Tuck looks at Sobla seriously, considering.
"Promise me you don't get into trouble," he says sincerely, not elaborating on the dangers she might face. "Find us here or at the Tribunal immediately when you're done."
"I promise," she replies seriously.
JustinCase said:
With a wink, he adds in the kobold dialect of Draconic, "Stay hidden, stay safe."
She grins and replies in draconic. "Always."
Sobla leads Mutt towards the Green Gateway. The big dog follows her enthusiastically for nearly a block before he realizes that Tuck isn't coming with them. He stops and turns around to look at his kobold pack mate with concerned eyes. Sobla comes back and gives the big dog a hug to reassure him. Tuck watches for a moment. Mutt finally goes with the young kobold down the block and out of sight.
JustinCase said:
Then he turns around and motions for the others to follow him to the Tribunal.
The way through Old City is simple enough. You've walked these streets enough times to find your way to the Tribunal without getting lost. Tuck has even found several short cuts that gets you there even sooner. The city's courts are a lot more quiet than your used to and there is a lot more security at the open-air tribunal. New construction is being built to wall off key areas, so that the court isn't as easy to get into without going through a checkpoint. Your fame as the Exemplars cuts the red tape in half and you are allowed into the open-air amphitheatre with a half-a-dozen questions and a
true seeing spell cast by an elderly human wizard that Vinny recognizes.
"That's Dhalenor Albirdieu," the Sectarian says in a low voice once your past the checkpoint.
"He's a longtime member of the House of Divination. He retired from public life over four decades ago."
"Well, he doesn't look retired now," Custodio notes.
"Likely he was called back into service. It's not surprising with all that's been going on."
You find the lord commander debating with a warrior about outlaws causing problems outside the city.
"I need more soldiers, Lord Commander," the man says to Oakfirst. "The Mountain Rangers can't be everywhere. We're fighting a losing battle against these bandits. They've been recruiting humanoid deserters from Khogshk and giants from the Kniyan Mounts."
"I understand, Lord Richbrand," Oakfirst replies calmly.
"But I just don't have any squads I can spare right now. You're going to have to make due with the forces you've got, for now. Old City is near its breaking point and now that New City is no longer under martial law, the patrols must get back to normal there as well."
The man looks like he's going to start shouting but a stern look from Oakfirst tells the man not to raise his voice. He sighs and shakes his head. "Can you spare me at least one good scout I can send to Westcairn, or maybe Ambris, to seek reinforcements? A really good rider?"
Oakfirst rubs his chin thoughtfully and nods.
"There is a young half-elven woman named Tamleria whose one of the best riders I've seen in some time. She's not a Regular, yet. She's only a recruit. Still, she's eager and she's not much for city life." He pauses once he sees the Exemplars. He nods to them and then looks back at the Richbrand.
"I'll fast-track her into the Regulars and have her assigned to the rangers, for now. She's only to act as a messenger. No dangerous mountain missions, understood?"
"Yes sir," Richbrand says with a salute. He notes the Exemplars with a raised eyebrow as he leaves.
Once the man is gone, Oakfirst calls you over.
"I got your message about young Nathaniel Aceron. Did you get him to his estate safely? Was he able to tell you anything useful?"
