Re: Chapter #9: Return to Sandpoint
“Outstanding.” Kendra Deverin acknowledged as one mayoral knuckle approvingly rapped the tabletop. “I think it’s safe to say that you were far more successful than any of us had a right to expect.” She dipped her head slightly. “Please let me be the first to extend Sandpoint’s gratitude for each of your willingness to help this town in its hour of need. I am not overstating the matter when I say that the gods have truly blessed us with your presence. With Nualia dead, Dav assures me that the goblins will almost assuredly fall back into infighting and pose no real threat to us.” She fixed her gaze on the room’s sole elf. “Is that your opinion as well, Shalelu?”
“It is.” The ranger’s simple response made its content somehow even more reassuring.
“Then I think Sandpoint can rest easier. Your news regarding this priest of Abadar is unexpected, but not unwelcome. Surely such a man can only be a good influence on the goblins? Perhaps we can enlist Father Zantus’ help in working with this Father Gabriel to make the goblin tribes less of a threat to the region.” She looked at Kerr and Liseth. “Acolytes, could you brief Abstalar on the issue when we’re done here?”
“But dealing with Thistletop is a project for the future.” Mayor Deverin turned her attention back to the matters at hand. “I’m glad to hear that, when it came right down to it, Tsuto repudiated his alliance with Nualia. I think that’s a point in his favor should he ever return. Although I very much doubt that will happen, sister or no.” A shadow passed over the mayor’s face. “That poor boy’s childhood was . . . troubled.”
She raised one eyebrow. “But that mercenary you mentioned did show up at the town gates yesterday evening, asking for Father Zantus, of all people. That’s a dangerous-looking man you sent to us.” Her gaze withheld judgment on the party’s decision to send such a man to a town whose resources were already stretched past the breaking point. “But Abstalar vouched for him, if you can believe it. Both of them have been holed up in the cathedral ever since. I’m sure there’s a story there.”
The mayor sat back in her chair, steepling her fingers in front of her. “But while our immediate danger seems to be over, the information you’ve uncovered indicates Sandpoint might face other enemies. This Malfeshnekor. Do I have that right?” She looked at Cato “A malevolent spirit at the heart of goblin society seems dangerous. Scholar Crispin, do you have an assessment regarding how much of a threat it poses, and the timeline of that threat?”
“And,” she pointed at the card Pisca still held, “this mysterious Seven group. Why were they in Thistletop? How were they related to Nualia? Were they co-conspirators in her plan, simply suppliers, or did Nualia have a deeper strategy that ran beyond the destruction of Sandpoint? And if she did, was this a plan of her own initiative, or one inspired by her worship of Lamashtu?”
Kendra Deverin blew out a frustrated breath. “So many questions. We may have unseen enemies plotting against us even now. Which makes the next order of business even more important.” She looked over at Alergast with a smile. “Lieutenant Barett, I believe you have an announcement?”
Alergast straightened. “Yes, ma’am, I do. And none of you should be concerned about my condition—I’m fine. It’s been a busy few hours and I haven’t had time to bother Zantus for healing. I’ll head up to the cathedral when we’re done here.”
The guardsman cleared his throat and turned to Kellan. “Guardsman Storval, in light of the many threats Sandpoint continues to face, Mayor Deverin has requested a liaison from the Sandpoint Guard to her office to coordinate and lead any special projects, investigations, or actions that might arise. Given your exemplary service to Sandpoint, your solid connections,” he gestured to the others present with his good arm, “with capable people, and your demonstrated willingness to go above and beyond in your service to Sandpoint, I suggested you for the position. Mayor Deverin enthusiastically agreed, and pending Sherriff Hemlock’s approval—which I have no doubt he will freely give—you will take the position. And since we can’t just have a guardsman in such an important post, I can make the following pronouncement.”
The lieutenant retrieved a box from his pouch. “Guardsman Storval, you are hereby promoted to Sergeant of the Sandpoint Guard.” He winked at Kellan as he removed a sergeant’s insignia from the box. “The youngest sergeant in history, I believe.” He fastened the insignia onto Kellan’s armor. “Congratulations, Sergeant Storval.” He gave Kellan a broad smile as he clasped the young man’s hand. “You deserve it.”
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:06, Thu 28 May 2015.