~ PASSAGE 95 ~
ROUNDUP COMMITEE

Nanith realized his awkward position. He had spent all his money on the meal and sleeping potion that night and had no means to monetary influence except cashing in his promise to the secret council. He sighed dejectedly examining the homeless and their positions around the barrels. He thought that at least a few of them would be aligned with the thief's guild, so he gave the customary sign and studied their reactions. They looked at him cautiously as firelight played on their despondant faces.
He realized they did not comprehend the rogue's greeting.

The halfling turned in the direction of the courthouse. He knew that even if his assailants wasn't going to reveal themselves willingly, they would still be somewhere around the justice building. He would just have to uncover them without being seen. As he neared the destination, Nanith sprang into stealth mode. He examined every nook and cranny from a safe distance, scouting for anyone that might be standing around overlooking the court plaza. He found nothing out of the ordinary. Nanith decided to create some excitement as he positioned himself at the corner of the sculpted building. He took a large stone and aimed for the jasmine bushes. He wound up and tossed the stone and it banged of the sides of the steps. The sharp crack of the impact echoed everywhere, but nothing happened. The halfling scratched his head. Seemed safe enough, but he still couldn't shake a strong uncertainty of the situation. Was the area being watched?

Suddenly there was movement! A shadow glided atop the courthouse steps! Nanith hugged the wall behind him even tighter allowing the darkness to enfold him like a blanket. He stood motionless; eyes fixated on the shadow waiting for a discernable portion that would reveal its' identity. "Come on, come on." He murmured to himself. Although his heart was pounding, this was the part he relished the most. For endless minutes, he stood patiently, scanning the night for signs of further movement. He felt nervous for some reason and slowly hunched down to conceal himself against the sleek, sculptured building. He picked up another rock and waited for the shadow to make its' next move.

A shadow did, but not from where he had expected. The hobbit was snatched by the nape of the neck and lifted high into the air " A nice wee rabbit hopped into our trap!" chuckled a stern, but unthreatening voice.
Before he knew it, Nanith was carried off into the night!

Nanith was stunned by the turn of events, but relieved to realize he sat unscathed before the secret warcouncil. He ascertained this much; he was tracked by people far more skilled than he and it had been time for them to reel in their catch. It was all a safety measure for the leadership of Pinedroi to study the prowess of the crafty hobbit. Now, two nobles stood before the halfling waiting for him to deliver his promised goods.

Oktavianus woke to a pounding headache. His vision blurry, he found himself in a comfortable bed in complete darkness all alone.

"Arrrrrrrrghhhh" growled the dwarf " That halfling better pray on not coming across my path again. I will surely rip his head off!!" He stomped around the room kicking chairs and overthrowing endtables losing his temper entirely. He stalked into the kitchen finding the note he had left as bait underneath his chair. He calmed a bit and picked up the smudged paper. He quickly reviewed his gear finding nothing out of place.

Suddenly the front door opened! Oktavianus turned to see two gnomes dressed in lavish attire walk in and......scream!!!! The two were terrified at the dwarven intruder in their home. Yelling at the top of their lungs, they ran out of the house leaving the cleric in complete shock. Before he could react, five militiamen burst through the door and arrested him!

Oktavianus was stunned, pissed, confused; a whirlwind of emotions swept through him as he waited in a holding cell. For three hours he contemplated his Breaking and Entering & Vandalism charges. Someone posted bail on his behalf and he was led away to a palisade to await his future.