The constable hears the sounds of fighting coming from the tavern and sees through the open entry into the courtyard, shakes his head, and tells Snow, “All right, I don’t know what you’re looking for here. You should’ve stayed in Asni if you wanted justice,” before pushing past the garrison men to the tavern entry.

The garrison captain takes a final peeved glare at Snow, and says, “You better watch how ya speak about the empire here. And especially, the Amazighs. You’re lucky you’re still alive,” before turning to her squad, glaring into the tavern, and, shaking her head, walking away. The garrison Tahesians follow her.

The acolyte remains alone with Snow. “It is wrong to lie,” she says, in her child’s voice. “You should try harder to be honest.” Her eyes on the ground, she edges softly around Snow to the tavern entry, looks up, taking in the situation there, her brows arched high in concern, her small mouth pouting at the recklessness of her townsfolk.

Py can’t see the tavern floor from 40’ up, but he drops down atop one of the red and orange linen sun/windshields blocking his view and peeking over the edge, shoots his tiny spore at the man holding Auger. He slaps his neck where the spore hits him, then twists down slowly, releasing his grasp as he loses consciousness and falls asleep, spreadeagled on the floor, while Auger, freed from the grapple, moves to the entryway.

Several of the tavern folk stand up now, and two take hold of the other pugilist, yelling at him to calm down.

The older woman who had handed Snow water now skirts the crowd and finds Auger. “Are you okay, sonny?,” she asks. “ I don’t know what got into him, he’s just been unpredictable since…,” and she trails off, perhaps not wishing to spread gossip. 

Auger takes a moment to look at the older woman who comes over and thinks hard for a moment, finally saying, "Well, perhaps I provoked him. My words can carry a certain charge at times. Clearly there are deep problems that some of us are dealing with." Sighing, resetting his disheveled clothing, and wiping some blood from his mouth, Auger continues, "Thank you. I appreciate your checking on me. I think I am fine but perhaps you will have an easier time calming him down if I remove myself from the situation. Good day to you."

With a final glance back into the tavern, Auger then steps out the front door, lets his eyes slide over Snow standing with the acolyte and turns to Varielky and suggests heading back to the boat.

(OOC: Auger will pause and listen if the older woman has anything she wants to add)

Thank you Py. I think that is the first time I have seen you make someone sleep. Well done! I am going to walk back towards the boat. Can you keep yourself invisible and monitor Snow from above?

Snow looks at the acolyte as she walks away and whispers, "You are absolutely right, we should all strive to be better than we are".

As everyone moves away he wanders back across to the alley he first disguised himself in. He then points back towards Auger and whispers, "I am heading back to the boat, might be worth sending Py to follow those Imperials if you can. You can whisper a reply that no-one else will hear". He waits a moment in case a reply is forthcoming and then looks around to ensure no-one is watching and that no-one is loitering on the other side of the alley. If all is clear he drops his disguise and exits from the opposite side of the alley. He walks a circuitous route to get back to the docks and the Animu Borongo, avoiding the tavern area and being careful to not look suspicious.

Perception: (16+7) = 23

Hearing the voice in his mind for the first time Auger momentarily wonders at it, another thing to learn about. Then he shakes his head and replies in kind, "If you are safe then Py can do this."

Py, change of plan. Follow those Imperials and see where they go and who they meet with. Do not risk yourself. Stay invisible and observe from a distance. I will resummon you in an hour or if you cannot follow any further then come to me at the boat.

Snow picks his moment and allows his disguise to disappear, free from curious eyes, and returns to the small harbor and the gangways beyond the houseboats without issue. 

Py replies, ‘Yes, Master,’ to Auger’s command, and buzzes off invisibly.

Soon, the three of you have reconvened to the edge of the harbor where the Animu Borongo is moored. Granophyre’s tiny golden bird cocks its head when you approach, and flutes a brief melody. Granophyre steps out wearing a hooded cloak, and is curious to know what happened.

Snow boards the Animu Borongo and perches on the gunwale as he recounts what happened to Strewn, loud enough for the others to all hear, but quiet enough to not be overheard by anyone else.

“Well the whole thing didn’t exactly go as I anticipated, for starters there were half a dozen or so Imperial soldiers there, and I also didn't think I would feel so guilty deceiving these people. We proceeded despite the imperial presence, myself disguised as the victim of an assault. I used some details from our last few days with a few tweaks here and there to help sell the story, saying I came across a pair of Amazighs kidnapping a couple after placing bags on their heads”.

“I then went slightly further and said there was an Imperial helping them, and the three of them beat me senseless when I tried to intervene”, he says stopping for a breath and to compose his thoughts.

“From my point of view, it seemed like there was no love lost between the common folk and the Amazighs. Or the Imperials and the Amazighs for that matter. There was a constable there, smart as a whip who faced off against the Imperial captain, and wasn’t convinced at all by my story. Oh, and the Imperial captain recognised my description of the imperial involved in the assault, which I described as the one who was captured by the snake people. She wasn’t happy about that at all, and left smartish”.

He turns to Auger, “I believe Py is keeping an eye on her as we speak”.

“Not sure about you both”, he says to Auger and Varielky, “but I got the sense these are mainly good folk, fairly fed up with their lot, and certainly worth talking to directly. The constable would be my choice to make contact with, maybe take him aside and tell him the truth about Asni Village. What do you think?”, he finishes.

Matching Snow's volume Auger adds, "Py is watching the Imperials as suggested, though I have not heard back from it yet. I had little chance to even see the constable or hear what happened to you with the Imperials so we will have to follow your instincts on how to proceed there. For my part I spoke a few words I intended in solidarity, to see if there are others who might be worth talking to, this went poorly, nearly causing a brawl. These people are not unified in opposition and in my case two directed their anger at me for speaking as a stranger at all."

Auger pauses and rubs his jaw, where he had been punched, "Still there are strong passions here. They might be able to do a lot if inspired to direct those passions the right way. What about the young lady who walked out with you Snow, she was dressed as a worshipper or perhaps an Acolyte in some fashion. Was she also a possible person to talk to?"

"She was young and innocent, I would be loathe to drag her into this in truth. It was her I felt most uncomfortable about deceiving, as well as sneaking off without explanation. Perhaps at some point...", Snow trails off in his reply to Auger.

"Ultimately I feel they will all be dragged into this, perhaps without our help." Auger pauses, letting the thought percolate in his own head.

"Varielky. Granophyre. What do you think? Snow made a very effective case down in Asni and if he thinks we should speak with the constable then I support it." Auger pauses again, thinking about the map of the Vale as best as he can remember it. "Whatever we decide we should consider doing it quietly and then leaving town. I do not believe we are far from our destination here in the Vale and we do not want to be known as anything more than travelers when we arrive in the Abziri zone."

Granophyre listens, asking clarifying questions and frowning at news of the emotional response and attack Auger suffered in the tavern. “I agree that when emotions run high, it is best to tread lightly. You have learned what you have learned, and as for who to speak to… the acolyte has already shown that her conscience directs her actions. But it seems the constable, too, would absorb the news of rebellious plans, listening before acting, and could be an ally if he were to believe that a better life for his townsfolk would be obtainable by freeing the vale from the empire.”

An hour passes, after which Py has not yet returned. Auger summons the fey alyasub, which appears, gliding out of its pocket dimension to land upon his shoulder. 

‘Three remained in the donjon overlooking the drawbridge. The others, led by their captain, rode southwards, back in the direction we came, on camels. I overheard the garrison captain say she wants to see for herself whether or not Snow’s story is true.’

Auger makes sure all hear from Py directly so they can ask their own questions of it.

"Well it is probably a good time to act while the Captain is away. Lets approach the constable and letting him know how Asni is rallying. Lets also consider leaving this town tonight, the next one is only a few miles up the river and we can start moving with a lower profile starting there."

Auger realizes he had passed over some of Py's words without thinking. "A drawbridge? We will want to pass through without any special notice there if we can. I hope it is not another inspection spot. Py did you happen to see any boats passing through while you were there? If so how did the imperials behave?"

Varielky nods. "That might work, and is worth a try; at least in my opinion. If not, we can always try speaking directly to the citizens. It didn't sound like they were satisfied with their oppressors, from Auger's description. Though, I suppose we should be careful not to direct the village against ourselves. That won't keep our profile low for long." Varielky is prepared to go into the village again.

"Very well, let's start with the constable. I have a feeling he will connect our conversation to the events of today, so I suggest honesty over rhetoric, even if it means owning up to my deception", Snow says.

"Would you like to take the lead on this occasion Auger? I have ways of assisting your efforts if so", he offers.

"Do you think we will then have time to see the drawbridge for ourselves on foot, before we approach by river? I too fear it might be an inspection point and don't want to be caught unawares again".

Py answers Auger’s question. ‘When the garrison arrived to the donjon overlooking the drawbridge, there were several boats on the river waiting to pass. Their pilots shouted their annoyance to the imperials for taking ‘too long a lunch.’ But the captain and the two who accompanied her south left right away and I followed them. I did not see the drawbridge in operation.’

According to Py’s description, the town is not large, and it will take no more than twenty minutes to cover the distance from the tavern to the drawbridge.

Granophyre stays behind once again as, once again, you walk down the gangways past the  houseboats, past the Besha Stsant Tavern, and farther into the funnel-shaped town which slopes gently upward on three sides above the little harbor, keeping to its main street, passing townsfolk engaged in their afternoon affairs. A couple stop and stare for a moment at Auger, exchanging whispers. A young boy runs up to Snow and walks beside him for a few paces before pointing with a dirty finger to the bard’s violin. “Wha’s that?,” he asks, and then, “Are you gonna play it?,” but a woman, his mother, it seems, calls him and, disappointed, the lad blows his bangs out of his eyes and turns and runs to her. 

Soon enough, you arrive at a building with the words "Constable’s Office" painted in large lettering on its exterior. The structure faces a general market across the street. As you near, you can see, through barred windows, the constable within – Mohand, as you recall he is named – sitting at a desk with his boots up, his fingers forming a cradle behind his head, carrying on a conversation with a second occupant out of view. Constable Mohand sometimes faces the rear wall, sometimes the windows, and sometimes his boots. If he sees you coming, he does not show it.

While still on the boat Auger nods along at the suggestion of speaking to the constable, though he does react to say, "I think we should approach him together and all join in speaking with him. I would simply outline for him the events in Asni, focusing particularly on the meeting, though perhaps we should begin by owning up to our deception, but only if we can talk to him alone."

On the way to the constable, Auger asks Py to keep an eye from above, invisibly as always, to warn if any approach the constable while they speak with him.

Pausing outside the Constable's Office Auger whispers to the group to say out loud what they must feel is obvious, there was someone else present, which might make things difficult. Nonetheless Auger walks up to the door, knocks twice and then enters if he is asked to come in. 

If able to enter, Auger greets the constable, "Excuse me sir, my name is Dannel Fetherlac, though I am called Auger. If you will forgive the intrusion, my companions and I would like a word in private if possible."

Snow smiles at the young boy, “Not today kid, run along now”.

As they reach the constables office he whispers back to Auger, “Just trust your instincts, you’ve got this. Take the lead and we will be there to join in just as you asked”, granting him inspiration.

He will try and make sure he is the last person to enter the the constables office, keeping an eye out for anyone watching them before he moves inside.

Bonus Action: Bardic Inspiration for Auger (1d8)
Perception: 10 (Passive 17)

As Auger enters, Constable Mohand’s voice trails off. “… no, Jugurtha, it’s like I always say, two pennies lost, a silver found…,” and as the door opens, the constable looks up, slowly tilts forward and brings his feet down to the floor while Auger offers his greeting. As Snow and Varielky enter after the warlock, you three note that the other occupant of the office is not unfamiliar to you. In a back corner of the room is a door of narrow steel bars, and behind the bars, draping his arms around them as he converses somewhat dejectedly with the constable, is the very man who threw the first punch at Auger in the Betha Stsant Tavern.

“Whuut th flaaahhk?!,” the growls from his cell.

“Please pardon Jugurtha,” the Constable says, glaring at the man in the cage. “His manners get worse by the hour. I’m Mohand. I’d welcome you to Bou Azza, but I think you’ve already seen us in our skivvies, so to speak, so I’ll skip it. Errr…Privacy? That might be tricky. What’s this about? Him, mebbe?,” he points at Jugurtha with his chin. “Don’t worry, he is paying his price to society, aren’t you, Jugurtha?”

The man in the cage sets his jaw but then sighs deeply. “I suppose I am,” he answers, plainly. 

Sensing an energy, an untapped capability within him (Bardic Inspiration), Auger looks at Snow for a moment and nods. Yes, while entirely different from Ednyss and Benita, Snow was proving to be a surprising and useful companion. And the music, when he chose to play, was quite good.

While listening to the Constable, Auger takes a moment to look at Jugurtha -- the first he had ever observed to fight through his (Fey) presence when he touched the Sea of Stars (Auger thinks). Wondering if there is something special about him, beyond his inflamed passions, Auger briefly considers speaking openly in front of him. No. From the tone of discussion as they walked in, Jugurtha's hot head was perhaps a known issue and he would not be the right person to hear this message. Not the right person to start anyway. Looking back at the Constable, Auger again finds himself rubbing his chin from the punch earlier. 

"Good evening Mohand." Auger shifts his gaze again to the prisoner, "Jugurtha is it? I hope my clumsy words won't yield too much time in jail for you. The things I spoke of were clearly upsetting. For my part I apologize for that," Auger shakes his head at the memory. "That said, I did not think they required a violent response but be that as it may..." Auger gives his full attention to the Constable, "No this is not really about --uhh Jugurtha here-- not precisely. But some discretion is important. I think you will agree once we start talking. Do you know of a private place? Perhaps just outside could work? We will not use a great deal of your time." Auger attempts to keep his tone light. 

Jugurtha’s answers to Auger:

"Good evening Mohand." 

(He purses his lips, but replies, “Good evening.”)

"Jugurtha is it? I hope my clumsy words won't yield too much time in jail for you.”

(“Thank you.”)

“ The things I spoke of were clearly upsetting. For my part I apologize for that,"

(“You’re a stranger. How were you to know. I’m the one who should apologize.”)

“I did not think they required a violent response but be that as it may..." 

(“Nope. You’re right. I… I’m sorry for swinging at you. When I… when I lost my… look you don’t owe me anything, even to listen. Anyhow I shouldn’t have swung at you.”)

The Constable looks at Auger and the Snow and Varielky, assessing. His eyes dwell on Snow. He smiles at Auger briefly then turns to the bard. “Yours is an unfamiliar face…Some folks don’t get hungry when others do, I suppose.” He’s looking Snow up and down. His attention returns to Auger. 

“As for privacy, I think this is a good enough spot. It’s served me well these last five years. Jugurtha: why don’t you lie down for a minute.”

The man in the cell moves away, you faintly hear him sigh as he sits down out of view.

Mohand opens a drawer, removes a music box and sets it on his desk. He winds it, and it begins to play, producing a small but intricate magical melody of Shian drums and fifes, which you think will conceal your voices from prying ears in the cell, if prying they are. 

Auger looks carefully at Mohand as he opens the drawer and sets the music box down and starts it playing and then listens a moment before nodding along, yes this might have to do.

Py. Let me know if anyone is going to interrupt us.

"Thank you sir. I'll get right to it. As I stated, I am called Auger and this is Varielky, who was with me at the tavern earlier. And this over here is Snow, you and he have also met." Auger gestures to each of them in turn as he speaks and pauses momentarily to allow the introduction of Snow to seep in. Auger then sits in front of Mohand (assuming there is a chair available to do so).

"Allow me to explain. Yesterday evening we were in Asni village where we attended a public gathering. Matters were discussed there of some importance for the Vale. Matters of a delicate nature. We have opted to help out the attendees, the leaders in Asni, by passing their message around in the Vale. We were heading this way anyway and the matters are of some interest to us. On our trip up today we realized that discussing the matters openly would possibly create upheaval and trouble for those who chose to listen and so we wanted to identify someone who would hear us out. Someone who might know the locals and could pass our story around discretely if needed. So my friend Snow here came up with a plan where he would... put on a performance... of sorts to help us see if such a person might exist in Bou Azza. You saw the outcome of that performance today at the Tavern. The specifics of his story are based on recent events that befell a couple in Asni. Based on the outcome of that performance we think you are a person who would be willing to listen. Did we judge correctly, Constable? Are you interested in hearing more?"