[IC] The Narrow Path

[Gardevoiran]

You walk down a long hall as you approach a room with a clearly-annoyed Jonathan Light behind it, along with various other voices behind it. They seem to be rambling about monsters and what occurred at Secondi Brook. "He is behind this door... but... I wouldn't go in there just yet..." the woman says as she departs.

You could go in there. Nobody's watching and Jonathan could use your help. Of course, you could also just wait and let him handle the situation. Whatever you do, it might be best to decide quickly. Jonathan's voice is getting louder by the second.

[Skinner35]

He heard Jen and decided to walk in.

[Gardevoiran]

"... I am telling you three that the best course of action for that book is finding the creator of it!"

"Jonathan, we do not have the troops available to perform such a task."

"Head Rapierre is right. We have most paladins on the eastern border currently fighting against a rising menace."

"What are you saying, Head Josef?! You were allied with me before this!"

"That may be true, but as new information comes up, they bring up a better point than you, Jonathan."

"Brothers. There is a new face here."

The men stop bickering as they look at you, Jonathan's body language signaling a bit of relief.

[Skinner35]

"If said book is the Death Tome. You need not to worry of it's creator." He said, as he went to stand next to Jen. "What of this rising menace? Since I am here, I may as well help."

[Gardevoiran]

"That is none of your concern, citizen." Rapierre grimly said as he looked to Jonathan with a look of slight irritation. "Jonathan. Who is this man that you have brought to us?"

"He is the man who I found in the Den of Believers, holding the tome written by Brock Sinclair. He... expresses desires to murder Yashar."

"Murder Yashar? Is he serious about that?"

"I shall let him speak for himself, as well as describe what happened at Secondi Brook as an eye-witness."

Jonathan steps back behind you and puts his hands behind his back, waiting for you to tell your side of the story.

[Skinner35]

"Yes. I do plan on killing Yashar. As well as Jonathan's saying of Secondi Brook. When I came in contact with the Tome, it seemed to awaken Brock himself. He has also proved to make a formidable ally in battle." He spoke to the people in front of him. "Also, Do not call me 'Citizen.' My name is Toby."

[Skinner35]

"Yes. I do plan on killing Yashar. As well as Jonathan's saying of Secondi Brook. When I came in contact with the Tome, it seemed to awaken Brock himself. He has also proved to make a formidable ally in battle." He spoke to the people in front of him. "Also, Do not call me 'Citizen.' My name is Toby."

[Gardevoiran]

"Well, 'Toby', you are a citizen in these halls, and might I add that you are only here upon request of Jonathan Light. You are on a thin line 'Toby', and do not think for a second th-"

"Hush Rapierre," Josef blurted out loud to the men in the room. "Mr. Toby, if what you said is true about Sinclair, then where is he? Furthermore, where is young Magdalene of Secondi Brook?"

[Skinner35]

"Sinclair and Maggie both were captured after the attack at Secondi." He said, relaxing. "We were separated and they were captured along with Maggie's Father and my Goblin."

[Gardevoiran]

"Magdalene's father was slain years and years ago in a carriage accident."

"Her adoptive father, sir."

"Ah."

"... both of you two leave for a moment. Us heads must discuss this alone."

Jonathan grabs you by the shirt and pulls you out into the hall before the familiarly hushed voice of Jen returns. "Who in the hell do you think you are, addressing my boss in such a way?!"

[Skinner35]

"Who am I?! Who the hell are you JEN?! WHEN DID YOU PLAN ON TELLING YOUR BOSS THE TRUTH? When did you think that it was a grand idea to bring ME of all people to THIS place?" He shouted in anger and confusion. Tobias Skinner, of all people, was extremely dangerous and in danger in that building.

[Gardevoiran]

"Do not call me that here, and if you do, do not say it so loud." Jen angrily whispered to you as she takes her hand and places it on your head, the heat radiating off onto your scalp. "I told the heads that you wanted to destroy Yashar, and they were willing to let you stay should you not overstep your boundaries. You are not public enemy number one, but that might change soon if you cross the line. Understand?"

[Skinner35]

"Fine. Keep this cover going. I'll play along. Just help me get our team back, and we'll proceed as needed. Deal?" He spoke, as he put out his hand to accept a handshake.

[Gardevoiran]

"... fine." Jen shoved her hand out to grab yours firmly as she shook it up and down, the same woman you followed here walking up to you two. "Just do not reveal my identity. Females cannot be head paladins, apparently."

"Hello, Lady Light. I hope everything is going okay in there?"

"That's Sir Light... but yes, Ramona. How is my squire doing?"

"I'm well. I have something for you and Sir Tobias when you're ready."

"Good to know."

Ramona walks off, and Jen turns to look at you as you two wait for the heads.

[Skinner35]

"After we finish with these posh bastards, we'll be on the way." He said to the squire as she walked away.

[Gardevoiran]

Jen raises her hand for a mighty Backhanded Slap^TM before lowering it and holding back. "Those 'posh bastards' are my bosses, can you please refrain from insulting them in my presence?"

[Skinner35]

"I only call it as I see it." He said, stepping up. "Your bosses are getting in my way. No matter how powerful any of you are." He said, staring her dead in the eyes. "You don't intimidate me, nor do they."

[Gardevoiran]

"Refrain, Tobias. It would be best," Jen calmly said as she coughed a bit to clear her throat, before speaking once more. "Trust me."

A loud dong sounded in the room behind you, as Jonathan turned to re-enter the halls of the Head Paladins. You should probably follow.

[Skinner35]

"Alright. I'll follow your lead." He said back as he followed her.

[Gardevoiran]

You two stand before the three head paladins, the same as before, only Rapierre is clearly a bit more annoyed than he was when you originally left.

"Jonathan Light."

"Lord Josef."

"The council has reluctantly agreed to allow you a small squad of men to use in pursuits of locating and rescuing Brock Sinclair, Magdalene Major, Aithwale Major, and the goblin D'esnut'es, as well as finish the quest that... 'Toby' here has started by picking up the tome of Necromancy located in the Believer's Den."

"Additionally, you shall find that, if you are successful in helping 'Toby' with this task and that book is rid of existing, you will be promoted to Head Paladin so you may take your place amongst us heads."

"Should you fail, you will be banished from the Paladin Order and forced to live in exile."

"Are these terms agreeable for you..." Jonathan opens his mouth to speak before Josef turns to face you.

"Sir... 'Toby'?