The chase begins (Act II)

The city was now an active warzone, with different pockets being controlled by different forces, with a defensive line near the docks providing a degree of safety for you and the others, once you made your way. Looking over the state of things, not nearly as many of the pirates returned as you had hoped. Many died in the fighting, many others took flight the moment they had the opportunity. Looking through the Vindication, you notice an absence that hadn't been mentioned before. During the barrage, one of the shots tore through the brig, where Trandals former friends had been. They must have escaped through the hole, swimming to some degree of safety. You can't say that you are particularly heartbroken by this, they didn't really deserve any punishment in your eyes, as they hadn't done anything wrong. Wood and resources from the abandoned Imperial ships was being used to make repairs to the other craft, the crews working around the clock, should there be a sudden need to evacuate.

Unexpectedly, large pockets of locals were all too happy to join in with the pirates, causing wanton disruption and seeking to help overthrow the local lord. Joseline had been correct in at least one thing; the notion that every citizen was loyal to the Empire and it's territory proved to be foolishly wrong. It had taken some time to notice what had been going on, and longer for any attempt at communication or coordination occurred. As the night crept in and most of the chaos had settled down, a pair of cloaked men approached the line, looking to speak. The two humans were brought into the captain's quarters of the Vindication, along with you, Trandal, and Marrianna.

Removing their cloaks in the dim candlelight, the two appear likely related. A father and son, perhaps. Both had similar brown eyes and darkish hair, though the elder man's had grayed significantly. The younger man had completely overgrown the other, even though both were sizably tall. Under the cloaks, the attire seemed to be cut from very similar if not identical cloth; more common in rural towns but less so in a coastal city with more goods coming in and out. The younger, taller one spoke first. "Are you three the lot in charge?"

"Who's asking?" Trandal asked quickly, keeping his cards close to his chest. The older man put his hand in front of the chest of the younger one, indicating he would speak.

"We're nobody of consequence. My name is Daniel, and this is Henry. We have news to relay to whoever is calling the shots, and we'd like to help however we can."

"We're the ones calling the shots for now." Marriana stated "The other captains may have different ideas, but we'll remind them who the boss is."

"That tiefling woman, right? The one who was captured?" Henry, the younger man asked. Daniel's head dipped a little and his lips pressed thin as his comrade couldn't listen, and couldn't avoid the obvious.

"That's right." You add, trying to be the diplomat "We need to get her back."

"Well, that's the news we're here to provide, and it's not good news I'm afraid."

"What is it?" Marrianna asked "Is she alive?"

"Yes, though for how long now is anyone's guess. Reliable friends from inside the castle have seen an Imperial Magistrate in the keep"

Marrianna's face tightens, her eyes pressed closely together as she lets out a slow breath "Shit. That's not good news."

"Why? What does that mean?" You ask. Marrianna, being more familiar with the Imperial system, explains.

"Some random yokel that's causing trouble they would handle locally. A show trial, convict them and throw them in the prison until they rot and die. The Magistrate means that they want to make an example out of our dear captain. They're taking her to the capital. They'll try for treason and publicly execute her. The Imperial Consul is fond of sending limbs to different parts of the Empire as a warning."

"So, we've got to get inside and free her!" You shout "We don't have much time!"

"It's not that simple" Marrianna responded "The Magistrates all wear a Helm of Teleportation. It's how they enforce the law so well in such a vast territory. More likely than not, Joseline is already in the Imperial City awaiting trial."

"Joseline?" The shorter man asked "I knew that was her!"

"I'm sorry" Marrianna was clearly distracted at the moment "but would you care to explain?"

"I knew Joseline and her mother, somewhat. They struggled often in this city, living on the street sometimes, same as a lot of people, but a tiefling girl with a human mother tends to stick out in one's mind. That Joseline woman always had a fire in her chest, even when she was only this tall" as the man motioned towards his knee, a nostalgic smile on his face for a fleeting moment. "I tried to help them out when I could. Always wish I could have done more, you know?" Daniel drifted in his conversation "Anyway, when I saw a tiefling woman charging through the streets in that big red coat, making a straight line for the keep, I knew it had to be her. So, here I am, ready to do what I should have done than, and I've conscripted some help" As he put his arm around Henry. " There's plenty of us with our own reasons to see this all come crashing down. I'll try to do what I can to marshal them together, but it won't be easy."

"Try leading a bunch of pirates" Trandal added sarcastically, leading to a chuckle from the room.

"If we can't get her back soon, it will all be for nothing. This has never been a strong alliance, but without her, it will destruct immediately." Marriana gives a grim prognosis

"But how do we get all the way there that fast? That's impossible" You ask.

"It's not impossible, you could do it" Henry piped in, with a very uncertain look on his head.

"What in the name of all that is good are you talking about lad?" Daniel turns to address his younger counterpart

"You all just said it, a magistrate can get you to the capital city no problem."

"And how do you suppose that?" Daniel continued to press his young ward "Oh, excuse me Your Excellency, let me just hoist your helmet for a minute so that I can go rescue my friend who will surely be hung for treason?"

"By being pirates" Trandal said quietly, with confidence in his eyes "It's just crazy enough to work. If we continue to be a problem, a big enough problem, the Empire will have to send more Magistrates here to contend with the problem. We surrender when they get here, they take us there, and we break her free"

"Or, we just get killed alongside her" you protest

"In which case" Marrianna spoke up "we die alongside family, and friends. None could ask for more than that." Marrianna puts her hand into the middle of you, which Trandal clasps, followed by you, signaling an agreement.

"No mercy for those with no grave" You say as you solidify the pact

"No Grave but the Sea" Marrianna replies.