Wanted: Khalika Quiller

[Malaroth]

Following the assault upon the Ashfiend's lair, posters and word begins to circulate that one Khalika Quiller is sought by both the Constabulary and the Knighthood for recklessly endangering His Majesty's soldiers and loyal citizens by attempting to lead them away from confronting and putting an end to the monstrous creature known as the Ashfiend.

Such word and posters are also quick to announce that knowledge of her whereabouts will not go unrewarded.

[Glenn]

An Exerpt from Glenn Burnie's List of Things that are Stupid and Foolish:

72) Gypsies.
73) Mapmakers who listen to gypsies.

He had been staring at the wanted poster for a few minutes now. This was back before lunchtime, right after his training with Ariane. Personally, he felt like he had the worst hangover ever, which was all the more frustrating due to the fact Glenn had not one drop of alcohol the night before. He wanted to go see how Alastir was doing at Esraeux, but he was sure the man was up and about and that meant that he was tending to the wounded, and THAT meant that there was no time for Glenn, no time to discuss what had happened the night before or even Alastir's health.

With a sigh and looking down to his new boots almost begrudgingly, Glenn pondered his other task. How was he ever going to thank Rhaena for how she had helped with Alastir? It was more than that though, more than just gratitude. It was a DEBT and one he intended to pay (Glenn wasn't ALWAYS good at paying his tabs; this time, however, it was a staunch necessity).

Back to the poster then. Well, this WAS what you got Quiller, for going too far, too late, and in the wrong way. Glenn frowned and started to compose the note in his head. He'd write it out later and have it sent.

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Ser Malaroth,

My condolences for your losses. Many of the knights who fell were fast becoming friends and acquaintances of mine. They fought bravely yesterday and did honor to you and the Order. I would have you know that we have undone what the Ashfiend had inflicted Alastir Savoy with. He should recover. We shall speak more of this later.

As it pertains to Khalika Quiller, I would be remiss in not passing on certain testimony. After falling prey to her trickery and being used as a shield to cover her escape, and for that I am tremendously sorry, ser, she deposited me within the building with the sole intent of having me rescue the Barmaid. I cannot say in good faith that this, and not her immediate survival, was her intent in taking me in the first place, nor does it justify her actions, even if it was, but I still felt it important that you knew.

We shalll speak in the near future about this and other matters. I and all of Myrken thank you for your valor.

Glenn Burnie
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Of course, at this point Glenn did not know the additional role Quiller played in Alastir's injuries. That would change things rather severely in his mind. He had tried to purchase from her an assurance that she would not stab him in the back. She had refused. Now he had some sense of why. Despite partially understanding her motives, this note to be copied from thought to paper and sent along to Malaroth as soon as possible was ALL that he would do for her sake Even that was more than he currently wanted but, unfortunately, not more than she rightfully deserved.

[Malaroth]

It was a pity that Glenn, who had shown himself to have a noble character and, more importantly, to want to possess greater character yet - at least in Malaroth's eyes - and that he had defended Khalika. He re-read the letter several times before, with a scowl, crumpling it beneath a pale fist and hurling it into the small hearth.

He no longer cared that the woman had seemed to switch sides. That, indeed, was the fundamental problem - that she had switched sides at all.

As the fire consumed the message it ate away at his heart. He would no longer be so willing to tolerate disruption.

[Cinnabar]

And soon enough, posters appear around Myrkentown.

[Glenn]

A tired yet fairly pleasant Glenn Burnie walked into the Constabulary Headquarters this morning in order to give testimony on Quiller to them as he did to the knights.

A still tired, yet far angrier Glenn Burnie walked out of the building somewhere around an hour later.

It was one thing to betray him. He had EXPECTED that. He had even tried (unsucessfully) to purchase the prevention of it. It was another altogether to bring Alastir to the front as she did. Not only did that put his good friend at undue risk, it also, if what she had suggested had worked, may have allowed Vraal or someone else to rebind Teron. She was such a blasted fool.

He stormed off in order to be on time for the morning's training. Stupid gypsies.

[Khalika]

Traitor to Myrken...Cohort and Servant of the Ghoul Teron Ashfiend...

That is what the poster read, all over town and word spread fast. She was a popular figure in these parts, Some cheered that the woman finally was getting what she deserved, while others, spit upon the paper in hateful denial of each word. That was the funny thing about the Gypsy there were equal voice when opinions were gathered.

Even to the Waystation word had spread at it was here slowly her defenders were gathering. Employees, and common folk, all ready to march upon the constabulary in demand for Retubution...Some voices angrier then others..

"She has bled for Myrken...How dare they call her traitor!!....How many has she helped?!...During plagues and famine...When food was little, she gave of her own....When roofs were needed for travelers and new comers? The Waystation was born... Against Hordes and Demons she has stood! against anything!...

"But not the Fiend?!..."Another shouted out, and a hush fell over the room. "She has helped alot yes, but what they say?...She conspires with an Enemy of Myrken.. They must have proof. Calomel is an honorable man.. I believe he must have reason..

A sudden scuffle errupts between the two, curses and spite... Until a loud clang hushes the room, and the Waystations more daily owner stands with aid of her cane, beside her as always is the Feather haired hawk girl. Somewhat wide eyed at the whole specticle...

"Horus....Jeffers...Enough both of you...You are brothers for christ's sake!..Now all of you calm yourselves. I know enough about my old friend to know she doesn't need our help. I also know enough to know that the person that wrote this...Does not know her all that well. For they would know that she serves none but her own needs. And those that are important to her. But we also must look at her with a critical eye, for though she has done great good. She has the ability and stuborness to get herself into more trouble then I care to speak of....

She moves towards the door slowly, Mary at her side..."I will go speak with the good Constable, he is indeed a honorable man, but she has also forced I fear a skewed view of herself upon the man.. But I will see what has happened and what can be done. Till then if you wish to do her any good, I suppose giving testimony on her character cannot hurt...

Even as those words fall a smile peek upon the woman's lips...Character her friend has an abundance of that unfortunately, she only shows her better qualities to a choosen few...Oh...Khalika what have you done this time?...