Side conversations

"Mr. Talky is right. We don't want to stumble in there without getting the lay of the land."

"Speaking to the Mayor is a fine choice, as is finding Alan or even the elves," says Amnestria, "but what is our reason for coming to Orlane? We should get that squared away before we arrive."

"We could say we are seeking grain to buy? Or something like that."

Antonius slowed half a step at Sora’s remark, turning his head just enough to fix her with a distinctly incredulous look—one brow lifting ever so slightly beneath the shadow of his hood. For a fleeting moment, the stern cleric of Wee Jas looked almost… human. He exhaled quietly through his nose and muttered under his breath, just audible enough for those nearest, "Mr. Talky… I’ve been called worse, I suppose." The corner of his mouth twitched—whether in amusement or resignation was hard to tell—before his composure snapped cleanly back into place.

Straightening, he cast a measured glance ahead toward Orlane. "If we are to meet the mayor," he said calmly, "then we are merchants’ guards and roadwardens out of Hochoch—come to inquire about disrupted trade and offer assistance restoring safe passage. It is simple, plausible… and gives us reason to ask questions without inviting too many in return."

"I like that story, Antonius. It carries truth. We are worried about the road’s safety, and Olpert is a merchant of a sort."

"Before we talk to the mayor, though, I would like to find out whose side he is is on. If we find this Alan, we can ask him about Joseph and the townspeople. I think we must assume everyone is compromised unless proven otherwise."

He pauses, then adds, "And we should stay together and must always have an escape plan’."

Amnestria hums in thought. "We were told the Mayor was an ally. Do you think he may have been kidnapped since then? Truthfully, we don't even know his name so it may be hard to determine if the person in that position is truly a friend."

Nodding"Yes, the mayor, elves, Alan, and Ramne are stated allies and that comes from Chase so it is truth but caution is always prudent."

"This is an unfamiliar situation for me. Back home I always knew friend from foe."

"It was always a puzzle in the Watch, whether someone was going to stab you or ask for money."

"Acting as mercenaries in the employ of merchants might indeed provide a good enough reason to be there," the uncharacteristically taciturn knight spoke, breaking a long moment of reverie. He left unsaid what he thought internally: that perhaps it was unbefitting, perhaps risible, for a knight to use a ruse such as this. He need not announce his presence and titles to all he met, but a ruse was akin to lying, an act uncomfortable -- and unfamiliar -- to the young man.

"Though I believe that our first task would be to find out about the more experienced team. They will be able to tell us where we might be most useful in finding Joseph, or in looking for evidence of this cult, or doing whatever is needful" the young nobleman continued. Of course, it might be that the advance team might be hidden, or busy in some tunnels. They'd probably need more than one story to tell, depending on the situation they found in Orlane.

"What if we posed as ordinary travelers? These cultists might then try to capture us and, in repelling them, we would reveal who they are, perhaps gain useful knowledge from any captives!" A more frontal plan, something involving valour and honesty, he thought.

Antonius inclined his head slightly toward Berthold, his expression measured but approving. "A prudent approach," he said evenly. "One truth rarely survives first contact unchanged—best we carry more than one." His thoughts drifted briefly toward Orlane ahead. "We present ourselves as merchants’ guards where it serves, and as simple travelers where it invites less scrutiny. Flexibility will keep us alive—and perhaps reveal more than a single story ever could."

Amnestria nods. "Yes, it's certainly easier to pretend that we're ordinary travelers, but wouldn't the... hm, diverse nature of our group arouse suspicion? I think it might be easier to say we are retainers or staff under the flag of Sir Berthold, if that's the case. There's enough 'truth' to our actual arrangement as Dungeon Busters that it should pass further scrutiny. For example, Antonius could pose a spiritual advisor, while I could pass myself off as Sir Berthold's scribe or accountant... unless that job is already taken by one of your actual retinue."

"I can act like a typical driver until other action is required. That would work in a variety of situations."

"It will be interesting to see their faces in Orlane when they see me. We need to watch very closely because if they have done anything with or to Chase they will be very surprised to see me. We are identical twins in every way except talents."

"Worry not Reynald, Mistress Amnestria’s solution is certainly the wisest and the most cunning: if we are to disguise our motives as we enter this nest of serpents, we need not necessarily disguise our station," he said with a wink to his squire. "Of course I would not presume to press all of you into the service of House Dunsdale, even as a ruse. Those unwilling to play that specific role are, of course, free to claim another motive. Perhaps they found it wise to traverse the Dim under the guardianship of a Knight, his retinue and their baggage train".

The young Noble was obviously trying to thread the needle. There was no manner in which he could accept the notion that he was in the service of the DungeonBusters, nor could he pretend simply to be an ordinary traveller. A travelling knight, however, was a not so uncommon feature in these lands. By natural law, a virtuous and valiant man would attract a good number of followers and hangers-by. It was but the nature of contemporary society. Yes, that would work well enough when they entered Orlane. If they entered openly, that is.

"Something I just thought of ... if we are associated with nobility, others may think twice about making us 'disappear.' At the beginning, at least."

"I am good with that plan. Most people this far south won't know a boundary warden by sight. Just let me know what role you would like me to play." Then he will go on But like I said they will believe I am Chase so I don't know what impact that will have."

"Excuse me. Time for someone to wake up."

Kazzak turns his attention to the circular object next to him on the driver's bench, an object covered by a thick, dark brown cloth. He lifts the cover -- once a tunic, based on the material and the position of the meticulously sewn holes -- revealing a midnight blue canary within a circular cage.

"Everyone, this is 'Admiral.' His family has been an invaluable help in the mines back home and my family insisted I take him on my journey." Kazzak pulls a small pouch from his belt and pours a mixture of seeds and vegetable bits into the cage. The canary chirps in delight and attacks his meal.

Antonius listened to the exchange in silence, the steady red glow of his amulet of Wee Jas reflecting faintly across his features as he considered each angle. At length, he gave a small, decisive nod. "It is sound," he said evenly. "A knight and his retinue invites less suspicion than a band of strangers with no shared purpose." His gaze shifted briefly between Berthold and Amnestria. "I will take the role of spiritual advisor without issue—it requires no deception beyond what I already am." He paused, then added with quiet pragmatism, "And should scrutiny deepen, truth will support the story well enough."

As Kazzak tended to the small midnight-blue canary, Antonius’s eyes lingered on the bird for a moment. "Keep it close," he remarked quietly. "Creatures like that have a way of sensing what men overlook—disturbance, decay… things out of place."