Deciding Garth's Fate
Subject: Re: Alone in the dark
"Cadfael, you said last night you could make him speak and speak truthfully. If so, why don't you do so now?" Farron says. "Barring that, I vote 'kill him'. He has vowed to do the same to us."
From: Mike
Subject: Re: Alone in the dark
At Farron's first suggestion, Garyth frowns. The thought of forcing the warrior to speak leaves a bad taste in his mouth, even if they do need to know. But when Farron votes to kill their captive, he can't stop himself from speaking.
"It's one thing to kill in defense or in righteous combat, but to do this now, while he is helpless, would be murder."
From: Scott
Subject: Re: Alone in the dark
Mission is startled at Farron's words because they match his own feelings so well. It is for this reason that he holds his tongue when Garyth speaks of murder rather than a just and lawful execution.
Has he strayed so far from the Path that his feelings match this mage's?
Mission lowers the halberd to Garth's throat. "We have need of Pelor's wisdom, apparently, Cadfael."
From: Karl
Subject: Re: Alone in the dark
"Murder?! To kill that which has vowed to destroy you?" Farron gives Garyth a look that clearly says he can't believe what he's hearing. "This man makes vows to a dark god. You heard it yourself. To heal him and set him free to work more evil is to serve that evil yourself. I'd rather have his blood on my hands than his future evil . . . let alone his knife in my back."
From: Dan
Subject: Re: Alone in the dark
"The boon that Pelor grants me makes no word but truth be spoken, but it cannot force a man to speak. You have set your feet down a black road, Garth. Will you answer our questions still? If you tell us truthfully why you were here I will heal you and release you. By the time you have given your companion back his life we will have completed our mission. The two of you would then be free to hunt us down or seek some way to release you from your fool's oath. It matters not to me; Pelor's grace shall protect me from the Blood God should you choose to ransom your soul to him in exchange for the opportunity to strike at me. But Pelor will smile on you should you be truthful now; it would be the first step on your path to redemption. So, Garth, will you, under Pelor's all-knowing gaze, tell us why you were here?"
From: Raja
Subject: Re: Alone in the dark
[OOC: Nothing to add, I'm still busy casting Gentle Repose.]
From: Ty
Subject: Re: Alone in the dark
[I am assuming Cadfael cast the circle of truth spell]
Garth bites his lip at these words. It is clear that he is uncomfortable even opening his mouth within the circle of the spell's effect. Finally, he seems to make a decision. "I am here to protect my friend and mentor, the man you killed. His business is his own, and since you killed him, I see no need to speak in his behalf. But I do have an obligation to help him if I can, seeing as how I failed him so badly."
He watches as Sa'id finishes casting the Gentle Repose spell on his friend. "If indeed this spell you have cast will protect his body from harm, then I will promise you this: Let me leave with him. If I can have him returned to life, then I will let him decide what to do next. Perhaps you will be out of our reach by that time. It is the best chance you have, and you know that I speak true."
From: Mike
Subject: Re: Alone in the dark
Garyth motions the party to come in closer.
He speaks softly, to avoid Garth overhearing. "I think we should let him go." He swallows, then continues. "No, we must do so. It doesn't matter what he has said or done, we cannot kill him. We are not the arbiters of right and wrong. We are not gods; we are not even magistrates. To execute him without a trial is murder and it is wrong and I..." Garyth trails off, his eyes darting from face to face. This is it. Time and again he has shown his inability to lead, and maybe that is not his place. But he is an officer of the Guard; his life is sworn to uphold the law. His duty is clear. Garyth sets his jaw and says in what he hopes is a level voice, "I will not allow it."
From: Scott
Subject: Re: Alone in the dark
Mission grunts softly. "The Law of Blood. . ." he swallows, and glances at Farron. "Sand take us all. I don't have a stomach for any more blood today. I'll trust the Path to turn where it will.
"We already keep watch for Elise, the Murrakat, and Anileth-- adding Garth and the rest of them to our list of enemies won't make much of a difference.
"We should let him go."
If only to get back on Promise's path more quickly.