"If I'm to maintain any seeming of good standing in the government, I need to distance myself from you officially -- but know that I am your friend! If you need to meet, send a message and I will come here."

Cressida nods, "Good then. May Desna smile upon us."

Where to?

Cressida raises an eyebrow, "I recall compensating you quite well for your services when you were employed by the guard. If I could, I would shower you in gold, but I'm afraid my treasury is tapped." She picks up a sack and hands it over. "This meager stash is all that I have, beyond the salaries of the guards I have left. Take it with my gratitude for the amazing deeds you've done, and may it aid you on the path ahead."

To Seren, she adds, "I cannot offer anything more, and cannot guarantee you fame and fortune. But if you do not wish to help the people of Korvosa, then perhaps you should seek ventures in Magnimar or Kaer Maga."

The sack is a bag of holding, and contains a small metal coffer (holding 750 pp), 5 potions of cure serious wounds, 3 potions of lesser restoration, a wand of invisibility (15 charges), and a wand of cure moderate wounds (35 charges).

"Thank you," Cressida nods, letting her shoulders ease for a moment of relief. "You can start with Orisini Academy, or his home next door. If not, well... in his messages, Vencarlo mentioned a leader of the mob styling himself the 'Emperor of Old Korvosa'. If he is not home, perhaps finding this self-appointed ruler might turn up his trail. Or maybe the Arkonas might know something, if you can secure an audience."

"As important as finding Vencarlo is to me, discovering what actually happened to Seneschal Kalepopolis is of even greater concern to Korvosa. Not only might he have valuable insight into what's going on with the queen, but his return may well give those who oppose Ileosa a legal way to, if not remove her, at least wrest away some of her power."

Cressida nods, "There is something else. Vencarlo's messages came in steadily, usually once a day, but after he sent me the message about Kalepopolis, I haven't heard anything. That was several days ago. I'm worried about his safety -- Old Korvosa is in chaos; it seems the Arkona's have retreated to their palace, and violent gangs rule the streets."

"Getting into Old Korvosa may be relatively easy, but once you're inside, getting out is another story. I wouldn't ask anyone to go into that kind of danger were the need not so great. And I can think of none more capable than you."

To Jarha's questions, Cressida shakes her head. "I first met the Queen just over a year ago, when I was promoted to Field Marshal. Then, she was a timid thing... shy and aloof, but nothing like the person I saw today. Since taking the throne, she's made a remarkable transformation of confidence and presence. Sabina would know better, but... well, we aren't on the best terms." She pauses, frowning a moment before continuing.

"Endrin's aim was true -- his shot should have dropped her where she stood! Whatever magic the queen has wrapped herself in is obviously of the highest order. I do not know anything about it, but I know someone who might... Despite the quarantine of Old Korvosa, Vencarlo Orisini has still managed to get messages to me. His observations and opinions gleaned from the city's people have been a godsend, particularly since the plague started. Recently, he wrote of discovering something of vital importance regarding the queen -- rumors of dark magic and a pact with a devil -- claims I found hard to believe, until the events of this morning."

"Perhaps even more astounding, he hinted he'd found a lead on the whereabouts of Seneschal Kalepopolis, and implied the man might be in hiding in Old Korvosa!" She shakes her head in wonder.

As you enter the ossuary chamber, you find Cressida Kroft. She stands alert with her hand on her blade, but visibly relaxes when she sees its you. The tension and stress are clear in her face and shoulders. "Thank you for coming so quickly. I would apologize for the morbid location, but it is one of the few places in the city I could trust for privacy. And you are the few I can trust with what I must say." To Jarha, she adds, "We have not met, but I have heard you come with a worthy recommendation. Welcome."

Once you are all in, she sits down on a corner of stone. "Today, Queen Ileosa summoned her court and senior advisors to Castle Korvosa. She began with a triumphant announcement of the plague's defeat, and the death of the criminal Davaulus and his false physicians. She did not claim credit directly, but no mention of your fine efforts, of course."

"She continued on about how the Order of the Nail Hellknights fled the city like cowards, and how badly the Korvosan Guard and Sable Company had suffered in the recent turmoil. She then declared the Gray Maidens as Korvosa's new, official protectors, and appointed Sabina Merrin as general. Not terribly surprising given the way things have been going. The queen then turned her attention to the Sable Company. Citing that the care and feeding of the company's hippogriff mounts places too great a strain on the city coffers; their supposed incompetence in helping to deal with the recent unrest; and that the company's commander, Seneschal Neolandus Kalepopolis went into hiding after King Eodred's death, Queen Ileosa officially disbanded the Sable Company and seized its holdings." She lets out a sigh and shakes her head. "At this point, she asked Commander Endrin to step forth and surrender his badge of office. I... I should have known something was going to happen. If I were more alert, perhaps..."

"Marcus was ill at ease, but I figured he was just as tired as I was. No. He reached for his badge, but instead of handing it over, he flung it at the queen, striking her in the face! Everyone was shocked into paralysis. 'Your shameful reign ends now! Korvosa will be free again!' he bellowed, drew his bow and fired."

"Marcus Endrin is a deadeye, and the shot was point-blank. The arrow struck Queen Ileosa in the right temple, sinking deep into her skull... yet she did not fall."

"After a stunned second, she shot forward with incredible speed, yanking the arrow from her skull. Before blood could fall to the floor, she stood before Endrin and lifted him up with one hand. She then drove the arrow up under his jaw, and out the side of his face. I was just feet away." Cressida shudders, nervously wiping away phantom blood from her face.

'This shall be the fate of all enemies of Korvosa! Mark well his punishment! It is only the first!' Ileosa cried, her voice strong, clear, commanding. Chaos broke out. The queen teleported away with her new advisor, Togomor. Gray Maidens rushed in to regain order, but I got out of there as fast as I could."

Cressida shakes her head, "No, sadly. I'd suggest Vencarlo Orisini's place, but Old Korvosa is cut off. If you are still staying at the Three Rings Tavern, its a well-known place. I doubt anyone would confront you there. Of course, there are plenty of empty, abandoned places around the city nowadays."

There's also places that you've cleared, like the Dead Warrens, or Zellara's home.

Cressida nods grimly. "I will do what I can," she repeats. "Get to work on that cure and make an end to this plague."

Anything else for Cressida before I segue into the next chapter?

Cressida holds a warning hand up. "Beware what you say and who you say it to. If you speak such treason in the wrong company, even I will not be able to save you. Had you said that in front of Sabina, that encounter would have had a much different outcome." She shakes her head and rubs her eyes. "It seems you have done Korvosa a great service once again. Whether or not the Gray Maidens or... 'higher echelons'... were involved, I cannot say. I hope it is not so," she pauses a moment, biting her lip. "But at this point, very little would surprise me."

"Most importantly, you have the inroads to a cure. Please see to that! Hopefully by destroying blood veil's source, you have prevented its further spread. But many and more are still infected. Anything you can come up with to help... well, we already owe you much."

"I will do what I can to make sure this hospice and its secret compartments are destroyed. I will also keep an ear to the ground, in case something else comes up. Please, keep a low profile for a while... I fear you've made some enemies, and as you can see, my influence is waning."

Cressida nods to Absinthe as she leads you, the guards, Ishani and the Varisian survivors away from the hospice. She pauses a few blocks away. "The streets aren't safe. Come with me to Citadel Volshyenek, and we can speak privately."

Assuming you follow...

You reach the citadel a few minutes later. Even though its mid-morning, the streets are empty. Other than the circling birds overhead and the distant subdued noises from the docks, the only sign of activity is more than a dozen columns of smoke rising to the north, in the direction of Old Korvosa.

At the citadel gates, Tobar gives sincere thanks on behalf of those you rescued from the hospice, then leads Ruan and the other Varisians away towards their homes. Cressida dismisses the guard escort then leads you and Ishani into her office. She unbuckles her sword and places it on her desk, then slumps into her chair with a heavy sigh.

"I'm lucky I got there when I did. Reports came in of a battle at the Hospice, Gray Maidens were being summoned from all over Korvosa, and I'd heard you were seen in the area. I had a hunch you might be in trouble," she finishes with a tired grin. "What did you find?" she adds, more seriously.

"Its my fault," Cressida commiserates. "I should have kept closer watch over their activities -- maybe I could have prevented this tragic misunderstanding. But its done and Desna weeps for us all. I take full responsibility for this... I will debrief them and, if necessary, see they face the consequences, but I need them alive, Sabina."

"Please, old friend..."

Sabina's features remain locked in a hard mask, but she holds Cressida's gaze for a long moment. Then, with a controlled sigh, she looks away and nods curtly.

Cressida turns to you, inclining her head towards the door. "Let's go... now. Her tone brooks no argument.

Ishani and the Varisians hastily make their way towards the exit as the Gray Maidens stand down and sheathe their weapons.

"Sabina, stop!"

Cressida Kroft pushes into the room, four Korvosan guardsmen at her side, and an indignant Nurse Torthus in the waiting room beyond. The Field Marshal moves to Sabina's side, holding up a calming hand. "These are my agents, acting under my orders. They are not the enemy, and I will not see them summarily executed." Kroft's tone is firm but against the more numerous and heavily armored Gray Maidens, her squad's presence is clearly overshadowed.

Back to the Citadel...

You escort Jolistina and Ausio Carowyn to Citadel Volshyenek. The elf banters and laughs in a random, scatter-brained fashion for most of the walk, but as the fortress comes into view, her demeanor shifts darkly quickly. Her cruel jokes turn to bitter threats, and even after you hand her over to the guards and they take her to the prison, she screams that her Rolth will rescue her and make zombies of you all.

You meet with Marshal Kroft and she listens patiently as you and Ausio explain the massacre at his manor. Her reaction turns from alarmed to saddened as she hears the fate of so many nobles.

"I will send word to Castle Korvosa immediately. That the city's nobility were struck so directly will be a shock to many. It was thought that their wealth and separation from the masses kept them safe from the blood veil, but it is clear they too are as vulnerable as any." Cressida shakes her head. "I have no guards to spare, but I have a few wounded in reserve. I will send them to cordon off the estate, investigate for more clues, and clean up the murdered... if you agree, Master Carowyn?" The distraught noble nods silently.

Cressida turns back to you. "My friends, you have found so many clues... but there are many loose ends and I still do not recognize the pattern. What do you think? Where should we go from here?"

"I'm sure we would have one to spare," the Marshal nods.

Not masterwork, though.

Cressida offers a brief smile, "Thank you. We will be very cautious."

+2 short spear and bracers of armor +3

"Our efforts to stem the spread of infections is going at full pace, but it can only do so much if those responsible continue to seed the city with these coins and such. I will issue notices to avoid handling and trading coins. It will be a blow to trade, which is already in dire straits."

"If you have any more promising leads, please continue to investigate. The only new item I have is a disturbing rumor that some of the lazier northern plague carters aren’t delivering their bodies to the Gray District as ordered, but are instead disposing of them in one of several secluded alleys. If you have the time, check out Racker's Alley in Old Korvosa."

Cressida frowns but focuses on the coffer and nods grimly. "I will have one of the clerics verify your claim, though I trust your word. And the scheme to spread disease, and quickly, makes sense in a sick way." She sighs and opens the pouch to peruse the papers. After a few moments, she shakes her head. "It seems the worst is true. Korvosa is under attack and the weapon used is one of pestilence. But from who?"

Back to the Citadel Volshyenek, you find the place as busy as ever. Marshal Kroft is busy in a meeting with her officers, but with a few urgent nudges to the guard, she emerges and takes you to her office.

"What is it?" she says, snappishly. It is clear her nerves are frayed.

Reporting In

"Marshal Kroft," Absinthe says, her eyes narrowing slightly, "we heard disturbing rumours that the Asmodeans were demanding souls for cures and -- are you well? One lauds your devotion to duty, but if you weaken yourself by too much work, you create breaches in your defence against the disease. Perhaps you should find your bed, as should we all."

Cressida gives you a weak smile, "I thank you for your concern. I have too much to do to allow myself hours of sleep... but perhaps a short nap. Thank you again for your efforts. Keep me appraised, and I will do likewise if something for you comes in."

Drop your cash and Spellcraft rolls, and we can advance to the next day.

Reporting

Cressida follows along, obviously struggling to keep her eyes focused. She clears her throat roughly before responding. "There are a dozen similar reports coming from all around the city... my men are tied up maintaining the quarantines and keeping order. Sorting out the legitimate healers from the scam artists was half the problem we discussed this morning."

"The sunken ship sounds like a fair lead, if you want to dive for it. I have no magical methods to offer you, but I'm sure you can find some for sale around the city." She shoves over a pile of scrolls forlornly. "I've got rumors of were-rats teeming the sewers and attacking folks, lazy carters failing to deliver bodies, zombies in the Vaults, missing people in the Heights, Academae wizards dueling to the death... I've even got some nobles making official complaints that I hire freelancers!" The Marshal sighs and rubs her eyes again.

Reporting In

Frustrated by the lack of conclusive leads, you return to Citadel Volshyenek to check in with Marshal Kroft. You find her alone in her office. As you enter, she looks up from a stack of reports. Her eyes are bloodshot and heavy with fatigue.

"Dire news from all fronts... Please tell me you've learned something useful?"

"This is Korvosa... unusual visitors are not so unusual in a city this size," Cressida responds Absinthe's query. "Apart from a Shoanti warband or anything so obvious, it would be difficult to know. But, I'll have my lieutenants scour the logs from the gates and docks. Maybe a lead will surface."

"It is late, and you are free to go. I'll contact you in the morning should anything come to light, but you are free to scout around the city as Segang offered. I will write you an order for free passage through the barricades."

Patience... =P

Cressida rubs her eyes and sighs wearily. "I suggest we take a break. Until some clues come to light, there's little more we can do than contain and prevent." She sits down on a bench, stretching her neck.

"In my office," she responds.

Staying or leaving?

Cressida intervenes. "Look, we have a mountain of details to discuss and decide on. We need to get to it. Segang raises a good point. While knowing where this came from may not help those already infected, it may help keep it from spreading."

"Brother Dhatri, I welcome your aid and wisdom in this process. The resources of your church will be of great help to us."

She turns to your group. "You are free to join us, or you may go if you have duties elsewhere. I will contact you immediately if... when your skills are needed."

Marshal Kroft slows her pace at the call, turning to greet you with a guarded smile. "I am glad you are here. My runner said you were not at the Three Rings when he arrived." She pauses for an awkward moment, then gestures to the dark-haired man. "May I introduce Doctor Reiner Davaulus. He is to head up the cadre of Queen's Physicians to help combat this crisis."

The Field Marshal's fierce tone cuts through the rumble of whispers. "You will escort Doctor Davaulus and his men in their royal duties wherever those might take them. Furthermore, you are to consider orders from any of the Queen's new order of Gray Maidens to be as binding as any from a superior officer in the Korvosan Guard or Sable Company."

"You are guardsmen of Korvosa. You will not balk. These are dire times and your city needs these healers. Your city needs you. Your patrol leaders have your assignments. Dismissed!"

The guardsmen gathered in the courtyard break up into groups, many reporting for various duties while a few others loiter for a few moments to gripe about their new orders. The armored woman quickly ends this with a few sharp words, and starts assigning orders. You see Marshal Kroft and her veteran attendants begin to head to her office with Doctor Davaulus and the other physicians in tow.

Cressida chuckles and nods in agreement. "I'm sure we will soon have some new trouble to sort out, taking up any free time for armchair philosophizing... But this has been a pleasure, if only a brief respite from our chores." She too finishes her drink and stands. "Until next time.

Cressida nods to Absinthe's words. "Wise teachings, and a bright ideal to aspire to. I well and truly understand the burdens of responsibility that come with a position of leadership. I think you'd find, however, in reality few nations in Tian Xia enjoy such harmony."

"Just look at some of the people you have faced recently. These are not ones to defer and work in the best interests of the public. No, they use the chaos to exploit the weak and bend the system to their benefit. How does a ruler combat these effectively?"

"Seren, we may not agree in politics, but I think we'd agree that deception and illusion can be used for the greater good. In certain circumstances, show of power or solidarity may be as effective as the real thing. As Shoanti of the Cinderlands may say, 'fight fire with fire'..."

To Absinthe, "It is the duty of a monarch to control, but you say it like that's a bad thing. This is Korvosa, and the law is paramount, but that power flows from the top, not the other way around. Like I said earlier, this isn't Andoran," Kroft flashes a half-grin.

"But I agree with you, Melianthe, and what chafes me most about today is that I was almost certainly sidestepped. We apprehended Trinia legitimately, saving her from a reckless witch hunt, and I thought her safe in custody. Safe until her alibi or her deception could be sussed out. The whole process got hijacked, and I'm not impressed." Cressida stops herself speaking abruptly, looking around the tavern warily.

"I should mind my tongue... and don't get me started on Blackjack!" She lets out a groan.

Cressida shakes her head. "No, what you say seems likely. The queen nearly said as much, explaining that Trinia's execution would put King Eodred's death behind us, so that the city can move forward. With a public display, there are many witnesses... to verify that the killer is truly dead, and not being secretly imprisoned, or worse, set free."

"The first weeks of Queen Ileosa's reign have been ones of terrible chaos and destruction. I admit that today was a travesty, but can we blame her for trying to gain the trust of the people?"

"No, I've always been confident in my abilities," she replies to Cherias. "I had reservations about my appointment, initially, but once I got used to my position... and got the guard used to me, I knew I was made for it."

To Melianthe, "I do have lieutenants, and a deputy for the night shift, though its been a while since I've had a quiet night. The show at the castle set off a buzz, but at least no riots. I'm not going to stir the pot..." She shakes her head, sighing. "One of the reasons I've done so well as commander is that I've kept my nose mostly out of the political mire, but I do have some contacts. Things should settle down in a few days, and then maybe I'll get some answers as to what today was all about."

The evening fare is pretty light -- cold cuts and cheese with sweet bread rolls -- but served with an array of different pickled sauces and spices. Theandra serves you a carafe of dark wine, better than the usual house blend, with compliments to the Marshal.

"I always liked this place," Cressida muses between bites. "Neighborly tavern without the drunkards and hooligans. I don't often have time to get out, and I have no patience for the posh locals of my peers."

To Cherias, she responds, giving a small shrug. "There's not much to tell. A few hundred years ago, after the last Shoanti war, my ancestors claimed some lands along the river to the east. It didn't count for much with the Chelish nobility, but they had respect in the military channels. Military service became my family's birthright."

"My father served in the Sable Company, as did his father. I was an only child, and I think my father wished for a son, to also serve with the Sables. Unfortunately, I have a healthy fear of heights. He died disappointed." She gives a rueful chuckle.

"Still, I upheld the family tradition and became an officer of the guard. I did well enough, kept my nose clean and my head down. I guess a combination of competence and not pissing anyone off is a good thing. A few years ago, King Eodred appointed me Field Marshal..." She pauses a few moments, a distant look on her face. "I'm not sure why I was picked. There were dozens of more experienced, better connected officers available."

Later, at the Three Rings...

Marshal Kroft arrives a while later, meeting Absinthe and Cherias (and any others that wish to join) at the Three Rings. She passes a friendly wave to Theandra on her way to your table. As she sits down, you can see she's had a wash and change of clothes, but still wears her guard rank.

"Good evening," she says with a rare smile. "What are you having?"

Cressida gives Absinthe a look before finally nodding. "Perhaps you are right," she sighs. "About the drink, that is. I'll clean up and meet you at the Three Rings later."

"Authority," Cressida replies simply. "One obeys their superior because it is their duty. I do not need to trust the queen or my betters to know I must act upon their orders. My position and powers derive from the monarchy's, not the other way around. This is Korvosa... we're not radicals like those in Andoran."

Cressida frowns as Segang walks out. "Obeying your queen has nothing to do with trust," she says to those remaining. She looks like she is about to continue speaking, then grimaces and remains quiet.

To Absinthe, she nods. "If you wish to remain on hand, I will extend your billeting at the Three Rings."

Cressida gives Segang a sharp look, but then nods to Cherias's words. "Korvosa has had its share of monarchs come and go over the years, and not all of them handled it well. King Eodred was considered mostly fair and even-handed, but even he had many critics. Our queen is still new to the throne... not that that justifies whatever that show was meant to be."

"Ultimately, Ileosa is the queen and doesn't have to explain her reasons. I assume she was trying to close the book on Eodred's death so that the city could move on, like she said. I cannot say whether the event helped or hindered her case to the city."

The marshal shakes her head. "I have no other work for you at this time. Things have settled down significantly, but the city is still on edge. I'm sure something will come up before long. Your service has been more effective than I could have hoped. If needed, I will contact you again, if you so desire."

You are able to egress from the castle with no further trouble, though recovering your weapons from the beleaguered guards takes some time. Even when you make it back to Citadel Volshyenek, Marshal Kroft has yet to return. She finally does arrive, a few hours later, looking exhausted. Her bruises, scuffs and muddy uniform highlight a rough end to the gathering. When she sees you, she can only shake her head and frown.

Game on!!

You leave Old Korvosa and take the most direct route to Citadel Volshyenek, wasting no time with distractions along the way. The guards at the gate wave you in, and you find Marshal Kroft in the courtyard, speaking sternly to a few junior officers. She nods to you as you enter, then walks over when her business is complete. Her demeanor is cold and serious as she greets you.

"I am glad you are here. Late last night, a contingent of the queen's came and took Ms Sabor into their custody. Bastards waited until I was asleep before they came in and browbeat my lieutenant. By the time I was informed, they were gone." She shakes her head with a grimace. "Now, I've been invited up to the castle to attend her hearing. I'm not sure what to expect, but I know you wanted to be there. I am leaving in a moment, if you wish to join...?"

Thanks for your patience...

Cressida nods, "A barrister will be provided, if needed. In a case of this sort, an interrogation under a zone of truth will suffice to prove her guilt or innocence."

You will have a few days downtime, if there is anything specific you wish to do. I will be away for the weekend... should be able to make replies, but nothing major.

"That's just the problem, at the moment," Cressida replies to Absinthe. "The mob doesn't want her treated well... they want her strung up and burned. The best course of action at this point is to keep her out of sight and out of mind until things calm down."

To Cherias, she adds, "It's not really you that worries me. Rule of law must be upheld, or Korvosa is doomed to anarchy. At this critical time, I can't make exceptions."

"... You will be escorted to and kept safely imprisoned in Citadel Volshyenek until the time of your trial. ... "

Cressida frowns, and gives a half-nod. "With proper cause, yes. Understand I cannot allow a parade of visitors on purely personal grounds. The dungeons are secure for a reason."

"As would I," she responds over her shoulder. "I will do all I can to see this through, legally."

Cressida nods, "When her trial commences, I will let you know."

Moving things forward...

Field Marshal Croft is obviously relieved, but still nervous, when you inform her of Trinia's capture. She musters a platoon of Korvosan guards and follows you back to the inn. She enters the establishment, but leaves the escort outside. Upon meeting Trinia, she nods grimly.

"I'm glad you are well. It is unfortunate how this situation came to pass, and I hope it resolves more orderly than it began. Now, for the formalities... Trinia Sabor, I place you under arrest for the suspected regicide of King Eodred Arabasti II. You will be escorted to and kept safely imprisoned in Citadel Volshyenek until the time of your trial. Then, you will be given the opportunity to tell your story, under a zone of truth. If you are truthfully innocent of this crime, you will be set free. If not, your life is forfeit. Do you understand?"

With a gulp, Trinia nods solemnly.

Cressida nods and sighs, turning to the group. "Thank you for bringing her in safely. I still don't know exactly what purpose is behind inciting the mob, but you've done a fine service to both Trinia and Korvosa today... though many in the city may not know it yet. Keep safe and out of trouble, and I will contact you soon." She hands over a heavy purse before escorting Trinia out the door.

Anything for Trinia or Cressida before they leave? The purse holds 100 platinum crowns.

To Segang's request, Cressida frowns and shakes her head. "I share your concerns, but unfortunately I have no ability to grant your request. Castle Korvosa is out of my jurisdiction... I take my orders from them, not the other way around." She turns to Seren and the group. "That being said, the guard is dead... but Trinia Sabor yet lives. I cannot say how long until she is found out. Going door to door, it is only a matter of time. It could be within hours, if some neighbor gives her up... I recommend haste."

"42 Moon Street. Any other questions?"

A few minutes after the guard leaves, Field Marshal Kroft arrives at the Three Rings with a handful of guards and a slight, hooded figure in tow. Her demeanor is nervous and impatient as she waves you into the unoccupied dining room and closes the door with the guards posted outside.

She nods curtly once everyone is settled, then starts in a low voice. "You've doubtless heard the stories that the king's killer has been named. Yet there's something more going on here, I'm afraid. Queen Ileosa could have quietly had this Trinia Sabor arrested at any time, yet the way in which she revealed the information to the city seems to me like she wants the riots to come back." Cressida sighs and continues. "With the mob and the Hellknights out on the street the girl doesn't stand a chance at a trial... they'll lynch her the moment they find her. And even if she did kill the king, mob 'justice' isn't the way. Worse, if she's innocent, the real killer can use this distraction to throw us off the trail forever."

"Before Trinia is executed, we need to be absolutely sure she did this thing, and that means we need to catch her before the mob does. Fortunately, we know where she lives -- a flat in Midland -- but soon, so will the mob. The Hellknights don't seem to care as much about catching her as they do about containing the mob... something about the "order of law" makes it a greater priority for them than a possible assassin. I can't say I disagree completely, but the problem is the Hellknights are only making the situation worse. If I send my guards into this mess, it will be riots all over again."

She looks around to each of you, so distracted she takes no real notice of Majenko. "I'm sure you can see where this is going. I need you to get into Midland, find Trinia, and bring her back to me so we can deliver her, safe and sound, to somewhere she can be questioned, preferably with magic, to learn her true role in King Eodred's death."

She stops and gestures to the figure at her side. "Oh, before I forget... I heard that a few of your companions have moved on. So, I asked around... Vencarlo Orisini recommended a young 'man' doing good deeds for the locals in Old Korvosa. I thought he would be a good match for your group. This is Cherias."

Back at Citadel Volshyenek, you catch Field Marshal Croft just as she is retiring for the night. "That was quickly done. Nice job!" By candlelight, she peruses the contents of the letters, blushing despite herself. She wraps them up and nods, a rare smile on her lips. "This will work perfectly as leverage against the Ambassador. I'll see that Vencarlo's contacts in the diplomatic arena get this tool in their hands."

Cressida steps away for a minute, talking to a clerk and retrieving a small coffer. "On behalf of the city guard, I'm adding this small bonus to whatever coin you have remaining." She hands the coffer over, then thinks for a moment before concluding. "I have no more work for you at this time, but with unrest still thick in the air, there's bound to be something new soon. I'll be in contact."

The coffer holds 500 gold sails.

"If you're up for the task, here is your bribe money." She puts a leather pouch on the desk before you. "Best of luck!"