Shavah interrupts Fendric occasionally to correct a few missed or misspoken details in Fendric's rush to speak -- the name Aesop Rhandoril, that it was a tribe of
humans met before crossing the mountains, and, in the most detail, the situation in Bethel: That the Visach and the ruling government had approved a perimeter of Undead around the city supplied by the temple of Wee Jas, that it was the secular militia who had (ostensibly) kidnapped Father Premule and initiated the conflict with the Heironean Guard, and that the involvement of the Cult of Nerull was unclear.
Fendric said:
I trust in the Radiant Light, as I am certain you do in the Cudgel, that what we do is of benefit to the good of all of us in common. I hope it is so, in fact. But would not you also be suspicious of such a chain of events?
"I would, and I am," answers Kethett, after some consideration. "But I am with you in believing that these letters are meant for the common good... From what you've said, it's hard to draw any conclusions about Thedoric having turned from justice, or not... Even if he has, well, if this Exantrius was truthful about his wishes to stop Thedoric, then these letters must have been written
before his turn... I suppose..."
Helifts his head, bowing it from side to side as though he were mixing his thoughts, then sighs.
"In the end, the letter bears Lord Thedoric's name, and that alone is enough for me to trust it... It would take very strong evidence for me to reasonably do otherwise. I am, nonetheless, troubled."
He nods softly, then folds the letter, and tucks it away. "Thank you, though, for your patience and honesty, and, ah...
devotion to your cause. I will remember what you've told me, and I will consider it carefully. The letter will be well-scoured for signs of forgery, I can guarantee that much. And I'll find out what I can about Thedoric, and this Exantrius fellow, as well."
He pauses for a moment, mouth clenched.
"I suppose all of my questions have been answered, then. Do you have anything you'd like to ask me, or anything to add to what you've said? Or shall we shake hands and part?"