1 00:00:00,017 --> 00:00:04,857 Rogers was quickly escorted to the Thieves' Tower, with plenty of his colleagues 2 00:00:04,857 --> 00:00:07,497 recognising him and asking about him. 3 00:00:07,757 --> 00:00:10,157 He had been gone a long time. 4 00:00:10,437 --> 00:00:16,517 His only extended pause was when Captain Coode rushed over to him as his horse was prepared. 5 00:00:16,977 --> 00:00:19,917 Rogers, where in the four quarters have you been? 6 00:00:20,457 --> 00:00:23,457 It would take me too long to tell you, my friend, but I've been practically 7 00:00:23,457 --> 00:00:27,077 over the entire city, pulled, not entirely by my own devices, 8 00:00:27,337 --> 00:00:28,857 from one challenge to the next. 9 00:00:30,017 --> 00:00:34,077 How are things over the bridge? We get precious little information these days. 10 00:00:35,617 --> 00:00:39,257 Karch is the Guildmaster merchant. Allard has been imprisoned by Polo. 11 00:00:39,477 --> 00:00:41,897 And, well, there is just too much to explain. 12 00:00:43,077 --> 00:00:46,077 Rogers patted the flank of his now readied horse. 13 00:00:46,397 --> 00:00:49,737 We will need to have a meeting of the captains. Things are resolving, 14 00:00:49,877 --> 00:00:53,297 but there is still too much uncertainty. Ah, we are aligned. 15 00:00:54,077 --> 00:00:56,797 Guildmaster Raylan has returned from his trip to the Outlanders. 16 00:00:57,257 --> 00:01:00,917 There is rumour he escaped their capture thanks to a beautiful woman in red. 17 00:01:01,897 --> 00:01:05,877 Coode scratched his chin. But I am not one to traffic in rumours. 18 00:01:06,257 --> 00:01:09,857 Talk to Raylan about a council of captains. It is long overdue. 19 00:01:10,617 --> 00:01:15,417 I shall, my friend. Until then, my thanks to you for managing this all so well. 20 00:01:15,597 --> 00:01:17,157 You have truly helped save Ness. 21 00:01:17,777 --> 00:01:23,137 Coode bowed as Rogers kicked his horse and sped off. His arrival to the tower 22 00:01:23,137 --> 00:01:25,217 was not at all what he expected. 23 00:01:25,857 --> 00:01:31,117 First of all, the stables looked extraordinary. They were minimally used in 24 00:01:31,117 --> 00:01:36,177 the past, with most horses kept in the old quarter, and those near the tower 25 00:01:36,177 --> 00:01:39,417 kept in a small field outside the gate. 26 00:01:39,837 --> 00:01:43,957 However, as Rogers rode up, they looked pristine. 27 00:01:44,317 --> 00:01:48,557 The wood was either new or cleaned and freshly stained. 28 00:01:48,937 --> 00:01:54,237 The smell of hay, horse sweat, and manure was strong, and filled the building 29 00:01:54,237 --> 00:01:58,057 with a feeling of utilitarian comfort for the horses. 30 00:01:58,717 --> 00:02:04,437 A young woman walked up to him. She was short and thin, but not frail. 31 00:02:04,737 --> 00:02:08,777 She had long black hair that was tied in a braid down her back. 32 00:02:08,977 --> 00:02:13,517 She was not a maiden by any stretch, but nor did she look boyish, 33 00:02:13,897 --> 00:02:15,877 even dressed for dirty horsework. 34 00:02:16,257 --> 00:02:21,477 She looked serious and hard, which to Roger's eye had a beauty all its own. 35 00:02:21,757 --> 00:02:23,337 He immediately liked her. 36 00:02:23,637 --> 00:02:27,077 You are a stable girl. I'm the stable master. 37 00:02:28,057 --> 00:02:33,797 She immediately frowned and looked annoyed. And you are presumably a Harvest Guild captain. 38 00:02:35,436 --> 00:02:39,216 She looked him up and down as he dismounted. I am Captain Rogers, 39 00:02:39,356 --> 00:02:40,756 the Guild Captain of the Lower Quarter. 40 00:02:41,416 --> 00:02:47,316 The woman's face immediately transitioned into a softer face of a bashed shock. 41 00:02:47,596 --> 00:02:51,196 I'm sorry, sir. I didn't mean any disrespect. 42 00:02:52,376 --> 00:02:56,616 None taken, if this is your doing. Rogers waved around the stables. 43 00:02:57,116 --> 00:02:59,836 If so, you have earned your confidence in dealing with others. 44 00:03:00,836 --> 00:03:05,616 He handed the reins to the girl. But what is your name? Bryn, sir. 45 00:03:06,416 --> 00:03:09,496 She nodded her head. This is my work. 46 00:03:10,616 --> 00:03:14,156 It is nice to meet you, Bryn. And no more of this, sir, nonsense. 47 00:03:14,596 --> 00:03:18,936 I shall consider you captain of the stables and appear. You are clearly accomplished. 48 00:03:19,536 --> 00:03:22,756 Don't call me sir or captain. Please, just call me Rogers. 49 00:03:25,136 --> 00:03:32,276 Thank you, sir. Er, Rogers. I hear the guildmaster has returned. 50 00:03:33,976 --> 00:03:37,496 Alas, he has left on a new mission to the upper quarter with Rebecca. 51 00:03:39,196 --> 00:03:45,376 Rebecca? She's an outlander. Bryn leaned forward. I don't trust her, Rogers. 52 00:03:45,756 --> 00:03:48,816 Our guildmaster, however, seems enamoured with her. 53 00:03:50,456 --> 00:03:55,296 Rogers smiled. He's young and needs guidance. We can address that. 54 00:03:55,576 --> 00:03:58,136 Thank you for your honesty. What about his friend Rafe? 55 00:03:58,996 --> 00:04:01,256 He has left for the outlander's city. 56 00:04:02,356 --> 00:04:07,356 By the gods, what's going on? Our leadership spends more time with the Outlanders than our own city. 57 00:04:08,856 --> 00:04:12,896 Rogers looked at Bryn, but was clearly more talking to himself. 58 00:04:13,216 --> 00:04:18,716 Do they not realise all the problems we face on the other side of the river? I know not. 59 00:04:19,976 --> 00:04:24,136 No Guildmaster, no Deputy Guildmaster, and no whatever Rafe is. 60 00:04:24,576 --> 00:04:26,436 Is there anyone here I can report to? 61 00:04:27,276 --> 00:04:29,796 Phelos is here, as is Mailer. 62 00:04:31,457 --> 00:04:34,457 Mailer will be helpful. Why is Phelos not with the Guildmaster? 63 00:04:35,337 --> 00:04:38,297 It appears he wanted to do a stealth mission with Rebecca. 64 00:04:39,597 --> 00:04:43,477 That boy will be the downfall of the Guild. I don't know what Allard sees in 65 00:04:43,477 --> 00:04:47,877 him, and now he's off sneaking away with his love interest. Love interest? 66 00:04:49,477 --> 00:04:54,157 Use your eyes, Bryn. At least Mailer is here. She has a practical mind. 67 00:04:55,117 --> 00:04:59,797 Rogers turned to leave, but quickly turned back. Thank you, Stablemaster. 68 00:05:00,797 --> 00:05:02,177 You are welcome, Captain. 69 00:05:03,257 --> 00:05:06,617 And with a smile, Rogers left to see Mailer. 70 00:05:07,377 --> 00:05:12,117 Philos intercepted Rogers as he made his way up the wide stairs of the tower. 71 00:05:12,577 --> 00:05:15,797 Rogers, everyone has been wondering what's up with you. 72 00:05:16,257 --> 00:05:20,377 Philos grabbed Rogers' forearm as Rogers grabbed his, 73 00:05:20,737 --> 00:05:25,517 a traditional greeting that was almost exclusively used by thieves, 74 00:05:25,517 --> 00:05:30,337 no one knew its origin, and it was rarely used lest it reveal the Guild, 75 00:05:30,697 --> 00:05:34,157 but it was a part of the Guild culture, nonetheless. 76 00:05:34,837 --> 00:05:38,457 Let me just say I've travelled more over the past few weeks than I had my entire 77 00:05:38,457 --> 00:05:42,617 life. The story is long. Come with me as I visit with Mailer. 78 00:05:43,577 --> 00:05:49,417 Philos looked Rogers over. You perhaps need food first. You look rough. 79 00:05:50,657 --> 00:05:56,017 Rogers nodded. I'm fine. Philos gave him a sceptical look. 80 00:05:56,417 --> 00:06:00,317 Yes, I will indeed need rest and food soon enough, but let me check in with Mailer first. 81 00:06:01,277 --> 00:06:04,937 Ah, she will be interested in your report. She is on the third floor, 82 00:06:05,217 --> 00:06:08,257 down the hall on the left. Thank you, old friend. 83 00:06:10,197 --> 00:06:15,337 Rogers was tiring of this journey and the many questions, but he was interested 84 00:06:15,337 --> 00:06:20,557 in what Mailer had to say. He was very curious of her mission to warn Polo. 85 00:06:20,737 --> 00:06:26,777 He had considered reaching Polo an impossible task, but she'd escaped even if she had failed. 86 00:06:26,997 --> 00:06:30,757 The process itself would be valuable, even in failure. 87 00:06:31,157 --> 00:06:35,037 There was one door on the left, and Rogers knocked on it. 88 00:06:35,277 --> 00:06:40,237 The door opened to a woman who looked completely different than Rogers had expected. 89 00:06:40,617 --> 00:06:45,877 She looked much older, more drawn. Her trademark short hair that everyone hated 90 00:06:45,877 --> 00:06:50,857 was longer and yet just as unfashionable in its wildness. 91 00:06:51,217 --> 00:06:55,297 But, more than anything, Mailer looked content. 92 00:06:56,357 --> 00:07:02,897 The ever-present scowl or twist of her mouth in a sarcastic comment about to be spoken were gone. 93 00:07:03,337 --> 00:07:05,657 Why if it isn't the missing Captain Rogers? 94 00:07:07,079 --> 00:07:13,339 Two things then shocked Rogers. The first was that Mailer stepped forward and gave him a hug. 95 00:07:13,539 --> 00:07:17,319 The second was that she was wearing Harvest Guild colours. 96 00:07:17,779 --> 00:07:23,159 You seem a bit different. As do you. It appears we have a lot to talk about. Come in. 97 00:07:23,959 --> 00:07:27,639 Mailer waved Rogers into her quarters and he entered. 98 00:07:27,999 --> 00:07:34,779 The single door hid a large apartment with many rooms, all of which looked simple but clean. 99 00:07:35,039 --> 00:07:40,099 The hearth of the fireplace was empty, filled instead with a single dried flower, 100 00:07:40,359 --> 00:07:42,559 in an ornate and thin vase. 101 00:07:43,539 --> 00:07:49,539 It appears we are both Harvest Guild members. Mela walked over to a table with a pitcher of water on it. 102 00:07:49,899 --> 00:07:54,279 As Rogers sat down, she walked through the door to an adjoining room. 103 00:07:54,579 --> 00:07:56,459 I am about to depart on a mission. 104 00:07:57,079 --> 00:07:59,059 Mela re-entered with a glass. 105 00:07:59,819 --> 00:08:02,739 Perhaps I can help. Polo has named me Captain of the Lower Quarter. 106 00:08:03,499 --> 00:08:09,019 Mailer paused in her pouring of water to stare at Rogers. How did that happen? 107 00:08:09,919 --> 00:08:15,939 As Mailer sat down and pulled her chair close, Rogers outlined his long story, 108 00:08:16,539 --> 00:08:21,759 from his defence of the pit, to his mission with Velo, to his new role as captain 109 00:08:21,759 --> 00:08:24,859 and his instruction to meet with the Thieves Guild. 110 00:08:25,579 --> 00:08:30,879 By the gods! So the Captain Rogers mentioned in Polo's letter to Raelynn really is you. 111 00:08:31,579 --> 00:08:35,599 Rogers smiled and nodded. And Karch named you Captain as well. 112 00:08:36,199 --> 00:08:39,779 Rogers smiled and shrugged. I'm disappointed, Rogers. 113 00:08:40,659 --> 00:08:45,459 Mailer smiled widely. You haven't been named the Captain of the Craft or Knights Guild. 114 00:08:46,139 --> 00:08:50,779 Give me time. Mailer laughed and then outlined her own story, 115 00:08:50,959 --> 00:08:55,099 which shocked Rogers at every turn. and this Prosper can do magic. 116 00:08:55,739 --> 00:08:59,839 Dala and he are apparently assessing how much magic he will need to do to clear 117 00:08:59,839 --> 00:09:01,819 Dragon Road under the mountain as we speak. 118 00:09:02,929 --> 00:09:06,289 And what of Raelynn? I hear he's gone off with his girlfriend on an adventure, 119 00:09:06,689 --> 00:09:08,709 probably to woo her at the Golden Triangle. 120 00:09:09,729 --> 00:09:14,149 Mailer gave Rogers a stern glance. What do you know of Raelynn? 121 00:09:15,089 --> 00:09:19,589 Rogers paused. The truth was that he didn't know much at all. 122 00:09:20,349 --> 00:09:25,969 Apparently not as much as you. He is wiser than his years. His heart is good. 123 00:09:26,289 --> 00:09:31,389 He is brave, and his decisions have meaningfully made managing this horrible situation better. 124 00:09:32,289 --> 00:09:37,309 Rogers couldn't help but look shocked. I know, Allard vouched for him to me, 125 00:09:37,609 --> 00:09:42,249 but I had to see him work myself, and the truth is that without his efforts, 126 00:09:42,649 --> 00:09:44,869 Allard would still be imprisoned under the night tower. 127 00:09:45,149 --> 00:09:49,469 His plan was sound, and he was willing to sacrifice himself to free Allard. 128 00:09:50,569 --> 00:09:57,109 The mention of Allard made the mood grim. Rogers had outlined his final meeting with Allard, 129 00:09:57,409 --> 00:10:03,149 the last stand at the pit, and Mailer explained that Allard had died after attempting 130 00:10:03,149 --> 00:10:05,689 to escape after Polo imprisoned him. 131 00:10:06,509 --> 00:10:11,449 Mailer tugged at her yellow tunic. That's my mission, which begins shortly. 132 00:10:12,109 --> 00:10:16,429 And what mission is that? I'm going to assassinate Polo.