Game 4: Light it Up – 11/1/2023
His hands were still trembling as he moved with the group into the shadows of the alley across from the
burning building. As he looked down at them, he noticed there was still blood on the hand that had held
the dagger used to down the dwarf. He bent and grabbed some loose straw blown against the alley wall
and began wiping it away.
While Kolbus had done a bit of breaking and entering, larceny, and vandalism in his life, he had never
done so with intent for violence against other people. Punishments for such things were enough to have
kept him to the lighter side of crime. He had also seen his fair share of capital punishments, beatings
that went to far, and the occasional wretch too malnourished to survive. So death was not unknown to
him. But until this evening, he had never witnessed it in such ferocity and proximity. And some of that
was carried out by his own hand.
A new heat was starting to well within him. Was it resolve perhaps? He had went in to the operation
knowing blood was almost certainly going to be spilled. That was why they had hired Pavil. It had been a
good decision. In addition, there had always been a chance that burning the moon snow was going to be
the best way to impact the operation. But, after breaching the door, engaging in combat, and watching
the guards and alchemists immediately turn on the enslaved children, Kolbus held a new bitterness
toward the Grinners. It was a tragic loss of life for the younglings they had taken, but perhaps they
wouldn’t be picking up any more from the Rust anytime soon to work their operation.
Kolbus almost regretted throwing the bottle of alchemist fire into the store room. Whatever Cory had
done upstairs seemed to have already set in motion a conflagration. But, if it ensured the destruction of
the Grinner’s processing in the area, perhaps it was worth it. He’d have to keep Brice in mind for any
future needs in the alchemical department. The fire potion had worked well, though he hadn’t had the
opportunity to see if the other bags of chemicals provided would have really done much to the moon
snow mix.
All that aside, he needed to focus. The deed had been done. Now they needed to work on getting away
and making sure the heat didn’t fall on them. The coming Rat Lighting ceremony should quickly turn the
local’s eyes and thoughts elsewhere. If the fire didn’t spread and threaten a larger amount of buildings
or the integrity of the town’s wall, the Heels likely wouldn’t give much time to a warehouse in the slums
burning. That left the Grinners themselves and maybe whoever their silent partners were. It seemed
that just about every gang or illicit operation had some backing of a wealthy patron. Perhaps starting a
few rumors about who had been seen in the area prior to the fire starting could confuse anyone
snooping around for leads. Looking at the robe Cory was wearing gave Kolbus an idea. If there were
thoughts that the incident was carried out by members of the church, maybe that would curtail people
asking questions.
: A Letter Home :
My dearest love,
I hope you are fairing well. I await hearing news of yourself and home.
I have recently met quite a fine fellow. He works the alchemical arts and is a mixer of elixirs and powders
for all manner of things from cleaning, to health improvement, and starting and putting out fires. In
these lands where there is a dearth of more mystic arts, many rely on alchemy to fill the gap.
As I mentioned in a previous letter, the local custom of a cleansing ritual of flame to drive off vermin is
nearly upon us. I still plan on attending and hope to further engage the citizens of Silverbrook and build
my connections. It should be a wonderful opportunity to share stories and think about the future.
In preparation I have had a hand in doing some cleaning as well in the abode I currently call home. A
warm fire in the hearth and some dusting about the flat brings a grin to the face. Of course, being a
touch clumsy as I am, an item or two got broken in the process. But nothing a thin coin or two couldn’t
have mended if I find the righter handyman.
I shall write you again soon and trust this letter makes it to you with all haste.
Fair thee well, my love.
Yours truly,
Kolbus