OOC: I have GoW's permission to RP his characters until his return to activity. Hence this post will include dialogue/actions from his characters, but I will try not to god-mod and only write the bare minimum required.
Almost instantaneously, Meta responded to Rowhaine, "No - all is done. Now all we must do is wait to see who is capable of venturing to the Pinnacle and then you can continue on your journey, no?"
"Yes," Rowhaine responded. His brow deeply furrowed, he paused for a moment, before enquiring, "Can you explain what happened here?"
A nod of understanding was given before the commander proceeded to brief Rowhaine on the basic details of the battle: most importantly, that Sylvie had been rescued, that the traitor assassins had given pursuit, and that the resulting assault had been halted. At the end of Meta's explanation, which lasted several minutes, Rowhaine shifted uncomfortably. "Perhaps you could have consulted me before sending a squad in to rescue a member of the council? No matter, I suppose; the work was done. Still, they were awfully well organised. They may have information on the council...I might recommend reviewing your organisation, to check that no informants yet remain."
Meta stared coldly at the mortal before him, considering a response. "You might indeed," was all that was given.
Any further conversation was cut off as the shadow dome receded, to reveal a group of loyalist assassins standing around the exhausted, but now humanoid, form of Varelsa. Convenient timing, Rowhaine mused. He heard footsteps, and saw Sigmund approaching. Even more convenient timing, the Champion of the Gods reflected. The templar looked straight past Rowhaine - which would have irritated a prouder man - and reported to Meta, "All six of them can continue, fortunately...still, this fight will undoubtedly have left many of them worse for the wear, even if this is only in terms of morale."
His words pointed, he concluded, "We cannot afford such an attack again, with our reduced escort."
Meta inclined his head, and intoned sibiliantly, "My brothers will see to it that this area is secured; we can act as a distant rearguard of sorts, and ensure Silibar's agents in the vicinity of this area do not interfere again."
"Good," Sigmund replied curtly, walking off towards the carriages, his men trooping behind him. It appeared to Rowhaine that there was to be no delay. His thoughts were once again interrupted by Meta's words: "I shall be leaving soon, as will my brothers; Jäger, however, will remain with you to bolster your escort. We will deal with the, ah, remaining questions on this battlefield. In the meantime, it is best that you press on with your mission."
Rowhaine regarded the commander for a moment. A man shrouded in mystery; he may prove dangerous, but for now, he is a welcome hidden avenger. "You have my thanks," he responded solemnly.
As Sigmund and his knights readied themselves for travel once more, Varelsa wordlessly made his way into a coach, and Rowhaine addressed all in a authoritative tone that cut cleanly through the air: "Members of the council: this interruption has now been seen off. It is imperative that we continue to the Silver Pinnacle - to the carriages!" With these words, Rowhaine made his way to another coach, sitting down within its sturdy, but worn, confines. Thank Ptra, the mortal reflected, it is time to make that debacle history, and deal with the questions surrounding this Pinnacle, the answers to which the traitor assassins have seemed desperate to stop us finding. Regardless of her allegiance, it is time to confront Neferata.
It is time to find the answers.
