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Message: <blockquote data-quote="the Jester" data-source="post: 1785028" data-attributes="member: 1210">Arrested!7/9/368 O.L.G., 9:30 a.m., at the hidden monasteryLita Alexander can hear the whinny of the garen outside.  The caravan is here, and they’ll all be leaving soon, their so-called ‘debt’ to this fellow Hoyle discharged.  The aged monks’ ale is ready, and the caravan is here to take it- and our heroes- away.  Debt?  More like the terms of their blackmail are over, she thinks with a silent sneer.  Her pretty mouth twists into a frown.  Well, she has one way to get even with that bastard Hoyle.Creeping to the cask of ale, Lita pours just a little of the foulest tasting crap she’s ever experienced into the top, then carefully re-seals it and sneaks out of the shed unseen.  Oh yes; Hoyle will regret blackmailing her and her friends, whether he realizes it or not.***7/13/368 O.L.G., 11 a.m., traveling in the Brown HillsFour days, and the party- once again guarding the caravan that is escorting them, presumably back to Hoyle- is enjoying a lackadaisical sort of sauntering journey.  There’s lots of good food and fair drink, though of course (gloats Lita) the monks’ brew remains sealed for sale.  Perfect, she thinks.  She is dressed in her finest clothes- a dress suitable for a noblewoman, with jewelry to match.  She almost shines with beauty.  Who can help but admire such a gorgeous-looking creature?The day slides into noon before a figure becomes visible in the distance: a solitary rider approaching the caravan.  “Looks like a halfling,” comments Martini.And it is- a halfling sheriff.“You’re under arrest,” he announces.  “Don’t make this any more difficult than it has to be.”“What!” exclaims Martini.  “Under arrest?  For what?!”Timothy moans and starts to rock.“Among other things,” the sheriff replies, “murder.”A pall of silence settles over the group.  Before any of them can respond, the sheriff continues.  “I think it’s best that you all come with me, to a halfling court, where you can get a more fair trial.  Don’t make this any harder than it has to be,” he repeats. “But- murder?” Sandy gasps.“Of at least one intern in the Asylum for Advanced Mental Treatment.”“But they were holding someone against his will!” objects Sandy.“A lot of the patients there are held against their will.  Sometimes, that’s what you have to do.  And it isn’t your place to make that decision- there are professionals in place to do that.”“Professionals?”  Martini shudders.  “Professional sadists!  They cut holes in skulls and poured liquids on their patients’ brains!”“I... may not understand the techniques of modern medicine any more than you,” the sheriff sighs, “but I do know that men are dead.  Now, will you surrender?”“But I wasn’t even there!” protests Sandy.  “I was sick!”“Then no doubt you will be found innocent.  I’ll ask one more time: will you surrender?”  The sheriff’s eyes are growing hard.What a terrible choice our heroes face!  Surrender to the halfling and face trial in a (hopefully) more friendly halfling court, or try to fight or flee and end up in the Imperial justice system?  It is a quandary, and one they cannot discuss amongst themselves with the sheriff there.  He watches them all, his eyes going from one to the next.Lita puts on her best pout and says, “Oh no!  Murder, you say?”  She flutters her hand in front of her face.  “Surely not!  What is this asylum?  I have never been there; surely you recognize by my clothing that I am not an adventuring hoodlum like these others, but a trustworthy noblewoman!”The sheriff hesitates for a long moment.  “I must arrest you, my lady,” he says at last, “but I will ensure your proper treatment.  You will not be treated like rabble.”After a moment’s thought, Lita answers, “Then I will surrender to you.”Sandy grumbles but gives himself over to the sheriff as well.  His weapons are taken from him and he is manacled before he even has time to protest.  Timothy is next, unresisting, but obviously a little anxious.“All right,” says Martini grudgingly.  He hands over his bow and sword.  He glances at Lita.  “What about her?” he asks as the sheriff locks his wrists in place.“You don’t need to lock me up,” Lita says quickly.  “I promise I’ll behave.”  She pouts.“Very well.”“What!” exclaims Martini.  “That’s not fair!  She-““She’s a noble,” interrupts the sheriff.  That seems to be the end of it.  Lita winks at Martini as soon as the sheriff’s back is turned. “And you?” the sheriff demands, looking up at Jawbreaker.  “Will you come peacefully?”“Nope,” says Jawbreaker with a grin, and pulls out his axe.“Oh great,” groans Martini.The sheriff and the barbarian stare at each other for a few minutes.  Finally the sheriff sighs.  “All right, barbarian- for now you can go.  It isn’t worth jeopardizing the rest of the catch to get the last fish.  But we’ll talk soon.”“What?” Martini exclaims.  “You’re letting him go?  And you aren’t even chaining her up?  This is totally unfair, man.  Totally unfair.  I’m liking this less all the time!”Jawbreaker jumps off the wagon.  Slowly he backs away from the sheriff and his friends.  He looks at them, already in chains, and his heart goes out to them.  But this doesn’t look like the time- not with all of them already in chains!Get while the getting’s good, Jawbreaker thinks sadly.He backs away until he’s just out of sight of the sheriff, then bolts for the hills.Next Time: Our heroes go to trial!</blockquote>

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