Chapter 1: Willowdark, a Village Repressed

"We should not leave, we should do all we can to overcome the unfortunate turn of events that the Blade has sent our way," Kaio says determinedly. "If you would open the door, it would save me the time of having to pick the lock." He drops the manacles and moves to the door. "Then we should discuss in earnest what we should do. For it is an honest question, and one that we have little time to go over."

"You have any ideas for what we should do?"

I look at the imprisoned group and laugh at their expense, shaking my head before I take a seat by the door.

"I think that somewhat depends on what's changed since we left. The sheriff said you got in a fight. Who was it with?"

Rixon leans forward and grasps the bars of his cell, We came to the defense of that Bluebottle gent. His son was hanged some time ago for theft. Whether the son was guilty or not, the guardsman taunted him to attack then tried to kill him on the spot. It got a little out of our control when we tried to intervene… then one of the Lieutenants showed up, leaving us no option but to kill him. So we did.

I’m glad you came back. Really. I only suggest we leave so that the town can attempt to get through this collection and have the time to fortify, as we originally intended. The plan still largely holds, though I think we should try to convince our hosts to come with us, since Notter will want scapegoats.

Unless you think we can get this town fit to resist Notter and possibly whatever men he throws at us in only a couple days?

"Might have another problem. Ran into some Markindale dwarves outside of town. Said there were others looking to fight this war of theirs. No telling if or when they'll hit this town. Could be before the collection, after, who knows. Should tell someone before we leave, if that's the best plan we've got."

"As I said, our predicament is due to a highly unfortunate series of events. As Rixon has narrated we came to the aid of Bluebottle, whereafter I would have had us leave quietly with the bodies of the dead guards. However, my companions wished, in a noble gesture I believe, to attempt to bring Bluebottle to our side. He was in no position to respond well, and the commotion and time lost allowed for a Lieutenant to arrive. Having killed him as well before he called the guard, a large number of spectators had now arrived and the Sherriff demanded we stand down. Thinking him an honest man at least, I decided to submit myself to him. And here we are. The blame is multifaceted, but what has past cannot be changed." he shrugs. "Are you going to open the door, or no? If you won't, I will." he puts the dart tips in the lock of the door and begins to mess with them, his tongue out slightly as he gets the feel for the lock. "Either way," he says as he works, "I suggest we warn the Sherriff of the oncoming force. A crisis with our common enemies is just the sort of thing we need to evade the 'justice' we would otherwise be held to. Besides, if we tell him of this and help in a significant way, we may pay for our misdeeds. Or at least in the Sheriff's mind, allowing him to put in a good word for us before the Magistrate."

"Aye. We need to let the Sherriff know."

You’ll get no disagreement from me there. I’m only disagreeing with the fact that this cell door is still locked. At least hand me my satchel.

Rixon takes a moment to consider, then adds, A Markindale sortie? How many? I bet they’d like to know that one of the King’s tax collectors is out on the road right at this moment. Such news may delay the Markindalefolk if they want to cause a problem for him, and may delay the Collector permanently. The enemy of my enemy, reckon?

Jean turns to the rest of his group, holding the keys up. "Someone wanna get their stuff while I get them out of there?" He goes around unlocking each cell. "Whatever our plan is, we have two days to do it. Most likely our more pressing concern is Notter. We learn what we can in that time and hopefully come up with a plan to take him down."

"Don't know about the others, but I don't care how you got into this situation or why you're in here. We figure out our next move." Excuses, excuses. All they do is talk! "We ran into 2 dwarves, killed one. Don't know how many others are out there. They didn't seem too well organized, but maybe the regiment sent their poorest soldiers out to scout."

Jean, I'm proposing a plan to take down Notter. I'm proposing our next move. I Think we can use the Markindale force, if there are enough of them. They'll have no love for Notter, and I can talk to them. I grew up there.

What would that plan be, Rixon?"

"They don't care where you're from, as long as we're in Telluria, we're all marked for death as far as they're concerned."

Thorolf, have you not heard a word I've said?

You don't think if we give them an opportunity to take down someone important to the Tellurian power structure they may regard us as friends? Yes, we'd have to earn their trust, somehow. But I haven't heard a better idea. I think this war is foolish, but we can use it to our own ends.

"I think it could very well be a good idea," Kaio says as he recovers his sword and other gear. "While it is true that we are marked for death while here, it is also true that pretending to be a spy for their own kind - especially if bringing such important information - would not be difficult in the least. If not Rixon, then Geran or I could also fill the role. Or a combination of us. Geran's mastery of illusion could be most helpful, and while I do not wish to proclaim my own prowess, my abilities as for reconnaissance are rather extensive. Give me a black cloak under which to cloak myself, the general idea of Notter's position and I think I could have them on his trail in little time. Besides, if they did attempt to kill me, 'twould be an easy thing to disappear amongst the chaos of their camp." he shrugs again. "When I say 'me', I speak only as a figure. Rixon or Geran could do just as well I think, their respective mastery in other areas making up for their lack of stealth."

"Rixon, that's what I'm saying. If we let someone know that they can help take the Tellurian power structure down we couldl earn their trust."

"It would be only temporary; we have no desire to gain their trust permanently, at least that I know of."

Yes, temporary only. I'm not suggesting we actually attack Telluria.

But it all fits together... Notter and the Markindalers can distract each other while the town fortifies for whatever comes next. I think we should get the Sheriff's opinion on all this, he knows the political climate far better than we do. And I'm not sure he'd be pleased to see any of the three of us, Rixon gestures to the recently jailed trio, So. Perhaps you three can have a chat with him?

"I'm not sure he'd be incredibly happy to see a barbarian either."