The Mayor of Pellowey
"Pellowey, the town is called. It is two days east of here, and a
little north, along the Norsgren road. The mayor - a woman by the name
of Meredith Strayward - has been acting oddly. Travellers have mentioned
it in passing a few times, but it was a wandering merchant who told me
the most.
"For the past few weeks, she has been rising just before dusk to handle the affairs of the town - without paying much attention, I was told - and then remaining awake all night in her home. She then sleeps the day away, she even missed her town's fair as the merchant passed through!
"The merchant also heard that, on the King's Day, she skipped the evening feast to spend her time at home, hidden away. She's up to something, and she always looks haggard, as if some task has left her constantly exhausted.
"Needless to say, the townspeople are very concerned. Some think she has become a monster that despises daylight, but most are worried that she may be up to no good - she refuses to discuss what she is doing with anyone (and often rudely).
"Now, it seems to me that it would be good if a group of adventurers were to go to the town and investigate. Before the townspeople become so worried that they do something stupid to the tune of some troublemaker, which is my worry."
The innkeeper stopped speaking. "Sounds like a deed worth doing," said Graeme. "Are there still bandits near Norsgren?" The innkeeper nodded, so Graeme continued, "Then we shall head there, and stop in Pellowey on our way."
"For the past few weeks, she has been rising just before dusk to handle the affairs of the town - without paying much attention, I was told - and then remaining awake all night in her home. She then sleeps the day away, she even missed her town's fair as the merchant passed through!
"The merchant also heard that, on the King's Day, she skipped the evening feast to spend her time at home, hidden away. She's up to something, and she always looks haggard, as if some task has left her constantly exhausted.
"Needless to say, the townspeople are very concerned. Some think she has become a monster that despises daylight, but most are worried that she may be up to no good - she refuses to discuss what she is doing with anyone (and often rudely).
"Now, it seems to me that it would be good if a group of adventurers were to go to the town and investigate. Before the townspeople become so worried that they do something stupid to the tune of some troublemaker, which is my worry."
The innkeeper stopped speaking. "Sounds like a deed worth doing," said Graeme. "Are there still bandits near Norsgren?" The innkeeper nodded, so Graeme continued, "Then we shall head there, and stop in Pellowey on our way."
The party made it to Pellowey without incident, and spoke to the local
townspeople. Pellowey was only a small town, perhaps six hundred
inhabitants in total. Everyone knew everyone, and thus everyone knew the
mayor. Questions - during the day they arrived, before the mayor even
awoke - ascertained that she was infertile (and husbandless),
thirty-seven years old, somewhat greedy and mayor because she had
inherited most of the farmland north of the town from her late parents,
although it was all occupied by tenants.
"Sad about that infertility, she was a bit of a looker when she was younger," said the local smith. He was a small man, with his beefy arms looking out of place. "I'm worried about her, to be honest. Whatever she's up to, she shouldn't be keeping it a secret, and I'm sure she wouldn't be unless it was something, well, something that she should not be doing."
The owner of the only inn in town had similar opinions, although one of her servers said, "Someone should break in there and find out what she's doing. Like I give a damn about her father, never met him, and never will. Because he's dead, and buried."
Most of the town held varying levels of the same opinions - that she should explain what she was up to, or someone should find out. The local channeling mage - an old man whose master's master had been given training by mages from Naylenor tower - told them an interesting tidbit; the mayor had built an observatory about half a year ago, to look at the stars.
It was one of the last people they spoke to (an old man who had retired, living off his life savings) that said, "Obviously she has become a servant of the night. I hear they are only killable by daylight! You should drag her out, and see her burn. It's what they deserve, you see." This was followed by a bit of nodding, and the old man seemingly forgetting what he had just said and repeating it.
"Sad about that infertility, she was a bit of a looker when she was younger," said the local smith. He was a small man, with his beefy arms looking out of place. "I'm worried about her, to be honest. Whatever she's up to, she shouldn't be keeping it a secret, and I'm sure she wouldn't be unless it was something, well, something that she should not be doing."
The owner of the only inn in town had similar opinions, although one of her servers said, "Someone should break in there and find out what she's doing. Like I give a damn about her father, never met him, and never will. Because he's dead, and buried."
Most of the town held varying levels of the same opinions - that she should explain what she was up to, or someone should find out. The local channeling mage - an old man whose master's master had been given training by mages from Naylenor tower - told them an interesting tidbit; the mayor had built an observatory about half a year ago, to look at the stars.
It was one of the last people they spoke to (an old man who had retired, living off his life savings) that said, "Obviously she has become a servant of the night. I hear they are only killable by daylight! You should drag her out, and see her burn. It's what they deserve, you see." This was followed by a bit of nodding, and the old man seemingly forgetting what he had just said and repeating it.
"Well, that was mostly a waste of time," said Sparrow, as the party
waited in the inn after their questioning. Their plan was to confront
the mayor themselves when she finally awoke (indicated by her door being
opened for those who had business with her to enter, from what the
townspeople had said).
"There wasn't anything better to do, and we did learn some useful information," said Annette, sipping at her soup.
"I guess it's best that not every adventure is full of excitement and fighting," said Sparrow, poking at the floating parts of her soup. She scooped up one in her spoon, and stuck her spoon between Annette and Graeme, saying, "I'm sure I've never seen this vegetable before."
They both took a look at it, before Graeme said, "I think it's a chunk of corn cob."
"No wonder it tastes awful," said Sparrow, dumping it on the table. "I'm never getting mystery soup again."
"There wasn't anything better to do, and we did learn some useful information," said Annette, sipping at her soup.
"I guess it's best that not every adventure is full of excitement and fighting," said Sparrow, poking at the floating parts of her soup. She scooped up one in her spoon, and stuck her spoon between Annette and Graeme, saying, "I'm sure I've never seen this vegetable before."
They both took a look at it, before Graeme said, "I think it's a chunk of corn cob."
"No wonder it tastes awful," said Sparrow, dumping it on the table. "I'm never getting mystery soup again."
The party soon left the inn, and waited outside the mayor's house. She
was rarely bothered normally, and given her distracted state even fewer
were bothering her than usual. The party immediately waved at her as she
opened her door, and she said, "Oh! Good evening sir knight, and
companions."
"Good evening, ma'am. You are Mayor Strayward?" asked Graeme.
"Yes, of course. And you are?" she asked in return.
"Sir Graeme. This is my squire, Annette, and Sparrow, a mercenary in our employ. We have come to discuss some business with you," he said.
The mayor put on a smile, and said, "Then come in, I have a table we can discuss around." She turned and went inside, motioning for them to follow.
"Good evening, ma'am. You are Mayor Strayward?" asked Graeme.
"Yes, of course. And you are?" she asked in return.
"Sir Graeme. This is my squire, Annette, and Sparrow, a mercenary in our employ. We have come to discuss some business with you," he said.
The mayor put on a smile, and said, "Then come in, I have a table we can discuss around." She turned and went inside, motioning for them to follow.
They sat around a table in the mayor's parlour. It was a fairly simple
room - decorated minimally and somewhat randomly - and the table could
perhaps seat eight, at most. The mayor sat on one side of the table, and
motioned for the party to sit along the other side.
"So what is this business you wish to discuss?" she asked.
Graeme stared at the mayor for a while. She looked tired, stressed, and also as if she had not been eating properly. She had, however, dressed herself properly - and well - which gave the impression of someone who would not let her troubles overwhelm her. Or perhaps someone who knew that she had to keep up appearances to some degree.
"I've heard tell that you have been acting unusually of late, for the past three weeks. You have only been awake at night, bar a small time in the evening, and are obviously feeling the effects. Our business is only to ask why, perhaps to help with whatever is causing you this trouble," said Graeme.
The mayor looked at Graeme, and said, "There is nothing untoward going on, and what I do at night - and whether I sleep during the day or the night - is my own business. If there is nothing else you wish to discuss, please leave."
"Very well, ma'am," said Graeme, rising. Sparrow and Annette also stood, and the three left without further word.
"So what is this business you wish to discuss?" she asked.
Graeme stared at the mayor for a while. She looked tired, stressed, and also as if she had not been eating properly. She had, however, dressed herself properly - and well - which gave the impression of someone who would not let her troubles overwhelm her. Or perhaps someone who knew that she had to keep up appearances to some degree.
"I've heard tell that you have been acting unusually of late, for the past three weeks. You have only been awake at night, bar a small time in the evening, and are obviously feeling the effects. Our business is only to ask why, perhaps to help with whatever is causing you this trouble," said Graeme.
The mayor looked at Graeme, and said, "There is nothing untoward going on, and what I do at night - and whether I sleep during the day or the night - is my own business. If there is nothing else you wish to discuss, please leave."
"Very well, ma'am," said Graeme, rising. Sparrow and Annette also stood, and the three left without further word.
Later that evening, after the sun had set and all light fled the sky,
Sparrow flew high above the town. Her keen eyes were trained upon the
mayor's home, keeping an eye on the observatory.
This would be a lot easier if I could see in the dark well, or there were some good vantage points with a view of the observatory, Sparrow thought. Then again, someone would have climbed up to any good vantage points already if there were some, so I really should have expected this.
Sparrow spiralled lower, trying to get a better look at the observatory. I hope she doesn't notice the spiraling group of stars that keep disappearing. Actually, I mostly hope she doesn't have a crossbow and loads of paranoia.
After a while, the observatory's large windows were opened up, and Sparrow saw the mayor within, illuminated by the starlight. She sat near the window, a group of mirrors reflecting starlight upon her; lenses from telescopes focusing it onto a device she held with her hands. Sparrow could not see the device well, and the mayor kept manipulating it, mostly as if she was rotating some component of it. The device seemed small - it easily fit in the palm of the mayor's small hands, and seemed to be on a chain.
Very interesting, thought Sparrow. She watched the mayor for a while; after some time the mayor shook the device, seemingly dropping something in her hand. She placed it into a small bowl, and returned to her work. I think we know enough to challenge her about it, now, especially if we threaten to drag along some villagers for a third go.
Sparrow spiralled down to the inn, and went inside to tell the rest of the party the good news.
This would be a lot easier if I could see in the dark well, or there were some good vantage points with a view of the observatory, Sparrow thought. Then again, someone would have climbed up to any good vantage points already if there were some, so I really should have expected this.
Sparrow spiralled lower, trying to get a better look at the observatory. I hope she doesn't notice the spiraling group of stars that keep disappearing. Actually, I mostly hope she doesn't have a crossbow and loads of paranoia.
After a while, the observatory's large windows were opened up, and Sparrow saw the mayor within, illuminated by the starlight. She sat near the window, a group of mirrors reflecting starlight upon her; lenses from telescopes focusing it onto a device she held with her hands. Sparrow could not see the device well, and the mayor kept manipulating it, mostly as if she was rotating some component of it. The device seemed small - it easily fit in the palm of the mayor's small hands, and seemed to be on a chain.
Very interesting, thought Sparrow. She watched the mayor for a while; after some time the mayor shook the device, seemingly dropping something in her hand. She placed it into a small bowl, and returned to her work. I think we know enough to challenge her about it, now, especially if we threaten to drag along some villagers for a third go.
Sparrow spiralled down to the inn, and went inside to tell the rest of the party the good news.
After being told what the mayor was up to, Graeme insisted that they
wait until the following evening before confronting her. Sparrow
disagreed (she wanted to swoop in through the window), but Annette
supported Graeme and, in the end, Sparrow agreed to wait.
The next day passed slowly, although after a couple of hours had slowly dragged past in the morning Sparrow decided to spend the rest of the day flying. Annette and Graeme spent a little time asking questions about a necklace the mayor may have received recently, or whether anyone selling magical devices had come through.
A couple (who had become to old to manage their farmstead and passed it on to their children) mentioned that a fairly shady individual had seemed interested in selling them things, but had realised the couple possessed little money (as they were living off coin sent by their children) and had left. The shady fellow had come through a few months back, as far as the couple could remember. No-one else knew anything about him, but the blacksmith mentioned that the only person in town with a significant amount of money was the mayor.
"It's possible this 'shady individual' sold the mayor her device," said Graeme, "but we won't know until we confront her."
Annette rested her head in one hand, and said, "Hmm. What are we going to do for the rest of the day?" It was still before noon.
"We wait, and consider the possibilities," said Graeme.
The next day passed slowly, although after a couple of hours had slowly dragged past in the morning Sparrow decided to spend the rest of the day flying. Annette and Graeme spent a little time asking questions about a necklace the mayor may have received recently, or whether anyone selling magical devices had come through.
A couple (who had become to old to manage their farmstead and passed it on to their children) mentioned that a fairly shady individual had seemed interested in selling them things, but had realised the couple possessed little money (as they were living off coin sent by their children) and had left. The shady fellow had come through a few months back, as far as the couple could remember. No-one else knew anything about him, but the blacksmith mentioned that the only person in town with a significant amount of money was the mayor.
"It's possible this 'shady individual' sold the mayor her device," said Graeme, "but we won't know until we confront her."
Annette rested her head in one hand, and said, "Hmm. What are we going to do for the rest of the day?" It was still before noon.
"We wait, and consider the possibilities," said Graeme.
Sparrow returned an hour before dusk, and found the pair snoozing on a
table in the inn. Graeme had a hat, made of a folded cloth napkin,
sitting on his head. Chuckling, she shook them awake, and said, "A
productive day, I see!"
"Huh, wah," said Graeme, waking up. A litte later, with a clearer head, he said, "What time is it?"
"An hour or so until the sun sets," said Sparrow. "Just enough time to eat."
"He fell asleep first, just so you know," said Annette, rubbing sleep from her eyes.
"Did I?" said Graeme.
"Unless you remember her putting a little folded napkin hat on your head, yes," said Sparrow.
Graeme pulled the napkin off his head, and said, "Argh. At least you didn't fold it like a dunce cap this time."
"Huh, wah," said Graeme, waking up. A litte later, with a clearer head, he said, "What time is it?"
"An hour or so until the sun sets," said Sparrow. "Just enough time to eat."
"He fell asleep first, just so you know," said Annette, rubbing sleep from her eyes.
"Did I?" said Graeme.
"Unless you remember her putting a little folded napkin hat on your head, yes," said Sparrow.
Graeme pulled the napkin off his head, and said, "Argh. At least you didn't fold it like a dunce cap this time."
After eating, the group once again waited outside the mayor's home.
They waited some distance from the house, in case the mayor saw them and
decided to leave her door shut to keep them out. After the mayor opened
her door for visitors, they bustled over and knocked upon the inner
door.
"Come in," called out the mayor, and the trio entered.
The mayor walked into the entrance passage, and said, "Oh. You three again. What do you want this time? Have you been making trouble in the town? Or are you just here to aggravate me again?"
Graeme gestured to Sparrow, and Sparrow said, "Last night I spotted you using some kind of device in your observatory. I'm not sure what it was, but it looked like you were focusing starlight into it."
"We also discovered that a shady individual was here a few months ago, who could have sold you the device," added Graeme. "Now, unless you wish for Sparrow to drop in on you tonight - or some later night - please explain to us what is going on."
The mayor had become visibly angry, but she kept calm. "And of course, as a knight, you assume I'm doing something terrible to be stopped," she said.
"No, ma'am," replied Graeme. "I merely wish to ascertain that you are not. And also where you acquired the device - found magical devices, as you should know, are to be given to a mage of the Duchy it was found in to be checked for safety and function, all transfers of magical devices are to be recorded, and all devices brought into the Duchies are to be recorded and looked over by a mage of the Duchy as well.
"Thus, such a device should not be an unknown secret - the fact that it is means that something untoward is quite a strong possibility."
"Bloody knights," muttered the mayor. "You're not even a knight of Norduchy! Why should you poke your nose into my business, and do the Duke's policing for him?"
"Because the law in question is one of the King's edicts, from back when the Duchy's were united. If memory serves, law in this Duchy - and all others these days, in fact - requires a license that records the current holder, and the function or qualities, of the item. From your reaction, I presume you do not have such a license?"
"No," said the mayor. She rubbed her head lightly, and said, "I don't have a license for it. Look, follow me through, and I'll tell you about it."
The mayor led the way to her parlour again, and the party followed. After everyone was seated, the mayor said, "A few months ago, as you heard, a man came to town. He is a thief, and about a year ago he stole about twenty small devices from the local count's mage. He has been travelling around, trying to sell the devices. I was intending to have him arrested when he was showing them to me, but...
"Most were worthless baubles; the thief had no idea how to use them, or they had barely any use. One, however, piqued my curiousity. This." The mayor pulled out an amulet from beneath her shirt. It was set on a chain, and pure white. It seemed to be a ball with several holes in it, with various small handle like protrusions. "The thief showed me how to use it, a little. At night, when the stars are out, this device can be used to focus the starlight into the metal the stars once gave."
Graeme and Annette looked shocked, and Sparrow looked intrigued. "No wonder you don't want anyone to know anything about it," said Sparrow.
"Then that device... Is it also made of star metal?" asked Graeme.
"No," said the mayor. "It is made from something else. I have no idea if it was made by the stars, or by someone down here. I think the function of the device was unknown, and accidentally discovered by the thief, or else it would have been far harder to steal. As much as people still fear anything associated with the Star-led Empire, star metal is valuable. Which is why I made a very, very stupid deal.
"The thief showed me how to use the device fairly effectively, when it is actively manipulated, but assured me that was not necessary. And then we made a deal - he wanted to sell it for more money than I possess, so in exchange for a cheap rate for any star metal I managed to make, I would pay only a smaller amount up front and then pay him back over time.
"Unfortunately, without active manipulation, the device creates star metal at a far slower rate. When he showed up a couple of weeks ago, he was... Disappointed in how much I was able to give him to reduce my debt. So he blackmailed me - he knows that my reputation, and I, would be ruined if he told the town about what I bought from him. So I've been staying up all night, slowly mastering the amulet and coalescing star metal in the hope I can amass enough before he returns."
Graeme leaned back in his chair, thinking. "Well. I think we can make a deal," he said. "Give us the device, and tell us where this thief can be found. We'll take him, and the device, and turn them into the count; along with a positive spin on what you've done, forgetting to mention that you knew the device was stolen. Your reputation is saved, the devices are recovered, and things here can return to normal."
"If you will allow me to keep the star metal I have made so far, to recover my losses... Then yes," the mayor replied.
Graeme smiled, and said, "It's good that we have come to an accord. Now, when will the thief next arrive here?"
"In three days," replied the mayor. "But I know he'll be coming in via the Norsgren road. If you travel along it, you should pass him before you get to Norsgren. If you return here with him bound, I will give up the amulet then."
"How would we know him?" asked Graeme.
"He has short black hair, blue-gray eyes, and skin a lot fairer than mine. I think he is in his late twenties, possibly his early thirties as his life is not a hard one. He has, both times I have met him, worn a black cloak, and he had a mule the last time he came through. He was also accompanied by a short woman who hid her face behind a veil. At a guess, a fellow thief who may or may not still be travelling with him. The cloak, his ring, or one of the devices he showed me is proof enough should you not wish to drag him into town," she replied.
"Thank you. Hopefully, ma'am, we will be back within three days," Graeme said.
"At least you are reasonable and kind, not just a bloody stick-up-the-arse do-gooder wannabe. See yourselves out," the mayor said, indicating the way out. "I need to finish preparing for this evening."
"Come in," called out the mayor, and the trio entered.
The mayor walked into the entrance passage, and said, "Oh. You three again. What do you want this time? Have you been making trouble in the town? Or are you just here to aggravate me again?"
Graeme gestured to Sparrow, and Sparrow said, "Last night I spotted you using some kind of device in your observatory. I'm not sure what it was, but it looked like you were focusing starlight into it."
"We also discovered that a shady individual was here a few months ago, who could have sold you the device," added Graeme. "Now, unless you wish for Sparrow to drop in on you tonight - or some later night - please explain to us what is going on."
The mayor had become visibly angry, but she kept calm. "And of course, as a knight, you assume I'm doing something terrible to be stopped," she said.
"No, ma'am," replied Graeme. "I merely wish to ascertain that you are not. And also where you acquired the device - found magical devices, as you should know, are to be given to a mage of the Duchy it was found in to be checked for safety and function, all transfers of magical devices are to be recorded, and all devices brought into the Duchies are to be recorded and looked over by a mage of the Duchy as well.
"Thus, such a device should not be an unknown secret - the fact that it is means that something untoward is quite a strong possibility."
"Bloody knights," muttered the mayor. "You're not even a knight of Norduchy! Why should you poke your nose into my business, and do the Duke's policing for him?"
"Because the law in question is one of the King's edicts, from back when the Duchy's were united. If memory serves, law in this Duchy - and all others these days, in fact - requires a license that records the current holder, and the function or qualities, of the item. From your reaction, I presume you do not have such a license?"
"No," said the mayor. She rubbed her head lightly, and said, "I don't have a license for it. Look, follow me through, and I'll tell you about it."
The mayor led the way to her parlour again, and the party followed. After everyone was seated, the mayor said, "A few months ago, as you heard, a man came to town. He is a thief, and about a year ago he stole about twenty small devices from the local count's mage. He has been travelling around, trying to sell the devices. I was intending to have him arrested when he was showing them to me, but...
"Most were worthless baubles; the thief had no idea how to use them, or they had barely any use. One, however, piqued my curiousity. This." The mayor pulled out an amulet from beneath her shirt. It was set on a chain, and pure white. It seemed to be a ball with several holes in it, with various small handle like protrusions. "The thief showed me how to use it, a little. At night, when the stars are out, this device can be used to focus the starlight into the metal the stars once gave."
Graeme and Annette looked shocked, and Sparrow looked intrigued. "No wonder you don't want anyone to know anything about it," said Sparrow.
"Then that device... Is it also made of star metal?" asked Graeme.
"No," said the mayor. "It is made from something else. I have no idea if it was made by the stars, or by someone down here. I think the function of the device was unknown, and accidentally discovered by the thief, or else it would have been far harder to steal. As much as people still fear anything associated with the Star-led Empire, star metal is valuable. Which is why I made a very, very stupid deal.
"The thief showed me how to use the device fairly effectively, when it is actively manipulated, but assured me that was not necessary. And then we made a deal - he wanted to sell it for more money than I possess, so in exchange for a cheap rate for any star metal I managed to make, I would pay only a smaller amount up front and then pay him back over time.
"Unfortunately, without active manipulation, the device creates star metal at a far slower rate. When he showed up a couple of weeks ago, he was... Disappointed in how much I was able to give him to reduce my debt. So he blackmailed me - he knows that my reputation, and I, would be ruined if he told the town about what I bought from him. So I've been staying up all night, slowly mastering the amulet and coalescing star metal in the hope I can amass enough before he returns."
Graeme leaned back in his chair, thinking. "Well. I think we can make a deal," he said. "Give us the device, and tell us where this thief can be found. We'll take him, and the device, and turn them into the count; along with a positive spin on what you've done, forgetting to mention that you knew the device was stolen. Your reputation is saved, the devices are recovered, and things here can return to normal."
"If you will allow me to keep the star metal I have made so far, to recover my losses... Then yes," the mayor replied.
Graeme smiled, and said, "It's good that we have come to an accord. Now, when will the thief next arrive here?"
"In three days," replied the mayor. "But I know he'll be coming in via the Norsgren road. If you travel along it, you should pass him before you get to Norsgren. If you return here with him bound, I will give up the amulet then."
"How would we know him?" asked Graeme.
"He has short black hair, blue-gray eyes, and skin a lot fairer than mine. I think he is in his late twenties, possibly his early thirties as his life is not a hard one. He has, both times I have met him, worn a black cloak, and he had a mule the last time he came through. He was also accompanied by a short woman who hid her face behind a veil. At a guess, a fellow thief who may or may not still be travelling with him. The cloak, his ring, or one of the devices he showed me is proof enough should you not wish to drag him into town," she replied.
"Thank you. Hopefully, ma'am, we will be back within three days," Graeme said.
"At least you are reasonable and kind, not just a bloody stick-up-the-arse do-gooder wannabe. See yourselves out," the mayor said, indicating the way out. "I need to finish preparing for this evening."
The party rested in town that evening, and set off the next morning,
leaving much of their gear behind in the inn so they could ride up the
road. Sparrow took off and flew ahead, attempting to spot the thief.
They expected to find him that day, and to possibly be able to return to
the mayor by evening.
Sparrow flew over several small villages along the road, and spotted a few travellers. Only a couple seemed to match the expected description, but closer inspection of them revealed that they were not the thief.
After a couple of hours, Sparrow spotted someone who was almost definitely the thief. Man, short hooded woman, mule,bingo, she thought. She dropped lower, and took a closer look. And definitely a black cloak, perfect. Although, we should drag him in front of the mayor to make sure.
Sparrow flew back up the road until she found Annette and Graeme, and swooped down to report. "They're about two hours up the road by horse," she said, walking to the third horse to retrieve her nets. "We're still going with distract-while-I-net-them plan?"
"Yes," said Graeme.
"Just don't miss completely," said Annette. "We might lose him in the brush otherwise. I hate forcing chargers through scrubland."
Sparrow smiled, and said, "Don't worry. I'll show you why they're called all-catchers."
Sparrow flew over several small villages along the road, and spotted a few travellers. Only a couple seemed to match the expected description, but closer inspection of them revealed that they were not the thief.
After a couple of hours, Sparrow spotted someone who was almost definitely the thief. Man, short hooded woman, mule,bingo, she thought. She dropped lower, and took a closer look. And definitely a black cloak, perfect. Although, we should drag him in front of the mayor to make sure.
Sparrow flew back up the road until she found Annette and Graeme, and swooped down to report. "They're about two hours up the road by horse," she said, walking to the third horse to retrieve her nets. "We're still going with distract-while-I-net-them plan?"
"Yes," said Graeme.
"Just don't miss completely," said Annette. "We might lose him in the brush otherwise. I hate forcing chargers through scrubland."
Sparrow smiled, and said, "Don't worry. I'll show you why they're called all-catchers."
A little over an hour later, Annette spotted the thief and his
companion in the distance. "There," she said, pointing for Graeme. "They
just came around the bend."
"Hopefully Sparrow hasn't spooked them," Graeme said.
"She's not well known enough for anyone to bother looking up, Graeme. Yet, anyway," replied Annette. "This is exciting, and for once, not really dangerous. We should do more policing."
"Unfortunately, it does not pay," said Graeme. "And the constabulary might be unhappy were a knight to set herself up as local competition."
"I guess you're right," said Annette. "I'm sure the return of the devices will net some kind of reward, though. Especially if we explain what the star metal device does."
"Perhaps," said Graeme. "Now we should be quiet, and make our approach."
They walked in silence, until they were only a short distance from the pair. "Hail traveller," said Graeme. "Are you headed to Pellowey?"
"Yes I am, in fact," said the man. "My companion and I have some business there. With the mayor herself, no less, good knight!"
"Well then, perhaps you are the pair we are looking for," said Graeme. He drew his sword, and said, "May we look inside the saddle bags of your mule?"
The man, and his companion, froze. "No," he said, "And if you'll please, let me pass and be on my way. I've done no wrong."
"Then you can surely show us what is in your baggage. If you please. We have good reason to suspect that you are behind the theft of a number of magical devices, taken from the local count," said Graeme, dismounting. Annette copied him, and they walked towards the man.
The man went to his saddle bags, and opened one up. From it he pulled a small pouch. "Please put that back and stand away," said Graeme.
Instead of doing as Graeme asked, the man whipped the bag around, sending a bunch of small round balls flying at Annette and Graeme. Luckily they did not seem to fly as far as the man intended; and instead dropped on the ground where they burst on impact. Some kind of liquid splattered where they fell, and immediately started steaming on the road.
"Shit!" said the man, pulling a second object out of the bag. It seemed to be a metal pole, and he wielded it as if it was a club.
"It looks like part of something larger," said Annette softly, "So it's probably not dangerous."
"I am arresting you by the King's Accord for the crime of theft. You will be held and brought to the count for trial, as your crime is against him. Submit to arrest or be subdued!" said Graeme loudly.
"Stay back, you bastards," said the thief.
His companion had taken a seat on the roadside, distancing herself from the situation. "You may as well give yourself up, Gerald. They've got you good," she said. "I assume I'm not wanted?"
"No, ma'am, we have no reason to arrest you. Although we may be embarassed if there is a warrant out for you, so if you would please join us when we travel to Pellowey, that would be lovely," said Graeme, advancing.
"Ah, why not," said the woman. "There's no current warrants, anyway."
As Graeme got closer - nearly alongside the thief's mule - the thief yelled "Damn it!" and turned to run away, tossing the pole aside. As he did so, Sparrow's net fell over him, causing the thief to fall over in a tangled mess. Sparrow landed gracefully at the end of her dive.
"Easy," said Sparrow, walking up to the thief. Graeme and Annette sheathed their swords and joined her.
"If you agree to be bound we'll release you from the net," Graeme said.
"Stop bloody struggling unless you want me to kick you," said Sparrow. "I don't want to have to cut the net to get you out!"
The thief stopped struggling, and said, "Fine. I submit to arrest."
Sparrow carefully disentangled the thief, and Graeme bound him when that became possible. They stuck him on their third horse, along with his companion (who remained unbound), and started their journey back to Pellowey.
"Hopefully Sparrow hasn't spooked them," Graeme said.
"She's not well known enough for anyone to bother looking up, Graeme. Yet, anyway," replied Annette. "This is exciting, and for once, not really dangerous. We should do more policing."
"Unfortunately, it does not pay," said Graeme. "And the constabulary might be unhappy were a knight to set herself up as local competition."
"I guess you're right," said Annette. "I'm sure the return of the devices will net some kind of reward, though. Especially if we explain what the star metal device does."
"Perhaps," said Graeme. "Now we should be quiet, and make our approach."
They walked in silence, until they were only a short distance from the pair. "Hail traveller," said Graeme. "Are you headed to Pellowey?"
"Yes I am, in fact," said the man. "My companion and I have some business there. With the mayor herself, no less, good knight!"
"Well then, perhaps you are the pair we are looking for," said Graeme. He drew his sword, and said, "May we look inside the saddle bags of your mule?"
The man, and his companion, froze. "No," he said, "And if you'll please, let me pass and be on my way. I've done no wrong."
"Then you can surely show us what is in your baggage. If you please. We have good reason to suspect that you are behind the theft of a number of magical devices, taken from the local count," said Graeme, dismounting. Annette copied him, and they walked towards the man.
The man went to his saddle bags, and opened one up. From it he pulled a small pouch. "Please put that back and stand away," said Graeme.
Instead of doing as Graeme asked, the man whipped the bag around, sending a bunch of small round balls flying at Annette and Graeme. Luckily they did not seem to fly as far as the man intended; and instead dropped on the ground where they burst on impact. Some kind of liquid splattered where they fell, and immediately started steaming on the road.
"Shit!" said the man, pulling a second object out of the bag. It seemed to be a metal pole, and he wielded it as if it was a club.
"It looks like part of something larger," said Annette softly, "So it's probably not dangerous."
"I am arresting you by the King's Accord for the crime of theft. You will be held and brought to the count for trial, as your crime is against him. Submit to arrest or be subdued!" said Graeme loudly.
"Stay back, you bastards," said the thief.
His companion had taken a seat on the roadside, distancing herself from the situation. "You may as well give yourself up, Gerald. They've got you good," she said. "I assume I'm not wanted?"
"No, ma'am, we have no reason to arrest you. Although we may be embarassed if there is a warrant out for you, so if you would please join us when we travel to Pellowey, that would be lovely," said Graeme, advancing.
"Ah, why not," said the woman. "There's no current warrants, anyway."
As Graeme got closer - nearly alongside the thief's mule - the thief yelled "Damn it!" and turned to run away, tossing the pole aside. As he did so, Sparrow's net fell over him, causing the thief to fall over in a tangled mess. Sparrow landed gracefully at the end of her dive.
"Easy," said Sparrow, walking up to the thief. Graeme and Annette sheathed their swords and joined her.
"If you agree to be bound we'll release you from the net," Graeme said.
"Stop bloody struggling unless you want me to kick you," said Sparrow. "I don't want to have to cut the net to get you out!"
The thief stopped struggling, and said, "Fine. I submit to arrest."
Sparrow carefully disentangled the thief, and Graeme bound him when that became possible. They stuck him on their third horse, along with his companion (who remained unbound), and started their journey back to Pellowey.
The journey back was slower due to the mule, but they made it back to
Pellowey that afternoon. Sparrow had gone ahead to wake and fetch the
mayor, and they all met on the edge of town.
"That's him," said the mayor upon seeing the thief.
"Couldn't pay your debts, ey, Meredith?" asked the thief, looking at her.
"They came to me. I have to give the amulet to them to be returned to the count," she replied.
"Excellent," said Graeme. "May I ask you to take his companion to the constable for us after you surrender the device?"
"As you wish," said the mayor. She took off the device, and handed it to Graeme. The thief's companion hopped off the horse, and the mayor said, "Come with me then."
The two women headed off. "Annette, can you go and collect the rest of our things now? We should start off immediately," said Graeme. "To keep our deal with the mayor, at least."
"Okay," said Annette.
"Anything you want to tell us, Gerald?" asked Graeme as Annette headed off.
"No. Nothing," replied the thief.
"We'll have you locked up in no time," said Sparrow.
"That's him," said the mayor upon seeing the thief.
"Couldn't pay your debts, ey, Meredith?" asked the thief, looking at her.
"They came to me. I have to give the amulet to them to be returned to the count," she replied.
"Excellent," said Graeme. "May I ask you to take his companion to the constable for us after you surrender the device?"
"As you wish," said the mayor. She took off the device, and handed it to Graeme. The thief's companion hopped off the horse, and the mayor said, "Come with me then."
The two women headed off. "Annette, can you go and collect the rest of our things now? We should start off immediately," said Graeme. "To keep our deal with the mayor, at least."
"Okay," said Annette.
"Anything you want to tell us, Gerald?" asked Graeme as Annette headed off.
"No. Nothing," replied the thief.
"We'll have you locked up in no time," said Sparrow.
After an uneventful few days of travel, the party arrived at the
count's keep. They handed over their prisoner and his possessions to the
guards, and made their report to the count of the events surrounding
the thief's capture.
The count was pleased to have the items returned - only three, including the destroyed acid balls, were missing. He was, however, more pleased with the news of the purpose of the amulet. He gave the party shelter for a couple of days, and payment to cover their expenses during the capture.
After resting, and learning that a messenger had been sent to summon the mayor (ostensibly to reprimand her, but Sparrow had talked to the count's senior mage, and he had said that they desired her expertise in the use of the amulet), the party headed off towards Henpele County, to attend a tournament by the Henpele count.
During the trip, Sparrow said, "I wonder if anyone will remember what we did here."
"They probably won't, as with much of what any do," said Graeme. "But that does not mean that the deed was not done."
"I'm sure someone will read about us," said Annette. "It will just be in some old, dusty, boring chronicle of every last thing that ever happened."
"Maybe," said Sparrow. "I think being heard of by someone who doesn't know everything that ever happened would be better, some how."
Graeme chuckled. "Of course. We may be remembered yet," he said. "There are plenty of good deeds left to be done!"
The count was pleased to have the items returned - only three, including the destroyed acid balls, were missing. He was, however, more pleased with the news of the purpose of the amulet. He gave the party shelter for a couple of days, and payment to cover their expenses during the capture.
After resting, and learning that a messenger had been sent to summon the mayor (ostensibly to reprimand her, but Sparrow had talked to the count's senior mage, and he had said that they desired her expertise in the use of the amulet), the party headed off towards Henpele County, to attend a tournament by the Henpele count.
During the trip, Sparrow said, "I wonder if anyone will remember what we did here."
"They probably won't, as with much of what any do," said Graeme. "But that does not mean that the deed was not done."
"I'm sure someone will read about us," said Annette. "It will just be in some old, dusty, boring chronicle of every last thing that ever happened."
"Maybe," said Sparrow. "I think being heard of by someone who doesn't know everything that ever happened would be better, some how."
Graeme chuckled. "Of course. We may be remembered yet," he said. "There are plenty of good deeds left to be done!"
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