Esteban remarks, "There are many who hold the Code too dear, and honor too cheap. Sometimes, a magus must choose between them."
(( Andrew, this conversation is actually taking place out of earshot... or somewhere Vocis thinks is out of earshot. Not that Gardaitis wouldn't tell you the same thing if you asked point-blank. 
))
Perhaps he overheard 
Anyway, Carmen takes Estaban aside and talks in Catalan.
You are the one with the social skills. What do you make of this guy? Fiery temperment I can handle, it is part of being Flambeau. But his sudden appearance makes me suspicious. What is his interest in our covenant? Where did he come from? What happened in the encounter he just had with the creature? Why did it not menace him? I don't think the drakes told us the whole story either. Are we being manipulated into taking down their rival? And who is this guy? Who are his followers. Be a dear and do me a favor. Sidel up to him and Vocis and try to make friends. He may be a possible ally or potential foe, but until we know for certain, we need to keep a close eye on him.
((I figured he said his piece before we even reached your refugees. He certainly intends to point you to the right road when we reach them. Assume it's happened by now.))
((Two things - Gardaitis expected more than Vocis would have, and Vocis is trying to paint everyone involved as both good guys and bad guys.))
I've heard very little of your history. I also must admit that I'm not familiar with the Livonian Crusade. My duties have kept me in the West, aside from the occasional visit to Transylvania. That said, it sounds as if you ended up on the wrong side of a political fight and had your name drug through the mud for it. I certainly can't blame you for walking away from that kind of mess. I also have first-hand experience with so-called 'crusades' and their aftermath. He stares at your people for a moment and says something quietly in Occitan. I'll refrain from interceding with Carmen, but I do suggest you give her time to calm down before approaching. This hunt is critical to restoring the covenant and protecting her home.
"I gathered that," Gardaitis says drily. "I must admit I'm still having trouble adding up the pieces. The beast was dangerous, yes. Terrifying, yes. It didn't seem very hostile, though. Killed the ogres, ate them, and then wandered off without evincing the slightest interest in me, my companions, or the vis I was carrying. Your illusion -- which was really well-crafted, by the way -- the beast didn't so much as take a swipe at. It obviously threatens the covenant somehow... what did it actually do?"
So it seems things are a bit more complicated than simply "kill monsters and take their stuff", eh?
Vocis ponders a bit before answering, not making eye contact. The situation is complex and involves the inner workings of the covenant. Without going into too much detail, the Brute is an obstacle to greater resources for Andorra. These are resources which were available in the past and would aid in the restoration of the covenant to its former strength. Vocis finally turns back to Gardaitis, looking vaguely guilty. I apologize for not being more forthcoming. While I sincerely hope you will join our ranks, at present you are not a member of Andorra and there are things I simply cannot divulge. With a smirk, he adds Nothing political, I assure you.
Gardaitis regards Vocis levelly. "Yeah," he says, his voice dry. "The last time I heard this much hedging, sodalis, the man involved sold me out three weeks later." He shrugs. "No matter. If there are things you cannot tell me, I certainly understand."
He looks over at the gaggle of magi clustered around the dead ogres, looking thoughtful. "Obstacle rather than threat. Interesting. Walk with me if you wish."
Gardaitis walks unhurriedly towards the tree he dropped on the road, stopping near the stump (which puts him 20-30 feet or so from the other magi -- it was a big tree). He raises his voice a bit so it'll carry -- "Don't mind me, just cleaning up my mess" -- and then sets his hand on the nearest branch and concentrates, murmuring "Rego Herbam" under his breath.
(( Re 9 + He 12 + Sta 2 + Aura 3 + roll of 1 then 10 = 36, /2 is 18. ReHe 3, +1 touch, +1 conc, +2 Size... yeah, that's enough to move the thing.))
The tree lifts a few inches off the ground, and slowly slides backwards, branches leaving drag marks in the snow. Gardaitis lets it drop once it's all the way off the road, and no longer blocking traffic for any other poor shlub unlucky enough to come this way.
Maurice was also conferring with Vocis (something about invisibility). So be mindful that he is either listening in this conversation or would have to be purposfully excluded. Either option will have an effect down the road 
That was Guillaume that Maurice was conversing with, I believe?
D'Oh!
You are correct sir. I just double checked.
Okay, Guillme, Maurice would like to chat about an idea he has
Guillaume replies to Maurice, "What were you thinking, Maurice. You have more experience against this foe. I would like to hear your ideas."
When I get back from the store, I will write up Maurice's cunning plan
Maurice has an idea...
Set a trap for it. Bait it with ogres. It seems that it is the creature's exclusive diet. There is a clan that dwells over that ridge, about a mile and a half away distant. Starting a fight may attract it's attention, and if not just capture a couple of their younglings as bait. Use your invisibility on those such as myself that can engage it physically and on others that will attack it by surprise. By my estimate, we have about three hours before Venkath and Simon catch up with us. They will just mess everything up, we should go into action before they get here.
((I'm keeping quiet to give Andrew a chance to bring Estaban into the conversation.))
Carmen siezes on an idea...
Set up a base camp right here. I will be back in an hour or less. I shall return to the covenant momentarilly, let the others know how the plan has changed, and send out a squad of a dozen of the newly hired almogavars. They will meet the refuges on the road, some will split off and escort them to Arans and the rest will meet up with us here. I will be using the Seven League Stride, so it shall not take me long at all.
(( I'm going to say Gardaitis was standing close enough to hear this, if no one minds. ))
Gardaitis blinks at Carmen, mildly startled at the offer to take care of the refugees. "Thank you... ah, Pontifex", he says, sounding somewhat perplexed. "That is kind of you."
He hesitates for a moment -- there is still something odd about the situation, he just can't figure out what -- before continuing. "Perhaps I could assist you with this task you're facing?"
We shall discuss and formulate a plan whence I return. In the meantime, stick close to the others and share what you know.
As for these almogavars I am sending to meet up with us, though they are experienced mercenaries I do not know how experienced they are with mystical matters. They were told what to expect when they were hired, now we shall test if they can deal with it.
(Sorry, I've been busy this week.)
Esteban says to Gardaitis, "We magi of Andorra were not expecting you, but we are pleased to see you, and your offer to join us in the hunt is very welcome." He introduces himself, and makes sure all the other magi have been introduced. "Our covenant is not far. While our Pontifex goes to summon our guards, with your permission I would like to see to the well-being of your traveling companions. Do they speak Catalan? I believe one of us has already asked, but just to be certain -- no one was hurt?"
"Your plan sounds good for luring the brute out. But if we can locate it already, is it worthwhile? Why involve more adversaries if we can take on this one alone. Now, if it turns out we cannot find him, that could be the method we choose."