Since it looks like you're staying....
Heather's half-brother and his wife usher you into the house. A basin and water are provided in the kitchen for those who wish to clean up. The kitchen and wine rack are emptied to supply food and drink. For you are not the only visitors.
In the parlor are a fair number of neighbors who had come over to discuss the news of the king's demise. With the arrival of Nikhil talk turns to the boy and his rescue also. The party is beseiged by visitors who wish to hear the tale. Several times -- and with as much exageration as possible.
Heather's half-brother dispatches a few of the other guests to notify the rest of the family of Nikhil's return and invite them over. Other guests step out to tell more neighbors.
The house is filling up. Soon the furniture is moved into the hall and the rug in the parlor is rolled up. Dancing first to a drum, then a fiddle too.
Whatever happens outside, it will be a merry night in this house.
How long will you be staying?
It's Heather's family, so Jeorik will follow her lead as to when enough is enough. Though an hour seems about right.
Keliwyn agrees with Heather & Jeorik that they shouldn't stay too long. He only wanted to throw some water on his face, catch his breath, and have a quick drink before moving on. He does, however, take advantage of the gathering to find out what he can about the news of the king's death.
After taking with various people as they enter the house, he says to the others, "Although I would love to stay and enjoy the company, it appears this is about to become a real party, and we should really be on our way before we get too comfortable."
He does, however, take advantage of the gathering to find out what he can about the news of the king's death.
After taking with various people as they enter the house, he says to the others, "Although I would love to stay and enjoy the company, it appears this is about to become a real party, and we should really be on our way before we get too comfortable."
The king is dead. Everyone has a theory, a random fear for the future, or other concern. No one knows anything. With this crowd, it's mostly fear for the future. The queen has not shown herself to be prudent, generous, or even likeable. In the years before his marriage, Eodred wasn't well-liked either, but since the marriage he's looked good by comparison with his bride. The main concern for these aspiring middleclass citizens seems to be an inevitable rise in taxes under Ileosa's regime.
****
Everyone is sorry to see the party leave, and urges you to stay, but finally acquieses to your departure. Citadel Volshyenekis by the river, almost due east from Castle Korvosa. You can cut east then south, avoiding the castle, or south toward the castle first, then east.
Bidding a somewhat hasty farewell to friends and family Heather breathes a sigh of relief as the group leaves.
"Honestly if I'd had to listen to Great Aunt Vrashi's going on and on about how I should be married and a mother by now..I think I might have done something rash." she giggles
"So what's the plan once we have turned the loot over to the guard?"
Jeorik, mindful of the value of the treasures he is carrying, walks in the middle of the group, one hand on his sword hilt. He doesn't really know where they are going so he feels free to simply follow along.
Answering Heather, Jeorik says, "I probably need to check in with my uncle. But there is no guarantee that the guard is going to solve the problem of what to do with our find. They may not know who it belongs to either. If we do need to disperse it, I think my uncle's house might provide us a quite place away from prying eyes."
Two imps pass overhead going east pursued by a pseudodragon.
"Signs of the times," comments Inigo, as he scans the road for any trouble.
After a few minutes discussion the party decides to head east first, then south. Pushing through the plaza surrounding Castle Korvosa is likely to be difficult. The sun casts shadows out in front of the adventurers as they travel the eastbound streets. When walking south the party has a choice of sunny or shaded ground.
At the river the party turns south for the lasat time. Walking along the warehouse-lined waterfront. Darthen in particular misses the normal hustle and bustle of sailors, longshoremen, and merchants. The wharves are eerily quiet.
A ship captain calls from his vessel. "What's going on? Are the longshoremen on strike?" After hearing the news he asks, "How will I get my cargo unloaded?"
The party comes within a half dozen blocks of the Castle on this southbound leg and can catch glimpses of the Castle through breaks between buildings.
Turning east once more it's a short walk to Citadel Volshyenek, an imposing mass of stone. Guards at the gate admit you to a small courtyard. The line of plaintiffs stretches into the courtyard and begins curling back on itself.
"It seems that order is still being maintained... at least here," Inigo nods.
The wait in line drags on, but you can be grateful you got here when you did. The line is only getting longer, despite some people becoming fed up and leaving. From overheard conversations you gather that it's mostly minor everyday complaints that people are here for.
One talkative old codger, obviously a veteran to this comments that he's never seen the line so long or so slow.
When you reach the doorway it becomes obvious why. There's only one guard at the counter. Keliwyn recognises the man, Tralo Aderinn. The other posts and desks are empty.
Tralo finishes up his notes from the previous plaintiff and growls, "Next" before looking up. "Hey, Keliwyn, " he smiles, " what brings you down here?"
Jeorik shuffles his feet as he waits for Keliwyn to respond for them.
Tralo keeps up a side-conversation with Keliwyn as he handles the party's business.
I guess our business is primarily to see whether the guard has a record of missing items matching any of the things we found in Lamm's lair and to inquire as to how we might return the queen's jewelry to her.
Jeorik wants to make sure the various items go where they belong, he doesn't just want to leave them in storage with the guard.
Tralo is nonplused at the idea of an extenisve search of the records. "I'm sorry, but I've no time for that now. It could take hours. Can you write out a list of the items and leave it here? You can use that desk."
He calls for the next person in line.
"Well," says Jeorik before the next person in line can move up, "We can make a list of the items, but we also have this broach that Keliwyn insists once belonged to the queen. Surely that can be handled without searching through the records."
Tralo is nonplused at the idea of an extenisve search of the records. "I'm sorry, but I've no time for that now. It could take hours. Can you write out a list of the items and leave it here? You can use that desk."
"A fine idea, Tralo, and one which I don't think my companions will mind," Keliwyn says as he steers Jeorik toward the desk. "I suggest we leave a list here with Tralo regarding the items we found, and a note that they can be recovered by contacting Inigo at the Temple of Asmodeus. People aren't going to worry about him as a potential scam artist, and at the same time, will also be less likely to try and pull a fast one themselves if they have to deal with a servant of the First Lord." Lowering his voice even further, he adds, "We should probably leave a separate note regarding the Queen's property, and just have Tralo forward it to the proper person. I've also been thinking about how Lamm could possibly come in to possession of such an item, and I have some thoughts I'd like to discuss with everyone."
Heather nods slowly...andwith a distinct look of relief on her face
"Agreed...there's no way we will get close to the castle tonight anyway..not unless we had an escort and I agree with you Keliwyn...there's more going on here than is immediately obvious and if Lamm's tentacles reached into the palace itself then I fear that a deeper rot exists in this city than I ever thought possible"
"In addition I have some skill with magically mending items and it might behove us to return the necklace with its clasp intact"
When Jeorik mentions the queen's broach, Darthen steps back to actively block the next in line from approaching. "We aren't done yet. " He hisses.
Tralo perks up. "What? The queen's missing broach? Let me see it." At the sight of it, the Guard whistles lowly. "That's quality work, and it matches the description."
"Please wait in that room. I'll send for someone." He summons a page who runs off, presumably in search of a higher officer.
After a longish wait, a tall thin man of mixed Chelish and Varisian blood enters the room. His expression is courtier bland. "I am Captain Champagni. Aide to Marshall Croft. May I see the broach please? How did you come into possesion of this?"
"We were investigating a criminal named Lamm and we found these items, including the queen's piece, in his gang's hideout."
"We were investigating a criminal named Lamm and we found these items, including the queen's piece, in his gang's hideout."
"Gaedren Lamm? We've wanted him for a long time, but he's a slippery customer. Those times we've had him in custody, the witnesses have recanted or disappeared. But, I had no idea he was bold enough to try stealing royal goods. Where was his hideout? I'll send a team to search it thoroughly. "
"The old fishery..on the docks"
Heather gives the location of the building.
"I believe we recovered anything of real value Captain which my companion here is in the proces of listing..and Lamm won't be bothering anyone ever again.He met with a series of..hmmm... unfortunate accidents. Was there, perchance, a reward for stopping his nefarious actions?"
Inigo looks for a familiar face among the guards.
Inigo: There citadel is very sparsely manned right now. You've seen a handful of Guards, where normally by now, given the length of your stay, you'd have seen two or three dozen. The captain is a nodding acquaintance, but no more than that.
Everyone: The captain listens carefully to Heather and Jeorik, glancing occasionally at all of you as if for confirmation. The page takes notes.
"Unfortunately, miss, there is no reward out for Lamm, but I am sure Queen Ileosa will reward you for the return of her broach. She is quite attached to such baubles. If you care to leave it with me I will send word to the castle. I could arrange an audience for tomorrow or the next day."
If the first response to this post is negative :
"Please leave your names and addresses with Garet." ~nods at the page ~
He steps toward the door. "Good afternoon."
"Oh of course Captain...if you will permit me though I shall repair and clean the item before you take it..who knows what vileness it has been in contact with and we wouldnt want to expose the queen to that would we"
Heather asks for the necklace and casts mending and prestidigitation on it
"Oh of course Captain...if you will permit me though I shall repair and clean the item before you take it..who knows what vileness it has been in contact with and we wouldnt want to expose the queen to that would we"
Heather asks for the necklace and casts mending and prestidigitation on it
Champagni looks at Heather with renewed interest. "Very nice, miss, ..." An eyebrow arches interrogatively.
The page quietly continues taking names and addresses. He also asks whoever will hold the remainder of the loot (I'm guessing Jeorik) to sign a receipt for it.
Jeorik signs the reciept and then when the business is complete, he says, "I guess I am planning on returning to my uncle's residence. Anyone who wants can keep me company as I walk. I would not turn down additional sword arms to help keep our find secure."
Regardless of who comes with him, Jeorik plans to return home to make sure his family is alright. Unless of course there is some urgent emergency requiring his attention.
Inigo simply reminds whoever is in-charge that the First Lord's hand in the recovery of the queen's jewels should not be forgotten.
Inigo simply reminds whoever is in-charge that the First Lord's hand in the recovery of the queen's jewels should not be forgotten.
Captain Champagni turns from Heather to frown at the forward priest. He says frostily, " The participation of the Iron Fist has been noted." Returning his gaze to Heather, " I'm happy to meet someone with the proper regard for authority. May I call upon you another time?" It's clear that Champagni has little sense of irony.
Jeorik's knocking off for home. Darthen plans to wander by Castle Korvosa, but he'll accompany Jeorik to his uncle's first.
To the captains nterrogative Heather replies with a warm smile "Whiteraven Captain..Heather Whiteraven"
She tries hard not to giggle as Inigo's pretentiousness is bluntly punctured.
"Why certainly Captain..I would be happy to meet you again ..under less trying conditions of course. You will find me at the address I gave your clerk"
Heather knows when she has made a conquest and the captain might be a useful contact besides.
Plans, anyone else?
Jeorik, on the way home, keeps one hand on his sword and both eyes open for trouble. He doesn't trust folks who view the death of a single man as an excuse to riot and is beginning to wonder whether or not it might not be time to leave Korvosa after the broach is returned to the queen. On the other hand, Jeorik calculates his uncle may be wanting to remain in the city and might need some help during these difficult times. Regardless of whether he stays or leaves, he muses as he walks on the idea of sending word back to his family in Ilsurian concerning what has transpired to date.
Heather is quiet on the way to Vanders house..an audience with the Queen..that will probably turn out to be more complicated than tonight has been. She considers telling her companions whay this would be the case but decides that there has been enough excitement for one night
Leaving the Citadel of the Korvosa Guard, the party turns west and through a gap in the buildings can see a brilliant red sunset silhouetting Castle Korvosa.
The journey north along Harborview Boulevard is relatively uneventful. Most crowds headed to the Castle are there already. Small groups of neighbors gather on the streets to talk. Some people are busy boarding up or otherwise securing their houses or businesses.
At the Vandor household, the party is greeted warmly by Dorman and his four daughters. The daughter's make a fuss over Heather, whom they have not seen for a long while.
The family has just finished dinner, but food has been kept warming in the oven for Jeorik's return and the cook is rousted out to prepare more for any guests who stay. Everyone here is anxious to hear about what Jeorik's been doing all day and what the party has heard or surmises about the king's death.
Jeorik talks with his uncle about securing the various valuables taken from Lamm's until they hear back from the guard.
AS for discussing their doing's he tells his cousins about the strange woman who summoned them, the children held captive by Lamm's thugs and the savage beast that Lamm kept as a pet. He leaves out most of the violence but at the conclusion of his tale, he does mention, "And there in the Lamm's hideout was the very head, long since rotted, of the strange woman who told us where to find Lamm."
Heather is careful in what she says about the passing of the Stirge King..and about the queen..whose extravagant tastes are well known. Inigo's presence prevents her from saying anything which might be even remotely considered critical.
As Jeorik comes to the climax of his tale she pulls out the Harrow deck
"I know it is late but I'm still getting the urge to perform a reading..it's as if the cards want me to...is everyone in agreement that I should?"
"I'm not sure but if I had a deck of cards trying to tell me what to do, I'd chuck them in the fire. If you want to do a reading, I'm game, but I'd much rather play a good game of Towers. It would be more fun."
Jeorik says the last in a good-natured way, meaning that as fun as a reading might be, the game would be more fun yet.
"This is Terre. This is Marga. This is Philomina. And this is Janetha." Each young lady courtsies in turn. Terre looks grave; Marga curious; Philomina is all smiles; Janetha pulls a ridiculous frown.
During dinner Dorman is quickly engaged in conversation with anyone who wants to talk about the royal succession and what it might mean for Korvosa. He is forthright in stating his opinion that "unless Ileosa displays some hitherto concealed wisdom, her rule will not be good for the city." He'll also talk freely about the fact that taxes will likely rise again to support what will undoubtedly be a lavish lifestyle for the queen. He expects anyone taking part in the conversation to be equally frank. He is especially interested in Keliwyn's opinion and the likely reaction of the elvish community. The oldest daughter, Terre, listens quietly to this conversation, paying full attention to each speaker in their turn.
Philomina and Janetha lay siege to the party in genral and Jeorik and Heather in particular. They want to hear everything about the afternoon with no holds barred. While polite and somewhat reserved with the other guests, they plead, cross-examine, and tease as many facts as possible from their friend and cousin. Darthen takes part here, enjoying the company of the younger girls, and after a few glasses, embellishing rather than downplaying the party's exploits.
Marga plays conversational catcher. Engaging anyone who is otherwise without company.
Introductions were for Inigo's benefit, if he's still with the party. Everyone else should know the girls.
"Master Dorman, you think the queen will inherit the crown, as young as she is?"
"Master Dorman, you think the queen will inherit the crown, as young as she is?"
Dorman leans back in his chair and takes a long sip of wine. "It's inevitable. Eodred has no known issue despite a lifetime of effort. His half brother Ventus is not fit to rule. If the royal line is to continue it must be through Queen Ileosa. If the succession is not successful, we'll have the nobility fighting over it. It will be like the Cousin's War."
"The queen is not popular. The nobility and merchants remember well what her wedding cost them in surtaxes. As well as the balls, dinners, gowns .... Her extravagances are legendary. I'm sure taxes will rise again."
"At least Ileosa's shown some leadership during the king's illness. She's been taking on some of the King's duties. She set the Chelaxian trade commission back a step and bettered our tariffs at some ports. Though Emmitt Zenderholm had something to do with that too I'll be bound."
"Do you see another course, sir?"
Jeorik, between storytelling, listens in to the political discussions, trying to get a better feel for the city.
"The half-brother... I wonder. Tell me more about the succession laws of Korvosa. What's to stop the nobility from backing the half-brother than the queen if the latter is unpopular?"
"The half-brother... I wonder. Tell me more about the succession laws of Korvosa. What's to stop the nobility from backing the half-brother than the queen if the latter is unpopular?"
"If I may be blunt, Ventus is an imbecile. He could not govern a dog. For him to govern, he would have to be the puppet of one noble house or another. The other houses wouldn't stand for it. Nor would the commoners."
"Part of the problem is that there are no time-tested, steadfast laws of succession. Since the monarchy's inception 60 years ago we've had five rulers. Not once has the title passed from father to son. It seems the Arbasti's have trouble siring children. Some in the city whisper of a Curse on the Crimson Throne."