Interlude – Two Rats

Interlude – Two Rats
Chapter 6.41 E	Interlude – Rufelt
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Interlude – Two Rats is the 46th chapter of Volume 6 and the 12th chapter of Book 12, The Witch of Webs.

Synopsis[edit | edit source]

Mrsha has leveled up as a [Druid] and learned a new spell from Moore. Bored and tired of the crowded inn, she captures two rats that were feeding on stored grain in the basement and ties their tails together. Raekea takes her into Liscor and they see the continued debate between Krshia and Lism, this time with Erin chipping in. Desparate, Lism claims that he will execute the minataur Calruz for his crimes if Lism is elected. When Krshia attempts to claim the same, Erin disagrees with her. This sparks an angry crowd into shouting different execution methods while Erin, Krshia, and others argue about his guilt. Mrsha, having left Raekea, follows a group of guardsmen who she overhears talking about killing Calruz.

In the prison, Zevara tells Calruz about this new development, which he accepts with equanimity. They discuss his guilt and whether he should be punished. Zevara leaves and plans to increase the guard on the jail just in case. As she leaves, the group of guards, including Tkrn, who plan on killing Calruz arrive. Tkrn is hesitant and so is assigned watch duty while the rest enter the jail. Mrsha, who has been following them, runs past Tkrn into the jail and sees the guardsmen beating Calruz. Tkrn takes her back out and tells her to leave before anyone sees.

Erin and Raekea find Mrsha and return her to the inn. Filled with anger and terrible memories, Mrsha begins to beat and abuse the rats that she kept from that morning. Lyonette sees the rats and wants them released out of the inn, but Raekea and the other gnolls defend Mrsha's behavior as normal. One of the rats bite Mrsha's paw and she begins to beat them again. This time, Erin sees it.

Erin tells Mrsha that rats feel pain and it is wrong to abuse them. They then find the rat infestation in the basement and get Elirr to clear it with his animals. Mrsha finally begins to empathize with the rats and cries.

Back at the jail, the corrupt guardsmen have begun burning Calruz with hot pokers and spells. Mrsha begins considering if she should tell someone about it. She finally goes to Watch Captain Zevara. Zevara and Tkrn confront the once-guardsmen and defeat them. Calruz is given the two rats as pets. Erins solidifies the desire that her next skill will help her protect her family and friends.