Act 3: The Ball - Crisis

Konrad hops back down from the seat. "The last horse I drove wasn't mine, it didn't behave like this!"

Florolf, who's lying on the seat next to the others, raises his head and growls when Konrad moves to take his place, which is the only one left. Luckily for the red mage, Amber picks up the carbuncle and puts him in her lap instead.

"We're ready, Théo!"

OOC:

Théo takes the reigns and his seat, getting the show on the road.

Handle Animal 16

Over the next ten minutes, the adventurers make their way through the empty streets of Luxus, passing by one company of Coins mercenaries who are advancing towards the western part of the city, beyond the wall. They demand that the party stop for a moment, but the officer in charge lets them go once he realizes who they are; apparently, Thirza has informed her subordinates about them.

When they arrive at the hostelry, they find the curtains in the windows closed, and the front door locked.

"Great," Amber says. "What do we do now?"

Steve walks over and knocks on the door, calling out, "Hey, open up, we are guests here."

No response.

"Do you want me to fly to Mr. Willis' window?" Fluffle asks. "It should be safe if I do it from here."

"You're brilliant, Fluffle, let's do that. My message for Sean is: 'Meet us at The Vulcan at 10 am tomorrow.' He'll know why."

"Sure thing!"

The fairy nods at his friend and flies over the roof and towards the side of the building where Van Willis is staying. Amber, who is still holding Florolf in her arms, starts petting the small creature while Femke examines the ends of the street. The sky above Prosperitatem island continue to glow a dark red as the flames rage on at the palace. Suddenly, the group can hear the sounds of battle in the distance, somewhere west of their position.

"Shit. I hope it'll be over soon," Amber says.

"Maybe they just didn't see it. We've won anyway, right?"

"I believe so," Femke says. "I estimate it will take less than three hours before the remaining forces either surrender or flee into the countryside."

"Damn. That fast?"

"The Enemy really wants to take Emerald away from the king. They revealed their hand tonight, and we've seen what they can do. If you're right, it's going to be a long three hours."

Fluffle returns at this moment, a smile on his face. "It's done," he says. "Mr. Freeron said he'll be there, assuming they let him into the port."

"Oh right. I'll see about getting some of the crew to volunteer to keep an eye out for him so we can be sure to get him through." Content in his plan, Steve settles into his seat in the back of the wagon again.

Now that everyone is ready to head out, Théo drives everyone back to the palace to pick up the Venators.