Kristov Jaxxton is comfortably sitting on one of the many cushions in his large tent as he sharpens his katana with a whetstone, a nightly ritual before turning in. He focuses on his task, allowing the rhythmic movement of sharpening his blade and the sound it makes to act as a focus for his meditation. The tent has enough light for his eyes, so there's no danger of cutting himself. He chuckles. He remembers the first time he cut himself with a blade. That was a lifetime ago, a more turbulent time, a time filled with pain and regret.

While meditating, he catches his reflection on his sharp blade. While most would call him handsome, the same people would also say he's stern. This is due to the jaw that he got from his father. Despite being half-elven, he did not inherit any of his mother's delicate features. Except for his golden eyes and slightly pointed ears, he looks more human than elven. His face has a few scars and his skin, once fair, is now darkened due to the rigors of the life he's led as an active paladin of Tyr. Not to mention a very troubled past before he found solace in the Maimed God. He notices his silver hair. It's grown past his ears. He needs to trim it soon and shave that three-day old stubble as well. One needs to look presentable if one wants to be taken seriously.

It's been three weeks since his arrival in the large oasis along with the small army the queen provided him. The soldiers are getting restless, often times getting into fights with each other or with the hired adventurers/mercenaries. He's had to publicly punish a few of the soldiers and some of the mercenaries a couple of days ago for brawling. The mercenaries he can understand, but he expects better from the royal army. They all need to learn discipline and patience.

Reports from Amkethran are varied. Some of their contacts say that the Bhaalspawn has no plan on leaving anytime soon. Some say it and its companions are leaving the village a day or so from now. Some even say that it already left in secret. It seems the creature is as cunning as previous reports say if it has spread this much rumors to cover its movements. But Kristov is confident the Bhaalspawn will not escape him. He has all the exits covered. After the last fiasco that caused the death of General Jamis Tombelthen, Queen Zaranda spared no expense and provided him with all the resources he needed.

There is one odd thing about this hunt though. Based on previous reports, the Queen ordered Lord Tombelthen to capture and immediately execute the Bhaalspawn. But now, the orders are different. His orders are to apprehend and capture the Bhaalspawn. The Bhaalspawn will then be brought to the capital to face trial. Why? Has the queen come across information that would cause her to change her mind? He has his own suspicions though.

He, himself, has received mixed reports on the creature. Some say that the creature is monstrous and ruthless, killing everything in its path. Others report a more benevolent being, helping the weak and offering aid to those who are in need. Kristov is a little skeptical on the latter. It is a spawn of Bhaal after all, the spawn of the former god of murder. But he did not get to where he is now by adopting a narrow view of the world. He may be skeptical of the latter report, but he still takes it into consideration. It has to have come from somewhere after all.

His thoughts and meditation are suddenly disrupted by a knock on the post outside his tent. His guardsman announces his intent in a low baritone voice. "Lord Jaxxton, Councilman Tarmon wishes to speak with you."

Kristov sighs. What does he want now? Not another attempt at convincing him to make a move on Amkethran, he hopes. It's getting quite tiring hearing the councilman try to convince him into his way of thinking. It's also getting late. The councilman better keep it short or Kristov won't be getting much sleep tonight. "Let him in." He replies in a tired voice.

A balding old man with a stoop and a narrow and wrinkled face enters the tent. He is garbed in a richly embroidered white robe divided for riding. He is also wearing a tabard that symbolizes his status as a councilman in the royal court of Tethyr, a sign of pride in his status if an odd one. Lord Gideon Tarmon is an old man who possesses sharp, blue eyes and a purposeful stride despite his outward look of age and frailty.

When he received a letter from the queen requesting him to take over the hunt for the Bhaalspawn Lauranna, he was quite surprised that the councilman would be joining him. Apparently, the councilman has insisted on being part of the party that would apprehend the Bhaalspawn.

He's never really met the councilman before this hunt began. He's only heard odd rumors and hearsay. Rumors of his sudden appearance some years ago, rumors of how he quickly worked his way up the political ladder in Tethyr despite the troubled state it's in (or perhaps because of it), even rumors of his eccentricities, particularly his strange fondness for exotic food, food that would cause revulsion in some, but would be considered a delicacy in other parts of the world.

There is also something odd about the councilman. There were times that he saw a predatory look in his eyes whenever something caught his interest. Despite not detecting any evil intent from the old man, for some reason, he makes his skin crawl. On the outside, Councilman Tarmon is just an old man possessing an aura of age and wisdom, but his dark eyes belie a sharp and cunning mind. This is evident in his quick rise to power. There is also something about the way he carries himself. He has a stoop, but only the blind would say he is weak and frail. There is strength in the way he walks, solidity in the way he projects himself to the world. Not a drop of malice or evil, but there is…something. Kristov doesn't distrust or hate the old councilman, but he is wary of him.

The councilman looks at him with those calculating eyes. He speaks in an almost monotonous tone. "Good evening, my lord. I hope the night finds you well?"

Kristov sighs. He sheaths his sword and sets it aside. "What do you wish of me, councilman?"

"Not even going to invite me to sit? Not very chivalrous of you."

Kristov doesn't take the bait. The councilman has been trying his patience on purpose, often times questioning his orders and second guessing his decisions in front of his lieutenants. He doesn't know why the councilman is doing this though. "I apologize. I am tired, Lord Tarmon. I have been practicing my sword work all day with the soldiers. I keep my skills up and improve theirs at the same time. Please, do sit down."

The councilman moves to take one of the vacant cushions and places it right in front of Kristov. He slowly lowers himself and after making sure that he's comfortable, focuses those eyes again on him. "Now, I must tell you again how foolish this plan of yours is. We need to move on Amkethran now and secure the bhaalspawn before she escapes. I need not remind you the importance of this mission of ours."

Kristov resigns himself to the upcoming debate. "I know the importance of our mission, Lord Tarmon. You need not—"

"Do you? Do you really know how important?"

He scowls at the old man. He's never been so bold as to interrupt him. He must be getting desperate. This is his chance to end this argument once and for all. "Yes. I do. By apprehending the Bhaalspawn, we are eliminating a threat to the peace and prosperity of Tethyr."

The councilman opens his mouth to argue, but Kristov doesn't let him. "This is also a political move."

The councilman closes his mouth and stares at him, curiosity in his eyes. Kristov moves on. "Did you think me ignorant? I have read the reports on Lord Tombelthen's demise. The Queen's original orders were to capture and execute the Bhaalspawn immediately. But now, the orders have changed. I am to capture the Bhaalspawn and bring it back to the capital to stand trial. I have wondered that as we traveled. Why would the queen change her orders? The only logical answer is to show to the rest of the kingdom that she is capable of upholding the law in her domain. She could forego with this trial, but why do that when she can make a show of it to the political families in the kingdom thereby gaining their support. Also, reports on the creature are mixed. Some hail it as a hero, while others say it is a ruthless murderer. By holding a trial, the Queen will be able to shed light on answers long overdue. Imagine it. If the creature is found guilty, Queen Zaranda would be seen dispensing justice to a godchild who reportedly bathed the entire Swordcoast in blood and destroyed the city of Saradush not too long ago. It would solidify her rule more than putting down any rebellion could. Tell me I am wrong, councilman."

The councilman is silent. He has that predatory look again, but it vanishes in mere seconds. "You see far more than you let on, my lord. They say that you are a military man through and through, yet you possess a mind of a politician. Interesting."

"And I have heard odd rumors about you, lord councilman, particularly your quick rise to power. Some say you murdered and coerced your way to reach the Queen's side."

At the mention of one of the prevailing rumors, the councilman becomes guarded and his tone becomes icy. "The jealous will often invent stories to justify their lack of competence. My rise to power is all due to the fact that I am a capable man and I have the kingdom's best interest at heart. The Queen and her consort know this. That is why they trust me."

Kristov hides a smile. He has finally turned the tables. "Is that so? So the rumors of you eating the brains of infants and you plotting to become king of Tethyr by using dark, eldritch magic are false then?"

This time the councilman's impeccable calm cracks. "How dare you! I am no traitor! I have worked tirelessly to bring peace to these lands! I have given Queen Zaranda vital information on all her political enemies to solidify her rule! I have done nothing but contribute to the well-being of Tethyr!"

The councilman stands, murder in his eyes. He turns and stalks off to leave the tent. Kristov gives a sigh of relief. Finally, some peace and quiet. The councilman won't be coming to his tent anytime soon. But he does feel guilty though. That particular rumor about eating the brains of infants was one of the more far-fetched ones. And the rumor did come from the councilman's political rival, Lord Augustus. One of his contacts in the capital was able to trace it back to the council member. But if it will get the councilman off his back, he can live with that particular deception. He blows out the lit candles in his tent and prepares to turn in for the night. He calls to his guard. "Lieutenant Dorn, I am turning in for the night. Unless it's an emergency, do not disturb me."

"Yes, my lord. And incidentally, good work, sir."

Kristov chuckles at the lieutenant's words as he turns in for the night.

Lord Gideon Tarmon stalks away from the paladin's tent, maintaining a facade of indignant rage, but inside, he chuckles in amusement. He wondered how long it would take for the paladin to finally show his teeth and indeed he has. He even used some of the rumors surrounding the councilman to gain the upper hand in the argument. His contacts have proven true. The paladin possesses far greater insight into politics than everyone believes. Lord Jaxxton shows promise, but he needs to be careful. Kristov is a paladin after all and paladins of Tyr are not particularly fond of his kind. If he's not careful, his head could end up on a pike.

But he can't afford to be overly cautious as well. Disturbing reports from the capital continue to pour in. The Bhaalspawn must be apprehended as soon as possible. It is as Kristov said. This is a political move. He would know since he was the one that convinced the Queen to take the Bhaalspawn alive. But there is another reason to his actions. The Kingdom is in danger. If the godchild is as skilled as reports say, then she will be needed. He knows he's gambling on this, but he has no choice. Tethyr will fall if he doesn't do anything.

There are many reports concerning the Bhaalspawn Lauranna and her exploits, but only a few could be trusted. That she is powerful is of no doubt, being a demigod and all. But what really caught his attention is her reputed cunning. Some of his spies say that the godchild prefers guile and subterfuge to solve any conflict she encounters despite the power she holds. It is only when there is no other choice will she resort to violence. The godchild was raised by one of the most cunning minds he has ever encountered, so it stands to reason that she would be like her mentor, Gorion. Her rumored exploits in the Underdark is of particular interest to him. A very dangerous prey all in all and Kristov will need all the help he can get in apprehending her.

Despite all but proclaiming a lack of trust in the paladin's plans, he is actually quite impressed with how Lord Jaxxton has made use of the resources the Queen afforded him. Lord Jaxxton has all the known exits in and out of the desert watched, including the passages the smugglers use. And to be extra cautious, the wizards have placed hidden markers on all the possible exits. That way, if the Bhaalspawn does decide to not go through the oasis, it would only be a matter of triggering one of the markers, alerting them of the godchild's location. The wizards can then use the marker to teleport the entire army to that particular location. A sound plan all in all, but will it be enough? It will have to be. The Queen has given them all the resources she could spare and then some. They must succeed.

He's nearly at his tent located at the western side of the camp when an alarm suddenly blares from somewhere to the east. What's this? An intruder? He turns and quickly makes his way to the eastern side of the camp. Chaos ensues as mercenaries and soldiers alike are awakened by the alarm and start to make their way to the source of the commotion. He reaches Lord Jaxxton's tent and finds the paladin already outside in full gear and with a grim expression on his face. He starts to walk to the eastern side of the camp. Gideon quickly catches up to the paladin. "What's going on?"

The paladin doesn't look up from inspecting the buckles on his armor while walking. "It's here. Our scouts found it approaching the camp, alone."

His eyes widen in surprise. "What?! How did she get so close without our wizards detecting her presence?"

"Oh, they did. That's why the scouts found it easily. They said it wasn't exactly hiding. They're bringing it here now."

"Curious."

"Indeed."

The young paladin finishes inspecting his armor and proceeds to bark a series of orders to the clamouring soldiers. They quickly run ahead to form ranks, clearing a path towards the eastern entrance of the camp. The various mercenaries follow as well, forming up behind the soldiers. The six remaining wizards from the capital are already following him and Kristov.

Gideon is thoughtful as they make their way through the camp. What could the godchild be thinking? He expected her to try and avoid them by using one of the secret passages that lead out of the desert. Is this some sort of trick?

Kristov suddenly stops in his tracks. Gideon looks up. They're already within the eastern section of the camp. He looks ahead and sees a group making their way towards them. They're still too far for him to see them with clarity. The wizards begin to line up behind him and Kristov, ready for the coming encounter. He calmly takes his place beside the young paladin. This will be very interesting indeed.

Lord Kristov Jaxxton steels himself for the coming encounter. He could already see a group making its way towards them. They're still too far to make out in the darkness despite the torches and campfires that dot the camp. The soldiers and mercenaries are tense. They are about to come in the presence of one of the most dangerous creatures in the realms. He looks down beside him and sees the stooped councilman, calm and collected.

After what seems like an eternity, the approaching group of people is finally close enough for him to make out. The reports are accurate. Flanked by two towering soldiers and trailed by four of his ten wizards is one of the most beautiful creatures he has ever encountered. The elf has long golden hair and deep blue eyes. It's wearing a dark blue, almost black dress that accentuates its lithe but curved features. The dress, of unknown material, is cut low exposing its shoulders and part of its ample bosom, and has intricate silver embroidery all over the bodice. The hem of the long skirt is also embroidered by the same silvery material. The sleeves are long and it flares out at the end, hiding part of its hands. The boots are slightly raised at the heel to make it seem taller, but he estimates it to be no more than 5'5'' in height. He also notices a collar made out of pure arcane energy around its neck. The collar has a chain that connects it to the cuffs that's binding its hands together. Runes that are cackling with energy surround it as well. The wizards are not taking any chances.

Despite being bound and flanked by two large soldiers that tower over it, the creature seemed at ease, its lips slightly curved into a smile. It studies its surroundings calmly with calculating eyes. Its strides are confident and self-assured, with hips gently swaying in an alluring manner. All in all, it doesn't look like a prisoner is being escorted to face judgement. It looks more like a queen is being escorted by her honor guards. The illusion is completed by the fact that one of the escorting soldiers is carrying its belongings, a large hooded cloak and a small pack. The soldiers and mercenaries flanking the path are watching either in awe or fear. They've heard the tales.

As the creature approaches, he suddenly notices the councilman make a slight movement. He looks at the councilman out the corner of his vision and sees no visible change in the old man. He is still calm and collected, hands clasped together behind his back.

The creature finally arrives in front of them. It looks at him and the councilman and bows gracefully to both of them despite its bonds. It then greets them in a melodious voice. "My lords, I greet you. I am Lauranna. I hope this evening finds both of you well. Do forgive me for causing quite a stir, but I believe you are looking for me."

Kristov scrutinizes the creature in front of him. Odd. He doesn't detect any evil from it. Perhaps there is some credit to that report of it being a creature of benevolence. The councilman takes a step forward. "Greetings, my lady. I am Councilman Gideon Tarmon, adviser to Queen Zaranda Star Rhindaun and her consort, King Haedrak Errilam Alemander Olosar Lhorik Rhindaun III. This gentleman beside me is Lord Kristov Jaxxton, a knight of the realm and a servant of the Maimed God, Tyr. I believe you already know why we are looking for you."

The creature looks deep into the councilman's eyes. All of a sudden, Kristov feels a wave of evil suddenly emanate from it. He remains calm, but readies himself by shifting his stance. But as sudden as its appearance, the feeling of evil is now gone. It all happened in a span of a few seconds. What sorcery is this? No creature could hide its evil from him.

The councilman turns his gaze on Kristov and looks at him curiously. He noticed his slight shift. The creature answers the councilman's question calmly though, not noticing anything amiss. "I believe this is about Saradush, my lord."

Without changing his stance and before Councilman Gideon could reply, Kristov calmly speaks, "That is but one crime among many that are laid at your feet. We are here to apprehend you so that you might face trial in the capital. If you wish to dispute the claims, you may do so there."

The creature looks at him through long eye lashes, lips curved into a small, seductive smile. "Of course, my lord, I shall surrender myself to you peacefully and without hesitation. But before you incarcerate me, my lord, might I request food and water? I would also like a place where I can clean myself up as well."

He looks at her with cold calm. Now that she's closer, Kristov notices that she looks disheveled as if she's been in a fight of some sort. He wonders what might have happened out in the desert. He turns to the soldier beside her. "Take her to a nearby vacant tent and give her time to clean up. Make sure to check her belongings for any artifacts or weapons and confiscate it. You will then bring her to the cage we brought with us. Make sure to have five soldiers stand watch along with two wizards. Also, bring her food and some water. If at any time she resists or tries anything, kill her without hesitation."

The two soldiers salute and move to escort their charge to a nearby tent. The Bhaalspawn turns to them first though and gives them another graceful bow before allowing herself to be led to a nearby vacant tent. Kristov watches as they go. As soon as they're out of sight, he lets out a soft sigh. The soldiers and mercenaries begin to break up. The air is filled again with a soft buzz of murmurs. The soldiers will not be getting much sleep tonight after this excitement. He notices the councilman move in beside him.

"A remarkable woman, wouldn't you say?"

"Yes, not at all what I expected."

"Why did you suddenly move as if attempting to lop off her head?"

He frowns. "I felt something."

"Evil?"

"I'm not sure, but I felt something when she looked at you."

"You said so yourself, you're tired from a day's work."

He pauses before replying. "Yes, perhaps you are right. Now, I must go and write out instructions as to the rotation of her guards. I also need to make sure that the proper safeguards are in place."

The councilman nods in approval. "It never hurts to be careful, especially with that one. I will go on ahead as well and send word to the Queen."

"Yes, do that. And also, check in with the scouts. Make sure that all are accounted for in the camp."

"As you wish."

The councilman moves on to do his work. Kristov makes his way back to his tent. He pauses outside to quickly give instructions to his guards before going into his tent. Once in his tent, he lights the candles once more. He goes to his traveling desk and begins to write specific instructions for the soldiers guarding the Bhaalspawn, rotations and names of specific soldiers he wants watching her. He chooses carefully. Their prisoner is a dangerous one, despite her having come peacefully. He rubs his temples after writing the instructions. What was it that he felt back then? He was so sure it was evil, but it disappeared so quickly that now he doubts. Is it possible for someone like her to cloud the vision given to him by his patron God? Tyr is almighty and all-knowing. A mere demigod should not be able to cloud his eyes. And yet…

No. Perhaps he's just tired from a day of working with his soldiers. He gets up and head to where the Bhaalspawn is being held in order to make sure that everything is ready for when they move out of the desert and head for the capital. There is a lot that needs to be done before they can do so. He sighs. He will not be able to get much sleep after all.

There was much commotion while Lauranna was cleaning herself up in one of the tents in the camp. While searching through her belongings, the soldiers were suddenly assaulted by an angry Calima whose rest they have disturbed. The fairy dragon quickly rushed to her mistress' side after having blasted one of the guards with her breath attack which had random and unpredictable effects on the victim. The guard is all right, but he'll be knocked out for the rest of the evening.

She washes her face clean and dusts herself before stepping out of the tent with Calima perched on her shoulder. One of the soldiers, a young man with a smooth face and deep brown eyes, stops her though and Calima starts to hiss at him menacingly. She notices a slight blush on his face. "I…I'm sorry, my lady, but I will need you to…to take your clothes off."

She raises her eyebrow and smile slyly at the blushing soldier. "That's very forward of you, young man." She said in an exaggeratedly breathless manner.

The soldier chokes in a moment of panic and his blush becomes more furious. "No! No! I…I didn't mean it like that! I mean…Senior Enchanter Colleen said to take what you're wearing as well because she said it's heavily enchanted! I…I…"

She continues to smile slyly at the young soldier in front of her, determined to tease him some more. "Am I to go in the cage with nothing on then? Is that what YOU want?"

The young man begins to sweat trying to find his words. "I don't…I mean…"

Suddenly, a middle-aged woman with dark brown hair and a stern face steps into view. She must be Senior Enchanter Colleen. She's carrying a small bundle which she tosses to Lauranna immediately. "You can put that on, sorceress." She turns to the soldier. "You will remain here while I go inside to make sure she's not hiding anything under that ridiculous outfit. If you hear anything amiss, alert the others and come straight inside to assist me."

The young soldier quickly moves out of the way. "Yes, ma'am."

Colleen then turns to her. "Well? Get on with it then, sorceress."

She bows slightly to the wizard. "Of course, my lady, as you wish." She turns back to go inside the tent, but notices the young soldier still looking. She discreetly winks at him slyly before going into the tent. The young soldier's eye widen and he turns away in embarrassment.

As she goes inside, Colleen follows her and situates herself at the tent entrance, eyes cold and uncaring. Lauranna turns towards her cold-eyed sentinel, raising her bound hands towards her. "How am I supposed to change with these on, my lady?" Without a word or changing her expression, Colleen points a finger at her bonds. The chains connecting the shackles and collar suddenly disappear. "Ah, thank you."

She begins to undo her "ridiculous outfit" in front of the wizard's uncaring gaze, as Calima puts herself in between her mistress and their jailor ready for anything. Colleen looks at the tiny dragon and scoffs in amusement. After taking off her dress, Lauranna carefully folds it and sets it aside. She inspects her new clothing. It's a sad looking, modest brown dress made from rough wool. It has patches all over it and the hem looks frayed and worn. She's sure it will itch, especially when she starts to perspire under the desert heat. She turns to her silent guardian, a smile on her face. "Lovely. I like it."

The wizard's frown deepen. Lauranna decides not to test her patience further and puts on the dress. To her surprise, it actually doesn't itch as much as she anticipated. It also fits quite well and it's clean. She gives it one final adjustment before turning to her captor. Colleen points at her boots. "Those as well."

She raises an eyebrow. "They're enchanted?"

The wizard continues to point at her boots. "Yes."

Lauranna sighs and removes her boots. She sets it aside beside her folded dress and turn back at her captor. "Well? Is my lady satisfied?"

The wizard doesn't say anything and points her finger again at her shackles. Magical energy begin to coalesce to form chains that connect the shackles on her hands to the collar around her neck again. The wizard then drags her out of the tent and shoves her towards the two soldiers standing guard outside. Calima quickly glides after them and lands on her mistress' shoulder. "Take her to the cage we prepared. If she tries anything, kill her." She then walks off in another direction.

Lauranna calls out to her. "Thank you for your assistance, my lady." The wizard slows down on her tracks looking like she's about to turn around, but continues on instead with purposeful strides. Lauranna watches as the wizard disappear among the many tents in the camp.

She hears a harrumph from behind her. She turns around to face her escort and notices the young soldier from before still blushing slightly and the other older one looking a little sheepish. She also notices a slight look of regret in the young soldier's eyes. She smiles at them warmly. "Gentlemen, you will have to lead. I do not know the way to my cage."

The older soldier is the one to speak. He motions in the direction towards the center of the camp. "Right this way, my lady." She nods and start to walk in the direction he's indicated. The two soldiers quickly take their place on either side of her to escort her to her cage.

The two soldiers take her to a large cage near the center of the camp. Three other soldiers are already there standing guard, two men and one woman. The woman looks to be the one in-charge. There are also four wizards standing at the side, watching the whole procession. The cage itself is designed to be pulled by a team of horses with wheels built on the sides. One of the soldiers, the one in-charge, opens the cage. Lauranna quietly enter and the soldier lock the door behind her. As soon as the door closes, the shackles holding her disappear and the cage suddenly hums with arcane energy. She inspects her cage closely. The bars are made of aged oak reinforced with steel. She also notices glowing red runes etched into the wood of the cage. Calima tries to fly through the gap of the bars but is rebuffed and fall to the floor. She hisses in contempt at the cage and quickly climbs to her shoulder.

One of the wizards approaches as she inspects the runes. He looks young and pale. An apprentice perhaps? He eyes her warily. "They are designed to nullify your spells. We know you are a sorceress, so they're already attuned to your type of magic. There are other enchantments as well, so your little familiar is trapped as much as you are."

Nullify? Not exactly. More like absorb any form of spell she uses while inside the cage, thereby strengthening the rest of the enchantments. She smiles slyly at the young wizard. "Yes, I can tell. But you should have also etched an inverted version of the runes on the steel reinforcements. That way, it prevents me from using the ambient energies from the runes on the wood to slowly corrode the entire etching. I can also tell that the other enchantments you speak of rely heavily on the runes on the wood, so if I successfully destroy the main enchantment, the rest would also fall apart."

The young wizard's eyes widen in alarm. "How—how could you possibly know that?"

"I didn't. But you confirmed it for me. Besides, I see magic differently from you wizards." She moves to the center of the cage and sits down, carefully arranging her skirt. The young wizard looks disturbed. She smiles at him reassuringly. "Don't worry. I won't try to escape. I came here willingly, didn't I? You can also confirm what I just told you with Senior Enchanter Colleen, so you can then take necessary actions if you wish."

The young wizard moves away as the five soldiers move in to surround the cage. He walks towards his fellow wizards to tell them what she said. She didn't lie to him though. In theory, she could use the ambient energies around the runes on the wood to slowly erode the entire enchantment set on the cage. Yes, the enchantment is currently preventing her from using her own magic, but not from other sources. What she didn't tell him though is that it would take time to do so. By the time the enchantment is corroded enough, they would have reached the capital already. She chuckles to herself as she sees the other wizards give the cage a worried look.

Suddenly, Senior Enchanter Colleen arrives. The four wizards quickly approach her and they begin to whisper among themselves for a moment. All five then move to surround the cage, one on each side and Colleen overseeing the whole thing. The four raise their hands and begin to chant simultaneously. The runes begin to glow brighter and change from red to white in color. They begin to rearrange. She nods to herself. By rearranging the runes in a specific way, it could lessen, if not eliminate the ambient energies. It also is more effective and less time consuming than etching an inverted version of the runes on the steel reinforcements. But it also creates a weakness in the connection to the rest of the enchantments on the cage. A weakness she can exploit later on should it be necessary. After discovering a disturbing fact about her captors, she needs a backup plan should the need arise.

"What are you doing?" demands a soft, but deep voice.

Colleen stops her inspection and approach the newcomer. "Lord Kristov, we are just making some modifications on the enchantments. There were some variables that we failed to foresee."

The paladin looks at the cage with worry. "Are you sure about this? What variables are you speaking of?"

"For one, my lord, she's more powerful than we initially thought. We are merely reinforcing the enchantments."

Lauranna hides a small smile. As expected, a wizard will never admit that a sorcerer has corrected them on their spell work. The paladin moves towards the cage. On one hand, he's carrying a plate that has a loaf of bread and a few slices of ham on it and on the other, a jug of what appears to be water. He slides the plate and the jug into the cage to where she can reach it. He speaks in a calm and even tone. "Per your request, my lady. I assume it is enough?"

She tilts her head in thanks. "Thank you, my lord. I truly appreciate your kindness." She pulls the plate towards her and begins to eat. Calima grabs a piece of the ham and begins to nibble on it.

As the wizards finish their modifications, Kristov turns to one of the guards and hand her a small parchment. He speaks to her in hushed tones. "Miera, follow these instructions to the letter. Next shift will be three hours from now. Give these instructions to the next set of soldiers."

The soldier salutes. "Yes, my lord."

The runes begin to settle back on the wood of the cage as the wizards finish their modifications. Kristov turns back to Colleen and hand her another piece of parchment. "Colleen, will two be enough to maintain the enchantment on the cage?"

"Yes, my lord."

"Then take one with you on this shift. The rest can turn in for the night. Allaine and Brall will handle the next shift."

"As you wish, my lord." She bows respectfully. The paladin turns back to the cage and looks at her. He looks thoughtful for a moment. He then turns to leave.

Lauranna watches as the paladin returns to his tent not too far off. The Queen of Tethyr is smart indeed to have sent a man like Kristov Jaxxton to apprehend her. This will be far more difficult than she expected. So many things could go wrong. If she miscalculates her steps, she could end up out of the frying pan and into the fire, as they say. But there's nothing for it now. She finishes her meal and turn in for the night. As she falls asleep, she wonders if the safeguards she's erected will be enough to protect her.