Dragon's Egg - Act III

[Legendary Sidekick]

Run, Mauve. Run and never return!

I keep those thoughts quiet.

"Ankari killed a priest, Sister," I tell Burnbright. To Gisla, I add, "I know my oath, and will follow him at once."

I sprint into the woods, wanting no part of Mauve's capture. If she is captured, I know my oaths. Gisla didn't break the condition. Mauve is not presumed guilty by association. Her voice gave her away. Damn… all I can tell Gisla is that I was under an oath to protect Mauve's secrets as they had never been used with evil intent. I had no way of knowing she'd help Ankari. She didn't even like him. Now she's in a mess… and maybe I am as well.

I'm prepared to answer for my part in this, if…

 

[Nihal]

When the darkness moves I am already standing where I originally were, turned to face the mob. Cadell is heading towards me with his big horse and cries of anger chasing him. I open my arms and reach for them, keeping my voice down.

"Stay out of the mob's reach but do not dare to chase him." I look up, holding their gaze. "Unless you want to go from ex-knight to betrayer."

When a man approaches us, I nod at him and follow back to the front of the temple.

As I place myself between the mob and the elves a shiver runs along my spine. These people are a disturbing sight, a monstrosity waking up the fear deeply rooted in me since my childhood days. We were taught to avoid exactly this kind of situation.

What am I doing? I should run away!

I raise my chin, keeping a calm expression, trying to locate all my companions in this chaos. Not that they will help. Traitors. Screaming won't help and I have no means to disperse the mob, not while the alphas are in frenzy. In a group there are always the ones who incite the others, the followers of little agency.

"Heed my words!" I say firmly, "A great threat is upon you! Your only hope is to hear me now! For your children, for your family, for your friends, hear me, or they will all perish because you lost your mind in this time of need! You do not know true enemy, but we know!"

 

[SeverinR]

Bressel looks at the crowd and group clearly confused, holding tightly to his axe.
"Great threat?"Bressel spins looking towards where the gnolls would be coming.
"That elf was a spy for the gnolls?" He asks loudly, looking for someone to answer.
"Damn elf, I was looking forward to a relaxing night drinking. Now the spy will tell the gnolls the town is leaderless and have cast doubt on the only people that can help them save their town. That elf is pure evil."
Bressel kicks a rock, probably one dropped by a townsperson.
"Baldhart will capture the spy, but will she do it before he meets with his contact?"

 

[Ireth]

Cadell

I look down when an armed human approaches us. Llucheden whickers and snorts, and I pat her neck, listening to what the man has to say. Coming quietly definitely seems the wisest option.

"Stay with Llucheden," I tell Líadan, before swinging out of the saddle to follow the man and Mauve. To the man, I say, "I am a witness, not an accomplice. I will testify if need be."

Mauve addresses the crowd, and Bressel responds. I groan inwardly, resisting the urge to smack my palm against my face. Just what we need, more lies and rumors to spread!

"Ankari may be a murderer, but he is no spy," I announce to the mob. "He and my company are enemies of the gnolls and their ilk. We sought refuge from them here, with intent to drive them off if they pursued."

 

[SomethingToPonder]

After hearing the initial screams for help by cadell I start packing my things up quickly and frantically in no coherent order. Why do these things always happen when your trying to rest!
I dash out of the inn to find nobody there, I must have taken to long to gather my supplies.
I start running as fast as my legs will carry me towards the temple, there seems to be large crowd gathering there and im pretty sure that's where my companions will be.

As I approach I hear the cries of
"elf!" And "warlock", The shrieks alone tell me my companions are in this direction somewhere, If only I could know exactly where.

I push my way through the crowd as fast and aggressively as I can. By the time I reach the confrontation place at the centre of the crowd I see cadell trying to reason with the angry mob, I have also heard more than enough shouts and pieces of information of what has happened by the time I get here that I have the jist of what has happened.

"Cadell!" I shout standing on my tiptoes and waving my arm.
"It is aldar, Sorry I am late, I see we seem to have run into some problems!" That cheeky grin drawing across my face.

I see all the other members of the party in heated confrontational debate and arguments with different sections of the angry mob. I try and push through the last remaining members of the crowd, Keeping my head down until I make it to 3 rows or so back, And then I push with all my strength and make a dash for my friends, Using my staff to push people aside.

I make one final shout as I try to push through, Just incase my attempt should fail, to avoid being swallowed by the crowd, "hopefully one of my friends will hear me!"

 

[Ireth]

Cadell

Aldar's voice sounds in the crowd, and I roll my eyes. Just what we need, an elven wizard to further muddy the waters of truth and fuel the fire of these people's fury!

"Stay back, Aldar!" I yell to him. I don't want to see him hurt -- he's an innocent in these matters.

 

[SomethingToPonder]

I stop just before breaking the line of the crowd. I consider my options on the spot.
If I stay in the crowd, I risk being swamped by attackers from all sides, and if the party has to retreat I will be stuck alone. It does not seem wise at all. However If I join my companions I may be safer but if I join my companions then the crowd may look upon them with more sinister intentions.

"What will I do then!? Surely you cant expect me to stay on this side of the divide? If We are going to have to resort to battle then I shall be with you all!"

 

[Steerpike]

Burnbright looks around at the growing agitation, seemingly confused. Her knife is held loosely at her side.

As Mauve speaks, the crowd shouts back curses and accusations. "A liar!" "She came with the elves!" And when Bressel mentions the gnolls, murmurs spread throughout the crowd. One man yells "He'll bring up back to kill us all!" "And to save their accomplice!" yells a woman, pointing at Mauve.

Gisla appeals for calm, but even though she is loud and stern, the crowd continues to talk over her, casting aspersions on elves, witches, gnolls, and even the odd southlander in general, just for good measure. The noise of the crowd dulls to a murmur only when the older man waves his hands over his head and calls for quiet. Villagers part to let him pass, while others turn to glare at Aldar as he pushes through them with the staff.

The older man stops in front of Mauve. "It is good you did not run. Hand over your weapons and other possessions, please. You may trust them to the care of your companions if you wish. We will feed you and keep you safe until tomorrow, when the Council convenes. You have been accused by Gisla of being complicit in the murder of Father Geralt, and you may make your plea in the morning, after which the Council will hear evidence."

"Now, if you do not mind - your weapons. No harm will come to you in our custody, I will see to that."

Then the old man turns to the crowd as a whole. "No one further is to enter the temple until myself and the other Council members have had a chance to examine the body." He turns to the militia man who retrieved Mauve and Cadell. "Take her to the cells. Treat her humanely, or I will hear of it."

The militia man moves toward Mauve, waiting for her to drop her weapons and other belongings. Gisla nods to Mauve as well. "It is for the best. You'll have a chance to tell your story before the Council."

Then she turns to the villagers. "You heard the elder speak! We are not a band of ravaging gnolls or grunting orcs! We are a village of laws, and we will act as such. The prisoner will come before the full Council in the morning. The murderer may or may not be caught, but we will send descriptions of the elf to the other villages of the north. He will be brought to justice. Now please, set down your rocks or other weapons and return home. Do not lower yourself to the level of those who have broken our laws!"

Gisla's words come before the mob can rouse itself again after the elder's speech. A few agitants shout comments at Mauve and the elves, but Gisla casts stern looks at them and ultimately the crowds starts to disperse. A couple of militia members take up guard at the temple entrance to ensure that no one enters.

To Baldhart, Gisla says "I do not expect you to go chasing after the murderer, and besides it is not my place to order you around. Your friend may prefer to have you here, for comfort. At least until she is taken to the cells."

 

[Ireth]

Cadell

I stand still when the old man speaks to Mauve, and the one who brought her and me forward. Am I meant to go to the cells with her, or do they have some other purpose planned for me?

 

[Steerpike]

Gisla looks to Cadell, standing there quietly. "Witnesses are not held in custody, in case you are wondering. The Council will expect that you will not leave the village, but barring that you are free to do as you please. You have been accused of no wrong."

 

[SomethingToPonder]

I look at the old man from the other side of the crowd, The militia man does not seem to know I am here or with the party. I could remain anonymous and hide, Or I could risk being arrested or detained indefinitely as a witness.

I take a deep breath and step forward.

"I beg your pardon good sir, I am a mere simple noble from the south, I travelled here on my own business, mainly to gain knowledge of the trade that may or may not be going on between towns in the north and towns in the south.
I have no connection to this party of travellers, But they were good enough to let me travel with them for the last short while, in case I was attacked in the wild. I have nothing but respect for all of them, Now while I see your point, I cannot see how you can detain our friend here, She may be suspected of a crime, And you seem like honest law abiding people But for all I know this town could be very unsavoury,A priest has just been killed for gods sake man! I would not feel correct letting her be arrested in a town where we no not if she will receive a fair trial. "
I pause and throw a quick look at mauve , then return to talking to the elder man.
"I have an uncle in a similar position of authority where I am from, Believe me I see your point of view, but you must equally see mine. For all we know you could have men who are torturing scoundrels. As a Man of nobility I demand you do not detain this woman, But you have my word I shall escort her to her proceedings as you see fit."

Hopefully this man falls for my lies. He may not, But it's worth a shot, I dont know why I said it, I doubt mauve would have for me, But I had an urge to stick up for her.

 

[Ireth]

Cadell

I nod, relaxing slightly at Gisla's words. "Thank you. I have no intention of leaving until all of this is sorted out, for better or for worse." I expect I will be summoned to testify before the Council tomorrow; I should get as much rest as I can before then. I hope I am still welcome at the Maiden's Spear.

I move to find Liadan again, hurrying toward her through the thinning crowd.

Líadan

The crowd begins to disperse; it seems everything is over, at least for the moment. I lead Llucheden forward, and turn toward Cadell when I spy him coming toward us. I dismount and throw my arms around my lover in relief. "Are you alright?"

Cadell

"I'm fine," I murmur, kissing her forehead. "We should go... I at least will need a clear head in the morning." I look at Gisla and add, "If it's alright by you, Gisla, I think I will retire for the night, if I am not needed out here any longer."

Wait, what's this? Aldar speaks up? Fool, he's going to make things worse!

"Aldar, let the man do his job! Go back to the inn!"

 

[Nihal]

"What? I was sleeping at the inn when it happened!" I look at Gisla. "You cannot deny it."

Drat. Drat drat drat drat drat drat drat!

I take a deep breath and hand over my dagger, then the stone knife, lowering my voice. "Take good care of it, it is a prized trophy."

Taking off my backpack, I hold Líadan's gaze. My spellbook is safe, translated to something that hopefully they can't decipher. It will look nothing more than a journal in a different language. But the tome...

"Would you be so kind to allow my companions to take their belongings which are still with me?" I look at the old man. "For example, I have a snatchel with a doll inside, for the child. Oh, and the money, of course. They need to buy supplies. I do not want to inconvenience them while we wait to prove my innocence."


((She didn't remove her belt, cloak and pouches.))

 

[Steerpike]

Gisla nods to Mauve. "I know where you were, and I will attest to that fact. But by aiding in the elf's escape, you became an accessory after the fact, and are complicit in the crime. Unless the facts are different than I deem them to be. It will be for the Council to decide, not for me."

The old man says: "Your companions may take everything you have. We have no interest in taking your possessions. Your companions should hold any coin you have, so there is no question of theft later."

Turning to Aldar, he says: "The woman will not be harmed in our custody, and will not be allowed to roam free. Gisla will stand watch outside the cell of the accused."

Gisla looks over questioningly, but the man holds up a hand and continues. "Though she is the one making the accusation, I say she can be trusted in this. Any person here who doubts Gisla's honesty or integrity, please speak now. You have all known her these man years."

No one says anything, and the man says "It is settled." With that he walks into the temple to examine the body of Father Geralt.

 

[Ireth]

Cadell

I look to Mauve. "I'll guard your things for now, if you don't mind." If her mysterious case is inside the pack, I can keep it safe too, until this is over.

If Mauve complies, I take the pack from her and go back to the inn; if not, I go back without it.

 

[Nihal]

"I did not—!" I clench my teeth, looking her in her eyes. Has she any idea of what that claim means? Oh, of course she has. This woman wants to see me killed, that's the truth. Why did I allow myself to trust Baldhart's words?

I'm done for and it's their fault. It's my fault too. I knew it would happen. I knew that I would be caught upon setting my feet on a town at their side, I just knew it. And it happened. Somehow it always happens. But I will get away. I don't need weapons. I will get my revenge, and they will feel terribly sorry before everything is over.


I hand over my backpack to Cadell, feeling awful for being forced to trust my belongings to them. Betrayers. Betrayers!

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

To Gisla, I reply, "I said my sword is in your service and meant it. That said, if you're not telling me to give chase, I will stay with Burnbright. She needs me more than ever. Besides, the ranger was good at getting away from us even when we saw him as an ally, so the chase is futile unless he comes back. Have archers ready for him if he does.

"As for Mauve, Gisla, I am her sworn protector in Brynhild's name. I am careful with my oaths, which no longer apply to one who willfully betrays Brynhild's principles, or me. Mauve has done neither, to my knowledge. By that I mean, none of us knew Father Geralt was dead until we saw the state his body was in. The attack we heard of could have been a fist fight, for all we knew at the tavern. I am certain that Mauve hadn't spoken to Ankari since his arrival. You saw me greet him—and I believe you saw I was surprised to see him alive at all.

"What I want, Gisla, is your blessing on this: I wish to testify on Mauve's behalf as a character witness. I only wish to testify to events that lead me to believe her intent was to get Ankari out of a bad situation and she did not plot a murder, nor did she know of the exact nature of the attack when we were on our way. If this is truly the case, then I am still bound to my oath to protect her—though I assure you I will not commit a criminal act or go against this village to protect her.

"Likewise, you have reason to suspect her and you have not condemned Cadell or other innocents as guilty by association, so I am bound to my oath to remain in your service. And… oath or not, you've been wonderful to me, even though so much trouble followed me here.

"That's why I'm asking your permission. May I testify on Mauve's behalf?"


* * *


I want to comfort Mauve, but she's not even looking at me. I put my arm around her if she lets me. I say, "The truth shall set you free."

You can't promise that.

I know, but…

 

[Nihal]

I recoil instantly, twisting away from Baldhart as if her skin was poisonous. It might be.

"I hope you are happy with what you've done. Don't touch me! Get out of my sight!"

 

[Steerpike]

The elder points to two of the militia men still standing among the crowd. "You two, accompany Gisla. You will take the prisoner to the cells. And you, Gisla, will watch over her until morning." The elder's voices raises as he addresses the crowd. "Not that it will be necessary. The Council have promised that this prisoner will be safe until such time as she can stand trial in the morning, and any who seek to harm her will be found in violation of our law."

The man takes one last, good look at the crowd and shuffles back up the street. The two militia men flank Mauve, and Gisla nods at them. To Baldhart, she says "I appreciate your oath. I cannot promise you a chance to testify before the Council. It is not my decision to make. But I have yet to hear them refuse any request to present testimony. I see no reason why they would refuse you. For my part, so long as you testify truthfully, of course I will not object."

Moving near Mauve, she says "Come with me then. You will not be harmed. Just the four of us - none other may come." Gisla remains tense, given Mauve's agitated state.

 

[Nihal]

Four of us. I hope only she remains, it'll be easier.

Nodding to Gisla I stand straighter, mustering all the dignity I can. As long they don't touch me I walk along them meekly.