The Keepers of Chaos: A Vault of Hell

Riu Astrial: CXXV

"If we may my lady.." She started. "Gold is important as anyone in Waterdeep knows.. But there is a far more grave threat to this city. In a week's time.."

"There is going to be a giant sacrifice to a god.. Shut up!" Markos snapped looking into the air. "Anyway, a giant sacrifice to Asmodeus.. Or.." He looked at Andraste who seemed pained. "Or a sacrifice to Voldemort.. If you want to use that." To whom? Riu wondered. "You, you get that reference right? You've been to earth?" The look on Laeral's face was shocking, her jaw had practically dropped as she stared at Markos. She sputtered a few words but slowly recollected herself.

"Alright.. All of those present, who have not decreed an official of the city.. Please give The Keepers of Chaos and I a moment." the last few guards piled up the stairs, while many of the harpers including Renaer gave her a quick glance. It was a hopeful one and over these many weeks, Riu had grown to somewhat trust that man. He rallied up the steps with his men. Lateral waited a few minutes for everyone to leave as Riu wondered finally after all this time, what would come of this. Their suffering, and pain, she wondered how they would stop this threat.

"There Is not much I am able to do in a legal sense," Laeral admitted, Riu's heart dropped. 'What?' she asked herself. 'What does she mean she can't help us legally??'. "The city is rather.. Strict.. Or perhaps not strict enough on the wording of the laws. Disappointed that means even deities I may find unfavorable have followers here.. It is a tenant of freedom of religion."

"It's the only reason I get away with existing.." Markos muttered. That realization struck her. Riu hadn't even thought that the direct action the Cassalanters were doing was just not illegal.

"I cannot support you directly, I cannot task guards, send envoys or even household knights.. It would all seem far too direct. However, I would like to know who it is. I have received messages of infernal attacks all across the city."

"The Cassalanters." Herod jumped in without missing a beat. "And the Gralhunds. Two noble houses. The Gralhunds as far as we can tell, murdered our friend.. Asher Exitium."

"My son," Vestus growled butting in. She received the sensation that Vestus was not happy about that lack of legal support.

"We wish to bring him back," Riu added quickly. She didn't like to think about it.. But if Asher hadn't died.. Would they still be together? This group was one of misfits and idiots, bounded by a single mission and forced to experience adventure that some didn't care for. As far as Riu could see when the bounty hunter work dried up, they would have split. This city.. If they were successful in stopping the Cassalanters. Would owe it all to Asher.. To Estral and the sacrifice he made.

"We will. Bring him back." Alekzandr corrected. She met his blue eyes, stern yet full of hope. Did he trust this commitment? Truly? "A matter for another time, new comrade."

"I see.." Laeral replied faintly.

"We have a witness.. To their crimes.. Vaelle." Riu reached out and took the hand of their new friend. "For when we are able to bring them to trial.."

"There isn't going to be a trial," Markos interjected. Riu opened her mouth to speak, yet for once she questioned her sanity because she was siding with the cultist.

"I hate to say it.. But we may need them alive. Noble families are untouchable." Vestus was holding his glowing great axe; its faint red hue reminded her of blood.

"That.. is where I come in," Laeral responded. Riu raised an eyebrow. "I can't send the guards after them.. Proving their guilt would be.. Difficult even with a witness. But.. I can aid in the aftermath." Laeral smiled. "I don't need to send the guards after you.. Turn a blind eye. If such an entity like.. The devilish forces were to disappear from the city. I could ensure the masked lords do not interfere as well." the pieces began to fall together, 'Could they do this?' She wondered.