Salazar is going to get his horse to a trough and let him drink, and give him a little treat - buy an apple from a local vendor, maybe.
What is the time of day?
Cadogan will escort the prisoners to the temple, observe the proceedings and testify if necessary on what he saw and the generally helpful disposition of the kobolds after their capture. After the trial, he’ll stable Mearas at the Temple stable (he technically belongs to the temple anyway!) for some good care and grain.
Afterwards, Cadogan will offer to take Crumlin out for a drink to discuss the events. Maybe we can discuss the mining operation- Crumlin may know something interesting, and I can always try to convince him of the negative impacts of Guy’s system of mining in case he wins the election.
Salazar refreshes his horse and buys an apple. (This is just outside the Temple of Heimdall, as the party escort the Kobolds inside for trial.)
The fruit vendor asks eagerly “Are you one of the heroes who saved the boy?!”
It is early afternoon.
The Town Crier is announcing that the trial of some Kobolds accused of kidnapping will be held in the Temple and is scheduled to start in an hour.
Edith Weston thanks Cadogan and confirms he will be called as a witness at the trial. She prefers to use witnesses closely associated with the Lawful Good Temple of Heimdall, so will also be calling Aciryas and Crumlin.
Crumlin tells Cadogan he doesn’t know much about the mines. Marian tells everyone they make a mess, which could be avoided.
The Temple stable lads promise to look after Mearas and have him ready at a moment’s notice. They seem starstruck by both Cadogan and Mearas. 
I missed the fact that **Erjg ** was injured. Is anyone else injured?
I will provide first aid and goodberries and a cure light if needed.
I will strike up conversation with Simon, relating the bravery shown by Crumlin and his hearty companions, truly a fit leader and defender.
I wish to attend the Kobold trial and learn the identity of the kidnappers.
Cullen uses 8 Goodberries on Erjg (cures 8 points - the maximum dose per person per day), plus a Cure Light Wounds (cures 5 points). Erjg is now down 8 .
The wounds are clean, so First Aid is not needed.
(First Aid in combat can help cure damage, but only if done within a round of the injury)
Simon gets the hint immediately, winks at Cullen and promptly starts telling his pals how Crumlin 'the future Sheriff of Rutland 
’ saved the Baker boy from 'a fate worse than death :eek: '.
Cullen watches in awe as the story visibly spreads around the Market Day stalls and onto the rest of Oakham. Soon a couple of passers-by are easily overheard saying how Crumlin is the man to provide security for Oakham - and he organises the Oakham Morris Dancers superbly as well! 
The Kobold trial will be held in the Temple and already a small queue is building. There are strict security precautions - only Temple personnel (this includes Cadogan, Aciryas and Crumlin - and would have included Gawain) are allowed to bring weapons inside.
Cullen thanks Simon and gives him another 5 gold to wet his whistle and any of his friends. “Let the Ale flow today my new friend. Let it flow.”
Will I be able to get a decent seat at the hearing? I hope to ensure the question of the kidnappers come up. I try to stress this to Cadogan, Aciryas and Crumlin.
I remind Marian that she should press her support to Crumlin at this point. Pass the word among those you know and trust to pass the word to those they trust.
Marian is away at the moment, though some election tactics have been discussed.
Simon gazes admiringly at Cullen. “Oh good Sir - tis the Mead will be flowing!”.
He hurries off in the direction of the Old Plough.
Cullen is fine for a front row seat. He is able to start a Citizen queue, as opposed to the peasant queue.
Crumlin explains the law on trials:
- the accused is judged by a Noble, who controls the whole proceedings.
The Noble judge chooses which witnesses to call and is the only one who asks them questions.
The accused has no right of silence (i.e. must answer questions put by the judge).
There is no appeal against the verdict, unless the accused is a Noble or is facing a death sentence.
The judge may ask spectators for their opinions, but does not have to act on the answers.
The Kobold Kidnap trial starts.
It is held in the Temple of Heimdall, and no weapons are allowed in the room - except for Temple personnel.
The judge will be High Priestess Edith Weston.
There is a short row of seats for Nobles.
Everyone watches as they are taken by Sir Guy Gisbourne (scattered applause from a few of his troops) and a burly distinguished man, wearing armour and carrying a longsword. (The whisper round the courtroom is that this is Baron Thorgunby Wheldrake, a good friend of the Temple and generous sponsor of the County Fayre.) He gets a generous welcome.
There is a vacant seat for Marian (who is clearly not back from the forest.)
The Citizens file in next, with Cullen securing a good seat. He notices that there are several of Gisbourne’s troops present, with one grey-haired veteran soldier making sure of a seat directly behind Sir Guy.
Finally the peasants crowd in and an expectant hush fills the room.
A Temple Acolyte announces “Please rise for the High Priestess”, and everyone rises.
Edith settles herself, then tells everyone to please be seated. She greets the two Nobles politely.
Then the three Kobold prisoners are brought in. (They have a translator.)
Edith orders the charges to be read: kidnapping, worshipping Evil Gods and resisting arrest.
After having things explained to them, the Kobolds plead:
- guilty to kidnapping
- guilty, but under duress, to worshipping Evil Gods
- **not guilty ** to resisting arrest
Edith thanks the Kobolds for pleading guilty to kidnapping, since now John Baker will not have to testify.
She hears a brief statement from the Kobolds about how the Shaman of Loki used the Giant to force them to worship, casts Detect Lie and accepts the duress.
She calls Cadogan and Aciryas as witnesses to the third charge. They confirm that:
- the party did not announce everyone was under arrest, as they were trying to save the boy’s life (Edith comments that the party behaved impeccably)
- the Kobolds did surrender fairly promptly once the Shaman was down
This charge is then dropped.
Edith announces that at this point she wishes to thank the party on behalf of the Town for saving the boy. A (drunken) peasant promptly calls out “Crumlin for Sheriff!” and it takes some time before order is restored - as the courtroom is filled with cheering and chanting.
Edith now asks if anyone has anything to say.
Cullen is all set to speak, but the grey-haired soldier is first. He asks “Could the Kobolds be put in the stocks as part of their punishment? We know how to … deal with them there!”
Salazar blinks noticeably.
"I … saw it happen, yes. They were … very brave, risking death at the hands of the … giant as they did.
“Excuse me, I have to … join them.”
Salazar will turn away and enter the Temple, leading the horse (who he’ll feed the apple to as he walks).
ETA : Sorry Glee, bit of a crosspost there.
no worries!
Salazar is in time to get a seat next to Cullen and hear the trial…
Cullen says loudly in his best and friendliest voice, “Pardon me Good Lady Edith, I am but a stranger, but I was part of the rescue mission. The kobolds indicated that they could identify the kidnappers. I think this is very important to the well being of the town. They volunteered this information of course when presented by the fairness of Crumlin in his leading the rescue party and dealing with them.”
A hubbub breaks out in the courtroom and it takes a while for order to be restored!
The disturbance is due to:
- the grey-haired soldier (backed by other troops) demanding that his request be heard first
- the Kobolds (through their translator) demanding protection if they identify anyone
- some of the crowd chanting “Crumlin for Sheriff”
- some of the crowd screaming “whose child is next?!”
- some of the crowd demanding “arrest the kidnappers!”
Eventually Edith Weston rises to speak.
(She looks grimly determined. Sir Guy looks infuriated and Baron Wheldrake looks intently interested.)
Edith turns to the grey-haired soldier.
“You were indeed first, lieutenant. Thank you for your suggestion.
Although the stocks are useful for the public to see justice in action, here there may be a … risk if the Kobolds are helpless in public.”
The grey-haired soldier instantly replies.
“Thank you High Priestess. If these criminals are in danger, then they should be kept somewhere very secure. Obviously the dungeons of Oakham Castle are best. If Sir Guy would oblige the Court?”
Sir Guy rises smoothly to his feet, with a wide grin.
“It would be a pleasure to help. I can assure everyone that the criminals would never escape.”
Edith says slowly
“No doubt. I need to think carefully about that offer.
Meanwhile it would help to find out what the Kobolds actually know. Clearly the heroes of the rescue party made a wise arrangement with the Kobolds. If the Kobolds are able to identify the other kidnappers, they will receive mercy. And the other criminals can face justice.”
The grey-haired soldier is clearly thinking about this when Sir Guy leaps up.
“Kill two birds with one stone, High Priestess! Lock the Kobolds in my Castle and interrogate them there!”
Edith hesitates…
Cullen, “::Cough:: ::Cough::, that is a mighty fair offer by Sir Guy and his friend and might ultimately be a good place for the Kobolds protection. However, I believe time is of the essence in determining who the kidnappers were before they have time to flee. This temple would seem to have the best resources for justice and to determine the truth. Who would not trust the followers of Heimdall for this purpose?”
Is there anyway to pass word to an official of the temple that I believe Sir Guy’s friend may well be involved?
I’m back!
Lady Edith, I must agree with Cullen in this matter. Time is of the essence. We should not wait a moment, not even the short time it would take to transport the prisoners, to get their information on the kidnappers. Even now we have waited too long, and each passing second puts them one step further from the lord’s justice.
Edith makes up her mind.
She smiles sweetly at Sir Guy.
“Although your offer is interesting, I am satisfied that the members of the rescue party are undoubtedly the best ones to get information out of the Kobolds. Therefore the interrogation will take place this afternoon here in the Temple.”
Sir Guy is about to speak, when Edith continues
“And only members of that party, plus myself, will be present. We need to keep the bargains made by the rescuers.”
Sir Guy practically spits, then makes a perfunctory bow to Edith and storms out, followed by his troops.
The crowd start up again with the popular chant “Crumlin for Sheriff!”
The Kobolds are led to a cell within the Temple, whilst all court visitors are ushered out.
Edith invites the party to join her in the cell. (She casts a bemused glance at the unhealed wounds 8 that Erjg bears.)
Cadogan, smirking just a little at the look on Sir Guy’s face, follows Edith.
Cullen looking very serious, follows in.
Salazar will accompany the others. He assumes a solemn expression as he stands and follows the others.
Aciryas will of course be following Lady Edith into the interogation area.
Yeah, here I am. Someone has to keep an eye on the little scaly vermin, while everyone’s being so chummy towards them. Still, it’s worth meat in the pot to see Gisborne stamping out of here with his arse in a sling. 