a city far away from here that I was a guard for. As far as Absalom is concerned I'm nothing but a green Pathfinder. I do however have a knack for persuasive conversation, so when we have some free time why don't you and speak to whoever leads the guard, maybe we can convince him to err on the side of caution with your kind. You're a testament to your species lad and I'm sure that will go a long way towards improving relations."
Odryk takes a drink to wet his throat and turns his attention to Lady Ollysta. "I meant to add this the otherday my lady but did not get the chance. If you ever need to call on me, please let me know. I am impressed with the Silver Crusade and the work their doing, I believe your interests and mine have quite a bit of overlap, but enough about work. Have you seen our hostess? I've been meaning to ask how my companions and I were deemed worthy enough to invite here this evening but I can't seem to find her anywhere."
Sleggar gets his feet under him and responds Oh much better now that I have had time to recover from the vagaries of your menagerie..
He lets himself stop speaking for a moment I couldn't help but over hear you speaking about my homeland. Do we really worry you so much sirs?
"I would hardly want to bore you with such a trite tale," Nori whisks a glass of wine from a passing tray without breaking her sight away from the Lady, "But I shall allow you that judgment. It is a simple story of a young alchemists apprentice; very naïve in the ways of the world and outcast because of her heritage. There was a woman of nobility and, as some may have said, corruption. This lady of the court offered protection to those under her watch, but at a steep price. When our fair apprentice was confronted by this noble, she knew not what to do. The Ancestors did, however, and guided fate as the Lady drank from a poisoned cup and perished." She took a sip of wine to wet her throat some. She shot occasional glances to maintain awareness of Lady Elissa's interest, "The young girl was clasped in chains. The court could not prove intent which saved the apprentice's neck, but nevertheless, was banished from her home."
Nori turned to the Lady, looking at her face but avoiding her eyes as was proper, "Now she sports a new set of skills...skills that benefit the Pathfinder Society...and may benefit others as well."
Lady Ollysta nods and smiles. "I appreciate your candor Orn. Loyalty to one's family is paramount to our beliefs. I will definitely be in contact with the both of you in the future. As to our hostess, I believe he might have an answer," she says, nodding towards a servant bringing you a message.
"The illustrious Amara Li, your gracious host, requests your presence in her office. If you will follow me, sirs?"
"Not so much for your homeland, Sir Knight, but for the repercussions of...", one of the Collegiates is silenced by a finger to the lips from Amenopheus.
"What he means to say is that we are worried for all of Avistan and beyond. That concern of course extends to your home as well as our own, considering the recent influx of treasure seekers and vault ravagers to Sothis. Perhaps one of your assignments in the future will take you there and you will see for yourself what worries us so. When that time comes, I will be in touch with you."
As if to say, 'I'm done with this conversation.', he motions to a servant that has been waiting outside your circle to approach.
"Master Vellici, our gracious host, Amara Li, requests your presence in her office. If you will follow me?"
While the rest of her entourage, save a couple of Tian-Min, seem to be rather distracted than to listen to your story, Elissa seems genuinely interested. "A woman of her own means is a woman that I admire. Perhaps someday I will see those skills put to good use. For now, it appears you are going to put them to use elsewhere." She turns, as if dismissing you, but then you realize that she left you alone with a servant.
"Lady Nao, Mistress Amara Li requests your presence in her office. It would be my honor to show you the way."
You are taken into the manor proper, decorated in Tian decor, with a hint of Taldan and Thuvian influence. Once up the stairs, one of the servants parts a paper and wood wall, clearing his throat to announce your presence. In the room beyond you see a Tian woman dressed in traditional Tian kimono and obi preparing tea around a small table. She motions all of you to take a seat on the reed mat as she pours tea for each of you. Nori recognizes this as a traditional tea ceremony.
As you take your places, she begins to speak and you are almost surprised that she has none of the expected Tian accent, even as quietly as she is speaking.
"Well met, Pathfinders, and welcome to the Lantern Lodge. I hope you find the Snapdragon Festival and my hospitality worthy of your time and energy. I have not brought you here just for mere pleasantries, however, and wish to ask you to partake in a dangerous mission on my behalf.
“Long ago, one of my most esteemed ancestors, who was rich in power but poor in sense, gave a gift to a foreign prince, a gift that prince did not deserve and my foolish ancestor had no right to give—a ceremonial jade katana. At the time the gift was sent, its recipient was invading this island. He laid siege to Absalom from his fortress in the foothills of the Kortos Mounts. Like those who came before him, the warlord failed to take Absalom and perished in the attempt. On the very day of his defeat, his castle crumbled to dust in a violent earthquake and has been lost to the centuries ever since. My family’s heirloom was lost with it.
“A recent report by a group of Pathfinders gives me hope that they have finally found the ruin, and I might finally recover my family’s treasure. I’m looking for an intrepid group to retrieve it for me, and I’m hoping that is you. The fame and wealth you will doubtlessly recover will bring you much honor within the Society, and if you deliver the katana to me, you will have my favor as you begin your careers as full agents of the Pathfinder Society.”
Rumours circulate of personal financial problems that trouble Amara, although she considers discussing such matters to be "improper" and refuses to discuss them. Gossip also suggests that her money problems have prompted her decision to increase cooperation between the Inner Sea region and Tian Xia.
Nori entered, bowed and took her place by the table. She waited until everyone else had found a spot before folding her legs under her and sitting on her feet. She waited until the hostess poured the tea before taking a sip.
Nori took Lady Li at her word as her story was unfamiliar to her. A jade katana would be a unique treasure. It could also be assumed that the fortress would hold other valuables as well as challenges to increase her skill. Lady Li's favor may be just as important.
"I am unfamiliar with the region. What dangers lurk in the Kortos Mounts that you're aware of?"
Orn blinks as he is guided by a servant to a private meeting with their hostess, Amara Li herself. As he steps in with the others, he watches Nori's actions closely, mimicking her to the best of his ability. She obviously had the most experience with this, so it made sense to follow her lead.
Listening intently, Orn couldn't help, but feel for Lady Li. His thoughts returned to when his tribe was driven out of their home, and they'd lost much of their tribe's resources. After she finished, Orn nodded, speaking up himself. "I understand your loss, Lady Li, and I will help you recover this weapon... but, I must ask if you would help me in return."
"My tribe, the Longclaws, used to hail from Andoran in the Darkmoon Vale, and used to be known as the Truescales. We were driven out by so-called 'heroes' who came to retrieve some human hatchlings our king, Merlokrep, had abducted. I didn't agree with him and helped the softskins rescue the hatchlings... and to reward me, they turned on the rest of my tribe and attacked us. I managed to lead most of my tribe to safety, but we were forced to part with many things... among them, a crown that had been passed down from chief to chief in our tribe for many generations. The Crown of the Kobold King."
Orn bowed his head humbly as he finished. "I will gladly retrieve your katana for you - it sounds as if we will be moving underground, and I think I will be best suited to the task - but I must ask: in return for it's recovery, would you use your connections and locate our tribe's lost crown? I know it is paltry compared to a jade katana, and indeed many other crowns, but it means a great deal to us... and I fear I will need its influence very soon. If you would... you have my Draconic Oath that I will either see your blade returned to you, or die trying."
Odryk sits quietly as Amara Li discusses her reason for inviting their group to her party. Still not entirely sure what he's done to merit such a request, the dwarf silently considers the situation, letting Orn's request provide him time to think.
"An expedition to recover a jade katana certainly sounds like quite the adventure. I'm not sure who passed our names onto you M'lady but I believe we are up to the task. We'll need time to gather equipment and supplies I'm sure, how quickly do you intend for us to depart? Are there any other interested parties we may need to look out for?"
Amara listens intently to each of you, waiting for you to sip your tea before taking some of her own. When she is finished, she sets her cup down and speaks. "Orn, while I myself have not heard of such a thing, if you perform this task for me, I will keep an ear to the ground for any information regarding it. You may also want to speak with Major Colson, as he is quite familiar with Andoran happenings and may be able to assist you as well, though I am quite sure he will have some trivial task for you to perform. The one I am asking you to do is of great import."
She pauses, taking another sip of tea. "The Kortos Mounts are dangerous. Harpies, minotaurs and even dragons are said to live up there, but you are only going to the Cairnlands, just outside the city. The worst I've heard there are the walking dead. I'm sure that you will be able to handle yourselves accordingly. The Pathfinder scouts that first found the place have gone on another mission, but they only reported undead and a few scavenger creatures. Nothing more. I was of the impression that you would leave on the morrow, resting after enjoying tonight's activities. Though I am not in much of a hurry, Ambrus I'm sure will want his exploration report sooner rather than later. Still, if you could get that katana back to me as soon as you are able, it would go a long way towards your favor."
"I am sure that we can be ready in the morning," Nori shot a sideways glance at Odryk, "We can collect any extra supplies on the way out of the city."
Nori took a sip of the tea, "Lady, what can you tell us of this prince? To know the fortress' owner is to know what awaits us."
"The story, as I know it, was that a Qadiran general name Taliq Asad decided he would invade Absalom and take it for his own. As all history knows this could never work, he lost, but not in the usual way. At the end of the siege, his siege castle was befallen by an earthquake and all within were killed. Thing is, one of the warriors that escaped before the ritual was completed said that Asad himself brought the castle down upon himself and his warriors."
Sleggar listens quietly for a time. This ancestral weapon...if it is so precious how could it have left her possession so. That is foolhardy for sure.
Sleggar thinks for a moment, weathering orn's speech about the Draconic Code he could see that he had underestimated the little kobold - which surprised him since he had tried very hard not to do that!
My lady i think this can be arranged, after all a relic of nobility belongs in its ancestral hands....would you be willing to outfit us with holy water? We are still relatively new to this game and such a donation might help us deal with troublesome undead monsters.
Orn bowed his head, before straightening up. "Thank you, Lady Li. You may rest easy knowing you will have your weapon soon. I will leave and prepare for departure tomorrow, and speak with Master Colson when I return."
Cocking his head to one side, Orn pondered that story. He brought the castle down himself...? Why? "That's a very odd trap... kobolds engineer similar collapses, but we do so to make sure foes stay out... and usually, they are tunnels, not full snarls. Unless, perhaps, Absalom's forces were already inside, and he had something he desperately wanted to protect?"
Odryk returns Nori's glance with one of confusion then turns his attention back to their host.
"Leaving tomorrow is fine, I would just like time to purchase a few curative potions or scrolls before we leave for the journey. You must have heard about the...unpleasantness, that found us in the alley less than a week ago. We've only just recovered from the attack and I'm understandably cautious. Perhaps if you have any here I can pay you for them now to save us time?
The Lady Li looks at each of you. "I do appreciate your willingness and discretion in this matter. I have heard of the unfortunate incident in the alley the other evening, and I am happy that all of you managed to survive the ambush. While I do not have such things to donate, the Lodge's apothecaries may be able to assist you before you leave for the evening. Was there anything else?"
Sleggar nods and takes a note of it before remembering thanks to her name-dropping the ambush Milady, I do trust that we are the only group pursuing this artifact yes? I would hate to be caught unawares again by a rival group
"As far as I am aware, you are, but that doesn't mean there won't be others. Be careful."
Nori finishes her tea, feeling that the meeting has adjourned, "Thank you for your hospitality, Lady Li."
After bowing to all of you, Lady Amara Li closes the paper door and a servant leads you out of her manor. Once you return to the party, someone outfitted in full Andoran Eagle Knight military dress uniform— a
bright blue overcoat with polished gold buttons, gold eagle epaulets, and a fine, black felt tricorn hat- approaches you and speaks in a loud voice, almost as if he wants everyone to hear what he has to say.
“Greetings, Pathfinders! I hear you’re headed out into the Cairnlands on official Society business. Best of luck outside the city walls, though you look like sturdy enough adventurers. Perhaps not Eagle Knight material, but qualified for the work of a Pathfinder.
“A word of warning, though, friends—beware the walking dead. The crumbling ruins surrounding the city are rife with them, and you’re likely to run into more than your fair share over the course of your career. Undeath and the undead are more than just a physical peril, however. Undeath is the worst kind of slavery. And it should be eradicated like all servitude, whether to aristocracy or to mental control. Being enslaved to the flesh beyond when Pharasma calls one’s soul to the Boneyard is a fate I wouldn’t wish upon my greatest enemy. So while you plumb the depths of Asad’s Keep, remember your solemn duty to your fellow man—both living and dead. Any undead you encounter along the way should be freed of their earthly shell.
“If you prove your dedication to freedom, the resources of Andoran will be at your disposal in your future endeavors. Keep that in mind my friends." He raises a glass, as do a few other patrons. "A toast for the newest Pathfinders!"
Sleggar waits uncomfortably for the Andoran to leave.
He didn't trust Andorans, they were far too willing to do things for their own reason. Why was he so worried about eradicating ALL of the undead. Why was it even worth saying? This puzzled Sleggar so he simply said nothing and moved away from the man without really acknowledging his polite gesture.
Orn nodded, bowing as the Andoran spoke with his group. "I will try. In exchange, if you could pass word on to a Major Colson that I wish to speak with him, I would be greatly appreciative. Lady Li tells me he would be most helpful in recovering an important object stolen from my tribe."
With the exchange finished, Orn will try to head back to his room and prepare for the journey tomorrow.
Nori smirked at irony in Orn's request, but said nothing to correct the kobold. She had heard of Colson. Maj Maldris was a boisterous, but powerful man with foolish intentions. He endangered people's lives for an unreachable ideal. But it was important to pretend to be interested in someone's dreams to make them an ally.
Odryk listens to the man and raises his glass at the toast. Though he doesn't much care for the fact that everyone seemed to know their mission before he and his friends.
I do like the uniform though.
With a nod of thanks Odryk finishes his glass and finds a quiet place to contemplate the assignment. He makes small talk with the aristocrats around him and learns what he can about local news, not that he has much interest in it. He's thankful when the party is over, ready to return to his own humble apartment, but not before securing a rendezvous location with the rest of the group.
The uniformed man looks down at Orn, a puzzled look upon his face. "Why I do believe she might be talking about me!", he extends a hand to the kobold. "Major Colson Maldris, at your service." His smile belies the fact that he can't believe you didn't recognize him.
"...oh!" Orn himself apparently looks surprised that he was talking to just the man he wanted to see. Shaking the human's hand, Orn cleared his throat before continuing. "Well... then I will simply posit my request now. My tribe was forced out of our home by some so-called heroes who attacked us after I aided them in overthrowing our king and rescuing the pinkskin hatchlings he kidnapped for his crowning ceremony... it's stupid and long and shouldn't have happened. But they attacked us afterward and stole our tribe's heirloom, the Crown of the Dragon King. Despite my best efforts, they took a great deal of our stuff, including that crown."
Orn huffed a bit before finishing. "I asked Lady Li if she would help me retrieve our crown if I brought back an heirloom of hers. She agreed, but recommended I speak with you, since you have more influence in Andoran. So... I ask, on behalf of my tribe, if you would help in getting back our crown. I know it is lowly compared to most others, but it means much to my tribe, and I fear I may need it soon."
Major Maldris puts his hand to his chin, pondering Orn's words. "Yes, I may have heard of that activity. Over near Falcon's Hollow, if I recall correctly, just a ways from Darkmoon Woods. As far as I am aware, those that perpetrated that activity were not Pathfinders, but in their defense, they were freeing captive children. You say they attacked even after that however? Strange. I will look into this, as a request to my Eagle Knights, but remember what I said, be on the watch for the undead. Or any sort of slavery. We do not tolerate it." With that, he turns and heads back to the party.
As all of you prepare to leave, you are approached by yet another of the party-goers. This is a very well dressed Keleshite man. He takes all of you to the side, away from others hearing, and speaks soft and low. Very different from the Major.
Aaqir is described as a handsome, charming man with clearly Qadiran features. His hair is short and well groomed, and he keeps his face clean shaven.
"Like a fast-spoken djinn, I’ll get to the quick. I know where you are going. House Damaq of Qadira claim the ruin, but we are willing to allow you access for the price of a small deed easily accomplished during your adventure. You will be well compensated, I assure you, for profits are most rewarding when shared. I assume treasure-seekers like yourselves are interested in such a proposition?”
Without waiting for an answer, he continues, his eyes intent and his posture rigid.
“The ruin is Qadiran, which is why we claim it, and we are willing to defend it, but there are really only certain things left in Asad’s Keep we are interested in: trade agreements, of which we believe there to be many within the ruins. All we ask that you do is to turn over all trade agreements you find to us as soon as you return to Absalom, as we will be able to hold the signers to them even centuries after their signing.
“The satrap of Qadira—nay, the entire Padishah Empire of Kelesh—has much to offer the Pathfinder Society, and I personally have no qualms about sharing those resources with you, specifically. Shall we shake on this agreement?"
He extends his hand with a wry smile.
Nori recognizes the Trade Prince. Yet another opportunity to gain valuable favors, she thinks to herself, even as she listens to the Prince's request. The mere knowledge of their existence and their worth was very enticing. She could easily find a buyer should she wish to benefit more directly.
As he finished, she looked at his outstretched hand. There was an ulterior motive, but she couldn't put her finger on it. Still, when she had the agreements in hand, Nori would have the bargaining power.
"We can come to some sort of arrangement, Trade Prince," She shook his hand, "How might we best recognize these agreements once inside?"
Odryk sizes up the man speaking to them and realizes he's just another aristocrat used to throwing his weight around and having his requests fulfilled without disagreement. However the agreement is not an unfavorable one, so Odryk shakes his hand after Nori and plasters a smile on his face and waits for the answer to Nori's question.
[Seems everyone has a stake in our success.
The Trade Prince nods and smiles. "Excellent! They will be easily recognized. They have the seal of our great nation upon them. Of course, if you happen to find anything else, I would be happy to look at them as well."
Orn, for his part, remained silent. He wasn't sure how much he liked this "prince" laying claim to agreements. It had a slightly less, but still distinct whiff of the sort of thing Chelish devil binders got into. A lot of concern for order and how to phrase things properly and what not. He was simply sick of that nonsense,
That, and he didn't particularly care for folks who threw their authority around with the subtlety and grace of a mallet. Reminded him too much of his chief...
Still, this was an opportunity to make connections... and, sadly, that was important for his larger task. "I don't imagine there would be many lying about in such ruins and still being in tact... but if you say they are there, I will help return any of these stray papers to you."
The Trade Prince again smiles, this time almost warmly. "I look forward to seeing you all soon then." With that, he bows and takes his leave, allowing you to go back to your respective homes.
Sleggar nods sagely at the Trade Prince. He had been trying to maintain a low profile with him since he did not want to make a fool of himself by being full of himself.
Sleggar thinks that, when heading to a place like the underground it is smart to stock up on non-standard weapons, so he stops by the local apothecary and buys 2 vials of Acid.
Odryk wakes the next day finding himself oddly excited. A chance to prove himself capable once again, and a chance to get out of Absalom. He had nothing against the city but he'd been here for awhile now and it would be good to see some new sights. After a little early morning shopping he meets his companions, ready to head out.
Orn returns home to prepare himself for the task tomorrow and get his supplies together.
After preparing for the journey ahead, you prepare to leave Absalom and head out into the Cairnlands surrounding the northern part of the city. The last few days, the weather has been unseasonably warm, but today greets you with a slight chill in the air, almost as if stepping through the gates you are stepping into another world. The guards nod to you and wish you good luck as you leave. For the next couple of hours, you walk along the road, watching the land turn from the green of the outer city country side into what appears to be the site of a never ending battle. Broken swords and buildings jut up from the ground in all directions, and you feel another chill as you look over the graves of probably thousands of soldiers. The words of Major Maldris echo in your head regarding the walking dead and every once in a while you think you see something moving out of the corner of your eye, but as you focus your attention on it, you see nothing but stillness.
Moonday, 15 Lamashan, 4707, 11:03am
The directions you received to Asad's Keep take you down a path that leads into a narrow and shallow canyon that eventually opens up to a tall mound of dirt and scree. At the very top of this mound, about fifteen feet up, you see the remnants of a door. The cracked and dry wood of the dry seems to be barely held together by the iron that wraps around it. The top of the canyon walls are only about a man's height above that. Just in front of the mound are a few sandstone towers, maybe twice as tall as a man.
Suddenly you see a shadow moving on the ground in front of you and the sound of something moving above you.
Nori calls out warning to the others and draws her blade, taking a defensive posture.
Nori draws her blade and takes a step back as the creature leaps from the cliff and lands about 20 paces ahead of your group on top of one of the small sandstone towers. You could swear you hear the sound of a bone breaking, but this doesn't seem to deter the creature as it speaks, "How long will it take you all to cure, I wonder? You seem so full of life, and I am oh so hungry."
The creature pauses for a moment and regards your group. Suddenly it stands upright and says, "Friends, it is I, Maurit Zergo, a Pathfinder as well, even in this horrid form. I can help you, if you will take the help of someone as damned as I.” She almost seems normal and living for a second, but soon shambles back to her crooked slouch.
Sleggar moves to within 15 feet of this..thing draws his shield and lashes out with his whip You my have been a pathfinder once but there can be no doubt that what you are now is an abomination
Odryk tries to tell if this thing is trust worthy but in the end figured Sleggar is right. He moves up next to his comrade and prepares to attack if the ghoul comes any closer.
Nori eyes the creature, "Your attempts at trickery will not avail you, vile thing." The vishkanya circles closer to flank the 'pathfinder', weapon at the ready.
Orn blinks, before drawing his weapon and readying his spells. But before he can strike, the ghoul straightens up and addresses them. Seems like she wasn't all gone yet!
"Wait!" Orn cried, leaping ahead and trying to halt the others from attacking. "Let's hear her out first! Maybe she knows about the place!" Orn turned back to eye the ghoul, before reaching into his pack to pull out some parchment and a quill. He tossed it at the ghoul's feet before stepping back. "Maurit Pathfinder, yes? We're here to find a jade katana, along with anything else of value to the Society. Can you show us how to locate it inside? If you can't... I understand. But I would be remiss to let a source of valuable information go to waste before we set you at ease..."
Nori's words seem to anger the creature as all remaining life starts to drain from it. Her face lightens again as Orn pushes ahead and attempts to quell the situation.
"I can show you the way. I know who has it!" She is hesitant to jump down as now all of you surround her tower. You can tell she is being defensive at this point.
Nori shoots a glare at Orn. Placing any amount of trust in the creature would surely result in betrayal. However, it would expedite their mission if this thing knew it's way around and would guide them. She scowled, "What proof do you have that you were a pathfinder?" She holds her weapon at the ready still.
Odryk nods in agreement with Nori.
"Aye, I'll need more than you're word if I'm to trust you."
He readies his weapon to strike if she drops without any proof of who she was.