Dragon's Egg - Act III

[Legendary Sidekick]

"Yes… just remember, the idea is not to tell any lie at all.

"What I would like someone—you or Cadell, perhaps—to tell the gnolls is this: there is a woman in your party—me—who has sworn to protect Catli, and is not about to hand her over to them. The woman believes their story about the demon, however, and will agree to meet and talk three hours west of Aendal. The discussion will be in a place where neither party is in arrow range, and where melee will be less than desirable. In the chaos caused by a murder in Arendal, Catli has already been evacuated for fear that the events following the murder puts her at risk. She will be in the meeting place as well.

"If there is evidence that Arendal has been attacked by the gnolls or that goblins have been left behind to hold Arendal under siege, there will be no discussion."

I pause and let those words sink in.

"Every word of that is the truth. Every part of my deception will be truthful. If it works, they will feel safe—just like the families they murdered in their homes—and they will die as horribly. Make no mistake about this: it's not revenge. It's retribution.

"Revenge would mean going to their homes and killing gnoll bitches and gnoll puppies. I could never cross that line. I know you don't need to be convinced, Aldar. I just want you to know the reason behind my plan. My bad decision earlier is part of the reason those families died, so it's important to me that I make these dogs pay. And I'm very grateful for your willingness to help."

 

[SomethingToPonder]

"Ok baldhart, I have no problem doing as you ask. However cadell seems to see otherwise, I did offer to go and cadell felt that he had to go instead. Perhaps you could have a word with him and change his mind, Otherwise I have no problem helping you in the fighting or convincing the gnolls that they are safe before we .. Finish them."

I nod at baldhart with a smile and a sign of respect.

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

"Yeah… Cadell can talk to the gnolls if he wants to. I just hope we can all agree that these murderers of children cannot be spared. Peace is not an option for the gnolls, since they denied the people of Srilkind the chance for peace, and would do the same to the people of Arendal if we don't give in to their demands.

"Perhaps Cadell will feel better about it if I give him a letter to send to the gnolls, then he can use his own words, show them my letter, or both."

To those who seek Catli,

I have heard your message, and I am inclined to believe what you say regarding Aslaug's reasons for wanting her daughter back. Indeed, if her goal is to stop a powerful demon, this I can agree with.

However, Catli and I are like Sisters. I cannot simply hand her over to an army, especially one that has killed women and children in their homes. That you would hold Arendal hostage only makes you more suspicious. I understand that, based on what we have been told of Aslaug's situation, time is a factor. Therefore, you should have no incentive to bring your fire and swords into Arendal if Catli is not in Arendal. Surely, this is the case if you are told where you can find Catli.

I would like to have a discussion with you, the gnolls. Here are my terms: we will meet in a place that I deem reasonably safe. Neither party will be in the range of any archers, and we will keep a respectful distance from each other and remain seated while we talk. The meeting place will be a three hour walk to the west of Arendal. From there, an unarmed man will take you to me. Only the gnolls may join him.

There is more I want to say, but I stop writing at this point.

I show the letter to Aldar, "What do you think?"

 

[SomethingToPonder]

"sounds convincing" I say as I look up and eye baldhart then go back to reading.
"very convincing. I just hope cadell is quick enough to come up with answers should they suspect anything. So what shall I do friend?"

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

"I'm going to the temple to get the other barrels. If you'd like, you can lug one over here, then we can load them on one of the little boats. I want these barrels to make as little contact with the big boat as possible, since it's hard to fool a gnoll's nose.

"Also, refer to the barrels as 'food' when we're outside. Any jugs Gisla and Aga supply us will be called 'drinks'—or 'booze' if you prefer. If a scout sees us, I want it to look like we're ready to survive out at sea for a long time. As long as no one talks about tricks and traps, and what we do say isn't whispered because it doesn't need to be, loading the boats should appear innocent."

I tell Gisla I will return shortly, then I go out to look at the boats. Satisfied that there's room for the barrels and people, I move to the temple.



((@Something, unless SP tells you differently, I don't think an STR check is needed to move the barrel. Aliron moved one by himself earlier. I assume these barrels are sealed so we're not spilling flammable liquid over ourselves trying to move them.

I only had Baldy roll a check earlier because she was moving a barrel up stairs from the basement.))

 

[SomethingToPonder]

((No problem))

"Sure let's head over there now and grab a barell friend, No problem Im sure we will need lots of food." With that I start walking back towards the inn, Laughing as I go.

 

[Steerpike]

Gisla listens to Baldhart's explanation, nodding as the barbarian speaks. When Baldhart finished, Gisla says: "As I said before, I don't have to like this. Tyr is not the god I follow, true, but I have always valued his teachings. I expect that I always will. Still, I understand what you are trying to do, and I believe that the safety of the girl, and of Arendal, are important to you."

"Fetch whatever oil you need. I'm going to help get the villagers to the caverns..." she dashes forward and grabs Aga by the sleeve, just as the girl brushes past the two of you. "Starting with you, young lady."

Aga opens her mouth to protest, but snaps it shut at the stern look on Gisla's face. Gisla turns back to Baldhart. "I'll be back quickly. It shouldn't take long to get everyone to safety."

She heads out the door of the Maiden's Spear, dragging Aga along behind her.

The barrels of oil are heavy, but can be lifted by a single person. The barrels are well-sealed and are conical at the top, with a stopper firmly in place at the opening in the top of the barrel. Placing the oil barrels in the boats should leave plenty of room for people, and Baldhart's plan to rig the barrels can be accomplished easily enough. The rigging of the one masted ship includes a number of shackles through which halyards and other ropes are inserted, and these will work for securing the barrels as well.

As Baldhart and Aldar retrieve the barrels from the temple, a few villagers cast them curious looks, but they are too intent on getting people to safety, or preparing for a defense of Arendal, to raise any serious questions about what they are doing.

On the way back to the Maiden's Spear, Baldhart and Aldar pass Grim's wife, who is being directed toward the temple by a couple of the village militia men. Grim himself is waiting inside the Maiden's Spear, apparently not going to safety himself.

When Baldhart enters, he says "I hear we got a dog problem again."

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

"We do," I reply. "We won't for long if what I have in mind works."

I pause for a moment. No. He won't let me leave it at that.

I sigh. "Grim… Tyr's path is valued in the north, I know, but I was raised on Freya's teachings and I follow Brynhild. I already got an earful from one of the elders, but as far as I'm concerned, anyone who kills children in their homes… no death can be slow and painful enough."

I show him the letter I wrote, then I show him the drawing.

"Grim, it was my bad decision. Our party was debating whether to keep Burnbright in the tunnels where lizard people were clearly targeting her, or to send her home with a woman we entrusted so we could fight without fearing for Burnbright's safety. Burnbright didn't care about the votes—she said she'd only listen to MY vote.

"So I sent her back, and somehow the enemy knew. And many innocents died because I made a bad decision.

"I can't just flee from these dogs, or I may as well torch this town myself, because this time I'm well aware of the consequence of letting them live if they don't get what they want. And I'm not giving them anything other then the fiery death they deserve! If you want to help, please take one of the barrels to the docks."

 

[Keitsumah]

I sit nearby, constantly fiddling with the hem of my dress -or with my necklace which has begun to glow more brightly than normal.

"I don't like this I don't like this I don't like this..." i mumble incessantly, not realizing that i am quoting the emotions of Batos as he paces back and forth at the edge of the forest.

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

"Keit? Is everything okay?"

 

[Steerpike]

Grim places a hand on Baldhart's shoulder. "Don't take too much blame on yourself, lass. You didn't send them dogs to Srilkind, and you didn't give the order to attack. It may be as Tyr would rather us meet the curs honorably on a field of battle, but we're sorely outnumbered and the women and children what live in Arendal are depending on us to get rid of this threat. I say we give them gnolls what for, and I don't reckon I'm too worried about how we go about doin' it. Just so long as we do it."

Grim hoists one of the barrels and heads out the front door toward the docks.

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

"Thank you, Grim. For your kind words and your help." Before we head outside, I tell Grim, "You know the true plan, and no matter what I say outside these walls, know I'll stick to it. I won't whisper outside nor bellow as if to be overheard."

I move a barrel to the boat, hoping Aldar will grab the other. If not… well, I need to go back to the Spear anyway. I'll freeze in this little dress once I give up my ring.

As I walk beside Grim, I say, "Sir Cadell wants us to have a peaceful talk with the gnolls, so we'll talk. We've got enough food if an agreement can't be reached."



Gisla and Grim seem confident in our plan, Baldy… but who will talk to the gnolls?

Aldar, Cadell… Keit can send Batos with the letter, I suppose. I'm not sure, Nissa. I guess it depends who volunteers. I'll talk to Cadell when I go back to change my clothes.

What about the goblins and wargs?

They should follow the gnolls, and watch the 'peace talk' from the cliffside. The gnolls want there army there, and so do I. And so do you…

You read my mind!

I actually did. It's hard not to, existing like this.

Oh… right. But will it work?

If we get the gnolls on the boats, there's no risk in trying. I need you to be my eyes.

No problem. I'm used to that.

 

[Steerpike]

As Baldhart and Grim move the oil barrels down the salt-crusted steps to the docks, silence falls over Arendal. The men who patrol with torches engage in scattered, hushed conversations, but even those die out and they fall to quietly patrolling the village.

As Baldhart and Grim return from their first delivery of oil, Gisla meets them at the top of the stairs.

"The people are hidden. All but those who will watch for the foe, at least. Aga is hiding with the others. She wanted to stay and help me, poor child, but she doesn't have the skill for what we may face."

She looks Baldhart in the eye and says "Are your preparations done? What is next? Do you go to treat with the gnolls? I will join you if you need an extra sword."

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

"I need to get another week's supply of food, and… another dress. I'll freeze in this little thing! Hmm. You're probably wondering why I'm not freezing now."

Aga… damn.

"Gisla, um… about Aga. She won't talk to the other women and children about our peace talk, will she? There's a boy who I think may have helped the gnolls, and he's likely among those hidden. Sorry, but, if you think there's a risk she'll talk, you may want to warn her not everyone can be trusted with sensitive information. Given what some in my own party have done, maybe she'd avoid talking to outsiders. It may not be an issue if no one is allowed to leave, but… I wouldn't gamble with innocent lives. Gisla, do you think Aga needs to be warned? Or maybe you already thought to tell her this…"

I turn to Grim. "I don't know if Joffur helped the gnolls intentionally, but I know an enemy—a man named Tommen—sent letter through Srilkind. I learned shortly before I fought him and killed him that he and his mistress knew Burnbright was with you." I show Grim the letters. "This is proof that Tommen made contact with a runner from Srilkind. Whether the runner gave information to the enemy unwittingly or whether he knew what he was doing… of that I can't be sure. I'm not entirely sure Joffur is the runner that gave the information either. I don't mean to be suspicious. Just cautious. We can't have peace talks with the enemy if rumors are spread."

Peace talks. Ha! Peace, my ass!

"As for who will speak to the gnolls… yes, Gisla, I suppose I should handle talking to them myself. Do you have a horse? Cadell is letting me borrow his, just in case I need to make a hasty escape. Bressel should be on his way here, and hopefully Aliron is with him. Perhaps by the time I change my clothes, they'll be here. I'd like to talk to them before I talk to the gnolls."

I wait for Gisla and Grim to respond. If they have nothing to say, I'll get into my wool dress so I can give up the ring to Bressel. What I'll ask of him is risky. This whole plan is, but Gisla's confidence is reassuring.

 

[Keitsumah]

I snap out of it and quickly follow Baldart outside, "I'm fine." i state, though my gaze is still slightly vacant. Batos is growing ever more impatient, needing to do something.

"Baldart, can I send Batos off with the letter?" i ask, noting the paper in her hand.

 

[SomethingToPonder]

I quickly hurry to the spear and grab a keg, lugging it up the stairs, for a second time.
After returning I wipe the sweat from my brow and sit down to light my pipe. I blow a smoke ring, let out a sigh and then turn to baldhart.
"Ok, So final plan, What did you come up with friend."

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

"Keit, Aldar… um… we'll talk about these things as soon as everyone's together. Please wait by the docks, and as soon as I change I'll join you—hopefully with Cadell and Liadan. Keit, feel free to call Batos over as well. I don't think he'll cause a panic at this point—though it may not hurt to command him to take 'the scenic route.'"

((@SP, see PM about Baldy's room.))

I head inside and change into my wool, then knock on Cadell's and Liadan's door. "Meet me at the docks," I tell them. I head back there as well, wondering if Bressel and Alin will be there when I arrive…

 

[Keitsumah]

I nod, touching two fingers to my necklace and sending the wolf a mental beckon. He takes off at top speed, and i sense his approach. He is taking the long way around, but it will take another few moments before he arrives.

Nodding to myself, i head towards the docks alongside Baldart.

 

[Ireth]

Liadan

I stir at the knock on my door, sitting up slowly as Baldhart speaks.

"I'll be there soon," I call back as I rise. At least I can change out of my nightdress and into a real one. Foreboding prickles through me as I dress hurriedly. What is going on at the docks? I take my bow and quiver with me, just in case.

I look around for Cadell as I go downstairs, but there is no sign of him. Odd... I thought he had gone on watch with Aldar. Maybe they both are at the docks already.

Coming to the docks, I blink in surprise at the sight of the ship, and the many barrels and jugs loaded onto it. What draws my eyes most is the pulley system they have rigged along the mast, as if to drop something onto the deck below. And there's something else too, a familiar odor...

Lamp oil -- it's a firetrap! I turn to Baldhart, my eyes wide with shock. "This is your plan for the gnolls, isn't it? You mean to lead them into a trap! Where is your honor?"

And where is Cadell? Aldar is here, but there's no sign of my beloved. Where could he be?

 

[Steerpike]

Grim looks through the letters Baldhart hands him. He shakes his head softly. "Poor lass. Joffur was never a runner for the temple in Srilkind. Least ways, not that I know about. Can't hardly see that boy making the run to Arendal. Still, if there's a chance there's a traitor in town..." He looks at Gisla, eyes raised.

"I'll talk to Aga now," says Gisla. "If someone here is helping the gnolls, it won't do to have her unwittingly tipping out hand." She turns and trots into the darkness, heading in the direction of the temple.

((The boat is loaded, and Gisla is wrapping up what she needs to do. Right now, the events in Arendal in this main thread are RP between the players, so I'll let that play out a bit and then move things ahead if the party does not)).