As Rohalendi and Jerax move into the kitchen, in a clear, clipped voice she demanded, "What caused these wounds? How long ago?"
"An attack by some sort of beast-man, may have been a lycanthrope", Jerax tries to relay as much information as quickly as possible. "This happened minutes ago. I made he drink a potion of cure light wounds."
As Jerax explained, Rohalendi rolled up her sleeves then washed her hands in a basin. She briefly fixed the tiefling with an unflinching gaze. Too many years of treating soldiers and veterans, hiding the extent of their wounds and pain, had given her some insight into b#llsh!t, even when it was true but less than the full story. "Hmm...," she replied simply, then turned her attention fully to Cimri's wounds.
She began to gently poke and prod at the wounds while the sounds of movement through the house played out in the background. "You probably saved her life, but moving her has opened the wounds back up." She procures a key from a thin chain about her neck and opens a cupboard, from which she removes a salve and some bandages. She begins to apply them as lanterns are brought into the room in singletons and pairs. Though still unconscious, Cimri's expression gradually grows more relaxed and her breath more steady as the doctor works over her.
Posta -- a man in his 50s with a white streak through otherwise pitch-black hair -- returns with the lockbox and places it on the counter. Rohalendi nods to the man, dismissing him, then looks back at Jerax. "I'm not a priestess. I have no magic and, as you know, no money. Most of what I used to have, I've used for them..." She gestures with her eyes towards the rest of the house and the residents there.
"She will survive, but if you need her back quickly, I have something that might help. It is old, but the magic was... potent." A tightness in her jaw suggests some bad memories. "It will be painful for her and the wounds will scar, but she'll be back on her feet in hours instead of weeks. You decide."
"No. No scaring", Jerax states. "With luck I can have our priest help heal her tomorrow. Continue to stabilize her. I'll spend the night and offer what help I can give."
Slenk shakes his head at the crowd and turns to the advocate.
"There is nothing we can do here then... In any case, perhaps this has taught us not to use the mercy of imprisonment as the Demibaroness said. I will join the Demibaroness, perhaps you might follow Jerax as he seemed at wit's end with Cirri's injury."
With that the halfling hurries after the dhampir.
Alyczandra frowns and just shakes her head dismissively as the injured guardsman relayed the little he knew. Without so much as a goodbye, the pale woman walked back over to Alixus and Slenk. There appears to be nothing else for us here, perhaps or perhaps not noting the lackluster reaction from the bystanders to the pair's plea for help with the fire. Let's take the fastest way back to Archbaron Fex's and plan our next move.
Gerya nods at Jerax, "Alright. Let's get her in a warm bed. With the Dawnf--" She pauses, then continues, "...and a new day, maybe you'll be able to talk to her in the morning." With Jerax's help, Cimri is moved to a small but clean bed in a room at the end of the second floor hall. There is a small wood stove to warm the room, and a chair is brought in for Jerax to sit in.
Rohalendi sends her other patients back to bed, checks Cimri's wounds to ensure they haven't started bleeding again, then looks back at Jerax. Her lips purse slightly as she seems to consider something.
In a reassuring voice, she says, "Cimri Staelish has been a firecracker ever since she was born. She's a fighter. If your 'priest'," she can't quite hide the foul note as she thinks of the Asmodean magister, "is willing to heal her, it will speed things up and reduce the scaring, but as long as it doesn't get infected, she'll pull through."
She glances at Cimri then back at Jerax and sighs. "Goodnight," she says, then leaves the room, closing the door behind her, and Jerax hears her footsteps retreat down the hall.
The fire is managed and largely contained, though the roof is damaged and the interior is likely destroyed. The jail will likely be unusable for some time until repairs can be done.
Slenk joins Alyczandra for a trip to the archbaron's. The journey is uneventful, though the guards at the gate seem surprised by their arrival. "Sorry, but the Archbaron isn't receiving visitors at this hour," one of them says, holding up a hand.
Already tall for a woman, Alyczandra pull herself up to look evenly at the guard with her almost-silver eyes. Are you prepared, guardsman, she began slowly and with more than a little menace in her voice, to decide what counts as a suitable reason for two Nobles to meet? She continued to glare at the man, standing a mere foot away. I am Demibaroness Alyczandra DeLaise of House DeLaise, and unless you desire to spend the night in the wrack I strongly suggest you announce us to the Archbaron and let him decide for himself whether the news I have is worth his time.
Now, go!
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She glances at Cimri then back at Jerax and sighs. "Goodnight," she says, then leaves the room, closing the door behind her, and Jerax hears her footsteps retreat down the hall.
"Sleep well", Jerax says to the retreating Gerya. Even now, the tiefling must adhere to the asmodean statutes concerning using the word 'good' for something 'positive'. Jerax looks down at the unconscious Cimri, and smiles slightly after remembering Genya even referring to the rogue as a 'firecracker'.
Fine. I'll admit it. I care for her, Jerax thought to himself. I don't know if it's love, though. Deep within the antipaladin, a deep voice matching his own answered, When was the last time you went through all this trouble, for anyone before?Jerax nods to himself, as if making up his mind on something. The towering tiefling knelt down over Cimri's bed in a supplicant manner, holding his hand over his horns, and began to pray in whispered Infernal.
"For Great and Powerful is the Might and Splendor of The Prince of Law, Asmodeus. Amen."
With nothing left to do, Jerax slinked down into the chair to account for his long legs, resting his eyes. Before slumber took him, the knight of Asmodeus murmured, "..kill that pig.."
Slenk is unable to prevent a small smirk from rising on his face as the Demibaroness browbeats the guard.
"I--" the guardsman looked like he was able to repeat his injunction, but Alyczandra rolled right over him and he fell silent. He glanced at his colleague, back at the woman, then towards Slenk and Alixus. Finally, he grunted and stepped back, "Fine, go ahead."
Once your group was about 20' down the path towards the manor, he whispered to the other guardsman.
Another guardsman is at the door is indifferent to your arrival and, as you come up the steps, the reason becomes obvious. The doors open and the major domo waves you in. "Archbaron Fex is expecting you in his library." He leads you there without further conversation, opens the door to allow you in, then closes them behind you.
In the library, sitting in an overstuffed armchair by a roaring fire, is the archbaron, reading a leather-bound tome. He is wearing his regular clothes and is as impeccably groomed as he has been every other time you've met him. He holds up a finger for quiet, finishes the page he was reading, folds a ribbon across the page, and looks over at you as he sets the book down.
"Report," he commands simply. It's hard to get a read on how he's feeling.
It had been a long day, but the hardships Jerax had endured in his service had acclimated his body and mind to the need to fall asleep quickly even in uncomfortable circumstances. But Jerax is woken once when Cimri seems to be having some sort of dream or nightmare. Her words are indistinct mutterings, alternatively peaceful and agitated.
But there is something else, too--a faint whiff of brimstone lingering in the room. And, while a quick look around the room reveals nothing, his gaze eventually comes to the ceiling and there -- lurking in a corner above Cimri's bed -- is Razelago, with a sickening, almost lecherous grin above his cherub-like jowls. When he sees that Jerax has noticed him, there is a quiet, rasping chuckle. "What an odd place to find you, Knight of Asmodeus. A bedroom in a Sarenite haven watching over a base commoner. So very curious..."
It had been a long day, but the hardships Jerax had endured in his service had acclimated his body and mind to the need to fall asleep quickly even in uncomfortable circumstances. But Jerax is woken once when Cimri seems to be having some sort of dream or nightmare. Her words are indistinct mutterings, alternatively peaceful and agitated.
But there is something else, too--a faint whiff of brimstone lingering in the room. And, while a quick look around the room reveals nothing, his gaze eventually comes to the ceiling and there -- lurking in a corner above Cimri's bed -- is Razelago, with a sickening, almost lecherous grin above his cherub-like jowls. When he sees that Jerax has noticed him, there is a quiet, rasping chuckle. "What an odd place to find you, Knight of Asmodeus. A bedroom in a Sarenite haven watching over a base commoner. So very curious..."
Jerax noticed the slight on Cimri's social standing, but chose not to acknowledge it. Razelago was a devil; and devils can say whatever they liked.
"One must make due under extraordinary circumstances", whispered the tiefling. "Good evening, Lord Razelago. Am I needed at the manor?"
Alixus shoots a look at the guard spoke as if to say, I heard you.
When they approach the Archbaron, Alixus speaks. Though not afraid of the baron's response, he is unsure what it will be, "Your excellency, we bring news. Though only Asmodeus himself knows the true ramifications, some is good, and some is poor. The Sword Knight is dead. She attacked us, and as is the duty of the faithful, we smote the heretic with the righteous fury that is commanded of us." He sighs before continuing, "Our victory was short lived. The Allamar twins freed Caggan, who as it turns out, is filthy, piggish lycanthrope. They escaped, and set the jail on fire in the process."
Alyczandra brushed by the guard, expecting no less than to be "permitted" entrance, as if a commoner could do anything else. Her past training taught her to always be alert, and even as she passed the guards she dismissed, her preternaturally keen hearing picked up on their words.
The pale woman's eyes narrowed, her countenance grim and haunting in the evening torchlight. She kept moving, but before reaching the guard in front of them whispered to Slenk and Alixus, This may not go well for us, prepare for a dressing-down.
Nodding to the guard ushering them into the Archbaron's chambers, Alyczandra folded her hands and waited patiently as Fex completed his reading.
The man was good, as good as those who had begun Alyczandra's training, but at least today she was better. He knows, he already knows. Fortunate for us we intended to tell him nothing but truth already. Your Grace, apologies for interrupting your evening. There have been significant events of late that we wanted to ensure you were aware of, and to receive any guidance you may have. A breath. We attempted to interrogate the Iomedean priestess Allamar at her church regarding the angel rumors and any connection to the so-called Glorious Restoration. She attacked before we could speak a word and we eliminated her. As we were about to secure the scene, word arrived of a disturbance at the jail. We arrived to see Caggan and Allamar's twins escaping after assaulting the guards and immolating the jail. Caggan appears to be some sort of lycanthrope, which allowed him to break out of the stocks. Cimri was badly wounded by Caggan, and is with Jerax now. Another pause. Your Grace, we are at your service. Pending your guidance, we intend to return to the Iomedean church to search for clues and hunt down Caggan and the twins regarding their role in the seditious unrest that has occurred. Preparing for a tongue-lashing, Alyczandra awaited the Archbaron's response.
"Needed? At the manor?" The devil echoes Jerax's words with a titter. "Noooo, no. You are not needed."
Razelago's fat head swiveled atop the rolls of fat that made its neck and looked down at Cimri. "In truth, you have done well. The Archbaron still has need of this one." There was a buzz of its wings as it descended to the side of the bed, sniffing at the unconscious woman, then whipping its proboscis over the air above her head as if to lick her. Though seemingly oblivious to what was happening around her, even in her sleep she recoiled slightly, turning her head away.
With another chuckle, the fiend turned its compound eyes back towards Jerax, watching for any reaction to its behavior. "Tell me why you want her to live -- answer truthfully -- and I will help her."
With another chuckle, the fiend turned its compound eyes back towards Jerax, watching for any reaction to its behavior. "Tell me why you want her to live -- answer truthfully -- and I will help her."
The towering tiefling got out of his small chair to stand opposite the zebub devil. Jerax took a moment to consider his word properly. "In truth, Lord Razelago, my feelings for Cimri are confusing." The knight of Asmodeus took a small breath and began again. "I've never experienced love before. As a child, I was only ever held for punishments. Any sexual conquests I've had were either forced upon me or others, or bought by the price of a coin. Asmodeus knows I've heard so many bardic tales of romance and love."
"For our first, well-earned sexual encounter, I enjoyed the raw, animalistic passion of it. But after working closely together, I..felt this urge to be near her, to make her laugh, to..protect her. Is that love? I don't know. But I feel very strongly about her." Jerax thought about what he said, and seemed happy with his own reasoning.
Fex folds his hands in his lap as he listens to Alixus and Alyczandra summarize the events of the evening. He doesn't seem particularly surprised.
"I see." He glances at Slenk to see if the halfling has anything to add to the report, then back to the taller folk.
"This is all quite sudden, but presents an opportunity, don't you think?" His gaze shifts towards the fire, lips pursing in thought, then continues, "The goal is to draw out this Angel Knight and draw the seditious elements out into the light. You must control the messaging around this. I leave the details up to you, but Caggan's escape and true nature -- a secret he has kept from everyone -- can be used to our advantage. We showed mercy, it was rejected. We wanted to talk, we were attacked. War mongers. Agitators..." he waves a hand dismissively and looks back. "As I said, I'll leave the details up to you. But use this to squeeze the town and provoke the Angel Knight into showing herself."
He pauses a second, then adds, "It won't be easy. The Allamars -- the mother and the twins -- are much loved. You'll have to weave a convincing story. I suggest you secure the church immediately. If the twins don't already know of their mother's fate, they may be further provoked when they do."
"Is there anything else?"
Razelago initially stares at Jerax in stupefied silence, then wretches up a mucus-encrusted ball of chitin and flesh onto the floor. "Ugh! I'm going to be sick... That's just, just... blech!"
He looks down at Cimri, then back to Jerax, holding a vial in one hand. "Give this to her when she wakes, and tell her it is compliments of Archbaron Fex. It should heal most of her wounds; maybe all of them."
Jerax takes the vial from Razelago carefully. "Thank you, Lord."
Slenk at silently as a full report was given. He then does speak up politely, "My Lord, a question regarding the worship of the False Inheretor in general. Should the worship itself be considered Heretic and outlawed within your lands? The unprovoked attack of the Sword Knight upon your agents as reason? That would put us on an advantageous footing with a free hand moving forward and answer the question of what should be done with the temple."
Fex's gaze fixes onto Slenk, but it's more contemplative than hostile. He is silent for a moment, then says, "Once you've developed a compelling narrative for this evening's events, including the Sword Knight and her progeny, you may seize the temple in the name of the Crown and announce the boys are wanted for treason, heresy and conspiracy -- and whatever other charges you want to add on to it." He thinks some more, then adds, "I don't want to ban the faith just yet, but if your investigation leads you to others, so be it. Just add it to the narrative you're building."
Razelago hands the vial over. He then glances down at Cimri then back to Jerax and says, "Ta ta. I'll be watching..." He begins to cackle as he disappears, then with a whiff of brimstone seems to have left entirely.
Slenk bows deeply in acquiescence.
Jerax watches the devil disapparate, then waves the air away from Cimri, as the smell of brimstone is strong enough to awake. The knight of Asmodeus once satified, sits back down in his small chair, but this time, with the excited expectance of the dawn, so Jerax can administer Razelago's cure.
Alixus nods, ”Prudent. I thank you for your understanding, milord.”
Alyczandra paused for a moment as the Archbaron finished addressing Slenk, using the cover of Alixus' remark to think. So, there had not been the expected tongue-lashing, or any other sort of lashing. Fex knew, how...well, that was an issue for another time. But as of now he seemed not displeased.
Fully understood, your Grace. We shall leave immediately to secure the Church. The pale woman waited to be dismissed, and when such had occurred left with the others. Once outside the Archbaron's estate she stated to Slenk and Alixus. Returning immediately to the church seems the right thing. However, if the twins or the lycantrope are already there it is unlikely to be a fight we want at this time. While we travel we can all be thinking of ways to "control the message" around these recent events.
Slenk nods, "We should likely check on Jerax first, we will surely need his brawn if things go awry. I also think we should make the purchase of a wand to heal our wounds an immediate priority, as well as procuring silver weapons or silversheen for when we confront Caggan. Once we are secure, I believe we can outline the actions of our foes in a truthful manner that shows well their unlawful and rebellious nature. Perhaps even scribe some pamphlets to be published to that effect. A sermon from Magister Vade may also be appropriate."
With no other questions being raised, the archbaron does indeed dismiss you then picks up his book and returns to what he was reading.
Slenk believes there are three possible options for tracking down a bit of magic such as a wand of infernal healing. First, there is Tealan Ruckleer, a retired warmage and misanthrope . He lives a private life and does not openly conduct any sort of business, but he may have an item in his possession. There is also old Miss Nisra Wilmore, a superstituous crone whose house is plagued by cats and periodically emanates strangely colored smoke. She has a reputation of selling curative magics. Finally, there is Odmer's Tonics, a gaudy wheeled storefront usually parked in one of the town squares. The proprietor, Elish Odmer, has the reputation of a snake oil merchant, but he may also have something or know where to find it.
The rest of the evening at Rohalendi's will pass uneventfully, unless others bring the events with them.
The next morning Slenk addresses the group. "I would submit that it is in our best interest to address healing magics and silver weapons before we risk engaging our foes again? Tealan Ruckleer may have access to a wand of healing as might Nisra Wilmore. If neither of them do we could check with Elish Odmet, though I would view that as a last resort."
Alixus nods at Slenk, "Prudent as always. Nisra Wilmore seems the best option for magic, and Ruckleer for silver weapons. Perhaps we go to the church as a group, ensure it is not compromised by Caggan and the Allamars, and then we divide our forces. As you mentioned, a sermon to the people of the town may be useful, if only to cement our control. I am certain the Demibaroness can negotiate terms with whoever we purchase the items from."
With the meeting at the Crimson Crown having concluded, Alixus, Alyczandra and Slenk returned to the church. Allamar's body has disappeared.
Using the key you had previously taken from Allamar's body, you open a wardrobe in the shrine at the back of the sanctuary. Within, you find three bandages (radiating magic), two vials (each containing a different color liquid), six sets of cleric's vestments, and a scroll. This is in addition to the tome you secured from her desk during the fight.
Despite the disappearance of the body, you are able to otherwise lock up the church and return to the manor.
With these things done, the remainder of the night passes uneventfully.
Cimri sleeps restlessly through the night, seemingly haunted by nightmares.
Jerax's sleep cycle is interrupted again by Cimri's restless mind. The tiefling gets up from his chair to do a cursory examination of the rogue's bandages. Not seeing anything too obvious, Jerax settles back down to sleep.
Alyczandra frowned upon noticing the body was gone, but her keen eyes were able to detect its passage. Three people, I think we know who, dragged the body out the Narthex door. She point the direction and noted the subtle tell-tale signs. Looking around and securing the items from the wardrobe, she added everything else appears in order. Chances are the took the body and fled immediately.
Back at the burned-out manor house the group had been calling home, Alyczandra looked around with an impassive gaze. Though she quite obviously had seen better quarters, she did not seem off put. After finding an unused niche to place her pack, she undid her bedroll and pulled out the long oilskin bundle strapped to the side of her pack.
Proceeding back outside into the night, Alyczandra pulled two exquisitely-made swords out of the oilskin. Each sabre was curved and sported serrated notches like a saw down their curved blades. Taking a deep breath, she held the swords with blades pointed down, one in each hand, going through a series of forms. The motions were fluid, but not flawless, and once she nearly cut herself, which drew a furious flow of hissed curses at herself before calming and going through the forms again. After about an hour, she returned the blades to the side of her pack, re-wrapped in the oilskin, and went to sleep.
In the coffin was the body of one of the deputies who was slain.
Slenk looks at the spot where the corpse was. "Well they will be trying to make a martyr of her. We must paint the true picture of a rebel, felon, and attempted murderer. Magister, I think we should plan both written and spoken statements of what occurred to make certain that the facts are clear from the outset, as our adversaries will certainly attempt to twist them."
About an hour after the sun began to rise, Gerya Rohalendi knocked on the door to the room before entering. She glanced briefly at Jerax -- it was hard to ignore the presence of the massive tiefling -- then glanced down towards the tray in her hands. "I brought some tea, if you drink it."
If Jerax accepted, she served it then set the tray aside. If not, she set the tray on a small sidetable in the hall, then left.
A few minutes later, Cimri stirred with a low rumble of a groan followed by a sharp intake of breath. "Umph! Gods damn it!" There was a brief pause, then she shot upright in bed, covers thrown akimbo as wide eyes took in the strange surroundings in near panic. When she recognized Jerax, a range of emotions flickered across her expression, before simultaneously she seemed to realize she wasn't in any danger and the panicked exertion took its toll. She collapsed back into the bed, clutching her side and grimacing.
"Where are we," she asked through a jaw clenched in pain.
About an hour after the sun began to rise, Gerya Rohalendi knocked on the door to the room before entering. She glanced briefly at Jerax -- it was hard to ignore the presence of the massive tiefling -- then glanced down towards the tray in her hands. "I brought some tea, if you drink it."
"Um, thank you", the sleepy tiefling said, as he took the tiny cup in his large hands. Jerax drank the offered tea in seconds.
A few minutes later, Cimri stirred with a low rumble of a groan followed by a sharp intake of breath. "Umph! Gods damn it!" There was a brief pause, then she shot upright in bed, covers thrown akimbo as wide eyes took in the strange surroundings in near panic. When she recognized Jerax, a range of emotions flickered across her expression, before simultaneously she seemed to realize she wasn't in any danger and the panicked exertion took its toll. She collapsed back into the bed, clutching her side and grimacing.
"Where are we," she asked through a jaw clenched in pain.
"Your are in one of the beds at Rhoalendi's" Jerax explained. "You decided that fighting a lycanthrope all by yourself, would impress me, which it did", the knight of Asmodeus smiled down at Cimri.
Noticing the rogue was in pain, Jerax turned to Gerya. "In the middle of the night, a representative of Archbaron Fex came to deliver a healing potion to used on Cimri when she was awake. May I use it now?"
Alixus nods to Slenk, "A fine idea. I shall work on that tonight, and deliver the address tomorrow. I am certain that between you and Alyczandra a fine portion of the town can be gathered at the church. I will also need time to issue an interim writ of consecration it in the Archfiend's name."
Waking in the morning, Alyczandra rolled over and squinted against the early light. Though overcast, she still felt its oppressive glare. Pulling together what was available for breakfast, she consulted with Alixus and Slenk.
Reverand, I trust that your preparations last night for today's address today went well? I am...unfamiliar with this town, but I do believe collectively we can ensure maximal turnout. Do you require any other assistance?
Looking over to Slenk she added, After breakfast we should go to Rhoalendi's and retrieve Jerax and Cimri. Then to the hag Wilmore's for the wand and afterward to that Ruckleer person for silvered weapons. As she spoke she glanced back to Alixus, as if to indicate he is welcome to come too if he does not have other activities to conduct.
Assuming all agree and no further discussion was needed, the group heads out to conduct their business.
"Your are in one of the beds at Rhoalendi's" Jerax explained. "You decided that fighting a lycanthrope all by yourself, would impress me, which it did", the knight of Asmodeus smiled down at Cimri.
Noticing the rogue was in pain, Jerax turned to Gerya. "In the middle of the night, a representative of Archbaron Fex came to deliver a healing potion to used on Cimri when she was awake. May I use it now?"
Cimri barked a laugh despite herself, "Ah, that impressed you? Wait until I fight an angel."
Rohalendi's lips pursed slightly at the irreverent suggestion but she kept her thoughts to herself. She seemed even more disturbed at the thought on the Archbaron's agents entered her home unbidden, and it took her a few seconds to decide how to respond. "Setting aside the manner in which it was delivered, yes, of course."
The others take breakfast then depart the drafty ruins of the manor house and head to Rohalendi's. The same old man is sitting out front, sipping a cup of tea with a plate of toast next to him. As before, he hears you more than he sees you. "Ah, more visitors? I don't quite know what to do with myself."
Jerax hands the crystal vial to Cimri, who drinks it down quickly.
Alyczandra scowled and squinted as the old man addressed the three approaching. She continued walking past, and rapped on the door of the hospice. There she stood impatiently, waiting for someone to answer. We are...friends of a patient of yours there, might we come in?
Taking his leave from his companions, Slenk heads towards Tealan Ruckleer. hoping the warmage may have a curative wand for purchase.
The older man on the porch nods and lets Alyczandra and the others head in, calling over his shoulder, "Doctor! More visitors!"
Cimri takes the potion somewhat shakily. Whether its her injuries or some other source of apprehension is unclear but, after looking at the vial a moment, she smiles weakly at Jerax and drinks. Almost immediately, much of her natural color begins to return and the visible wounds (those not covered by bandages) seem to heal almost entirely.
She seems not entirely pleased by this, sighing with a slightly frown when it's done. She looks at Rohalendi and says, "Not to be rude, but can you give us a moment?"
Just at that moment, from downstairs and outside comes a voice, "Doctor! More visitors!"
Rohalendi looks mildly perturbed at the news, glancing between Jerax and Cimri, then asks rhetorically, "I've rarely been this popular. My guess is these are your colleagues. I'll send them up."
She turns, closing the door behind her, and heads downstairs.
If you hadn't already entered, Rohalendi comes to the door and sighs when she sees Alixus and the pale woman. [b]"I assume you're here for your friends. They're upstairs, turn right, last door on the left.
Alyczandra had nodded curtly when Slenk made his way to conduct purchases. Outside the hospice, the pale woman squinted at the blind man as he waved her and the priest in. She clearly saw the gesture but for some reason still did not enter. When Rohalendi came to the door and invited her and Alixus in however, she smiled and entered without hesitation.
Heading up the stairs and into the room, she wordlessly eyed both Cimri and Jerax for a moment, then stated. Time to go, Slenk has moved ahead to purchase a healing wand. With haste we can meet him at this Ruckleer person's place.
Rohalendi looks mildly perturbed at the news, glancing between Jerax and Cimri, then asks rhetorically, "I've rarely been this popular. My guess is these are your colleagues. I'll send them up."
She turns, closing the door behind her, and heads downstairs.
The knight of Asmodeus says to Rohalendi as she leaves, "Doctor. Thank you for your help."
Heading up the stairs and into the room, she wordlessly eyed both Cimri and Jerax for a moment, then stated. "Time to go, Slenk has moved ahead to purchase a healing wand. With haste we can meet him at this Ruckleer person's place."
Jerax, smiling down at the renewed Cimri, states "We'll wait for you outside."
Cimri seemed about to say something to Jerax when Alyczandra arrived and irritation flickered across her face. But, whatever her thoughts were, she otherwise kept them to herself.
"Thank you," she said to Jerax as he stood and left. A few minutes later, she rejoined the others outside. Her clothes were still torn and caked in dried blood, but the potion she had drunk had turned the horrid wounds into mostly healed pink-ish skin. "Alright. You mentioned getting to Ruckleer's with haste, so let's go, but what happened last night? Can someone fill me in?"
Slenk went to the southeast side of town, outside the gates, and down a shaded path to a modest manor house on a slight hill. A hedge formed a green barrier about the house but there was no gate on the path leading to the heavy wood door. The house itself was crafted from stone with paned glass windows, an ornamental turret with stained glass and gables festooned with gothic elements. A iron knocker was mounted on the door, shaped as the head of a stag with the ring suspended from its mouth.
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Unable to reach the knocker, Slenk uses the pommel of his dagger to knock on the door.
After Slenk bangs on the door with his dagger, a minute goes by in relative silence before several latches are released and the heavy door open. It reveals a middle-aged man with a slight paunch, a neatly trimmed salt-and-pepper beard and a full head of hair. His skin is a little on the pale side, but not unhealthily so. His brow is furrowed in irritation and, when he sees nobody at his level, he glances down to observe Slenk.
"What? he asks simply.
Slenk bows deeply and speaks formally. "Hello sir. I am here on behalf of agents of the Archbaron with hopes that you may be able to be of assistance. We have a need to purchase a wand of magical healing, and your reputation is one that indicates you may be able to provide such an item. We are willing to compensate you fully for your efforts, and your assistance would be greatly appreciated by the Archbaron's agents."