Under false pretenses

Posted on 19 Feb 2022 @ 12:29am by Warrior Martin Josceran
Edited on on 19 Feb 2022 @ 12:31am

936 words; about a 5 minute read

Mission: Summerday La Fête
Location: Jader
Timeline: Cloudreach 25th

OOC: Continued from post "Wine, Danger, and Song"

Martin followed Captain Landry back to the station, stolidly ignoring the compassionate winces or mocking snickers of his fellow guards. He worried about leaving Kalian and the others to deal with this situation on their own, even though he knew they could take care of themselves. Hopefully, he could catch up with them before too long.

Without so much as slowing down her stride Captain Landry led him through the station all the way to her office, slamming the door behind her once Martin had entered ; she gave all the signs of being in a foul mood. Yet, as soon as the door was closed, the thunderous expression on her face smoothed to a more contained, neutral look. She walked around her desk, sat on her chair, joined her fingers beneath her chin and looked at Martin.

"Report," she commanded, her voice quiet and contained.

"Yes ser. It all started when Jerard Miller called for help - " Martin recounted the events of the early afternoon, stressing that Kalian's presence and subsequent assistance had been a simple fluke, and somehow failing to mention Rhiannon's imprudent confessions about the nature of her occupation. The captain's sudden change in demeanour left him only slightly unnerved, for it was not the first time he witnessed her subverting people's expectations.

Captain Landry listened to his report without interrupting, thoughtful and quiet, showing no sign of her earlier fury.

"Are you certain the wine was poisoned ?" she asked after a moment.

Martin hesitated briefly. "No. But the death is suspicious."

"What could possibly be the point of selling poisoned wine to random strangers ? If it's an assassination attempt, it's sloppy. If it's wanton murder, it's certainly not a method of killing that I've encountered before." Landry paused. "Were any of the victims elves ?"

"The two we identified were human but there may have been more."

"So it could be a case of Dalish elves striking a blow against humans."

"Only if they're very dumb," Martin said, unconvinced. "They would not be doing their cause any good."

"Revenge does not always make sense," Landry said, shrugging. "But it may also be a red herring. Either way, if there's poisoned wine being sold in Jader, we need to stop it sooner rather than later. If word gets out about this, the consequences may be grave."

"I agree," Martin said. He was about to ask for permission to resume his investigation when Landry spoke again.

"I want you to continue your investigation."

"Ser, I would like to ask for permission to - what ?"

A thin smile appeared on Landry's face. "I don't want anyone to know what you're doing. If whoever is behind this knows we're on their tracks they'll try harder to cover it up , hopefully that little show I gave them will convince them they're safe. Officially you're suspended from your duties. Unofficially, you'll continue to investigate and report directly to me your findings. Questions ?"

Martin needed a brief moment to gather his thoughts. "I assume this means I won't get any back-up from the other guards."

"You won't, unless you absolutely require the manpower, in which case you ought to report to me first."

"Then may I... accept less conventional assistance ?"

Landry stared at him, hard, for a moment then snorted and waved a hand. "I'm not interested in this kind of details. But do remember that whoever is or gets involved is putting their lives at risk."

"I know that," Martin said quietly. The thought bothered him greatly, but as Landry had pointed out - Kalian and Rhiannon already were involved. "I'll get back to work then."

Landry waved a dismissive hand. "Do try to look appropriately chastised."

Martin saluted and turned around. As he reached the door, Landry's voice came from behind.

"Martin."

He paused, without turning back.

"Your stunt at the mine was brave but careless. You got lucky. The thing with luck is, it runs out sooner or later. I hope you remember that."

Martin hesitated. The captain wasn't wrong. "I'll be careful," he said, and walked out.

He ignored the covert glances and mutters of his fellow guardsmen as he left the station. He was usually on Landry's good side ; no doubt some were enjoying his assumed fall from grace. He was glad to leave the pretenses and political games to Landry though. Maybe he should reconsider vying for her job.

The street right outside the station was empty and silent ; most people were attending the festival. Martin thought about heading back to the Chantry but he doubted if Kalian and the others would still be there. Knowing them, there was no way they'd left the investigation alone. More likely they were still looking for a trail to follow. After a brief hesitation he turned and headed over to the Raven's Roost. Even if his friends weren't there, Kalian's sister may have an idea where to find him.

Kalian's sister... was she a mage too, Martin found himself wondering as he walked. He'd heard often enough that magic abilities were passed through blood. What about his niece ? The thought was unsettling. The idea of herding a little girl to the nearest Circle... he grimaced and shook his head grimly. This was neither here nor there ; he had an investigation to lead, this was not the right time to get distracted, especially by flights of fancy that had no ground in reality.

First, the Roost, he decided. Then, failing a better lead, the docks. His next step now clearly defined, he pushed open the door to the Raven's Roost.

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