The Poisoned Proof

Following the identification of Baron Varkas and the enigmatic Broker as their probable enemies, Kaelan and Grakka experienced a new type of tension: the tense vigilance of hunters who are aware that they are also being hunted. Being vividly aware that the adversary was not only a far-off threat but might have eyes, ears, and agents that could strike near home, they moved within Stonegate Keep with heightened vigilance. They continued to have utilitarian, short conversations that were now strategy-focused. How can Varkas' connection to the Broker be verified? How can they obtain useful information on the Broker's activities in the Shadow Peaks without further disclosing themselves?

Through his most trusted scouts, Kaelan sent carefully worded, coded communications to the capital, expressing his suspicions about Varkas and the possible conspiracy and urging vigilance. However, he was aware that depending on royal assistance was a gradual and unpredictable risk due to distance and the possibility of interception. Meanwhile, Grakka made use of Borg and her fighters in subtle ways, hoping to catch any whispers about the Broker or Klag the tracker from the sporadic trickle of information from goblin traders or travelers passing close to the keep. Like attempting to map a shadow, the process was exasperating; each bit of information felt hazy, untrustworthy, and maybe bait. Waiting for the opponent to show more of their hand, they were ensnared in a state of reactive awareness.

They were not kept waiting long by the adversary. Their second strategy was something much more subtle and targeted at the already shattered trust inside Stonegate Keep rather than a direct attack with arrows or blades. It started with a small disturbance close to the western granary stocks; a lock was found to have been expertly tampered with throughout the night, but nothing seemed to have been taken. Captain Vorlag gave the order to search the area right away. A guard patrol successfully 'found' a small leather pouch jammed beneath some supply barrels close to the compromised lock in a matter of minutes.

Vorlag himself, his countenance a mask of grim vindication, carried the satchel straight to Kaelan. As he carefully emptied the contents of the sack onto Kaelan's table, he said, "As we suspected, Sir Kaelan," his voice taut with repressed rage. "Treachery."

Several heavy, strangely struck coins were found within; they were less refined than Kingdom money and featured strange mountain symbols that were typical of barter tokens used in uncontrolled border areas like the Shadow Peaks. There was a folded piece of badly tanned skin beside the money. Kaelan unfurled it slowly. A brief statement was scrawled on it in awkward, blocky letters that resembled goblin writing but were written in imperfect Common. It acknowledged receipt of the money (noting the unique coins), affirmed preparedness for the 'next signal', and crudely alluded to making sure the'metal-skins' wouldn't anticipate the 'real strike'. It was signed with a jagged symbol that was slightly incorrect but vaguely resembled the goblin fang emblem.

On the surface, it was damning. A note confirming conspiracy and future attacks, signed with a goblin-like symbol, and coins that might be connected to the Shadow Peaks were discovered next to a minor sabotage site. It was indisputable evidence for Vorlag and the already wary garrison.

Vorlag hammered, "Found near the granary lock, sir," with steely gaze. Payment from their conspirators in the Peaks is evident. preparing for a new assault. We have to take action right away. Take Lady Grakka into custody and disarm her warriors before they fully turn on us! Your guys, it is your responsibility to guard this keep. Vorlag's conviction and indignation were reflected in the faces of many other officers who had gathered behind him. Kaelan was immediately under tremendous pressure.

Kaelan's thoughts were racing as he gazed at the objects on the table. It appeared awful. The note's coarseness and its explicit reference to coins fit right into people's preconceived notions about goblin communication and mercenary activity. But he had warning signs screaming in his mind. Too ideal. Why would any rational conspirator, even Grakka, employ such readily discoverable, incriminating written correspondence? As he was learning, goblins did not rely on awkward notes conveniently left behind, but rather on subtle cues, memory, and spoken word among trusted circles. And when secrecy was crucial, Grakka, with her keen pragmatism, trading in easily traceable, uncommon coins? It didn't feel right. He recalled her careful path markings and her direct rejection of human "noise and pointless gestures." This uncivilized letter seemed to be a human copy of what they believed to be goblin betrayal.

He remembered the well-planned and sophisticated ambush. This seemed theatrical and amateurish. It was planted. intended to elicit precisely this response, to push his hand against Grakka, to destroy the alliance from within as they were starting to realize the true external danger. Varkas. The Broker. Their manipulation was evident in this.

The suite door flew open before he could express his skepticism. With Borg by her side, Grakka stood with her eyes burning with cold fire and her hand clutching her cleaver. She was obviously aware of the disturbance, the guards' deployment, and the change in the atmosphere of the keep. Her eyes darted to the objects on the table before focusing on Kaelan's face, probing, demanding. Her voice was dangerously low as she growled, "More human lies?" "You believe this… filth?" Assuming betrayal, she stood on the brink of violence, prepared to fight her way out.

Everyone looked at Kaelan. Before making an arrest, his officers awaited the instruction. Grakka awaited the betrayal confirmation. His next remarks would determine the destiny of the treaty and the lives of everyone inside the castle. He inhaled while looking into Vorlag's demanding eyes and then Grakka's intensely suspicious ones.

"Captain Vorlag," Kaelan remarked, his cool, collected voice piercing the tension with icy authority. "Secure this… 'evidence'." He pointed to the purse and what was inside. "It will be examined further."

"Sir Kaelan!" Vorlag stepped forward in protest. "The evidence is unmistakable! We have to detain.

"The proof," Kaelan cut in abruptly, "is handy. Curiously so. In the same way that we recognize possible external foes like Baron Varkas, it appears at the exact moment when tensions are at their peak, intended to validate preconceived notions and accuse the Lady Grakka. His policemen' shocked, irate faces met his. "I find it difficult to believe that Lady Grakka, whose people utilize intricate systems of trail markers for discreet communication, would resort to leaving crudely written notes accompanied by traceable currency near the scene of minor sabotage."

He gave Vorlag his complete attention. "Poorly contrived proof, probably planted by the very enemies we seek, will not persuade me to break the King's peace. This finding will not result in any arrests. Yes, increase security. Continue to be vigilant, of course. Ask the appropriate staff, of course. However, any action taken against Lady Grakka or her soldiers is specifically prohibited unless directed by me and supported by verifiable evidence rather than hunches." He maintained Vorlag's intense gaze until the captain was forced to turn away, grudgingly and mutinously.

His line had been drawn by Kaelan. He had not accused his own men of fabricating the evidence, nor had he ruled Grakka innocent. He had merely refused to take the tainted evidence at face value, tacitly relying on his own discretion and his growing comprehension of Grakka over the handy story. In order to keep an eye on everyone while he looked into the origin of the fabricated evidence, he ordered increased security for all contingents.

Unspoken animosity from the humans and astonished quiet from Borg and Grakka filled the chamber. As the goblin he guarded stood observing, cleaver in hand, Kaelan had just publicly disregarded the orders of his garrison, throwing doubt on what they considered to be indisputable evidence. Though hesitantly, he had put his faith in the complicated, contradictory reality of the alliance he was compelled to maintain rather than in the well-known biases of his own people. Kaelan had raised the stakes dramatically for himself and possibly cemented the most improbable, unacknowledged alliance in the realm by refusing to fall into the enemy's great move.