Letting behind us the Andares manor, the four agents came back to town. They easily find the bookstore "La Part des Anges" where a middleage woman welcomes them.
Welcome to "La Part des Anges" friends. May Knowledge set you free. What can I do for you ? Are you looking for something in particular ?
I have all the writings of Alysande Benedict. I have also received some books from Darl Jubbanich, and of course I have some easier books, like those about Inspector Jeggare or Pink Liberty.
Then, you are in the right place indeed ! May be not as popular as that time, but popular enough.
I even had a customer from Galt few weeks ago !
Says the shopkeeper
The shopekeeper thinks before answering Seems like a good fellow, not like those in the stories, you know. Blooded killer. He was very polite and asks specifically for Alysande Benedict's book.
May be he wants to compare with Hosetter or Darl Jubbanich writtings, who knows ?
I suppose. He has not coming back to ask for a refund ! she says with a smile before adding after thinking at the second question.
No, he asks specifically for this book. Like someone looking for a gift. And you, except wanting to know everything about my Galtan customer, what do you want ?
He was polite but not so talkative. I remember more his red woolen coat and his thick accent than his talk !
Of course I have, but you will need all your friends here to carry it all ! But if I may, I could suggest to just take On Jubbanich thoughts, critics and comments more affordable and easiest to understand Jubbanich's philosophy.
Says the woman.
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Lod nods along with discussion of philosophers and literature, not quite following the names or topics as he was never properly schooled in such things. "Well that sounds like a good suggestion. We'll take it! And thank you very much for your help."
After purchasing the book and leaving the shop, Lod asks his companions, "Well, that was quite helpful. More helpful than the Mayor at least. But where are we to find this Galtan fellow? I suppose it couldn't hurt to ask around, but we shouldn't be too vocal or we might alert him that someone is looking for him."
Once outside, the Pathfinder try to find their next steps.
- Trying to find a galtan man with a red woolen coat in town
- Visit Consul Bryton
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"That sounds fine. If the wizard's vision showed our girl reading that book, it doesn't sound like our captors mean to make her suffer, but that could always change. I think asking Bryton about this information could help, and wouldn't hurt - unless he is involved in some way, of course!" Zora chuckles, clearly thinking that last thought is funny.
The four Pathfinders go to see Consul Bryton at the Red Wine Factory Inn.
The man welcome them in his suite, cosy but small.
Did your investigation go well ? I don't understand why my cousin is so stubborn, not wanting my help and the help of the Eagle Knight on this matter.
But, I don't think it's for this problem you want to see me. You talk about military matter if I recall ?
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Ah, Consul Bryton. I'd be much obliged if you would grant me some time to listen to my plea. As you are undoubtedly aware, the crusader army of Mendev is facing renewed hostilities originating from the Worldwound. The situation is dire, and a heavy drain on the resources of the Society. We fear that, lest the horde be stopped, all of Golarion might be overrun. As response, we are looking to gather direct aid - a single army standing tall against the threat of a common enemy. Think of it, the peoples of all nations united against the demon horde. While I am aware your resources are normally reserved for domestic purposes, these are extraordinary times that require extraordinary measures. We therefore ask: do the eagle knights stand with us?
The Consul listen to Anna. He seems quite impress by the passion she puts in her speach but also, it's clear that in his mind he weights carrefully the risk to engage the Eagle Knight in another front or what he could gain to it.
After a moment to think he says.
I hear your passion and your youth in your words Anna but also a part of truth.
As much I would like to engage the Eagle Knight in this war - as demons are with devils the worst ennemies golarion could get - you offer me or Andoran, nothing in return. Engaging such forces is costly, even more for a young nation like Andoran. The Eagle Knights are already needed where slavers and ennemies of the States rise to threaten Liberty and Democracy. I'm sorry but can't spare any Eagle Knight in the war in the north with people who are known to be "murder hobos", "tomb robbers" and the like.
Nevertheless if you prove yourself in the disparition of my daughter's cousin or find something worthy to discuss, may be could I change my position. But for now, you have nothing but words to trade, and this is not enough.
The Pathfinders move out the inn, and begin looking for a man in a red coat, with a Galtan accent.
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"Of course, we would help the poor girl in any case, but it would be one less distraction knowing we have secured the help needed. As we all agree, this is a war that will likely be important for all. And while there are murderers and thieves everywhere, there are also good and decent people who are going to get hurt, and likely many will become enslaved. Trust ME, that is not a life I wish on anyone. I am still haunted by memories of the past..."
No more than Anna, even with Zora's help, Lōd is able to convince Consul Bryton to involve the Eagle Knight in the fight in the Worldwound.
Pathfinders, came back when you would have something to trade for, not just good words and empty promises. Or at least a proof that fighting along side you is worth the risk by finding and freeing my daughter's cousin. Then we will be able to talk.
Anna began to asks questions, waiting for the other to share her findings.
With time, the Pathfinders finally find some clue about the man in red.
All evidence seem to lead toward an old cursed and haunted place in Sauerton, the burned villa of the Sauer Family and his salted land.
As the light fade in the late afternoon the group moves toward the old Saeur Family vineyard.
This barren stretch of land is a sharp contrast to the surrounding fields of well-tended grapevines. At the center of the waste, at the end of an ill-kept path, sits a large stone villa in the old Chelish style that has partially collapsed as the result of fires long-since extinguished.
You understand why people of Sauerton call this place cursed and the dim light and light rain give the place a desesperate look...
As you advence further you see rotted timbers and soot flank scorched bone-white walls, and collapsed piles of blackened wood are all that remain of additions to the north and south ends of the main hall. Rain-slicked bare earth extends approximately three hundred feet away from the house in all directions.
Looking at the tracks, Zora barely see some old signs of passage.
When Zora approachs in the no-man's land everyone is able to see two men hiding behind the ajar door, and also hear some noise coming from behind the house.
With a thick galtan accent, the men behind the door mock the Pathfinders.
Come and get her if you dare, hounds of the upper class! Face the wrath of the true liberty capitalist dog !
A few second pass before a voice came back from the doors with a strong galtan accent.
If you are not a dog, go back to your business and don't tell anyone we are here. If you approach we will shoot you, be warned.
No arrows come flying towards Zora
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Anna goes in all-out filibustering mode, hoping to draw attention away from her comrades and buy them some time:
Mister Bowsman, I must object to the way you address us here. I will allow it to pass, based on the assumption that you are mistaken. There is not a single capitalist among us, let alone one who would pretend to be a dog. Those who value true liberty - yes, they count among our ranks! Do we find a sympathizer in you? I ask you, who would display their love of liberty in such a symbol of oppression? A chelish manor? A desolate place like this? What good can a true friend of the people hope to do hidden away in a burnt out symbol of dictatorship and aristocracy? No, I tell you, a true defender of the folk does not hide in a barren stretch of field! A true believer in the people's rule will be out on the street, ever vigilant that freedom is not endangered by those who seek power for their own good, those who would gain advantage at the liberty of another. Those who would seek to frustrate the cause of the people. The true believer fears not these men, no, he confronts them. Looks them straight in the eye, and says not on my watch. That is the true call of the defender of the people.
As Lōd pass Anna, one of the men inside says Menteur ! Vous êtes des pantins du grand capital ! Vive la Révolution !
And an arrow fly toward the hafling.
Hitting him hard !
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Zora rolls her eyes at the inevitable conflict that was to ensue here. "Men... always so quick to die."
She carefully picks her way to the corner of the house (looking for safety and hiding), double move if necessary, checking for any landmines along the way. She draws a shortsword and dagger as well.
Zora moves and hears the sounds of a man hiding behind the house. She also sure that a sinkhole is about to form just in front of Lod and if anyone move through it he or she could fall in it.
The Galtan convinced by Zora's speach come back to his senses and began to fire arrows on the hangry halfing coming towards him.