Long after any reasonable person had gone to sleep a trio convened in Sybil Hallewell's study. Two golems made of stone guarded the hallway and another remained stationary outside the door. The study had changed much in the last few hours. The room had been emptied of everything but Sybil's desk and three chairs for the trio to rest on.
"...And that is why I'll be relying on the both of you tomorrow.""I don't think you were listening to me earlier, Sybil. I don't want any part in this. I agreed to help you out with that delivery because we had good history and you pay well. If I'd known that you expected more than that from me, I would have declined you up front and saved us both the trouble. And now you think you can rope me into this bullshit you're trying to pull!? I don't care what you might pay me, my life isn't worth your gold.""Afraid of a little bit of danger, merchant? You aren't as helpless as you like to portray yourself as. You're more capable than the majority of those under Lady Sybil's employ. So what do you have to fear on the rare occasion your skills would be required?""Yes, I am afraid. Even the strongest of men can be slain in an instant. And what's it matter to you what I do, Astrasian? What business do you have spearheading Sybil's plans? Go back to your emperor.""The same as yours I can imagine, Ilian. If you won't help then hurry behind your walls while you can.""Enough, both of you! The two of you are vital to what I hope to accomplish. And Zephyr, while you may not value gold I'm sure you must desire something. If you help me I'll do my best to grant your request.""...Feh. I'll think about it."
True to the armored man's warning, Sybil's employees were awoken early. The sun hadn't risen yet and dawn still seemed to be far off when those on foot were loaded into wagons with extra space and those with mounts were told to saddle up. Sybil's employees were split off into groups based on their performance on earlier missions and a rare few were by request. Miraculously, the entire group that Zephyr had led back to Sybil's mansion remained together. Perhaps of even greater shock, Sybil designated them her personal bodyguards; though Seaiga's presence may have played a factor in that decision.
Around noon Sybil ordered the convoy to a halt. She explained that she would take her bodyguards and meet with Lord Frealde to negotiate passage through his lands. He had historically been opposed to the magic ban so hopefully the negotiations wouldn't go south. Cullen had been ordered to proceed with the rest of the convoy so that on the chance that Frealde denied them passage some progress would be made. It would be easy for for the smaller group to catch up with the convoy.
The group had been sitting outside Lord Frealde's manor for over an hour now. Frealde's soldiers had only allowed Sybil into the mansion for what they claimed were security reasons. Near the end of the second hour a cavalier rode out to meet them. Some of the group would recognize him as the man that had been after Zephyr. It seemed he remembered them as well.
"We meet again lackeys of the witch! I've come to tell your leader has been detained on account of being guilty of magical practice. I was ordered to let you go, as you are only under her employ; however, I spy others guilty of magical practice. I shall have to detain them as well. Soldiers! Capture the magical practitioners! Leave the others alone unless they interfere!"Arrive at 17/18-1 or escape via 1-x or 18-x!PCs:
Eric Altien: 27/27
Dale Barton: 22/22
Ava Ferrier: 22/22
Caius Lochlan: 20/20
Seaiga: 23/23
Nick Lendel: 25/25
Gilbert: 20/20
Wynne Merick: 25/25
Brady Baker: 24/24
Simon Nerenn: 26/26
Quetzalxochitl: 26/26
Drest Aedān: 25/25
Enemies:
Duelist A: 27/27
Duelist B: 27/27
Duelist C: 27/27
Manor Guard A: 29/29
Manor Guard B: 29/29
Manor Guard C: 29/29
Manor Guard D: 29/29
Manor Guard E: 29/29
Manor Guard F: 29/29
Scout A: 27/27
Scout B: 27/27
Bodyguard A: 30/30
Bodyguard B: 30/30
Bodyguard C: 30/30
Bodyguard D: 30/30
Bodyguard E: 30/30
Bodyguard F: 30/30
Bowman A: 26/26
Bowman B: 26/26
Bowman C: 26/26
Bowman D: 26/26
Bowman E: 26/26
Bowman F: 26/26
Bowman G: 26/26
Sky Render: 24/24
Sky Blazer: 24/24
Sky Knight A: 29/29
Sky Knight B: 29/29
Sky Knight C: 29/29
Knight Trio (Axe): 29/29
Knight Trio (Lance): 29/29
Knight Trio (Sword): 2929
Enchantress A: 22/22
Enchantress B: 22/22
Commander Santero: 35/35
Victoria Frealde: 33/33
EXP: 28