Bander looks at the collar then at the guard. "That looks real. Like not a prop. Wait a sec?" He stands up on the rock that he is chained to, "This is a real arrest!?! This old coot has accused me of a REAL crime 9 times!?!?" He looks around incredulously. "I mean I have been accused of stealing things I mean I am Kender. I am not even sure what stealing is."
As he is speaking far more obvious than usual pulls something off the guard's belt, "Oh that's not a fish hook." He hands it back to Jorin. He continues his tirade, "But 9 times by the same old fart and this guy is pulling in elves, mine-tars, and humans. Who is this old dingbat?"
Bander looks almost sympathetically as if he realizes that if the guard holds Sheska responsible for him he might have crossed a line that would get her in trouble.
"I'll be good. I was good when I thought it was all for show. Its a lot less charming knowing its real."
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Aeleni looks rather displeased with everything, but nods.
So be it then.
Of course i can use your name, be....Zak was it? Forgive me, i was preoccupied in different thoughts before.
Again, she gives Duatha a glance.
Now let's bring this so called trial behind us one more time. I wonder how many times we will repeat it. Perhaps it is about time to confront this old man. Should he really be senile he should not be allowed to bring up charges against others, robbing them of their freedom and good reputation. I mean, something like this does exist here, right? Or were any of you actual criminals before?
She looks around with shock considering the new idea, including the guard in her question.
Duatha nods at Sheska, "Indeed, further discussion between us may well bear fruit".
Duatha smiles at Torin, though the Elven smile has little warmth to it, "Very good".
Duatha speaks no further against his Cousin's positions for he has said his piece on the matter.
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As the guard gives his instructions Duatha shrugs, "I should think us capable of having left already if we truly wanted to Jorin.
I will admit I think little of this human Justice system as there seems to be very little that is Just about it. How many times can a man bear false witness before what he is doing becomes the crime?"
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Fuma stands stuck as an epiphany hits her.
"Jorin. Is there any other cases to be heard by the magistrate today? Is the time of our trial for the last 8 times the same time as today?" she asks.
Turning to the rest.
"Humor me please. It's just that each of us have always mentioned time and so did that Old Man. Could it be because we have always being too early to and hasty to go up for our trial?"
Sheska squints her eyes.
"Fuma, you're saying if we had a nice bit of tea first, we could just wait and go later? That doesn't make sense, as Jorin is the one telling us that it's time. And even if it made sense, I don't think I can humor you."
The conjurer scrunches her brow. "If it's a time loop, then why do weeks pass out there in the city just fine? I really don't see your hypothesis holding up."
Sheska smiles slightly. "But please, keep that creativity at hand. It might yet prove useful."
"Its not the time Loop that I'm saying." Fuma pauses.
"I'm saying that perhaps that old man has some thought that he has to do something at a certain time. I recall he always said that it was too early so I was thinking by delaying slightly it might make him think that he's actually on time and may stop getting us all in this cell." she explains.
"As in that old man may think he's in a time loop but I'd rather not be involved in his version of a time loop since time as you pointed out does pass very normally for us."
Sheska Kune blinks her deep brown eyes four times.
"This has gotten absurd. Not what you are saying, Fuma. Although what you're saying is very strange. But, when we get released this time, we have to lodge a formal complaint against the old man. Or maybe even offer to testify in court this time that he is making unfounded accusations."
She looks over at Torin. "Probably better than threatening him at home."
Turning to the jailor, she asks, "How long until we have to be in court?"
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This is not only annoying, but totaly getting out of hand. Now they pretend i am the bad person here and Duatha is helping them...How much worse can it get?
We should accuse the old man today of making false accusations. And the judge for legal obstruction. This is an unfair and uncalled for treatment with a repeating pattern. They should pay us compensation and make an official excuse.
On the other hand, when there is something to those wild speculation of yours, the old man might not mean the time of day, but the day itself. Perhaps that is why this is getting repeated. I wonder what his goals are then and why he would bring together such a ragtag band. I'm not sure why you want to threaten him, perhaps it's enough just to talk to him. Although he seemed very confused so far.
Duatha, can you be wary and careful just once please? I don't want us to be dragged into any human political schemes here and i hope neither do you.
And we can discuss some other things later, in private. If you insist on going to that tower, i could go with you. It's probably better not to go alone, as it is dangerous! And i have some coin as well, when you want to bring the dwarf. But first we need to bring this behind us.
of course Zak. I understand. Jorin motions down the hall and a moment later a set of larger manacles and a chain belt is brought to him from another jailer. Jorin takes it, thanks the man, and brings his keys up and unlocks the cell door. He holds them up to Zak. You can attack them to yourself and set them to your comfort. i'll lock them and attach the manacles to the chain waist belt.
As he begins to work on Zak, he listens to Sheska's rebuke, and nods. if im no better than any other jailer, then you should know that i didnt have to ask the kender to play nicely. I could have just wrapped the collar around his neck and called it a day.
Hearing the remorse and surprise in Bander's voice, Jorin looks down at him and pats the kender on the shoulder. yes, small one. This is all for real. Your friend is willing to put her neck on the chopping block for you if you do act out. That is the sign of a good friend. Think long and hard on those words as we enter the court.
finishing up with Zak's restraints, he smirks at Duatha's remarks. perhaps. but would you be whole? would you be able to travel about this country freely? Hunted down like a common criminal. Your closest safe haven being across the straights? A bounty put onto your head? Word spreading to other, less reputable nations that their is a bounty, and who knows what kind of bounty hunters that kind of info would attract? I could go on, but i assume you catch my drift. Its better to just go through the motions, listen to this old man wax senile, and then be let go again.
standing still and allowing the kender to stand close to him, jorin lifts his hand up to his head and scratches at his hair. umm...yeah i think so. just before lunch, id say. Im not sure. It's usually petty crimes, misdemenor crimes, and then finally felony crimes are presented in that order for Magistrate Squireson courtroom. you guys are usually the last of the petty crime cases to be heard.
Jorin quirks an eyebrow at Aeleni. Sure. you can do a complaint against the old man if you want. Youd have to wait until after this case to do so, but its within your purview.
now, if you all will follow me, i can lead you down to the courtroom. Jorin says, swinging wide the cell door. He reaches out and takes a grip onto Zaks chain belt. Please, sir. It'll be best if i stay next to you, to help restrain you should you give into rage.
Leading the group, with several jaliers falling in behind the "accused", Jorin directs everyone down three flights of stairs to the first floor. He opens the large, heavy, iron bound doors wide, where the sounds of hurry and activity plays upon the ears, mingling into the sound of just noise filling the hall.
People, human, dwarf, elf, all move about freely within the large hall and room beyond, pausing to talk about unknown things. feet, steel shod and leather wrapped, all walk about on the hard marble floor.
Stepping out into the hall, Jorin directs Zak and the rest to the right, following the same path as the previous 8 times. Down the right, two doors past the large chambered entry, and into the courtroom of the magistrate.
Large panels of wood decorate the walls, stained to darkness from heavy varnish. Upon a back wall a large bookcase stands, filled with books, scrolls, and still surprising to some, stone tablets. A large collection of the laws that govern Solamnia. Just in front of these bookcases rests a large desk, raised off the floor about 5 feet. Sitting behind the desk sits a man, head down, quill in hand, scratching away.
now, I just dont like those types of choices, you know sir? The no win scenario? Dont believe in them. So i had to change the outcome. Only one to win the kobayashi maru. Original thinking, i was credited for-
The old man stood there, in the accusers box, just to the right of the Dero Squireson, leaning against the wooden railing, talking. Dressed in long grey robes, an equally grey and mistreated hat upon his head, paused and looked at the door as the group enters. Sir! they are here! Those are the ones who took my pocket watch! They did! those miscreats! hang them from the gallows! Keel haul them! I heard about this one type of punishment called the 1000 cuts from out East. Very unique. Yes! there you go. look at them! they are guilty! So easy to tell, including-
the man at the desk slams his fist down onto the desk top, his voice thundering loudly inside the narrow room.
eh? who? is that my name? Ah yes! Zi-
The magistrate turns his gaze upon the old man, and murder crosses his face.
If you do not be quiet this instant, i will have the baliff muzzle you. I have heard quite enough from you.
Turning, Magistrate Squireson stands up and points at the group. all of you, get in here NOW! He turns and points at the old man Sit down. And. Be. Quiet!
you can see by the look upon his face, that
Zak walks in silence, following Jorin's directions with no more than a nod. His furrowed brow shows how he feels about this situation, but his muzzle is held high.
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Aeleni complies, carrying herself with grace and pride to the place they were ordered, in no way behaving like a victim or prisoner, even though she clearly does not want to be there.
Then she raises her voice.
Dear Magistrate, this is the ninth time we... she gestures around to the group
...that we have been involuntarily summoned here, accused of stealing this...master Zifnab you called him i believe...stealing this master Zifnabs watch. Whatever a watch is. Eight times it has been asserted that none of us did indeed do what we were - and are again - accused of. Not even the kender here happened to find this item in his possession, like it is the way with kenderkin.
I question hereby, why there is any reason to believe that this time anything should be different than the last eight times? Why are we, as a group of unrelated individuals, repeatedly robbed of our time, have our reputation besmirched and are dragged through these unpleasantries?
I further demand that it is investigated what the motivation of this continued upheaval at our costs is and we are compensated, as well as this will be put to an end and no more unfounded accusations as well as arrests nor summons will be done.
Aeleni really gives her best to be diplomatic and reasonable...
Duatha shrugs at Jorin's response as for him, the law is a formality to be worked around not a binding force that should dictate his actions.
He walks with the rest and listens as his Cousin makes a strong opening statement regarding the predicament of the assembled accused. He does keep his mouth shut though as the Magistrate does appear to be at his wits end dealing with this crazed Old Man who even as they entered was speaking gibberish.
With nothing to say that hasn't been said before, Torin just quietly follows the Magistrate's instructions. Still, he can't help but smile at the dressing down this Zifnab was receiving. Perhaps things would be different this time around.
Fuma follows behind unsure of this law that she was told she should follow, her elven teacher did not put much stock in human laws as he explained and what little exposure she had to it seemed to lend credence to his claims.
As the Qualinesti Elf strides forward to voice her grievances, Fuma instead turns her focus to the old man, Zifnab. Trying to discern what exactly he was trying to do....
Magistrate Squireson listens to Aeleni's argument, nodding. His face, once a thundercloud of anger and fury, now relaxes to mild annoyance. He takes a deep breath, closing his eyes for a moment, and when he opens them, any emotion upon his features is now removed.
One moment Please. Magistrate squireson instructs Aeleni.
Turning, he looks at Zifnab and speaks, his voice neutral, devoid of emotion.
Now, Master Zifnab. For the ninth time. Do you have this watch upon you or not
The old man shifts in his seat, and opens his mouth to speak.
I warn you sir! any theatrical claims in this court, and i shall hold you in contempt. and thatll mean jail time, for you. Squireson cuts in before Zifnab speaks.
Zifnab nods simply and pulls out the watch. At least I'm on time now he says sullenly. And he slouches forward.
Magistrate squireson looks at everyone present, and rests his his gaze upon Zifnab.
So, once again you have wasted not only the courts time, but also their time. with your unwarranted claims and baseless accusations. Baliff, please escort Master Zifnab here to his new quarters upstairs for the night. Since he is so bent on wasting everyones time, I shall return the gesture in kind for the night. Master Zifnab, i shall see you in the morning.
The baliff walks up and grasps the olden gent by the arm and pulls him through the courtroom and out the back door.
Turning his attention back onto the group, the Magistrate responds to Aeleni's plea.
indeed. the Law, unfortunately, in its zealotry to prosecute those found wanting in its eyes, can sometimes be too dogged in its persecution of Justice. And for that, on behalf of this court and the land of Solamnia, I wish to apologize to everyone here. there is no excuse for this to have gone on for as long as it has, and for the abject failure of providing justice to not only those that accuse, but also to those that are accused.
I cannot get you your lost time back. But, perhaps i can make it up in another way. Id like to offer all of you, a job. It's an easy job. Pays well. and most importantly, provides you with an escort out of the city.
Torin lets out a snort of amusement at the old man being led out of the courtroom.
At the magistrate's proposal he cocks an eyebrow and runs a hand through his beard, pensively. "In my experience, when someone claims a job is going to be easy, it never is. But work is work, and a bit of a paid vacation away from that old coot sounds pretty tempting right about now. So, colour me interested, but let's hear the details first."
Duatha is unsure, after all he has somewhere to be. However, to Master magic he will need experience, field experience is experience and with this extra gold he can hire the dwarf longer. If his cousin tags along so be it...
"I would be interested as well Magistrate. However, I would be loathe to return here again and be accuse for a tenth time. Will we be paid in advance for this, endeavor?"
The Magistrate replies to both men.
one way trip for the main job. Maybe a return trip for the
side job. We have some correspondence for the courts in Palanthas, and are in need of someone, or someones to deliver them in a timely manner. The usual delivery person, a Shalene Dervinoa, is sick. Normally we'd wait, but these correspondences include opinions by some of the higher court officals, and are due for a pending case. The side job also goes to Palanthus. I received a curious book from the Library of Palanthus. A forgery, for sure. However, we feel that it would be best to take it to Astinus and his Library so that it could be examined by him, or most likely one of his acolytes, to determine how well of a fake it is, so the appropriate charges can be applied to the individual. The individual who brought this has eluded capture. I already have someone sent out to arrest this man. The pay for the courrespondense would be paid out by the Palanthus courts. Id write a writ for payment. And the same for the book information
"Let us hope this is finally over" - Zak snorts, looking for someone to release his restraints - "I will gladly take an upfront, paying job" - he adds - "And some time away from here"
Bander looks about the courtroom with fresh eyes. He looked at the oldman who previously he viewed as a charming entertainer now a liar or madman. But 9 times . . . do humans suffer to give any person this much power.
When the old man says he's on time. Bander looks curious. As they lead him out Bander calls to the baliff, "Can I ask him a question." Before waiting on an answer Bander blurts, "Master Zifnab. On time for what? 8 times have been the wrong time but this is the right time."
Sheska sighs deeply as the case is overturned for what sounds like the final time, and then her full lips curve into a wide smile.
She listens to the offer of a paid job to sojourn back to Palanthas. I have reason enough as any to travel with this group, Sheska thinks. Besides, the minotaur said the first couple rounds of drinks were on him.
"I'm in." She looks around to see if all the rest are willing. As Duatha assents, Sheska feels pleased for some odd reason. Then it occurs to her that his intelligence seems perhaps more formidable than her own.
And that means my favorite elf will be along as well. But, too, the paladin. Sheska had meant it when she said she admired Fuma's creative thinking.
When Bander calls out his question to the old man, Sheska can't help but listen to see if there is any reply.
to see the wizard my boy zifnab replies as he is taken away
"So you're willing to hire seven people to do the job of one person? That seems a little inefficient, but hey, it's your money. Besides, can't say I've ever been to Palanthas, supposed to be quite the city, so you can count me in."
With that decided, Torin starts planning what supplies he'll need for such a trip.
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What wizard? Aeleni replies curiously as the old fool is taken away.
Aeleni listens to the magistrate with a calm face, watching her cousin Duatha and his reactions, deep in thought.
Ugh this just gets better and better. Now he has an official excuse to go to Palanthas, where one of those blasted towers stands...Hopefully he's not considering taking anything but the white robes...seems i have to tag along whether i want or not...does he know and act on purpose? Out of spite? Or is this some kind of foolish rebellion? I'll have to put up with all these humans, the minotaur and the kender. Annoying, but i better get on a more friendly tone with them, else it could become even more annoying. And i don't want to fuel any of Duatha's nonsense...Why does the old fool say he's on time to see a wizard and then we are offered work which takes us to Palanthas where a tower of sorcery stands? This gives me a bad feeling...
How convenient everything seems to turn out. It appears all of us actually wanted to leave this town, some wanted to travel to Palanthas anyways i reckon, so this fits in. Out of curiosity and to give my cousin some company i will take your offer as well. What kind of book is this though? A historical book? Or a wizards book? Even a spellbook? Does it contain evil magic or rituals?
She glances at Duatha again.
This seems like a dangerous fools quest, but that probably won't change anything.
Trying to give a friendly smile to everyone she continues
I'm glad you are all coming! A larger group offers more protection while traveling and surely you all have useful talents!
to see the wizard my boy zifnab replies as he is taken away
"Wizard?"
Sheska just looks back at Aeleni with a straight-lipped, completely unexcited expression on her face. "The joy."
Later, after having their possessions returned to them, Sheska's mood turns back to the positive: she is finally re-united with her spellbook! Bound in burgundy-red-treated leather, this one of her two most valued possessions measures 12" by 15". Sheska hefts its familiar and solid four pounds. She encloses it carefully in a water-resistant wrapping before sliding it back into her satchel.
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With the most beaming smile Aeleni answers Sheshka
Indeed. Let's just keep this professional. On all levels. Shall we? I'm sure we will get along just fine.
Later, she lays a hand on the dwarfs shoulder, holding him back a bit so they can have a word in private.
Master dwarf, Torin is your name? Your people are honorable and i remember what you did for us during the war, so by nature you have my trust. I hope it is rightfully placed.
She looks him deeply into his eyes.
[b]I understand my brother hired you to protect him. That is respectable and i approve. You should know though, that my brother is likely on some foolish quest of his own to proof something, meddling in some kind of sorcery most likely. There might be times he might need to be protected from himself. I'll pay you some extra coin for your support there. Keeping an eye on that human wizards apprentice will most likely be a good safeguard as well. Can i count on you?
Duatha remains silent at the words of the Old Man. Certainly he had needs to see a Wizard but the rest? Well the Human Wizard may want to go to a Tower but I would wager if she is from Palanthus and left than her destination would be Wayreth.
He is a bit troubled by the answer but remains silent. At least until Aeleni speaks to the Dwarf,
He inspects his wares as well to ensure that they are all present. His spellbook unlike Sheska's is, quite frankly, a mess. Perhaps it was once beautiful but the telltale sign of burnmarks on the books show that it has gone through the Abyss and back.
The magistrate smirks at the dwarf. indeed. But i feel bad for everything that has transpiried. Look at this as a citys way of apologizing and attempting to right a wrong
Torin gives the Magistrate a nod of appreciation.
He looks at the pair of elves with suspicion, feeling like there was some sort of hustle being tried here.
Duatha considers Torin's response,
Once he is ready to go, band the elf does not have very many possessions past a backpack, bandolier of daggers, a very finely crafted blade, and what appears to be a bow with a strong pull, he awaits the others.
The woman for one is glad to be out of the city and is even more glad to be out of the city with her equipment, meagre as they maybe, with companions who are obviously more worldly wise then her.
All these time she has spent either in the slave camps, in seclusion or just following her teacher who had also disappeared leaving her without his Sage guidance.
Her blade sheathed, shield on her back what one would most likely noticed that she pays more attention to a plain looking quarterstaff. It bears exquisite work from its carving but any expert can tell that the work was done in haste with an eye on functionality more then aesthetics.
"Your Honor, our thanks for the resolution of this matter. When can we set off?"
The Old Man's answer does baffle her. Was it her master he meant?
Sheska invites the rest of them, especially Zak--whom she knows could really use a drink---back to the dive-bar serving the inn where she's staying.
The wizard manages to keep her seat pretty steadily while pounding back ales, though her laugh gets progressively louder. "I don't indulge much. But let's cel-e-brate!"
Sheska's ready to head out the next morning, her relaxed brown gaze undimmed by the night's revels. "You quite ready to leave, Bander?" she asks the kender.
She's changed out of her city-wear into a thick, dull-red tunic and a well-fitted gray traveler's cloak. Her backpack is burdened with provisions and topped with a bedroll, and she clutches her satchel to her side. The only apparent weapons she carries are two daggers sheathed right next to each other on her left hip. Sheska seems able to carry the whole ensemble without looking weighed down.
"Exactly what route were we thinking of taking, Duatha?"
The magistrate smirks at the dwarf. indeed. But i feel bad for everything that has transpired. Look at this as a city's way of apologizing and attempting to right a wrong
"Understood" - Zak nodded - "When and where shall we be handed this manuscript? I assume we return in the morrow to gather it? Or shall we take it with us right away?"
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Sheska invites the rest of them, especially Zak--whom she knows could really use a drink---back to the dive-bar serving the inn where she's staying.
"You have not forgotten about it" - the minotaur's chuckle is akin to a low rumble - "I will join you, but remember your tab is on me today" - he adds, hand lifted in the air and almost touching the ceiling, to call for a serving boy/girl.
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She gives Duatha an innocent smile from across the room.
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It seems you all want to stay another day in this town. I'm not sure why, it is still early, we could be on our way today already. The straight way is obviously over Relgoth directly to Palanthas. The road though goes over Auchunan, Vingard keep and the High Clerists Tower, if you prefer that. I don't know which is better.
Magistrate, please let us know when and how we will receive the book and your writs. I think it might be best we start our journey as soon as possible afterwards.
Getting the gear back Aeleni shoulders quite an impressive longbow of elven making, as well as an elven spear and elven swords, combined with a chain shirt. The gear is not as good as Duatha's but she seems more used to handle it.
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Aeleni does not seem thrilled by the inn, but orders the same as everyone else.
Thank you for inviting us today, Zak. Along the road, i will return the favor. I know dwarves have their particular ales, but i don't know much about your people. Do you have any special beverages as well?
She tries to start a conversation, albeit a bit awkwardly.
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Duatha will also ask the Magstrate, "Is there any danger of unsavory figures seeking to retrieve these records from our hands? I would think that as the roads traveled will be all within Solamnic lands, the roads are relatively safe no?"
Duatha orders an Elvenblossom Wine, straight from his homeland, if available. Otherwise, he will order simple apple cider, he does not have the stomach for the spirits that the lesser races drink, quite disgusting really. He thanks Zak for the drink, "What is your native language Zak? Is it Ogre, or something else?"
As Sheska asks about the route, Duatha nods to his cousin, "My Cousin knows the land and directions far better than I do. My knowledge of geography is relegated to study of maps, not the actual travel across the lands they represent".
He then asks the woman a question in Elven as she seems to want to practice,
Meanwhile he nods to Torin and speaks in Dwarven,
Dero squireson has offered each of you a payment of 150gps for delivery of the correspondences, and an extra 50gps each delivering the book to Astinus. If you return, you shall receive an extra 100gps.
Duatha takes the gold happily, quite a bit more weighed down then he was while in the prison that morning.
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Knowledge Geography
"As my Cousin noted, the best overland route from Solanthus to Palanthus is taking the main road north to Vingaard keep. There you can hop the Knights highway and take that into Palanthas, going through the High clerists tower in the Vingaard mountains. An alternate route is to head west to the rhin river. It dumps into the vingaard river, which flows past Vingaard keep and the highway".
Sipping a little bit more liberally from her cup than she probably should, Sheska pipes in, "I took the main road to get down here. It's efficient. Though I must say I am curious to see the Rhin."
In reply to Duatha,
"Yes, Algat. He's a bit of taskmaster, but he is generous in sharing his learning. I met him on a ship to Caergoth. Pirates attacked us, and Algat saved all of us with his spells. While he was otherwise occupied, a stray burning arrow sailed into the passengers' quarters. I managed to save his spellbook from combustion. So he ended up offering me a chance to pursue a calling I had never dared before dream of. I owe him everything.
"With whom did you apprentice?"
My Father and Grandfather attempted to convert me to the cause long ago. Half-heartedly I learned a few cantrips. It was not until after the War that I found what remained of their library ravaged by Dragonfire and Theft and became consumed by passion for the Art".