Days passed by in the aftermath of the botched execution. Griffin was able to make it home safely and recovered from the hit he endured. The next day, he learned that Takota was able to escape on his own although he had to sacrifice his cloak and bow by tossing them aside so he wouldn't be suspicious. The noble offered to reimburse him but the archer was content to wait until he enlisted in the Sable Marine Company for better gear.
Takota questioned Griffin on Blackjack's appearance and if that was part of the plan, and the next day so did Falenas. Once they recovered, Viera and Alexander also asked if Griffin had anything to do with Blackjack's appearance. Each time the noble answered the same way; he had nothing to do with Blackjack's appearance. Although the group's curiosity was satisfied, Griffin couldn't help but wonder how the masked hero of Korvosa knew that Trinia was innocent.
Blackjack's actions had an immediate effect on Korvosa. The citizens of the city had stopped rioting even when it seemed that the king's murderer escaped. Instead, the gossip of Queen Ileosa murdering her husband returned and it grew more public in taverns. Even a few nobles who had the interests of the people in mind whisper behind closed doors. It didn't help that Queen Ileosa had yet to leave the castle after the execution, something which people thought was a sign of her guilt.
However, the queen was hard at work at the royal court. A decree was sent that announced that there was a new seneschal, a bloatmage from Kaer Maga called Togomar. With a new seneschal, one likely loyal to the queen, in power, it meant that there was very little chance of legally removing Queen Ileosa from the throne. Even though no one had seen the bloatmage, few dared whisper thoughts about taking rebellion action.
Griffin had learned that Queen Ileosa was moving forward with infrastructure changes for Korvosa's security as well. He learned through a message sent by Field Marshal Kroft, politely informing him that she couldn't employ the adventurers in the role they served since funding to the Korvosan Guard had been cut. Each adventurer had been offered a standard job as a guard but only Alexander accepted such a position. At the very least, Cressida had shown to care about the city and its people. Griffin hoped that whatever change came that she would stay in some position of power.
One afternoon, Griffin invited his companions for dinner at his manor. It was a fine meal meant to celebrate their accomplishments working for the Korvosan Guard. History may not remember them but they had stopped the threat of two wars, one with Cheliax and another with the Shoanti. During the meal, Silana reunited with her father, who told his daughter about some of his time in his new job. At the head of the table, Tiran entertained Griffin and Viera with noble gossip and the latest scandals circulating. Falenas went between conversations, offering his opinion when he had one, while passing the food he didn't care for to Takota. The archer didn't mind and ate in silence.
After dinner was over, Tiran casually revealed that Alexander's home and Falenas' clinic had been repaired to the excitement of the two and Silana. Tiran helped Silana pack up her things, and although Alexander wanted to join in, Griffin motioned for his friends to join him in the den for a final meeting. There was treasure to be divided among the group and they had to decide on what their next move was. The young noble already had an idea of what was to come but that didn't make it any better to share.
The group settled into a den where four pouches and four backpacks had been assembled. They each took a seat around a table and Griffin addressed his companions on what they had found from the Dead Warrens.
"Between Cressida's payment, the gold we found in the Dead Warrens, and the gold the temples of Korvosa provided for the magical necromancy items to be destroyed…"
"Why did we decide on that?" Falenas interrupted. "I recall no conversation on that."
"I felt we didn't need to talk about that," Viera said with a shrug. "I don't think any of us should use such vile items."
Griffin continued on. "We've earned close to ten thousand gold. Not quite there but close enough. The pouches each contain an equal amount of gold. Congratulations everyone, you have earned 1,936 gold. Enjoy!"
Falenas chuckled in joy as he and the others grabbed a pouch. "Wonderful! Now, about other items of note…"
"I was just getting there," Griffin said with a smile. "You've all been informed of what magic items we found and told me what you wanted. I've done my best to divide it so that everyone has gotten what they wanted for the most part. Falenas, the books Rolth had on plagues and anatomy have been shipped to your lab. In this bag are your other items: some alchemy tools, a hybridization funnel, and vials of poison."
"Excellent!" Falenas' grinned and grabbed the bag Griffin motioned to. "With this, my lab back at my clinic will be better than ever."
"Viera, since you are the only one of us capable of casting spells, the spell scroll of Dispel Magic is yours, along with a wand of healing and some potions," Griffin told the priestess. "I trust that you will make great use of this."
"Indeed I will," Viera said and bowed her head thanks. "I'll make sure these gifts go to help those in need."
"Alexander,Takota, your items are more practical," Griffin turned to his two remaining companions. "The handy haversack, the largest bag, goes to Alexander, and within is a traveler's any-tool, a potion of healing, and a ring of protection. Takota, inside the smaller bag is a ring of swimming, some tanglefoot bags, and two potions, one for healing and one for your sight. They've been marked accordingly."
"Thanks," Takota grunted and grabbed his bag.
"What about you?" Alexander asked Griffin. "You picked out something for yourself, right?"
"Indeed," Griffin nodded. "I've taken for myself a nice pair of lockpicks, a silver dagger, a potion of invisibility, and magical leather armor. I trust that everyone is content with what items you've received."
Everyone nodded in agreement. If they were jealous that someone else had received an item they wanted, they didn't share because they were fine with what they had. At least they would be able to go onto the next part of the discussion without any ill will towards one another. Griffin took a moment to look at each of his friends, unsure of how to continue.
"Is something wrong, Griffin?" Viera asked.
Griffin sighed. "Just thinking about the future of our group."
"What of it?" Alexander questioned.
"We're without the Korvosan Guard's protection for the most part, and after all we've done, Queen Ileosa likely knows who we are," Griffin informed the group, keeping his tone quiet in case anyone overhears the conversation. "She'll likely keep an eye on us, and given the state Korvosa finds itself in, she may see us as a problem if we continue working together."
Viera gasped. "Are you saying that we should disband? After everything we've done together?"
"It's for our own safety," Griffin answered with a slow nod. "We can stay in touch and I hope we do so, but if we continue going on adventures in the city, we'll likely be targeted if we stand against the queen's interests, even unintentionally."
"Could we not go on adventures outside of Korvosa?" Viera asked, looking at the rest of her friends for their input.
"Truth be told, the adventuring life isn't for me," Falenas admitted. "I am thankful to count you as some of the few friends I have, but when I think about it, my future would be better spent with a stable life at my home."
"I've spent enough time away from Silana with what we've done already," Alexander sighed. "I shouldn't spend more."
"People would question where I was if I went on adventures away from the city," Griffin told Viera. "I'm sorry but it's come to this. I don't think this will be permanent but we need to go on a break."
"I suppose all of you have a point," Viera slowly sunk back into her seat in defeat. "I just wish things could have gone differently."
"As do I," Alexander agreed.
"I imagine that we'll have a chance to work together again soon," Griffin said. "For now, we're fortunate enough to escape the attention of anyone who would wish harm upon our group. Let's get our lives in order and see what the future holds."
It was a difficult decision to disband the group even for a short period of time but it had to be done. Griffin was convinced that if they continued, they would eventually be forced to side against Queen Ileosa, and as of now, it was too early. They lacked the power to stand against Korvosa and the noble still thought that Alexander was too loyal to the throne. For now, they had to wait. If the queen was truly a terrible tyrant as Griffin believed her to be now, they would be given reason to unite together soon enough and with the backing of many citizens.
Falenas was the first to stand up from his seat. It didn't surprise anyone that the alchemist was the first to leave. Although he had become friends with the adventurers, he always had his mind set on running his shop and clinic than fighting. Had they not had a common enemy, he likely wouldn't have met the group to begin with.
"If any of you are ever sick, come and find me," Falenas told his friends. "First visit will be free of charge. I make no promises afterwards."
Alexander laughed. "I'll be sure to come to you the next time Silana has a cold. Take care, Falenas."
"You as well," Falenas said and turned to Takota. "Make sure that you eat. I'd hate for you to starve without me."
"The Sable Marine Company has a mess hall," Takota informed Falenas.
The elf rolled his eyes. "You're going to become a man of the law and become boring, just like Alexander."
"Excuse me?" Alexander asked, standing up.
"Until next time we meet, my friends!" Falenas said with a chuckle and made his way out of the den to end the conversation.
"You'll have to ask for clarification the next time you see him," Griffin laughed.
"I should get going," Takota said and stood up. "Thank you all."
"What are you thanking us for?" Viera asked.
"For being friends."
Those three words were enough to remind the remaining adventurers of what Takota's life was before joining up with the group. He had no one but himself when he joined the group to avenge his parents by killing Gaedren. Since then, the Shoanti found friends that he could rely on and was about to start a new chapter in his life by flying with the Sable Marine Company. Griffin offered a quick wave as Takota made his way to the exit, wondering when he'll see the archer again.
Griffin stood up and walked toward Alexander. The two had their differences but they had a mutual respect for each other regardless of what they thought. Even with their recent argument, Griffin still thought kindly of Alexander. Although he was disappointed that the warrior wouldn't make a sacrifice for the greater good, the noble respected that he had ideals worth holding onto. Griffin figured that next time the group came together, it would be Alexander to bring them together. He was the kind of leader they needed to prevail against their foes.
"I wish you the best of luck working with the Korvosan Guard," Griffin said and extended his hand. "It fits you. I know you'll do well."
"Thank you," Alexander said and shook his hand. "Try not to get into too much trouble as Indigo."
"I make no promise on that," Griffin smirked.
Viera stood up and smiled although her eyes couldn't hide her sadness over the group disbanding. Griffin's smirk faded away when he realized that he was going to miss Viera. He could try to visit her at the Pantheon of Many but she had her duties at the temple and he knew that gossip would be quick to spread. There were ways for them to stay in touch, but for now, he would have to keep his distance and wait for their next meeting.
"Take care, both of you," Viera told the two. "It was an honor to fight alongside the both of you against the evils that lurk in Korvosa. I hope one day that we'll be able to continue acting as a group."
"I believe we shall," Griffin nodded softly. "Take care, Viera."
"Silana will want to visit you," Alexander chuckled. "She likes you a lot. We'll be sure to stop by the Pantheon of Many for worship."
"I look forward to that," Viera said.
Viera stepped forward and hugged Alexander. After they let go of each other, she turned to Griffin and hugged him as well. The noble turned away from the two after the hug, careful to hide his cheeks that turned red. Viera and Alexander left the room soon afterwards with the priestess heading toward the door and the warrior heading upstairs to find Silana. It pained Griffin to see them both go but he reminded himself that it was necessary.
Although the others hadn't asked, Griffin did have plans for what he planned to do by himself. The broken key dagger matched with something that he found all the way back when dealing with Gaedren, and if it was what he thought it was, it could connect to a mystery Korvosa had yet to solve. Griffin had the resources to work out the clues while Indigo had the anonymity to investigate himself. He just hoped that he wasn't getting himself into too much trouble.
Griffin made his way out of the den and toward the stairs to head into his room. As he made his way up, he almost bumped into Tiran and realized that there were two things off about his brother. Tiran's smile had been replaced with a frown and his expression was serious. Even more alarming was the cane that he held loosely in his left hand.
It was the same cane that Griffin sacrificed at the execution and that Blackjack later escaped with.
"Griffin."
"Tiran."
"I need you to be honest with me," Tiran looked Griffin in the eyes. "Did you have anything to do with what happened at the execution?"
"Brother, I assure you that I wasn't working with Blackjack," Griffin said. Technically, it was the truth.
Tiran narrowed his eyes and slowly held the cane to Griffin. "Very well. I trust that you won't get yourself into trouble."
"Of course," Griffin accepted the cane. "I wouldn't dishonor our family name anymore."
"Just stay safe with whatever it is you do," Tiran said and stepped back. "That's all I need to know."
Tiran walked away and Griffin looked in confusion. Was he simply being the overprotective brother or did he know more than he let on? That would be a mystery that stuck with him until he found out the truth.
Although the rest of the neighborhood was still recovering, Alexander's house had been rebuilt. Tiran came through, seeing that new windows and doors were installed and even brought in new furniture to replace what had been destroyed or stolen. He had even gifted Silana new toys that were arranged neatly in her bedroom. With the riots finally dying down, Alexander felt safe in his home. He would have to make arrangements to have someone watch Silana when he was at work but he felt that the streets were finally safe enough to have a normal life.
Alexander wasn't sure what to think of the current political situation in Korvosa. He felt that a good citizen should be loyal to their leader but Ileosa made that difficult. Although he wasn't sure if Trinia was innocent or not, even he felt that she deserved a proper trial rather than going straight to an execution. However, he couldn't risk rescuing her even when Griffin approached him with the idea. The rebellious noble had good intentions, but unlike Alexander, he didn't have a child to worry about.
He would miss fighting with the rest of his friends against threats to the city but it was time to take on safer work. Patrols with the Korvosan Guard would be simple enough. He would work to keep the city safe with authority and return home when it was time to be a good father to Silana. In the back of his mind, Alexander thought about if he was setting the right example for his daughter. He thought that working for the Korvosan Guard would show respect to the law but he heard what many citizens thought of loyalty to the throne. He was fortunate enough that Silana was young enough not to know of the political unrest but wondered what she would think when she was older.
Night came and Alexander tucked Silana in. His worries of what she would think of him would remain but there was little that he could do. Slowly, he made his way back to his room, questioning his actions. It was true that he helped stop wars before they happened, he was more focused on the lives of those he affected. Verik, a rebel who fed the starving, was confined to prison, and Trinia's name would go down in scandal even if she was found innocent. He thought that Cressida was a good woman, someone worth following, and while it helped reassure him that his work with the Korvosan Guard was good, he continued to doubt what the right thing to do was.
"You've been through quite a lot, Alexander."
Alexander gasped and turned to see Zellara standing in the room. Slowly, he sighed and shook his head. "And you've been quiet."
"I didn't want to scare your friends," Zellara quietly laughed. "I saw everything though. You still keep my deck with you."
"That's right," Alexander said, his hand brushing against the deck of cards on his belt. "So, what do you think about what I've done?"
"I think you've done well given the circumstances," Zellara answered with a smile. "The city will heal and your daughter is safe. You and your friends are heroes."
"Are we?" Alexander questioned and shook his head. "I find it hard to believe."
Zellara walked toward Alexander. "The harrowing I read to you and the others told me that and I still believe it. I also believe that there is more to your story that is yet to come."
Alexander remained quiet, unsure of whether to accept Zellara's words or not. The spirit vanished and he let go of the harrowing deck he carried after setting it down on a nightstand. Tiran didn't know that Alexander kept his equipment in a chest that had been stolen by looters so he was forced to leave his weapons, armor, and magical items in a closet. Soon enough, he would have gear given by the Korvosan Guard to wear while at work and wouldn't need his personal equipment.
With his gear stowed away, Alexander sat on the bed and clasped his hands together. If there was something that he learned during his time as an adventurer, it was that Korvosa had many problems. Until one forced him to take action, he would do whatever it took to keep Silana safe.
A/N: And with that, Edge of Anarchy is finished. If you've made it this far, I hope that you've enjoyed the story.
I'm quite happy with how this story has turned out. 88,000 words over the course of 23 chapters is no small feat in my opinion and I've genuinely enjoyed writing this story. The Pathfinder fanfic community is small from what I gather but I am proud of my 480 views, 5 favorites, and 2 reviews and followers respectively.
I'd like to briefly acknowledge those of you who've supported this story through either following, favoriting, or leaving a review: OtongLord, Badork11, erk22, HellFireDuos, and boyzlightning21. This support means a lot to me.
Now there is the matter of what comes next for Curse of the Crimson Throne. I regret to say that for now, it'll be quite a bit of time before we see these characters in action again. I believe that to tell this story arc effectively, I should finish the Rise of the Runelords series in case the events from that story effect what happens over in Curse of the Crimson Throne as I believe it might.
Still, writing the adventures of Alexander, Griffin, Viera, Falenas, and Takota was quite enjoyable, and I may end up writing a short story that takes place between Edge of Anarchy and the next part of the adventure path, Seven Days to the Grave, where our heroes contend with a deadly plague threatening Korvosa. I also have thought about doing a prequel about the characters before Edge of Anarchy but not sure about going down that path. I don't think it would be a lot to tell with one exception, although that verges on secrets I want to reveal another time. But if you disagree with me and want to what our characters were up to before, I may be convinced to write about that.
Until next time.