Griffin and Falenas had successfully taken whatever valuable loot they could find from the Dead Warrens. Rolth and his minions had luxurious items and even a few magical items of note. The two dropped the items off at the Vossler estate so that in his free time, Griffin could assess the items, sell what they didn't need, and distribute the rest of the items and gold to the group. Alexander came along to the manor after returning Gaekhen's body and explained that Cressida was taking care of handling the body and had paid the group for their services. They had yet to find Viera and Takota but believed that they were still at the Pantheon of Many.

Alexander and Falenas decided to go on patrol around the city for any trouble. However, Griffin knew that his day was far from over.

Before joining the others on the way to the Dead Warrens, Griffin talked with Cressida in private about Trinia. He had learned from the field marshal that they were going to move the artist somewhere safe during the night so that the queen's agents simply couldn't take her away once the Korvosan Guard moved forward with a trial for her. While he wasn't told where Trinia would be taken, Griffin volunteered to help ensure that she made it there, and was accepted.

He decided against telling the rest of his group about the plan, even if they could help. Although Griffin fought alongside Alexander several times, he knew that the warrior held some loyalty to Queen Ileosa and wouldn't approve of secretly moving Trinia. Even though Viera was kind and just, she served Iomedae, and the noble was afraid that she would see moving Trinia to somewhere secret as helping her escape justice. Falenas had no loyalty to the queen or the law of Korvosa, but at the end of the day, the elf was a pragmatic man who wouldn't be easily convinced to risk his neck for treason. Takota was the only one that Griffin thought he could trust, but since he had already decided against taking the rest of the group, he would leave the archer behind as well.

During the night, Griffin arrived at Citadel Volshyenek, concealed by a cloak. It was tempting to wear his disguise as Indigo but that was a secret he hoped to keep from the Korvosan Guard still. The guards posted at the gate were those that Cressida trusted and they recognized Griffin from the cane they he carried. They let the noble through, and after taking a few steps, he was surprised to see a familiar face.

"Vencarlo?"

The duelist offered a quick wave to Griffin. "It's good to see you again."

"I concur," Griffin nodded, still taken aback. "But what are you doing here so late?"

"The same thing as you," Vencarlo grinned. "Cressida informed me of Trinia's situation. I have graciously agreed to escort her to a safehouse in Old Korvosa."

"Will she be safe there?" Griffin asked, his voice growing quiet in case anyone was listening in.

"For a time, yes," Vencarlo answered. "I'm waiting to hear from a friend outside the city who will be able to offer her more permanent shelter until the matter of the accusations against her are settled."

"It seems that you are well prepared for this," Griffin noted. "Should we get going?"

"Of course," Vencarlo said and reached into one of his pockets. "Cressida provided me with a key to her cell. It'll be the two of us escorting her, but in the cover of darkness, we shouldn't have any problem."

Griffin and Vencarlo walked together to the cell that Trinia was being held in. The noble felt reassured to be joined by the duelist in this task. It was no secret that Vencarlo was a critic against the monarchy and could be trusted not to reveal where Trinia was. The two had shared some of their secrets with each other, forming a bond that allowed them to work together tonight.

They passed by several cells that had prisoners asleep for the most part. There were a few awake that glanced at the two that passed by in the dimly lit halls. The only prisoner that Griffin recognized was Verik, who sat up on his cot and watched him walk by with interest in his eyes. The noble was confident that the ex-guard didn't realize that he was the masked man that talked him down at All The World's Meats. Time had flown by since then and there were much more pressing matters on his mind.

When Griffin and Vencarlo made it to an isolated part of the prison with very few prisoners, the duelist held his hand up. Griffin paused and realized that there were footsteps coming in from behind. Cressida assured him that she would divert patrols away from the area where Trinia was being held. The noble realized that something was about to go wrong.

There was a trio of armored warriors approaching the two, heading in the same direction of Trinia's cell. Their faces were concealed by a helmet that had a single red plume extending out from it. Whoever they were, they weren't with the Korvosan Guard. Still, Griffin wasn't willing to give up so easily. Against Vencarlo's objections, he stepped forward to meet their stride and planted his feet and cane firmly in place to show he wasn't going to budge.

"You don't look like you're with the Korvosan Guard," Griffin commented. "I think you should turn back now before I report-"

The trio kept marching forward, and when the one in the center of the formation reached Griffin, she interrupted him with a punch to his gut that knocked the wind out from him. He collapsed down onto the ground in pain.

"What madness is this!" Vencarlo said, storming forward.

The center warrior held a parchment towards the duelist and spoke in a feminine tone. "Prisoner transfer by orders of the queen. Stand aside, Vencarlo, or else you'll end up worse than your new protegé."

Griffin tried to object but could only let out a sharp yell when one of the other guards stepped on his hand. The third kicked his cane out of his grip and it moved away. With a sigh, Vencarlo slowly stepped aside, letting the trio through. The duelist knelt by Griffin, helping him recover and get back on his feet by giving him his cane. Still, the two could only frown as they realized that it was too late to take Trinia somewhere safe.

The trio returned with two of them dragging a screaming Trinia away. Griffin glanced away from the painter although he couldn't stop himself from hearing her pleas of innocence and begging to be let go. The noble wanted to do more but to act without his disguise would risk not just his reputation and life but that of his friends and his family. He could only stand by and watch as Vencarlo patted him on the back in an attempt to comfort him.

"It's out of our hands now," Vencarlo sighed. "Now, we hope for a miracle to save Trinia from what's to come."

Griffin nodded, gripping his cane tightly. It would take more than a miracle to save Trinia from her fate.

By midday the next day, criers called out news that Trinia had been apprehended and put on trial. She had been sentenced to death and was to be executed tomorrow at sunset with the public invited to watch. Although the queen said that the trial wasn't made public to prevent riots, Griffin knew the truth. There had been no trial for Trinia. She was to be a scapegoat so that the queen could put the rumors of if she had murdered her husband to rest. Whether Ileosa murdered Eodred II or not remained a mystery but she was going to murder an innocent artist through her actions.

Griffin summoned his companions to his estate. He knew that they heard of Trinia's upcoming execution but not what led to the announcement. Tiran was away to speak with merchants concerning a trade deal and Griffin had dismissed his servants for the day so that they wouldn't eavesdrop on his conversation. He also arranged for Tiran to take Silana as well so that he and his friends could talk about their work in private. It was time to discuss what action they would take regarding Trinia's coming execution.

The group gathered in a den at Griffin's manor. Viera and Falenas took a seat on a couch while Alexander and Takota stood across from them, likely knowing what Griffin wanted to discuss. They were all surprised when the noble told them of his dealings with Cressida. They learned the fate of the guard that testified against Trinia and the plot to move the painter to a safehouse. Griffin continued to explain what happened last night with his facts proven by his bruised hand.

Viera leaned forward, resting her arms on a table as she clasped her hands together. She didn't look at any of her companions and was no doubt contemplating on what Iomedae would do in this situation. Falenas rested against the comfortable cushions without a care in the world and Takota crossed his arms, listening intently. Alexander realized what Griffin was plotting and started to pace in place throughout the story, waiting for the noble to pose the idea that was on his mind. The warrior would be the hardest to convince but he had to try.

"Together, we've accomplished much for the good of Korvosa," Griffin said after telling his story. "Together, we can save a life."

"The life of an assassin," Alexander pointed out and shook his head. "To break her out of prison would be madness."

"I suppose telling you that breaking her out during her execution isn't any better," Griffin said with a weak chuckle.

Alexander glared at Griffin. "You're insane."

"I'm with Alexander on this," Falenas said with a quick nod. "We've dealt with criminal gangs successfully but to take on royalty would be a futile effort."

"You're a good man, Alexander, and I know that you're smarter than you let on," Griffin said, advancing on his friend. "You know that it is suspicious that the only witness to Trinia's deeds is dead. Queen Ileosa had him killed."

"Which is in her right if so," Alexander argued. "That guard admitted to being part of the conspiracy. He was working with Trinia which is treason, an offense that is punishable by death."

"We uncovered no evidence that Trinia was responsible for the king's death," Griffin shot back, his voice growing higher with anger. "She has continued to profess her innocence which is backed by magical questioning."

"And is that supposed to assure me?" Alexander asked. "I know little of magic but I know that it can be flawed, that it can be overcomed. You proved that when you weren't blinded by that spell in the Dead Warrens."

"Why must you be so dense on this matter?"

"The queen has trusted us to work for the good of Korvosa and you would seek to betray the trust she placed in us!"

"Enough!"

Alexander and Griffin were both silenced and turned toward the voice that interrupted their argument. They weren't expecting Takota, known for his silence, to speak so loudly. Even Falenas and Viera were taken aback by the archer putting an end to the argument. The Shoanti shook his head in disappointment at his two friends and he stepped forward.

"I will do what it takes to rescue Trinia," Takota said, his voice growing quiet now that everyone listened to him.

"My friend, why throw away your life like that?" Falenas asked in concern. "You're young with a bright future ahead of you."

Takota motioned to himself. "What you see is all I have. The cloak on my back, the bow I carry, that is all I own. I also have my word, which I gave to Trinia when I promised to keep her safe. If I fail her now, I will lose what good my word is."

"You've done all you could for her," Falenas sighed.

"Have I?" Takota asked with a frown. "I can fight and my aim is sharp. I can do more."

Alexander shook his head in disappointment. "Don't waste your time trying to talk him out of it, Falenas. I was told to keep an eye on you, Takota, to make sure that you are safe, but I know that I can't talk you out of this. So, I will leave you to your fate."

"For what it's worth, I'm thankful to have you with me on this," Griffin said, smiling towards the archer. "So we have two of us willing to risk rescuing Trinia."

"And that's all you'll have," Alexander said and crossed his arms.

"No it isn't," Viera said and released her hands from each other. "I apologize for my silence. I have been thinking about what Iomedae would do if she were here. She may not be here with us now but I believe that she would want to save Trinia from her fate."

"And would she be so willing to break the law to do so?" Alexander questioned the priestess.

"Just because Queen Ileosa rules over Korvosa doesn't mean her word means justice," Viera said and stood up. "A tyrant's rule isn't a rule of justice. When Iomedae was mortal, she overthrew the witch coven that ruled the city of Senghor."

"You can't overthrow Ileosa!" Alexander gasped.

"You're right, but if I stand against her before she crosses a line she cannot return, I may be able to save her from herself," Viera walked to join Griffin and Takota. "I stand with my friends. I do not place my faith just in Iomedae, but with you both as well."

Griffin smiled widely. "Thank you, Viera. This means a lot to me."

With Viera joining in on his idea, Griffin couldn't help but feel optimistic. He knew that Takota would join without question but that the priestess may be another matter. She had taken Alexander's side before on if Trinia was innocent and the noble was afraid she would condemn the painter to her fate. To have Viera on his side told Griffin that he was doing the right thing.

Alexander and Falenas both looked at the group critically. Griffin hoped to have all of his friends together for the rescue. The more options they had the better plan they could come with. However, he knew that these two wouldn't be so easily convinced to take part in the rescue. Alexander remained silent, his face scowling to show his fury. Falenas threw his hands up in the air and stood up from the couch, shaking his head at the trio.

"I take it even if we don't agree to help, you'll go through with this absurd plan?" Falenas asked.

"That's right," Griffin answered without hesitation. Viera and Takota nodded silently in agreement.

"And have you not thought about what would happen to Alexander and I?" Falenas continued with his line of questioning. "When you are caught, regardless of if you succeed or not, Queen Ileosa will come for us simply because we're associated with you."

Griffin nodded in understanding. "I can arrange transportation for you. By sunset tomorrow, you can have a day's head start to Magnimar."

"As if I would leave my home," Alexander said, glaring at Griffin.

"We're just trying to do what we can to help," Viera said, looking away from Alexander.

Falenas shrugged. "The smart thing for me would be to take your generous offer to flee the city."

"Then take it," Griffin said.

"I'm not done," Falenas said, holding up a single finger. "There is a small chance that somehow, we escape from the queen's justice, that we can save Trinia without being spotted, and can return to our lives as if nothing happened."

"And do you think that's possible?" Alexander asked, glancing towards Falenas.

"Not really," Falenas admitted with a sigh. "However, the odds of that happening are likely to increase should four people attempt to save Trinia over three."

Alexander looked on in disbelief as Falenas joined Griffin, Viera, and Takota. "Are you serious?"

"I'm completely serious," Falenas answered. "I'm going all in on this plan. Don't make me regret this."

Viera couldn't stop herself from smiling when Falenas joined in on the plan. Even the typically reserved Takota slapped the elf on the back of his shoulder to show his approval of his choice. Griffin was in disbelief just like Alexander was. When thinking about this moment, he thought that Falenas would take the offer to leave Korvosa. The alchemist must have bonded more closely with the group than anyone realized if he was willing to put his pragmatism aside for a small chance of success.

Alexander sighed and shook his head. "What if Trinia is innocent? I can't help you."
"You can," Viera told Alexander. "You're more capable than you realize."

"I can't!" Alexander repeated himself, yelling out the two words before growing quiet. "This isn't about me. This isn't about Trinia. This isn't about any of you. If I join you and something goes wrong and I am seen, how can I be a father to Silana? The best case would be that we somehow flee Korvosa, the only home that she has known, in a futile hope to find a new home."

"Alexander…" Griffin muttered.

"But to hope for that would only lead to disappointment," Alexander continued, wiping a tear away from his eyes. "I would likely die for betraying the queen and the city. Silana would be alone, and since you all insist on risking your lives on this plan, she would have no one."

No one was willing to argue with Alexander. They couldn't tell the warrior that he was wrong when he was right. Griffin had to admit that Alexander did better at hiding his motives than he realized. The noble was concerned over if Alexander was loyal to the queen than he was to his friends and didn't realize that his true loyalties were with Silana. It was too much to ask him to take part in the plan or even to leave Korvosa when this was his family's home.

The silence grew unbearable. Without anyone stopping him, Alexander made his way out of the manor. While the others were willing to let him go, Griffin shook his head. He couldn't let his friend leave on such a sour note. The noble quietly asked for the others to wait for him and chased after Alexander, not caring about keeping up his limp. He was fortunate enough to catch the warrior while he was still on the estate grounds. Alexander turned to Griffin with a frown but stopped to see what he had to say.

"I realize now it was wrong of me to make such a request of you," Griffin said and bowed his head. "I apologize for that."

Alexander sighed. "We wouldn't have been friends if I hadn't lost Silana. Even if Zellara hadn't brought us together that fateful night, we simply can't understand each other."

"Perhaps you're right," Griffin admitted "For what it's worth, I believe that you are a better man than I could ever be."

"Don't lie to me," Alexander shook his head.

"You are the Paladin," Griffin said and raised his hand before Alexander could object. "It was the card you were given. You've taken no oaths and serve no gods but you seek to do good deeds whenever you can."

"And you think that because I am good means you're not?" Alexander questioned.

"I'm a liar," Griffin said without hesitation. "To some, I am the crippled noble. To others, a dashing vigilante. Today, I am about to add well-meaning rebel to the identities I have to juggle."

"I'm starting to understand why you're the Juggler," Alexander said with a quiet laugh.

The two looked on at each other in silence. Griffin wished that they could go back to simpler times before having to deal with the political intrigue of a tyrant but there was no return in sight.

"I won't tell anyone of your plans," Alexander finally said. "That's the only help I offer."

"And that's more than I can ask for. Thank you. If we fail or are caught, do whatever it takes to save yourself and your daughter. Say that I held your daughter hostage if you have to."

"I would never," Alexander shook his head. "Does Tiran know about what you're plotting?"
"No and I intend to keep it that away," Griffin sighed. "I hope that whatever happens, he will make it out with his life intact."

"As do I for all he's done for Silana," Alexander said and nodded in agreement. "Take care, old friend."

"You too."

With that, Alexander turned around and made his way out of the estate's grounds and towards Citadel Volshyenek, likely to rest at the barracks. Griffin trusted him completely when he said that he wouldn't tell anyone of their plot. At least they would be able to keep the element of surprise. They were going to need every advantage they could get to pull off the rescue.

Griffin made his way back inside the manor. Although he served as the patron of the group, he always felt that Alexander was the leader. He looked out for the other adventurers and led by example. It was up to Griffin to take charge, rouse the others out of the feelings they had over Alexander's departure, and come up with a plan. He would do whatever it took to see a tyrant's plot foiled.

A/N: I have to say that this is by far my favorite chapter to write, especially the second part. Character interaction remains my favorite part of writing and I think I shined with it during the debates the group had today.

Until next time.