The North near the Tower - Week 3 - Day 20
The Knot crosses the river where it is most easily fordable. Based on the lack of reaction from the Tower, it appears that none of you were spotted.
"So what's a 'play' anyway? Do humans gather around and watch kids or somethin'?" Jack asked as they neared the fort.
"It's a performance, they memorize a script and recite it on a stage." Soren heads toward town, turning back into her Mitran disguise. "They'll all be distracted, and once they've been poisoned by the stew it shouldn't cause us much trouble to gain control of the gatehouse. I expect the Lord Commander will still be around to cause us trouble, however. We'll need to look out for him, and whatever summoned allies he an conjure up. Once we're back to town, we need to move quickly to get our plan in motion and send the signal to Sakkarot."
"I suppose I will see you all there." Unless she is needed by the group she will head off to help cook a delightfully deadly stew.
The Great Hall of the Watchtower of Balentyne - Week 3 - Day 20
Nate and Aurex are in attendance waiting the play in the back row. Aurex looks disgusted but so far has not revealed himself to be anything other than a soldier with a bad attitude since the Knot's time in Aldencross.
Alice and Vaundour remain behind in the city coordinating with the servants of the Mother of Monsters as the Mayor and the InnKeeper have been getting more and more antsy about striking the Tower since your identities were revealed to them.
Morana of course heads to Mama Guiseppe to aid her in making her "famous" stew, this time with some special ingredients provided by Lamashtu's followers.
Sir Jack Balin, Lydia Kallin, and Laurence Hail travel to the Tower to attend the play. Sir Jack receives a standing ovation from the assembled soldiers and father Donnigan himself takes a seat with the Mitran Luminaries in the front row. Lord Havelyn himself is noticeably absent.
---
The play begins, the spectators come to realize that Ye Merrie Men are just that, Men. Even the female roles are played by the men. Convincingly. Grumble despite himself is spell bound by the performance.
The rousing tale is one of how love and greed brought down a great city state. The plot hinges around the romance of two young lovers Brandon and Bronwyn and their doomed romance.
Halfway through the play is an intermission, during that intermission a guardsman approaches Lydia. "Inquisitor, Lord Havelyn wishes to see you. He apologizes for the inconvenience but believes that you should be back just in time for the Second Act to begin".
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Jack stood there for a moment as the applause washed over him. He was clearly surprised, discomfort playing across his face. To an outside observer it came across as a celebrity not quite sure how to handle their fame. In actuality, Grumble hated being under scrutiny, especially from threats. Large numbers of Mitrans were certainly a threat.
After a moment he realized these people were throughly duped and smiled back, raising his hand to give a casual wave to the crowd before following to his seat and sitting next to Father Donnigan, giving the priest a greeting and a handshake.
He was glad for all the practice he'd had at being Sir Jack as he'd wandered around town in the last two weeks speaking to people. This felt like a true test. A small, satisfied smile played across the knight's handsome face.
As the play started he was confused at first, but it slowly dawned on him what he was watching. The performance was just people pretending to be other people. The audience was in on the scam. It was hilarious, and enthralling.
Suddenly he understood what it must be like to be Asmodeus. The dawning revelation into the nature of his god was a reverential moment that had him reeling until intermission.
Then Soren was led away and it occurred to him that he was completely alone. Any wrong move and he would be exposed, without anyone to help cover his mistake.
He still did not have much of an understanding of Mitran social customs. For the first time in his life, he found himself wishing for someone's help. Having any of the rest of the Knot with him would be helpful. Inwardly he snarled at himself as he realized his weakness. He shouldn't need to rely on others. He would just have to try harder to learn more. He was tired of feeling like a liability any time they had to blend in with the stupid Mitrans.
It was lucky they were so damn stupid.
Still, weakness or not, he wished Alice or Morana was there. He was certainly more comfortable in the company of the Dammen than the other males. He didn't know how to make of them. Lothryin was directly, and obviously favored by the Lord of Nessus. He did not need to prove himself in any way to receive his blessings. He had been chosen. Jack respected that, but it certainly made him jealous, but that felt wrong. It was too much like questioning the motives of Asmodeus himself. So mostly he felt bewildered. Nate, on the other hand, was unassuming. A willing and resourceful servant, but still, nothing special. Except that he commanded the loyalty of a dragon. How, Jack had no idea. It didn't matter though. The reality of it spoke for itself. Nate, as unimpressive as he seemed, was probably the most impressive of all of them. Aurex was a challenger to Jack's position as the alpha predator, but Nate was a firm ally. Again, it was confusing.
It occurred to him as he watched the show that it was all an act. All of them. Every one of the Night Knot. Not just in their infiltration. That was obvious. But further. They were all acting, all the time. Pretending to be people who were pretending to be other people.
The truth was buried under so many layers. But just like the people on stage, when they would occasionally do something that was not quite what the script called for, and the actor beneath would show through for a moment, Jack felt like he was starting to see his allies as they really were.
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"What kind of pathetic children's tale is this? Why would anybody allow their power to slip away because of love for another? It's ridiculous, especially considering the woman in question is just a skinny man with a high-pitched voice. Is that part of the joke? Will he eventually win his 'love' only to learn that he cannot plant his seed and that his mate is unable to provide him with children? I wonder if that's how the second act will go. He learns of the deception and kills the skinny man-girl."
Soren looks up as the guard speaks to her, and steels her face to keep her worry from being noticeable. She pauses for a second and takes a deep breath before nodding. "Yes, of course. I shan't keep him waiting, even for such a performance as riveting as this. Please, take me to him." She gives Grumble a good, long look as she walks away, before turning to leave. It was innocuous enough that anyone looking might know it to simply be a glance between comrades, but she knew the half-ogre would understand; Grumble was a predator, and she knew he would see the wariness in her gaze. It was look that said he ought to come looking, hopefully with the others, if she didn't show up by the intermission. It was a look that said she was worried their cover may be compromised. For perhaps the first time, Grumble looked into his ally's eyes and saw fear, just before she turned away and left the courtyard and the play behind.
"Is the Lord Commander in his office, then? Did he mention what he wanted, perhaps?" Soren tries to speak with the guard calmly, using it both to gather some information and calm herself down in the process. Soren might be scared, but Lydia wasn't. She felt her churning stomach start to calm as she settled back into the guise of the Mitran inquisitor. She corrected her gait and took on Lydia's confident stride and let her neutral expression fade into a scowl. It was uncomfortable to be Soren at the moment--and in many others--but Lydia swallowed her up and became a second skin. The inquisitor had nothing to worry about.
The Great Hall of the Watchtower of Balentyne - Week 3 - Day 20
The Knights begin to mill about, none pay any attention to the guard who led Lydia away and all are talking about the play itself.
Father Donnigan appears irate and complains to Sir Jack and Laurence, "My word Lord Havelyn is in a mood today. I don;t see any reason why he would not attend the play. I arranged for all of this to improve morale, something he constantly points out could use improvement, and still he sits and broods in that tower office of his.
Tell me Sir Jack, when you are in a foul mood, what makes you happy? Perhaps I can use that suggestion to shake Lord Havelyn".
---
One of the soldiers nearby laughs at Aurex's comments, "Man Nate, I hope your buddy is kidding. I mean, you are, right pal? Ya' can't be that daft can ya'?" The other nearby soldiers get a good chuckle out of the affair.
---
Aldencross - Week 3 - Day 20
The Lord's Private Chambers - Watchtower of Balentyne - Week 3 - Day 20
The guard does not respond to any of Soren's inquiries merely leads her up the stairs though the Keep until you both arrive at the top level. .
This plainly furnished room is the residence of the commander of the watchtower, Lord Thomas Havelyn, Knight of the Alerion, and Protector of Aldencross.
Thomas’ chamber is as much a shrine as it is bedchamber. There is an oil portrait of one of the most beautiful women Soren has ever seen. The portrait is surrounded by carefully tended candles. Next to it is a large book, tome really, opened to some of the last pages
As you both enter Lord Havelyn motions for "Lydia" to sit. The guard closes the door and stands before it hands resting at his side.
Lord Havelyn notices Lydia observing the painting, "My dear deceased wife Lady Bronwyn Havelyn. She died tragically in an accident. I was not... allowed to revive her from the dead".
The name Bronwyn strikes you, that is the same name as the woman in the play...
Lord Havelyn continues, "Unfortunate, my wife had much to give this country. She was a gifted writer. But... she was a heretic. Yes indeed, her crime and to some great extent my crime, the reason why I am the Lord of a Tower to the furthest point North of the Kingdom is because of my wife's sins.
She indulged me in the pleasures of the flesh, awakened in me feelings I did not know, could not have imagined existed. Still, my Loyalty to Mitra never wavered, not for a second. Not even after her "accidental" death".
He pauses and looks at the portrait and then turns back to look past you and at the guard at the door, "Sergeant Donovan, please, tell Lydia what you saw this morning".
The Sergeant replies tilting his head downwards in, judgment? "I saw you crossing the river with your companions. Do you deny it!" He bellows with rage.
Lord Havelyn raises his hands, "Sergeant, we are merely asking questions of the Inquisitor, nothing more. She must be allowed to speak".
The Sergeant protests, "My Lord! Captain Varning and all of his men are late to report, still have yet to arrive! I have no doubt that this one is responsible, her and her friends! I have seen them late at night carousing with the Mayor and his cronies we have long known them to be crooked..."
Lord Havelyn slams his hand on his desk, "Sergeant! We must let the Inquisitor speak. Well, what have you to say in response to these charges?" He looks at you Lydia his eyes narrowed.
Soren's eye catches the hidden symbol of Asmodeus and holds back a smile, keeping her face neutral. 'Perhaps my thought of turning Havelyn is not so far-fetched as I thought... Now is not the time, but perhaps when we storm the castle. I will bring this development to the others.' Even as he explains, Soren keeps a stony face. She has to, or their entire plot will unravel before her. It's all on her. She will not fail the Knot. "M'lord, I see no reason to deny the truth. My companions and I did cross the river this morning. We were traveling far afield, believing that possibly any cultist activity would be carried out beyond the watching eyes of the Tower. I will admit I had an ulterior motive in going today, however; no one in the Tower is above scrutiny, Lord Havelyn, not even yourself. I thought perhaps to speak with Captain Varning before he returned and both see if he had seen anything suspicious and also to question him. Unfortunately, we saw no sign of him. I'm sorry to hear he hasn't returned, but I haven't any idea where he is."
"As for... consorting with the Mayor, I also have nothing to hide. After you mentioned your suspicions of him, Lord Havelyn, I saw fit to investigate him personally for any evidence of involvement in the cult we're tracking. I thought the best avenue for doing so was to attempt to gain their trust and use that to find out their involvement in anything... nefarious. I'm afraid I haven't found anything thus far, but considering how long they've potentially been operating in Aldencross--if they are up to anything, that is--I'm not surprised nothing has turned up yet."
"I hope that answers your questions, Sergeant. I would be happy to give the same answer while under the effects of the lie detection spell. Still, perhaps Lord Havelyn ought to send you to be trained as an inquisitor. You have... well, you certainly have a knack for such things, as ill-founded as your theory might be." Soren barely holds back a sigh, keeping her body rigid as Lydia would. She holds Lord Havelyn's gaze, not wanting to look away lest it betray her secrets. 'The Lord Commander is too smart for his own good... let's hope I'm lucky enough to keep him in the dark for a little while longer.'
Jack was surprised by the priest's question and thought for a moment. "Faith." he rumbled. "I spend a lot of time being frustrated. Not knowing things. Trying to figure out what's real and what isn't. Most of the time I feel like I'm only seeing a little part of a great big picture."
"I'm not as smart as I should be for this job. When it gets under my skin, I remember that I am blessed. I've been chosen. Even when I feel like I'm not strong enough for this, it's clear that the Lord disagrees. He grants me miracles to help in my pursuit of his enemies. He doesn't do that for people who aren't worthy, so I must be doing something right. Even if I can't always see it."
"Knowing that always makes me feel better."
The Lord's Private Chambers - Watchtower of Balentyne - Week 3 - Day 20
Lord Havelyn narrows his eyes at Soren, "It seems the Inquisitor is lying Sergeant Donovan". The Lord states softly in a fluid motion he stands reaching beneath his desk pulling a crossbow which he levels at you. You hear the sound a sword being pulled from a scabbard behind you. As you turn to try to quickly decide which foe to attack first you hear a twang from the crossbow.
Heavy Crossbow Attack
Heavy Crossbow Damage
Yous stiffen, waiting for the impact. Instead, to your surprise and the horror of Sergeant Donovan the bolt finds purchase not with the liar in the room but with the Sergeant. He staggers backwards but no sound emanates from his throat, in fact you can hear nothing. As you glance back Lord Havelyn drops the crossbow draws his sword and steps from around his desk his eyes only for the Sergeant.
The Sergeant raises his blade to parry but the Master of the Tower is far too quick for the Sergeant
Longsword Attack #1 - Damage
Longsword Attack #2 - Damage
who falls to the superior swordsmanship of Lord Havelyn. He turns back to you, the room still under the effects of the silence spell his bloody longsword in hand, to gauge your reaction to what has just taken place.
Soren stands stock still for a moment, watching the blood drip from Havelyn's blade, before she slowly takes her hand from the grip of her pistol. She breathe heavily, her eyes still fixated on the dead sergeant. "It was your wife, wasn't it?" she asks after a few moments when the unnatural silence fades. "They killed your wife, and you wanted revenge. You became a dark reflection of the man you once were, the opposite side of the same coin." She stands in silence for a moment, before she lets the disguise drop and showing her true form to the Lord Commander. She approaches him slowly, one hand held out for a handshake.
"We have come to bring war to Talingarde. Join us, Havelyn. Taste the vengeance you have so long sought to bring."
Aldencross -
You head to the Black Ice Inn seeking out the "Innkeeper" to ascertain whether he has the necessary poisons ready. You find him in the kitchens simultaneously brewing or cooking, it's hard to tell which, when one of his minions alerts him to your presence.
He nods to you, "Hungry after a hard days work?"
Aldencross -
You sit down with the "Mayor" at his Manse, his look is so paranoid he must really be on edge.
"Assured? Assured? Every day you and yours are here is another day that we could be exposed. I am sure that the High Priest will have your precious potions ready but when do we strike!?"
The Lord's Private Chambers - Watchtower of Balentyne -
Lord Havelyn sheathes his sword and stares at your hand but does not shake it. His head rises and he stares into your eyes there you see a burning passion. "This was certainly fate, you look so much like her..." You know of men and their desires, you know he longs to kiss you. Unlike most men, this man has restraint.
He slowly walks behind his desk and takes his seat, "There are things I would know of you and yours first. Such as your true name, your plans. There are things I would also tell you". He reaches into his desk and removes a locket sliding it across the desk to you.
The Great Hall of the Watchtower of Balentyne -
As the intermission comes to an end, Soren has still not returned. The troupe calls for silence and the dimming of the torches as the play is set to begin. From the back the doors open and a soldier walks through the crowd screaming turning to the men around him. "Did you know? Did you know!?" He roars.
He bounds upon the stage, now you see him better, it is Captain Franz Mott and he is dressed in full armor with his sword strapped to his waist. In his hand are several crumpled up pieces of paper. "Who f~$+ing knew? Who f~$&ing knew!?"
The soldiers and Father Donnigan are taken aback by his behavior and red hot rage. On of the actors approaches him, "Good Captain..."
He draws his sword, "Back away cur. Back away or I'll skewer you where you stand. Get up here, get up here now Eddarly and answer for your crimes!"
Soren lets her hand drop to her side with little care. "My name is Soren Marsailles. My parents were Louis and Marinette of House Marsailles, before they cast me out of their home for being... a monster." For a second, her face twists up into a snarl. She pulls off one glove to show the 'F' shaped brand that was burned into her flesh. "My fellows and I, at least the first of us, were sentenced to death in Branderscar. We are, to my knowledge, the first to ever escape from its walls. A few others have found their way to us since then, but all are bound by the Oath. We have come here to bring war to Talingarde; we killed the men to the North on their way into town, for fear they had discovered our plot. To the North, an army of bugbears led by Sakkarot Fire-Axe is waiting for our signal to march toward the Tower. Tomorrow night, the stew brought to feed the soldiers of this Tower will be poisoned. We will take the gatehouse and open it for Sakkarot's hordes. The men within this tower will be slaughtered." She picks up the locket gingerly and opens it with a delicate touch to see what's inside.
"Save for you, of course. If there are any others within this Tower who follow you, they should find a way to be absent."
Aldencross -
You sit down with the "Mayor" at his Manse, his look is so paranoid he must really be on edge.
"Assured? Assured? Every day you and yours are here is another day that we could be exposed. I am sure that the High Priest will have your precious potions ready but when do we strike!?"
Alice is not so good with words as Soren, but she knows she can exude power.
She sits up straight, no doubt in her voice, and looks the mayor straight in the eyes.
"Have fairth Mayor. If all goes to plan, tomorrow night the soldiers will eat the poisoned stew. By dawn they will either be dead or weakened, allowing us to strike."
The Lord's Private Chambers - Watchtower of Balentyne -
You open the locket and see a portrait of you! Or at least, a Tiefling who looks very much like you.
Lord Havelyn replies, "I am and always have been loyal to Mitra. Even now I feel him surge in my heart. Still, his followers are not as pure as is he. They have twisted his teachings those who rules these lands.
Indeed, my wife was a follower of Asmodeus. She believed that she was somehow descended from him. She was no slayer of children or blasphemer. She believed that the Gods all had their purpose, Mitra included. I held her beliefs not against her and loved her for them. Still, she recognized that she must hide her true self from the Mitrans who would hate her for what she was and not who she was.
Then the accident, in death her visage slipped revealing her for what she was, a Tiefling. The Mitrans believed me duped by her charms. I begged them to resurrect her that they could question her, they denied my request and hid her body away from me that I not be able to follow through on my request. Then I was sent here, far away from all I knew, from my family, whose heritage was strong enough to warrant a pass for the mis-step I took in marrying such a "creature".
Still, I followed my Lord. Aided the people from the encroachment of monsters. Lo the many years have passed and I have become an older man. Still of vigor but with more years behind than ahead. I long to see my beloved. Can you promise me that? Can you and your Lord Asmodeus bring her back to me?"
Sir Balin stood, putting a firm hand on Father Donnogan's shoulder, urging him to stay in his seat. "Get back to your stage." he said to the actor.
Jack had a hand resting on his sword, but didn't do anything. He just waited, watching for what the Captain would do next.
I see the captain found the present I left him. Raaven's voice whispered in Jack's mind. And in the middle of a play, no less. Such drama!
Soren just looks at the locket for a moment, clearly in shock. 'This woman... who is she? How can we look so similar? This doesn't make sense.' Her hands tense for a moment before she realizes it could break the hinge of the necklace in her hands. 'Asmodeus, is this why you chose me? Could it be that I am this woman, or was? You work in mysterious ways, my Lord.'
"I cannot do such a thing, it is beyond my power. The powers I have been given were not for such purposes. I have been given great power to destroy the foes of my patron god, but... to bring life to another is something that I fear will elude me eternally. I am a tool of vengeance and destruction, nothing more." She pauses, wringing her free hand as she thinks. "None of my number possess such a power, but our patron? I don't know the full extent of his power, but he is a powerful cardinal of the Asmodean faith. It is possible that, if we were to possess her remains, he could bring her back to the land of the living. Such a thing is certainly not beyond the power of a god." Soren rolls the locket over in her hands a few times, glancing down at the picture again. She feels her stomach turn a bit as she notes the curves of the woman's face, how uncanny the similarity is. She finally closes it and looks up at Lord Havelyn.
"Lord Havelyn... how long ago did your wife die?"
"Well this could be interesting" Laurence whispers to Sir Ballin, "I wonder if the captain will gut that man who is laying with his wife, this could turn out to be even better than the play." he remarks.
"I like this plot twist." Aurex says as he ravenously eats a handful of popcorn.
Offering a wide smile, "Not really but I thank you for the offer."
Leaning against a counter and just watching for a moment before asking, "Is it done?"
Aldencross -
He grins, "Indeed it is done. This though is soup in the pot. Your product is in vials tucked away in my storage room.
Tell me Morana once this final push is over and these Mitrans are brought to heel, would you like to spend some time together? I've not been able to find a suitable mate among these weakflesh people..."
Aldencross -
"Tomorrow it is then...", he replies clearly exhausted of all patience.
The Lord's Private Chambers - Watchtower of Balentyne -
Lord Havelyn nods his head as if speaking to himself, "Then I should like to meet your Patron.
I fear her remains were hidden from me though for just that reason. No doubt they are dust now, thirty years is a long time ago.
There are a few things I wish before I am to agree with and aid your plan. First, the people of Aldencross. I would not have the citizens murdered in their beds, I will remain in the city that day and encourage the people to flee. Second, I will be in the city for a reason, I shall watch you and yours murder the Mayor with whom I have had a long standing feud and all of his cronies.
Are these terms agreeable?"
The Great Hall of the Watchtower of Balentyne - Week 3 - Day 20
The actor looks at Sir Jack bewildered and steps away.
Captain Eddarly heads up to the stage sword still in its sheathe, "Franz, what are you on about?"
Captain Mott throws the pages in the face of Eddarly, "The question is what are you on about. I will have satisfaction knave! I'll have it here and now! Draw your weapon".
Father Donnigan stands under Sir Jack's light touch, "This is not the time nor the place Captain Mott. If your grievance is true, Lord Havelyn will hear it and the appropriate punishment will be meted out. Sir Jack can you aid here?"
Captain Mott turns to the Father, "This is no one's business besides mine and Eddarly's!" Eddarly still has not drawn his blade.
"Captain Mott, where is your wife?" Sir Jack asked.
Soren gasps and nearly drops the locket from her hands, only snagging it at the last moment. 'Thirty years? But I... I can't believe it. There's no way this could possibly be a coincidence.' Soren shakes her head and comes to her senses, clearing her throat as she does so.
"Such a miracle is not beyond the power of a god, Lord Havelyn. Even without her remains, your hope is not lost. When our mission is done and we return to my patron, we might speak with him about what's to be done." When Lord Havelyn begins to note his wishes, Soren nods along. That said, she visibly winces when he brings up the mayor. "The citizens were never the target, Lord Havelyn. The Tower is what must fall, but for that the townspeople need not be slaughtered." Soren sighs, placing the locket back on the desk in front of her. "The situation with the mayor is complicated. The owner of the Black Ice Inn is the head of a secret cult of Lamashtu within the city, with the Mayor as his eager puppet. When we discovered this, we forged a contract in order to secure their allegiance. It's their poison which will be slipped into the stew the soldiers of this Tower will eat. To kill them without provocation, that would be... it would break the terms of our agreement. We must find some cause for our aggression, either a loophole or have them break the pact first. It is doable, however."
"My companions still await my return, Lord Havelyn. I should likely return to the play so as to not raise suspicion... would you care to join me?"
Look at you being popular. Raising an eyebrow at the offer. Turning to look at a wall, "The Mitrans stole that option from me. I do not know how long purging them from this world and ushering them in the cruel arms of their God will take. After the fact, when they are all gone, from more than just this little town but the whole land, you are welcome to ask again."
The Great Hall of the Watchtower of Balentyne -
Captain Mott turns to Sir Jack still fuming, "What is it your business Sir Jack!?
The Lord's Private Chambers - Watchtower of Balentyne -
Lord Havelyn appears displeased but nods. "First my dear, we must implicate Sergeant Donovan in your little conspiracy. However, there has to have been a rationale for why I slew him. Unfortunately, you will need to bleed to sell this story..."
Aldencross -
He frowns, "We might not live that long. A simple no would suffice. Here, take the poison. My followers are becoming restless, they wish to strike and soon. Your presence here agitates them, I trust that the time is nigh?"
"Takes two to f$!$," Jack said bluntly. "She's not here, so either she doesn't know what you're up to, or you went to her first. Which is it?"
The Great Hall of the Watchtower of Balentyne -
The gasps from the assembly at Sir Balin's blunt statement is stunningly loud. Mott snarls, "I don't need to see her, ever again. I do though, demand satisfaction. I challenge you to a duel Eddarly, right here right now! Draw your weapon or I'll cut you down like the cur you are". His voice is full of malice.
Father Donnigan stands next to Sir Balin, "Sir Balin is right. This must ne an inves..."
Captain Mott turns to the Father, "Anyone who wishes to interfere on Captain Eddarly's behalf I will consider a collaborator or facilitator of this sick betrayal of my wife's marriage vows. They will be dealt with accordingly..."
Eddarly stands on stage hand on the hilt of his sword but not yet drawn.
"Best stand down, Father. He's made his choice. I doubt anyone here wants to risk dying over Eddarly's lusts, or Mott's stupidity." Sir Balin said calmly. "Someone go get the Lord Commander." he boomed.
"I never want to rule anything out but for now I cannot deviate from my path so no then, if you insist." Nodding, "Thank you for the poison, I will put it to good use." As requested she leaves and heads off.
"We will deal with the mayor, you needn't worry. It just needs to be done in a... specific fashion." When Havelyn mentions her needing to bleed, she just shrugs and leans down, pulling the blade from the sergeant's sheath. She grits her teeth and draws the blade sharply across dominant arm twice, grimacing before setting the blade near the hand of the sergeant. "It's nothing I haven't done before, Lord Havelyn. You learn to make certain sacrifices." She once again puts on her disguise, being sure to add the drying blood to her sleeve. "Lord Havelyn, it is possible we could kill two birds with one stone. We could say your sergeant was involved with the mayor and his cronies, in covering up their cult. When you discovered his lies he attacked us both, and he managed to attack me before you put him down. Even with their death, they could be blamed for the poisoning of your men and the fall of the town."
The Great Hall of the Watchtower of Balentyne -
Father Donnigan rushes off to retrieve the Lord Commander.
Mott moves forward blad at the ready but several soldiers rush the stage and break up any potential fight, "You heard what Sir Balin said Captain! Lord Havelyn must have his say!"
The fight, for now, it seems is on hold. Mott continues to curse at Eddarly and struggle even though he is restrained by several of his own men.
Aldencross - Week 3 - Day 20
Morana takes the poison with nary another word from the Cult Leader and heads to Mama Guiseppe's home. The front door is closed but the smell of cooking surround the homestead.