"I, for one, believe that a man can change. A gnome can't. But a man? A man can change. And I believe that Travis is a changed man." The gnome hoped to affect some form of sympathy for Travis.

"I believe he has changed and will speak for him at his trial. His heart is now good."

"My kin may be without mercy, but in my order Valor is not the only virtue."

She reaches in her belt pouch and withdraws a scarf made of billowing white silk. The same emblem on her shield - a star above a shell - is embroidered on the fabric.

"This was for the bridesmaid, for a wedding that will never be. But it bears my mark and serves as my favor."

She steps forward and wraps it securely around the scout's neck.

"You shall be punished, but humanely. Unless this new King wishes to start another war the Exemplars, he shall not kill you or make a spectacle of your misery. And perhaps one day, you shall earn your freedom."

"Indeed. He deserves to be punished." Einhard agreed with Starshell and places a firm hand on her arm as she wraps the scarf around Travis' neck. "Are you truly prepared to start a war over a single man capable of desertion, robbery, arson, and selling slaves to humanoids? The last of those is truly despicable and he should be punished accordingly."

"Only if he is guilty though, he must have a trial."

As they converse, a deep mountain fog rolls in, the churning clouds below obscure the swirling river at the bottom of the ravine.

"Lives have been wasted by kings for far less, my friend."

He unhooks his sword-belt and offers the hilted blade to Einhard - a battlefield tradition of surrender.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:52, Fri 31 July 2020.

The knight accepts the blade and places a hand on the scout's shoulder. "You're doing the right thing. My niece's pledge will insure you are given a fair trial." The swirling fog catches the knight's attention and he struggles to say focused on the scout. "As you are going willingly, I will see that she also has a letter delivered with the royal seal to recount your deeds with the Exemplars. Perhaps it will aid in finding mercy." Eyes focused on the mist below, he moves to get a better look. "Sorry, but what is this?" Einhard looks around to see the reactions of the locals.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:58, Sun 02 Aug 2020.

"Someone better scout it out!"

The moment Einhard is distracted, the Scout jumps onto a bench and takes a flying leap off the balcony, and in an instant is lost in the fog.

In reply to Travis (msg # 118):

There's audible gasps from the crowd, only partially obscured by the growing fog.

"Oy, I toldja Ted! That's five coppers, now pay up..."

Jarvak rushes to the ledge.

"ARE YOU KIDDING ME!?!"

He lifts a knee, contemplating jumping after him, but slams his fists on the railing instead.

"There goes my bounty! I can't even pickle an ear for a partial!"

He turns to Einhard.

"Your theatrics just cost me a thousand gold crowns!"

The bounty hunter's tone causes Einhard to snap around on his heel to face the bounty hunter square. "My theatrics?!" he retorted incredulously. His voice rising in pitch uncomfortably, the knight clears his throat. "If it hadn't been for my support, you wouldn't have had the support of the others to allow you to even take the man in the first place! Perhaps you should have more subtle in announcing your intentions. Now the man lies dead at the bottom of the ravine and you blame ME?!?" He glared at the bounty hunter, hands clenched.

"Until that fog clears there's neither proof of life nor death! Now I have to take the switchbacks down there and find what's left of him!"

One of the guardsmen clears his throat.

"It might be faster to take the Sentinel's sandals..."

"We're talking about a man's life, and the fate of nations. You'll find no sympathy over a lost fee on my part, Jarvak." Pock stared on in disappointment.

"Good luck Travis!" Harald murmured as their scout made his daring escape. The bard sighed wistfully. If only he himself had the ambition to exercise a bit, perhaps he might undertake such daring acrobatics!

"Good riddance," Regdoc grunted, his mood not improved. "Probably got away with your money pouch Jarvak!"

He ran a hand through his wild hair, wisps of which had been waving politely - and in all directions - at the various patrons of the Inn. "We need coin, perhaps we should have cut Travis a deal...?

In reply to Einhard (msg # 117):

You’re the Baron’s brother in law, and she’s the Baron’s daughter. so she’s your niece.

”Guardsman! What are these Sentinel’s sandals you speak of? A shortcut? A rock formation of some kind?”

"Well, hold on now, if you're trying to find Travis, we're coming along." He turned to the others. "Er...right?"

"Sure, I'm in, I guess."

"I'm not interested in watching a friend die or hang. The law will take it's course, but I don't have to watch. Taking the Lady Starshell back is what I'll do, as I said."

”...and I’m not going back until I retrieve my favor! I gave it to him as promise of fair treatment, not for impunity to escape justice!”

In reply to Starshell (msg # 131):

Brodd bows his head in acquiescence. "I stand corrected."

Einhard extended the leaping scout's sword to the bounty hunter. "It is your bounty to chase. I offer you his surrendered weapons. Perhaps it can serve as some sort of evidence..." he paused as the guardsman offered his suggestion. "...in addition to whatever may be left at the bottom of the ravine."  The knight turned to the address the guardsman. "Show us the way to these Sandals, so we can retrieve my niece's belongings."

Pock does his best to gesture Brother Brodd over.

"I think our friend has got better chances if he has some vocal advocates on his side, yes?" He whispered to the cleric.

In reply to Pock Oneshoe (msg # 134):

Brodd nods quietly to Pock, the gnome was becoming a true friend!