Logan:

Logan pulls a gold piece out of his pouch and palms it, moving to intercept the young boy accused of thievery.  He attempts to catch him, then press the coin in the boy’s hand, saying, “I believe you may have forgotten to pay, young man.”

Athletics if needed:  14

Logan intercepts the young boy who first grunts and then mutters in confusion looking at the gold coin in his hand and back to Logan. The noble can see now what he was trying to steal, a bread that has fallen to the ground now. 

The man with apron, a bald, rounded man in his thirties with a moustache on his  upper lip catches up them. 

"Oh thank you thank you Sir. This thieve will now face the fair judgement of justice..."  he says looking over the small crowd that is stopping to see what's happening, looking for the guard. 

"S... Sir? I am sorry " says in just but a whisper the boy " I just need to eat. Me and my family. Please Sir... help me" he begs to Logan giving back to him the gold piece nor really knowing what to do with it. 

Logan:

”Come now, boy, pay the man for the bread,” gestures Logan, pointing at the coin in the boy’s hand and then at the baker.

At the same time, just in case he is being scammed, Logan makes sure to keep the rest of his pouch far away from the boy.

”And how clumsy of you to drop the bread, is this how you treat this upstanding citizen’s product?” he adds, picking it up and handing it to the boy, “I suggest with the change you get from your bread you go and buy something a bit more filling as well, there’s a good boy.”

Logan gives the baker a hard look, making it clear that he is not interested in having this boy punished for just trying to eat…though at the same time understanding that food must be properly paid for, whatever the hunger…

  "Do not look!" Gorm says quickly in a bit of a louder hush.  "Stop and look at the next thing that could be of interest. A vendor or shop.  Then glance sideways back the way we came and see if you don't think they are following..."  Gorm gives a quick description of the people she spotted but does her best not to look back at where she knows they are.  "Could they be city officials of some kind?  Or even a coincidence?"

In response to Gorm's request Dr A looks up and spots a shop. On a shingle hanging out the front in Old Cormyrean is the words 'Mae'r cleddyf yn nerthol ond y gorlan yn gryfach' and an image of a pen writing on parchment "ahbut it says something about the pen being mightier than the sword'' Dr A mutters as he drags Gorm and Kaelan inside. It is indeed a bookshop and Dr A pulls a book off the shelf "look it is a copy of a 'Anthropologic & Folkloric Histories of the Settled Lands'  by Carcroft the Long. Ahbut this may hold some information that could help us understand more about the scroll!" As he peruses the book, Dr A glances out the window and (2 with +5 for History, +6 for Insight, or +4 for Perception resulting in 14, 15 or 13) says "ahbut they're not wearing any uniform I recognise and they do seem to be very deliberately following us so I don't think my young friend that this is a coincidence at all?"

(OOC: For a bit of colour I used a welsh translation for the Old Cormyrean - the sign actually reads 'The sword is mighty but the pen mightier!')

Logan:

The boy trembling a little bit gives the man the gold coin and the baker looks at it for a second and then to the warrior clad in shinny armor in front of him. He finally sighs and takes the money. "I have the change back in my stall " as they walk back to it, not too far the boy says in low voice "Thank you m'lord... " 

Leaving the scene behind and the market, Talgred and him finally start to climb up the cobbled pathway that leads hill up to the Citadel. An impressive castle that holds no less than two thousand Purple Dragon Knights. 

They present the letter that summons him tot he guards at the entrance and they are led to a waiting room. Elegant without being lavish, they have some fruits and nuts and water in a table. Almost an hour later the door opens and a man suited in a golden breastplate enters the room. He is a little bit smaller than Logan, black short hair with white stripes along the temples and a goatee with streaks of white too. He wears the insignia of a General of the Purple Knights and a deep purple cloak hanging from one shoulder. He has a scroll rolled on his left hand. 

" Well met. Excuse me for the delay but there were urgent matters that I had to attend. Please sit " he says and does the same at the other side of the table. He then unwraps the scroll and reads. 

" Logan Flameheart. You do wish to join the Purple Dragon Knights as squire. Son of Douglas Flameheart, Lord of Grettenburg. Your uncle, Sir Doust Flameheart speaks high of you. " He doesn't introduce himself, for he is easily recognized, Sir Isteval of Suzail. General of the Purple Dragon Knights and the man who decides who join their ranks and who doesn't. What Logan didn't knew is that he liked to go directly to the point. He keeps on reading something more but doesn't share it with him "Tell me Logan Flameheart" he says when he finally raise his eyes from the parchment and look to him " Why do you wish to join our ranks? "

Rest of the party:

Dr A. does, indeed, see the four individuals that seems to be who Grom were speaking, but they do not wear any insignia neither uniform that could help identify them. They seem a little bit surprised by the sudden decision to enter the library they try to fake interest in the nearby glassblower shop, with no much success for two of them are staring directly to the book shop they are in. 

An older female voice came to them from behind a dark wooden counter at the end of the shop which is filled with lines and lines of books and scrolls. 

" Can I help you?" an elderly human woman, probably in her eighties, looks at them from the counter and tries to focus her old eyes into tem. 

     Gorm seethes once her suspicions are confirmed and he hands yearn to go to her swords, but she does manage to restrain herself.

     “Would your authorities find this sufficient cause for blood to be spilled? Gorm asks calmly of Karvian and Dr. Arbutaveyu.  On the sands of her home matters we’re settled much more directly.  She sees there being merit in not all justice being decided by the best blade but it still feels unnatural to her.

     “Deception then?” she suggests.  “You two could slip out another way while I distract these four as long as I can?  I’ll stick to fists for at least as long as they do…”

Logan:

Sitting up straight and tall, Logan says, “Thank you for your consideration, Sir Isteval.  I wish to join the ranks of the Purple Dragon Knights because I wish to be part of an organization devoted to protecting the people of the realm and eradicating evil threats where they may arise.”

Tempted to say more, Logan decides to remain silent and only directly answer the question given concisely and honestly.

The seasoned knight looks for long seconds to the young candidate. 
“That’s the answer every young warrior gives me. The one that is expected. Are you sure you don’t want to add anything more? Feel free to speak freely.” he suggests 

 "Ahbut lets not be in such a hurry. Finding this bookshop may be a sign that my patron continues to watch over us and there could be something here of interest!"  Dr A says to Gorm in response to his proposal "but of course if we do not find something then a distraction would be most appreciated." In response to the old lady's question as as to whether she can be of assistance "yes yes, my name is Vah Jo Gyaan Chaahata Hai and I am researcher into the deep past. Would you have any texts describing what happened in this country eons ago?"

Logan:

”You are…most perceptive, Sir Isteval.  i grew up on tales of adventures and heroics at the Old Skull Inn in Shadowdale, and I always wanted to be a Knight of Myth Drannor.  I want to be a hero like in the stories, to make for myself a life of significance and service,” says Logan, somewhat nervous but trying to be calm.

“My uncle has encouraged me in this and suggested I apply for service in the Purple Dragons, and I trust his judgement in this matter, although I am somewhat concerned about swearing fealty to the Crown of Cormyr instead of to the Dalelands.  My word is my bond, though, and if you accept me into your order I will be loyal unto death,” he finishes.

Dr A.

"But of course my dear " says the elderly woman "I am only keeping the store for my grandson you know, he is out making some errands but I do know that the history section is over there, four shelve to fifth one. Hope you find what you are looking for my dear... " she points towards the section with a trembling finger. 

Dr. A. has some trouble moving between the shelves though, and he risk to hit one with his shell and provoke a small disaster. The bard helps him not to hit anything while they go deeper into the store. 

Grom. 

You keep an eye on the four strangers outside and, after a few seconds, they walk into a near alley where they can keep watch on your store withou drawing too much attention themselves. 

(Give me a perception or insight roll, whichever you want please ) 

Logan

Sir Isteval nods, apparently much more pleased with this answer than the first one. Talgred, instead, seems a little bit nervous. 

"Well it is natural that your first inclination is to join the Knights that protects your homeland. But our Order not only protect the people and crown of Cormyr. We do, in fact, protect every single person in need and our patrols goes as far as the Dales. I can see your uncle's point of view. By entering our ranks you will be serving a much larger scope of people and land. " he stops and serves, without asking, a cup of wine from jar at the table for them, Talgred and Logan, and another for himself. He takes a sip before he continues. "You should know that we swore to follow the Crown only as long as the Crown has the best interest of the people of Cormyr at heart. This is not said at the oaths of course, at least not as I just said it, but it is in the Code of the Order. You should not trouble your head with that, none member of the Crown has ever made us doubt this oath, not in war or peace. I only mention it to easy your mind in this matter. What do you think about it? " he asks. 

Talgred doesn't even move to grab his cup and seems really surprised that a general from one of the most renowned and important Order of Chivalry in the Realms have served him a cup of wine. The man seems at the brink of fainting.

(Same roll either choice so:  8)

     Gorm watches the followers and does her best to assess if all four are staying in the alley or if some of them are attempting to circle around undetected.  She'll also particularly try to make out how they are equipped - How they distract or confront them could depend on if they are openly armed or not.

((But Gorm likely loses sight of them altogether, noticing the vendor on the other corner selling the latest t-shirt fashions...))

That vendor is, indeed, gorgeous. Grom cannot help but wonder their origin but surely they had to have some elvish blood, or heavenly, for only in the histories of such creatures a beauty like that has been described to her. She stares, momentarily dazed but such incredible, beautiful being. IT's only a few seconds, for the vendor levaes the window of their shop and comes back inside it. By the time she blinks and focus again on their pursuers, she cannot find them anymore. 

(( Lol )) 

Logan:

”That sounds…better than I could have hoped, sir,” answers Logan, smiling broadly, “For if the Crown were to forsake the people, I would not wish to have to either follow it into depravity or be forsworn.”

"Good Doctor, what exactly are ya looking for?" Karvian says as he yawns. Scooting between the shelves to assist Dr. A, he holds a hand up as he helps shuffle him down the aisle. "OH! Mind yer backside Doc! This place appears to be built for those without a built in home."

Logan:

"I see " replies the general and stares at him for a few more seconds while sipping on his wine. "Well. You seem strong but how capable are you with that sword you carry? " he raises his hand "No. Do not tell me. Show me." 

He puts down the cup and smirks.

"Follow me Logan Flameheart." 

He stands and walks out of the chamber without looking back. Talgred and Logan share a look and then follow the general across some hallways towards the main yard of the Citadel. 

Many Knights are training already some groups practicing with sword and lance and even a few practicing with the mounted lance charging with their horses against a dummie, throwing away mud and dirt as they horses gallop. The sounds and the smells are familiar to Logan but he has never seen this scale. 

As they pass through all the knights stop their exercises momentarily to salute the general, who responds without stopping until reaching one gropu of a dozen young knights that are training, wearing their full sets or armor with the sword and the shield. Sir Isteval waits patiently at one side until the instructor leading the group calls them to stop. Heavy breathing and panting can be heard from inside the closed helmets. 

"Good morning and well met Sir Isteval " the instructor says. A seasoned warrior, probably the same age as Talgred but two heads taller and two bodies broader. His black skin and bald head reflects the mid morning sun. he isn't wearing any armor and his muscles are as impressive as the scars that crosses his chest and upper abdomen. Three large scars from the right shoulder to the upper part of his abdomen. They doesn't seem to impede him any movement though.

"Well met indeed Master Oenomaus. I see you are growing soft with age. Those squires are still standing " 

"Hahahaha It seems so. What I can do you for you while these little cats try and get some air?" 

"Allow me to introduce you to Logan Flameheart. He would like to join our ranks as a squire. I was wondering if you have some time to allow him to show his martial  prowess "

Looking over the General, the tall instructor looks for the first time to Logan and the young warrior feels like he is being analyzed, like a horse before a hunt. A smirk appears on his lips. 

"What do you say? Ready to show us what you are made of? What would it be? A lion or a kitty like these group over here?" 

"Ahbut I'm not exactly sure but I'll know it when I find it!" Dr A responds to Karvian.

Logan:

Swallowing deeply and fumbling at the peacebonding on his sword as he tries to prepare for combat, Logan says, “I aspire to be as proficient as these warriors before me,” nodding at the squires, adding, “I know the basics, but I have much to learn.”

He follows direction to the field of battle and steels his will for whatever may come next.

His ears picking up on the Master’s name and the comment about squires still standing, Logan prepares to attempt and defend himself from being tripped.

Logan: 

"Don't bother with that" says Master Oenomaus to Logan when he sees he starting to unwrap his weapon "We don't want you to get hurt... plus remaking those are a real pain. Go there " he points to a rack of weapons nearby " And pick one of your choice, they all are dull so no real harm to these little ones here, neither to you. Ok? " 

While Logan goes and picks one weapon the Master makes the group of squires to form a circle, they seethe their weapons but keep the shields in front of them, making kind of a shield wall, and says. 

"Ok Maese Rackmoore. Let's see what you have for us today. Try not to embarrass your whole platoon." 

One of the squires steps forward nods and step forward,  the circle closing in behind him and waits for Logan to enter it too. 

(Once Logan is ready and enters the circle roll for initiative! )