"Thank you, it's just for one night." Rullis turns to Camillo, "Would you want the evening or morning shift? I'm good either way."
"You say your prayers in the morning, right? So I should let you sleep first?"
"I guess I will help you all with the watches also."
Rullis simply nods in response to Camillo, "Works for me. Let's get them there so I know where to go in the morning, then let's see if we can get some rooms at one of these inns. A little crowded for my taste, but it's only one night, right?"
At Kithian's offer he says with s smirk, "Then you should probably take the first watch before you and Vidar start drinking."
Camillo grins and nods, "He has a point."
The barbarian rubs his chin then nods. "You may have the right of it my friend."
Civilization...impressive surely, but egad, does it reek.
"If she wanted to escape, it would be foolish to wait this long before attempting it, this must be the worst place to attempt an escape from...unless she has inside help, and that seems unlikely.
Moreover, if she tried to escape, I believe that master Orik would beat her senseless."
There is no challenge finding rooms, drinks, food, companionship and some prayer (the laegest temple to Abadar sits not three blocks from here and a shrine to Gozreh is only a few minutes more to the west in the Capital District.) You all awaken and meet with Kreese to retrieve your prisoners and to be escorted to the Pediment Building.
Finally Kerrec feels completely at ease. He will go the temple for Abadaran business (whatever that might be) and whenever the prisoner escort is needed he will be there.
You gather in the morning and meet with Captain Kreese who takes you through the winding and elaborate roads of the Naos and Capital districts before reaching the Pediment Building. Littered throughout the twists and turns you all catch glimpses of building old and new as monuments and monumental building peak out from behind one building or another. Alabaster, marble, granite, wood and brick mark the stoied history of a city built by all stripes of exiles, wanderers, adventurers, merchants and foreign princes.
Kreese and his men aid you in keeping your charges (and his man's wrapped body) away from prying eyes and grasping hands as most people go about their business. The Pediment Building is imposing in its own right. Multi-storied and a harsh flat gray the building features a multitude of gargoyles and reliefs of Justices past set about to pass eternal judgement for the seats of the stone hewn seats.
Inside Kreese manages to aid you all further by hunting down the necessary folks to see you routed to one of the Halls of Virtue where each of the judges sit and hear their cases. Kreese has secured an audience for you with Justice Ironbriar known by many in the city to be supportive of Sandpoint's activities. Rumored still is that Ironbriar has been a long time friend of both the Kaijitsu and Foxglove families and is said to even have some financial interest in those houses activities.
After waiting in the wings for a couple of hours (and parting ways with Kreese who goes on to report to his superiors but invites you all to catch up with him later on) you are called before Ironbriar. the Justice is an elf with an ageless face and the pupil-less eyes of his people in a vibrant green color. Reading a short report that has been placed before him Ironbriar recounts his understanding of events and then asks each of you to speak in turn. In truth the questioning of most of you is short with most of Ironbriar's attention levied at Kerrec in his capacity as paladin and higher "status" within the courts by his titles and affiliations.
Each of you recount and clarify as the judge desires. though the elf is often impassive he does occasionally raise his eyebrows at moments such as the confrontation with Tsuto Kaijutsu and the arrival and departure of Toshio. There is much back and forth about the nature of Nualia's intentions and actions and the prisoners are offered opportunities to speak in their own defense.
Unsurprisingly Lyra offers little in her defense but it is Orik who offers an impassioned plea that they both be spared death, noting that the wizard is obviously mentally damaged. Orik recounts much of the wizard's obsession with Tsuto and Camillo confirms her seeming break in disposition upon confronting the group.
Taking into account the titles that have been bestowed upon you at Sandpoint, reviewing the evidence and considering Orik's assistance, Ironbriar decides to waive Orik's potential charges of treason and other crimes against the city-state and sentences Orik to service in the Black Arrow penal mercenary contingent for no less than 5 years with all payment and privileges to be released upon his full service.
Lyra is provisonally charged guilty on all counts and is given a compassionate probation to accompany Orik. Ironbriar makes it clear that he's willing to hear Orik out but that seeing Lyra healed and reformed will be Orik's responsibility while serving in the unit. If Orik cannot convince the leadership of Arrow's to invest in her treatment or she does not make satisfactory progress to some sense of penance then her sentence of death will be re-instated.
Ironbriar also makes it clear that he will not to the Lord Justice and Lord Mayor that he feels, after review that the group might be rewarded in some way and that Magnimar be chastised to some extant for ignoring Hemlock's pleas for assistance. Ending on that note Ironbriar has the prisoners taken into custody and dismisses the court.
As they leave the courtroom, Camillo looks around at the others, eyes a little glazed. "I can't imagine going through that much. A day in the court would wear me out faster than a day of combat, I think." Thoughtfully, "I guess it is a different sort of combat if they are fighting the charges. Not my cup of tea, for certain."
"So... What now? We're in the big city, where to first?"
Kithian awakes with a snort as Camillo's question. "Tavern!"
Rullis laughs at Kithian's immediate response. "Sounds good to me. After a day sitting in here and with our cargo delivered, why not?" Standing up and stretching, "But tomorrow we need to check out some of these monuments before heading back home."
Chucking, Camillo just shakes his head and motions for Kithian to lead on.
Kerrec, invigorated by the days proceedings, is in a fine mood. He wishes Orik luck as he heads out of the court room and follows the others anywhere they would like to go in thd city.
"I think I saw a tavern that looks promising down the street. First round is on our friendly mage."
"How kind of you to volunteer my purse, master Darlock," Vidar exclaims with exaggerated and studious sweetness, "How could I possibly refuse now?"
Eventually he shrugs, sighs and smiles wryly.
"Ah, but I do believe it is a fine idea either way, I assume then that as the one paying for the round, I also get to pick the beverage we indulge in?"
"You are welcome my friend. Please pick your poison, mage!"
All told it is twenty days before you step foot back in the familiar roads and shops of Sandpoint. Justice has been done, the grand city visited and monuments and a variety of other sites are had. Your return trip is quiet save for a evening or two of the same odd silence that followed you to the city. Travelers pass on little news save for the normal fare for this area; untimely deaths due to accident or roving goblins (thought the latter is minimal for sure), scuttlebutt of one type or another about politics, family disagreements and the boon or bust of some local merchants on a variety of transactions.
Kerrec has been asked to carry one letter from the Lord-Mayor of Magnimar's office to Ameiko detailing a request for her to deal with the Kaijutsu property in the city as it has fallen into disrepair but otherwise there is little outstanding business. Captain Kreese parted ways with you positively noting that his patrols may bring him up this way soon and you have a standing invitation for his aid if you ever need it.
You arrive at the city midday and find that though you are warmly greeted there is little in the way of fanfare. The thrill of success has made way for the reality that life moves on and the wounds must heal. One of the guards patrolling the south entrance to town does note to you all that the Sheriff is anxious to see you when you are arrived, but not before you are settled and ready.
If Kerrec doesn't indicate that he's going to the Rusty Dragon to deliver the letter, Camillo will suggest it. One way or another, he will head to the Rusty Dragon as quickly as he can do so without offending someone.
Once back in Sandpoint, Kithian will drop by the smith and see what he was wanting them to look into.
"So, we have once more set foot in Sandpoint, and it seems there is yet one more call for our attention.
I am sure I can deal with it myself, so I shall go see the Sheriff now."
Having said that, Vidar heads towards the sheriffs "office".
Camillo stands in the street, looking at Vidar's retreating back, toward the Rusty Dragon, back at Vidar, back at the Dragon...
"Hold, Master Ekstrand! I will join you as soon as I take care of something!"
He jogs off toward the inn.
Being back home, the task at hand done, and with those responsible for the attack on his home town dealt with, he heads up to check in with Father Zantus at the cathedral before heading back home to check on his meager digs. The last few weeks have been exhausting.
Kerrec hands the letter to Camillo. "I think she'd would appreciate you giving her this."
The paladin will follow Vidar to the sheriff's office.
Camillo, letter in hand, dashes off to the Rusty Dragon and finds the inn ever the way it has been. Ameiko and staff are bustling about on one task or another while a handful of patrons partake of food and drink in the quieter tone of the tavern during the day. Camillo is warmly greet and Ameiko offers the bard a warm smile and approaches him affectionately, So you decided to come back to small town country life eh? Decided there was something better than the exciting city? Her playful tone and half smile invites Camillo to offer her some playful response.
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Kerrec and Vidar wind their way through the streets and approach the garrison where Hemlock makes his office. In the height of summer many of the guards are shirtless working hand in hand with laborers on various projects; fixing the door, resetting stones, seeing to cracked mortar and so on. No officers are obvious as you approach the gates but the guardsmen you recognize all wave you into the courtyard and let you know that the Sherrif is due back and minute from a meeting with the mayor. In the meantime you are asked the occasional question about the prisoner transfer, Magnimar, and the Justices.
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Rullis splits from the group and makes his way to the cathedral. While not as magnificent as the churches of Magnimar its relative newness and the fact that it is "home" makes it just as magnificent in its own way. Zantus, who is actually in the plaza outside of the cathedral meeting with a variety of passers by, see Rullis and greets him warmly. Taking a minute or so to wrap up his conversation, the priest approaches the newly returned cleric and eagerly shakes his hand, Back from the last of the dark duties around our outbreak of bad luck! I am glad to see you back in town in fine spirits and health!
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Kithian winds west to the forge of Das Korvut and finds the building pungent with the smell of smelting metal and burning coal. Like most days, but amplified by the summer heat, the wave of heat that comes from the building is felt many paces before entering. In the forge Korvut's other mastiff excitedly barks and comes to nuzzle and sniff over Reggie who seems equally pleased at the sort of homecoming. The mastiff's attend to each other while Korvut looks up from the forge with his trademark scowl which softens slightly at the sight of the half-orc, Well I see fingers, arms, legs and such. Face is still ugly but unless that sorceress seduced you and turned your nethers to a frog or somethin it looks like you are done and healthy returned! The smith guffaws at his own joke and moves forward with his coal tarnished hand to shake with Kithian.
Camillo, letter in hand, dashes off to the Rusty Dragon and finds the inn ever the way it has been. Ameiko and staff are bustling about on one task or another while a handful of patrons partake of food and drink in the quieter tone of the tavern during the day. Camillo is warmly greet and Ameiko offers the bard a warm smile and approaches him affectionately, So you decided to come back to small town country life eh? Decided there was something better than the exciting city? Her playful tone and half smile invites Camillo to offer her some playful response.
Surprised just how much he has missed that smile, Camillo grins, "Truly, milady, I searched all through that fine community and found nothing better than what I'd seen here." He makes as though to kiss the back of her hand, prepared to dodge if she tries to clobber him with the other hand upside the head. Straightening back up (with or without the dodge), he adds, "Just as I knew it would be. It's great to be back." He stares at her for a moment, then "Oh! We were asked to bring this message back to you from the 'exciting city'."
Vidar frowns a little at the questions.
"They were transfered, it is big and rather less fragrant and they were most likely corrupt bastards, even if we were fortunate enought to recieve on that wad fairly sympathetic to our case."
...
"I am sorry, was it a trick question?"
Sighing a little, Vidar gives Kerrec a long suffering look that clearly says "Help me out here and I'll stop putting toxins in your food".
Rullis takes the offered hand and returns a smile. "I'm just glad the whole ordeal is finally over. Though I have to admit it was sort of exciting and I learned better how to channel Her will." With the pleasantries done, he looks around at everything, taking in the sights of home. "So, did anything exciting happen while I was gone? he adds after a brief silence.
Kithian grins at the Das Korvut and shakes the human's hand. "Not from lack of trying! We saw some strange things on the road, undead and such, even had some of my tribe show up to give me the goodby they missed when I left." Kithian holds out the skull helmet and grins again. "The owner of this just died when he saw me. Nice reunion it was."
Ameiko lets the moment pass apparently opting not to clobber Camillo for now, her eyebrows raise at the mention of a letter from the city and takes the envelope from Cam. Tearing it open she hastily reads through the single sheet contained therein and her light mood turns to irritation, Apparently my father left the family estate in disrepair and the city is threatening to seize it. Something about vagrants and concerns over unseemly property...Agh! Ameiko throws up her hands and starts to move about the bar dealing with various things as she rants, This is exactly the reason that I didn't want to ever be head of the family! Its why I left Sandpoint...well one reason at least! Who has time for such petty expenditures of their time?!?
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Many of the guards seem deflated by the rather cynical answers of the wizard and his pleading gaze to the paladin to intermediate is easily seen by all the men asking questions. A few stay to exchange pleasantries with the paladin but most skulk off after Vidar's observation. Its only a few more moments before Belor Hemlock walks into the courtyard and he scours and both Vidar and Kerrec, Weren't there five of you when you left?
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Zantus does a poor job of hiding the mixed emotions on his face as he waves Rullis to walk with him through the cathedral, Well enough though I have been privy to words between the Sheriff and Mayor that some foul murders have occurred within the town's jurisdiction. I had hoped to be done with such things, this town could use some peace. I thin the Sheriff frets because he is low on reliable men, especially in the warm season when he needs to get supplies, make repairs and so on. I think the Mayor frets for the people...and maybe her job. She is not as politically minded as some but she wanted the job and I am sure wants to keep it. Violence is rarely good for an administrator's record.
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Korvut looks over the helmet approvingly, You have some fine craftsmen in your tribe. As the dogs bark and snuffle at each other Korvut rolls his eyes. So. Back in town and intact. Need some new weapons or armor or was this purely a social call?
"Your family has an estate in Magnimar? We could have looked in on it for you, but I didn't know..."
He remembers something, "The sheriff wanted to speak to us when we got to town. I left the others waiting because I wanted to see you first, but I'd better be going. I'll see you later?"
Ameiko gives a sort of "its stupid, who cares wave" at the comment about the estate, Maybe if you go back soon. Gods know I don't plan on making my way there if I can help it. As Cam moves to leave Ameiko's tone softens, Be careful, if Belor can't handle it its either dangerous or requires a more diplomatic tone...either way its trouble for you. Ameiko offers a wink as she shoos the bard out the door.
He can be heard protesting as he leaves, "More diplomatic...? I can be diplomatic! There was the time....."
He heads directly for where he left the others, not expecting to find them, but because then he can retrace their route, and heads for the sheriff's office.
Despite his surly nature, Vidar doesn't really like being mean, as such, a pang of guilt flashes across his mind and he sighs deeply.
Rifling through his pack he then retrieves his rather extensive notse on Magnimar and the trials there.
Looking around he spots one of the guard and walks over to him.
"Here!"
Then he pauses, takes a deep breath and tries again.
"I think these notes of mine will pain the picture of our journey better than I can myself, why don't you share them out with the lads with my compliments...and apologices."
After that he turns to face the sheriff.
"Indeed, five stout companions, or four stout companions and one drunken lout with little use to anyone.
But we packed for five, and we had the prisoners to consider...provisions were light, one thing lead to another..." Vidar says deadpan.
The pain of deep concern flashes across his face. "Murders? Are there more goblins?" Before Father Zantus has a chance to respond, a flash of light goes off over his head. "Wait, the guard at the gate mentioned that the sheriff wanted to see us. I completely forgot." He turns to head back to the garrison. Yelling back, "I catch up with you later." With that, he rushes off at a slow run.
Cam winds his way back through the streets and towards the garrison.
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The guards take Vidar's notes meekly but warm greatly as they see the extensive notes, diagrams and other notations that mark the wizard's eye fo detail, though they seem daunted (and afraid of messing up Vidar's book) the men spend the next few minutes appreciating the account of Magnimar.
As Vidar recounts the trip in such dire detail with deadpan tone, Hemlock takes a look of doubt mixed with consternation. He narrows his eyes for a moment and then he too offers an equally deadpan response, Unfortunate. Well I guess I will just have to rely on the pair of you then?
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Zantus offers a half wave and a shake of his head with a light smile as the young cleric bounds off for the garrison.
Cam and Rullis meet up in the streets and make their way to the gates to see Vidar and Kerrec talking to the Sheriff while a group of soldiers, partially undressed and sweating from heat and effort seem to be crowded around each other looking over a book.
Now there is a good sport, the sheriff is growing on me.
"Indeed, I do not believe that what remains of the others would prove all that...useful.
So, what has been going on in our absence? According to rumors, there have not been many goblin attacks, so I would assume it is something else."
Stroking his beard for a moment, Vidar leans forward and whispers.
"On the way we encountered a small scouting party of guards, they had an encounter with undeads, is this something to do with them as well?"
As Rullis approaches the group, he interrupts, "Sorry, I'm late. I was talking with Father Zantus. He mentioned something about more unpleasantness happening in town. Is this true?"
Alongside the cleric, Camillo looks at him, then at the sheriff, "He did? There is?"