After the discussion with Katreza is finished, Imara will motion the rest of the tug o' war team outside. "Rory, wait!" She looks around to make sure no one else is in earshot and lowers her voice.
"Katreza says she had a vision of us working together. I don't know what that means, but I'm not one to fight prophecy, so I'll tell you what I know. I followed Halgra and the others here and I overheard their conversation. She too thinks something is up. Too many coinciding things. She mentioned Katreza's vision of the giant's hammer, as well as her illness. She also mentioned the swords appearing around town. None of that is new. Here's the new part. Omast had a conversation with the ferry runner between here and Freedom Town and he said something "big" is coming. She also mentioned that the goblins have left the barterstones and that half orcs in the area are buying up weapons. It all sounds very ominous to me. I don't know. If Katreza had this vision about us together, maybe it means something..."
Imara pauses to look at the others and gauge their response. She has a good sense of Rydell and Rory, but knows very little of the other two - she looks at them curiously, wondering who they are and what they bring to their little group.
”Katreza... I don’t think there’s anything we can do for your illness. It’s fatal if not treated, and it’s untreatable as far as I can tell.” The young shaman fails to find the right words to comfort the woman. ”You’ll only be awake for a few more minutes. If there’s any plans you would like to make, I can come back tomorrow and try to wake you again.” Phoenix hops up onto the seers chest and nests down. ”Phoenix would like to stay with you tonight to make sure you are properly cared for.”
========
”Sounds like everyone but the five of us know what’s going on.” Shel says to the mostly strangers. ”Maybe that’s our bond: Ignorance.” She kicks a pebble down the road, shoulders drooping. Death was a part of life, she knew that as a shaman and a healer, but she had never faced such an untreatable illness before. The water spirits could save limbs that were all but hacked off if healing was offered in time. This disease was something different.
Katreza smiles and pats Shel's hand. Thats quite alright dear. Phoenix needs to stay with you. Not with some aging Seer.
The group a little saddened by the meeting with Katreza, and a little anxious about what it all means, drift away from standing outside Sanctuary. Rory and Thistle head up the Longhouse. Shel, Imara and Phoenix head up to the Boarding House they have called home. Rydell heads back to his room at the Ramble House that he shares with Amelia. Ovril exits the town heading to his wagon, noting that several of the wagons that had been at the Barterstones were absent now. No stalls were at the Stones...it was very quiet. The few ramshackle shacks were now boarded up....
Night past uneventfully....morning came abruptly.
Rydell heard lots of voices and noise in the hall outside his room going back and forth in the hall. Sounds of sobbing. Sounds of hushed voices.
Ry...Whats all the racket. Cant folks know that we are trying to sleep?
Knocking came on the door and Rydell could tell That one ofthe Corporals was calling his name. Rydell come quick. Outside. Come quick See Kurst. Rydell!
Ovril heard a beating on the door of his battered wagon with the faded paint. Hey Kid! Get your Arse up. Hurry. Kurst is askin for you at Ramblehouse. The Morning is startin out bad. Hurry ya up Merrimans gruff voice could be heard as well as the loud thumping on the wagon door
Rory knew something was afoot when guards started rushing around getting dressed. Thistle was whining punctuated by the occasional bark. He had heard Jagrin lead his patrol out before dawn. But this was different. First Kurst had been summoned by a guard and had rushed out of the building...and then things began to happen. Then he heard Kessen saying Rory. Kurst told me to get you...hurry. go to Ramble House. See him. Hurry
soft but firm knocking was on Imara's door. she awoke to hear Sidney saying through the door. Imara. Hurry. i dont know whats going on. Something awful has happened at Ramblehouse. Guards running around. Kurst told me to come get you. Hurry. people are crying. I dontknow what it is...but it has to be bad.
Shel had a fitful dream...Katreza was in it...and then she heard whispers early in the morning....whispers in her mind saying Awake Shel Its started. Hurry. Get up and get ready. Youre needed.
Outside Shels door she heard pounding and the firm voice saying...Shel. Girl. Get up! Kurst wantsyou at Ramblehouse. Its important. Very Important. Hurry. She heard Agrits voice catch in her throat...and a soft sob came out.
Rydell quickly slaps his armor on before following Harlon.
what is it? What's going on?... why do I hear sobbing?
Imara groans loudly at the sound of knocking on her door. What time is it? Who is knocking on my door at this hour and why?! Is that Sid?? Her brain slowly processes what Sid is actually saying and she comes awake suddenly.
"WHAT?! Oh, uh, hold on a moment!" She quickly throws on some clothes and finger combs her hair and then throws open the door. "Hi. Why are they summoning me? Fearing the worst, she decides to take the time to put on her armor and her weapons belt. She peppers Sid with questions while she grabs her equipment and laces her boots, but eventually gives up and lapses into thoughtful silence when it becomes clear he told her all he knows. She gives her pack a considering look and grabs it. She gives Sid a half smile and shrugs a little. "You never know what you might need!"
Imara pauses and suddenly seems very sombre. "Look...I hope this isn't the "big trouble" I told you about last night. Maybe you should stay here. Or, at the very least, go to Sarah's. You shouldn't be alone." She gives him a quick hug, then exits and heads toward the Ramblehouse at a run.
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Phoenix squawks, leaping into the air and flying headfirst into the closed door. He lands on the floor with a muffled "paf". Getting to his feet, he shakes his head and glares accusingly at the door as it slowly swings open, then charges off into the darkness.
Councilor Agrit's knocking disturbs Shel from her disturbing dream. It takes her some time to differentiate between her dream and reality, both being troublesome. Someone must be hurt. Is all she can think as she rolls out of bed and grabs her satchel, following Phoenix out. This wasn't the first time she had been called out late at night for healing services, and she doubted it would be the last.
Shel and Phoenix come out in the hall to see Agrit leading them out the boarding house just shortly behind Imara and Sidney. Outside theres a great many people heading towards the Inner Quarter just as them. Its as if half the town was moving towards that direction.
Ovril stumbled out of his wagon and looked blankly at the Merriman who pointed at the front gate and didnt say anything...and as Ovril got a few feet away, the Grumpy Lord of Barterstones said and if you see that lay-about son of mine, tell him I didnt appreciate him not coming home last night
Rory road fast and got down into the Inner Quarter before most. But got bottle necked heading down to the lower quarter. Everyone who was anyone was going in that direction...and others were standing on their porches...many with tears on their face.
Rydell and Amelia in tow followed the Corporal down the stairs. Several Militia Members were posted in their halls looking stoic even if there was worry and sadness on their faces.
As Rydell came out the front doors of Ramble house he could see a cart with a body in it covered in a blanket. Guards men surrounded it. Standing nearby was a whos who of Trunau. Kurst saw Rydell and waved him over. Amelia tagged along, but Kurst glanced at Cham.
Cham pulled Amelia away saying simply through a emotion filled voice. This is really important and let the Guard handle it Amelia
Kurst waited until Amelia was out of earshot then lead Rydell away from the crowd and said Rodericks dead. Halgra asked for your group to be summoned. lets wait for the questions til then. His voice choked and tears were streaming down his serious face as he held his composure.
It didnt take long for the group to be gathered near Kurst after they got through the Throngs. First Rory road up on Thistle, then Ovril appeared coming through he front gate. finally Shel and Imara within a few seconds of Ovril
Kurst nodded thanking them for arriving quickly and Halgra came up beside him, her face set in stone with a sadness in her eyes that the group hadnt seen before.
Thank you all for coming as quick as you did. If You havent heard yet...Rodericks Dead. He was found in his bunk in Ramblehouse by a guard sent to fetch him when he didnt show for his shift. It looks like suicide. But why doesnt make sense. Katreza got you together, I have to think its for a reason...Im deputizing all of you to get to the bottom of this and either report suicide was the reason...or find out who and why and bring them to justice. You will report to Kurst, who will report to me. Do not share any reports of what you find with anyone else without consulting me first...is that clear?!
”Suicide? Roderick?” Shel mumbles in confusion, the fingers of sleep still tugging at her consciousness. ”When?” This was not what she had expected when she was woken. Upon seeing the cart, she stops and rubs the sleep from her eyes. I must be seeing things. On opening her eyes again, her jaw drops. ”Is that him?! Why is his body out here?! How did he get out here, who moved him, when and why?!” She hisses at the guards around the cart, bewildered.
Phoenix shrieks, violently flapping his wings as he runs circles around the kart bearing Roderick’s body.
I had the Guards move it here. We are taking it to Sanctuary. He was discovered about 20 minutes ago. I arrived about 10 minutes ago and sent for you as soon as I could find folks to get you. he deserves better than to lay in that bed waiting and having gawkers stare.
With that she glances and Guards get the horse moving taking the body to Sanctuary.
Rydell was shocked silent by the news, something he was not used to. After a minute of composing himself, questions began racing through his head. He has a look of one deep in thought as he stares blankly straight into the ground.
That doesn't make sense... If it is true, perhaps the entire idea behind the hopeknife is too blame? No, I agree with Halgra. Something is off. But why him... who would either stand to gain from his death, or have something against him...
His mind runs through recent memories of Rodrick arguing with his father.
Though, if his father gave him an ultimatum about his partner... that may have pushed him to far. Still... Rodrick was never... I need to find out what that argument was over. It does no good to postulate at this point. Not enough information.
Halgra looked at Rory, and said quietly Both wrists slashed. Bled out during the early morning. Body was found hopeknife in his hand, the blade obviously used for the cutting....Yes you can inspect the room. Gordon there was the guard who opened the door to his room. She pointed to a guard nearby.
After several long moments of thought. Rydell looks around.
Where is Jagrin? I would like to ask him a question. And, as rude as it may be to do so, I would want to ask Brinya some as well.
I have no idea where to really start, or how to investigate something like this... But, I suppose its not to distant from tracking or hunting, look in the right places, ask the right questions, and try to think like your prey.
Jagrin left with his patrol before we found the body. We are trying to find Omast to ride out to replace Jagrin, but s far have not located him....as for Brinya, shes not in her room. beyond that we dont know.
Rydell curses under his breath. The only two spots to start and neither are here...
Has anyone seen her brother? He might know where she would be.
Halgra glances at Kurst, who shakes his head, and she says No It appears hes not easily found either. Things for you to look into. I have things I need to attend to and Im sure the investigation is in good hands. 40 years ago, id be in the same boat you are in now. Keep me posted and May The Swordmaiden guide you.
Imara looks stunned. She stares silently at Halgra, unable to find her words. Luckily, Shel, Rydell, and Rory seem to have their wits about them a bit more, giving her time to recover. "Suicide? With his hopeknife? That doesn't seem right. And no one can find Brinya or her brother? That's strange too. Can you track her, Rydell? Or maybe we should start with his room first. But, what if she is in danger? Where was she last seen?"
I guess I know now why I was feeling uneasy last night. I can't believe Roderick is gone! She looks around at the other four. It seems we are meant to work together. At least for a little. I should get to know Shel and Ovril better. Well, I guess that will happen regrdless.
Ovril stumbled out of his wagon and looked blankly at the Merriman who pointed at the front gate and didnt say anything...and as Ovril got a few feet away, the Grumpy Lord of Barterstones said,"and if you see that lay-about son of mine, tell him I didnt appreciate him not coming home last night!"
The Varisian's mouth goes ajar before he realizes how stupid he must look. Merriman's request took him by surprise, however. He weighs the man's words, but who is he to deny the trader this small favor? "Sure thing, Merriman, consider it done." Uncertain about how emotional this affair between father and son is, Ovril hastens away from the rather ominous exchange and towards the town proper.
Whatever current he stumbled into after exiting his wagon, Ovril now finds himself being swooped away by the day's escalations. Hadn't Roderick spoken to Katreza only days before? Didn't she say Roderick had listened patiently, making him privy to things that perhaps drove him over the edge? No, that seems absurb. What could Katreza tell a man that would make him take his own life?! "Imara, right? Perhaps the fevered prophecies of Katreza got to him. I know some see prophecy and all things fortune-telling as nothing but superstition, but some people find truth in it - whether rooted in reality, or merely in their thoughts. Whatever way the coin falls, I'm certain that Katreza's words play a role in what tragedy transpired here."
It's when he's done talking that another thoughts hits him. Wait, what, hadn't he seen Merriman's son, Othden, yesterday? The boy was going to meet Ruby, just before the tug-of-war. Odd. Was Merriman aware of this? I'll have to see Ruby and ask her about this. The more names we can cross of the list of possible ... wait, who could have murdered Roderick? Let alone wanted to murder him?!
All of this is still too much for Ovril to wrap his head around.
Kurst took over answering the questions as Halgra lead the carriage away to Sanctuary.
Ive got the hopeknife right here Rory. if you think itll help with the investigation you can have it. He handed over the blood stained hopeknife to the Halfling.
He turned to Imara Last time anyone saw Brinya or Daktani was last night at the festival.They arent in their rooms, and neither reported for work this morning. Daktani was supposed to help Omast try and clean off these swords. Brinya was supposed to be at Sanctuary cleaning.
The crowd slowly starts to disperse as Rodericks body is taken away. Cham stands by the doorway wringing her hands, tears on her face.
Shel stands with her arms crossed, solemnly watching Roderick being carted away. She did not approve of moving the body. "That's an interesting thought, fortune teller." As the crowd thins, she approaches the owner of the Ramblehouse. Roderick was well liked by many, and the loss would be hard for the town, but counseling would have to wait. "Can you take us to his room, Cham? Time can be critical in events like these."
Kurst looks at the 5 of them and says simply, his voice catching in his troat Ill be at The Longhouse. Please find who did this. I dont believe for a second it was suicide. No way. Find him...and bring him to justice. and he turned and headed for the Longhouse.
Cham answered Shel, looking up at the Half-orc Yes. yes of course. She turned and lead her up to the 2nd floor to the room Rydell knew was the one Roderick had rented. Rydell and Amelia's was on the 3rd floor. The door opened to reveal a sparse room containing only a single cot and a writing desk. The cot is a cheap affair with a straw-stuffed mattress, now stained red with blood and stripped of its linens, while the desk is a slightly nicer piece of furniture that has nonetheless been chipped and worn by time. A cracked window in the southern wall is the only exit other than the room’s door.
Rory looks over the knife standing in the hall. The blood is caked on the blade and hilt and chain. He dpends some time scraping the blood away with a stick he picked up so as not to mar themetal and turns it around and around. the only thing of note...is it does not have an engraving on it like everyone has done.
as Rory looked at the knife and asked Cham about the night before she replied Oh last night? No. No umm No nothing out of the ordinary.
Rydell keeps to his thoughts. He absentmindedly follows the others to the room. Once there he looks around.
Lets take a good long look. Maybe there is something here to point us in the right direction... We need to find Daktani and Brinya. If this was not suicide they may be in danger.
Or prime suspects. He can't help but think.
he turns to look at Cham.
Cham, can you please make sure Amelia stays in her room today? And keep an eye on her. I'll pay an extra few silvers for the trouble.
Rydell moves into the room and moves to the bed, looking at the blood stained linens. He can see the blood spatter on the wall and floor are consistent with someone who died laying in bed. The room does not look like there was any fight that went on. On the floor under the bed a piece of paper lays.
Picking it up Rydell looks it over.
Its a receipt from Morninghawks Fine Steel made out to Roderick Grath for a hopeknife with an engraving that should say "For Rodrick My Love" signed by Urnsul
Cham nodded and said Of course Rydell
Rory glanced at Cham in the hall as he went into Roderick's room and saw her fidget under his gaze. Something wasn't right. He knew it instinctively.
Imara frowns as she follows the others up to Roderick's room. "Daktani and Brinya missing too? No way this is a suicide. We need to find them as soon as possible.
She narrows her eyes at Cham's stumbling response about last night. Is she just upset like the rest of us, or is she hiding something?