The group was able to escort Trinia back to Citadel Volshyenek where she was placed in a private cell with only a few trustworthy guards knowing of her status. Cressida promised to do what she could to question her fairly and ensure that she is given a proper trial which was enough to help the adventurer's worries for now. The field marshal also saw that they were paid a thousand gold altogether and gave them the rest of the day off. With no other problems to contend with, they would be on standby for the next problem to emerge.

Griffin had let the others return to the barracks and changed out of his disguise without letting anyone catch sight of him. He returned to his estate, already thinking of ways to find out the truth regarding if the king was killed or not. There was little chance that he would be able to search the castle and Falenas had already searched Trinia's apartment without success. When he made it home, Griffin wrote a letter and had a messenger deliver it to Cressida, once again asking for a chance to question the guard who confessed. If he could find any hole in his testimony, it may be enough to let Trinia off the hook.

The next day, Griffin prepared himself for the day in his room. He didn't think that he needed his mask or rapier as Indigo and left it stored safely out of place so that the house's servants wouldn't find his tools. For now, he would play the role of the noble and use his role as a benefactor to help the Korvosan Guard. When he made his way downstairs, he was surprised to see Tiran standing with Silana by the door. The two brothers had a brief talk over the day's event when the younger brother returned but no plans were made. Griffin looked at Tiran with a confused expression, unsure of what he had planned.

"There he is," Tiran said with a smile. "Are you ready, Silana?"

"Yep!" the young girl answered.

"Is there something I should know, brother?" Griffin asked. "I wasn't aware that you had plans."

"We wanted to surprise you and the others," Tiran grinned. "Since I heard the others had the day off, I thought I could bring Silana to see her father and help out everyone else as I could."

"I see," Griffin nodded. "Be that as it may, I have business I wanted to take care of at Citadel Volshyenek. Are you sure this is the best time to visit?"

Tiran's smile remained. "What can I say? You've been doing so much for the city since the king's death and I've been here for the most part. I may not be able to do what you do but I have my own way of helping."

"Are we ready to leave?" Silana asked impatiently.

"I suppose you do have a point," Griffin admitted. "We'll head to Citadel Volshyenek together."

Silana cheered and the three left the estate and walked toward Citadel Volshyenek. Griffin was curious about Tiran wanting to help in his own way. Truth be told, his older brother was better than him in any way. Tiran always won their private duels and was more athletic as well. Although both brothers had a carefree spirit, Tiran was clever than most people gave him credit for. Whenever he smiled, there was always something on his mind, a plan or an idea that others had yet to realize.

Slowly, Griffin considered the possibility that Tiran knew the truth of how his brother helped the adventurers. It didn't help that the younger noble had spent more time away from the estate than he used to, something that wouldn't go unnoticed. It wouldn't be a surprise if Tiran was able to find out his secret, even if it was a leap in logic to accuse Griffin of fighting crime in a mask. He reminded himself to be more careful with his secret identity, especially when it came to his family.

Eventually, the trio arrived at Citadel Volshyenek. Griffin arranged for a guard to escort Tiran and Silana to Alexander after explaining their purpose. When he inquired about talking to Cressida regarding his message, the noble was informed that he would have to wait. Griffin didn't mind waiting and was escorted to a waiting room. He took a seat and waited patiently for a chance to confirm if Trinia is innocent or not.

X

Alexander was surprised by Tiran's arrival at the mess hall but gratefully embraced his daughter when she ran up to him. It was a nice interruption to the breakfast he finished with the rest of his companions. They were even more surprised by Tiran's offer of spending time with him in the city. Griffin's brother was someone that they all knew but even with his brief visits kept his distance from their adventures on behalf of the Korvosan Guard. Still, Alexander was thankful for Tiran looking out for Silana and thought that it would be a good idea to enjoy their break with him.

Viera and Falenas both agreed to Tiran's offer, and with nothing else to do, Takota joined up with the rest of the group. They left Citadel Volshyenek, and at the noble's suggestion, left for the Gold Market, which happened to be in the same district they were currently in. The Gold Market was the largest market in the city with merchants running different stands to sell their wares. With Citadel Volshyenek being so near, there was no worry of riots, allowing for the merchants to attend to their business.

Alexander wasn't too interested in shopping as Falenas and Viera were, but with Silana curious as to what each merchant had to offer, did his best to keep up with his daughter. Eventually, the group found their way to a silk tent that Falenas suggested going to. The merchant, a man by the name of Sagitar Tigaun, supposedly sold magical trinkets. While Silana was interested in an assortment of rings, Alexander quickly realized that a lot of the items were out of his price range. Viera and Takota browsed and likewise couldn't afford anything the merchant had to offer.

Falenas was in a similar state as his companions but that didn't stop him from trying to haggle over a bag. "I am only a thousand gold short. Surely, we can work out a payment plan of some kind."

Sagitar shook his head. "Falenas, I doubt that you could have made so much gold from being a healer when the city's falling apart."

"I've been working with the Korvosan Guard," Falenas revealed. "They're paying me plenty of gold. If I continue our work, I can pay off the remaining gold after a few more jobs."

"In that case, you can come back once you have the amount in full," Sagitar told Falenas firmly. "I can't risk putting you on any kind of plan when you're likely to die somewhere in the city."

"But in order to effectively complete the tasks so I can earn that gold, I will need that bag."

"Is that bag really special?" Silana asked in a hushed tone to Alexander. "It looks small."

"Falenas has been here before, so he must know what it can do," Alexander answered back.

Tiran stepped up to join Falenas. "Is there a problem?"

"Just that Falenas still doesn't have the gold for the bag of holding he wants," Sagitar explained briefly.

Falenas sighed. "My worth to the Korvosan Guard is determined by how well I can fight. I'm not much of a warrior and as such, I rely on alchemical potions and bombs. However, my body is quite frail and I can only carry so much. With this bag of holding, I can carry more of my creations, get more done for the Korvosan Guard, and get you the gold."

"And should some low life thug stab his knife through your throat?" Sagitar questioned. "I'll be out of a thousand gold and a bag of holding!"

"I see only one solution," Tiran tapped his chin in thought. "Falenas, allow me to pay for the remaining gold. I still owe you for helping my brother recover from filth fever."

"That is true," Falenas nodded. "Very well. I accept your very generous offer."

Tiran and Falenas paid Sagitar and the alchemist attached the bag of holding to his belt. It came as a surprise to Alexander that Tiran was willing to help Falenas in such a way. He figured that the Vossler family was wealthy but he didn't think that they were willing to spend so much gold to help people who were essentially mercenaries helping the family. Griffin never offered to help fund for such large expenses but perhaps his older brother had more gold to spare.

When the group left the tent, Viera smiled at Tiran. "That was very kind of you, Tiran."

"I'm just doing my part," Tiran smiled. "I feel guilty about letting you do all the fighting so I figured the least I could do was use what advantages I had as a noble to help you, such as paying for the reconstruction of your home, Alexander, and your clinic, Falenas."

"You didn't have to," Alexander quickly said.

Tiran waved his hand dismissively. "It's too late to talk me out of it. The money's been paid already. Besides, I couldn't let little Silana stay without a home forever."

"Then I suppose I shall have to find a way to thank you one day," Alexander nodded in acceptance.

"Just continue to look out for Griffin," Tiran requested. "That's all I have to ask of you."

"As for me, I suppose I shall have to let you and your family come to my clinic for free," Falenas said. "A small sacrifice to pay for being able to get back to business in the near future."

Silana, who was focused on the merchant stands instead of the conversation, pointed forward. "Look! Animals!"

Before Alexander could stop her, Silana walked to a stand that sold pets. Her father and his companions quickly joined her and took the opportunity to look at the different animals. The merchant had different reptiles, birds, and mammals locked away in cages as they screeched, hissed, or barked at different citizens that passed by. The stand was quite popular even though it was loud.

Alexander thought that Silana would be focused on the kittens the merchants had to offer since she had talked about wanting one before. However, he was surprised to see his daughter instead approach a cage that had a mastiff inside of it. The canine had light brown fur and looked at the girl with gentle eyes. Silana smiled at the dog and quickly waved Tiran over. Alexander quickly walked next to the noble, realizing that the two had a plan.

"How about this one?" Silana asked Tiran.

"That is a fine specimen," Tiran commented, looking over the mastiff. "They mainly work as guards but I think you made an excellent pick. I'll go and speak to the merchant about it."

"Just a moment," Alexander said. "Silana, we're not in a position to take a pet. You can adopt one when we have a home."

"Dad, this dog isn't for me," Silana told her father. "It's for you."

"Huh?" Alexander gasped.

"I just thought you could use another friend," Silana continued. "Tiran tells me you're so busy working that I wasn't sure if you were alone."

"Silana suggested a pet and I agreed with her," Tiran said with a nod. "I imagine this dog is well-trained. He could fight alongside you."

"I'm not sure if that's the best idea," Alexander admitted, then sighed. "But it's worth a try. Thank you, Silana, for thinking about me. I promise to do what I can to get back to you more often."

Silana smiled widely. "I can't wait!"

"I'll handle the arrangements," Tiran said and quickly held a hand up when Alexander tried to protest. "Again, I am doing my part."

"What do you want to name him?" Silana asked Alexander, motioning to the dog that perked his head up at the conversation.

"Perhaps something noble," Alexander thought out loud. "How about Duke?"

"I like it!"

Duke rested his head down on the ground. Alexander still had his doubts on if the mastiff would help with his duties as a Korvosan Guard, but for the sake of making his daughter happy, he would give it a try.

X

"What do you mean he's dead?!"

"It was as much of a shock to me as it is to you now," Cressida told Griffin. "All I was told was that he threw himself to his death from the top of one of Castle Korvosa's towers."

Griffin paced back and forth in Cressida's office. If it weren't for his repeated habit, he would have forgotten to walk with a limp in front of someone who knew the truth. He had hoped for a chance to question the guard who served as the sole witness against Trinia to find a hole in his testimony that would help reveal the painter's innocence.

He wasn't sure what to do after hearing that the guard was dead.

"Do you really think that he committed suicide?" Griffin questioned between steps. "It's absurd!"

"I know," Cressida nodded in agreement. "I didn't want to alarm you and the others, but when I first saw the guard, I could tell that he was clearly tortured."

"And you hid that from us?" Griffin turned to Cressida with a glare. "Did you not think to inform us that this could be a conspiracy?"

Cressida narrowed her eyes at Griffin. "And what would you have done? Would you and your friends be willing to take on the queen now?"

Griffin remained silent.

"That's what I thought," Cressida said. "Even if it is a conspiracy, the damage has been done. The angry mobs would have torn Trinia apart if they found her. I thought it would be best for you and your group to stop that."

Griffin sighed to calm himself. "Does Queen Ileosa know that we have Trinia?"

"Not yet but it's possible that rumor will spread," Cressida admitted. "If the queen were to send someone to collect her, there is little I can do to stop her."

"What do we do now?" Griffin asked.

"I've had a spellcaster question Trinia and he determined that she was telling the truth," Cressida explained. "I'm working on presenting her case to the royal court but believe that we should move her somewhere safe. I have a friend working on that but it will be another day or two before he's ready."

"I'd like to be there for the transfer," Griffin questioned. "Let the others get their rest."

"I shall send word when the time comes," Cressida said after a moment of thought. "Be ready when it does."

Griffin nodded. "In the meantime, perhaps I can be of some assistance with Trinia's legal defense. As a noble of Korvosa, I studied the law intensely. I can help."

"That would be great."

Griffin wasn't sure what Ileosa was trying to accomplish with trying to frame Ileosa. It could be that the queen was responsible for murdering her husband or perhaps she wanted to dismiss the rumors that she was responsible and this was the only idea she had. What he did know was that whatever Ileosa had planned, Griffin and his friends had gotten in her way by saving Trinia. There was no going back now. He needed to go all in on saving Trinia and hoped that they would be spared from the wrath of the queen when all was done.

X

Takota didn't buy anything from the Gold Market as his companions did from hours of searching. He had no need of anything the merchants had to offer. His arrows were well stocked thanks to the Korvosan Guard's quartermaster and anything else was a luxury that he had no need for. Tiran kept offering different goods for the archer, even going so far as to say that he'll pay for them. Takota turned the noble away each time. The archer wasn't sure what the noble had in mind but figured that he was trying to take advantage of him in some way.

It wasn't until lunch that Takota finally let Tiran pay for something. The noble suggested that the Creaky Hammock would be a good spot to share a meal together. Although Alexander had some concerns for his daughter given the reputation of rowdy sailors that the Creaky Hammock had, Tiran assured the warrior that at this time of day, there wouldn't be any problem. Although Takota was willing to pay for his own food, he knew it was a waste of time to argue with Tiran and let the noble have his way.

At least Tiran was true to his word about there being no rowdy sailors. There wasn't much of a crowd at the tavern to begin with. Aside from the tavern workers, the only other people around were a group of men at their own table. They were in uniform but not with the Korvosan Guard. The insignia on their shoulder pads, a red anchor with two small feathered wings at its side, was familiar to Takota but he couldn't name what organization they were with from that alone. Their attitude was cheerful as they were comrades but they weren't too loud.

Alexander and Viera were entertaining Silana with tales of their adventures while Falenas silently wrote notes on a piece of parchment for a new formula he was working on. Only Takota noticed Tiran slipping away from the table to join the men. The archer was quick to note that the noble was quick to make conversation with the group and joined in on their laughter and jokes. In particular, it seemed as though Tiran was old friends with the group's leader, a middle-aged man with graying blond hair.

Takota was curious as to what Tiran was up to, and without letting his friends know, silently stood up. He approached the table with Tiran and his friend quickly taking notice of his approach. The noble gestured to Takota with a grin.

"And would you look at that?" Tiran turned to his friend. "This is the man I was talking about."

"Is that so?" the middle-age man noted, looking Takota up and down. "I can see why you think he would make for a good recruit."

"Recruit?" Takota questioned quietly.

Tiran nodded. "Where are my manners? Introductions are in order. Takota, this is Marcus Endrin, Commandant of the Sable Marine Company."

"It's good to meet you, Takota," Marcus stood up and extended his hand. "Tiran told me you were helping out with the Korvosan Guard with some friends."

"Right," Takota said, and after a moment, shook the commandant's hand.

"Now, from what I hear, the deal you have with the Korvosan Guard isn't permanent employment, so I thought that you might be interested in what lies next," Tiran explained. "I heard that you were interested in the Sable Marines."

"And where did you hear that from?" Takota asked the noble wearily.

"It was Viera's suggestion," Tiran answered.

"I see," Takota said.

"As it stands, the Sable Marine Company could use more fresh recruits," Marcus noted. "Tiran speaks highly of your honor, and if Field Marshal Kroft were to write a letter of recommendation, you would be well on your way to being accepted. I imagine that we'll have to teach you some tricks of the trade, but if it's something you're interested in, I'm sure you'll make for a great candidate."

Takota nodded. "Thank you."

"Now, if you'll excuse us, Commandant Endrin, but I think the rest of our party is ready to go," Tiran said. "We should get going, Takota. Let's go."

Tiran stood up and slapped Takota on the back to congratulate him. Marcus smiled politely at Takota and rejoined the rest of his marines for a meal. Takota stood in place before his friend's encouragement had him join them toward the exit. Although he remained stoic, he thought about what it would be to fly across the city on the back of a hippogriff.

Perhaps Tiran wasn't so bad afterall.

X

By mid afternoon, the group was on their way back to Citadel Volshyenek. Falenas wanted to test an idea for a new bomb he thought that he could wait and Takota mentioned wanting to speak to Cressida. Alexander, wanting to spend more time with his daughter, agreed to Tiran's offer to stay the night at the Vossler estate. Overall, Viera thought that today was a good day and enjoyed her time.

When they arrived at the gates of Citadel Volshyenek, Tiran quietly pulled Viera aside for a quick conversation with just the two of them. When Viera noted the serious expression on his face, she wondered what was going on in his mind. He was more relaxed than his younger brother so to see him without a smile meant that whatever he wanted to speak about was important.

"Is something wrong?" Viera asked, unable to hide her concern.

"I'm not sure," Tiran tapped his chin in thought. "You know, Griffin spends more time away from home since he's met you."

"Is that a problem?"

Tiran chuckled. "Normally, no, but I am curious. Is he just your employer?"

"What do you mean by that?" Viera questioned, blinking in confusion.

"I hear the way Griffin talks about you, and of the others," Tiran explained. "It almost has me think that he does more than just handle your paperwork. So, I'm going to ask you to tell me the truth. Has Griffin joined you on any of your tasks given by the Korvosan Guard?"

After a day to unwind, Viera was caught off guard by the question. She could understand that Tiran was worried for his brother's safety, and after all they've been through today, she hated the idea of lying to him. Yet, Griffin wanted to keep his identity a secret, and if Tiran didn't know already, it meant his actions were to be a secret even from his family. Viera wished that Griffin told her what to say if anyone had questioned so deeply about his role in their group.

Viera couldn't forgive herself if she lied now but knew that she couldn't betray Griffin either.

"There was that time when we went to Eel's End," Viera answered. "Griffin came along with us, thinking that he could barter better with the King of Spiders than any of us."

"I see," Tiran nodded, studying Viera's expression. "And there was no violence?"

"Other than Alexander getting into a knife fight," Viera said with a quiet laugh.

"I think I remember Griffin telling me something like that," Tiran laughed louder than she did. "I am glad to hear that my brother knows to stay safe. I trust that you and the others will protect him if anything were to happen."

"Of course," Viera answered without hesitation. "I promise that."

"It's good to hear that my brother has great friends," Tiran said. "Sorry to keep you waiting. We should head on into the keep."

Tiran led the way with Viera falling in two steps from behind. She knew that Tiran was a good friend but couldn't shake the feeling that he was onto something regarding what Griffin was really up to. The priestess would have to find time to share this with the rest of her companions another time. She knew that she wouldn't have a chance to today since Tiran would likely leave with Griffin and Alexander but it wasn't something that they could just push away.

Since it was likely that they would go back to working with the Korvosan Guard tomorrow, Viera wasn't sure of a good time to tell Griffin about the questions his brother asked.

A/N: So, I wasn't able to get the chapter done when I thought I would. And it didn't help me that I fell sick with a cold all of last week. But I'm back to writing and we have another update here.

Another transition chapter for the most part, meant to foreshadow some character development and changes to what some of the characters can do in combat. Still, I think this is a fun chapter as I get to give all of the main cast a chance to shine.

If you haven't heard already, finishing Edge of Anarchy is one of my goals for this month. Even with the cold I got over, I confidently believe that I will be able to finish this story before the month is over. Stay tuned for further updates.

Finally, thank you BadOrk11 for leaving a review. To answer your questions...

1. I think it's safe to say that at some point in the future, I will write a Starfinder fanfiction. I just really love the setting Paizo created and would love to do more with it. At the same time, it isn't an immediate goal of mine to start a Starfinder story. I haven't done any research into Starfinder's system or story yet. Once I do get started on that, it'll likely be a matter of time before I start writing about Starfinder. To sum up, while I cannot give a date on when it will happen, writing a Starfinder fanfic is most likely to happen at some point.

2. Regarding the reading order of Tyranny of Dragons, I've updated my author's profile to have the reading order at the bottom. Tyranny of Dragons is in an interesting spot right now. I started writing it as a teenager and thought it would be fun to jump between 3-4 adventuring groups leading up to the final battle. Not sure if that was the smartest choice but I'm sticking with it out of hope that it will all work out in the future. If you have any further questions regarding the reading order, feel reach to reach out to me through private messaging.

Until next time.