Two Crows Watch from the Gallows Tree (part 3)

(Works for me! So Tarr won’t attack right away? Not sure Pratik would be willing to stick around for years upon years…)
(And I’m also good for anything! I’m really looking forward to the ceremony angst + bringing Tadaaki back but also that’ll be 4-6 weeks in the future so I’m good to jump to Utrid and Pratik and Ada if you’d rather. Do you have ideas for plot points that would have happened in that time frame?)

(There will be a few minor attacks between now and my next major skip but we can find something else for Pratik to do! I intend to get Ada away one way or another so there could be something there...
And between now and the ceremony there's nothing super major happening but Gaius will want further negotiation with Pratik since he's going to fight Tarr beside his brother. He might try to pull him out so they can renegotiate.)

(Ooh okay cool! Pratik: “okay, but I get to kill him, right? You don’t even have to pay me. Just let me kill him. And Utrid” xD but yeah I’m down for anything! Wanna start somewhere? I can follow your lead ^-^ )

(Sure!)

About two weeks after Pratik's interaction with Ada, Roland approached him in their usual meeting place.
"You're being pulled out," he told him. "I've just received a message informing me that Lord Ash has ceased war with Lord Loquitur. An escape has already been organized for you. I'll get you past the gates and then it will be your job to get to the nearest village, where there'll be a horse and provisions waiting for you along with clothing. Go to the Hunter's Solace inn and give this to the innkeeper." He offered Pratik a coin embossed with the image of a serpent.

Pratik took the coin and turned it over, taking in the details of both sides, before he looked back at Roland. Praise the gods above, he was getting to leave this hellhole — and in one piece no less. But he kept his expression calm and neutral. “When?”

"Tonight, just after the moon rises. Meet me in the stables, and dress as warmly as you can. Get your affairs in order before then." He paused. "And bring the Seer girl with you."

Pratik nodded curtly. That had going to be his next demand — he’d made a promise to her, after all. He didn’t break promises. “I understand. Anything else?”

"Hide your collar when you're out of the Keep," Roland replied. "It won't come off til you've returned to Serpent Keep. It'll be a three hour ride to the village, so prepare for the possibility of spiders or wolves. Move fastest on your way out of the territory; use your horse's strength then rather than later when you're on safer ground. And skirt the Barren Plains."

Pratik nodded. “And you’ll get me a weapon?”

"You'll be given a shortsword and a dagger, but that's the best I can do."

“I can make it work.” Pratik inclined his head. “The innkeeper knows to expect me tonight?”

"He does." Roland nodded. "His name is Gregor Pyrish. Tall, fat man with a red beard. You can't miss him."

“Excellent,” Pratik said. “It’s been a pleasure working with you — and it will be an even bigger pleasure to never see you again. Best of luck getting yourself out.”

"I have my ways." Roland dipped his head. "Don't do anything foolish on your way out; I'll see you tonight."

“See you then.” Pratik glanced towards the door. “I’ll leave first.”