[b]Co-GM IC:[/b]

[b]The Keep - Courtyard[/b]
[hr]
Merik and Manald were easily able to drop off the men they've captured to the nearby guards, and while some were a little suspicious at first, they were quickly convinced once they noted the various tools of the trade that a normal peasant wouldn't have. Moreover, as members of the Royal Guard, they held greater authority than those of the city guard, beastman or otherwise. Thus, it didn't take long before someone claps the assassins in irons and hauls them off to the dungeon.

Most of the guards, however, avoid disturbing you both unless you have questions. A younger guardsman, apparently undeterred by your appearances, stepped up and spoke. [b]"Good work out there-- the Captain and some of the Royal Guard are down in the dungeon, I believe."[/b] He says. [b]"You're welcome to join them if you like."[/b] Though as members of the Royal Guard, you had the jurisdiction to do whatever you pleased at this point.

Perhaps it would be prudent to meet with the Prince, the Spymaster, or the Duke, if you so pleased. Though if you went off to do your own business, you're certain people wouldn't mind much.

[b]The Keep - Dungeons[/b]
[hr]
Clarisse let out a dry laugh, even as she bled from the corners of her mouth. She still reeled from the backhand from earlier. [b]"It doesn't matter. Our job's done, and our lives are forfeit anyway."[/b] The assassin said in defiance. [b]"I'm not telling you anything."[/b] The two guardsmen, the guard captain, and the two members of the Royal Guard present were speaking amongst themselves, and to the prisoner, but before anyone can get in a word edgewise, the doors to the room opened.

Stepping through the oak doors was the wizened old spymaster, and while he looked unharmed, his countenance was even more dour than usual. He gave the prisoner on the table a single, disdainful glance, before shaking his head.

"[color=#239C89]Throw her in the cells with the rest of her ilk.[/color]" He commanded. Naturally, there were enough cells for each one of them.

[b]"...the rest of us?"[/b] Clarisse replied.

It's then that the old man took a bit of a grim satisfaction as he made his response. "[color=#239C89]Yes. Of the... nine members of your team of assassins, it seems six were captured alive.[/color]"

He didn't need to speak-- his expression said it all.

[color=#239C89][i]I wonder which ones will break first..?[/i][/color]

The woman fell silent. She knew it was only a matter of time before she and her five companions would be interrogated. Even if she could hold out... what about the rest of them? As Clarisse despaired, the guards moved to put her in the holding cells. Balthazar turned to his subordinates once the prisoners were out of earshot.

"[color=#239C89]We have much to discuss, but we do not have the luxury of time on our side.[/color]" He started. "[color=#239C89]First thing's first...[/color]" The old man turned to the guardsmen present. "[color=#239C89]You lot are dismissed. Have a watchman posted at the Duke's bedroom, and bring the healer a sample of the poison they used. I doubt they will strike a second time tonight, but I'd rather not take any chances.[/color]" The Spymaster strode towards the nearby desk, where items had been confiscated, before handing the man a vial of clear liquid and sending him on his way.

Once they were gone, Balthazar then turned his gaze to the two members of the Royal Guard in the room, before focusing it towards Acrius. "[color=#239C89]And you... I expect a full report. What in the Nine Hells happened out there?[/color]" His eyes were like daggers, and his voice was cold... but expectant. He was frustrated and angry at the turn of events, but he knew better than to take it out on his subordinates.