Kithian nods and puts out his hand to the blacksmith. "More than fair, and dont worry I will treat him like part of the family." He takes 75 gold from his pouch and hands it to the man after they shake on the deal. "Do you have a leather or chain vest for him. I am afraid we will be heading into harms way soon enough. I would perfer metal but anything that could turn a sword or arrow will do."
As Rullis walks with Camillo, he says, "If Tsuto heard about us capturing that goblin and came to kill him, then there are probably other ears around town. We've probably been too loud in talking about our plans to attack the goblins. They probably will be waiting to ambush us when we get there."
With a level look, Camillo responds, "Good. Then we won't have to waste time trying to find them." Rullis is not sure that the bard is not serious until Camillo winks at him.
"At least half the town knew the goblin was going to the garrison before we got there. You know how news spreads in this town. Tsuto grew up here and I'd wager none of his old acquaintances knew what he's been up to, so it would be very easy for him to learn what was up. You might be right, of course, so we need to be prepared, but it could be that he hasn't contacted his allies since before the raid, too." He stops. "Do you think he has something that would allow him to talk to Nualia from here? If he does, will the angry older brother allow us to examine it?"
You actually run into Zantus in the short distance to the church. Flushed from rushing out into the street Zantus has acolytes in tow and the heroes come into view. Are their injuries? Do you need magical aid?
"Thank you, Father, we need aid, but not of the healing sort. Well, I guess maybe Toshio still has some injuries. No, what we came seeking is someone to care for the attacker's body. He did not survive his foolish choice." He thinks for a moment. "This may be a little confusing because no one has spoken of him in years, but Ameiko has a full brother Toshio who left Sandpoint long ago. He's returned and is aiding us in our efforts. Ameiko's half-brother Tsuto saw him and attacked him today and was killed as a result. Toshio awaits clerical aid in preparing his half-brother's body for the afterlife."
Scratching his head, Camillo looks at Rullis, "I think I confused myself... Did I get it right?"
Rullis listens as Camillo explains the situation. "No, I think you got it right. I didn't see the attack myself, but the guy isn't gonna be getting back up again. He turns and begins to lead Father Zantus and company back to the garrison.
Zantus nods as the men fill him in. Approaching Tsuto with trepidation Zantus sighs as he looks over the body of the young man. Always was angry but never would have thought... Coming to stand Zantus shakes his head as he thinks to himself and he motions for his acolytes to approach the body but is clear they are not yet meant to move him.
Looking to Toshio the Father seems slightly at a loss. I err...hear...you are Tsuto's brother? My apologies but you are not known to me though I have lived in Sandpoint for quite some time... I am Father Zantus, head of our fair cathedral and servant to Sandpoint.
As Zantus introduces himself the crowd begins to disperse and people go about their business, though some stragglers and gawkers remain on the fringes of the crowd.
Korvut nods to Kithian and indicates that is he give the smith until the afternoon, he will have Reggie and his gear, including leather barding, travel bags and chain harness ready.
The hawkers and sellers, merchants and entertainers from Magnimar begine to ply their trade in the streets and an odd calm comes to the city as the guards re-deploy despite the battered body of Tsutuo Kaijitsu strewn in the street.
Whats this now?
Vidar will keep one eye on the situation, but do his best to appear oblivious as scans the area for anyone he can ask about the sheriff.
Rullis turns to Camillo and without making any gestures, says in a calm, quiet voice, "I think you have a friend to your left."
Kerrec is very preoccupied with what's going on.
Toshio remains a little distraught and ill focused
Perception:
Perception
"Eh? So I do."
Trying to look nonchalant, Camillo moves toward the alley, making sure to stay in Rullis' line of sight. Leaning against the wall at the mouth of the alley, he speaks without looking around. "Were you wishing to speak to me?"
Rullis moves towards the others, but doesn't really pay attention to anything they are saying. Instead, he keeps his eye on the bard by looking past his own group.
My name is Orik Vannsen. I am a guard and mercenary in the employ...well, former employ of Tsuto Kaijitsu and at current servant to Nualia. I have come to hear tales of your accomplishments in the town and have born witness to more fell business than I ever signed up for. After I heard that you had the goblin wizard I knew things were going the way or Aroden and I've come to turn myself in after a fashion but things must play a certain way if you are to defeat this crazy woman.
The man's square jaw and charcoal eyes are steady and earnest, his words quick and precise. You sense an emotional tension, not fear per se, but almost weariness and regret.
I must return or I will be discovered a traitor. Tsuto's death will cause delays but if they think me turncoat surely the bugbear will be allowed to raze the town as soon as he wants. I must return to urge delay as the camp waits for supplies. Additionally I can lay certain advantages before you so you might navigate the camp more easily. Unlock doors, delay guards that sort of thing...
Orik shifts under his cloak and produces a freshly smithed key. The elven ranger Shalelen? Shalelu? She is a prisoner in Thistletop. the goblins keep her and torture her for sport, a long standing grudge I understand. That is the key that unlocks both her cell and her chains. This copy is new and unknown. It may save you precious moments when you assault the camp.
Not allowing Camillo a word in edgewise the man shifts again in place and looks about the alley. I must go. The druid of the tribe is bitter and angry of Nualia's machinations. You might turn him and gain entrance to his grove if you promise to not butcher the tribe. He surely will have you kill the chief for having allowed them to make cause with such evil people. The wizard is weak and will make to flee if pressed. When you come upon me I will order my contingent to advance and I will ambush in the press in surprise. You will take me as prisoner then. When I am surrendered to Magnimar you will make it a condition that I be made a Black Arrow and not forced to serve hard time for my crimes or seek a better pardon if you see fit.
The man holds the key in his fist obviously aware that it might be his only salvation, his dark eyes searching Camillo's face to see if they have a deal.
Sense motive
Camillo nods and reaches for the key. "You have my word. I need to know the best route to Thistletop and how long you think you can delay the attack. You know, I'm sure - if you betray us, I will be the least of your worries."
Orik nods in response to Camillo's "terms". As he hands over the key to the bard the mercenary details a route almost identical to the overland route that Joyuk had mentioned just the night before, This route is best as it leads you to the outer wall of the druid's tangle. Approach with intention as he is usually the closest to the forests edge. I suspect if you are loud and announce yourself he will give you time to talk but if he doesn't know that his pet is some kind of large cat and they both navigate the brush with supernatural ease. I'm sorry to say I do not remember the druid's name...I...uh...well goblin names all sound the same to me.
With those final thoughts Orik makes his way down the alley, turning only to nod at Camillo on final time, an acknowledgement that they have an understanding.
Rullis and Vidar see Camillo huddled in the alley with the hooded man conversing. At one point Camillo is handed something and soon thereafter the hooded figure takes his leave.
Kerrec stands by and watches the myriad business of the square as his comrades are involved in various tasks and people move about their business. No one things stand out to the Paladin as his mind wanders.
Korvut claps Kithian on the shoulder. This afternoon then! And Reggie begins his life as an adventurer! The smith clips the leashes back on the dogs and makes his way back to his shop.
Zantus coughs politely at Toshio his face still a reflection of unease. My people will prepare the body. Perhaps you should inform your ...ah...sister of what has transpired and we can make arrangements then?
Camillo slips a small packet out of a pocket, unfolds it just long enough to tuck something into it, and folds it back up before tucking it back into the pocket.
Looking up and down the street, he walks back to the others looking thoughtful.
When he's close enough to speak to the others, he says, "Ah, we still need to go to the Cathedral to handle your business, right, Kerrec?" Realizing that Father Zantus' acolytes are not working on the body yet, he looks back and forth between the grieving brother and the cleric, but keeps his face neutral and says nothing.
Better to wait and let him sort this out for himself.
Rullis seems lost in thought as he continues to watch Camillo and the hooded stranger. What was that he was given? A secret message from Ameiko? No, she wouldn't need such hide anything. Getting paid off by Nualia? No, that's doesn't make any sense either. He shrugs his shoulders. It must be something from his past. He did grow up here after all...
Seeing Camillo walk back, Rullis walks up to him once he is back and quietly says, "What was that all about?"
Camillo looks at the cleric for a moment, indecisive. He leans in close to whisper.
Straightening back up, he asks, "Father? I don't want to interrupt, but is there someplace at the Cathedral where we can gather in private? The six of us? There are other places in town, of course, but I believe we have unfinished business at the Cathedral, so I was thinking that perhaps we can do both while we are there."
Rullis simply nods after Camillo whispers something to him.
Having accepted tue priests help with his brother, Toshio looks to the others. We might head to the Cathedral, or back to the Rusty Dragon, I need to inform Amieko of what has happened. No doubt gossip is finding its way to her already. Camillo, this is a family matter, Amieko has chosen to treat you as such. We should tell her, not the town gossips who surely will while we delay.
Camillo gives the samurai a half-bow, "You are the elder member of the family. We have postponed the business at the Cathedral this long, we can put it off a little longer. What I have to share can be done at the Dragon as well as anywhere."
Looking over at Kerrec, Camillo just shrugs and adds, "Sorry. I know you want to see that completed. We best do it today, but not at this moment."
Camillo turns and heads toward the Dragon. Under his breath, he mutters, "I wonder if we will even be among the first dozen people to tell her."
Kerrec eyes wander from the scene to Camillo. "Yes, of course. I will head over to the Cathedral now. Despite Tsuto's crimes, this is still sad news to report to Ameiko. I will see you there when you are done."
Looking at the others. "Join me if you'd like. We can get at least your portions of the documents signed while we wait for Camillo."
"Sure" Rullis turns to Camillo and says before following Kerrec to the Cathedral, "I'll catch up with you later."
Rullis, Kerrec, Vidar and Kithian () make their way to the cathedral following Zantus and the acolytes as they carry of Tsuto's body and possessions.
Kithian shares a joke with the blacksmith and heads over to the others. "I bought Reggie!" he smiles as he looks around at the others, "Did I miss something?"
"A lot I think, but it will be explained to us in time by master Duin I'm sure."
Still angry at several things, Vidar cannot help but add to himself.
He better...
Kerrec nods at Kithian: "A fine breed of dog. The goblins will hate him. That can only help with what's ahead."
Kerrec would lead the others to the Abadaran section of the Cathedral, looking for someone to witness the contract signings.
Camillo thanks Bethana, patting her on the back, and heads over to the office. He'll walk to the side and slowly to give Toshio ample opportunity to enter first, if he so chooses.
Toshio eyes the open door as though it were a sworn enemy. He takes a second to take a steadying breath, then enters,
Amieko?
Ameiko sits at her desk sorting through papers her head down. A lamp of continual flame, a trophy of past efforts, flickers in on the wall and provides ample light for the cramped room. It is plain to see that Ameiko first pushed everything off her desk and now appears to be going through it systematically. The room smells of mixed liquors and odd spices as the contents of smashed bottles ooze and congeal together on the floor.
Without looking up Ameiko's voice is loud but raspy, Father always said the body was an anchor that the flame of the pyre released us from our mortal tether; the weakness of what we do. So are we judged unfettered by the Lady of Graves when our time at court has come...
Ameiko looks through various papers as though it is the most important things in the world, He knew that. He knew father felt that way...its why he buried him in glass. He used the ancient family recipes. Glass as hard as stone...
Pausing she looks up from the desk. Was it clean? Did he die with honor? She sneers the last word as though expelling something unpleasant. She point a letter opener at Camillo but her eyes stay fixed on Toshio. I'll have the truth. No poetry or equivication. The time for pretty words come later.
Zantus walks back with you and the body, occasionally raising his head from a thought to make small talk but soon thinks better of it. Arriving back at the cathedral he directs his acolytes to take the body to preparation room and follows with a simple nod.
Two young men dressed in white linen robes are on duty in the section plainly marked to Abadar. The golden key of his worship adorns each priest via small gold (probably plated) chain and symbol. Two large glass motifs and a wooden altar of sorts dominate the front of the room. A serviceable though relatively amateurish rendition of the tale of The First Vault is carved into the side of the altar.
One of the young men, the older of the two, bows his head as the party approaches. Sir Valorian we had word you would come soon. Master Foxglove was anxious to see your business done and sent a companion letter to us here to anticipate your arrival. He was quite...ah..effusive in his praise of you sir. The man, surely no more than 18 does his best to stay respectful as he speaks but a slightl smile plays at his lips. The other priest seems to guffaw but it is quickly covered with a cough and apology.
He spreads his hands in a gesture of apology. "There. No pretty words. I'm sorry." He remains standing by the door and after he finishes speaking, he looks down at the floor, lost in thought.
Rullis waits quietly while in the temple of Abadar and lets Kerrec handle for formalities.
Heh, the man has not changed. But if I am going to keep this contract, he had better be generous.
I can add that twice, during the combat I offered Tsuto the chance to surrender to the law and receive an honorable death. He disregarded my offer twice, only to fall to a slash to the flank from Kithan. I can only surmise given his initial strike and subsequent attacks upon me, to the exclusion of the others, would indicate he wanted me to die a dogs death.
Had he simply asked for single combat, I would have obliged, but he sought no honor, only my life. Truly, he must have hated me for my absence.
Toshio is finding the words difficult, but has to be clear. Amieko said she wished no pretty words and so leaves out Tsuto speaking her name, the message had been for him anyway.
Kerrec's eyebrows raise at the interplay between the two acolytes. "I'm sure the contents of his missive was kept between the both of you because I know that you have been trained to keep private all matters of business that cross your paths. I'd be very disappointed if I heard my business dealings were the fodder of idle gossip. Am I making myself clear?"
Kerrec pulls out the contracts and walks to a table. "If the both of you could witness this as I leave my mark?"
Ameiko shakes her head at the pair of men. I could give a damn about his honor. He murdered my father. Tried to murder my brother! What a hollow empty shell he was of the boy I once knew...
Ameiko sits at her desk and looks out at nothing in particular. I want him buried. Buried in stone. He sough to burden our father I would do the same to him. He will not escape his choices. He will be judged and bound to it all.
@EveryoneElse
The priests shift uncomfortably, a hint of red flushing their cheeks. The older of the pair speaks, Of course sir, discretion is the bedrock of our faith. Gesturing Kerrec over to the altar the other priest has an previously unseen quill and ink set on a tray in his hands. the quilly is adorned in gold and the ink is flecked with the sacred metal as well. Come sir, sign upon our God's device so as to ensure good works and honest reward....Will others be signing? Our misive from Lord Foxglove indicated that there were terms of enhancement to your arrangement were others to commit...
Rullis keeps his mouth shut while in the Abadar temple and simply nods to the priests as he walks up behind Kerrec, waiting his turn.
Kerrec will sign and then step away to let the others come forward.
Rullis steps up as Kerrec finishes, taking the quill from the Paladin. He quickly scans the document to make sure it is the same document he read earlier before adding his own mark to the paper.
Looking up, he scans the room holding the quill up for the next person to take.
Kithian moves forward smiling at Kerrec.
"I think Foxlove just made you his man-whore."
The halforc laughs so hard at his own joke that tears stream from his eyes as he takes the quill from Rullis and places his mark underneath the cleric's.
Ameiko's face grows darker still. Shalelu is a friend. I'd see her returned. I have need to return to the house, father's arrangements are not quite finished and I have a meeting with the families the work the glassworks to discuss compensation for those who were assaulted and/or killed. I intend to see the families gain stakes and share in the works...something to honor their sacrifice for our families...mistakes.
Ameiko searches her desk and finds a letter and passes it to Camillo. The Magnimaran's in town are known to me, or most are. This letter will serve to introduce you so that you might deal without me present and get better prices or quantities. No funny business. For a moment a smile almost plays on the woman's lips.
Turning to Toshio Ameiko sighs and brushes back her hair. Tell Zantus I want the body preserved. We will see to building him a tomb to inter him in, it should not take long. He might think it strange but will comply with my wishes. I am not lying when I say I want our brother chained to his deeds...
Ameiko's eyes wander again before she moves forward and takes Toshio hand in her own own. Locking eyes with him she speaks in Tian clearly and without flaw. Camillo can tell despite his lack of familiarity with the language that the instructions that carry great weight.
Turning from the men she gather some things from her desk. We all have things to take care of. Let's put on our brave faces and do our duty...
Meanwhile at the church...
The priests nod as Kerrec puts his name to the page. There is a pause as the younger man presents a small box. Your coins sir a total of 6000 gold pieces presented in platinum for 2,000 and 4 letters of credit at 1,000 gold pieces each, payable by the church. We did not have the gold on hand to fulfill Lord Foxglove's requests. We can get it if this dispensation is problematic, though the locals will surely accept the letters with little concern....you will note the value is 6,000...your patron offered a special reward were you to show eagerness to do business by arriving the next day... The priest's face is passive on this final point.
As Rullis comes forward the younger priest nods and pulls out a small wooden box. Opening the box is a finely smithed holy symbol of Gozreh worked in silver, platinum and gold. The older priest notes, Lord Foxglove indicated that this was to be provided to you as a bonus were you to choose to sign on to the agreement. A fine piece Master Stillman. Worthy of the deeds and reputation you have earned amongst your brothers and sisters here in the church.[b]
The older priest looks to Kithian and Vidar. [b]Gentleman? Are you to sign as well?