"Easy, all, please. We're on the same side here. Lady Astrid, Jarl Alec, Thorir. Don't make a mistake. Einar is neither stupid nor trusting. Having Astrid taken and "accidentally" saved by none other than Thorir will raise warning signs. Cultists would watch you constantly. And you, young Eben, you're a man of passion, of emotion and reaction. Therefore, you cannot come or you'd doom us all. Even now, you didn't think about your daughter, but how YOU will lose Lady Astrid. Karsii is important to you only as what she represents - sign of love between you two. I apologize for being this blunt and unpleasant, but you have to realize - we may use your help, certainly, but you have to start behaving like an adult - not as eager young warrior that rushes into his first battle."
Arvid looks around taking a sip - waiting to see if Eben will explode. Fists and clenched jaws, but no physical reaction. "Good, there may yet be hope for the boy." thinks kenna in Arvid
"I have a suggestion that would let us come, have various levels of access and good backup options. If you're willing to hear."
Looking at calm determination, or, in Ebens case, glowering resignation, of people around the table he offers:
"Thorir has changed over the years. With some additional work he would be just one more warrior on Jarl Alecs ship giving him access to warriors and more freedom to roam and look for Garmmörk. Lady Astrid would of course be distressed bride - I hope you're good actress lady - Einar is trained for diplomacy more than a sword. He is good judge of people. You'd need to find out from your ladies in waiting if there are stories about children, maidens or others disappearing. Or stories about strange happenings in the halls. I'm fairly certain they are not openly practicing within the halls for the moment, but maybe I don't hear everything there is to hear. Finally, Jarl Alec will have easy access to other Jarls, can find out if there are quiet talks about new powers or alliances."
"I will be under observation for some time after this event, but Einar will be pleased to have his bride back so I don't expect trouble. We can put this money to good use, preparing our fight without needing to pull obvious funds that someone might notice. Eben can stay with the crew, maybe even lead them, assuming if he can control himself enough to wait for agreed time or signal. In the meantime, he can use part of this ransom to hire additional men."
Eben huffs
"Don't worry about me, old man. I'll do anything to save Astrid."
Arvid ignores him as he continues laying out his plan.
"There is an old man, my former teacher, in the town. He always knows things that happen in the shadows. He might know something about Garmmörk. I never asked, fearing the cults abilities. We have to move fast, we risk the discovery if it takes too long, but we risk exposing ourselves if we move too fast. Thorir may challenge his brother at any time, assuming we can prove foul play."
He takes deep breath.
"I ramble on, here is my plan for your review and improvement. First of all, we go to Jarl Volund with all of this. He may know things and help. There is some risk he would betray us, but he is considered harmless and weak so I don't think he's under constant observation. Seeing Thorir might jolt him from his world. Once we're there, Thorir find Garmmörk, Astrid finds out any potential cult gatherings, Alec finds out about any hidden dealings with other Jarls. I will organize some backup for quick retreat if needed, prepare signaling fire to get Eben here quickly. Finally, I will prepare the men still loyal to Jarl Volund. I can watch Lady Astrids room for some part of the night, I am known to prowl the halls at night when my leg gets stiff and painful.
Eben, you will have to remain close but hidden for the first couple of days until we can ascertain date of the wedding - you will have that time to recruit additional ships or men.
Alec, you will have to return some of the ships back to your shores. It would not be well received if you come with full might of your Jarldom. Plus, we don't know how long it would take us to organize everything and your shores might be vulnerable for that time. Take some ravens so you can communicate with your men.
What are your thoughts?"
just to see if the old man still has it - Thorir has his crew to think about after all. And putting Arvid down might be an interesting RP by itself (pupil outmastering the master). Combat might even reveal some secrets. If anyone has high enough Sense Motive, you can try to see through the act (even now, you could try and see through the limp, but it is near on impossible (I would roll 1d20+30 for opposed roll or DC 40 passive, 'only' DC 37 if it would be Bluff instead of Disguise)
