The Snake in the Sand

Krin Vash'Neer and Al'Sys outside General Pareer's house. Art by Ernesto Irawan https://www.artstation.com/ernestoirawan

### Number of PCs

3

**This campaign is a prelude to the Mordish Civil War.**

Thanks to documents provided by Lord Keel, the Roadani government learned there was an Iron Tempest Commando undercover in Hrai Kraedox, the home of the Grand General. Jarai Prasus Ka, tasked Mezzin Qolat, the head of her guard, Krin a sun cleric, and two mercenaries, with the job of finding the spy. They conducted a disruptive search of Hrai Kraedox. In the process, they stopped Recix Seela Brax from stealing valuables from the keep, and found out there were at least two commandos. One was not working in the keep but supporting the other. The investigators arrested Lieutenant Vreeli Szere and found that she had unique powers. After a short chase through the streets of Sar-Makashi, she was caught. A week later she poisoned herself with a toxin supplied by Mezzin Qolat, so that she would not be experimented on by Roadani clerics trying to find the secrets of human enchantment.

\*These sessions are recorded

## Important Characters

### Player Characters

* Krin Vash'Neer: A military cleric who recently returned from abroad, specializing in sun magic.
* Oruc Chalishan: A hired inquisitor and emotion mage.
* Al'Sys: One of Var’Tareen’s most effective assassins.

### NPCs

* Grand General Prasus Ka: The leader of all of Roadon.
* General Zentin Pareer: The advisor to the Grand General on Mordehall, and top suspect.
* Commandant Mezzin Qolat: The head of the Grand General’s guard, and leader of the investigation
* Lieutenant Vreeli Szere: The assistant to General Pareer, and a suspect. The undercover Iron Tempest Commando.
* Cleric Amma Telv: A cleric in the Hrai Guards,and a suspect.
* Corporal Jael Carttim: A corporal in the Hrai Guards, and a suspect.
* Recix Seela Brax: A spearman under the command of General Rathers, a suspect.
* Mutah Qinli: The chef of Hrai Kraedox, and a suspect.

## Campaign Auxiliary Documents

### Prelude

Krin’s Backstory- A narrative on how Krin Vash’Neer came to be a cleric. This document also provides information on his mentor Zavrii Sazira Alamaster.

### Midgame

Mezzin’s Report- The document that Commandant Mezzin Qolat wrote and handed to the other three investigators. It provided limited information on all six of the suspects.

### Epilogue

Epilogue- Set a week after the events of the campaign, this prose details the last interaction between Mezzin and the Iron Tempest Commando.

## Summary

On the 28th of Yaerrus, the end of summer, the desert air was hot and thick. But inside Hrai Kraedox it was cool and dry. The red bricks of the fortress kept the inside safe from the desert star above. On the tenth floor of the massive keep, in front of the throne room of Grand General Prasus Ka, three strangers waited together, each summoned to help the Roadani. Two were promised pay and reward, the last answered a call to duty. They were Krin Vash’Neer the cleric, Oruc Chalishan the pirate inquisitor for hire, and Al’Sys the cryptic assassin. Each of them had been told their skills were needed, but given no more information. Also in the room were three Roadani soldiers. Unlike most who wore red and black, these soldiers were trimmed with the gold of the Hrai Guards. The officer who stood pacing in front of them had a gold turban clasped with two black triangles. He was Commandant Mezzin Qolat. Stories had spread about him. At twenty-nine he was the youngest person ever to be made the head of the Hrai Guards. The scimitar he carried at his side was not just for show. He was not just a great officer but a great duelist as well. The gold on Mezzin’s turban matched the gold of his eyes. The zealous Roadani said it was a sign he was destined for greatness.

### Session One: The Poisoned Pit

The four investigators waited outside a pair of large brass doors, Krin at attention, Al'Sys casual, and Oruc on edge. Mezzin stood with his soldiers, speaking to them in a whisper. As they waited, Al'Sys approached Oruc noting he was also a foreigner. Al’Sys casually asked if he was also an assassin. It took everyone off guard, Krin more than the rest. As Oruc and Al'Sys made awkward conversation, a ring came from behind the doors. They were opened to reveal a grand hall hundreds of feet long and decorated with mosaic. In the back was a golden throne embedded with a mind stone. The Grand General herself sat there, watching them approach. Prasus Ka was flanked by her silver masked Zavrii and a large lizard. Mezzin walked down the long room in silence, leading the other three. When he was about twenty feet from the Jarai he bowed. Krin followed his lead. Al'Sys bowed with a flourish. Oruc did not show the Jarai respect and stood.

Prasus Ka welcomed them, before letting the Commandant explain why they were here. Qolat told the other three that in recent months, the Roadani had received incriminating documents from a trusted source. The documents showed that an Iron Tempest Commando had infiltrated Hrai Kraedox at the beginning of the year. Based on the timeframe given, the list of suspects was narrowed down to six people, who began working at Hrai Kraedox when it was infiltrated. The job of the investigators would be to find and arrest the spy. The Grand General spoke up. She said the old Kaiser would never have been so aggressive. But the new ruler of Mordehall was young and ambitious. He didn't understand the order of things and needed to be taught. Though Mezzin and Krin were both uncomfortable looping in foreigners, they both respected the will of the Jarai. Mezzin explained to the foreigners, they would be paid double their usual rates plus a bonus if the spy was caught in a week. Al'Sys was sure it would be done by then.

To discuss specifics, the investigators moved to Mezzin’s office. Unlike most rooms in Roadon, the office had a wooden door instead of a cloth covering. Wood in Roadon, was a luxury. Everyone sat but Krin. The cleric asked Qolat why he was picked. Mezzin answered that Krin had been away from Hrai Kraedox and would be able to provide an untainted perspective. Second, the Commando's abilities were unknown and they might have magic. The Roadani would need Krin's expertise to combat them. Krin also inquired how the documents had ended up in Roadani hands. Mezzin wouldn't say much other than they had been given to the Corp of Secrets, the Roadani intelligence wing, by someone who hated the Kaiser. From that Mezzin had written a briefing on the six suspects. He shared it with the other three.

The first suspect was the chef Mutah Qinli. The second was a Recix named Seela Brax, in the personal guard of General Rathers. General Rathers was Krin’s indirect commander. The third suspect was a corporal in the Hrai Guards named Jael. The fourth, a cleric in the Hrai Guards named Amma Telv. The fifth was the assistant to General Pareer, Lieutenant Vreeli Szere. The Sixth was General Pareer himself. He was the advisor to the Grand General on Mordehall. Mezzin then laid out ground rules. No arrests until they were sure of guilt and no torture until an arrest. Mezzin did not want any Roadani getting hurt. He also admitted to the group than the Commando would be stronger than any individual soldier. They would have to be careful. Krin responded to the first statement by saying anyone who betrayed the Empire would no longer be Roadani. Mezzin agreed. The Commandant told them, his role in the investigation was to provide authority and military assistance. With him, they could speak to anyone. Al'Sys asked if that meant even the Jarai. Mezzin clarified to say anyone except the Grand General or her Zavrii. Al'Sys had already demonstrated multiple times that he didn't understand idioms or social conventions. Though Oruc was annoyed with the assassin, Mezzin was patient. Finally before leaving the office, he informed Krin that Zavrii Alamaster, Krin's mentor, wanted to speak with him. Krin said he would talk to her when he had time.

They started with Mutah Qinli. The kitchen was on the first floor. It was just after midday. The workers were busy cleaning up lunch and preparing dinner. Chef Qinli was standing in the middle of it all directing people with violent gestures from his cleaver. Oruc grabbed the most nervous assistant he could find. The chef took a brief moment to yell at Oruc for distracting the cooks but let them take the boy out. The investigators sat with the young cook at an empty table in the mess hall and began to ask him questions about Qinli. The boy revealed that his name was Dolvin and he was the grand nephew of Mutah Qinli. He didn’t want to betray his uncle's trust until he was accused of being a traitor. Dolvin insisted he was loyal, claiming “I’m Roadani true and true” Krin knocked the butt of his spear on the ground in agreement. Dolvin went on to explain that Mutah often met with Toallans They would be coming tomorrow night. The Toallans were supposedly selling the chef ingredients hard to find in Sar-Makashi. Toallans could make a useful intermediary between the spy and the Mordish government, but Dolvin’s story was plausible. They decided to come back the next night.

From there they went to speak with Seela Brax, the next person on the list. Mezzin and Krin pretended they were doing a routine check of General Rathers troops. Some were surprised to see Krin back at Hrai Kraedox. After checking several of the other soldiers they got to Brax. They took her aside to an empty room. Mezzin had Krin conduct the questioning. First he asked about contact with foreigners. Besides the two in the room, the only other contact she might have had was at bars with her unit. Krin continued by asking about her family. She said they worked on farms outside the city. She planned to join them after her four years. The questions turned to her unit. With reluctance, she told them that her sergeant got violently drunk. The unit was often able to control him, though it was both dangerous and embarrassing. Their usual drinking spot was the Palm Street Ale and Tea House.

Something about her story didn’t sit right with the group. They all felt she was hiding something. Krin was upset she had called him “sir” twice. The proper form of address was “cleric” They decided to go to the tavern she mentioned. Mezzin grabbed two Hrai Guards to act as security. Krin had been to the tavern before. He was known as a fun killer. Still, he knew the way. Krin led on foot with Oruc and the two guards behind him. Mezzin took his camel and Al'Sys took his horse Sys'Al. The tavern keeper was surprised to find the Commandant of the Hrai Guards show up at her door. She couldn't help but get defensive. However she promised to help them, insisting she was a patriot. They went down to the basement to speak privately. Immediately she asked if this was about the sergeant. The investigators said it wasn't but implied it was about his unit. Then the barkeeper asked if it was about Brax. No one had mentioned her name. When pushed, she mentioned Seela drank less than other members of her unit and spoke with questionable foreigners. The barkeeper also said since today was Remin's Day, the unit would be here in a few hours. She understood something serious was happening and promised to comply.

Using the few hours, Mezzin took the group to a place in the outskirts of the city where they could speak in private. He said little on the way. Oruc and Krin couldn't stop insulting each other. Krin thought Oruc stood for nothing. Oruc called Krin brainwashed. After forty minutes of bickering, they arrived at a tea house. The old man who owned it was happy to see Mezzin, calling him his nephew. He kicked out his customers so Mezzin could have privacy. Al'Sys ordered tea. After sitting down, Mezzin got serious. He told the others that Commandos were known to work in groups of four. That meant there might be multiple traitors. Oruc was confident that if they caught one, he could make them talk. Mezzin believed the Commandos never would. Mezzin said the sergeant would be arrested, no matter what. However, the verdict on Brax was still out. If she was a commando, then caution was necessary. Turning to Krin and Oruc, Mezzin told them to stop arguing until the job was done. Krin accepted the reprimand and promised to do better. Oruc tried to explain himself. He claimed it was his method to put people on edge to get them to talk. Mezzin was not satisfied with his answer and told the mercenary to stop. He told the group to air any concerns or comments now. Oruc said the lieutenant stood out to him on the suspect list. They should speak with her tomorrow. Al'Sys complained this wasn't his usual job. Mezzin promised him he would be needed tonight. With that they returned to the Palm Street Ale and Tea House.

The four dispersed among the patrons. The two Hrai Guards hid in the basement waiting for Mezzin's word. The bartender gave the investigators a drink to help blend in and promised to refill them when the foreigners arrived. Shortly, Brax and her unit entered. Her eyes lingered on Krin. Just when it seemed she would spot him, the cloth covering the door was flung open and a young lieutenant entered. He proclaimed that he had just graduated officer school. To celebrate was going to buy everyone a drink. The whole crowd erupted in cheers and a particularly excited version of a marching song. This was enough to distract Brax. She sat down with the rest of her unit.

Thirty minutes later a pair of people in Toallan clothing walked in. Not long after, the bartender refilled the cups of the investigators. Oruc moved without consulting anyone. Pretending to be drunk, he stumbled over to the booth next to the Toallans and paid the man in it to leave. He was now lying in the booth behind the foreigners. On the other side of the bar, Al'Sys was keeping an eye on the crowd. Seela stood up and walked over to the Toallans. She sat down and asked if they had the money. They confirmed they did and she placed something on the table. There was a clang of metal. Oruc peeked over the booth. He saw a collection of plates, candlesticks, and other pieces of finery. He stood up and placed himself next to Brax in the booth, pinning her in. The Toallans took a look at him and each pulled out a knife. Oruc responded by doing the same. Oruc also gestured to Mezzin and Krin. He said he was with them but didn't care about their rules. The two Toallans who until moments ago were feeling confident, took a look at Mezzin. They recognized him from rumors and were clearly afraid. Oruc could tell they were about to make a desperate move. He tried to talk them down by asking what they were doing. They were trading in artifacts, buying things from Brax which she took from Hrai Kraedox. They were not dealing in information. Oruc told them if they paid him two hundred regents he would let them walk. Oruc subtly cursed them with emotion magic, to make them more susceptible to the bribe.

On the other side of the bar two rough looking Roadani stood up and began making their way to the Toallans. Al'Sys cut them off. Looking at the out of place smiling foreigner, the two Roadani felt confident. They began to insult and threaten him. Al'Sys was calm, insulting them back. Krin stood ready to assist. With confidence, the thugs drew their weapons. In one quick motion, Al'Sys drew his blade and stabbed one of them in the chest. As the man died Al'Sys grinned. *"I will remember you,"* he said. In a panic the other one slashed at Al'Sys. Krin lept from the bar, uncovered the head of his spear, and drove the flaming tip through the man. The Toallans panicked. They tossed Oruc his bribe and fled. Mezzin followed with his guards. The bar emptied after them.

Now alone, Oruc walked Brax over to Krin and Al'Sys. She tried to explain herself to the cleric. Seela claimed she only stole items to pay off her family's debt. She promised to accept any punishment. Krin accepted this and didn't blame her. The group asked her about the lieutenant. She said that Szere was Toallan but devoted to the army. However the lieutenant was a loner. Seela also mentioned the rumors around General Pareer. He was going to make a play for Grand General when Prasus Ka retired. With that the group thanked the bartender for her help and stepped outside to find Mezzin.

### Session Two: The Torch in the Storm

Outside the Palm Street Ale and Tea House, Mezzin returned with the arrested Toallans. They would be turned over to local soldiers on charges of smuggling. Mezzin then walked up to the bartender and gave her a coin, telling her to show it to authorities if she ever had trouble. The group of investigators with their prisoners in tow, returned to Hrai Kraedox. Mezzin explained they’d been given quarters. On the way back, Oruc wanted to speak with Seela in private. Mezzin and Krin asked why. Oruc didn’t answer and stopped trying to talk to her. Al'Sys didn't understand why Seela was being punished.

Al'Sys, Oruc, and Krin were shown to their rooms. Krin's previous quarters had been given away. Mezzin also wanted him close to the other two. The Commandant invited the three to breakfast in his quarters in the morning. After Mezzin took his leave, Oruc tried to speak with the others. Krin found this suspicious. The rumors said Mezzin had the absolute trust of Prasus Ka. Oruc didn't buy it and decided to snoop on Mezzin. By asking a guard, he learned the deputy commandant was in charge of Keep security during the investigation. He also learned the record room was on the ninth floor. However Oruc didn’t have access. To get the Islander to leave him alone, Krin lent Oruc his pendant. This would grant him entry. Meanwhile Krin wrote a note to Seela’s lieutenant saying she should get transferred out but not otherwise punished. He felt her crime was minor. Additionally, she had helped the investigation and shown guilt. There was no reason to ruin her life by expelling her from the army. On the ninth floor Oruc and Al'Sys found the record room. Seeing the pendant, a sergeant escorted them through the room. Foreigners were not allowed to be alone here. Al'Sys thanked the man, saying thank you *"may your life be short and pleasant"* By reading the records of the Hrai guards Oruc learned the deputy commandant was Tika Jalang. The two returned to their rooms.

At sunrise, all three were woken up. A messenger told them to immediately speak with Mezzin. Oruc asked the cadet to take a note to the deputy commandant, requesting a meeting with her. With that out of the way they went to Mezzin's quarters. Behind a wooden door, they found a private mess with wooden chairs, a long wooden table, and a tapestry detailing the First Ascendance. The table was covered in a breakfast spread of eggs, sweet bread, oranges, and strong coffee. Mezzin looked like he had been up all night. There were several empty coffee mugs in front of him. He invited the others to sit, then told them someone tried to break into the War Archives last night. The Archives were a vault below the Keep in which hundreds of years of military records and texts were kept. The invader was a man dressed in all black with black cloth in front of his face. He knocked out six guards before a cleric saw him and chased him off. Nothing was stolen but someone had left several doors open for the assailant. Anyone but the chef could have left them unlocked. The War Archives were run by the Corp of Secrets. Mezzin told the group, no one was killed. If a Mordish spy killed someone in Hrai Kraedox, it would mean war. Oruc asked about the clearance of the suspects. Mezzin told him that Carttim wouldn't have clearance to enter the archives but everyone else would. Krin wondered why the assailant would flee from a cleric after easily taking care of soldiers. Mezzin hypothesized it might be because of magic, the threat of reinforcements, or the possibility of being recognized. Based on the evidence Oruc thought Carttim was the assailant. Before accusing anyone, Al'Sys wanted to talk to door guards who let the spy walk in and to check the records of all keys to the doors. While the others investigated, Krin went to speak with his Zavrii.

The keys to the War Archives were kept on the seventh floor, where the Corp of secrets worked. Oruc and Al’Sys found that things weren’t done in the usual Roadani way. The soldier’s uniforms and demeanor were more casual. They were met by a record keeper who told them three keys were checked out last night. A sergeant working for Pareer, named Marcus Tiax checked one out. He couldn't give the names of the other two. The General would have his own key, as would his assistant Vreeli. It was possible someone could be trying to slander Pareer. The Record keeper wouldn't tell them about the other two keys. Al’Sys was upset by this, complaining about how bad the records were. He asked what the point of keeping a record was if it was secret.

Meanwhile Krin spoke with Sazira Alamaster, his mentor. As always, she was wearing her mask. They skipped the pleasantries. Sazira warned him that the Commando might have a dangerous new and unique form of magic. She also told Krin to trust Roadani over Al’Sys and Oruc. Sazira’s last request was for the Commando to be taken alive. Krin took all this as a hint that Vreeli Szere was the spy. He promised to consider her words and to be careful.

After excusing himself, Oruc went to speak with a Corp member in private. He requested to speak with the Corp's leader. The soldier he spoke to wouldn’t let him speak to the general, but led him to another officer. The officer wore street clothes, had his feet up on his desk, and was smoking a pipe. He offered it to Oruc. After inhaling, Oruc told the man that he didn’t trust Mezzin because he thought the Commandant provided the list of suspects. The Corp officer laughed. He explained again to Oruc how they arrived at the list. In exchange for a prisoner, they received stolen Mordish documents. The documents revealed that an Iron Tempest Commando started working at Hrai Kraedox during a specific week. The suspect list came from the Corp. The officer also reiterated that Mezzin was trusted by the Jarai. Years ago he had saved her life.

All four investigators met up with Mezzin. He explained that he would request control of the war archives. He also had someone he trusted interview the guards who were attacked. The assailant was a tall man. The cleric who stopped him claimed she singed his arm but he disappeared in a smoke bomb, likely made in the Southern Isles. Oruc and Mezzin noted the assailant was as tall as Carttim. Mezzin then ordered some of the Hrai Guards to watch Carttim and Amma Telv in secret. Oruc felt like they were exercising too much caution. He asked why they didn't just arrest both. Mezzin reminded him there was to be minimal collateral damage. Oruc replied saying that's what happened to stupid people. Mezzin reminded him collateral damage happens to innocent people.

Seeking to move the investigation along, Krin requested they go speak to Vreeli Szere. She was on the fifth floor. Her office was on the south side. Stepping in they saw scrolls all over her desk, a map of Mordehall on the wall, and Vreeli herself. Her officer's robes were full of creases, and her eyes were bloodshot. She hadn't slept last night. They asked what she had been doing. Vreeli said she was in the Archives. When pressed she wouldn't discuss details. She claimed it was a secret between her and General Pareer. This wasn't abnormal. She visited the Archives twice a week. Seeing this wasn't leading anywhere, Oruc asked Mezzin to step outside. Mezzin agreed but looked to Krin to keep Oruc in line. Krin questioned her about her Toallan heritage. She insisted that her family moved here when she was young and she insisted she was Roadani. They asked about her family. Her parents ran a trading company. Vreeli was uncomfortable talking about her parents since people evoked her Toallan ancestry to belittle her. For now, the investigators dropped the subject.

The next topic they asked her about was Marcus Tiax. She knew Marcus, but didn't command him. She also said Lieutenant Carask, who also works for Pareer, was in the archives after her. Satisfied they wouldn't get any more answers, the investigators left the office. They filled in Mezzin before going to speak with Tiax. Al'Sys once more commented about how inefficient the Corp of Secrets was. Mezzin agreed.

They found Tiax on guard duty. He said he was instructed to get the key by an officer. After being pressed he revealed that Commandant Ziel, the person in charge of Pareer’s guard, ordered him to get a key, which he still possessed. He also told them Ziel would be in his office right now. They planned to simultaneously move on Ziel and Corporal Carttim. Al’Sys and Mezzin would go to Jael, Krin and Oruc would go to Ziel. Mezzin had his men secure the keep, and sent a squad to help the other group. He brought a squad with him. Al'Sys was disappointed he wasn't allowed to kill anyone, insisting there was no harm in death.

On the way to arrest Ziel, Krin and Oruc continued their bickering. Krin mentioned he couldn't trust Oruc. Oruc didn't like the Roadani holding him back. Outside Ziel's office Oruc prepared a mind stone curse. At the barracks Mezzin and Al’sys moved on Carttim. Mezzin went first, five soldiers behind him. He announced that Carttim was under arrest. Carttim dropped his spear, confused. Al'Sys strolled into the room. He went to Carttim, asking him if he reports to the Grand General. Confused Jael answered yes. Al'Sys then asked the corporal *“Where does this general keep her armies?"* He paused before yelling *“in her sleevies!”* and pulled up Jael’s sleeves.

At Ziel's office, Krin’s sergeant threw Ziel’s door open and Oruc hexed Ziel. The commandant was confused. He stammered as soldiers filed in surrounding him. In the barracks, Carttim’s arms were untouched by flames. Saddened, Al’Sys let Carttim go. Ziel sat down, trying to demand answers. Krin accused him of ordering the key to enter the War Archives. Ziel said that the General’s assistant told him to get the key. Believing him, they let him go. With their targets believed innocent, all four ran to see Szere.

They entered her office. Al’sys stood uncomfortably close to her desk. Oruc and Krin demanded to know if she spoke to Ziel. She said Pareer gave her a task to give to Ziel. There were any number of reasons why Pareer didn’t collect the key. She said Pareer was at his home. Krin told her she was impeding an investigation. She said she was protecting Pareer. Oruc accused her of not being loyal to Roadon. She said Oruc knew nothing of loyalty to Roadon. Snapping, Krin yelled at her about her silver tongue, calling her Toallan. She didn't relent but gave them Pareer’s address. Krin kept the guards, insisting on staying outside her door. Mezzin decided to collect some soldiers. Oruc and Al’Sys went to find Pareer.

### Session Three: The Viper's Head

To get to General Pareer's house, Oruc borrowed a horse from the Keep's stables. Al'Sys fetched Sys'Al. Mezzin would meet them on the road after gathering some Hrai Guards. On the way Oruc and Al'Sys discussed how to get information from Pareer. The conversation was interrupted when Oruc spotted someone watching him from a side street. He was an average man with generic brown clothes. The man winked at Oruc, before disappearing down the street. Oruc went after him. Al'Sys continued with his job. He pulled out some snacks and ignored Oruc. Oruc dismounted and went into the alley. On the ground was a letter addressed to him. While this happened, Mezzin and twenty Guards caught up to Al'Sys. Mezzin was immediately suspicious that Oruc disappeared. When Oruc returned, Mezzin questioned his absence. Oruc told him not to worry. It was then that Mezzin decided Roadon would never work with Oruc again. Once they arrived at the Pareer’s house, the Hrai Guards surrounded the manor. Only Mezzin, Oruc, and Al'Sys entered. They were greeted by a butler.

Meanwhile at Hrai Kraedox, Krin entered Szere’s office. He asked her if she had any magical abilities or items. When she said no he checked anyway with his day stone. The spell he cast didn't work. Krin wasn't sure if she had anything magic or not. Her body language didn't reveal anything. But Krin could swear there was some unique piece of magic in her office.

At Pareer’s house, the butler showed the investigators to a room where the general was waiting with his wife. He introduced her as Tayna. Pareer looked like the ideal of a Roadani general. He greeted them with warmth, offering food and tea. Al'Sys took tea. Mezzin stood by the door with his arms crossed. Oruc shook Pareer’s hand and leaned in for a whisper. Whatever he said confused Pareer. The General asked him what he was talking about, loud enough for everyone to hear. Pareer seemed to be cautious but not on edge. He started the conversation with them by talking about how politics in Mordehall and Roadon were more similar than people wanted to admit. The Roadani were more subtle and pretended they didn't play politics. To Pareer it was all the same. In response Al'Sys asked him why he wanted to be Grand General. Pareer replied that he didn't necessarily want to be, if he backed the right person he would get a promotion. He believed he could do well for Roadon and his expertise would lead the Empire to gains. Seeking to change topics, Oruc asked him how someone would identify an Iron Tempest Commando. Pareer smiled and said he was one of the few people in Roadon who would tell them that a Tempest Commando would be stronger than any Roadani soldier. They were strong and manipulative. Al’Sys said *“like yourself”* Pareer was flattered. Trying to get back on track they asked him what he was doing last night. He said he was home with his wife. Tanya corroborated. They asked him about Szere. He said she was capable and a good assistant. But she worked too hard and was a loner. Pareer went on to say that he got most of his information on Mordehall from the Border Command. Vreeli's job was to sort through it. She also had her own sources which was unusual. Pareer says he has validated some information she collected. It was valuable.

Back at Szere’s office, Vreeli asked to speak to Krin, requesting food. Krin stepped out and asked a soldier to get his Zavrii along with some food. To pass the time and distract Szere he continued to question her.

Oruc and Al'Sys continued to question Pareer. He told them he didn't order a key and that Szere left the keep often. Oruc asked for a minute alone. Al'Sys stepped out. Mezzin followed with reluctance. Out of earshot, Mezzin told Al'Sys he was worried about Oruc betraying them. He knew Oruc had been looking into him. He told Al'Sys if Oruc betrayed them, Al'Sys would get Oruc’s reward if he killed the Islander.

Alone with Pareer and his wife, Oruc asked about the letter’s handwriting. Pareer opened it despite Oruc asking him not to. Pareer told Oruc that this wasn’t Vreeli’s handwriting, but the handwriting of one of her sources. Oruc thanked him and left. Mezzin asked what that was about. Oruc told him it was the Lieutenant and said their best chance of apprehending her would be if he didn't tell Mezzin why. Mezzin asked if he has proof. Oruc said yes. Mezzin asked him to share. Oruc said he found a document and explained the handwriting. Mezzin said he had to see the document before he arrested anyone, but they should hurry back.

Back at the office, Zavrii Alamaster arrived after the food. Krin stepped out to speak with her. He asked her to check for magical items and explained the unusual presence he felt. Sazira closed her eyes and held out a gloved hand. In her palm there was a circle of storm glass. After a mere moment, she opened her eyes. Turning to Krin she said that her suspicions were true. Szere must be apprehended now. Krin and the soldiers rushed in, forming a semi-Circle around Vreeli. Down in the courtyard, the others returned from Pareer's house.

Szere took a moment to look at Krin and Guards. The cleric lowered his spear and declared she was under arrest. Vreeli moved first. But she didn't go from Krin. Instead she turned and lept out of the large window behind her. Though they were four stories up, she landed unharmed. She stood up and ran for the gate, easily knocking out the guards that tried to stop her.

Oruc had been sharing his horse with Mezzin. Seeing Szere drop from her window, he tried to push Mezzin off the horse. The Commandant was stronger than Oruc and not displaced. Mezzin demanded an answer. Once more Oruc asked Mezzin to trust him and get off the horse. Knowing that Oruc was surrounded by Hrai Guards and that Oruc had been right about Szere, Mezzin jumped off. From their horses, Al'Sys and Oruc charged after the Commando. Oruc reached her as she got to the gate. He said he got her letter and invited her on the horse. She told Oruc to meet her outside. Then she threw a smoke bomb down at her feet.

Krin didn’t waste a moment. He asked the Zavrii where the powerful item was. Sazira pointed out the window. Krin apologized for his hesitation. Alamaster said it was no worry, in fact they had learned something. She then ordered Krin to go catch Szere, reminding him that she wanted Vreeli alive. Knowing he needed to get outside fast, Krin ran to the central sairs. He dropped his shield and used it as a sled to slide down, yelling for people to clear the way.

As the smoke cleared in the courtyard, the guards who tried to stop Vreeli were found either unconscious or confused. Al'Sys and Oruc rode by them to follow the spy. Mezzin retrieved his camel and a horse for Krin. They were now racing down a wide boulevard full of citizens. With military discipline, the civilians cleared the road for the active soldiers. Oruc followed Szere on his horse. But something caught his eye. The same person from the alley before was on a nearby roof. The man pointed down a side street. Szere kept running down the boulevard. Suddenly four of the citizens on the street stepped out armed and ready to challenge Al’Sys. Without stopping Sys’Al, Al’Sys drew his bow and shot one man. The man fell, wounded but still alive. Mezzin yelled that he would take two of the men and ordered Krin, who had caught up, to follow Oruc. Al'Sys focused on the other two armed men. Dodging a crossbow shot, he trampled the man he injured with Sys'Al.

Oruc decided to ignore the man and go after Szere. He shouted to her “We can take him” pointing to Krin. Focusing down the boulevard, Krin and Al'Sys noticed the man on the roof. Krin yelled to Mezzin, pointing him out. Mezzin meanwhile was engaged with the two hired thugs. From the back of his camel he spun his scimitar taking them out with the skills he was famous for. Dodging another crossbow shot, Al’Sys fell off his horse.

Vreeli suddenly turned from the boulevard and ran down a narrow side street. Oruc went after her. He found her ready to fight. Oruc held up the letter saying he wanted to help. Vreeli was confused. She didn't know about the letter but took his help anyway. She instructed Oruc to fight the cleric then ran off. Oruc tried to curse Szere as she ran, but he failed the spell. Krin turned the corner. He saw Oruc trying to cast a spell with no visible effect. It looked to Krin like Oruc was pretending to cast a spell. Krin rode after Vreeli, past Oruc. As he rode by the other man he said *"Get in my way again and I will kill you"*

Al'Sys and Mezzin were left with the remaining adversaries. Al'Sys shot the man on the roof in the thigh. He fell off onto his back. Mezzin yelled Al'Sys to take the man alive, as he killed the remaining enemy. Despite the man begging for his life and Mezzin's request, Al'Sys killed him.

Szere found herself trapped in an alley with no exit. Krin was on his horse, blocking the entrance. He jumped down, drawing his spear. The commando turned and smiled, asking if he wanted to test her. Krin responded by tapping his incantry to summon a shield of fire. Oruc caught up with them. He dismounted and walked past Krin. He tapped his dagger trying to indicate to Krin they were still on the same side. Szere was still suspicious of Oruc and didn't drop her guard. But Oruc pulled out his Singing blade. The screeching noise the enchanted knife gave off was horrible and enough to distract Szere, allowing Oruc to hit her in her shoulder. She let out a horrible hiss. Krin ran up and hit her face with the side of his flaming spear. She hissed again and told Krin he was lucky she had orders.

Mezzin and Al'Sys had followed the sound of the singing blade to find the three in the midst of a fight. Szere saw this and without fighting the people she was engaged with, she pushed past Krin and ran for Al'Sys. She seemed to not put up any fight. Al'Sys gleefully drew his blade to stab her, going to kill. Just before he could Mezzin jumped down in front of him, smacking aside the Commando with his shield. The force at which she hit the wall and the wounds she already suffered, rendered her unconscious. Mezzin went to secure her. He and Krin demanded answers from Oruc. Oruc pulled out the letter which offered him twenty talents to help Szere. He explained he was now blacklisted from Mordehall.

Szere was dragged away by some soldiers. Mezzin made sure she was secure then brought the others to his office for payment. Al'Sys happily took his. Oruc tried to offer his services to fill the power vacuum in the Southern Isles. He asked for Roadani backing and promised to help them in exchange. Mezzin said he’d talk to the Corp of Secrets. Al'Sys was going home but gave them his calling card with his address, 12 pine road Zhen Horth. He collected Sys'Al and left. Oruc and Krin exchanged tense goodbyes. Mezzin told Oruc to take some time to spend his money. He told Krin that his Zavrii would give Krin a special assignment based on the abilities of the Commandos. The Grand General thought it was time Roadon got weapons of their own.