The goblins hadn't crossed the bridge to take back the stockade while the adventurers had been working on their end of the deal. When Razvan stepped out of the fort, it was the afternoon, and with the sun out, he was able to spot a pair of goblin sentries on the other side of the bridge by the labyrinth. Razvan stood on his side of the bridge and waved toward the sentries. They gasped out in shock and one of the sentries rushed into the maze. Razvan didn't bother crossing the bridge yet, and instead, tied the rope by the bridge's posts into tight knots. The goblins were aware of the collapsing trap since they were the ones who built it but Razvan had no intention of dropping some goblins to their deaths. With his plan, he and his companions would be able to make their way out of Thistletop without the goblins trying to stop them.
The sentry that ran off returned with Gogmurt with a crowd of goblins following behind him. Razvan smirked to himself, knowing that the more goblins there were, the more effective his plan would be. Razvan and Gogmurt stared at each other from their spots across the bridge, and slowly, the rogue took out his weapons and set them down on the ground by the bridge's posts. Gogmurt nodded and took out a spear and sling to set on the ground as well. Without a word spoken, the two agreed to meet under peaceful terms. Razvan crossed onto the bridge when Gogmurt did, not putting it past the goblins to cut the bridge down and send him down to the water again. He met the goblin's leader at the middle of the bridge and looked down at him.
"Have you killed the longshanks?" Gogmurt asked, not bothering with pleasantries.
"We've dealt with them," Razvan answered. "We're taking them as our prisoners."
"Is this some sort of trick?" Gogmurt questioned, pointing an accusing finger at Razvan. "What are you plotting?"
"Look, I get that you probably wanted them dead," Razvan said, holding a hand up defensively. "However, one of my friends is a paladin and he doesn't like it when we kill prisoners. Still, I wanted to do something for you and your people so we took care of the monster trapped in Thistletop."
"Monster?" Gogmurt blinked in confusion.
"That's right. Here. I have its head with me now."
Razvan reached for a blood-stained sack attached to his belt on his back with his free hand and brought it around to the front of him. Gogmurt stepped back, weary of what the rogue had planned, but Razvan smiled to show he meant no harm. He reached into the sack and pulled out Malfeshnekor's head. Razvan held the barghest's head up high for all of the goblins to see. He caught a glimpse of a few goblins in the crowd running back into the maze out of fear and looked down at Gogmurt to see that the druid was frightened as well.
"What did you do?!" Gogmurt gasped.
"We killed a monster," Razvan said with a shrug and waved Malfeshnekor's head around to scare off more goblins. "Nualia was trying to free it and we felt that it would have been best for your people if we killed it."
"This is a trick!" Gogmurt stepped back, trying his best to keep his composure.
"It's not a trick at all," Razvan told Gogmurt and stepped forward, still holding the barghest's head up. "I took the monster's head myself."
Technically, that wasn't a lie. After the fight, Razvan had to cut off Malfeshnekor's head on his own time without any help. He didn't need to let the goblins know how the fight actually went.
Several goblins on the other side started to scream in terror and ran off. Gogmurt looked over his shoulder to see the crowd growing smaller, and despite his calls in his native language, he could do nothing to rally his people to stand their ground. Razvan chuckled at the sight and Gogmurt turned to face him, his eyes widening in fear. Without anything else to do, the druid ran down the bridge as the crowd broke apart in terror. Razvan saw Gogmurt stop at his side to look at the rope holding the bridge as if he was contemplating cutting the bridge down with the rogue on it. With a grin, Razvan waved in a taunting manner with his free hand, challenging Gogmurt to cut down the bridge. The druid shook his head, and without another word, ran back into the maze. Razvan imagined that the goblins wouldn't return to Thistletop for a long time.
"The crowd at the Rusty Dragon is going to love the story of how I scared off a tribe of goblins," Razvan said to himself and chuckled.
With Malfeshnekor's head having served its purpose, Razvan tossed it over the side of the bridge and into the water below. It was too grisly of a trophy for his liking and he and his companions had no intention of keeping it. He made his way back to the stockade and thought about what to do next. Mariel was tending to Corita and Draul's injuries while Kennick kept watch over the prisoners. Razvan snapped his fingers as an idea came to mind. With there no longer being any threats in Thistletop, there was nothing to stop him from searching the fort and its dungeon for treasure as well as finishing looting the underwater treasury that Corita started.
Adventuring may have been dangerous work and almost cost Razvan his life multiple times in Thistletop alone but it paid well. With a plan in mind, Razvan made his way back inside to finish looting Thistletop of its valuables.
Hours went by before the adventurers were ready to leave Thistletop. While waiting for Draul and Corita to regain consciousness, Razvan spent time gathering what treasure he could find in Thistletop to take back to Sandpoint. The biggest find was the gold within the treasury, and while Razvan couldn't transport the giant helmet by himself, he and Kennick agreed to come back for it knowing that Corita wouldn't want to leave it behind. Additionally, Razvan was able to find a secret alcove in Malfeshnekor's prison that contained a silver cache with more gold and a ring. Mariel took the ring for herself, promising to find out if there was any magic to it.
Draul and Corita regained consciousness during the evening and ate a quick meal of their remaining rations with the rest of their companions. Although they were all tired, the adventurers agreed that they didn't want to spend another night in Thistletop. It was time to return to Sandpoint, and while Draul tended to the injuries he and Corita suffered so they could make the journey, Mariel joined Razvan and Kennick in securing the prisoners for transportation. Nualia was the only one to physically resist, and even without her sword, her demonic claw was sharp. Still, she wasn't able to call upon her unholy power without her amulet and Kennick was able to knock her out. She was bound in metal chains and gagged while Tsuto, Orik, and Lyire (who was also gagged given her own magical power) were tied with a single rope around their waists.
The sun was starting to set by the time the group left Thistletop with Razvan leading the prisoners with Corita making sure they couldn't escape by following from behind. Draul had to carry Nualia over his shoulders while Kennick guided the horse they found captive in Thistletop safely across the bridge. Getting through the labyrinth proved to be tough and Mariel was glad that Razvan was able to scare the goblins. The adventurers found their horses in the clearing, having grazed from the grass and drank from a nearby pond, and with Mariel and Kennick getting on their respective mounts, they made their way back to Sandpoint.
Night had set in by the time the adventurers returned to Sandpoint. The guards stationed at the gate took notice of them and remembered the group from their earlier heroics in town. They opened the gate, and after a quick explanation on what happened, agreed to take the prisoners to the Sandpoint Garrison. It was then that the adventurers decided to split up with Draul joining the guards towards the garrison to meet with Sheriff Hemlock. Razvan and Corita offered to go to the Rusty Dragon to get rooms for the night while Kennick took the horses to the Goblin Squash Stables. Although Mariel wanted to rest after a long day, she had a feeling that she might be needed as a mediator at the garrison and quietly followed the guards. She believed that Draul would have tried to convince Belor of his plan regarding the prisoners and she wanted to ensure that it went well if only so that the adventurers could keep working with the guards.
With Nualia and her cohorts locked away in separate cells, Draul and Mariel found themselves in the sheriff's office which Mariel noted was professional with little details on Belor's personal life. Since the sheriff had retired for the night, one of the guards had run off to fetch him from his home. The two adventurers took a seat at the wooden chairs in front of Belor's desk and waited for him in silence. Mariel glanced in Draul's direction to see that he had his eyes closed and his brow furrowed in thought. She figured that the paladin was trying to think of a way to explain his idea to Sheriff Hemlock. It had been easy to convince his friends to show mercy but to convince the leadership of a town was another matter altogether.
Several minutes passed before the door to the office opened. Belor stepped in, wearing plain clothes instead of his uniform with a tired expression clear from his eyes. He nodded toward the pair of adventurers and circled around his desk to take his seat.
"I hope you don't mind that I'm out of uniform," Belor said with a yawn. "You caught me while I was in bed."
"We apologize for disturbing you when you're off duty," Marie said and l bowed her head.
"Don't worry about it," Belor waved his hand dismissively. "I take it that you have good news for me about Nualia and Tsuto."
"Indeed we do," Draul smiled. "We've apprehended Nualia and Tsuto along with two other of the accomplices. Additionally, we were able to slay Bruthazmus and Ripnugget and the goblins have scattered from Thistletop. They won't threaten Sandpoint for a long time."
Belor whistled, impressed by their success. "It sounds like you were on quite the adventure. I'll need a full report on what happened but it's late so that can wait."
"Of course but there is one other matter on my mind that I'd like to address now," Draul said. "What will happen to Nualia and the others now that they've been captured."
"Given her crimes, we'll probably ship Nualia and anyone that worked with her to stand trial in Magnimar," Belor explained. "I imagine that the Justices will decide to imprison them for life or execute them outright."
"I imagine that you're right about that," Draul nodded with a frown. "However, I would like to talk about a different option for the prisoners."
"And what would that be?" Belor asked, raising an eyebrow.
"As an envoy of the church of Sarenrae, I would like to give Nualia, Tsuto, and the others a second chance. I'd like to do what I can to put them on the right path."
"I see," Belor said with a frown. "I respect your beliefs but I can't agree with what you have in mind. Nualia orchestrated the raid on Sandpoint and Tsuto murdered his father and several others at the Glassworks. No one in town is going to forgive them for what they've done."
"I'm not asking for you or anyone else to forgive them," Draul shook his head. "I'm asking that you let me work with them so that I can show them the error of their ways. No one is born good or evil, but rather, it is what happens in their life that sets them down on their path. It is never too late for someone to turn away from their path."
"Are they even repentant after everything?" Belor questioned skeptically. "I get that you want to help them but this is a matter of the law now. They broke the law and it's time they face the consequences for their actions."
Mariel frowned to herself, sensing the tension of their debate. Truth be told, she believed with Belor's stance that Nualia, Tsuto, and the others needed to be shipped off to Magnimar to stand trial. However, from her time spent adventuring with Draul, Mariel had seen the paladin's dedication to redeeming others firsthand. He wouldn't budge easily even if the sheriff had a good point, and if he continued, Draul may reveal his past in a way to show that people can change. Mariel considered what would happen and feared that if Draul's life before he became a paladin was revealed, it would jeopardize his, along with his companions, relationship with Sandpoint. It was best in Mariel's interests to settle this debate in Draul's favor even if she didn't agree with his outlook.
"Sheriff Hemlock, have you heard of a barghest before?" Mariel asked, waving her hand to silence Draul.
"I can't say I have," Belor admitted. "What's so important about a barghest?"
"It just so happens that Nualia was trying to free one that had been imprisoned in Thistletop for centuries," Mariel explained matter-of-factly. "Had we not stopped her, she would have been able to burn this town to the ground with her goblin horde. I would say that we've saved Sandpoint from destruction, right?"
"You have," Belor said with a nod. "That's not what I disagree with though."
"Yes, I know, but typically, adventurers who saved towns are rewarded with gold," Nualia continued. "Yet we have been offered nothing for our services in defense of Sandpoint."
Draul frowned. "Mariel-"
"Let me handle this," Mariel interrupted the paladin firmly.
"You've never asked for payment before," Belor pointed out.
"You've never offered," Mariel countered. "Now, we could try to agree on a price for saving Sandpoint, or you could try helping Draul with his idea."
"Whether we pay you gold or keep the prisoners in Sandpoint isn't up to me but the town council," Belor sighed.
"And you're the sheriff of this town, meaning you have influence with the town council," Mariel said. "I won't ask you to use that influence to strongarm the council to do what we want. Instead, let Draul meet with the town council. Let him make his case to them before we send the prisoners to stand trial. Nothing wrong will come of keeping the prisoners in the town's jail while these discussions take place, and if they do somehow escape, we'll stop them from harming anyone."
Belor fell silent, considering Mariel's words. Draul glanced at Mariel, shaking his head in disappointment but he kept quiet as well. Mariel's argument wasn't meant to bully Sandpoint into doing what Draul wanted but to have the leadership consider the partnership with his band of adventurers. So far, they had done what they could to keep Sandpoint safe because it was the right thing to do without any consideration of payment. Mariel knew that her companions would continue to do so and believed that the sheriff understood that as well. However, she wanted to show that the town could take efforts to ensure that the adventurers remained in Sandpoint. The goblins may return one day not to mention that there were other hidden threats in Varisia.
"I don't like this at all," Belor admitted, shaking his head. "Still, you've done plenty for us without asking for anything. What have the others said on the matter?"
"They're in favor of my idea," Draul told the sheriff.
"I would also like to point out that Kennick was once friends with Tsuto and knew Nualia as well," Mariel quickly added. "This whole adventure has taken quite the toll on him and I imagine that he may want closure of what his old friends have done, and that an execution done too early may not help him."
Belor sighed. "I can't make any promises on what the town council does but I can arrange a meeting with them for you to make their case. If something terrible happens to Sandpoint because of this…"
"I'll take full responsibility and do what I can to make things right," Draul assured the sheriff, placing a hand over his chest. "I appreciate this, Sheriff Hemlock. After everything I've learned since the raid that started all of this, I was worried that I wouldn't get a chance to try to help them find redemption."
"You'll get your chance but the council might not agree with your plan, and if the Justices of Magnimar find out what's going on, they may take the prisoners themselves," Belor warned Draul.
"I only ask for a chance to do what I can before it's too late," Draul said with a nod. "If I'm overruled later on, I'll get by."
"Very well," Belor said and stood up from his chair. "Now, I'm sure we're all tired. Unless you have anything else to say, I'll head back home and get some rest before tomorrow. I'll need it after all of this…"
Draul and Mariel both kept quiet and left the garrison along with Belor. The sheriff went home while the adventurers made their way to the Rusty Dragon. The streets of Sandpoint were quiet at night, but even then, Mariel knew it was only a matter of time before word got out of their return. They had become local heroes to the town and people would ask what happened during their latest adventure. Mariel had research to attend to regarding some of the ruins she discovered and hoped that her companions would be able to take some of the attention away from her.
"Thank you for your help back with Sheriff Hemlock," Draul said, his voice quiet. "I wouldn't have used your kind of argument against him but I'm glad it worked out."
"It's no problem at all," Mariel said with a shrug.
"Right," Draul nodded. "You didn't have to help me though but you did so anyway."
"It's only logical that we try to remain on good relations with the town of Sandpoint," Mariel explained matter-of-factly. "I knew that you wouldn't budge on the issue regarding our prisoners and I wanted to find a compromise that you and the sheriff could agree to."
"I see. It means a lot to me regardless of your motives."
Mariel remained silent for a few seconds before speaking up. "And I suppose that even though I might not agree with you all the time, we're still friends. It's only right that I can help you out when I can."
"I haven't had a lot of friends before," Draul admitted and slowly smiled. "I'm glad to have you and everyone else as a friend."
"I concur. Now, it's been a long day and I really want to sleep in a bed after being away from civilization for so long."
"Of course!" Draul chuckled. "We'll have to talk to the others at some point but I imagine that we're all due for a break…"
A/N: So, I wanted to see if I could finish Burnt Offerings in a single chapter, but ultimately, I felt best to follow my notes and stick with two chapters. I'm hoping to get the final chapter written over the week.
Until next time.