Rain, Godsday Evening, Fireseek 4, 591 Common Year

It is many hours before things calm down enough so that Rain and Aramek are able to leave their posts. The Guard squads are all rotated so that the off-duty squads can return to the barracks and get stew, rice and beans and a short rest before being sent out again. The paladins, knights, and clerics of the keep are also sent out to support the watch. All the Olman refugees are driven out of the city back into the shantytown and the Downriver Gate is locked behind them. After their shaman Nauyotl disappeared the violence began to die down. Several of the more violent rioters were killed or taken back in chains to the keep’s prison. The clerics then spread through town, well guarded by knights and paladins, to heal the wounded and direct the putting out of fires. The Cuthbertian militia also helped to restore order, their well disciplined ranks being co-opted by the watch to help patrol the now empty streets.

Rain sends the usual signals and notes to Sedara. Late in the afternoon she finds a note asking her to meet in the empty wing of the palace. After Rain gets there Sedara emerges from the shadows. Today she is wearing a blue cloak over her usual loose fitting white blouse and pantaloons. The only other visible adornments being her silver amulet of the lightning bolt held in a fist and her bracers. “Welcome Rain. You wished to see me?”

“My Lady” Rain replies a little possessively, putting just a bit too much emphasis on the word ‘My.’ Hmm, that was a little possessive… she thinks, before getting a hold of herself to continue.

“Fergus of The Guild is seeking payment for services to Parwyn for the sum of 180 gold… and well… because of who he sent to collect I inadvertently put myself in the middle. I sent word back with the collectors to Fergus that he was to see me regarding whatever payment he though owed. Then I found out, though the sum has been padded a bit unfairly, that Parwyn is prepared to pay it. I am okay to let him do so… and am okay to be the one to deliver… but I thought because of your… well… I thought you may want to weigh in on how I go about this.” At this, Rain smiles a bit sheepishly and waits for Sedara to comment.

Sedara shakes her head sadly. She lifts up the silver lightning bolt pendant that she wears. “Do you see this Rain? It is the symbol of the Archpaladin Heironeous. I was once a member of such a Guild as this Fergus, but I left it when I discovered the mercy, truth, and justice of Heironeous. I discovered that I could live a life of dignity and honor in service to others. I learned that we stray from the path that Heironeous shows at our peril. Resorting to trickery and lawlessness, even for a good cause, only stirs up more troubles. I believed it was necessary to steal that journal and statue, and I atoned for it before a priest of Heironeous, but that was not the end of it. As you have seen, innocents, or at least innocent of this crime, were blamed; and Master Parwyn and his family have now been subject to more worries and dangers than I would ever have suspected, even though I left more than ample payment for what I took. Let this be a lesson to you Rain.”

Rain recognizes that life is random and ruled by chance. This is the way it is as far as she is concerned, and anyone who thinks otherwise is misguided by the many limitations of organized religion. Of any ‘organized’ religion, the Church of the Big Gamble of Norebo is the only one where Rain would occasionally pay any sort of homage, and that just involved making a few bets by way of offerings to get luck on her side. So as Sedara speaks, Rain maintains a sheepish smile while thinking, Service to others… really? Helping your friend I can see… but… really? Keep smiling, keep smiling… ‘Innocents’, does such a thing really exist? Surely she sees the randomness involved in Parwyn’s plight, it’s not like there is some cosmic balance crap… tit for tat, cause and effect, that’s all crap! Keep smiling…

“Now I commend your efforts to try to protect all of your friends. I will help you in this because it is my responsibility for starting this. Now, I will provide the 180 gold to pay Parwyn, but he must guarantee never to bother Parwyn again. I’ll let you make the payment and get his promise if you believe he’ll honor it, but I will be there with you. If he or other members of the Guild try anything untoward they will have me to deal with. I cannot guarantee the safety of any friends you may have among them if that should happen, but hopefully it will not come to violence.

“Now, I am going to talk to Commander Bodwyn and make sure you are taken off the roster for a few hours for special duties. When that happens, meet me at the main gate of the keep. I will have a different appearance then, but I will still be wearing this blue cloak. Look for that.

“Now is there anything else you need to tell me?”

Rain realizes that she has been smiling for too long and slowly drops it as Sedara begins to discuss plans. After Sedara finishes Rain says, “Okay, I’ll wait to hear from Bodwyn then meet you at the main gate. Thanks.” And she means this too and adds in her own mind, Thanks for coming with me, it will be nice to be able to stand tall just a bit, knowing I’ll have backup. Then she says, “And… um, no, nothing else. I’ll meet you at the gate. Thanks for seeing me today.”

Rain turns to leave but then turns back quickly, “Hey, um… What role will you play when we meet with Fergus?” But Sedara has already vanished into the shadows.

As the afternoon turns to evening, the sun sinks away as the fog rolls in. Commander Bodwyn comes into the barracks and asks for Rain and then sends her out, supposedly with a message for one of the watch posts in town. When Rain gets to the gate of the keep she sees a tall bald man with dark brown eyes wearing Sedara’s blue cloak waiting for her at the gate. Sedara is normally a couple of inches shorter than Rain, but this man must be at least 6’ tall. Most humans are usually around 5’9. He seems pretty burly as well. Aside from the cloak, his clothes are drab though loose fitting. Off of his belt a dagger and a shortsword hang. He hails Rain as she comes in sight, and in a deep bass voice says, “Rain, I was hoping you’d get here soon. The name’s Dunagin. Ready to go into town?” He turns his back on the guards and gives Rain a sly wink, saying in a low voice that is recognizably Sedara’s, “It’s me. I’ll be your bodyguard.”

Once past the gate, Dunagin says, “Alright Rain. You lead the way. Where can we find this Fergus. Oh, and I have this for him when we find him.” From somewhere within the blue cloak Dunagin produces a pouch filled with coins. “There are platinum pieces in here as well as gold.” He puts the pouch back into whatever hidden pocket he produced it from.  

Rain says, “Well met, Dunagin. We will take the back streets.” After taking off her tabard and folding it up into a pocket in her cloak Rain heads off towards ‘The Church’, as she likes to call it. She leads them down side streets paralleling the Processional to avoid the roaming patrols if possible, but especially the Cuthbertians. They are stopped a couple of times, but she simply produces the pass she was given and explains that she is performing a task for Commander Bodwyn. One time she is pressed, but she states that Bodwyn’s business is his own and if they have a problem they should take it up with him. She is passed on quickly enough after that.

It is misty and cool that night, and the air is filled with the acrid smell of the fires that have now, fortunately, been put out. The side streets are unusually dark as no one has come out to light the lanterns or maintain them. Only the patrols have lanterns and everburning torches. When they arrive at the Church of the Big Gamble all is quiet, though light can be seen through the cracks of the doors and shutters. The usual racket cannot be heard, though the murmur of some voices and the clack of dice leaks out.

Without turning to look at Dunagin, Rain asks, “You ready?” 

“Go ahead,” answers Dunagin.

Rain approaches the door but finds that it is locked up tight.

“Let’s try the back door.” Rain cautiously makes her way there.

The back way is exceedingly dark, thought a little light does spill out into the alley through the shutters of the buildings around it. Rain locates the back door by the light leaking from the bottom edge where the door is not flush with the ground. As she approaches it she hears a scuffling from the roof of the building across from the church. In the shadows she sees that Dunagin has stopped. Dunagin nods to indicate the roof, so Rain knows he heard it as well.

Rain quietly draws a dagger to her right hand, reversing it in her hand so the blade rests up against her forearm to hide it. She keeps her attention on the location which produced the scuffling noise while reaching out with her left hand to knock three times on the back door.

Rain only sees shadows on the rooftops, but she does have the prickly feeling of being watched, and more than watched. She is sure weapons are being pointed her way. Dunagin has set himself right behind her, in position to intercept anything shot at them. Rain notices that beneath his blue cloak, Dunagin’s right hand is holding something that glints in the dim light. Looking more closely she sees that it is a shiny steel star-knife: a weapon consisting of four tapered blades radiating like compass points from a central steel ring with a handle. It is a weapon that can be hurled or used in close combat by one trained in its use.

A slot opens at eye level and someone looks out at Rain and Dunagin. “Who are you two? Everyone’s to be off the streets now. What do you want?” Rain doesn’t recognize the voice, undoubtedly just one of the many mooks who hang about the Church of the Big Gamble trying to act big.  

Rain says, “It’s Rain. Tell Fergus I’ve come to speak with him. He’ll know why.”

“Rain huh? Well, Fergus ain’t here. So go home before the High and Mighties catch ya.” He slams the slot shut.

“Let’s go,” Rain says, a little disgusted. When they get back into the street she says, almost cheerfully, “Okay, off to the Murky Archer,” and begins making her way there.

On Rum Road they find themselves stopped by a couple of paladins on horseback with accompanying squires holding bulls-eye everburning lanterns. Rain shows them her pass. The first paladin takes it, lifts his visor to scrutinize it and then hands it back and waves them on. Suddenly, the second paladin says, “Wait, haven’t I seen you before?”

Rain turns back to the paladin addressing her. “Depends, who are you?” expecting him to raise his visor.

He does in fact raise his visor and she sees that it is Sir Jankin, whom she had last seen at the not-so-abandoned Heironean Mission that morning.

Rain says, “Ah Sir Jankin, I did not know it was you.”

“Oh, you know me.” He seems a little puzzled by that. “Ah yes, you’re a member of the Guard. I saw you this morning. You lent us your manacles. Just a second,” he reaches behind him and then pulls out a set of manacles that he hands back to Rain. “There you go. Say, why aren’t you wearing your tabard now? And who is this?”

“Pardon Sir Jankin,” says the other paladin, “but the pass does say she should be let by without questions.”

In the light of the lanterns, Rain sees that Jankin blushes a bit at this. “Of course, how foolish of me. Take care of yourselves. It’s not safe out here as I’m sure you know and we can’t be everywhere.” He then starts to ride away with the other paladin.

As they ride away, Rain says to her companion, “I really need to find time to talk with him… you know, when things quiet down a bit.” She finishes with a smile. 

“Mmm, flirting with the paladins?” Dunagin murmurs softly. “I wouldn’t do that if I were you. They are very, how shall I put it, straight laced – even the ones who are not straight. I think your friend Father Gar has been discovering that.” 

“Um, no. I have other business with him – pertaining to my old life.” She doesn’t turn to look at her companion, but heads off her obvious next comment by saying, “And don’t worry, I won’t be causing any trouble.”

“I should hope not. If you offend the priests or paladins of Heironeus or the throne of Keoland you will be on your own. I would be very sorry if that were to happen.” Dunganin sounds like he means it when he (she?) says this.

They continue on to the Murky Archer and find that it too is locked up. The doors are closed and the shutters are shut, though it is also obvious that there are lights on and people inside.

Rain knocks at the front door. A girl’s voice answers, “We’re closed, orders of the Prince. Go home!” Rain recognizes the voice. It’s Livya, a member of her old gang.

Dunagin grips Rain’s arm and whispers in her ear, “Be careful of this one. She’s an evildoer. Her heart is poisoned.”

Then Rain remembers what Dion told her just a few days ago when she ran into him back at their place. He had been telling her how Rinya had died and said, “Anyway, Rinya was sick too, that’s why she was there. She was too weak to go herself so Cole and I carried her there. Livya and some of the others wanted to just leave Rinya in the street for the watch to pick up… or not. That’s how afraid we all were to catch it ourselves. But Cole and I figured that it was too late for us anyway, if we were going to catch it we would and if not, then not. So if we could get Rinya healed, maybe all of us could be saved.”

Rain says in her even but commanding voice, “Open the door Livya.”

“Rain? Oh my gods, it’s you.” She opens the door, and it is indeed Livya. She is tall and thin like a swaying reed. She has a golden tan even in these winter months, soft brown hair, and stormy gray eyes that are now widened in surprise. She holds her arms out for a hug, “We thought you were dead, and then Dion told us you joined… Oh!” She smiles broadly at Dunagin and winks, “You brought a friend – how thoughtful.”

Then Drogo’s grizzled bulk fills the doorway and pushes Livya aside, “Ah cut it out. Huh, Rain. I do recall seeing you around. I suppose you should come in. No one’s supposed to be out and this tavern is supposed to be closed. But who’s this then?” He indicates Dunagin.

Rain enters, putting her arm around Livya, “No, I’m not dead – and don’t take everything you hear at face value. There are many reasons people do the things they do, eh Livya?”  She turns to Drogo, “Hello Drogo, this is Dunagin – a friend. I have business with Fergus, and you know if I’m out tonight it’s for a damn good reason. Where is he?”

Rain surveys the room as she enters. There seem to be about a dozen people give or take scattered throughout the tavern. A group of three sitting at the bar, two others at a table in the middle, another group of three at a table further back. Others are sitting at the very back in a large booth with a curtain drawn over it for privacy. All the ones in sight are darkly cloaked men, except of course for Livya. It is clear to Rain that these mooks are holding weapons under their cloaks or beneath the tables.

Drogo steps back and looks over Rain and Dunagin. Livya slides out from under Rain’s arm and heads for the bar, “I’ll go fix a drink for ya,” she says.

“Yeah, you do that,” says Drogo. “This is all just a private little party. Now you I know, or at least thought I did. Him I don’t. Is he one of those High and Mighties you’ve taken up with? I’m not going to bother Fergus on a night like this without you telling me what it’s all about and who you’re traveling with.”

“Like I said, Dunagin is a friend. Coming here on a night like this it’s best to bring a friend. That is all.” Rain produces a slight smile at this then wipes it from her face. “My business with the High and Mighties is my own concern, but I assure you it will not interfere with you and yours.” Rain visibly relaxes, returning the slight smile to her face. “Now, my business with Fergus is in his interest. I would appreciate you letting him know I am here to conduct it… or you can explain to him why I was unable to pay him tonight.”

Drogo ponders that for a moment as Livya comes back with a tray full of mugs of ale. “Fair enough,” he says. “Why don’t you go to the back booth with Livya and have a drink with Fergus then.” Drogo then points to Dunagin, “But you can have a drink at the bar. I’ll introduce you to my fine friends: Wink, Nod, and Tic.”

The three mooks at the bar all turn to greet Dunagin with raised mugs. One winks, the other nods, and the last grimaces with a grotesque twitch.

Dunagin looks to Rain and in a bass rumble asks, “You trust these people enough to drink with them?”

Rain answers, “I’ll be fine. Try not to hurt Winkin, Blinken and Nod,” then heads to the back booth with Livya to join Fergus.

One of the mooks draws the curtain back and Rain finds Fergus there all smiles, with Imensil, the beautiful elvish barmaid, cuddling up to him on his left. Livya sets the mugs of ale on the table and gestures for Rain to take a seat in the booth across from Fergus and next to his blockheaded counterpart Clive. When Livya finishes she takes her place on Fergus’ right side. The mook lets the curtain fall back, and now there is only the dim light of the candle by which to see Fergus and his “friends.”

“Well, Rain, I’d say I’m quite surprised to see you again. I heard you got nabbed by Captain Bodwyn, and then you turn up as a member of the Guard. How’d that happen I wonder? And now Dion tells me that you’ve offered to make good on Parwyn’s debt?” He shakes his head, “The ways in which the dice of fate roll. Who can fathom it? Well anyway, here you are. Please, have a mug. We’ll have drinks and catch up and then we can settle Parwyn’s debt if that’s indeed what you’ve come for.” Fergus leans back, at ease, with his arms around the two beautiful girls on either side, his mouth curled in a smile as he nods to the mugs on the table.

Rain takes the seat indicated and smiles, acting equally at ease. She reaches out and takes her ale, saying just before she drinks “You seem pretty well informed. So how is it you allowed yourself to be blamed for a break-in you didn’t do and have no idea who did?”

Fergus raises his eyes at this, “You seem pretty well-informed yourself. Yes, a rather overzealous Cudgel and his friends came after me. I was only doing an honest day’s labor putting in a new lock. But it seems some unsanctioned cat burglar is operating in this town and causing trouble for the Guild. This does not please us. Perhaps, being so eager to settle things for Parwyn, you know something about this?”

Still holding her ale, Rain responds, “Well, I don’t know anything about your cat burglar but I can tell you that that Cudgel is no friend to the others who were with him that day. Burne is an overzealous idiot who couldn’t stumble upon a real clue to save his life. That’s why he makes shit up…”

Her face hardens slightly as her mind visits the dark areas of her mind reserved for unpleasant memories, “…they are all fuckin’ idiots, claiming to help the people and only feeding their obese and bulging self-importance… they are the ones truly to answer for Rinya’s death. Wharf fleas and gonorrhea to them all I say.”

At this she takes another swig of her ale to calm herself down and return to the present. “Anyways, I wouldn’t worry about any of them pursuing you any more for that. The matter is closed. Even Jankin, the man you stabbed, doesn’t hold you accountable.”

Fergus grins, “How magnanimous of him. But what does this have to do with you? Why should you pay for Parwyn? And though I’m honored that you are ready to take my word for it that it wasn’t me or mine involved in that robbery, how is that you know Burne is wrong?”

Just then, the crash of a body falling is heard. Livya pulls back the curtain, and Rain sees that Dunagin has fallen off his stool at the bar and is lying unconscious on the floor.

“Tsk, tsk, it seems your friend can’t hold his ale,” Fergus comments.

Rain hears a click on her right side, she looks over and sees that Clive is holding a hand-crossbow cocked and ready, aimed at her heart.

Fergus smiles, “Well, no need to let that bother us. Hey boys, drag him over to the booth next to us.” He nods to Livya and she drops the curtain again. “Now, where were we? Oh, and don’t worry, I think the ale you’re drinking isn’t as strong as what your friend was served.”

True anger hardens Rain, her eyes on fire as she stares down Fergus. “I thought this was a friendly discussion in which I am being very candid with you Fergus, Why this treachery?”

“Treachery?!” Fergus appears truly affronted. “Oh no girl, if it was treachery you’d never know what had hit you. This is merely taking proper precautions. I don’t see you for months, you abandon your friends,” he gives Livya a squeeze, “and then when you do show up you’re working for the High and Mighties. Then, tonight of all nights when the city is locked down under martial-law and after I’ve been chased through the streets by these occupiers for a crime I, for once, had nothing to do with, you come waltzing in here with someone who, as far as I know, is a member of the Guard or even a paladin. Now you look me in the eye and tell me that I shouldn’t be wary or suspicious?”

Rain looks Fergus in the eyes, “Fair enough, but look at it from my point of view too. Today, after finding out that my friends, Aramek and Parwyn… and yes they are personal friends of mine, were accosted by members of my own family, apparently now working for you, I decide to intervene making sure not only that Parwyn and Aramek are no longer threatened but also to make sure you get your gold - all of it. And I try to do this tonight, despite the dangers on the streets. There is no other reason for this than trying to protect my friends and re-establish contact with you… and to make sure you get your damn gold in the process. And can you blame me for bringing a friend for protection?” She looks sidelong at Clive at this, “Now, can I check on Dunagin and make sure he is still alive so we can continue this conversation civilly or are you so fucking dumb you can’t see how useful it might be for you to have a friend in my new and unusual position?”

Fergus frowns, “A little respect is in order I think. If Livya here is family to you, well then I’ve adopted her and Dion and the others as my younger brothers and sisters. That makes me your older brother I guess – Clive too. So let’s be civil, like a family, eh? Sure, go check on this Dunagin. He’s just sleeping. You can put away the crossbow Clive, we’re all family here.”

Rain moves out of the booth, and Clive follows and pulls back the curtain all the way. Dunagin has been left sprawled out on the seat of the next booth over. The curtain has been left up. The three mooks from the bar hover nearby. Rain sees that Dunagin is breathing softly, passed out and dead to the world. His shortsword, dagger, starknife, and the belt pouch with the platinum and electrum that he showed Rain earlier are sitting on an empty table nearby.

“Satisfied? He won’t be harmed. Now please, let’s continue our civil discussion – older brother and younger sister like. You two, take a seat over there for just a bit. Clive, keep Livya and Imensil entertained for a bit.”

Clive and the girls seat themselves at the table where Dunagin’s weapons and belt pouch have been placed. Livya pouts a bit, but sullenly acquiesces when Fergus waves her away. She smiles sweetly at Rain in passing, though there is a cunning look in her eyes, “We’ll catch up later Rain, ‘kay?”

The three mooks join Clive and the girls and break out a deck of Three Dragon Ante. The other five mooks spread out around the tavern seem to be minding their own business, but Rain is sure that they are also armed with hand-crossbows and paying close attention to what happens in the back.

Rain sits back down and Fergus lets the curtain fall back again. “Interesting weapons your friend has. Now, I want to know two things and then we can move on to other business. Where’s my money, and who’s Dunagin really?”

Rain responds with a smirk, “Yah, the star-knife is standard paladin issue these days,” then seriously but settling back into a relaxed demeanor she says, “Your money is in the bag they took from Dunagin.”

Fergus pulls back the curtain and calls out to Clive. “Hey Clive, bring me that pouch there.” Clive brings it over and Fergus dumps the contents on the table. 16 platinum high lords drop out as well as 20 gold admirals. Fergus reacts to this with a low whistle. “High lords eh? The old coins of the Sea Princes…” He looks at Rain appraisingly. “Nice to see these are still floating around.” He sweeps them off the table. “That will settle Parwyn’s debt then. That kind of coin seems a little above the pay grade of a simple Guard recruit though; so again, who’s this Dunagin and what have you been up to?”

Rain sighs and leans in closer to Fergus, lowering her voice so only he can hear. “Look, I am trying to live in two different worlds right now… it wasn’t my choice to do so, but I am glad the opportunity presented itself. I think somehow I can help my.,, our family in the process. Who knows, maybe even help Westkeep in the process. I don’t know. I don’t have a real plan at this point, nor do I have an agenda against the family. What I do have is my ass in a unique position to be able to see both sides of the fence and that has to be good for something. Now understand that I have friends on the other side. I have no agenda, nor intentions of harming our family, nor to harm my friends on the other side. I will not compromise either side… that means nobody besides Dunagin knows I am here talking with you. And it means that Dunagin is just a friend watching my back tonight… let’s leave it at that. Okay?”

Fergus leans back and steeples his fingers on the table. “Working both sides of the fence huh? You haven’t been on our side of the fence at all lately. All we see is that you’ve gone over to the side of the High and Mighties and the Cudgels. The very ones who came to our land without so much as a ‘by-your-leave’ to tell us how to live. You know we were working on kicking the Red Robes out ourselves before they came in and interfered, and the countryside had already risen up against them. We didn’t need their help and we don’t need them here now.

“You were too young to remember Westkeep before the Red Robes came. It wasn’t exactly a paradise here then either but it was a free city for free men. No curfews, no riots, no club wielding thugs or paladins looking over our shoulders, no attempts to ban or put exorbitant tariffs on the halfling pipe-weed from upriver, no shutting down the gambling halls or the taverns after midnight. People sang what they wished, smoked what they wished, drank what they wished and slept with whomever they wished. You know I’ve heard that some of these High and Mighties and Cudgels want to shut down the Street of Red Lanterns? Some have gone so far as to suggest shutting down the Church of the Big Gamble, saying that it’s simply a den of thieves and not a proper house of prayer! And what if it is a den of thieves? Norebo is the god of rogues! In the old Westkeep people gave him his due. The Sea Princes certainly didn’t let Cudgels chase Locksmiths through the streets on the mere suspicion of impropriety! And I’ll tell you another thing – we kept the Olman and the Amedi in their place! They didn’t run riot through the streets like now. They were happy here. We took them out of the squalor of their jungle hovels and gave them proper places to live, and good jobs to do. We gave clothes and food and freedom to worship and dance and sing as they pleased when their work was done. Did you know the Amedi and Olman were mortal enemies back in the Amedi Jungles? But here they danced and sang together! They knew their place and were glad for it. And the Sea Lords had their run of the seas and brought wealth and prosperity to all in the Hold with the strength and ambition to take and hold it. This was a tropical paradise, a land of art and love and life!

“Then the Red Robes came with their armies and their dreams of an empire long fallen to dust, and now the High and Mighties are here trying to recreate their own empire, the Greater Kingdom of Keoland that we freed ourselves from hundreds of years ago. And yet here you sit telling me that you can see both sides. Both sides of what: Freedom or oppression? Bah! How can you possibly even think of making those sides balance on the scales? There’s a choice to be made and you are going to have to make it girl.

“Now, in the meantime, I do want to know what you know about this robbery at Parwyn’s. You say you want to protect both sides and don’t want to compromise any of your friends. I’m already compromised, and the Guild is compromised if there are unsanctioned thieves operating in Westkeep. Now tell me what you know if you’re serious about looking out for us. Surely if this Parwyn and his apprentice Aramek are friends of yours then you’ll want to know that the robber was taken care of. Don’t you?”

Rain leans back in her seat, taking another swig of her ale. Who says I can’t play both sides of the game, she thinks, – at least for a while. It’s better than being his pawn and stealing just to eat. I like having gold in my pocket.

Smiling she says, “You love to preach, don’t ya. Yer good at it too.” She pauses and then continues, “Red Robe assassins attacked the palace last night. They didn’t get far, but we found evidence that one of them had hit Parwyn’s. We don’t know why, nor what they were looking for at this point… nor what their intentions were except maybe to assassinate Prospero. A few of us are looking into it during our spare time, but really don’t have anything yet. Do you know anything about recent Brotherhood activity?”

“The Red Robes hit the palace! That I didn’t know! Yes, you may be right… It would be good to have a member of the family on the inside.” Fergus leans forward, very serious now. “Tell me what happened. What was this evidence? What could the Red Robes have possibly needed from an alchemist shop that they couldn’t have made themselves? Did you end up fighting them yourself?”

Rain leans in also and says in a hushed voice only for him, “I was assigned to guard Prospero’s study when the assassins hit the halls… no idea how they got into the palace though. I took down five before I fell to sleep from being poisoned, and then woke up later attended by clerics. I have no idea what evidence was found, only that the assassins were Brotherhood. Man, they swarmed the place quick though. Later I was escorting Aramek home with some others from the palace and we passed the Heironean temple, which seemed oddly deserted. We found the statue inside was toppled over and covered in feces and just as we were going to check further a huge bat the size of a horse swooped down from the top of the tower and flew out of the city. Then today with the Olman riot lead by their shamanic leader… I tell you Fergus, bad things are coming.”

“You killed five Red Robe assassins yourself?” Fergus exclaims in surprise though in a hushed tone to match Rain’s. “You must have gotten a lot handier with a blade then when I knew you. Yes, you are right. It is good to have friends on the inside. And it looks like the Olman’s have more going on than we thought. That will bear some watching. Yes, it looks like we might be able to help each other. Yes indeed.

“It’s funny, though, you’re the second person in two nights to ask me what I know about the Red Robes. Last night a half-elf came strolling into here from the palace. Played a game of murky archer and got a mug of ale poured on his head, but he was a good sport about it and bought everyone here a round of drinks. So I took him aside and we spoke. He asked me what I knew, but of course I don’t know of any Red Robe plots. His name was Lorindel and we agreed to keep in touch. Then Clive, Dion, Cole, and I escorted him back to the Processional. What do you know about this Lorindel? Is he trustworthy?” 

Rain smiles and says, “Yes, so far Lorindel seems so. He is one of the friends I have been spending time with lately: he, his brother, and the others who I would previously have dismissed as High and Mighties. It is association with them that is teaching me to look deeper into people’s character before judging where they stand.” Her face becomes stern for a few seconds as she says offhandedly, “Dion needs a lesson in that as well I think.”

Fergus is about to respond to that when a groan is heard from the next booth over. “Hey boss,” calls Clive. “I think this one is waking up.”

Fergus raises an eyebrow and looks at Rain. “Your companion is uncommonly stout to recover so quickly. He should have been out for at least an hour. How strange…” He pulls back the curtain. “Clive, help the man to his feet. Give him back his stuff and show him to the door. Our business is done here.” He lets the curtain fall again and says to Rain in a low voice, “You are welcome here if you wish to come back and catch up on old times, and share information. Though I daresay, some of your old friends have some hard feelings about you abandoning them like you did. But if you ever show up in the company of those High and Mighties, including that one out there whoever he is, or wearing their livery, then we’ll treat you same as them.” With a polite gesture he indicates that Rain is free to depart.

Rain offers her hand to Fergus, “Thanks Fergus, but I hope at least you understand that this path was not chosen by me. It is only Norebo’s breath on the dice that I lived. And for anyone else they will just have to take up their issues with me directly. I will keep in touch Fergus.”

Fergus smiles warmly and shakes Rain’s hand. “Yes, please do. And I should tell you, do right by us and there will always be a place for you in the Guild. May Norebo’s fortune go with you.”

As Rain leaves the booth, she sees that Dunagin’s weapons have been returned. Dunagin still seems a bit woozy and incoherent, but Clive is propping him up. “This one’s not nearly as heavy as he looks.” Clive says to Rain. “I’ll take him to the door, and then he’s all yours.”

The mooks all seem to be minding their own business, but Livya accompanies them to the door. Then she reaches out and touches Rain lightly on the shoulder. There seems to be a tear in her eye, but Rain can see that they’re crocodile’s tears. “Rain, how could you leave us? And how could you join them? The High and Mighties? You know what they did to Rinya don’t you? Didn’t Dion tell you?”

The smile remaining on Rain’s face after leaving Fergus quickly retreats as stone hard disdain takes its place. Rain looks Livya in the face and says in an even low voice, “I know what happened, Livya, all of it… and if you ever suggest leaving any of us behind again to save your own skin you will deal with me. Not even Old One Foot will save you from my wrath.”

Livya blanches and steps away from Rain. She turns around without a word and heads back to the bar.

Outside the Murky Archer, Clive turns over Dunagin to Rain. As he said, Dunagin turns out to be a lot lighter, more like what Rain would expect Sedara to weigh. Clive nods and closes the door. No one is in sight. Rain helps Dunagin down Rum Road, but as soon as they reach the Processional Dunagin straightens up and begins shrinking and shifting until it is Sedara standing there once more.

“Whew,” she says. “It is well that you got us out of there so quickly. The spell was about to fade away. Then we would have had a real problem. And no, I hadn’t really passed out.” Sedara tosses Rain a wet sponge. It smells of ale. “It’s always good to palm a sponge when you think you’re being served something you’d rather not be drinking. But then you had better know how to recognize what you were being served and fake the effects of it.” Sedara grins, “I even fooled you it seems, or were you just covering for me? Anyway, I applaud your loyalty to your friends, and to me. You could easily have turned me over to them as the real thief, and as a royal hostage. I didn’t catch everything though. I hope you didn’t tell them anything you should not have.” She regards Rain with a discerning gaze as she asks this.

Rain smiles. “Heh, yah well I had hoped you were faking it, but wasn’t completely sure. Regardless I knew I had better at least act like you were out or possible dead. I’m sure glad you are okay though, I would hate to think what the Prince would do to me if I lost his aunt.” At this she smiles and even lets out a small chuckle.

“As for my loyalties, I hope by now that you know I would protect you and Prospero… er, the Prince as best I am able… including the secrets which matter. But I also hope you understand that there are those I truly care for who remain at least partially adversarial to Westkeep’s new owners. In all honesty My Lady, at this point, I truly can call neither the streets nor the palace my home. All I can do is try to remain true to both of those whom I call friend till they prove to be otherwise.”

“Rain, please tell me that you didn’t tell Fergus about the statue or the journal. This Fergus is not evil as far as I can tell, but he is probably not on the side of the angels and there are evil people around him, like that girl. Did you tell him of those things or what was in the journal?”

“Of course not”

“I am greatly relieved to hear that – the less people who know of such things, the better for all of us.”

Sedara continues, “Now look, Rain, we are not Westkeep’s owners, though perhaps we must be its stewards for the time being. King Skotti did not send the Prince or any of us here to harm this land, nor even to claim it for Keoland. We came to stop the Scarlet Brotherhood and to push them out if we could. We also came to free the slaves – all of them. We came to bring true justice for all who can truly call the Hold of the Sea Princes their home. We mean no evil or treachery to any of your folk, but neither will we tolerate evil, injustice, treachery, or lawlessness while we are here. When there is peace and the proper rulers of this land are restored, or at least a stable government established that the people can trust to preserve order and the common good, then we will leave. So, as long as your folk do not persist in robbery, slavery, and piracy, we will do all that we can to help them help themselves.”

Rain pauses, and then says in a smaller voice, “Yah, I know… I know,” and then a little frustrated, “It’s just that… I have never been a political person. My main worries were getting food for the family and taking care of the younger ones. Making sure they didn’t do stupid things or having to get them out once they did. All of this politics is giving me a headache!” 

Rain takes a few seconds to calm down and then continues, “Look, I appreciate what you are doing. I really do. Not just for me but for everyone. I just think that, well, maybe we are not used to having outsiders help us. I don’t know.”

After a moment Rain looks Sedara in the eyes and says, “What I am certain of is that I really appreciate you giving me a second chance, taking me out of that cell… and… well you know. Just… thanks,” and before she realizes what she is doing she hugs Sedara.

Sedara stiffens in surprise, but then returns the hug in kind. Rain immediately pulls away, turning red from embarrassment, and murmurs, “um… sorry.”

Sedara, whose eyes seem moist, says, “It’s okay Rain. As I told you before, I once belonged to a… family… much like yours. I thought it was all I would ever need or want. Then I met someone who gave me a chance, someone who showed me a better way, a brighter path. Maybe someday I’ll tell you about it.” Sedara touches her pendant briefly and smiles at Rain. “I guess I want to return to others what I was given. I hope someday you are in a position to do the same for others.”

Later that night, Rain returns to the barracks and approaches Aramek with a smile, “Good evening Aramek, I hope your day got better after its slightly rocky start? If I could ask a favor, please convey to Master Parwyn my personal apologies for his rather rude visitors earlier and let him know that I have seen too it that he will no longer be bothered by Dion nor Cole. Also, he is no longer in debt to Fergus or the Locksmiths. The matter has been settled.”

Aramek smiles at his friend and says, “Thanks for taking care of that, Rain. I really appreciate it and I know Master Parwyn will be relieved. I’ll find a page to take the message to him. 

“In the meantime, how did you manage that, if you don’t mind my asking? You sure seem to have a lot of connections here in Westkeep! And what was the errand Bodwyn sent you on, anyway? Was it anything to do with our excursion into the marshes?”

Rain checks to make sure they are alone, and then says in a very low voice, “Aramek I count you as one of my good friends, but please understand that anything you learn about me now or in the future can seriously hurt me if it is shared with others. Can I count on you for that?”

Aramek, with a serious expression on his face, says, “Absolutely, Rain! We haven’t known each other all that long, but you’ve really become my best and most trusted friend here. You can count on me to respect your privacy and also keep your confidences.”

Rain continues. “I am familiar with the Locksmiths and have family ties there. From the evidence we found on the assassins it is clear to me that the Locksmiths were not involved in the break in. I was granted a favor from Bodwyn to ‘take care of some personal business.’ What I did was to clear the debt and assure Parwyn’s safety and then spend some time with my family.”

 ”Wow!” says Aramek. “Thank you again for straightening all this out. I really owe you one!

Rain smiles to Aramek as she thinks, Ah Aramek, you have no idea the convoluted mess this became… but, in the end all is well and I look good – works for me. Rain’s smile shortly widens at her own thoughts, then she responds, “Any time Aramek, and just so you know I have grown quite fond of you as well. I am glad we were thrown together.”

“Yeah,” he says smiling. “You’re like the little sister I never had – even though you’re a lot more worldly wise than I am. I’m glad you’re my friend. I may not be the most powerful sorcerer around, but I’ll always have your back. You can count on it!”