Because Falk was helping with the animals he isn't with the first group coming to the beach. When he see this group of soldiers at the beach his first suspicion is that they are robber who also somehow summoned the storm. The only person who he would share this idea is Iustina but she is probably not nearby. So all he let out is a silent "Enemies?".
Soon as she sees the soldiers Iustina approaches them trying to determine if they are Christian or Muslims. Perhaps, stuck in the same storm, these are also the survivors of a shipwreck.
The soldiers grip their weapons as Iustina approaches, looking to their leader who speaks in Greek. "We are happy you have survived your shipwreck, you will now be guests of the Sheik Aman al Kusadasi. If any of you have relatives who might ransom you, we will take that information at the castle and send notification. First however, let us get everyone to safety and make sure you are all taken care of."
Falk was looking for a hiding place earlier but didn't find one so he don't try anything funny for now.
(dice of the per+stealth was 1 but at this point it wasn't a stressful search and so result of 3 is to low to find something)
Alexandros comes to shore, quietly and stoically, while he looks around, trying to figure out where they are stranded and who rules the neighbouring lands. He only has a superficial knowledge of Greece, and nothing beyond, so it is unlikely that he knows anything useful.
Iustina raises her hands to show they are empty and approaches the one who speaks Greek, âWe are just poor pilgrims and a few sailors. We are only trying to reach the Holy City of Jerusalem.â
The man shrugs "You may beg the Sheik for mercy, if you wish, my orders are to bring you to the castle. I am sure you are not all pilgrims, some must have sailed the ship."
âAll right. Let me gather the others.â Turning to head back to the shore. When she reaches Alexandros she tells him that these men mean to tak us all captive. We will be at the mercy of the Sheik.
«I heard it, Iustina» says Alexandros, and follows stoically.
Falk also move to the shore and when we are lead away by the soldiers he try to not be at the head or end of the group.
Iustina busies herself with gathering the pilgrims. Arranging help for the blind man and the crippled woman and anyone else who might have been wounded in the wreck. If anyone seems interested in fighting she calmly reminds them that they on horseback with weapons and outnumber them.
It takes nearly as long to gather everyone together and help the remaining people from the wreckage as it does to get to the castle. The commander assigns two f the soldiers to helping people out of the wreckage, and those men even take direction on how to aid from Iustina. When you arrive at the castle those on the ship are split randomly into three groups, each of which is led before a scribe which begins asking questions- name, purpose for the voyage, whether you have any relatives or patrons who might provide ransom... if nobody can provide ransom they then ask if you have any abilities you wish to make known which might provide you a more comfortable position in the Sheik's service.
Falk
pilgrimage
nobody, my last relative died recently
My last job was working as Falconer.
"I am Iustina."
"I am on pilgrimage to Jerusalem."
"I can think of none who would ransom me," Iustina lies.
"I am educated in Ancient Greek and Philosophiae. I might be able to teach. I can sing."
«Alexandros, pilgrim. I don't know of anyone able to pay ransom. I know the letters, of course, and could teach or scribe, I suppose.»
Iustina calmly waits for the rest of the pilgrims and the sailors to finish giving their information. The whole time trying to think of what she might say to the sheik to be allowed to continue their journey.
All of those who could not arrange ransom are led into a single room, they remain there several minutes before a functionary enters to explain the situation. "The Sheik has saved your lives from the shipwreck, and thereby claims you as slaves under the laws of Islam. As your interviews are reviewed you will be assigned duties consummate with your abilities. The Sheik is in the habit of releasing one or two slaves a year, especially those slaves which are themselves Muslim. Praise be to Allah." at which the functionary turns to leave.
Although Falk want to find a way to flee he would prefer if he not have to leave his belongings behind and it would be good if he could help others to flee also, so for now it is not the time for that.
Because Falk suspect that the room we are in have "ears" he only join small talk or doing prayer.
Falk slowly walk around the room a few times before sit down.
Are there people in the room Falk didn't see on the ship or anything unusual at this room?
(Per+Awarness roll is 10)
Alexandros, like Falk, keeps his eyes open, to assess the situation. He keeps himself to himself, although would be alert to any obvious call for help.
Falk notices that the decorations in the walls have holes, not straight through, but where someone could easily listen in on the room from the other side. The first messengers are for the blind woman and the lame man, who are informed they have been granted their freedom and they are given a meal and escorted from the palace.