The Storm

[Benedict]

Ruthard lowers his sword, but clearly ready for anything, and responds with a healthy amount of sarcasm.

• "Thanks, you're welcome for the help... Obviously I'm not with them, and clearly you two are not with them too. Now it's my turn. And who the hell are you?"

[Korbel]

- I'm not going to stand here in the rain and talk with you. We must go. Tell me, where is the manor?

[Benedict]

• "Just follow me stranger. Three is better than one. By the way, my name's Ruthard."

With that final exclamation Ruthard turns to the cowering villagers, sword still in hand, and shouts at them.

• "Flee this damned place fools. Next time I won't be so merciful!"

Without stopping to see if they do leave Ruthard turns towards the mansion and heads out.

[Korbel]

- I am Maciej, and this is... - starts the big guy, but immediately stops - and this is my friend.
His companion sheathes the sword and with a short "Let's go" follows Ruthard to the manor.

Meanwhile near the manor...
Hans and Karl with Hilde are waiting and hiding in the trees. Suddenly someone is coming, but it's not Ruthard. Father Georgius in his red robes and with two accompanying guards pass through the gate and enter the building.

[Marras]

"Bloody marvelous!", Hans hisses at Karl. "Now there are even more people at the manor. Well, it makes things more interesting."

"I wonder if Ruthard is OK. We'll wait a bit longer and see if he comes. If not, then we'll think of something."

[Stempest]

"Yes, just a bit longer. I don't like our chances against the guards without him."

[Korbel]

A few moments later...

- Hans Foth! What a fortunate meeting! - "Twin Scar" draws his sword again and Maciej grabs a club.

[Benedict]

Ruthard unsheathes his sword too, shielding Hilde and Otto with his body, and keeps a reasonable distance both from Hans and the two newcomers.

• "In case you haven't noticed it yet, we are in a village where a murderer who poses as a priest is directing the villagers to slay anyone not of their disposition. I don't know what quarrel you three might have, but it's time to start explaining what is going on. But know this. Should in the slightest actions done by any of you put me, my friends, or my mission in jeopardy, I'll have the guilty one pay dearly for it."

[Korbel]

- Oh shut the fuck up, I'm not talking with you - Maciej answers politely - Foth, what are doing here?

[Benedict]

Ruthard replies equally politely with a huge grin on his face.

• "You are either very brave Maciej or very stupid. Or maybe both. I don't care if you are talking with me schwuchtel. I have no problem leaving the talking to our swords. Now, stop this nonsense, lower your weapons, and explain what is going on here!"

OCC
Schwuchtel = Faggot

[Marras]

(Sorry for the late reply)

As Twin Scar draws his sword, Hans draws his messer as well and looks at the two hounds.

"Well, Maciej. After rescuing you from that barn I really should have made a run for it but I could not bear myself to leave the village without helping this poor, ill boy. I'm glad you arrived, too to help defend Hilde and Otto.", Hans answers.

[Stempest]

"My friends, perhaps you could try to kill each other after we are out of this mess? Otherwise we might as well finish ourselves here and now and save Georgius the trouble. But I suspect helping that bastard kill us does not appeal to anyone here. I know I certainly prefer life."

[Marras]

"I very much prefer your way, Karl. There really is no reason for a fight but as you saw, they raised their weapons first with very bad intentions in mind."

[Korbel]

- As the situation is as it is, we will give you peace Hans, for now. One condition: you give me this messer of yours. Usually I'm not calm when there's an armed criminal nearby. There will be no agreement without meeting this condition. What do you say? - "Twin Scar" looks at Hans, Karl and Ruthard, still holding his longsword ready.

[Benedict]

Not relaxing his guard one bit, Ruthard replies.

• "Stupid. We're in a bind like this and you'd have a man unarmed?"

Taking a short pause.

• "You claim you are agents of law? Which is the crime you accuse him for? Where is the evidence for your claim? You are bound to prove that, if you want any agreement at all."