Let me first thank you for this opportunity. I, of course, was already preparing a report on the activities, and so being given this chance to present it before you both was a welcome thing.
I shall begin, naturally, at the beginning. We had received several opportunities, namely those with regards to the disposition of the tower, fort bugeater, and the device blocking the riverway, and as a group decided that we would begin by investigating the tower. We prepared for months, sending scouting parties, preparing spells, and developing new martial styles. All to prepare ourselves to overtake the watchtower, and then, ultimately, the fort.
When we finally set out, we made sure to disguise our number as best we could. Given that we were able to scout and spy upon their forces, we operated under the assumption that they might have the same.
Over the course of our hike out towards the tower, we were cautious. However, as we reached the approximate area around the tower we discovered it silent. Our forward scouts having confirmed that the tower was vacant of all occupants, at least to their keen eyes. We decided to approach, slowly, carefully. However, we received no opposition so we approached and investigated the place. The signal towers (he provides a rough sketch of them here, in case Cothon/Gadeed might be interested in making use of such things for signaling between their Iqta’s, outposts, and nearby villages), were lit, their weapons and gear cleared out.
Having seen the state of the tower we sent quick word back to the city, thinking to seize it while it was available. After accomplishing that, we began the trek towards fort bugeater that we might better understand the reason for the abandonment of the tower.
Approaching the fort our scouts, and then our own eyes and ears, identified much of the same. Silence, and a general lack of occupying forces. We pressed on, cautious but curious. We discovered heaping piles of bodies, burned and discarded, but otherwise vacant rooms and fortifications. Searching deeper into the fort we discovered a pair of prisoners. The first of these I assume you have heard about from Durham, the second of which I will return to in a moment. After thoroughly investigating the fort, and concluding that there was no imminent threat, we sent word back to General Dalinar, knowing he had standing forces enough to occupy the fort. While we awaited the various forces from General Dalinar and House Othmani to occupy these places we set about destroying the mechanism that was used to obstruct trade on the river.
And so went our expedition to capture the fort. However, I have learned some additional information as a result of this capture.
Namely, that the fort was abandoned as the result of strange shadowy creatures which swept through, slaughtering all that followed Red Cloud, but leaving those two prisoners untouched. In fact, I have spoken with the male prisoner. While his mind has nearly completely retreated from his consciousness due to the horrible tortures put upon him by the Kzin, he was able to explain that these shadow creatures actually saved his life, by withering to a husk the Kzin who had previously been his torturer. And so, while I believe that these shadow creatures are certainly something to keep an eye on, “the enemy of my enemy” as they say. The Survivors and I will continue to investigate these shadow creatures, but I believe the fort to be secure for the moment.
There is further information that has been gleaned. However, for operational security I would ask that we take a more private session. If that is not amenable, so be it, and I will provide it here, but I ask that you understand that this information could put lives at risk and jeopardize our ability to protect the city.
(Which is to say, Sesel provides this either way, but ideally “stricken from the notes” or otherwise in a more private session with as few as the Souffett’s will let him get away with)
I have learned that a major task of Red Cloud, significant beyond even his desire to hold the fort, is to retrieve and reforge a legendary weapon called the lance of St Inistas. Much like the shadows, this lance has moved up to the top of our research tasks, as we must discover more information about what and where it might be that it could be secured. Of course, we will be working with the Confraternity of St. Inistas, and would appreciate any additional authority you could lend to that endeavor.
Finally, I have confirmation that Red Cloud does, indeed, have agents and allies within the dual-cities. I am still in the process of verifying information, and confirming identities. This is, of course, the reason I asked for a more private audience. For, even if I can verify all the information I have, that does not preclude there being others, and we must be very careful who has information about the activities to counter Red Cloud. Lest they undermine our efforts before they’ve even solidified. Additionally, I do not think a city wide hunt, stirring up citizens and turning neighbor against neighbor, would help. And so wish to leave this, above all else, out of the public proceedings to keep the great Dual-Cities from tearing themselves apart. We need to fight these external threats, not each other.
(end private things)
I would also like to explain the, perhaps somewhat obviously embellished, stories that circulated upon our return to the city. As I said before, it was always my intent to bring this report before your council and to make sure the truth of the matter was investigated and known. However, Cothon-Gadeed is facing serious threats. Red Cloud brings war and destruction. An unprecedented undead threat gathering strength in old Tsur. The pirates menacing our trade. Winter hindering crops, and trade alike. Morale in the cities needs a boost. We needed a big victory.
So, using the time honored tradition for an adventurer to embellish upon their story, I took my chance. I told of a great battle, one that we so handily won as to not even wind ourselves. A battle that routed Red Cloud’s forces from not only the watchtower, but from fort Bugeater itself, granting a reprieve of oppression from his forces. I told these stories not to mislead your graces, or the authorities trying to fight against this threat, nor even really to specifically mislead the citizens, but to try and lift the spirits of those sheltering in taverns and homes, those refugees and Survivors of these horrible events going on outside the walls. I seek not to mislead, but to instill hope and strength in these dark times. To let the people of the great dual-cities know that there is hope, that they are defended.
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