The residues from the Baron's meeting had been cleared away after sunset, with the leftovers sorted out and distributed — there was enough to make a nice supper for the Company as they made their way back into the lodge.
With a bonus. The guests hadn't entirely finished one of the kegs of Haeltower Vineshade that Vincenzo had opened for them, and the innkeeper invited the Company to help themselves to the rest. Haeltower was an unexceptional table wine, but for a group of adventurers, it was a rare treat.
One of the first-floor rooms Vince had cleaned was a space around the hearth, and he'd moved a few low tables and chairs in front of it, starting the crackling orange-yellow flames "to put a bit of cheer in the place," as he'd put it.
Minsc had wandered off to find Boo, who had ducked into the kitchen and was now somewhere in the storehouse, and Valygar hadn't wanted to stay, according to Mazzy; he had faded into the blue twilight as soon as he'd appeared. Everyone else found themselves drawn to the fire after they'd finished supper, one by one joining the ring of relatively light conversation that passed back and forth in the flickering light.
"So you nudged elbows with a baron," Yoshimo said. "I think I'd have paid at least a danter to see that — I, personally, would rather have picked facing the dragon again. Both of them at once."
"Dealing with nobles isn't my strongest skill, but it's also not the first time I've done it," Lidia said.
Yoshimo said, "Really? You look as though you want to crawl out of your skin, at least into something more comfortable."
"I like wearing dresses now and again, as long as they fit properly," Lidia said, unconsciously adjusting her belt. The borrowed dress was deep indigo, and the sleeves and waist fit all right; everywhere else in the bodice, however, was much too loose. She was looking forward to slipping on her typical undyed long linen tunic and trousers, though she kept that to herself.
Mazzy had slipped into the last open chair with a glass of wine in hand. Lidia gave the halfling a minute or two to settle in, then asked her, "Did you find Lette?"
Mazzy took a small sip of wine and gave the short version of how her search had gone.
"Oh…oh no, she's the one whose brother died in the Sythillisian attack, isn't she?" Aerie said, folding and unfolding her hands. "That poor girl."
"What happened to her?" Lidia asked.
"She's at her father's house; Lanka and Minister Lloyd are on their way there," Mazzy said. "The matter is out of our hands now; it is up to them to decide how to help her and what justice they wish to mete. But if there's anything that can renew the hopes of these people," she concluded, "now is the time to speak. What Valygar and I witnessed points to clear desperation."
Lidia cleared her throat. She doubted that Mazzy would like what she had to say next.
"The meeting didn't go as I'd hoped," she said, willing herself to keep her hands still. "Baron Metrich refused to recognize the Order's authority and was ready to kill if we had chosen to press our suit." Only Crolus and Lanka's intervention had kept the whole thing from ending in violence.
The others fell into a silence, stunned or otherwise.
"As far as I can tell, he plans to take the Order to court," she continued. "I don't think it's going to go all the way to the Council yet" — here, she racked her brains to remember what the procedure was by the book — "but if we're to help Imnesvale any further, we'll need to return to Athkatla at once."
"Just…just like that?" Aerie asked, folding her arms, an uncertain look on her fine-featured face.
"Yes," Lidia replied.
Yoshimo asked. "Isn't Athkatla full of knights still seeking your head?"
"The Order is just," Anomen said. "Surely they would take Sir Grady's word into account."
"I hope so," Lidia said. She knew no one had promised her that. She straightened up a little taller. "But I knew this time would come regardless. I don't plan on avoiding Athkatla forever."
"Minsc and I will go with you, of course," Aerie said. "It's been a terribly long time since I've seen Uncle Quayle."
Mazzy thought for a moment, then said, "Imnesvale still needs a protector. I've been trying to talk Valygar into taking up Merella's job. But until then, I plan to remain here and keep an eye out for any enemies."
Lidia was about to voice her concern, as Mazzy had just lost her entire adventuring party. But she caught herself in time. For all of them, a longer rest than a single night would likely have to come later.
"I'm hoping that someone will send more help as soon as the mess with the Baron is resolved," Lidia said. "With any luck, you won't be waiting long."
After some time, the others scattered, leaving to do this and that before turning in for the night. Lidia stayed behind, lost in thought, as she watched the fire burn down into red-veined embers.
As much as she knew it might be necessary, she hated the idea of leaving Imnesvale, especially so suddenly. At least the village's troubles were something simpler, something concrete they could try to solve, no matter how impossible the obstacles seemed. Navigating Athkatla's whirl of intrigue was something else altogether.
However, it was inevitable if they were ever to find Imoen again. While Lidia was reading through The Laws and Customs of Amn, she'd looked for some route, some appeal she could make to set Imoen free. So far, she'd found none. She knew that this book was only meant as an overview, likely written for outsiders to Amn since it was in Common, but it wasn't apparent if there was a way forward.
In the meantime, she hoped she could find Jaheira again — if she'd managed to stay one step ahead of the Harpers. She planned to make that her priority, if at all possible.
"Lidia, a moment." Anomen had stayed after the others left, and he was holding a small piece of parchment in his hand as he approached her. "A missive from the Order came for me at around sunset, but it was also intended for you."
Lidia sat up, snapping back to attention. "I wonder if they already know what the Baron intends to do."
"Regardless, it more closely concerns the slain knights at the pass," he replied. "They've summoned both of us to a hearing at the High Hall within three days about this matter, and it shall involve…" He furrowed his brow as though trying to make out small lettering in the dim light. "Sir William Reirrac. My mentor, Lord Keldorn Firecam. My superior, Sir Ryan Trawl. His superior, Sir Anarg Vymmar. And the head of the chapter, Prelate Wessalen. Others likely will be present."
A chill ran up her spine, breaking against the base of her skull. She maintained her composure. "Any word on how much trouble we're in?"
"Nothing was said on that. I would guess either none at all, or a great deal."