Next Steps, Together ('The Radicals' 17/03/23 Rae Writeup)
Mar 22, 2023 22:14:52 GMT
Jaezred Vandree and Ian like this
Post by Harry on Mar 22, 2023 22:14:52 GMT
Aboard a two person Hillsurfer, heading west out of Jarvenhol in K'ul Goran, following the second failed attempt to capture wanted fugitive Antonia Warborn...
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rae adjusts one of the ropes on the Hillsurfer to ensure a steady course for the rest of the journey, they find themselves not on quite the same high speed chase as when they set out earlier in the day, so the constant and rapid adjustments they had been toiling over on the way out were no longer necessary. Rae takes the moment to rest on the edge of the Hillsurfer and look up at the large imposing figure of Keros.
"This one was even messier than the last one.." They almost mutter to themselves. As Rae takes in this look at their companion, it becomes apparent to them that Keros could easily tie up the rope he's holding and go some way toward relaxing, but instead he's wrapped it around his arm and is physically holding it in place, letting the full weight of the sail tighten the rope around his forearm.
"Yes." comes a delayed response without eye contact.
Rae winces at the notice of the tight rope around Keros' forearm and half reaches out a hand to help, but is hesitant to make physical contact. They instead think for a moment.
"How long have you served K'ul Goran for?" they ask, hoping to earn just a touch of levity in not talking directly about what had just happened.
The wind picks up for a second, the sail doesn't move, blood trickles onto the deck. "Long enough to not know much else."
The blood is enough to move Rae to action. They step up with speed and place their hands on the rope and Keros' arm, his blood painting their hands, which are cool to the touch like stone.
"Keros." They speak softly and try to unravel the rope to share the burden. "That's enough. Look at yourself."
Keros looks down at the rope cutting into his arm, seemingly noticing it for the first time, and says "I'm fine. You've done enough today. Let me get you... home."
"So have you, we're in this fight together. We'll go home together and we'll try again together. Let me help you." Rae's strength is miniscule in comparison to Keros', but they actively try to unwind the rope from around Keros' arm.
Keros exhales deeply and allows Rae to help him tie the rope off to the side of the Hillsurfer. "Thank you."
There's a long pause. "You know, Gorn was my friend once. We fought at each other's side in Avernus. It is cruel fate that he was still on his feet at the end of that battle and I was not. I woke up in a medic's tent and was forced to walk away from the legion, from my siblings. If I had stayed on my feet... that could have been me. Those people would be my friends. I would be fighting for their cause. I would hate the Dawnlanders because... I hated who I was told to hate. I would hate you. Rae."
Rae listens quietly and patiently, studying Keros' face as he speaks. They look down at the last thought, taking in it's weight and carefully considering it. "Where I came from, I was taught in my childhood to stay in the safety of our settlement. That outsiders would bring their dangers and squabbles from the surface down to us and ruin our way of life. It was only by chance that I met a wandering elven wizard who taught me the truth about the outside world, how beautiful the world and all of it's people are. If he hadn't found his way by chance to me, I would've lived my life cut off from everything, I wouldn't have known you exist. I think chance shapes all of us before we have our own chance to have a say in it, and it isn't fair, but it's where we are. And I'm so much happier that I met you and so many others. Don't you think that happiness is the important bit? Not what could have been, what is. You're here now. And we're friends now. I think that's important."
Keros makes actual eye contact for the first time since they left.
"We are... aren't we? You are a good friend to have Rae. Both in battle and out of it. For what it is worth... I am glad that chance shaped the world to have us meet."
Rae gets momentarily flustered at the eye contact and direct sentiment, but they still smile brightly.
"I am too big guy. I know there's a lot at play here, and I'm a bit out of my depth in the politics and affairs of another nation. I don't know if we're working with the best people, or who's truly good. Maybe no one is. But I know the message Antonia is spreading and the work she is doing.. Isn't right. Regardless of intentions or motivations. I saw the same motivation in my folks, but on so much worse of a scale here.. We need to stop her."
"Can I share something with you?"
"Of course."
"I do not think she is guilty of what she is accused of and I am not sure that she will get a fair trial if we bring her in. She is committing crimes yes, but I do not believe that she is a member of the Vanguard or that she was. I think she considers herself like Gorn does, a patriot. It seems more and more that the trial was a political move by her brother. His reputation benefitted when he testified against his father and I expect he is trying to repeat that in the coming election. There are no good guys in Kul Goran anymore. There is no side of right and justice for us to stand on. You are a good person, and you should know that no matter what we do, our choices do not lead to a greater good. The Republic is on a course much like this Hillsurfer pointing toward that tree coming up, and I'm not smart enough to see a way to avoid it."
He loosens a rope, letting the hillsurfer drift gently a few feet to the left to avoid the tree.
“If only politics could be solved with pulling ropes.”
Rae looks increasingly concerned at each layer of entanglements that gets added to the equation. “Well, this is what I mean. There are so many different people with their own agendas that I do not understand and maybe putting her away helps someone that doesn’t deserve the help.. but she’s still dangerous, right? She’s still someone who hates Dawnlanders and has radical harmful ideas about separating K’ul Goran from the rest of us. We saw her preaching that very idea to a very receptive audience. Regardless of the other layers I do not believe in that. I don’t think it’s fair that she makes people believe that idea is the only way for the people to think. I don’t think I have any chance to change how many corrupt politicians there are, and it’s not my place to. This runs deep and has nothing to do with me. But spreading hatred to the people so overtly, I can understand that is wrong and should stop. So maybe all we can do is take her down and nothing else. I don’t know Keros..” Rae grits their teeth and grips their spellbook tight. “What do you think we can do? Because I only see one option that makes sense to me.”
Keros looks away. He was desperately hoping that Rae would be smart enough to see another way forward.
“Senator Warborn is not only corrupt and manipulative, but his agenda is change. He wants Kul Goran to be different, to abandon the ways of our ancestors, to purge any reminder of the forces of Avernus as if every single step between our creation and the rise of the Vanguard was… a mistake. To side with the Dawnlands means abandoning my ancestors and… I don’t think they’re ready to abandon me. I can think of only two beings who might have a way forward.”
“I don’t know how comfortable you would be consulting an angel of will, or even if that is a legitimate option for us. The other… might be more practical.”
Keros pauses to think for a second as the city of Zot Goran looms into view
“Would you like to join me for a drink at the Three Headed Dragon once we get back?”
The enormous minotaur blushes for a second and hastily adds “To meet another friend.”
Rae averts their gaze sheepishly at catching the blushing, but nods along with what Keros is presenting.
"Of course, a friend of yours is a friend of mine, and I'm keen to talk to anyone who can give a bit more insight into a situation like this. Who are they?"
“A drow nobleman who has more power than either of us.”
—-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Keros walks into the Three-Headed Dragon with Rae following behind him, and he scans the busy, dimly-lit tavern. He quickly catches the familiar whiff of rose-scented tobacco smoke. His eyes follow the smoke trails back to a well-dressed drow gentleman seated at a table in the back, half-shrouded in shadow.
As the two of them approach, Jaezred Vandree takes the pipe out of his mouth and stands up to greet them. “Keros Pactsworn. It is good to see you again. And Rae, I believe?”
Rae looks caught off-guard at this, straightening out their coat and attempting to make themselves look more presentable. “That’s me… I’m really sorry, do I know you? Have we met? I’ve met so many people recently, I’m so sorry if I lost track and don’t remember meeting you, that’s so rude of me.”
Keros rolls his eyes. “This is Jaezred. He knows things he shouldn’t. This is Rae. They’re too polite for their own good.”
Jaezred chuckles. “I make it my business to know things. You have made a name for yourself in adventuring circles. Sooner or later, you’ll have people you’ve never met seeking you out. Now — ale for you, Keros, yes? And what would you like to drink, Rae?”
Rae nods and tries to steel themselves into a professional look. “Um, just a cider or something like that. Thank you!”
He points a languid finger at the dragonborn behind the bar and mutters some inaudible words. The bartender turns in their direction and nods. Moments later, a server brings their drinks to the table: a glass of whisky on the rocks for Jaezred, a tankard of ale for Keros, and a pint of golden cider for Rae.
“So, from the wind-beaten state of your hair and clothes, seems like you’ve just returned from K’ul Goran?”
“Yes. I thought you should be aware of some… developments,” says Keros. “And in return, I was hoping you might have a solution to our… problem.”
“Go on…”
“We witnessed arms stockpiling, including siege weapons, at a Behooved-connected warehouse. They appear to be preparing for civil war.”
“The Behooved, yes, one of their extremist pamphlets found their way to me. I see some of the conservatives have graduated from xenophobia to potentially genocidal racism. This is certainly concerning news. So they have an armed militia now?”
“Perhaps worse. They have Antonia Warborn, they had a former member of the 6th Legion as a lieutenant, and many of the crates we saw bore the emblems of the Republic Navy. I do not know to what extent our military… is their military.”
“The Navy! Smuggling weapons to the Behooved? Ah, of course, the late Antonius was an admiral. No doubt they still have family friends in the top brass," Jaezred says, rubbing his chin in thought. “Hmmm. I think it’s safe to say that the Errant Guard might still be loyal, given how many of their numbers were lost during the Avernus War and the gith invasion. But this certainly means there’s a fracture in the K’ul Gorani military…”
“The Errant Guard! Of course!” Keros bellows far too loudly, slams his ale down and turns to Rae. “See? There is a third way!”
Rae, who had been solemnly and silently listening to make sure they understand and follow along, gets excited alongside Keros. “Okay, okay cool! Who are the Errant Guard?”
“The Errant Guard is an elite division of the K’ul Gorani military who wander around the country, helping citizens with anything they need,” Jaezred explains. “They are not unlike the adventurers of this land, except that everything they do is free of charge. In fact, Daring Heights has particularly close ties with the Errant Guard. They fought side-by-side when the Vanguard and the armies of Hell tried to invade K’ul Goran. Ending in a heroic final charge in Avernus, wherein the Knights of the Crimson Fist paid the ultimate price to save their Errant Guard comrades.”
“If we need a powerful institution, a symbol of our republic at its best, that will honour K’ul Goran’s friendship with the Dawnlands whilst resisting the lure of corruption, we have the Errant Guard,” Keros adds excitedly. “I could kiss you, Jaezred! Surely that is our route forward? We bring this to the Errant Guard and they will know what to do! They will fix it! …Somehow.”
“Buy me dinner first.” The drow winks. “I think allying with the Guard would be wise, yes. But what of Antonia Warborn? Is she at large still?”
Keros’s mood falls off a cliff. “Yes. She escaped. Again.”
“Hmmm.” Jaezred pauses to think, leaning back in his chair and puffing on his pipe. The smoke creates shapes in the air, notably one of them is of a minotaur running. “That is deeply unfortunate. I take it you’re on the hunt for her?” He looks at both Rae and Keros.
Rae nods once again, looking down into their drink. “She keeps just slipping out of my grasp and it’s infuriating. And we are always relying on more information from Palaos before we can make another move.”
“Palaos? Who is that?”
“The chief inspector leading this case to find Antonia, the one who has come to us each time seeking the aid of adventurers.”
“I see. Well, if you wish to go looking for Antonia independently of this policeman… I have an idea about how one could do that, but I’m not sure if it’s something you have the means or desire of pursuing. Would you like to hear it anyway?”
Rae looks slightly hesitant at this, but then curiosity overtakes. “What did you have in mind?”
Jaezred steals a quick glance over at Keros. He has a feeling that the minotaur warrior would find what he’s about to say difficult to swallow.
“Let us, for a moment, look past ideals and principles and focus on what’s truly at stake in this conflict: power. On one side, you have the Optimates — the old guard, desperately clinging onto their throne. On the other side, you have the Purists, the upstarts who are challenging the old guard, eager to take over. The Optimates may distance themselves from the Behooved now, but once the Purists become more threatening and the Behooved starts looking stronger — and that will very soon be apparent if the Navy is indeed in Antonia’s pocket — then the Optimates may feel they have no choice but to ally themselves with the Behooved. First covertly, but eventually, publicly. Would this move alienate their air genasi and aerotaur neighbours? Certainly, but I bet that’s an ugly sacrifice they’d be willing to make. Whatever it takes to stay in power. My point is, if I was trying to hunt down Antonia, I’d start by keeping tabs on the most hardline Red senators, the ones Antonia is more likely to woo. Keep an eye out for clandestine meetings in shadowy places. I’d think one of them would lead me straight to her.”
“Do I have to talk to politicians?” asks Keros.
“I’m sure this is very hard news to take… but yes.”
Keros sighs into his ale, deeply.
“Oh, but wait, you’re going to hate this even more. If you choose to go down this route, then the one person who could give you that sort of insider access would be Senator Marius Warborn.”
Keros closes his eyes and looks like he’s in physical pain at this idea.
Jaezred waves for the barman to deliver more ale to their table. “Well, I could ask one of my contacts if they have anything at all that could help, or you might even find an Errant Guard who could get you in, but really, he’s the best one for the job. I’m willing to bet my left foot that the man’s got spies in the Senate. But it’s only a suggestion. You might find some other way that suits your strengths better.”
Keros retrieves the cloak he was given by Marius Warborn, and that after their last meeting Keros swore he’d strangle him to death with. “I really would appreciate any other suggestion.” He looks to Rae pleadingly.
“I wouldn’t ask you to go through all of that, Keros, it’s not at all your wheelhouse and I know it would make you uncomfortable. But it’s not a bad lead for me to follow myself. I don’t have history with Marius, I can come in as a clean slate and try and get some information from him. I think the more we solely rely on Palaos, the more time we give Antonia to make another move. We need to try our options, no matter how unfortunate they might be.” Rae gives Keros a sympathetic smile.
As Jaezred swirls and sips his expensive dwarven whisky, he looks at Rae with curiosity in his crimson eyes. “Now, I know why Keros here is after Antonia Warborn, but what about yourself? Is it… simply a matter of finishing unfinished business?”
The earth genasi sighs, a little more reluctant to share personal details with someone they have just met. “Letting Antonia go… two times now, have been the only times I’ve failed in a job whilst being here. And this isn’t just dealing with a pest control issue or protecting people from bandits. This is big picture stuff. And I have a chance to help in something big picture here. I don’t want to fail at that again.”
“Hm. I see. Believe it or not, I can understand how it feels. The only adventurer job I’ve ever failed was… because I’d been tricked by Antonius Warborn, Antonia’s traitor father. ‘Slippery bastard’ seems to be a trait that runs in the family.” He gives them a wry smile. “Well then, Rae, one word of advice, if you’re intent on going down this path: Marius is going to try to use you. His past interactions with adventurers”—Jaezred glances at Keros again—“indicate that he’s fond of using them to do his dirty work. Keep sharp, stay savvy, and use him first. That said, however, you can trust that his goals are aligned with yours; he wants to bring his sister down almost as much as you do.”
They give a soft nod, thinking over Jaezred’s words and considering their options. “Thank you, you’ve given me a lot to think about.”
“As for you, Keros Pactsworn, do you know any members of the Errant Guard that you can trust?”
“Heh, I was a phalanx soldier. I never got to mix with anyone like that. It was always the dream though…”
“Very well.” Jaezred takes a napkin from the table, pulls out a raven feather quill and bottle of ink from a pouch, and writes something down on the napkin. “I am a little bit acquainted with this member of the Guard, and I’m sure you’ll find her trustworthy, all things considered. Do send her a message. And who knows, I hear the Errant Guard is low on recruits currently… Be sure to make a good impression.” He winks as he folds the napkin and slides it over towards Keros.
KASSANDRA FARCLEAVER
Crossbow archer. Engaged to a Dawnlands adventurer.
Keros’s eyes widen as he picks up the napkin. “Wow, thank you! I will remember this kindness.”
“Just keep this flow of information coming… Like I shall keep the drinks flowing tonight. Bartender!”
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rae adjusts one of the ropes on the Hillsurfer to ensure a steady course for the rest of the journey, they find themselves not on quite the same high speed chase as when they set out earlier in the day, so the constant and rapid adjustments they had been toiling over on the way out were no longer necessary. Rae takes the moment to rest on the edge of the Hillsurfer and look up at the large imposing figure of Keros.
"This one was even messier than the last one.." They almost mutter to themselves. As Rae takes in this look at their companion, it becomes apparent to them that Keros could easily tie up the rope he's holding and go some way toward relaxing, but instead he's wrapped it around his arm and is physically holding it in place, letting the full weight of the sail tighten the rope around his forearm.
"Yes." comes a delayed response without eye contact.
Rae winces at the notice of the tight rope around Keros' forearm and half reaches out a hand to help, but is hesitant to make physical contact. They instead think for a moment.
"How long have you served K'ul Goran for?" they ask, hoping to earn just a touch of levity in not talking directly about what had just happened.
The wind picks up for a second, the sail doesn't move, blood trickles onto the deck. "Long enough to not know much else."
The blood is enough to move Rae to action. They step up with speed and place their hands on the rope and Keros' arm, his blood painting their hands, which are cool to the touch like stone.
"Keros." They speak softly and try to unravel the rope to share the burden. "That's enough. Look at yourself."
Keros looks down at the rope cutting into his arm, seemingly noticing it for the first time, and says "I'm fine. You've done enough today. Let me get you... home."
"So have you, we're in this fight together. We'll go home together and we'll try again together. Let me help you." Rae's strength is miniscule in comparison to Keros', but they actively try to unwind the rope from around Keros' arm.
Keros exhales deeply and allows Rae to help him tie the rope off to the side of the Hillsurfer. "Thank you."
There's a long pause. "You know, Gorn was my friend once. We fought at each other's side in Avernus. It is cruel fate that he was still on his feet at the end of that battle and I was not. I woke up in a medic's tent and was forced to walk away from the legion, from my siblings. If I had stayed on my feet... that could have been me. Those people would be my friends. I would be fighting for their cause. I would hate the Dawnlanders because... I hated who I was told to hate. I would hate you. Rae."
Rae listens quietly and patiently, studying Keros' face as he speaks. They look down at the last thought, taking in it's weight and carefully considering it. "Where I came from, I was taught in my childhood to stay in the safety of our settlement. That outsiders would bring their dangers and squabbles from the surface down to us and ruin our way of life. It was only by chance that I met a wandering elven wizard who taught me the truth about the outside world, how beautiful the world and all of it's people are. If he hadn't found his way by chance to me, I would've lived my life cut off from everything, I wouldn't have known you exist. I think chance shapes all of us before we have our own chance to have a say in it, and it isn't fair, but it's where we are. And I'm so much happier that I met you and so many others. Don't you think that happiness is the important bit? Not what could have been, what is. You're here now. And we're friends now. I think that's important."
Keros makes actual eye contact for the first time since they left.
"We are... aren't we? You are a good friend to have Rae. Both in battle and out of it. For what it is worth... I am glad that chance shaped the world to have us meet."
Rae gets momentarily flustered at the eye contact and direct sentiment, but they still smile brightly.
"I am too big guy. I know there's a lot at play here, and I'm a bit out of my depth in the politics and affairs of another nation. I don't know if we're working with the best people, or who's truly good. Maybe no one is. But I know the message Antonia is spreading and the work she is doing.. Isn't right. Regardless of intentions or motivations. I saw the same motivation in my folks, but on so much worse of a scale here.. We need to stop her."
"Can I share something with you?"
"Of course."
"I do not think she is guilty of what she is accused of and I am not sure that she will get a fair trial if we bring her in. She is committing crimes yes, but I do not believe that she is a member of the Vanguard or that she was. I think she considers herself like Gorn does, a patriot. It seems more and more that the trial was a political move by her brother. His reputation benefitted when he testified against his father and I expect he is trying to repeat that in the coming election. There are no good guys in Kul Goran anymore. There is no side of right and justice for us to stand on. You are a good person, and you should know that no matter what we do, our choices do not lead to a greater good. The Republic is on a course much like this Hillsurfer pointing toward that tree coming up, and I'm not smart enough to see a way to avoid it."
He loosens a rope, letting the hillsurfer drift gently a few feet to the left to avoid the tree.
“If only politics could be solved with pulling ropes.”
Rae looks increasingly concerned at each layer of entanglements that gets added to the equation. “Well, this is what I mean. There are so many different people with their own agendas that I do not understand and maybe putting her away helps someone that doesn’t deserve the help.. but she’s still dangerous, right? She’s still someone who hates Dawnlanders and has radical harmful ideas about separating K’ul Goran from the rest of us. We saw her preaching that very idea to a very receptive audience. Regardless of the other layers I do not believe in that. I don’t think it’s fair that she makes people believe that idea is the only way for the people to think. I don’t think I have any chance to change how many corrupt politicians there are, and it’s not my place to. This runs deep and has nothing to do with me. But spreading hatred to the people so overtly, I can understand that is wrong and should stop. So maybe all we can do is take her down and nothing else. I don’t know Keros..” Rae grits their teeth and grips their spellbook tight. “What do you think we can do? Because I only see one option that makes sense to me.”
Keros looks away. He was desperately hoping that Rae would be smart enough to see another way forward.
“Senator Warborn is not only corrupt and manipulative, but his agenda is change. He wants Kul Goran to be different, to abandon the ways of our ancestors, to purge any reminder of the forces of Avernus as if every single step between our creation and the rise of the Vanguard was… a mistake. To side with the Dawnlands means abandoning my ancestors and… I don’t think they’re ready to abandon me. I can think of only two beings who might have a way forward.”
“I don’t know how comfortable you would be consulting an angel of will, or even if that is a legitimate option for us. The other… might be more practical.”
Keros pauses to think for a second as the city of Zot Goran looms into view
“Would you like to join me for a drink at the Three Headed Dragon once we get back?”
The enormous minotaur blushes for a second and hastily adds “To meet another friend.”
Rae averts their gaze sheepishly at catching the blushing, but nods along with what Keros is presenting.
"Of course, a friend of yours is a friend of mine, and I'm keen to talk to anyone who can give a bit more insight into a situation like this. Who are they?"
“A drow nobleman who has more power than either of us.”
—-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Keros walks into the Three-Headed Dragon with Rae following behind him, and he scans the busy, dimly-lit tavern. He quickly catches the familiar whiff of rose-scented tobacco smoke. His eyes follow the smoke trails back to a well-dressed drow gentleman seated at a table in the back, half-shrouded in shadow.
As the two of them approach, Jaezred Vandree takes the pipe out of his mouth and stands up to greet them. “Keros Pactsworn. It is good to see you again. And Rae, I believe?”
Rae looks caught off-guard at this, straightening out their coat and attempting to make themselves look more presentable. “That’s me… I’m really sorry, do I know you? Have we met? I’ve met so many people recently, I’m so sorry if I lost track and don’t remember meeting you, that’s so rude of me.”
Keros rolls his eyes. “This is Jaezred. He knows things he shouldn’t. This is Rae. They’re too polite for their own good.”
Jaezred chuckles. “I make it my business to know things. You have made a name for yourself in adventuring circles. Sooner or later, you’ll have people you’ve never met seeking you out. Now — ale for you, Keros, yes? And what would you like to drink, Rae?”
Rae nods and tries to steel themselves into a professional look. “Um, just a cider or something like that. Thank you!”
He points a languid finger at the dragonborn behind the bar and mutters some inaudible words. The bartender turns in their direction and nods. Moments later, a server brings their drinks to the table: a glass of whisky on the rocks for Jaezred, a tankard of ale for Keros, and a pint of golden cider for Rae.
“So, from the wind-beaten state of your hair and clothes, seems like you’ve just returned from K’ul Goran?”
“Yes. I thought you should be aware of some… developments,” says Keros. “And in return, I was hoping you might have a solution to our… problem.”
“Go on…”
“We witnessed arms stockpiling, including siege weapons, at a Behooved-connected warehouse. They appear to be preparing for civil war.”
“The Behooved, yes, one of their extremist pamphlets found their way to me. I see some of the conservatives have graduated from xenophobia to potentially genocidal racism. This is certainly concerning news. So they have an armed militia now?”
“Perhaps worse. They have Antonia Warborn, they had a former member of the 6th Legion as a lieutenant, and many of the crates we saw bore the emblems of the Republic Navy. I do not know to what extent our military… is their military.”
“The Navy! Smuggling weapons to the Behooved? Ah, of course, the late Antonius was an admiral. No doubt they still have family friends in the top brass," Jaezred says, rubbing his chin in thought. “Hmmm. I think it’s safe to say that the Errant Guard might still be loyal, given how many of their numbers were lost during the Avernus War and the gith invasion. But this certainly means there’s a fracture in the K’ul Gorani military…”
“The Errant Guard! Of course!” Keros bellows far too loudly, slams his ale down and turns to Rae. “See? There is a third way!”
Rae, who had been solemnly and silently listening to make sure they understand and follow along, gets excited alongside Keros. “Okay, okay cool! Who are the Errant Guard?”
“The Errant Guard is an elite division of the K’ul Gorani military who wander around the country, helping citizens with anything they need,” Jaezred explains. “They are not unlike the adventurers of this land, except that everything they do is free of charge. In fact, Daring Heights has particularly close ties with the Errant Guard. They fought side-by-side when the Vanguard and the armies of Hell tried to invade K’ul Goran. Ending in a heroic final charge in Avernus, wherein the Knights of the Crimson Fist paid the ultimate price to save their Errant Guard comrades.”
“If we need a powerful institution, a symbol of our republic at its best, that will honour K’ul Goran’s friendship with the Dawnlands whilst resisting the lure of corruption, we have the Errant Guard,” Keros adds excitedly. “I could kiss you, Jaezred! Surely that is our route forward? We bring this to the Errant Guard and they will know what to do! They will fix it! …Somehow.”
“Buy me dinner first.” The drow winks. “I think allying with the Guard would be wise, yes. But what of Antonia Warborn? Is she at large still?”
Keros’s mood falls off a cliff. “Yes. She escaped. Again.”
“Hmmm.” Jaezred pauses to think, leaning back in his chair and puffing on his pipe. The smoke creates shapes in the air, notably one of them is of a minotaur running. “That is deeply unfortunate. I take it you’re on the hunt for her?” He looks at both Rae and Keros.
Rae nods once again, looking down into their drink. “She keeps just slipping out of my grasp and it’s infuriating. And we are always relying on more information from Palaos before we can make another move.”
“Palaos? Who is that?”
“The chief inspector leading this case to find Antonia, the one who has come to us each time seeking the aid of adventurers.”
“I see. Well, if you wish to go looking for Antonia independently of this policeman… I have an idea about how one could do that, but I’m not sure if it’s something you have the means or desire of pursuing. Would you like to hear it anyway?”
Rae looks slightly hesitant at this, but then curiosity overtakes. “What did you have in mind?”
Jaezred steals a quick glance over at Keros. He has a feeling that the minotaur warrior would find what he’s about to say difficult to swallow.
“Let us, for a moment, look past ideals and principles and focus on what’s truly at stake in this conflict: power. On one side, you have the Optimates — the old guard, desperately clinging onto their throne. On the other side, you have the Purists, the upstarts who are challenging the old guard, eager to take over. The Optimates may distance themselves from the Behooved now, but once the Purists become more threatening and the Behooved starts looking stronger — and that will very soon be apparent if the Navy is indeed in Antonia’s pocket — then the Optimates may feel they have no choice but to ally themselves with the Behooved. First covertly, but eventually, publicly. Would this move alienate their air genasi and aerotaur neighbours? Certainly, but I bet that’s an ugly sacrifice they’d be willing to make. Whatever it takes to stay in power. My point is, if I was trying to hunt down Antonia, I’d start by keeping tabs on the most hardline Red senators, the ones Antonia is more likely to woo. Keep an eye out for clandestine meetings in shadowy places. I’d think one of them would lead me straight to her.”
“Do I have to talk to politicians?” asks Keros.
“I’m sure this is very hard news to take… but yes.”
Keros sighs into his ale, deeply.
“Oh, but wait, you’re going to hate this even more. If you choose to go down this route, then the one person who could give you that sort of insider access would be Senator Marius Warborn.”
Keros closes his eyes and looks like he’s in physical pain at this idea.
Jaezred waves for the barman to deliver more ale to their table. “Well, I could ask one of my contacts if they have anything at all that could help, or you might even find an Errant Guard who could get you in, but really, he’s the best one for the job. I’m willing to bet my left foot that the man’s got spies in the Senate. But it’s only a suggestion. You might find some other way that suits your strengths better.”
Keros retrieves the cloak he was given by Marius Warborn, and that after their last meeting Keros swore he’d strangle him to death with. “I really would appreciate any other suggestion.” He looks to Rae pleadingly.
“I wouldn’t ask you to go through all of that, Keros, it’s not at all your wheelhouse and I know it would make you uncomfortable. But it’s not a bad lead for me to follow myself. I don’t have history with Marius, I can come in as a clean slate and try and get some information from him. I think the more we solely rely on Palaos, the more time we give Antonia to make another move. We need to try our options, no matter how unfortunate they might be.” Rae gives Keros a sympathetic smile.
As Jaezred swirls and sips his expensive dwarven whisky, he looks at Rae with curiosity in his crimson eyes. “Now, I know why Keros here is after Antonia Warborn, but what about yourself? Is it… simply a matter of finishing unfinished business?”
The earth genasi sighs, a little more reluctant to share personal details with someone they have just met. “Letting Antonia go… two times now, have been the only times I’ve failed in a job whilst being here. And this isn’t just dealing with a pest control issue or protecting people from bandits. This is big picture stuff. And I have a chance to help in something big picture here. I don’t want to fail at that again.”
“Hm. I see. Believe it or not, I can understand how it feels. The only adventurer job I’ve ever failed was… because I’d been tricked by Antonius Warborn, Antonia’s traitor father. ‘Slippery bastard’ seems to be a trait that runs in the family.” He gives them a wry smile. “Well then, Rae, one word of advice, if you’re intent on going down this path: Marius is going to try to use you. His past interactions with adventurers”—Jaezred glances at Keros again—“indicate that he’s fond of using them to do his dirty work. Keep sharp, stay savvy, and use him first. That said, however, you can trust that his goals are aligned with yours; he wants to bring his sister down almost as much as you do.”
They give a soft nod, thinking over Jaezred’s words and considering their options. “Thank you, you’ve given me a lot to think about.”
“As for you, Keros Pactsworn, do you know any members of the Errant Guard that you can trust?”
“Heh, I was a phalanx soldier. I never got to mix with anyone like that. It was always the dream though…”
“Very well.” Jaezred takes a napkin from the table, pulls out a raven feather quill and bottle of ink from a pouch, and writes something down on the napkin. “I am a little bit acquainted with this member of the Guard, and I’m sure you’ll find her trustworthy, all things considered. Do send her a message. And who knows, I hear the Errant Guard is low on recruits currently… Be sure to make a good impression.” He winks as he folds the napkin and slides it over towards Keros.
KASSANDRA FARCLEAVER
Crossbow archer. Engaged to a Dawnlands adventurer.
Keros’s eyes widen as he picks up the napkin. “Wow, thank you! I will remember this kindness.”
“Just keep this flow of information coming… Like I shall keep the drinks flowing tonight. Bartender!”
