(no subject)

[socrowdedinhere]

 *The next victim is a young boy. He's also sick, but seems a little better then Kira. He's out tending to the chickens when Darnell approaches. The boy looks drained, but pushing through what needs to be done.*

Darnell: Hello. My name is Darnell. I'm a detective investigating a shadow man that's been attacking people. Maybe you can help me?

Boy: *eyes /widen/* ...You...you'll stop him?

Darnell: I've been sent here to do my very best. Will you give me a few minutes to sit and talk with me?

Boy: *face flushes* ...I-I don't want to talk about it.

Darnell: *frowns* I know that he's been doing very inappropriate things with at least one little girl in town. I'd guess he's doing the same with you?

Boy: *the looks he gives Darnell will say that it is the case, even if the boy can't bring himself to admit it.*

Darnell: …………*nods in understanding* Will you tell me about the shadow man? When does he come to you? And what started it? If anything that you can think of.

Boy: ...He... he comes at night sometimes. He...stands over me. Everything smells funny when he's there.

Darnell: What's the funny smell? Can you describe it? Also, is he solid or see-through?

Boy: I dunno...it just smells...really sweet I guess? *he seems to consider.* Sometimes he looks solid, sometimes he's not.

Darnell: *nods* When did he start visiting you? Did something happen that triggered it, or did he just start appearing to you for no reason that you know of?

Boy: I dunno...six months ago?  I don’t think anything triggered it, he just...showed up one night.

Comments

[socrowdedinhere]

((He /is/ covered up to his waist))

Kalan: Not far actually. Few hours ride. *crosses his arms, studying Darnell.* You seem a bit young to be named Master Detective. *don’t lie to him.*

[neverasked4this]

Darnell: *rueful grin* I know. I think so too. But my first case when I moved to ((City)) was the Captain of the King's Guard taking me on to help with a very sensitive theft. In the course, I uncovered and stopped an assassination attempt on a visiting princess that would have laid the blame on our king and started a war with her country. For my efforts, the king no only accepted my services in his city, he named me "master detective". *shrugs...and /winces/ in pain*

[socrowdedinhere]

Kalan: *studies him.* Hm. It’s unfortunate you don’t have any proof with you anymore, but I’ll accept your word, Darnell Barrett. Don’t break my trust and I’ll do what I can to aid you. Now, about those binds. Am I correct in assuming you will not attack anyone within my household, nor cause any other sort of mischief?

[neverasked4this]

Darnell: My badge? My clothes? *soft gasp, sitting up a bit* My satchel!? Nnnn! *flops back, panting in pain, feeling defeated for a moment . . . looks back up at Kalan, shakes his head* No, sir. */frowns/* I-I mean, wait. /Yes/, sir, you're correct. No, I have no intention of causing any harm or disruption.

[socrowdedinhere]

Kalan: I’m afraid your were found as you are. *stripped of everything.* *he nods* Good man. *He pulls a knife and cuts the knots, uncovering only Darnell’s ankle to cut his feet free. He’ll move around the bed to free his other limbs.* Doctor Bolei here has heen seeing to you. You’re still weak and injured, so take it slow and do as he says.
Bolei: Sit up slowly, lad. Let me help you. I’m afraid you’ve got some cracked ribs from the beating you took.

[neverasked4this]

Darnell: *weak and unsteady, groaning, as he slowly pushes himself up* I-I need to get back to ((Village)). I need to...warn them...

[socrowdedinhere]

Kalan: You need to recover first. As soon as you’re able to ride I’ll take you nack to ((Village)) myself. *one Darnell’s left, helping him sit up.* You were poisoned and beaten near to death. Don’t push too hard.

[neverasked4this]

Darnell: .....poisoned... *turns to Bolei* Doctor, do you know what the poison was? What did you do to counter it? *the look in his eyes is /urgent/, like he's not thinking about himself but someone(s) else*

[socrowdedinhere]

Bolei: Of course I do, lad. *why wouldn’t he?*
Kalan: ...The people in ((Village)). Doctor. I’ll help him up. Gather as much of the antidote that we have, or make as much as you can. If more is easily gotten have Therin help you gather more.
Bolei: *is he serious? But he nods.* He needs water and any food he feels he can keep down, my lord. *will go to do as ordered.*

[neverasked4this]

Darnell: *catches Bolei's arm before he can get too far* Fifteen doses, doctor. More if you can, just in case, but at least that many. The targets range in age from five to twenty-five, both male and female. *will let him go once that's done - looks at Kalan* Thank you, milord. You and your lady. I don't know yet who's behind the poisonings, but they'll be the one who jumped me from behind the other night and left me in that field. There's a predator posing as a shadowy phantom who's preying on adults all the way down to very young children, sexually assaulting and slowly poisoning them. I don't know why yet. I've not been able to determine either pattern or motive. But this has been going on for eight months. King Sidon finally heard of the trouble and sent me to resolve it. *weak and in /pain/, but his determination and fear for those people give him strength to sit up and speak clearly*

[socrowdedinhere]

Kalan: *nods.* I don’t like hearing about people being hurt. I’m glad to help. *will get Darnell sitting ip and turned so his feet are on the floor.* I’ve some clothes for you here. *he’ll slip across the room to get the clothing. It...must be Kalan’s. It’s rether fine.* You looked about my size, maybe a bit narrower in the chest, so these should fit you well enough. *will come back to help Darnell to his feet so Darnell can dress.*