Caliban looks up from where he is furiously copying from the burnt spellbook into his own, I have no objection, we should tend our wound and ensure our own equipment is in its best condition before we engage in any more conflict with the demonic presences of the Worldwound. I am still curious, by the way, if we did find all the traitors, and their connection to Staunton Vane cannot be by happenstance. he posits before returning to the texts on his knees.
Greta stands up from her cot and becomes far more serious. "Now that it's safe and the survivors are coming out of hiding, there'll probably be some people who saw what happened to Terendelev and that giant demon... Irabeth and whatever other leaders are left will share what they've learned with each other and come up with a plan for what to do next. She saw what happened to us, and what we did... their plan is going to include us, and the dream-lady, goddess, person obviously wants us to keep going, but we'll each have to decide for ourselves if we're willing. I know I am, but if any of you aren't sure you should decide quickly. They'll probably ask us soon."
The diminutive warrior pulls on her chain shirt and tighten the straps, then picks up her hammer. "I'll go with Benedic to find his lady-friend. We probably shouldn't go places alone just in case there are still cultists hiding in the city who might want to stop us from doing any more. On the way back we can see if any of the shops are opening back up." When Benedic is ready she nods and gestures for him to lead the way.
Benedic looks surprised and works to close his jaw when Greta offers to go with him. "Oh, ah..." He looks unsure, but like he isn't quite able to refuse. "Thank you, Greta," he says.
Junior's eyes go wide, waves Greta over, and whispers, "Hey uh, I think Benny's going to finally make a move on Bea. You being there would kinda put a cramp on that, don'tcha think? Maybe Selann can be his minder, I trust him to keep a low profile, uh, no pun intended."
Tristan buys a round and he begins toasting Benedic as he sits a bit startled by the sudden attention.
Greta elbows the half-orc in his big dumb ribs. "I'm not an idiot," she whispers, "I'm just going to make sure he's safe in the streets and then give him plenty of room when we find her. Unless he chickens out, in which case I might have to say something to him on the way back... or, before we head back."
Junior whuffs as he's jabbed in the ribs by Grets. When he recovers he whispers back, "Aw man you're right. He is gonna chicken out. Maybe we need a better plan, someone with a brain for it." He looks at the rest of his companions for help.
Amelia leans back on the bar and adds her two cents, "Maybe you'all should ask what Beatrics wants first before planning those two's wedded bliss. That's the problem with you crusader types always assuming you know what's best fer everyone."
Caliban looks up from his copying, grinning at the group, It heartens me to hear your banter, but let us not pressure our good man Benedic to undue pressure. Although I do know the emotional release of following one's heart in the aftermath of peril. Too often my people linger in the past, and I am buoyed by your enthusiasm and joyfulness. Thank you. His smile lingers a moment longer, and then returns to scribing arcane writings.
Benedic scowls, obviously uncomfortable with the good-natured ribbing of his friends. "I appreciate your concern, all of you, but you have the wrong idea. Beatrics is a colleague of mine, nothing more. I had been showing her how things are done in Iomedae's temple before... well, before. Now I simply wish to make sure that nothing untoward happened to her while we have been at war with the demons. I... I would have thought she would be here, and so I want to satisfy myself that she is safe."
Tristan refrains from further just so obvious quips....
Selann does his best to choke back a laugh at Junior's words concerning Benedic. "I'll be a 'wing man' for Benedic. And I know how to disappear when the tine is right...." His grin fades at the man's words and he shrugs. "Since she hasn't arrived perhaps you, or we should take a quick scouting trip to find her. And none of us should move around the city alone. The demons may be gone, but their human allies weren't wiped out, yet!"
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Greta shakes her head incredulously at Junior when he turns their private, whispered conversation into a public discussion. She doesn't want to cause a scene though, so she walks away from him in frustration and doesn't protest when Selann ousts her as wingperson. She can't quite hold her tongue any longer though when the halfling reissues her warning. "I just said that," she huffs, "doesn't anyone listen to a word a say, other than the whispered ones?"
Fishing her sack of coins and gems out of her pack she announces, "I'm going to go ask Commander Tirabade about shops opening and where we might be able to get supplies, if she's awake, and then I'm going to go check it out. If I need to leave the building I'll take a fellow knight with me."
She doesn't wait for any response before leaving by herself to see if Irabeth is up and about yet.
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In light of Greta's annoyance, Benedic elects to wait for Irabeth's arrival before departing. As so many of his companions plan to accompany him, he would prefer that they all travel together.
When they finally begin their errand, Benedic does his best to lead them to the place he remembered in the Gate district, though the going is slow because of the widescale devastation. After several hours, they come to a part of the city that seems relatively unscathed. "Ah, that is it, there!" he cries, noting the empty sign-post. "The Missing Sign! But look, someone has painted something upon it. A sword and sun?" There was indeed, a haphazardly-drawn symbol of Iomedae there. Benedic frowns, but shrugs and enters the former inn.
The place is very crowded with what look like fellow refugees. A pair of young men stop them as they enter, looking them over worriedly. "Forgive us, good folk, but you are new to us here. Why do you come to this place?" the taller one asks. They look like brothers, both with red hair, freckles, and very ruddy cheeks.
"I am, ah-- I'm looking for a friend of mind, Beatrics." Benedic says. "My name is Benedic, we served together in the temple of Iomedae before, well before Armasse. Is she here? Is she safe?" He looks around, trying to see past the crowd, unfortunately too distracted to remember to introduce his friends.
The two men give each other a heavy look. "Bea, uh, yeah... well, she's kind of in the middle of something right now. I guess you can stay and watch if you want, your-- uh, sir. You'll have to stand, though. Sorry, uh, sir." He looks apologetically at the others, and gestures toward the crowd gathered in what used to be the common room. The two men seem wary and still a bit suspicious of the group, though they are strangely deferential to Benedic.
About a hundred people are packed into the area, and by jockeying and jostling slightly the party can see that they are listening to a young woman speak. She is wearing a breastplate with a surcoat showing the symbol of Iomedae, and her bright red hair is cut short. She's a little on the small side for a human woman, and her round cheeks are flushed with enthusiasm as her quiet voice rises and falls. It is not easy to hear her from the back, but her words are rousing and inspirational. She might be reciting passages from The Acts of Iomedae, but it sounds like they have been adapted to follow famous battles of the Mendevian Crusade, or transporting the goddess's great deeds to take place in the Worldwound instead. Her audience is rapt.
At one point in the performance, her eye catches the party and she pauses. Several people in the audience turn to see who she is looking at, and she hurriedly continues. Those who are able to get a good sense of what others are thinking might decide she is conflicted about seeing Benedic here, but determined to finish her sermon without interruption.
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Beatrics's speech takes around half an hour, and it is clear that she is inspiring the people who have come to hear what she has to say. Her message is one of hopeful vigilance, encouraging the people of the Gate district to rise up and fight against the evil and corrupt creatures that have attacked the city. Her advice is oddly strategic, dwelling slightly on the many tactics Iomedae could have used in battle.
When she is finished, her brothers bring beer and clean water to those assembled, who look to be making themselves comfortable to remain where they are for the rest of the evening. Beatrics moves slowly between them, speaking to each guest in turn, and often touching them sympathetically or nodding and listening to them as they talk. Benedic watches her, almost transfixed, a peculiar expression on his face, as if he is witnessing a person do something remarkable that he had never imagined possible.
She takes her time circling the room, seemingly leaving Benedic and his friends for last. Upon reaching them, she takes a deep breath and cocks her head. "B-blessings of the Inheritor upon you," she says with only a slight stutter. The two men serving everyone approach with wooden mugs for the group, and when Benedic shakes his head politely they remain close at hand, clearly nervous. "We are honored by your presence here." Beatrics says. "What b... what brings you all this way?" She addresses Benedic, though she glances at everyone. There is a slight flicker of recognition, though she doesn't act as if she knows anyone else.
Benedic is having a hard time looking away from Beatrics, though his head swivels slightly as if he were going to introduce his friends. He pauses. "I... I, ah, wanted to make sure you were safe," he says slowly. "When we emerged from cleansing the Gray Garrison, and you weren't there, I feared that maybe..." He raises his eyebrows and shrugs, and then continues. "But it looks like you are well, thank Iomedae. Your speech--"
Beatrics cuts off his enthusiastic assessment of her sermon, and Benedic is clearly surprised. "Forgive my absence, sir, but I found I had pressing b-business here at home. I am afraid I can no longer serve at the temple and must therefore resign as your acolyte." She speaks in a quiet but firm voice, wavering only slightly, and her large brown eyes stare directly into Benedic's.
Benedic frowns. "Did something happen?" he asks.
She stares at him for several seconds. "My parents were arrested before the Armasse celebration, sir. I learned that they had died in captivity, when the watch-house fell, and so I needed to see to the release of their b-- that is, to make arrangements for their passing." While she says this matter-of-factly, there is a slight edge to it, as if she is telling him something she feels he should already know.
"My deepest condolences," Benedic says, with apparent sincerity. "I am very sorry for your loss, Beatrics. If there is anything I can do--"
"I wonder, sir," Beatrics speaks in a slightly louder voice, and her brothers tense up. "if you might be able to find out how my parents came to b-be arrested. All I could learn was that they had apparently offended a certain nobleman with ties to Hulrun's inquisition. As this man effectively signed their death warrants, I would very much like to make sure that his actions were just." She waits, staring at Benedic expectantly, the ring of her words echoing off of their steel armor and swords.
Benedic appears to be speechless. He opens his mouth several times, but appears to have trouble coming up with a response as he stares into Beatrics's intently burning eyes.
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After a few very uncomfortable seconds that feel like minutes, Beatrics looks at her brothers and then at the rest of the group. "I am feeling very-- very tired, I am sorry. I have to go. Milord B-Benedic, I appreciate the great honor that you and your friends have done me and my family b-by coming here, b-but for now would you please leave?" Without waiting for a response, she makes a brief curtsy and turns and walks away, stumbling slightly but maintaining her poise until she moves behind the bar and disappears into the room beyond.
"As you wish," Benedic says softly, almost meekly. He turns and walks back to the exit, unable to meet his companion's eyes as he scowls at the ground.
Selann moves along, close by Benedic waiting until they had exited the area. Since the big man is looking down he has no problem getting into his view. "Arrested and abandoned by Hulrun's Inquisitors? Definitely worth the time to investigate."
Benedic stares at Selann for several more seconds, and then gives Tristan a look that seems at once both guilty and defiant. "I... I believe I know the identity of the man in question," he tells Selann. "On Armasse Eve he asked a friend of his on the city watch to detain these innkeepers for twenty-four hours, on the suspicion that they were in league with demon worshippers. I do not believe either Hulrun's man or the watch sergeant intended these people any harm." His eyes unfocus as he relates this information, and he sighs heavily. "Their deaths are a great tragedy, but I feel sure they were accidental. I do not believe this was a miscarriage of justice, only a terrible mistake."
He shifts his armor slightly and gestures. "No, there is nothing to be done. Come, we should return to Defender's Heart." As if trying to look busy and reluctant to talk more about it at the moment, he begins to stride away from the inn with the painted sign.
Amelia smiles deviously and inserts herself into Beatric's business, "What was Fred spouting last night? I think it was 'Keep your ears open.'" She clutches a small chunk of brick in her hand and asks before Junior can stop her, "What were the inquisitors doing arresting Beatrics folks?"
She finishes casting Ears of the city
Junior's mind lurches as Amelia implements her plan, "Huh? Wait that's not what that means. Fred implied the end of that statement is 'for profit.'" But the deed was done.
Amelia chuckles a little bit, ”Hey Junior be glad I listened to the rest of what Fred was saying. You know the stuff about not taking advantage. Cause I could probably turn this into profit.” She turns to Benedic with a knowing smile and serious tone, ”Well I hope your friend, if he’s still alive, had good cause to imprison Beatric’s folks. It’s the small betrayals and assertion of power that drove a number of cultists into Baphomets' waiting arms. And if he’s still alive and was wrong, I hope he has the courage to own up to his mistakes.”
"Not that I have any right to judge your friend."
Selann watches Benedic's face as he speaks. The big man is upset, but resigned to his course of action. "Of course. These are hard times and accidents can seem to be evil. We trust your judgement of course. We should return to Defender's Heart."
Tristan doesn't make any reply. The Inquisitor just keeps his eyes open just in a case a few demons are found wandering about....
On her way to Irabeth's quarters, Greta nearly collides with someone turning a corner. After making the customary apologies, Greta nearly continues on her way before a second glance reveals that the woman she almost crashed into was, in point of fact, the knight commander herself, but not as Greta has ever seen her: dressed not in full plate, but rather an outfit of comfortable looking nightclothes. If Greta hadn't looked again, she might have simply assumed Irabeth was another civilian.
After a moment, Irabeth clears her throat awkwardly. "Dame Gyllenhår, I take it you were looking for me?"
"I was, ma'am," Greta answers, doing her best to pretend this was a normal interaction in their usual attire. "All of us who were in the room when the shard burst had a... dream, or maybe a vision... I thought it was a vision, because we all had it, but Tristan--or Caliban, or someone--said it was still a dream even though we all had it, but either way I was wondering if you had it too?"
The petite warrior pauses for just a moment as if she might let her commander get a word in, but then quickly continues, "And, also, I was wondering if you knew if shops were opening back up, or if there was like a quartermaster or something who would take some of what we've recovered in trade for other equipment we might need? And, if you've talked to other leaders in the city about what our next steps are, and how we can help? They lady in our vision said there was more for us to do still, and I know I'm ready and willing to do whatever comes next, and it seems like everyone else is too, when they're not being a bunch of idiots. Do you think, maybe, I could be a part of the meeting where we talk to about what to do next?"
Irabeth's brow furrows as Greta describes the dream, then shakes her head in answer. "No, I can't say I experienced anything like that. I would be cautious. It may truly be what it appeared to be, but it could also be that, having failed to destroy you through strength of arms, our foe is trying a more subtle avenue." Irabeth sighs.
"As for the shops, I believe they will begin to reopen in the next few days. My scouts have reported no sign of any living demons within or around the city, and most of their cultists seem to have fled or surrendered. I've given leave for those sheltering here at the Heart to return to their homes when they feel ready to do so. Some will remain here for some time, I'm sure, so you may wish to patronize them in the meantime."
Irabeth looks almost surprised when Greta asks, rather timidly, to be a part of whatever comes next. "Dame Gyllenhår, while you may be the most junior knight of our order, but you have more than proven your valor, cunning, and tenaciousness. I have sent word to Nerosyan of our victory here, and when their delegation arrives I expect you to give both your report and your counsel."
She drops her bearing for just a moment, giving Greta a lopsided grin. "You thought I wouldn't invite you? I would order you to be there if I thought it necessary."
Benedic makes his way back to Defender's Heart, somberly brooding the whole way. When Amelia voices her opinion about his friend's actions, he purses his lips but makes no reply.
Tristan seems like he may open up his own Sportbook app....
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"Caution, got it," Greta mutters at the commander's advice, and she nods along at the report of progress and apprehension, and the suggestion to see if anyone's doing business in the Heart.
Her face lights up when Irabeth praises her, and when the half-orc explains that she would order her to the meeting if necessary she grins back at the much taller woman so widely her face can barely contain it. "Yes, ma'am. Thank you, ma'am," she gushes. Then remembering how the senior knight is attired she hastily adds, "I'll let you get back to your wife, ma'am. Have fun." Her face drops as she realizes what she just said. "No, wait... don't, I didn't... I mean, I hope you do, but... oh, gods..." With her cheeks completely flushed, she turns and hurries away, calling back over her shoulder, "thank you, ma'am. I'll be around the Heart if you have any orders for me."
like a vow of silence... well done, Greta, well done...
After taking her leave, the embarrassed knight finds herself some breakfast while the rest of the inhabitants of Defender's Heart rise and begin their day. When more people are up and about, she begins canvassing to see how much of what the group has recovered they might be able to sell, and what's available to buy in return.
Benedic rejoins the rest of the party at the end of their shopping expedition, though he is very tight-lipped.
Greta's quick about-face and tactical retreat means she doesn't see what effect her words may have had on her superior officer. Instead, all she hears is a choked laugh, quickly followed by a "Carry on!" that's little more than a whisper.
Greta returns to the room she's been sharing with her comrades and finds they are all out chaperoning Benedic on his errand. She tracks down a scrap of paper and a quill to borrow and quickly scrawls a note to leave with one of the guards on duty. In it, she reports to her companions that a number of merchants are doing business in Defender's Heart, and where to find them.
That task handled, she takes the bulk of her share and spends it on annointing oils, holy water, and silver dust. With those supplies, she finds a quiet place away from everyone else and spends the rest of the day meditating, praying, and performing a ritual that she's certain she knows how to do even though she's never been taught. By dinner time, the dull green glow of the tiny shard of the wardstone that had embedded itself in her hammer has spread to surround the whole head of her weapon. She smiles as she admires the tool of her craft, and reflects on how she has continued her father's work with it. Then she rises and heads out to find her friends to eat with.
Just over a week past your victory at the Gray Garrison, Irabeth summons the party to her conference room, where she waits with a grim face and a letter.
"As I suspected," she begins, once you're all settled, "Nerosyan has many questions about what transpired here. They've heard much and believe little of it, which I can hardly blame them for. I barely believe it myself, and I was in the room with you!" The paladin sighs, then brightens. "The good news is that they're bringing fresh troops to give all Kenabres's some rest and recuperation. The bad news is that you won't be getting any, as Queen Galfrey's representative has asked for each of you, by name, to be present. I imagine their interrogation of you will be polite, courteous, and utterly exhausting. Do you have any questions?"
Benedic has been quiet and introspective the past week, doing a lot of praying and meditating. He makes a point of attending the services for Prelate Hulrun and the other important members of the clergy who fell in Kenabres, and though he does speak, some of his zealous fire seems to have gone out of him. He does not appreciate the irony that the best inquisitors in the city were themselves brought down by possessing demons, and he seems to prefer the company of his found family at the Gray Garrison to the survivors from the Iomedan temple.
He sighs at the mention of the queen's representative. "If ensuring that Kenabres gets the aid it needs requires us to endure a lengthy debriefing from from one of the queen's officers, well, I think we can make that sacrifice," he says stiffly. "I have nothing to hide." He frowns slightly, as if his thoughts briefly fly elsewhere and linger, but he does not resolve them into a question.
Greta nods along with Benedic's response. "None of us have anything to hide," she agrees, "and if the details of what we did... of what happened, will be helpful for anyone I'd be glad to share them, ma'am."
Selann just shrugs. What questions could they possibly ask? "No problem. If they know us by name they should also know that we did our best to save as many people of this city as we could. Bring the interrogators on!"
Junior grins widely, "We got this!"
Caliban nods at the request, running ink-stained fingers through his hair, I expect we will come out of this just fine. The information we have recovered about traitors in Kenabres will be useful to them in developing a whole plan to root out undue influences in the crusade.
Tristan raises his blue eyes from the countless reports that he has be studiously appraising since their return.
Interrogation? Sounds like a party!
Irabeth grins back at the lot of you, and nods. "Well then, go about the rest of your day. The Queen's representative should here within a few days."
Just as Irabeth says, the army arrives before the end of the week, and encamps just outside the city's walls. It is an impressive host, to be sure, and pristine banners fly nearly as far as you can see. But it's also several weeks too late. If not for your efforts, all of Kenabres's population would have been slain, consumed, or worse.
While you await the summons, Irabeth asks you to remain near Defender's Heart, so none of you has far to go when it arrives. You are ushered through the inn to the very same conference room you had met in only days prior, where a blonde-haired knight in full plate is locked in heated discussion with Quednys Orlun. Once she sees you, she cuts him short with a wave of her hand, gesturing to the door. He quickly exits the room.
Queen Galfrey looks each of you in the eye in turn, clearly trying to read something there. Only after the silence has turned awkward does she speak.
"I have heard a great many rumors regarding the heroes of the Gray Garrison, but rumors are, as a rule, exaggerations or distortions of the truth. I would hear that truth from you now."
Benedic is stunned speechless when he recognizes Galfrey, and has great difficulty meeting her gaze. "Your majesty," he says shortly to her feet, and appears to have difficulty following it up with anything substantial. He looks extremely uncomfortable in her presence, almost as if he is embarrassed or worried about something. "We, ah, we did not expect to see you here. What an honor." He seems about to ask a question, then decides better of it.
Greta grins broadly at the oppotunity to be in the presence of two such powerful women. She sets her massive glowing hammer down and, when Benedic finishes his 'greeting', continues, "I'm Dame Greta Gyllenhår of the Eagle Watch, but some of the other crusaders have started calling me Greta Silverscale on account of the fact that I have a scale from Terendelev that protects me with, well, silver scales when I use it. It's an honor to meet you your majesty, and dame."
"We'd be happy to answer any questions you have, but the truth is fairly fantastical, so you might want to prepare yourselves for that right away. Where should we start? We can start at the beginning but that will take a while, or we could start with the Gray Garrison..."
Tristan's handsome face smiles at Greta. The Inquisitor stands silently as she tells their tale to the queen.
Tristan is more than willing to just observe everybody while Greta speaks.
As Greta explains their adventures to date he adds drum beats to the tale for dramatic effect.
Caliban bows deeply meeting the Queen, Your Majesty, I am called Caliban Tre'Athkar, of Kyonin. You do us great honor. and he stands by while Greta fills in the story for the Queen. He seems smooth in the presence of human royalty, perhaps just confident in the fact that he knows he is older than this person, perhaps for other reasons....
Selann waits for a moment where he can insert a sentence, then, "We were told that the stone was corrupt and given a rod of cancellation to take it away from the enemy. I carried that and when I got the chance I sneaked it through the melee and tapped the stone, twice. It exploded. We were all surprised that it killed the enemy but not us. Actually, the explosion did good for us." He bows shortly then adds, "Oh! Selann Juris your Majesty."