With so many enemies out there, Sourat can't help but wonder why they all seemed to be trying so hard to make more of them. He gave not a damn for all this drama and proceeded with checking in. The promise of being able to take off his backpack and sink into a tub filled with hot water is music to his ears. No dramaqueen would take that promise away from him today.
Rose sent the others on ahead to their rooms. There was undoubtably more going on with their new companions than any of them knew. Whatever it was she needed to learn enough to figure out how to take the edges off any liabilities. She was sworn to them now. If she could help, she had to.
The others didn't understand yet. They were driven to this point by the cruelties and hypocrisies of the world. They were all cynical and jaded and more than a little monstrous. Their first response to adversity was suspicion or hate. It was understandable, really. Most people in the world deserved no less. These two women though, they were different. The others would figure that out soon enough.
Rose was probably the most monstrous of all of them, but only because she fully embraced what she was. She was evil, sure. She was a born and bred champion of Asmodeus. It didn't get much more evil than that. She knew it. Hell, she liked it.
But that didn't mean she couldn't be nice too.
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Mysty goes to her room, and with relief drops her act once the door is closed. She sees apples on the table, so she takes one and cutting with a dagger starts to eat it.
looking around she sees a couple of beds, a table and a picture of the king on the wall.
typical inn.
She checks the windows, to see the escape possibilities.
She then sits and eats her apple.
I must find out what the plans are at the moment for the towers destruction. If those two below are the planners, it may need...modifications.
She smiled with anticipation of what was to come.
Hail Asmodeus
Rose sent the others on ahead to their rooms. There was undoubtably more going on with their new companions than any of them knew. Whatever it was she needed to learn enough to figure out how to take the edges off any liabilities. She was sworn to them now. If she could help, she had to.
Fausto is reluctant to leave as quickly as the others do and addresses Rose, "Lady, they outnumber you and we don't know them. Let me at least wait around for a minute or two. Asmodeus has blessed me with some keen insight into people's hearts."
He looks at the two women again, "Once I'm satisfied you're safe, I'll leave you to your dealings, eh?"
Seren stares deeply in Nahia's eye. Is this another lie? Can I really trust you?
Seren rocks back on her heels, shoulder slumped, the emotional toll of this morning draining her of energy. "Okay, I believe you. If I can't trust someone then I'm dead already...This task is already almost impossible."
"I still don't like this though. Why would the Cardinal send reinforcements? What does he know that we don't?" Seren asks, nervousness in her voice.
"I'm guessing Eric and Zerik aren't coming back... Only thing I could see making this whole bloody situation have a little bit of sense behind it. Or we're dead of course." Seren adds with a shake of her head.
"Whatever it is, I guess lets go find out." She says as she begins to walk back to the Inn with Nahia at her side. "Oh, and I'm going to need a new mace."
Rose sighs in exaggerated exasperation and nods. "What danger do you think I will be in in the common room of this inn?"
At the mention of their Father Below, Rose glanced around for just a moment making sure that no one was paying attention and reached up to gently drape an arm around his neck and pull him a little closer in a steel grip that belied the tender expression on her face.
"Disgression, Fausto. Some things should only ever be discussed privately." she said sweetly but sternly reminding him where they were.
Insight into hearts, but none about not getting caught. No wonder he ended up in the mines.
"Stay if you wish, your concern is appriciated."
Rose sighs in exaggerated exasperation and nods. "What danger do you think I will be in in the common room of this inn?"
Fausto raises his eyebrows, "Plenty. I've killed men in places such as these."
"Disgression, Fausto. Some things should only ever be discussed privately." she said sweetly but sternly reminding him where they were.
Insight into hearts, but none about not getting caught. No wonder he ended up in the mines.
"Stay if you wish, your concern is appriciated."
Fausto nods, "Thank you. I promise not to interfere--too much." The inquisitor smiles as if remembering an inside joke, "Oh, and I think you mean discretion"
He winks smugly at Lady Rose and waits for the newcomers to approach. As is normal for the pretty ones... not too bright
Nahia will walk along with Seren back towards the town and the inn, talking as they walk. "I can only assume that yes, something happened and they aren't coming back of their own free will. And maybe the Cardinal realized how difficult, if not impossible, this task is, but wasn't sure before if he could procure help? Better to make us think none are coming than give us false hope? Either way, at least we won't be doing this by ourselves."
When Seren mentions her weapon, Nahia will look at her and say "Well, just to be prepared, would you like to borrow my sickle until we get you a new one?"
@Nahia/Seren
”Ah, there you are!” says a familiar voice. You look around and see Eric and Zerik walking into your direction.
”I was afraid I would not be able to find you. Dearest paid us a visit. It seems the Cardinal have sent reinforcement for ‘us’, while ordering me and Zerik to do other things. I’m afraid we’ll not be able to help you in your mission. ” he says with a apologetic look.
He then realizes there must be something wrong and ask ”Something happened?”
Seren looks at Nahia's sickle, weighing the benefits, she grins for a moment and a dark mist circles around her hand. "I think I'll be okay. I've wanted to get a little more personal with these Mitrans anyways."
As Zerik and Eric approach, Seren glares with murderous eyes. "Something happened? Really, something happened? you....I'm going...You are so... No, you know what? you're not worth it, and I'm tired of all this damn drama. Goodbye, good riddance." Seren replies fuming.
She looks over at Nahia, genuine forgiveness written on her face. "I'm sorry. I should have trusted you."
"Now lets go meet our new acquaintances. Hopefully they won't be as woefully inept." She continues, stalking past the two men.
Nahia, upon seeing Eric and Zerik stroll up so non-Chantilly, is stricken speechless, a look of incredulity on her face.
Nahia will recompose herself after Seren starts to head off and look at the two, furious herself, and say "How dare you! We've been worried sick! You couldn't leave a message or hint of what was going on? Almost two days you've just disappeared and now you come back with just a 'Oh yes, we were just busy, see you later'! Ugggggg..."
Not even taking the time to finish her thoughts, Nahia trudges off after Seren, mumbling to herself under her breath.
Seren re-enters the inn, looking for the individuals she had stalked past earlier. She immediately sets her eyes on the other Aasimar in the room, the circlet doing little to hide her outsider heritage, at least from Seren's similar eyes.
"I'm sorry about earlier, the timing of your entrance...wasn't ideal."She apologizes.
I really must do something to apologize to Nahia for my actions. Those bloody men... screwing up everything.
"I had forgotten earlier just how unreliable and selfish men could be at times, something you can be sure I will remember in the future." Seren continues with an exasperated sigh and a shake of her head.
"Shall we go meet with your acquaintances? We can discuss the potential plans now that you all have gotten to this fine little town." Seren finishes, hoping to leave the thoughts of this morning behind her.
"It's quite alright. I'm no stranger to being miffed at the obnoxiousness of men." she says with a slight sidelong glance at Fausto."[/b]
"Your little outburst was mild compared to some I've found myself in. At least there was no bloodshed." she said jokingly, but perhaps not really. "I hope everything has been sorted out. Whoever irked you, I seriously doubt they are worth the energy you spend on the outrage. They almost never are."
"Come, on, let's go make our introductions."
Rose led the two ladies to the rooms and shut the door.
"My name is Rose. My companions are Mysty, Fausto and Sourat. We are your new Knot."
After following the others up to their room, Nahia will curtsey again to everyone. "I am Nahia."
Smiling, Nahia will look at the Lady Rose and say "Well, since we are amongst friends..." Suddenly, the illusion that had been covering Nahia will fall, her skin becoming very pale, her long hair black, and her appearance younger, softer, and more elven. Her clothes will change from a simple green and brown linen affair to a much more intricate black affair with red and white embroidery forming thorned vines and roses. One of the most striking changes, however, are her two different colored eyes: one a deep emerald green and the other a bright sapphire blue.
Still smiling, Nahia will look the others over and, still careful to keep her voice down, will ask "So, how much have you been told about our mission here?"
"Only our goal. Destabilize the defenders, seize the gatehouse, and let in the bugbear hordes. We weren't given any details about your progress or plans." Rose replied as she sat down on one of the beds.
Fausto nodded, his stern face not breaking,"It's as the Lady said. But what about you, what have you done so far? Any leads as to how can be done?"
Nahia nods and says "We have just under 30 days to ensure that the keep is weakened enough that the bugbears can get through. We haven't really started to infiltrate and weaken yet, we've just been preparing and gathering information."
Nahia leans against a chest of drawers, and starts to explain, "The keep contains at least 100 soldiers. It is lead by Lord Thomas Havelyn, who has a reputation for being not so cheerful. He has three captains that we know of, Captain Eddarly, Captain Mott, and Captain Barhold. Captain Barhold is the brother of the man that runs this inn. Captain Mott is an ugly man who has the 'stunningly beautiful' wife Kaitlyn Mott, which the townsfolk are not sure how he managed that. Captain Eddarly causes all of the local girls hearts to swoon, but has apparently found comfort in the bed of Captain Motts wife." Grinning a bit with that last statement, Nahia pauses for a moment before continuing. "We know that there is a Magister, Tacitus of Morimun, who has been working on something 'unnatural' found further north. Father Donnagin is the most beloved person in town, though there is a rumor about that he got sent here after a demotion, possibly as a punishment. Finally, the keep has a rookery, whose keeper is known as Mad Martin, who is said to name and speak to the birds as if they were people."
Nahia takes a moment to look at the faces of those around her after dumping all of that information on them, and then continues, "We also have a rough map of the place, but we can go over that in a bit. In the mean time, would each of you mind introducing yourselves and telling the two of us a bit about you? Your relevant skills would be a good minimum, but since we look like we might be a consistent team, being friendly definitely could not hurt." Nahia says that last bit with a wide grin and flip of her hand, waiting to hear from her new companions.
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Mysty, having resumed her child disguise upon hearing others approaching, says
well if we are showing all drops her own illusion.
Mysty stands at a full 2'7", with soot black hair, and is dressed in leathers with a chain shirt. A rapier and a dagger are harnessed in her belt, and another dagger is in her boot. The coloration of her armor is dark green and she has a hood. She seems poised for action, yet her eyes are cold and calculating. She looks at the two ladies calmly.
interesting. Does this captain mott know he is been cuckold? Perhaps some kind soul should let him know. Or maybe tell the commander. Adultery is bad form for a captain. Either would give an effective result for us
Nahia smiles at the short one and says with a giggle, "Well, aren't you excitable... uhhh, unnamed little one. I don't know if he knows or not, though I would assume not. Before all of you showed up I had intended that we should try to get some evidence to present him of his wife's... dalliances." Nahia giggles again at the appropriateness of the conversation given the name of the inn they are in. "I'm hoping it can stir some trouble amongst the ranks that we might be able to take advantage of."
Seren shakes her head as Nahia removes her illusion and shows her true self. "Maybe at some point you'll see me without my glamour, but it won't be today."
"My name is Seren" She replies, curtsying in mimic of Nahia.
"I mean no disrespect by not removing my glamour, but it is just as much a part of me as the weapons I carry and the clothes I wear. Nahia can attest that my natural self would be far more detrimental to this operation then beneficial." Seren continues with a small smile. "What you see before you is how I was, and how you will almost always see me."
Seren nods in agreement as Nahia explains the various gossip they had procured until this point. She listens carefully as the halfling contemplates ways to exploit the information, a smirk on her face at the mention of being a "kind soul".
I think I like that one.
"Our other pressing concern is gaining entrance into the tower. it will take time to cripple that bloody tower, and time is something we are in short supply of. We had thought that with our lovely circlets we should be able to gain access through the servants quarters fairly easily, but I worry so many new faces may raise suspicion. It may be valuable to see if we can find an additional route in."
Rose leaned back on her elbows and kicked her foot back and forth while she thought, smiling at Mysty's display of her armaments.
"Forts nearly always have secret ways in and out to evacuate important people in the event of a siege, or to sneak in supplies. If there is one, it would be in a building controlled by someone trusted by the highest ranked people in the fort. Churches are common places for that sort of thing, as are inns like this one. People coming and going wouldn't be strange in places like that and it's impossible to keep track of all the people who might be there at any given time. If the local father is so trusted, and this inn is run by a captain's brother, they're both good candidates. Might be worth searching secure areas in the church cellars or the basement here."
"As for the captain's wife's indiscretion, I don't think we need proof. If it's true, a rumor will do just as well. If enough people repeat it, the truth will out itself."
Nahia gives Seren a smile of apology with downcast eyes while she explains about her glamour.
I really should have thought about that...
- - - - -
Nahia will nod at Rose again and add "That sounds like a good place to look as well. In addition, we were thinking that they must send out some local patrols to keep the populace safe. We could try setting up an ambush for one."
After Rose speaks of the rumors, Nahia will interject, saying "See, we already know of the affair from both a probably reliable source and the local town rumors, so if rumors were going to do it, it would already be done."
"There must be patrols." Rose nods, agreeing with the idea of ambushes.
She shook her head with a small smile bringing the conversation back to the adulterous captain. "The thing is, there might already be rumors, but the people passing them around have a vested interest in keeping things calm. Right now it's just gossip and the captains both have a vested interest in ignoring it."
"We just have to push the envelope a little. A rumor that the captain's wife and her illicit lover are planning on running away together might push the captain to address the issue."
"We could do something like hire porters in their name and let the bill find it's way to the husband, or have women's traveling clothes delivered to the captain while his wife is away. All we need is suspicion he can't ignore."
"It won't even matter that she'll deny it all, because the lie itself is pointing toward the truth. Once there's a couple exposed threads the whole web will unravel."
"I have some experience in this field." she said with a dainty shrug. "My parents are both experts in this sort of thing."
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Mysty smiles at Nahia. My name, as you seem to have missed it before, is Mysty. "Big one! I wouldn't call me excitable, just focused.
At Seren's comment on illusions, Mysty thinks something to hide? Her excuse sounds forced. Still as long as it doesn't hurt the mission, not my business
Turning her attention back to the conversation, she listens carefully.
Surely Mother is smiling down upon me! To be surrounded with such talented and beautiful women! A soft smile graced Sourat's lips as he watched one after another introduce him- or herself. Already they were burning with the desire to get wicked plans in motion. Delightful. Truly, truly delightful.
"My name is Sourat and I carry with me the Many Blessings of the Dark Mother. Divine will led me into captivity. After becoming accustomed to my shackles, divine will helped me escape only to have me be shackled through faith to fate. Now, my mortal coil slithers forward with the blessing of our Father and my Mother .. and here we are, working in unison, putting in motion plans and actions that will please them greatly."
Priests always have a talent for drama and Sourat is no exception to this rule. With a flourish of his hand the illusion over him washed away, revealing just how wracked his body is with illness. A terrible fever and a wicked cold caused his forehead to drip with sweat, his hands to shake and tremble and he was constantly snorting and coughing.
"Perhaps I can look into Father Donnagin." Sourat chuckled,"I think he and I may have something in common."
Fausto is pleased with what he had heard so far despite the lack of progress, the two women seemed to have gathered some information.
He steps forward, "I am called Fausto and my expertise is in line with disposing of unwanted hypocrites."
He looks at Nahia, "You know hypocrites like our Mitra worshiping captain who takes another man's wife. I wonder where that is a virtue for Mitra? In any case our Lord Father has blessed with the insight to look into men's hearts. There are few people who won't wither under my scrutiny. I can track down prey and you'll want me on your side in a fight."
"Seems like we've got a good idea of where to start. Now, whose going to have the most fun doing what? I mean we might as well enjoy ourselves while we ruin these people." Seren replies, a wicked glint in her eyes.
"It seems like Rose has the two captains under control, perhaps I shall look into these patrols. See if we can determine the best place to set an ambush." Seren says with a smile.
I hope they have horses, oh I do so want a skeletal horse. That was such an excellent dream, and having my own horse would just be too much fun.
Turning to Lady Rose, Nahia will reply and say "It would be convenient if we could find a hidden way into the keep. That said, such a path would be very well hidden and I'm not the one who could find such a thing without much time and difficulty. Who here among us has the skills for such a task?"
- - - - -
Nahia will nod at Seren and say "It sounds like Fausto would be a good one to help with the ambush, and I would not mind being involved too. Though, if we're going to ambush a patrol of soldiers, it might be best to stick together."
"Mysty, I think scouting the inn would be a good start for you. Human children sneak into places they aren't supposed to be all the time. Your cover is a perfect failsafe incase you get caught."
"Before we set an ambush, we are going to need to learn who does the patrols, how many are with them, and what their rotation is. I think you're right about wanting us all together when we do it, but the preliminaries could be done by Seren and Fausto."
"With Sourat going to talk to Father Donovan, I think we have all the immediate issues covered. That was fast. I do so love working with professionals."
"Is there anything we haven't covered?"
I agree, the actual ambush should likely be the full group, but we still have to find the patrol path. Setting up an ambush only works when they actually, you know, walk into the trap. I figured maybe fausto and I can go out do some hunting, see if we can find a trail they likely take. Plus I wouldn't mind procuring some reinforcements if the chance presents itself." Seren replies cryptically, a black mist casually swirling around her hand.
Nahia will giggle and say "Hmm, I wasn't given a task. Either someone can have some extra help or, if anyone would prefer, I could stay back and whip up some supplies, if funds will be provided. Anyone want potions of healing or growth? Weapon blanches? Acid or alchemical fire? Those are all easy enough to whip up and I will provide them at cost. If not, I have my own equipment to tend to, now that I've been able to gather the supplies."
Rose's eyes narrowed in thought. "What about poisons? Or some sort of disease? If we could introduce something like that into their food stocks or the fort's well, we might be able to make the inevitable fight a whole lot easier."
"We should stick to the options that won't force them to close the gates and prepare for a siege straight away. In my opinion, aggressive use of poison and disease will do just that. We can turn some of the captains against one another, investigate leads on the Magister and Father and butcher some of their forces far away from the castle walls.. let's do that first, let's keep things simple."
I agree, the actual ambush should likely be the full group, but we still have to find the patrol path. Setting up an ambush only works when they actually, you know, walk into the trap. I figured maybe fausto and I can go out do some hunting, see if we can find a trail they likely take. Plus I wouldn't mind procuring some reinforcements if the chance presents itself." Seren replies cryptically, a black mist casually swirling around her hand.
Fausto smiles for the first time during the meeting, "Yes, hunting sounds perfect. I'm good at hunting Mitra's soldiers."
He looks at Seren and Nahia,"But we need a little bit information. Do we know where the patrol usually heads to? Do they have a set route? A set of places they usually go to?"
"that's what were hunting for Fausto...Information. We've got to figure all that out. The pair of us aren't going to be taking on a Mitran patrol especially if a captain is leading it." Seren replies with a chuckle. "It's up to us to figure all that out as it's not likely that information will be available anywhere outside the tower itself. Plus that's not exactly information that I want to ask around town for... I'd be concerned way to many questions as to why we need to know patrol routes would arise."
A little to eager this one, going to get himself killed if he thinks the two of us are going to try and take on a patrol by ourselves. Unless it's a small patrol of course.
"we'll need to stop by a scroll shop, pick up a couple of scrolls of deadeye's lore. I'm sure they have some available for the citizen that enjoy hunting in the area." She adds, tabulating what they'll need for the hunt.
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Very well, I will start looking for this hidden entrance. As another note, what shops are there here. We may need extra gear. If needed, I could...acquire it. I am fairly good at not being noticed. And I have other talents Mysty says while a small flame dances on her hand as she moves her fingers.
Some poison would be nice, if we can acquire it quietly. Always a good equalizer in a fight
"As long as we get to be there before they come, because while I am many things, blessed with a talent for stealth is not one of them."
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Mysty relaxes on her chair, toying with her flame.
Before we start, could you give us some background to this mission. You mentioned we must overcome this tower within thirty days. Why such a specific time. And who are these bugbears you talk of? Are we allied to them, or are they dupes of some sort? Are they many? We as yet have only heard the desired results, not the reasons.
Mysty looks expectantly at the pair. She continues to play with the flame absently, as she considers what happens next.
I will learn much by what they say and how they say it. Knowing my allies is important.
Nahia chuckles to herself and replies to the short one, saying "And here I called you excitable when I was jumping right to the end instead of starting at the beginning." Having finished with her little amusement, Nahia proceeds to tell them, in a low, quiet voice, "I don't know what our benefactor has told you of his overall plan, and I don't presume to know his intentions for you. But for this mission, we are preparing for an invasion. Our benefactor has assembled and supplied a massive army hidden in the north, lead by a particularly impressive man who is one of our faith. But, this keep is particularly strong, and assaulting it directly would give the country some forewarning as well as cost our soldiers dearly. Instead, we have been assigned to weaken this place as much as possible, throw open the gates, and send up a signal rocket telling the army leader it is time to move." Nahia scans the crowd, making sure that everyone seems to understand, before adding in the last tidbit of information, "The time limit is because soldiers as raucous as ours don't hold together well when promised bloody fighting and then told to sit still. Honestly, it is only a testament to their leader that they will be able to hold still that long without deserting or killing each other."
Grinning at the little one, Nahia will say, in a pleasant voice "Any more questions?"
Okay I really like that one.
Seren smiles a wicked little smile, "we'll now that we've all been introduced and have our various little roles set. How about we say we go about our tasks and reconvene tonight? I think it's been far too long since I've had some fun."
Seren then stands up, and starts towards the door. She turns as she grabs the handle, and stares at Nahia with concern. "Be careful.". Seren continues after she breaks her gaze with Nahia, looking over everyone else. "We've got one shot at this. None of us will get a second chance if caught."
The wicked grin returns to her face. "But this shall be fun."
Seren opens the door and heads back into the hall and down and out of the Inn. She looks around in the mid-day sun, getting her bearing before heading towards the market to re-supply.
Seeing Seren start to leave, the inquisitor calls to her, "Wait, what will be our cover here. Should I still pose as a bodyguard or should I use the iron circle to become a penitent priest?"
Rose says "I'm going to get cleaned up and changed out of these travel clothes. Shoo, boys."
She doesn't actually wait for them to leave before letting her hair down and beginning to loosen her buttons.
Nahia will respond to Fausto saying, "Well, I've been playing it that we've come up here for a business venture. Our previous members... who have now taken a leave of absence... were hired bodyguards. I'm playing an herbalist up here to possibly open up a shop and at least pick up some choice northern plants while the opportunity is there."
Smiling, she'll add "Not that that necessarily helps you in your snooping."
Seren went to the market place, to see what is available to buy in this town.
Adamantine Dagger
Cold Iron Masterwork Longsword
+1 Flaming Longsword
Elven Chain
Rhino hide
Masterwork fullplate
+1 Breastplate
+1 Heavy Mace
Spined shield
Mithral heavy shield
+1 Longbow
+1 Chain mail
You can also find all manners of simple and martial weapons. Light and Medium armors. There is a 50% chance of finding the gear in masterwork condition, just roll it if you want masterwork.
Aldencross is a fine place to buy supplies. There is an alchemist in town who sells all manner of potions. There is a scribe with a fine selection of scrolls (1 st and 2 nd level core rulebook only). There's a church that provide with divine healing (4th level spells, core only). and a spell caster that provide arcane services (3rd level spells. Core only.)
The fortress is not so close from the town, you need some 20 minutes walking to get there, even then, and you see a lot of common people, servants going to the fortress. A troupe of dwarfs, eleven of them, and a lot of soldiers. During the day you also see provisions being sent to the fortress, mostly from the merchants in the market.
At the end of the day, you see they returning, some with a tired look, others more happy. The pack o dwarfs again, not talking with anyone but themselves in their native tongue.
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Mysty moves around the inn, as if playing. She investigates the inn's layout, especially exits, the location of the kitchen and basement, both of which she will not enter at this time and the tap room. She will ask for some food, charged to her cousin, and listen to the conversations there,for half an hour. Then she will have a look outside at the stables and nearby shops. She will note the location of any alchemist shops, magic shops, the local church and smithies, if available. then she will return to her room.
And plan for some nighttime excursions.
The ‘Lords’ has a peculiar architecture. It was once a Brothel, so there are countless ‘private’ rooms, which now are used to accommodate the travelers. One big mess hall, where you suspect that once was held the main ‘party’. You can see only two exits. The main door, and a servant entrance at the kitchen.
Listening to the locals chat, you hear one of them say ” I hear Captain Varning is leading another patrol out tomorrow. I wonder how long they’ll be gone this time? The last time they were gone for five days! If you ask me, these patrols are a waste of time. They’re just an excuse for Varning to get out of the tower and gallivant around the country side instead of doing his fair share of guard duty.”
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Mysty drinks her milk as she finishes he meal. Then she diverts from her plan to go see either Nahia or Seren, whichever is first.
Once in a secure location she says
I have heard the name of a captain you did not mention in the briefing. A Captain Varning, who is leading a patrol tomorrow. Time for an ambush? Most around here think he is skiving off to gallivant around the country. His patrol can take up to five days. Once that information is delivered, and unless she is asked not to, she returns to her scheduled activity.