Kain listens intently, though quickly his focus goes from the peddlers goods, to what he says.
Oh? So you know whats going on then? Have you managed to catch any sight of these creatures of the night?
"Oh, by the Boneyard, no. I haven't the faintest idea what's going on out that way," Doctor Evets says, shaking his head. The motion sets his cap toppling down, but he catches it roughly before it hits the ground.
"And I suspect that if I ever came close enough to see whatever made that awful howling, I wouldn't have lived to tell the tale," he adds, placing his cap back atop his wild hair. "Not that anyone would listen. Every time I try to do my civic duty and warn folks, they treat my every word like it was a wooden coin painted gold."
Doctor Evets offers a double take when Valda reveals that he has been in the presence of the Countess of Canterwall this whole time. He only lets his slick salesman demeanor slip for a moment before launching into his new pitch.
"My sincerest apologies for my casual demeanor, my lady," he says with an exaggerated bow. "The news I'd heard about the new countess failed to include a description, but perhaps that is for the best. After all, words and rumors could never do justice for the vision I find before me."
He punctuates this flattery with a smarmy smile.
"Forgive my boldness, but might you be interested in hiring a court physician?"
Especially when those rumors would paint her and her new county in ill light, good doctor... Though, it is good to hear about them, gives me a place to direct my attention to. Where, precisely, did you hear these sounds?
At Valda's suggestion Kain nods.
Yes, we could escort the good doctor through there ourselves, and better learn of what is going on... I suppose it is your lucky day doctor Emrer.
When he offers himself as a physician, Kain chuckles.
There may be room for a physician, a good one can save many a soldier's life.. Nikolai, do you think you could quiz our friend here? He claims to have many potent potions and tasty tonics. If he is as proficient as he claims he may prove useful. Though, the final say on the matter would go to Countess Talanova.
When the good General asks Nikolai to quiz the man, any who turned towards him would see the almost wolf-like expression upon his face. Stepping forward, he would keenly look over the man for a moment before turning towards the countess and giving a nod. When he spoke, it was with a confidence that had previously only been shown in the heat of battle. There was nothing Nikolai enjoyed more than exposing lies and falsehoods.
"You are quite right Kain, a good physician is worth their weight in coin. As a graduate of Lepidstadt, I have had the pleasure of encountering a great many doctors in a variety of fields." The name-drop was an obvious thing, though likely only to Evets and Valda. He turned his scrutinizing gaze upon the man and lifted his nose slightly. "I would not dare let this man touch a surgical implement, let alone take care anyone of importance within the good countess's retinue or those under her care."
"Doctor Evets is a former clergyman dedicated to Pharasma who turned towards selling snake-oils and placebos for ailments rather than actual care. He has been chased out of every hamlet and village of note, leaving behind empty coinpurses and lost lives. These poultices are no more than gimmicks, illusionary comforts for the mind while he lines his pockets with coin." Nikolai says with distaste on his tongue. "Even those with a magical tinge to him are potions of curative power so weak that those who have imbibed them still report old aches and scarring."
"The fact that you have the audacity to call yourself a doctor angers me beyond all belief. It is only because I man of dignity and that my skills from the legendary dueling houses of Lepidstadt would be insulted for drawing a blade against you, keeps my rapier in its sheath." Nikolai whispers, his disdain dripping from his words like venom. "You insult the craft and you sicken me."
"Despite that..." Nikolai says, standing a little straighter and letting the bit of anger wash off of him. "...I do believe he was telling the truth. No reason to tell lies and keep us from the town. We should question the townsfolk when we return, see if anyone can confirm his tale. Afterwards, we investigate the claims and we see if this coin is made of wood or not."
Valeska nods at the complement, but remains quiet through the interrogation and dressing down of the man.
She was grateful to have those so protective around her and looking after the the community. But, truth be told it was somewhat painful to endure, a bit harsh.
I have heard that the path to redemption is oftimes... crooked.
She pauses, letting the double meaning sink it, how each listener takes the phrase is a reflection of themselves.
Come Mister Evets. You are welcome in Ravengro, as our guest and as who you truly are, nothing less and nothing more, lest you be branded charlatan.
Money is simply a means to an end, what do you truly seek here?
Nikolai makes a movement to speak up but swallows his words, throwing a glare at Evets before taking a step back.
"Be careful, countess. Many eyes are on you." Nikolai would then remain silent, listening to the conversation between Valeska and the conman.
Sasha's muscled form slinks it's way from behind the group and between Nikolai and Valeska on it's way to circle the colorful wagon.
Valeska herself smiles. I certainly hope so, Nikolai.
Kain grins. Sir Nikolai, I asked you to quiz him, not berate, belittle, and destroy him...Yet. Though, good work on that front. However, its often that snakeoil salesmen are much more intelligent than one would think. Perhaps he truly is a doctor, who has taken the wrong path.
He turns back to good sir Evets.
I would know, as you now understand you likely cannot fool our good, doctor? professor?.. Nikolai here. I would know what you are actually capable of.
He asks, giving a nod to Valeska.
At first, a look of indignation crosses Evets' face, but it is quickly chased away by the force of Nikolai's dressing down of the "doctor" and his dubious qualifications. He takes a moment to compose himself, buying himself time by adjusting the lapel of his jacket.
"Well, I know enough to admit when I'm licked. No, I don't have any credentials if we're only defining them by what is put to paper by stodgy academics, cloistered in their libraries off in the city. But as you yourself said, sir, I was once among the clergy of Pharasma, and I've seen more than my share of souls on both sides of the gates to the Boneyard. Call me uneducated if you must, but it is patently unfair to call me inexperienced."
Despite the confidence he musters for his rebuttal, Evets looks quite relieved to be offered the generosity of an escort to Ravengro by the countess' own party.
Whether you choose to share his camp for the night or ride straight on towards Ravengro, Evets provides some more information about his harrowing experiences in the eastern half of the county, in response to Kain's queries. He names Clover's Crossing as the furthest west, once sitting where the moors sloped down to the lowlands of the county.
"Now it's nothing more than a yawning hole in the ground. Even by daylight, I saw nothing so large as a rabbit daring to come near."
Many of the other villages he found abandoned or simply vanished are nameless, owing either to their small size or Evets' faded memory. The most distant he recalls is Marian Leigh, a town in the southeasternmost corner of Canterwall.
"That one is still inhabited. In fact, despite being so near to haunted Virlych, it remains a surprisingly pleasant place - at least on the surface. Despite the curious ratio of women to men there - surely at least 10 ladies for every lad - there's something unnerving about the place. I even declined an invitation to Lady Demerrval's garden estate simply because I had a gut instinct to acquit myself of the town sooner rather than later."
When Valda makes her offer, Evets looks about ready to leap out of his own skin from fear.
Hmm... Marian Leigh. They produce a savory red wine, a scarlet they call it. Scarlet of Marian Leigh is what the bottle read.
Forgive me and my mental wanderings, I am the daughter of a wine merchant and these things stick in my head. Thank you, Mister Evets.
Valeska notes Sasha's inquisitive nature by the wagon.
It's alright, Sasha... leave the wagon be. It would seem everyone's gotten what they needed to say off their chest. I'm glad it happened out here and away from the citizens of Ravengro.
They need peace and healing.
Bashuk keeps quiet during the interrogation by the doctor, though she eyes Nikolai with some satisfaction when he tears into the charlatan. Good for him, a false priest is a plague.
When General Kain proposes escorting Evets back to the village, the half-orc simply nods. "Killing monsters is a good way to earn goodwill," she whispers to no one in particular.
Nikolai blushes a little underneath Kain's compliment. He shrugs slightly before he speaks up. "Professor. I have not discovered something truly unique to present as my thesis...yet. I just h-have strong feelings about education and those who manipulate it." When Evets calls Nikolai's superiors "stodgy", you could see the man was about to rebuttal but quite physically bites his tongue. Only a murmur escapes him afterwards. "Not inexperienced, immoral." Valda's suggestion quickly earns a chuckle from the man, helping ease the tension from between his shoulders.
Despite his misgivings about the man and his chosen career, he listens in as he explains how town after town seems to be disappearing out to the east. Clover's Crossing was the closest town to them that had suffered a disappearance and the fact that the living avoided the area was a most curious thing. It seemed that something unnatural had occurred there.
"When we return to Ravengro, my lady, may I suggest perhaps restoring the town hall? There are notable amount of records there and while it was not the county's capital, it may still have some relevant information on the nearby hamlets and villages that we have now lost? Then we can investigate these disappearances and learn what is happening."
"I should like to see this Ravengro, and I think it's important that the Countess let her people know the problem is being handled. They can start repairs on that town hall Nikolai mentioned while we investigate this hole."
"If I am allowed a say in the matter," the not-so-good doctor ventures, "I would much rather visit Ravengro, too. If provided a map, I can provide directions to some of the now-vanished villages I once visited, but frankly I have no desire to return to them myself."
That is if the treasury can afford it..." Nikolai murmurs after hearing Bashuk speak about the town hall and the town's reconstruction. "I had done the due diligence of...uh...looking through the historical renovations of Ravengro. It seems that much of the area has sadly gone to waste and will need proper renovation. New farms, new homes, new businesses as well." Nikolai mutters, lifting his head as he realizes he was talking his thoughts out loud again. "There are a myriad of things that can be done to improve the county. We just need to put one foot in front of the other."
"I am inclined to agree with Bashuk and Mister Evets; visiting Ravengro first will be best. I could reference some materials within; old legends and what have you, see if there is any kind of correlation between them." He taps the stallion who jolts forward, nearly knocking Nikolai off of his saddle before the alarmed scholar holds on tightly with a gasp of surprise. "T-that and a bath and a bed sound heavenly. Need to visit a cobbler and get some proper boots fixed up."
if we push ourselves, we might not be at our best tomorrow.
Perhaps better to arrive by day instead of in the dead of night. Valeska runs her hand through her hair, obviously tired.
"Better to be in town before we sleep, even if we have to push on through the darkness for a few hours." Bashuk doesn't press the point, however, and defers to the Countess' decision.
"I think a camp out on the moors wouldn't be too bad; too many things move around at night and I...uhh...I rather not make a fool of myself." Nikolai murmurs, patting the rowdy stallion who has so far been very compliant. "Tomorrow, we'll ride in with news from the west, changes to be made, and I can take a bath." The sound of utter delight in that last word certainly showed the scholar's preference for the civilized life.
"Yeah, big changes," Bashuk says softly. Picking up her pace a bit she draws even with Valeska. "Countess," she begins after a moment of hesitation. "I am grateful for the help you gave us, and for the trust you've shown to offer me a place in your court. But...I'm an orc--a Belkzen orc, and the Everlight knows nine in ten of them has earned their bloody reputation over and over again. Will--" she hesitates again. "Will my kin be safe, when they come to trade? Will I be heeded when I give an order? Or must I also be wary of a knife at my back when you are not in sight? A warden who is distrusted might be worse than no warden at all."
Camping alongside Evets' wagon, near the lonely farmstead, proves to be a safe endeavor. Nothing dares hatch out from the surrounding moors to vex you. Not even the residents of the farmstead come out to interact with you - likely assuming that you are simply more vagabonds like the snake-oil salesman, never realizing (quite ironically) that you are the countess and her coterie.
When the morning comes, and you press onward towards Ravengro, you are greeted much more warmly and with more fanfare - or at least as much as the demure Ustalavic folk can muster.
Dear Bashuk, there is and will always be prejudice... it is in most people's nature to fear and villify the unknown, the alien. I'm sorry if that doesn't make you feel any better.
Valeska pauses.
But, you and they will have my protection. Our protection in word and deed. Be the change, Bashuk.
The Universe has a way of offering us the perfect opportunity to... change. Ourselves, others and eachother's perceptions. We shall discuss what a Warden is and does... personify that!
It's in your hands. Harbinger or Ambassador, your words and actions will decide. Valeska places a caring hand upon the fighter's shoulder, accompanied with an indomitable genuine smile.
Castle, Council... let's get cleaned up and see what's been going on, in our absence.
I miss our Lenora. Valeska smiles fondly.
Welcome home.
"It's in your hands. Harbinger or Ambassador, your words and actions will decide.
Touching the symbol of Sarenrae hanging around her neck, Bashuk nods slowly. "Your lips to Her ears, Countess."
When their little party enters the town of Ravengro, Bashuk watches them curiously and focuses her attention on studying the town, it's people, and the surrounding fields and forests.
South of Ravengro proper, perched upon its low hill, proudly sits Castle Harrowstone. Recently rebuilt from the ruins of the old prison, the stones of this seat of power for Countess Valeska still shine with their fresh tooling and masonry. A small army of servants and laborers, still putting the last finishing touches on the castle to make it livable, muster out to welcome their lady home.
You find Lenora serving as a seneschal of sorts, overseeing the provisioning of the castle. The fetchling councilwoman arrives at the head of the assemblage to welcome your return. Her mood has much improved, having been given a position of responsibility that carries with it the pride of accomplishment.
"I'm guessing your expedition went quite well, then?" Lenora asks, turning her eyes upon the new faces that have joined your group since you departed.
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Riding in along horseback, Nikolai smiles at the shining construction that was Castle Harrowstone. No longer a jail but not a shining testament to the countess's growing influence, it removed a fearsome eyesore from Ravengro's sight. As they pulled in, his eyes turned onto the woman as white as snow, hair as black as coal, and eyes that shined like jewels. He found himself immediately flabbergasted, pulling on the reins too hard until Errant reared back and unseated the scholar. He landed hard with a groan, grimacing before mumbling a string of choice Dwarven curses. Picking himself up, he tried to form a semblance of composure and dignity before giving a polite nod to the woman.
"I am Magister Nikolai Lukresh, a graduate of Lepidstadt and hopeful courtier of Countess Valeska." Nikolai murmured, blushing softly as he looked away from the strange but hauntingly beautiful woman.
Lenora, I present Valda and Nikolai. Yes, eventful indeed. We found friends... or rather they found us, having left after us, from Ravengro. They are our guests and moreso, will be joining our... team.
Dear Lenora, but you seem to have things well in hand! Valeska beams, opening her arms for an embrace.
What's changed, where can we put up and are there any emergencies that need tending to? We will need extra rooms, if possible... we have Miss Kindler and the Igaz to consider, as well.
During the trip to Ravengro, Nikolai and Valda overheard someone mention that Lenora is a fetchling. They recall from some old, dim studies that fetchlings are the descendants of humans who became trapped on the Shadow Plane. In an insular, superstitious place such as this, you can easily imagine that she would also meet with no small amount of prejudice. That she has been given a position of importance and seems to receive at least some respect from those working under her speaks to the progress that the party has made in and around Ravengro.
"Well, we have no shortage of rooms available. Even after the workmen tore down walls to combine old prison cells into larger, more livable rooms, we still have more space than we know what to do with right now."
Valda finds an abundance of space for Lady in the stable in the castle yard since the few horses owned by the countess' court were part of the expedition into the Hold of Belkzen. Thus, they have first pick of stalls before the grooms bring the rest of the animals in.
Out in the courtyard, Lenora apprises Countess Valeska of the business that has unfolded in your absence.
"Some very minor incidences of crime occurred. Drunken brawls, accusations of petty theft, an argument over a chicken. Nothing the town council couldn't handle on its own.
"A couple folks asked for an official investigation into the local apothecary, Miss Fallenbridge. They allege she secretly deals in drugs and poisons. However, Sheriff Caeller himself also visited to ask that we disregard such claims, saying that it's just a misunderstanding. Not really sure what that business is all about.
"Frankly, the only serious matter - and I use that term loosely - in need of your attention are the numerous letters that arrived for you in quick succession. They bear wax seals that, I'm told, belong to various lords from neighboring lands. You'll find that the seals are unbroken - I am no snoop, despite the grand temptation - but I have a strong suspicion that I know what these are all about."
"Welcome to the game," Bashuk murmurs when the letters are mentioned. As introductions are made the half-orc quietly locates a few maps for her personal edification, studying them in the corner with only half an ear listening to the Countess' debriefing.
As Lenora details the current events that have been missed, Nikolai multitasks studying the castle's architecture as well as jotting down notes on the discussion. The town, fortunately, seemed to to be dealing with troubles that every town would come into issues with; drunken brawls, family rivalries, petty thefts, small vandalisms. It was thinks that the town council was expected to take care of and it seemed the local government had not failed such a task yet. The mentioning of poison and drugs however, did catch the scholar's attention. His mind was quickly taken away from the shop when the assorted letters of congratulations had arrived. At Bashuk's words, Nikolai nervously chuckled.
"Our dear Countess hasn't burned the county down to the ground or been hung by a mob. It means she has some influence and has to be communicated with. To not send a letter would be rude. We will need to reply to them posthaste, Lady Valeska." Nikolai says louder near the end, pushing off of the wall. He wrings his hands slowly as he steps amidst the group with a shy smile. "I-I think I'll look into the apothecary. Give it a look over, speak to the proprietor, and get a sense of the building and the person running it. That'll let the more...martially inclined perhaps discuss the disappearances and strange creatures reported to the east?" With the countess's leave, Nikolai would take his leave. He would take one last peek at the fetchling girl, turning his collar up against the chilling winds blowing across the moor as he exited the courtyard.
A wise move to see what goes on. All that I ask is caution and temperance. We are all new here and best not jump to conclusions, however things may seem.
You might cross paths with the standing and tenured Sheriff. Lets not ruffle feathers. Discretion in all things, Nikolai.
As she hands over the sealed letters to Valeska, Lenora leans in and whispers to warn her countess.
...
Nikolai finds Jominda's Apothecary, being both a description and the actual official name of the business, situated along the western edge of the town square, facing towards the gazebo where Old River, the town dog, naps beneath the wooden steps.
Windows of old, colored glass obscure your view of the shop's interior. Thin wisps of smoke curl up from the shop's narrow chimney.
Valeska guffaws, accepting the letters.
Readily handled, my dear... they will just have to pass the Ordeals of Valeska! Beating each of three hand-picked Council Members and Sasha in a contest battle, bravery, book-sense and beneficence.
Hells, Lenora... you can actually post that as public decree to any aspiring suitors.
Sasha chuffs, baring teeth before laying down to lick his paws. He seems content with the decree.
And, please have someone bring some refreshments when possible. We are all weary from the road, and I'm certain Igaz here would appreciate some of our local bread and a minced meat pastry... She eyes the goblin, ...or two.
"Not at all! Company will certainly be welcome. The countess will be busy enough dealing with...suitors, it seems." Nikolai chuckles, overhearing Lenora the moment that she whispered. Sister Valda's presence was quite calming, as he made his way along the streets of the small settlement towards the apothecary proper.
Upon arriving outside the building, Nikolai would inspect the old building with its dark, colored windows for a moment before stepping up and opening the door for Valda to enter in. Stepping inside the establishment, he would look over the general decor, cleanliness, and wealth established therein. One had to look for the subtle signs; expensive reagents, furniture, or clothing that could not normally be purchased.
The slight smoke in the air is tinged with something that sparks a series of coughing from Nikolai, who quickly gathers a cloth to try and clear his throat into.
Rolling up the maps and tucking them into her satchel, Bashuk gives Valeska a bow. "Countess," the half-orc acknowledges, then follows Valda and Nikolai. Once outside, some of her nervousness falls away and she stares back at the locals as curiously as some of them stare at her.
"How many people does this domain boast? And why did this Prince or whatever he is give it to Valeska? I'm not sure I understand what his goal is...in Be--back home, such a gift would be a trap at best."
As the Half-Orc makes to leave... Bashuk, I'm glad you are here with us and free to roam as you will. You are my guest, but as you yourself mentioned... people can be resistant to change.
You may encounter some of that resistance. Have a care and unless you fear for your life, curtail your response. Please. Be kind.
I will send word to the Council and larger business establishments regarding your presence and allegiance. I'm certain word is already spreading.
And I do have one task you might be interested in. A prisoner captured during the raid, a witch doctor of the Open Barrow. You should see him.
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...At Castle Harrowstone...
Lenora reports that, according to the family records kept by Father Grimburrow and his Pharasmin acolytes, Ravengro and the surrounding areas under your control currently number close to 4,000 in population.
Shanda Faravan, who previously served in the royal court as an accuser and presently serves as a member of the town council, provides a short, somewhat simple explanation about why this county was granted to Valeska and company
"Prince Aduard Odranti III's position is rather...tenuous at the moment. He was thrust upon the throne unprepared when his older brother, the Eunuch Prince Valislav, died. While Aduard has done his best to grow into the role over the years, it has been a hard process, and he has made many enemies.
"He also has no legal heir. Worse still, his sister-in-law - Countess Carmilla of Caliphas - claims to harbor the son of the late Prince Valislav, one Reneis Odranti. If that's true, then he has the right to the throne upon which his uncle sits. Considering that his aunt, Countess Carmilla, is simultaneously one of the most powerful people in Ustalav and the current Prince's most venomous critic, this is a significant problem for Prince Aduard.
"Thus, the ultimate reason why the county was split in twain, and one of the two conferred upon you, is because Prince Aduard needs allies to maintain his throne. Of course, the fact that this controversial move has also weakened his opponents within the Palatinates is just a bonus."
...
A small copper bell rings as you open the door to the shop.
Nikolai and Valda find Jominda's Apothecary to be a very homey, rustic place. Although the proprietress has done her best to keep the shop very clean and precisely organized, the furnishings are nothing that would look out of place in a simple farmhouse.
Just the same, Nikolai immediately recognizes that storage bins behind the counter are labeled with the names of medicinal and alchemical ingredients both useful and potent alike. Some of these materials would also be suitable for crafting potions.
However, Nikolai does not notice anything that would be inherently poisonous or dangerous as a narcotic.
"Good day to you! I'll be with you...in just a moment..." comes a woman's voice from a back room, her words occasionally punctuated by grunts as she evidently works on some physically taxing work.
It is an honor to serve the land. We will have to be alert to courtly and skullduggerous intrigues. Like Prince Aduard, we will make the best of things.
That... is how we will flourish.
Shanda, how long has the sheriff been in office? What are your thoughts on the man?