"Less talking, more running..." yells Bryn, striding in pursuit towards the opening created by the burning man.
Alsah follows, at the run.
Do you want to live forever?
"Yes," Messer said as he ran. "But I also would like to be rich and handsome and have all my original body parts, so I'm already quite far behind on wishes."
The woman smirks as she listens to her fellow Constables banter back and forth as they make the run... The woman does pick up the orb that was dropped by the fae and stows it away if it fits within her pack. She continues on still uncomfortable with the state of the land.
"Be wary, unless you have a weapon of cold iron or of a magical nature. I have a club and oil that will make said item hit damn hard and hit a being that requires magic to hit." the woman states to the others.
The party dashes out across the courtyard, dodging a scattering of arrows that rain down from rebel positions on the wall. Eight feet tall of dense shrubbery, the hedge makes for an impressive bit of gardening. Stepping into the burned gap, you come upon an odd sight. A strange, green-haired fey beats at the burning hedge with its cudgel, trying to beat out the flames.
Seeing you enter, it glides into the hedge, disappearing from view. A piping voice rings out, “Your flaming friend may have gotten by me, but I shall not let you pass! None shall harm the Lady of Shale!”
"Uhhh," Messer replied eloquently. He scanned the bush to see if he could spot the creature. He wasn't sure what the creature was, but he assumed the 'Lady of Shale' was the Duchess. "We don't mean any harm to the lady," Messer added. "We do have a duty to take her to her brother, the king, but we have no intent to harm her. Unlike the gentleman who set fire to your maze seems to have..."
The woman draws her oil to be applied to her club, but does not draw the weapon while while watching the green haired disappear.
"The flaming one... is not a friend of ours. We suspect that he is one Asrabey, from many years ago. she adds to Messer's comments.
Alsah comes to a halt, trying to see the speaker
We are not friends with the one who blasted through. He has wrecked ships and murdered many. It may be we are your mistress's best hope here.
Preach was content to see if constable Messer's words swayed the green-haired fey. Still they fae had a well earned reputation of being trixy so his hands lingered near his guns as he tried to judge if they where going to have a problem.
"What direction did he go? That'll help us find him faster and give your Lady more time," Bryn asks.
There is a long pause and the then the figure leans out of the hedge a dozen or so feet away from you. "You are you that speak so fair? The Lady is beset on all sides, why should you be any different? Gillie Dhu has already failed his task once, how can he trust you not to be deceivers?"
Remember the old stories of the Fey and their penchant for names, Messer replied, "I'm a constable for the RHC. And if I was lying, I'd have said we were her allies," Messer said with a shrug. "I've told you, we're here to bring the Duchess to her brother the king. But our job is to take her there safe and unharmed." Messer gestured after the fiery attacker. "He doesn't seem to be hoping to keep her safe."
"Is it common to see our kind allied with fae?" Juliet asked, more than a bit rhetorically. "I'd think not. Isn't it more likely we are who we say we are? And that it is in the best interests of the Duchess if we spirit her away from here, before Asrabey can do what he plans?"
There has been much discord. It is our wish for this to end. And we do not seek the duchesses harm. The same cannot be said for the other
The fae narrows his eyes with suspicion, but in the end nods. "Your words ring of the truth. I will not stand against you RNC. Stop this fell Asrabey if you can and save the Lady. But, if you've spoken untruth, know that Gillie Dhu will be coming for you to take his vengeance."
With that it fades backing to the hedge, disappearing from sight.
There's a rattle of armour, as your military escort relaxes and lets out sighs of relief.
You make your winding way through the maze. It serves its purpose well, slowing your advance, even though you never take wrong turn.
At the center of the hedge maze sits the tower keep, standing some 60 feet tall. Arrow slits dot its sides and high crenelations provide ample cover to rain death down from above. Its one unusual feature peeks out above the roof, a domed telescope observatory caps this mighty fortification.
No horn rings out at your appearance, no arrows rain from above. For now, the keep is quiet, its front entrance lies open in in a smoldering ruin. Peeking inside, you find the bodies of rebel soldiers, slashed and charred, strewn about like rag dolls. The trail of carnage leads towards the inner stair case and to the levels above. The men of you escort, look about at the death and destruction grimly, but continue to follow your lead.
At the scenes of devastation Messer started to move a little more stealthily. Not fighting this Asrabey seemed like far and way the wisest plan, if they could.
Preach watched Messer ghost away and muttered quietly to the other constables, "Eerie how he manages to do that, barely any sound. Never had the knack of that, let's give him a minute and follow as quietly as we can?"
Juliet nodded already practicing Preach's preaching, and inched forwards, following behind Messer, far enough to hopefully not be seen, but close enough to close the gap quickly if needed. Beside her, Mathilde floated, wordless, and looked about for threats.
The investigator looks to Adam and gives a slight shrug, considering she was hiding just as well along the seawall as she set the many traps she laid to delay their attackers.
She moves slowly after the magus give the others a wry smile...
Bryn scans the destruction and carnage as the group advances.
Are we just leading these soldiers to their death? Whatever tossed these rebels around can probably do the same to them. But how to keep them busy...
Being cautious is wise. But we need to keep moving
The second floor is in ruins. It appears to have been set up as a military command center, but now slain men are scattered about, looks of terror frozen on their faces and fallen papers smoulder on the floor. The next floor is a grand library with large maps of the island and the night sky. There are no dead here and it is relatively untouched. As you move up the stairs to the top floor, you begin to hear voices coming from above.
Reaching the top of the stairs, you find a large wooden door standing partially open and three voices rising in argument,
Duchess (you recognize her voice from the launching of the Coaltongue): “Asrabey, don’t do anything you’ll regret.”
Menacing voice (presumably, Asrabey): “Save your pleading breath for prayer.”
Duchess: “If you have come for the reason I suspect, you should pray with me as well. You are a murderer, Asrabey. Did I so displease the Court that you needed to slaughter a hundred to reach me?”
Asrabey: “To forestall war, yes! Your people must not think we ally with a kingslayer. And worse, one who consorts with devils.”
Third voice: “Um, perhaps reason is bit much to expect at this time, but can we just talk about this?”
There is the crack of a whip followed by a yelp of pain...
Alsah turns to the others
Prepare, this is going to be unpleasant
Alsah pulls out two scrolls and casts one quietly (renewing mage armour). He has the other one ready.
Then she tries the door, to see if it is locked. Quietly if she can.
Messer sighed, and readied himself. Maybe Asrabey would acknowledge the king had a right over his sister? He didn't sound like he liked the whole 'kingslayer' business. And if not...well, that was going to be risky.
Preach checked the cartridges loaded in the twins as he listened to Alsah. He nodded whispering, "As much as I'd like to arrest everyone in the room and take them into custody peacefully, something tells me it won't go down that way..."
Well we will try to talk them down. But I think you are right.
And enter?
The woman readies herself to apply the oil to the club she has as soon as door is opened...
Whispering, "Unless there is more to learn by listening?"
Juliet nods, and prepares herself for the next step, into what could perhaps be a dangerous and even deadly moment; this Araseby had killed warriors more skillful than her for sure.
"Very well. May fortune be with us."
Alsah tries to open the door. If Locked she will let a more...burly sort open it.
She will enter when possible, scroll in hand.
Bryn focuses on the door and what can be said as he nears it cautiously, unsheathing his sword and pressing against the wall as the group readies.
Keeping an ear to the door, you make some last minute preparations, while the discussion inside continues.
Asrabey: “You are lucky your cursed flesh will not burn. But I have other ways to make you suffer. Prepare yourself, and you may die with dignity.”
Duchess: “Wait! My brother won’t execute his own blood, and so long as I live I can still oppose him. There are more important matters than-”
Asrabey: “You struck the first blow. Aodhan was a soldier, as I am, and forgiveness does not come easily to our kind. He’ll never listen to you, not in the short years he has left. Already you are vilified. You promised your land would pull away from these ends, would return to the old ways, yet you have fallen in with them yourself.”
Duchess: “You don’t understand. Nathan is on our side. There’s a threat to Risur and the Unseen. I told the Court as much-”
Asrabey: “Enough. Ethelyn, please do not make me watch you beg.”
Duchess: “Asrabey Varal, your closed mind has doomed us all. Very well. Finish it.”
Third voice(Nathan): “Wait a minute, Varal? Are you kin to a Kasvarina Varal?”
Asrabey: “How do you know Kasvarina?”
Nathan: “Um, what? She— she was here, months ago! She was on the arm of a Crisillyiri man. In the company of my cousin. They took a tour of the mines. They left a few days later. I...I think she was the one who crafted the portal ring.”
Duchess: “Asrabey, I’m trying to tell you, he’s an ally. He’s seen things, and we’re trying to find out what it all means. I think Danor means to destroy both our nations. My brother wouldn’t listen, even the Court ignored me, but you have to believe me.”
You hear the sound of approaching footfalls coming towards you from the room and taking a deep breath, you burst in.
The room is a shambles, with the bodies of more civilian and rebel soldiers cooling on the carpeted floor. The duchess herself sits on the ground, holding a hand over her stomach, which is blackened and bloody. A disheveled Tiefling cowers behind an elaborate orrery.
Dominating the room is the fae warrior, Asrabey. He’s covered in small cuts and bruises, and is managing to stay standing despite a handful of arrow and bullet wounds across his legs and arms. His wooden, lion- faced shield bears fresh blood on its fangs, and his flaming sword flares menacingly.
Quick as a flash Preach's guns were trained on Asrabey, his fingers bringing both triggers to the first pressure with a faint click, it would only take the tiniest extra squeeze for them to fire. He held his breath as he waited to see what would happen.
Alsah cast web bolt from the scroll onto Asrabey
DC 15 reflex save or be webbed as per web spell.
"I don't know about you, but I'd like to hear what the Duchess is about to say. Please, allow her to continue," asks Bryn calmly as he non-chalantly walks to the pair.
The woman readies... She was hoping the others more diplomatic then herself might try to reason with the powerful fae and the Duchess but that seemed unlikly with the spell being cast. She readies to protect her fellow Constables. She holds her now magical club at the ready.
Eying the Fey, Messer got ready to...well, try and punch him in the side of the head. It wasn't a subtle approach, but he didn't have any other options right now.
"I know this is a tense situation, but is there any solution that doesn't involve violence? The rebellion is over, Madam Duchess, and your brother the kind has requested your return. Sir Asrabay, the fighting is done. I doubt any soldier considers killing a prisoner - and she is, now, our prisoner, I'm afraid madam, by the authority of your brother - a worthy act." Messer realised he was babbling as politely as possible, but hopefully it had the desired effect.
Asrabey jumps back towards the Duchess and shouts, "Stay back Risuri, I don't want to hurt you, but I will if you make me."
Listening to Messer, the fey warrior says, "Perhaps. Perhaps not. I have no desire to slay loyal servants of King Aodhan, but I won't have you impede my mission. This woman has endangered the alliance between the Unseen Court and your Kingdom that has stood for centuries. She has been sentenced to death for treason and I have been sent out as a hand of the Court to mete out their justice."
The Duchess breaks in, "I know you... You're the constables that were on that damned ship. You have to stop my brother... We must not ally with Danor. We must return to the old ways. The skyseer's vision must be heeded, but he won't listen. You.."
Asrabey lashes out with his sword and before your eyes it transforms into a flaming whip, which he cracks above the Duchess' head, silencing her.
The woman looks to the fae first, "While the judgment of the Unseen Court is a valid one, the fact that we are currently here to detain and remove the Duches to face justice of Risur, on authority of the King I might add, we are going to have unfortunately claim jurisdiction in this matter. Before you mention that we are on Danoar lands, we also have their blessing to take the Duchess into custody and end this unlawful occupation. Once Risur has handed out it's justice, you may petition the King yourself to hand over the Duchess for the Unseen Court's judgment."
She pauses a moment, "Hand you acted sooner, before we had arrived, this would be moot. Not to mention, the many Risuri people loyal to the King that have fallen to your hand."
"Act how you will though, there are consequences either way." she says letting the fae executioner decide his own actions.
Turning to the Duchess, "I am not saying you are wrong, they way you went about it though, was. I for one, would like to here your reasoning for all of this." She states waving her hands wide to indicate the entirety of the events that had lead them all here.
Alsah glances at Alexandra but focuses on the fae lord and the duchess
You are charged with multiple crimes Duchess, including rebellion, murder and war provocation. You have also harmed many for no other reason except your pride and unreasoning ideology. You should surrender now. I for one do not want to hand you over to Arasbey. It would be too kind. By the end of this, I suspect you will be nothing much at all.
She continues
Except as an object lesson
Preach couldn't disagree with Alsah over the Duchess's ultimate fate but he felt compelled to add, "Your grace as I'm sure you're aware there is a presumption of innocence until proven guilty. As such if you surrender you'd be under our protection..."
His guns were still trained on Asrabey to underline his point.
Arasbey thinks on your words, "I see little benefit in further antagonizing King Aodhan's people and perhaps what you have witnessed is sufficient to impart to his Majesty how serious the Unseen Court views his sister's transgressions. If you speak truth, I might be willing to release the Duchess into your custody, if you carry the words of the Unseen Court to your King. The Duchess has been sentenced to death, and this may be a good opportunity for Aodhan to show his dedication to the alliance. He may mete out his own justice first, but his sister must be executed for treason, or turned over to receive her sentence. Anything less, will be taken as a direct insult to the Court."
"In return, you keep your people out of my way while I make preparations to depart with my prisoner. The devil spawn has much to answer for."
The tiefling interjects, "You can't let him take me! He's crazy! I'm.."
"Silence scum!" Asrabey brings his sword to bear. "I would cut you down here, but the Court would hear how you corrupted the Duchess."
Preach glanced at his fellow constables and replied, "I believe that would be acceptable sir. On my honour we shall carry the word of the Unseen Court to the king as you request."
It seemed that his guns might not be needed after all and keen to deescalate the situation Preach holstered them and addressed the Duchess, "Your Grace, if you would be so kind, please come with us."
Lord Asrabey, I see your point, and we will give your message to the king. He will make his own decision but we will urge him to take the Unseen Court's wishes into serious consideration. Alsah says mildly
She looks at the Danoran, then back to the Elven Dreadnought
But this individual cannot be blamed for the Duchess's deeds. She decided to do this on her own behalf, and she will pay dearly for that. He is young and likely foolish. He is also needed for our investigations and... she sighs he is also needed for diplomatic reasons. We have instructions to protect him so as to keep the peace.
"Lord Asrabey, you say he corrupted the Duchess? Why do you say that?" chimes in Bryn, curious to learn what else the Fey may know or convinced of.
Asrabey point his sword at the Duchess, "Don't move. It seems that the negotiations continue."
Turning back to the party, he says, "Do you see any other Danoran traitors in the room? His role in this betrayal is undeniable, the extent of which will be sorted out by the court. Regardless of your wants, he is my prisoner, and I will not relinquish him."
Nathan interjects, "Hey, she contacted me! There was no corrupting, involved!"
Ethelyn gives a pained laugh, "You played your part willingly enough. It's too late to save your skin now."
The young woman looks to the fey and then to Nathan and the Duchess trying to tell who is telling the truth and about what...
"What is it exactly that Nathan did in this matter, other than be present?" she is asking aloud mostly to Asrabey but if the Dutchess wants to answer great.
"Does Danor have a pact with the Unseen Court that he has betrayed? Because if he is merely accused of betraying his own country, true or not, is not a matter for the Court." She pauses a moment before considering the fey that has aided the Dutchess, "Perhaps, dealing with the fey that has aided the Dutchess, Lady Beshela for instance, might be a more fitting task then taking this young man, of this world, before the Court?"
Preach studied the Tiefling wondering what was really going on here and what he was supposed to have done. He was glad Alexandra had asked.
Addressing the room and Asrabey in particular he said, "Clearly matters of state way above my pay grade are afoot here, still certain basic principles apply... If Nathan has a case to answer then justice must be done and be seen to be done. Just killing him would be a travesty, besides what's the hurry? If he's truly a traitor then no doubt he will hang, but this should be determined by a court of law not in the heat of the moment!"
"Lord Asrabey, can we persuade you to escort Nathan and return with us? Given the potential for upsetting both sides, perhaps it may be better for you to present the Court's interest?" suggests Bryn.
That is a sound idea. Perhaps we could offer you healing in that case.