Shrouded Mystery

[Rezantis]

Nathan nods slowly.

"Yes. I honestly do.  It . . . well.  Paul's one of ours, so I know I'm very much predisposed in his direction, but . . . yes.  I don't believe he was responsible for the massacre in the dungeons.  He claims he wasn't, and I believe him.  The man isn't insane.  I can't prove that it wasn't him, but . . . well.  He claims it was Lindsey, and I think he's telling the truth.  He's trustworthy, and he's on our side.  I'm willing to stake my life on that assertion - I have to be. I wouldn't be here otherwise."

[Brian]

Radagast closes his eyes and heaves a sigh.  "Very well," he says, raising his head and looking between Phil and Nathan.  "Perhaps he will be an asset to us.  Hmm.  I trust that you can ensure he will not be seen as who he is until the time we pass through Eske's gate?"

[Rezantis]

"I know that was an unpleasant thing to be asked, with what you've heard of late, but . . ." Nathan shrugs helplessly, "You know by now which side we're on, and we don't intend to screw this up.  But I honestly think I'm going to need his help, or I wouldn't have asked.  As to preventing him from being seen . . . there is the question.  He can keep himself invisible and hide, which should keep him clear of trouble, but if we could get you to place your illusion on him out of sight of everyone else . . ."

[Brian]

"Mine and Astryd's," he corrects.  "And she will need to see him to create that illusion properly."

[Rezantis]

"Oh. Uh-oh.  I bet the glasses-and-moustache trick isn't going to work here, either . . . ah, Astryd is one of those who know about us, isn't she?"

[Brian]

Radagast looks uncomfortable.  "I know she knows of Parthipan, at the least," he hazards.  "I do not know if she will be willing to aid in this endeavour."

[Rezantis]

"No, I was just trying to clarify if she was the lorekeeper I was thinking of or not.  And you're quite probably right . . . gah."

Nathan chews his lip thoughtfully, glancing at Drac.

[Dracos]

Dracos brushed his beard thoughtfully.  "Does she really know Paul's face?  Perhaps you could hide it under disguising both of you to look more the part of a lorekeeper instead of a guy who lifts weights half the week."

Dracos

[Rezantis]

"He's not exactly going to pass as a stormrider," Nathan notes, "and I'm not willing to bet she doesn't know his face.  He's not entirely an unknown in the keep . . ."

[Brian]

"Aside from which, lorekeepers are not so uncommon as to not all be known by one-another, here," Radagast adds.

[Dracos]

"Yes, but the lorekeepers and loremasters have been largely staying out of mingling with the public, as part of the heavy security here.  It might be possible not to pass him off as a stormrider but as someone from the keep.  He could pass for that.  While you still should think of how to handle it if she sees through it, it may be your best bet just to do some minor disguise work on him, non-magically, and pass him off as soldier that looks similar.  If she's sharp enough on the ball or has seen him enough to recognize him anyway, then you'll be stuck explaining it to her anyway.  Anyhow, just a first idea, hum... what to do if she can't be fooled long enough for everyone to be on their way...  I don't know.  The truth will be hard to swallow."  Dracos paused shrugging for a moment as he continued trying to think of a way.

Dracos

[Brian]

"This plan is not without its risks," Radagast says slowly.  "However, I trust that you know what you're doing.  If you're firm in your convictions ... and believe that Parthipan supports you ... then I suspect that he can convince Astryd to accept it."

[Dracos]

"Parthipan will pretty certainly do it if he's informed."  Dracos hummed in agreement.  "Either way, worst case scenario is that she figures it out and is totally unwilling to keep her mouth shut.  The question then goes, what do we do to minimize damage in that case?  Paul can likely just vanish off, but there are those who would almost certainly leap on the opportunity to to cast blame and doubt where we really can't afford any.  We'd likely have to rely on Parthipan then to help convince her it's in the best interest of the keep that it doesn't get out."

Dracos

[Brian]

"Unless you can convince Eske to join our fold, I can think of no one better to convince her," Radagast returns.

[Dracos]

"I agree.  I was just considering aloud what to do if things go wrong.  I'll talk to Parthipan while you two finish planning.  Or is there more needed?"

Dracos