Alazandaru planted the Desnan butterfly upon the bed, cleaned up the blood somewhat and placed a few of the dead birds around the human blood, in order to make it look like several of the birds were killed there, rather than a man. Once content with his handiwork, he tied off the bleeding throat of the dead man and strapped the body to his powerful frame with rope. Not wanting to leave evidence of his escapades, he attempted the climb down bare-handed, using his climbers kit where necessary but not using rope tied to the rookery.
As a final thought, he took the holy symbol to Iomedae and badly damaged it, leaving it on the floor against a wall, as though tossed aside.
"I've no real talent at drawing," Tatya sighs indolently, "and it would take an accelerant and time we don't have to get the proportions right. Still, fire ought to draw their attention ... and if Alazandaru is as clever as he thinks he is, he might give himself an alibi as a friendly neighbor trying to douse the flames if he's seen in the open."
"Very well then. Accomplish what you can. And I am positive Alazandaru will adapt as necessary. He has no choice."
Tatya sends her lights towards a tree in front of the keep, setting it aflame with her gaze. It's clear from the keep that attention has been diverted to their activities. The two make their escape as a party is assembled to investigate the activities outside.
Meanwhile, Alazandaru climbs down the side of the tower, the body of Mad Martin strapped behind him. The distraction on the other side gives him ample opportunity to scale the side to the ground below and make his own way back to Aldencross, dumping the body on the way back.
An hour later, they all return back to the Lord's Dalliance, their activities finished.
The next morning, word has already spread to the town of the evening's events. The official word from the fortress was simply an act of vandalism had occurred near Balentyne, nothing more. But soldiers talk, and servants overhear. An assassin had infiltrated, attempting to kill Lord Havelyn in his sleep. Bugbears invaded the fortress. A devil attempted an assault against the keep. Soldiers had revolted. Everyone had a different story for what happened.
One thing was clear though, invading all the stories for it's kernel of truth. Captain Barhold had made his way into town on Lord Havelyn's request, headed to the mayor's house to speak with him. In addition, Mother Ryanne of the church of Iomedae as well as Hogan Gall, one of the more prominent Desnan's in town, were summoned by some of Barhold's men. The nature of the meeting was unknown, but rumors persisted.
Having reported his success, Alazandaru posed a question to the others.
One of the Captains had made his way into town- perhaps it would be easier to ambush him between here and the fortress?
Taking some initiative, Alazandaru decided to attempt to eavesdrop on the meeting. Using his circlet to assume a third face and persona in case he was found out, he attempted to infiltrate the house using his formidable skill at climbing and stealth. He removed his chain shirt, trusting in his talents to see him through. He hid knives on his person though, just in case.
The Mayor's House
Alazandaru manages to sneak his way into the house owned by the mayor of Aldencross, no easy task. The guards set to watch are alert at the front and the rear. And they are particularly alert, a sign they appear to be expecting trouble. A window open provides a means of access. to the interior.
Finding the residents of the house requires little effort, simply following the shouting. Four distinct voices are heard. Going by the conversation, you are able to identify Captain Barhold, both from his similar speeh of his brother Bellam Barhold at the inn, as well as his military way of speaking. The only woman present, Mother Ryanne is also easily identified. The final two become clear during the discussion, Hogan Gall and the mayor of Aldencross Owain Welsh.
Barhold and Hogan are the two speaking loudly, arguing back and forth regarding the attack on Balentyne. It's clear that while Barhold doesn't accuse Hogan of being involved, he believes someone from his flock is. He demands of him the names of all Desnans currently in the city, which Hogan refused to provide. Owain says very little during the conversation, obviously deferring to Barhold on all issues, while Ryanne attempts to maintain the peace and to discuss the situation like adults.
After several minutes of arguing, Hogan suddenly calls out, Take me to Lord Havelyn, I will explain my situation to him. It's obvious you have already made up your mind on events and I will not sell out my people."
A moment of silence passes before Barhold responds, "It sounds like that's the only option left to us. Guards, escort Master Gall to the ground floor and keep an eye on him." Alazandaru manages to keep out of sight as Hogan is escorted downstairs. "Master Welsh, I thank you for the use of your home for this discussion. I hope you don't mind imposing on you for a short while longer. The Mother and I have a few things to discuss before we take our leave. Excuse us."
After the others leave, Barhold speaks to Ryanne in a hushed voice. "I need you to learn what you can in town. Lord Havelyn isn't convinced this is the work of the Desnans, but I disagree. We need a list of those who come to temple, and preferably those who do not. I'll have a couple soldiers sent to help you in any way you need, just keep us updated.
"A couple of Varning's riders are going to be heading out and establish a line of communication until we can replace our aviary. But that could take weeks to get in place."
Barhold clears his throat before continuing. "Another thing. It's very strange this happened when that Marlowe came into town. See what you can find out about him. I might just be paranoid, but I don't like it. Keep us informed." With that, Barhold makes his own way downstairs.
Alazandaru will make haste back to the others and report the conversation in full detail.
I think we should ambush Captain Barhold and spread further misdirection... Perhaps we can kidnap Hogan to stir up the Desnan's as well?
Alazandaru had objections for Bostarg to consider.
They are taking Hogan to Belentyne however, so it sounds like he is with an armed escort. Barhold had guards as his disposal. If Hogan is allowed to reach the fortress he will likely help tensions die down. If he is seen to be taken there by Captain Barhold and then the group guarding him is slain... It further implicates the Desnans; especially if Hogan is not among those killed. We should strike on the road between this town and the fortress, now!
Edit:
"I believe I can give us a bit of a 'jump', if you will, on our enemy. It needs to be certain they pass by me first. You all shall be aware of when they do, trust me." Morthos grins wickedly. "Assume your disguises and let us prepare."
The ambush set, our villains patiently wait for Barhold and his men to come along the path. After a short while, they do indeed come. Barhold leading the way with Hogan behind him. His two soldiers bring up the rear. As they walk, suddenly Hogan stops and looks ahead, followed by Barhold following his gaze. He yells out, his hand going to his greatsword, "Who's hiding in the bushes there? Come out now."
Behind one of the guards places his own hand on his blade while another goes to a horn. If it would carry to Balentyne is a question, though help would doubtful arrive quickly.
B
H
S1
S2
A
B
M
T
Alazandaru
Bostarg
Morthos
Tatya
B
H
Soldiers
Surprise round.
Moving out of the brush, his shield in hand and disguised appropriately as the group discussed, "Hello!" Morthos calls out as he shows himself.
Round 1
"What a relief! Boy have I been waiting for you." He says eerily, a slow grin forming as calls upon the power of Asmodeus. After he does, he quickly draws his sword and readies for battle.
As Morthos comes out from behind the boulder, the soldiers and Hogan all turn. It seems the good Captain is about to say something when the foul energy washes over all of them, taking them all by surprise.
B
H
S1
S2
Round 1 Action-
Alazandaru fired off his crossbow from the undergrowth at whoever appeared least armoured, dropping it after the shot was made.
Our villains move into position and prepare their surprise strike. Summoning an evil energy, Morthos sends it in a wave crashing over the quartet, causing them to wince in pain. Tatya summons an invisible armor to protect her while Alazandaru attempts to strike one with his crossbow, failing to penetrate their armors.
Hogan runs into the trees, hoping to stay safe while Barhold and his men deal with this ambush. The two guards both turn to meet Morthos. One nearly manages to catch him, a blow deflected at the last moment. The other's strike goes wide.
;
;
"Hogan, get back to town! Run quickly while we hold them at bay!!" The captain then proceeds to charge towards the crossbowman who fired at him, drawing his sword as he moves. Seeing the strike, he demands of the man, "Surrender now!"
BHvA
BH D
BHvA CC
BH D CD
Irritated he's unable to get to the main target, Morthos throws a bit of venom in his direction. As he yells toward the goody two shoes so-called hero, Morthos is forced to deal with the two in his way.
As Barhold nearly cuts Alazandaru in two, the heavy sword's blow leaving him barely standing, Tatya begins to panic. This plan was foolishness! The whole mission will fail. What punishment will the Cardinal devise for such abject failure? Should I run? Where can I run that they won't find me? How long before they break Alazandaru if he is taken alive and he betrays us all?
Feeling that their only hope is the poison on Alazandaru's blades, she moves toward the road and fixes Barhold with her evil eye, cursing his resistance to her soporific concoction. In her guise as a Desnan guerilla, she countermands the Captain's order: "No, Brother Hogan! This way to rescue! Only the Iomedaeans need fear our Lady's vengeance."
Barely standing, his mithril shirt cut open and a gaping wound to his abdomen bleeding freely, Alazandaru was almost too much in shock to consider his options. In a normal fight, the warrior would have considered a retreat, using some of the magic on his person to become invisible, bolster his defences and get back into the fight.
Now, however, Alazandaru was fighting for his life; and fighting to even remain standing. He brought both of his daggers into play, his desperation that the poison would bring the Captain down matching Tatya's, perhaps exceeding it.
Even as he fought, a tiny voice played out in his head; one that sounded not dissimilar to his great mentor, Sir Balin.
You are being cut down like the treacherous scum you are... you deserve this...
Morthos's strike at the guard is deflected by his armor, turning the powerful strike into a glancing one. Barhold momentarily turns at his words,
Alazandaru sinks the first dagger in to the Captain, a grunt of pain on his face but a superficial wound at best. He shrugs the strike aside, but turns to yell at Morthos, Alazandaru taking the moment to strike with his other weapon. Once again he shrugs away most of the pain, but then realizes his movements are becoming sluggish. The poison takes effect. He feebly attempts to raise his greatsword, but drops it falling to Alazandaru's feet. "Desnan....scum."
Hogan stands confused, uncertain how to respond to Tatya's words and the fate of Barhold.
BH W
BH F
BH F
Hogan listens to Bostarg's words, his confusion apparent on his face. Seeing the form of Barhold on the ground, the two soldiers engaged with Morthos, he looks first to Tatya, then to Bostarg. "Who are you, and why are you helping me?" He cautiously approaches, trying to put some distance, and trees, between him and the soldiers.
One of the guards swings at Morthos and misses, while the other turns and attempts to talk Hogan down. "Come now, Hogan, you don't really think we'd try to kill you now? Sure, there's some bad blood between our religions but not enough to go about killing anyone." His words latch onto Hogan, not quite enough to convince him but enough to cause doubt.
H SM
GvM ;
G2vH Diplo
Round 3-
Still barely standing, Alazandaru knelt down, as much for the support of the ground as for his next move; which was to slit open Barhold's throat.
Almost numb with relief, Tatya forces her rubbery legs to move, as she comes up behind Alazandaru and tries to find an place on his shoulder to lay her trembling hand that's not covered with his own blood. "Well done," she murmurs, leaving the gnome's honeyed tongue to snare the Desnan. "My Master has a balm for your wounds."