Due to the nature of the political system, there was a few days between when Vega and Theamen were arrested and the actual arraignment.
They were thrown into jail. Theamen was stripped of his armor, Vega had a metal collar clamped around his throat before they were locked in cells across the way from one another.
“So, what's the chance one of the others will try to be valiant?” Vega asked.
“I'm more worried about Menelwen being unreasonable....or rash and passionate.” Theamen grimaced.
“Speaking from experience?”
Theamen paused. “Well...how much do you remember from your little escapade?”
Vega frowned. “Not much. I remember the night sky on the boat...and then I woke up bound by Thok.”
“I see...well, she had the idiotic idea of dropping a fireball on you. But couldn't do it on the boat...so she dimension doored to shore. With you. Alone.”
Vega sat there, digesting that.
“Fortunately, she's still alive.”
“Well...I didn't think it would end up like this.” Vega gestured around them. “And if this is the worst case...”
Theamen gave him a flat look. “We're going to die. Though...I will admit...part of me wanted you dead. If I had...I don't know what I would have become.” He withdrew, leaning his head against the corner of the cell. He glanced at the anti-magic runes the lined the cell walls, wearily trying to find sleep.
~
The next night, Henry snuck out of the Swinging Sword. He cast invisibility on himself, managing to successfully pick his way into the jail. As the door opened, he froze as a half orc was standing there.
“Hello? Hello??”
Upon seeing no one, the half orc shrugged and stepped back in.
Henry tried to slip in, taking a point of damage as the door caught his heel. He managed to keep his concentration on the invisibility. Once in the room, he saw that the half orc figure was Grund. He was sitting at a table in the middle of the room, cutting into a slab of meat with two daggers.
Henry snuck past, unlocking the door behind him to slip down the stairs. He carefully found his way in the darkness to the cells.
There were barred windows letting in moonlight. The jail had six cells, three on each side. Arcane runes glowed from one on the right.
Theamen was leaning back against the wall dozing. Vega curled up like a cat in his cell. Henry threw a copped coin, it plinging off of Theamen's forehead, He started.
“Who is it?”
“Who do you think it is?”
“If it's Henry...I would remind him he's invisible.” Theamen winced, getting up and moving closer to he bars. He tossed the copped coin at Vega before squinting in the near darkness. “Where are?”
Henry leaned in, kissing Theamen on the lips. The invisibility dropped as soon as he touched the sigils.
Theamen stared at him for a moment. “Well, I'm flattered-”
“That was from Menelwen!” Henry hissed. “Listen...I'm going to get you guys out of here-”
“No.”
“What do you mean no?”
“I mean, even if you did we would all be fugitives.” Theamen pointed out. “That's not fair to everyone else.”
“Do you know how frantic everyone else is?”
“Listen to me.” Theamen spoke, carefully choosing his words. “The best thing you can do is prepare a defense. I know she's frantic, and while her emotions are something I love about her...I know if you give her a task that her intelligence will take control. Prepare for our day in court. Fnd out about the rules and who we'll be dealing with.” He glanced over to Vega who was haf awake. “I don't think we'll have to worry that much about Vega's people's laws.”
“Why are you telling me this?” Henry looked back at him. “Why not tell them?”
“Because you need to be the voice of reason with this. Thok may shut down. Menelwen might get frantic. And it's going to require all of you to get us out of this. And Henry?”
“Yes?”
“Next time, just come during visiting hours.”
Henry rolled his eyes. “Anything else?”
“...Yes. Can you ask Menelwen to bring me my spares?” He took off his and Henry could see the cracks. “They weren't careful when they stripped me of my armor...and I gave her my spares.” Without his glasses, Henry noticed that he was quite handsome.
His cheeks flared pink. “Sure, yeah. And that kiss never happened.”
A wry smile escaped Theamen. “Whatever you say Henry.
Henry nodded, leaving. He managed to sneak out undetected as Grund was eating out the chicken, both dagger buried into the table.
Upon arriving back at the inn, he found Menelwen.
“Where were you?”
“None of your business.”
She twitched slightly. “You went to see them even though I told you not to.”
“I'm thirteen, you can't expect me to listen to you.”
She pinched the bridge of her nose, refraining from scolding him. “...I suppose. How did it go?”
“Don't ask me to do that again.”
“What....?”
“Don't ask me to kiss him again.”
A pause. “...You know the kiss was a joke, right?”
“How was I supposed to know that?!”
“Was it at least on the cheek?” She asked. Silence was her answer. “Dammit Henry.”
“I'm sorry.” He looked at the ground, imagining things that should never be thought of.
“...We'll deal with that later. How are they?”
“...As okay as they can be. Theamen said to set up a good defense. Figure out the law of the land.”
Menelwen nodded, processing it. “...Alright. Thok and I were planning on doing research later. Anything else I should know?”
“...He has soft lips.”
“He does.” Menelwen patted his shoulder three times. On the third pat, she shocked him.
“Ow! Bitch.” Henry grumbled. “Oh, and he wants you to bring his spare glasses tomorrow. Anyway, I'm going to go get some rest.” He waved a hand, heading off. Before bed, he checked on Lily who was fine, but not too pleased about being woken at this hour.
~
The next morning the group made a plan over breakfast. To mount a defense, Menny was going to hit the bookstore to find out about Faerun law. Lily and Henry were charged with asking around town.
With the plan in mind, they headed off their separate ways. On her way out, Menelwen was caught by Kaylessa.
“I didn't want to do this dear. You know that. They're good men.”
“I-I know. It's not fair it's my-”
“Sh, sh. Don't say anything like that. Listen...they're bringing in judges...I'll be one of five but I don't know who the others will be. Just keep your head down...and everything will work out.”
“I hope you're right.”
“..Good luck.”
~
Henry and Lily investigated, finding out that the representatives would be from the three most important houses out of Waterdeep. A representative from the church, from law, and from the mages. Given the scope of the trial, it would involve outside governing. And there were rumors about the different kinds of execution that could take place once they were found guilty.
~
After spending some time in the bookstore, Thok was able to locate a book on applicable law. The owner was kind enough to give it to the two of them for free, wishing them luck in the upcoming trial.
They traveled to the jail to see Vega and Theamen.
Grund was happy to see both of them. In order to go in, Menelwen ha to wear a special bracelet to restrict her magic. “Precautions.”
“Of course.”
They descended down the stairs. Vega was singing a bit, bobbing back and forth in his manacles. Upon seeing Thok, Theamen spoke. “It's been like this for hours. I'm almost wishing for the hangman. I don't even care who he takes.”
Thok cleared his throat slightly as Menelwen reached through the bars, handing Theamen his spare glasses.
“Oh...shit.”
Thok and Menelwen filled them in on what they found out so far, picking Theamen's brain since he was more accustomed to Faerun law.
“I see...well, the churches they could draw from are Bahamut or Bane. Bane would be the worst case scenario. The biggest problem will be the burecrats. The mage they could pull worries me the most...they tend to be chosen for political reasons, not just reasons. I've been to a few cases in my time...and none end well.”
“...We'll get you two out.” Menelwen promised.
“If Henry decides to try and get us out...tell him that the runes will explode and set off an alarm of opened without the right key.” Theamen added.
Thok nodded, turning to flip off Vega as he stepped away.
Menelwen looked back at Theamen, lacing her fingers with his through the bars. “Did you tell Henry to kiss me?”
“On the cheek, as a joke. I thought he was smarter than that.”
“You know you can't joke with him. He's a child.”
“Right.” She nodded.
“Can you make sure his lips aren't the last I touch?” He asked. She kissed him gently before leaving.
Once they were gone, Theamen spoke to Vega. He asked about the court system from his druid circle.
“...I don't really know. It'll most likely mean death...I should just kill myself.”
“That is an act of cowardice. It's more important to do something with your life.”
Vega leaned back, staring at the wall. “...I suppose. Taking one's own life goes against nature anyway.” He folded into himself, barely keeping himself together.
~
Henry looked for any possible signs that could lead to a contact in the thieves guild. He wanted to send a message. He came upon a barber shop.
The barber asked him if he wanted to do business.
Henry flashed his ring. “Come in, I'll wash your hair.” The guy led him to the back room. He made tea instead.
“Brother, what do you need?”
“I need a favor. Two of my people are in jail for mass murder.
“Subtle as a flying axe boy. Learn to be more crooked.” He stroked his chin. “We could ambush them in transit...but then they'd be fugitives.”
“How much?”
“It'll cost you 12,000 gold or a favor.” He had a cousin in Cthul who needed help. It would take him time, but he could make fake ids and papers for them. He would have it delivered to him.
Feeling better with having a back up plan, Henry thanked him and left.
~A few days pass~
Vega and Theamen got a chance to speak with one another.
“What was it like...training under the paladins of Mystra?”
Theamen compared them as soldiers in an ant colony. Working for a greater purpose...but mindless.
“I guess we're a lot alike then.”
Theamen half smiled. “Two sides of the same coin my friend. Two sides.”
Vega confided in him about the seven clans within his tribe that comprised of warlocks and druids that followed the ideal that nature was to be venerated. That there must always be a check against it.
“So everyone has a patron...and belongs to a clan.”
“I don't belong to a clan. I couldn't bring myself to make a deal with any of them.” Vega pointed out.
“That's...a surprise,”
“Well, they're all bad deals. All one-sided...and we were being groomed for it. That...explains my defiance.”
“Defiance is an interesting word for it.” Theamen agreed. “If you had to choose, which would you go for?”
“Something...” Vega searched for the word. “mutually beneficial. I've been fascinated with the fey, celestials, and archfey for a while.”
“I suppose it really is a decision that can only be made if that's in front of you.” Theamen nodded. “...Take your time.”
“I may not even need to depending on how this all goes.”
~the night before~
Thok visited the jail while Vega slept. He offered Theamen a chance,,,if he would be willing to take a huge risk if things went to shit.
After some assurance that they other would be safe...Theamen agreed.
~Trial Day~
The next morning, everyone gathered in the town square. A long table with five chairs was set up, next to a gallows.
Grund led Vega and Theamen up. Theamen's hands were bound in a prayer style, and both of them were gagged.
There was a crack like thunder, the scent of ozone washing over the crowd. A sigil appeared on the ground, a teleportation circle. Seven forms appeared. Three of them were men in plate armor, symbols of Mystra on their chests. Two of them were young, and the older one resembled Theamen.
Menelwen's breath caught as she realized that this must be his father.
Another figure was identified as a Red Wizard of Thay. She was lean, with a shaved head and tattoos. Another woman was in furs and robes- Centari. The leader of Vega's druidic circle accompanied by a young girl. The last figure was an Elvish man in leather armor with a white cloak, the rising sun of Arathus on his chest.
Kaylessa stood from her chair. The servant pulled a chair out for Centari.
Judges
Kaylessa, Mayor of Red Larch
Centari of the Azure Star.
Solomen Summeridge, of the Order of Mystra. The two guards flanked him bodyguards.
Kiara of the Red Wizards of Thay. She cantripped her own chair back and sat.
And Timmons Fairweather, cleric of Arathus.
Everyone sits except Solomen.
“Bring the prisoners forward.” He read from a piece of paper. “Vega of the Circle of the Azure Star you are charged with slaughter, destruction, terrorism, lycanthropy, and...” a pause. “Cannibalism. Theamen Summerridge, you are charged with murder, destruction, terrorism, treachery, and treason to a goddess.”
Theamen glared at his father. It was very clear that there was bad blood between them.
Solomen stared back unflinchingly. “We will hear testimony from those who have testified to us.”
Henry nudged Menelwen. “Would his father sentence him to death?”
“...I...” She swallowed hard, staring at her other half.
Sial of Womford walked up, limping. He had burns over his body. He spoke about their disregard for human life. “He's no hero, he's a monster.”
Solomen stood as one of the knights of Mystra spoke. “The goal of our order is to defend those who cannot in the name of the lady. To defend those who fight for her, as brothers. He,” Ilthrin spoke. “Fails to do that. He turned his back on his brothers, leaving them to their death.”
Eldris Tantur, the blacksmith of Red Larch gave character testimony on behalf of Theamen and Vega.
A blast of heat washed over the crowd as a tall woman with crimson skin,horns and golden eyes stepped out. Vanifer, a pyromancer.
“He is a dangerous man...but he just needs training. He can be great with control.” She spoke, referencing Theamen's preference of fire magic. “Instead of killing him...I request that you release him into my care.”
Henry stood next. Lily looked at him, absolutely terrified. He stormed up to testify. “We don't have a name, we're from different backgrounds, different places. By the graces of the gods, Mystra, we've been together. Theamen has saved us multiple times. He is selfless, he is noble...” He continued the speech.
(9 persuasion)
And in it was “An admission of guilt.” Solomen called out. “That will be all.”
The judges deliberated for fifteen minutes in a bubble. After coming to a conclusion, the cannabalism charge was dropped. Vega was to be brought before his circle as per their customs and dealt with as they saw fit. Theamen was to be executed.
Henry rushed forward. “He's your son! You can't do this!” Solomen tried to use Hold Person on him.
Before any one else could react...
“I envoke the right of conscription.” Thok stepped forward with the paperwork. “I'm conscripting Theamen Summerridge into the Wardens.” The right was a treaty signed by the ancient wardens to allow the conscription of great warriors. It was never used lightly.
There was no arguing with it, Theamen was saved. Solomen, Timmons and everyone left. Centari took Vega with her.
~
The party reconvened with Theamen at the inn. They had one member back, but still lacked one.
Henry found Lily frantically packing. “We're leaving? Good! Let's go now. Let's go yesterday.”
When asked about what had her so scared, it was revealed that the Red Wizard was her mother's sister. And she wants Lily.
“Why does she want you?”
“The same reason necromancers want anybody.”
“I'll keep you safe.”
Theamen was helped into his armor by Menelwen and Thok before the party left. To pursue Centari and rescue their Druid.
~To be Continued...~
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