Quickly crossing the distance to Gimble. "Most mighty warrior, hast seen Drusilla? Her flight has greatly added to the turmoil, and sows distrust. 'Twould be best if she could be persuaded to go to Kray freely and of her own will. If you have seen her, pray tell us where she is.

"If not: there is much else to be done. You might go to Kray's tent yourself, to tell your tale of what happened at the inn and to stand by Amalgith. Or you might come with us, in search of Grum and his possible conspirators. Time is short!"
posted by Jacob T. Levy at 6/25/2003 12:34:00 PM

Insert speech now:

"We're going to pay a visit to goodman Barrs, the driver of the Duke's carriage. I hope that he won't be expecting us; I think we may find him with company. Earlier tonight I saw him in surprising company-- with Grok and Grum as well as another human friend of theirs, all of them seemingly up to mischief and speaking dangerously ill of [significant look at Bishop] the noble lady who travels with us. It was most unseemly for one of the Duke's close company-- and put me in fear, since Barrs would be well-placed to do harm if he intended. I think we should go together to visit Barrs first, and if we have no luck there to find the human mercenary next. Since there may be as many as three together and they may very much not want our attention, we would be well-served to pay our visit as a group.

"I begrudge any moment of lost time, but perhaps we should confer with the halfling. He may know where Drusilla has gone. If not, be would serve more usefully either at our side, or at Amalgith's answering Captain Kray's questions, than standing about admiring the statuary..."
posted by Jacob T. Levy at 6/24/2003 10:50:00 PM

"Very good. If Master Grell found nothing in his searh of the building...?" [inquiring look to Grell] then let us be off to the caravan. Captain, some of your men are just a moment or two ahead of us, taking Amalgith bound to your tent. If we overtake them, shall we send them back here instead?

[If Kray answers 'yes' or 'no' but doesn't have any other substantial comments, go to the following.]

[If Bishop and Grell come with me, then I lead toward the caravan in silence and at a jog. Once we're nearing the caravan and out of earshot of other people--] "We're going to pay a visit to goodman Barrs, the driver of the Duke's carriage. I hope that he won't be expecting us; I think we may find him with company. Earlier tonight I saw him in surprising company-- with Grok and Grum as well as another human friend of theirs, all of them seemingly up to mischief and speaking dangerously ill of [significant look at Bishop] the noble lady who travels with us. It was most unseemly for one of the Duke's close company-- and put me in fear, since Barrs would be well-placed to do harm if he intended. I think we should go together to visit Barrs first, and if we have no luck there to find the human mercenary next. Since there may be as many as three together and they may very much not want our attention, we would be well-served to pay our visit as a group."
posted by Jacob T. Levy at 6/24/2003 06:14:00 PM

There's nothing to explain my way out of, really.

Sandarkar: The good captain knows fully well who I am and what my business is. [Very slight emphasis and glances at Kray for "who I am" and "what my business is."] He hardly needs to have me pointed out, good Bishop. [Now addressing Kray as well as the assembled group] I am charged with guarding my father's interests on this route, and-- much as I would rather be sleeping in my own bed instead of facing fire and magic and steel!-- that includes trying to protect this route from bandits and thieves. Before the final furore erupted in this room, I asked Bishop to tell your lordship that I believed the witch and her friends to have been provoked, and that I suspected the mercenaries of wrongdoing. I believe all that still; and, as I also asked him to tell you, I will visit you later this night to discuss it, and [glancing at Bishop] other matters as well, some of which are sensitive business matters and so not suited for so many ears. For now, along with this stalwart gentleman [nodding toward Grell] I am trying to help-- searching for stolen goods, and runaway witches and thieves alike. Whatever we learn and whoever we find we will bring to you; but our chances of success dwindle each moment. Pray, do not keep us longer than need be!
posted by Jacob T. Levy at 6/23/2003 03:25:00 PM