The Wildemount Irregulars (2020)

The Lawmaster shows you out. There are more guards now, shooing people away, though a few gawkers are still standing in the street. There's not much to see though, until you arrive at least - then heads turn, glances come in your direction, and whispered conversations take place among the onlookers - what's in the wagon, they seem to wonder.

The answer is two drow. One of the guards opens the side door. There is space inside for four to sit comfortably, six at a squeeze. And sitting inside already are two drow, one male and one female, wearing simple garb that suggests basic prison clothing. Each is securely chain to the wall of the carriage, with cuffs around their wrists and ankles, and a chain threaded through and anchored to a ring in the wall. They are gagged. They both look young, fairly athletic, and tired. The man glances in your direction as the door opens, then returns to stare directly in front of him, ignoring you. You're not sure the woman has even noticed you.

The guard closes the door once again, and the Lawmaster speaks. Apparently they have refused to give their names. Their previous escorts took to calling them... well, I won't say, but they have been reprimanded. They are in good health, and have not made an attempt to escape I am told. They are likely to have some skill in magic, hence the gags - please take care when you are giving them food and water.

Alton tucks the coins away into a pouch as they leave the Lawmaster's office. Once the doors to the wagon is closed, he gives the Lawmaster a nod, "We'll be careful and make sure they get to their destination safely." 

Then... I wish you well. I will ask for horses to be brought to draw the carriage, unless you will use your own? The Lawmaster leans to Alton, who is at the same height as he is, and speaks softly so that no-one else hears: Under the driver's seat is a sealed note with instructions on how and where to deliver your charges; open it only after leaving town, please. 

Alton gives the Lawmaster a subtle nod, "Oh, that does remind me that we need to pick up our horses and Ghost from that nice lady, Juniper." He turns to Balassar and Silent, "Do you two think we should use our horses to pull this; we'll have to sell our cart though. Or should we ask for horses and pick the others up as we leave so we still have a cart for later." 

Balassar looks at Alton "Should have them provide the horses, wasn't apart of the deal to have us provide them. I can go get Ghost and the rest of our stuff from Juniper while you negotiate that."

The Lawmaster calls for two powerful-looking horses to be brought and hitched to the carriage. The front of the carriage has a seat for a driver to sit; it appears one of you is expected to do the honours.

Balassar will get their horses and ghost from Juniper while the horses are being gotten and hooked up to the carriage. Giving her an extra 40 gold for housing everyone.

When he gets back he will look at Silent and Alton "Silent, maybe you should ride in the carriage with the prisoners to make sure they don't act up? I can take driving that carriage if Alton is comfortable with driving this one."

Juniper takes the money and thanks Balassar.

Ghost won't come into town, no matter how hard Balassar encourages him. You can have the conversation with Alton before heading to pick him up, if you like.

Silent nods at Balassar's suggestion. Aye, I'll keep an eye on 'em. 

Once everyone is ready to go and Ghost has rejoined the party, Silent will get into the prisoner's carriage. 

Okay, so Balassar goes to meet Juniper, brings the horses, then goes back to pick up Ghost, then waits at the edge of town on the road towards Zadash?

Alton I guess is driving?  Give an Animal Handling or Land Vehicles check.

Silent, you see Alton ready himself to depart, and you climb into the carriage. The two prisoners seem to be ignoring you.  Both are still gagged and chained.

Alton, puts on a smile though his hands are shaking a bit. He hasn’t really driven a large carriage before. With a flick of the reigns he tries to steer the carriage in the direction they are supposed to go.

Animal Handling: 14

The carriage lurches to a start, and Silent is almost thrown off his seat. If there's any reaction from the prisoners, it's not clear to Silent.

You make your way through the streets; initially, the crowd of onlookers do indeed look on, but they don't follow - as the Crownsguard suggest they should not. You make your way out of town, and find Balassar and Ghost waiting patiently at the side of the road.

Alton waves to Balassar and brings the carriage to a stop, "Hey, ready to get going to Zadash?" As he climbs down from the seat he grabs the sealed note and shows it to Balassar, "So, this will tell us how and where we are suppose to deliver these people. Lets make sure we are a ways from town before opening it."

While the carriage is making its way out of town and before it comes to a stop, Silent says in Elvish, How goes it? 

Silent, there's no response from the drow. Not even a flicker of interest in your words.

Balassar just nods "Better burn after reading also." he looks to the cart with Ghost and then the prisoner cart "Want to switch?"

Alton nods, "Yeah. You probably know the way to Zadash better, so I'll follow you with the empty wagon. Do you want Ghost up with you, in the carriage with Silent, or in this wagon?" He climbs up into the driver seat of their empty wagon.

Silent doesn't say anything else until after the carriage stops and then starts again once Balassar takes the reins. At that point, he unsteadily gets to his feet (probably needing to duck his head) and Manifests an Echo, trying to situate it directly between both of the prisoners. 

If you have a story to tell, I would wish to hear it. Perhaps we can come to an arrangement of sorts, help you stave off the fate that awaits you at the end of this journey. I am no Krynn soldier, but nor am I a weapon of the Empire. And I have empathy for those who also find themselves stuck between the two powers. 

But, if you wish to remain silent... no matter. The Echo pulls the greatsword from its hilt, just enough for the drow to get a look at what it might be. I have attempted time and again to aid our folk caught in this war. Minimize the senseless bloodshed. I have failed almost every time, at great risk to myself and my comrades. I shall not make such mistakes again. 

Silent, make a Persuasion check. With advantage from the Echo, disadvantage from the general situation, so a straight roll.

Persuasion 8