Ishani agrees to meet you back at the Soldado home in the morning. He is quite impressed with your charity and generosity to aid this little girl, whom you barely know. "There are times," he says "when I wish I could act outside the strict hierarchical tenets of my faith. Be more charitable. Would you be amenable to my calling on you from time to time for aid or assistance? Of course, I would be happy to return the favor, as I could. You can find me at the Grand Vault of Abadar, should there be anything I can do to aid you."
You depart Trail's End without difficulty, returning to your quarters in North Point. Iozif is successful in finding the alchemical recipe that might aid the girl, if not cure her.
The rest of the day passes without incident, and as you gather in the common room of the tavern to enjoy your dinner, a small street urchin approaches your table. "'Xcuse me, masters. I am sup'osed to give this'n to you all." He leaves a small envelope on the table, bows slightly, and makes for the door.
The envelope is unmarked on the outside. Opening it, you find a short note, written in a fine-flowing hand. Heroes, I have need of your service. If you are friend to Korvosa you will meet me at my academy tomorrow at noon. There we will discuss how you might aid our fair city. I need not say, your utmost discretion is required. -- V.O."
"Orsini!" Gyllan exclaims when he reads the note. "Perhaps we'll see if my hunch is right..."
As the evening winds down and she rests in her private room, Arianna is visted by the spirit of Zellara the fortune-teller through her Harrow deck.
"Another reading is necessary, guardian of Korvosa. There is much at work that is dire for my fair city. I beg you, perform a reading with your allies present in the morning. The cards will show them some of what has happened, what is happening, and what may yet happen. Do not delay, this information may be key to understanding the larger currents at play here."
, = Str, NG
, = Con, CG
, = Dex, LG
, = Re-Roll
, = Dex, NE
, = Cha, LE
, = Int, CG
, = Dex, LE
, = Int, NE
Re-Roll: , = Int, LE
The Keep: This is the neutral good card of strength. It represents quiet, unshakeable strength that withstands any hardship.
The Mountain Man: This is the chaotic neutral card of constitution. This giant represents an encounter with a physical power outside of the subject's control.
The Dance: This is the lawful good card of dexterity. It represents a complicated framework that requires the cooperation of all to avoid collapse.
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The Rakshasa: This is the lawful evil card of intelligence. The rakshasa represents domination, mental control, and slavery.
The Crows: This is the neutral evil card of dexterity. It represents murder, theft, and the violent loss of that which is loved.
The Tyrant: This is the lawful evil card of charisma. It represents a ruler who harms those he rules.
--------
The Joke: This is the chaotic good card of intelligence. It represents a monster that can only be defeated through trickery, or the value of humor in circumventing difficult people.
The Avalanche: This is the lawful evil card of dexterity. It represents disaster: an unthinking panic and destruction that overruns all.
The Idiot: This is the neutral evil card of intelligence. It represents folly, greed, blackmail, bribery, or hubris.
In the morning before you depart for Trails End, Arianna calls you all to her chamber. There sitting at a table, she deals the Harrow cards saying that the reading is quite important, and must take place now. As Arianna spreads the cards, her word hands and voice become eerily possessed as if by the spirit of Zellara, the lost Varisian fortune teller herself. Even the accent and mannerisms change, as she offers cards for The Choosing and then lays The Spread.
The first row of cards are positive or good things, starting with the past to the present to the future. The first card is The Keep. This card is partially aligned which indicates it has importance. This card represents the past strength of the City of Korvosa, a strength is which is currently threatened by unseen forces.
The second card is the The Mountain Man. This card is not aligned. It signfies an external power that is present in Korvosa now. One that may serve good. Zellara/Arianna tells you this card represents you, the PC's.
The third card is The Dance. This card represents a complicated series of harmonious steps that must be achieved in the future for Korvosa to remain safe. This card is also partially aligned, and threfore of added importance. Zellara indicates the path to safety will be arduous and complicated but must be followed or destruction will result.
These are the top row of cards, indicating forces for good.
The second row of cards indicate items which may be neither positive or negative or maybe a bit of both.
The first card is for the past and the drawn card is The Rakshasha. This card is partially aligned indicating importance. The Rakshasha is an indicator that in the past, mind control or dominance has been used. The outcome of such control is unclear, but it's impact will be felt.
The second card representing unclear outcomes in the present is The Crows. This card indicates the loss of loved ones. Zellara suggests this card may indicate the loss of Brienne Soldado to her mysterious disease, unless actions are taken. She hints that Brienne may only be the first.
The third card in this row represents items of unclear outcome that may occur in the future. The card revealed in this spot is The Tyrant. As you suspect, this card indicates the cause of much of the future problems in Korvosa stems from one primary source: the crown. This card is not aligned.
This is the middle row, or the cards of unclear outcome in the spread reading.
The final row of cards are indicative of things that will have negative impact.
The first card is The Joke This card is an opposite match, which indicates it has the opposite meaning of its usual interpretation. It also indicates momentous significance. Zellara cries out when this card is revealed, fear contorting her features. "It should not be here. This is very very bad." She goes on to indicate the card in this position indicates a very dangerous plot occurred somewhere in the past. Something not funny at all, and not random or haphazard. Rather, a very meticulous and detailed work to create a very negative outcome.
The second card represents negative things occuring at present. The card here is The Avalanche. This card indicates disaster. Unrelenting, unthinking, unforgiving disaster. Zellara's concern grows as she sees this card. "Things are going to get very bad here. Very bad, and soon." This card is also partially aligned indicating strong importance.
The last card indicating negative future events is turned over and reveals The Idiot. This card is also partially aligned and indicates greed and grave foolishness will continue to lead the city to disaster.
Needs re-roll
need re-roll
Ulgrim accepts the reading at face value, never being one to read too much into prophecy. He prepares his gear, and is ready to depart after the reading is finished.
There is no reply to Corso's naive cry. The cards are silent, and Zellara's spirit, already have said her piece gives no answer.
The rest pack their gear in solemn silence considering all that was said, and unsaid, in the reading. Soon the group is ready for the return trip to Trail's End. They have also prepared to stop by Old Korvosa on the return trip, to see what the mystery of Orsini is all about.
The trip across North Bridge is uneventful, the city's business carrying on as usual. The same crowd of dangerous looking thugs waits at the crossroads, but this time the men wave in salute, or don't bother looking up at all as the group passes.
Soon enough, you arrive again at the ramshackle, but neatly kept, home of Tayce Soldado. Ishani has already arrived by the time you enter, and stands in the humble kitchen preparing an herbal tea. Tayce stands talking softly wiht the healer, her careworn but lovely face grey with lack of sleep.
"Are you really going to pay the Bank of Abadar to heal my Brienne?" she asks the heroes as they enter. "Why would you do that? We don't even know you?"
Ishani looks on with an interested gaze to hear the response.
"A'cause we can, and it's the right thing tae dae," Ulgrim mutters to the woman.
"As my friend has said, it's the right thing to do. Grau is a dear friend and his family is by rote a friend to me. Besides, it would be a heartless man who walks away from a child so gravely ill." Iozif looks faintly embarrassed as he finishes speaking and fiddles with the vials on his bandolier.
Ishani takes the proffered coin and, after being satisifed of the amount, walks slowly upstairs where the sounds of intoning and chanting are soon heard. After a few moments, he comes back down stairs, all smiles.
"The deed is done. The child is disease free, and should recover without incident." As if to echo his words, the bright-eyed Brienne descends the stairs behind him. "Momma, when's lunch? I am starving"
Tayce Soldado is beside herself with joy, hugging and kissing each of the heroes in turn, tears streaming down her face all the while. "Let me prepare you a feast!" she cries. "We should celebrate. I insist that you all stay for lunch. You are always welcome in my home. If there is ever any way I can repay you..."
Ishani is glad to stay for lunch and gladly takes up the widow on her offer. He begins packing his herbal remedies and gear and once again tells you, if ever you need a service, look him up at the Bank of Abadar.
Gyllan is happy to have helped out the sick child, explaining to Tayce, "As my friends say, it's a chance to help. I'm Korvosan, born and raised, and this city's hurting. Here's a chance to do a bit of good, it seems worth taking. Not to mention, my mother was of your people, and I know there's few enough that will help an 'outsider' like a Varisian, even if your family's been here for generations and your brother serves in the guard."
When the relieved mother offers lunch, he accepts as graciously as he can, while adding, "Sadly, we've little time for a proper feast, as we have to meet someone at noon. But I'd be happy to celebrate your daughter's recovery, if you don't mind making it a quick lunch." When it's prepared, he tucks in contentedly to the meal, its savor all the greater for knowing that they've earned it through a generous act. Such a thing is rare these days in the city, and being thanked for it rarer still. Even so, Gyllan's mind is on their planned meeting with Orsini, and he can't help wondering if his hunch will be proven correct this day.
Ulgrim sets aside his normal grumpiness and smiles at the sight of the healthy child. Then he smiles to Tayce. "Ah wouldn't mind a feast!"
Tayce nods understanding that such great men and women have important demands on their time. Even on short notice, she whips up a delicious meal, better than anything you've had in the Rings, for sure. Since most of you have a Varisian background, the spicy meats and savory vegetables have a familiar feel to them, but these are done exquisitely well for someone with such simple means.
After the delicious repast, you make ready to depart, and Tayce comes by hugging and kissing all the party once again. Ishani agrees to stay a little longer and make sure there is no relapse or other issue with the patient, so you make your farewells, and turn to ride for the Orsini Academy in Old Korvosa.
"If yehs ever need ought, give me a holler at the citadel," Ulgrim informs the family as they leave. "The food was wunnerful."
The ride back to town is pleasant enough, and crossing North Bridge again, teh group re-enters Korvosa. Heading north, they cross over into Old Korovsa, and eventually find their way to 16 Hillcrest Street, near the center of the old city.
Here they find Vencarlo Orsini's fencing academy, but the place appears empty. A hand-painted sign on the front door announces "Classes Cancelled Today". As you approach the front door, you are not exactly surprised when it opens.
Orsini himself stands in the front doorway, smiling at you. "I see you got my note. Thank you for coming, I am glad you are here." He ushers you inside, and down a short hall filled with trophies and medals. Eventually to a small study, where all the windows are tightly shuttered and curtained. where you can see all the windows are shuttered, all the blinds drawn.
In hushed tones, he explains, "I have something extremely important for you to do, a delicate situation that requires your special skills. You have impressed Croft so much, I thoguht I would see if you really have what it takes." The reason for his surrepritious behavior becomes obvious as he goes to a side door, opening it to reveal none other than the most wanted person in all of Korvosa: Trinia Sabor.
Wearing simple travelling clothes, the alleged regicide holds a wide-brimmed rider's hat and a wig of long red curls. She appears both nervous and excited and smiles at you saying, "Sorry I gave you so much trouble in the Shingles a few days ago. You can see why I was nervous."
"Please, be seated." says Orsini, recapturing your attention from the lovely, but ultimately doomed, girl. "You were all at the Queen's debacle, so I don't doubt you recognize this charming woman. I had only just reached my home that morning of Her Majesty's morbid gala when that rogue Blackjack and this startled woman arrived at my doorstep. The people's hero and I have had some dealings in the past, but still, it's been some years since I've seen the scoundrel. He was quick with his words, and soon swooped off -- doubtless to right some other festering wrong -- but not before entrusting Miss Sabor into my protection and care."
"Although I don't know Blackjack's motivation or politics, I trust his judgement and ahve seen much right done by his blade. He says the girl is innocent of the crime she's been accused of, and I am more than disposed to trust a hero of the city than the tantrums of some bloody-minded harlot playing at queen."
"The matter is simple: Korvosa is no longer safe for Miss Sabor. I've arranged for friends in Harse -- a couple of well-respected ranchers-- to take in our beautiful renegade until this whole 'assassination' foolishness blows over. Its the first leg of the journey where we find our problem, though. Both the Korvosan Guard and the Sable Company have been searching for the young lady tirelessly -- they've stopped here three times so far, and each time I've only just barely been able to turn them away without inviting a search. My most recent reliable contacts have gone to ground in light of the recent uprisings, and Her Highness's considerable bounty for Trinia's capture makes use of new agents unadvisable. Thus, after some time to let her trail cool, I turned to your resourceful lot. Care to escort a fair lady home?"
"We kin certainly try!" Ulgrim exclaims. His guilt over turning Trinia in the first time surges to the surface again. "Sorry for leaving you to the wolves before, Miss Sabor. Ah dinnae ken the depths of the queen's evil at the time. Naext time Ah won't make the same mistake." The grizzled watchman offers his calloused dwarven hand to Trinia by way of apology. His expression is downcast and contrite.
Arianna nods in agreement with Ulgrim's words. "It is good to see that you are relatively safe, Trinia, we shall do our best to see that you stay that way...hopefully our efforts will be more successful than our previous try."
Gyllan studies Orsini’s face and words carefully, trying to judge if his hunch about Blackjack’s identity has anything to it. Sadly, as adept as he tends to be at reading the faces of his fellow men, Gyllan simply cannot tell if the man is hiding something. He greets Corso’s raised eyebrow with a shrug. Maybe, maybe not, he seems to be saying.
Frustrated but resolved to solve the puzzle one day, he turns to Trinia and says, ”I, too, am sorry for the part I played in your capture. I’m glad we were able to help a little in your escape, and very happy that we’ll be able to see you to safety."
Iozif follows the master silently into his home, glancing about warily. His eyes goggle at the unexpected presence of the most wanted woman in Korvosa. He bows to her, "It seems it is a common refrain, but it certainly bears repeating. I'm sorry, Miss Sabor, that we left you to the wolves. It would be the very least I can do to assist my companions in seeing you free."
Attempts to catch Orsini in a lie fail. You believe nothing but his sincerity in helping the poor girl escape her trumped up fate.
Trinia is very gracious in accepting your apologies. "What else could you do?" she says by way of granting you absolution. "The Queen was going to have her trial one way or the other. She'll have her beheading too, if we don't get out of here safely."
Orsini nods next to her. "I am glad you accept. I thought you would. I have taken the liberty of acquiring a horse for Miss Sabor and many of the mundane supplies you might need on a trip to the country. Food, water, and the like. Do you have mounts? My suggestion would be to trust to her disguise, follow the crowd to High Bridge, and mingle with folk leaving after a day's work. The more exotic attempts to escape, like flying or signs of magical power, are certainly being watched, but a low-key walk out -- that should succeed."
"That is my advice, but I will leave the details to your resourcefulness. I am too well known in Korvosa to accompany you, but based on the visits from the Guard and Marine, it may be time for me to lay low for a while as well. My past criticisms of the king and queen have made someone suspicious and now is not the time for justice in Korvosa, as you know well. I will disappear for a while, please don;t try and find me. I will call upon you, if i should need you again. Best of luck. Take good care of our prize here."
And with that he leaves the study to attend to his own affairs before disappearing for a bit.
"If there's sickness about, we could disguise urselfs as plague ridden beggars. Then just walk out as the man suggested," Ulgrim says. He concentrates for a moment and his 'clothes' change appearance. He is now wearing a set of filthy, torn rags which cover him nearly from head to toe. "Just need summat to stink me up..."
"We needn't be exactly with her, jus' near her, nae? If we distract attention from her, all the better."
Gyllan grins at Corso's suggestion. Predictable, he certainly is, but entertaining all the same. "That's a fine plan, Corso," he weighs in, "it'll give at least one of us an excuse to be right by her side should something happen. And I couldn't think of a man better suited to the job..."
Turning to Ulgrim, he adds, "I'm not so skilled at disguise as you, but I imagine I can pass for a poor fellow desperate to get out of Korvosa. The sad thing is, there's some truth to that tale, at this point, as rough as things are in the city."
Iozif smiles in relief as Trinia graciously accepts his apology. He listens to Orsini and his companion, thinking rather then chiming in. He finally replies, minutes after Orsini has left. He snorts in amusement at Corso's suggestions, opining, "The plan sounds acceptable t me. I've little skill with disguise, but I can probably pass with some help. I do wonder though, that if we simply give Miss Sabor a robe, that they will not ask her to show her face. Perhaps if we insist the lady is sick, and highly contagious, then we might have more luck? In keeping with Corso's-" Iozif struggles visibly for a moment to find the word, "-proposition, I could be the lady's doctor. I'm not an accomplished liar, but I do know a goodly bit of medicine and with Corso's help me might succeed."
Gyllan nods along as Iozif speaks, commenting, "That sounds pretty convincing to me. Let's just be sure to not make Trinia's retinue too impressive, one of the guards might expect to recognize an especially rich noble, and she won't pass that test. And too much wealth will attach attention we don't want. But if she looks like the pretty, young wife of a fat, successful merchant, that should work."
With a specific plan in mind, the party sets about making the disguises believable. AFter a little preparation to go with the inspiration, they are ready to set out. Orsini has already left them, quietly, and they leave the safety of the quiet fencing academy behind.
On the streets of Old Korvosa nobody gives the retinue a second glance, but as they cross the bridge to the mainland, a squadron of Hellknights guards the other side, stopping random travelers, asking for papers, and the like.