Venice by Day – Monday March 10, 1309
Baldemar de Frisia and Andrew the Hardy
Baldemar responds, "Our best approach may be to seek a business transaction with them. Certainly, the Templars have had dealings with them in the past. From there we can determine if any strange occurrences have taken place. If they seem put off perhaps they are a part of the conspiracy".
"I suppose that could work." Lorenzo says.
Venice by Day – Monday March 10, 1309
Baldemar de Frisia and Andrew the Hardy
"I still have business to attend wit tha family, they were to halp Federico acquire new farmlands as part o tha arrangements fer purchasin his land. I think we should find Federico an yerselves might be interested in tha trade o pipeweed."
Michael inhales deeply and relaxes a bit
" I am here am I not. I have been with you since you came to this town. It seems as if our paths have always been destine to cross. I gave you my word I would help you find your sister and that is what I intend to do. I did not think we would have to go through all we have but guess there is no turning back now. "
Michael stands among the group seeming more compliant. Arms folded waiting intently for the next set of instructions
"whats our next move"
I still have that meeting with my would be assassins,
have to figure out how to get Querinis cargo together
boat house to run
Anya
Venice by Day – Monday March 10, 1309
Lorenzo Cappelli
Moses nods.
Venice by Day – Monday March 10, 1309
Baldemar de Frisia and Andrew the Hardy
Sir Martin gives you sideway look, "Pipeweed? No thank you Lord Andrew, our immediate concern is the task at hand. Do you believe that Federico can arrange a meeting for us which will allow us to meet with the Giovanni with fewer suspicions?"
Sir Baldemar nods slowly as if in agreement about Sir Martin's proposal.
Venice by Day – Monday March 10, 1309
Venice by Day – Monday March 10, 1309
Michael Santo
Sergei sighs, "Very well. You are here, keep yourself close at hand. We need you alive. Now, the best bet is to have us case the area near where the two victims were located. These creatures have specified hunting grounds. From the street, the roof, and the lagoon we should monitor activity until we can catch this monster in the act. You will need training on how to properly incapacitate one of these creatures. That will be your immediate task".
Storyteller Shadow
"cousin, I will speak to my father to see why he is acting this way. Have heart it will work out. What else troubles you?"
Venice by Day – Monday March 10, 1309
Lorenzo Cappelli
Venice by Day – Monday March 10, 1309
Michele Querini
"Bah, he will not listen to you, he is a cautious old man. What else, Cousin? Is the death of my father at the hands of the Pope not enough!"
Venice by Day – Monday March 10, 1309
Baldemar de Frisia and Andrew the Hardy
"Aye tis tha business I had with tha family upon mah first meeting an certainly expect some details to emerge in tha meanwhile. Federico's presence may make it easier."
Venice by Day – Monday March 10, 1309
Baldemar de Frisia and Andrew the Hardy
Baldemar states, "Very well then. Let us find this Federico and discuss with him when and how we shall approach these merchants".
As you all begin to walk towards Federico's neighborhood a cadre of guardsmen flag you down, "Ho there Signore's, halt. You may not carry unbounded weapons by decree of the Doge himself!"
The words of the guardsman attract attention from those who are passing you by...
I know nothing of her, nor she of me. Wise to see what she wants unless you counsel avoidance.
Storyteller Shadow
"Cousin, tell me what you want me to say and I will plead it. If he doesn't listen what do you propose?"
Venice by Day – Monday March 10, 1309
Baldemar de Frisia and Andrew the Hardy
Andrew raises his hands slightly
"I am Andrew tha Hardy Lord o Moray and have been given dispensation fer mah personal weapon from tha Doge....Like yourself I am permitted to be armed within tha city o Venice."
Venice by Day – Monday March 10, 1309
Beshter shrugs, "Reach out to her, I shall remain here and ponder your line of questions. As you can well imagine, I am curious as to how you came to these revelations".
Venice by Day – Monday March 10, 1309
Michele Querini
"Is it not obvious cousin? The Doge must be overthrown and a leader with sanity and clarity put in his place! If not, well, perhaps the Grand Council has seen its time come and go..."
Venice by Day – Monday March 10, 1309
Baldemar de Frisia and Andrew the Hardy
"My apologies My Lord. Simply produce your papers and we shall let you go on your way. Are these men also given the same dispensation?"
Baldemar shakes his head, "My dispensation comes from God, I need no paperwork from Man. I have roamed these streets with sword in my sheathe before the current Doge's rise to power and never have I drawn it without purpose on these streets".
"Combat training" Michael ears perks up at the thought of obtaining fighting techniques to fight undead monsters.
"who will I learn from, you?!!"
Venice by Day – Monday March 10, 1309
Michael Santo
"Francois will train you. We have set up a small gymnasium in the lower bowels of this building for you to practice. It will take time we do not have for you to become proficient, however, a little training is better than none at all. Please begin".
Francois grins and gestures for you to follow him.
Venice by Day – Monday March 10, 1309
Baldemar de Frisia and Andrew the Hardy
Andrew presents his papers to the guard....
"You must pardon my friend hes not one for formalities, might we jus say tha since I hast papers an he is just one more man tha he too is allowed upon my word an papers."
Storyteller Shadow
"things will never happen quick enough for you so you must be calm and channel the anger as best you see fit. You must live and prosper to avenge him. Do not do anything crazy will I am gone. Enjoy the wine and women."
Alessandro turns to walk back, approaching the Cathayan.
Young lady, this is no place to be skulking... Come. What is it? How can we help you?
Venice by Day – Monday March 10, 1309
Baldemar de Frisia and Andrew the Hardy
The guardsman looks at the paper presented and hands it back to you Andrew. "I suggest you acquire paperwork for these men as well if they are with you. Mind your tone man of God, the Popes aggression against the Venetian people is not appreciated. Be thankful we are not as barbaric as your leader lest we hang you from our gates as a warning to those who would mean us harm".
Baldemar, seemingly understanding the situation, wisely does not respond to the taunt and you are all allowed to go on your way.
"The situation grows more desperate than we thought", Sir Martin comments as you continue your walk to Federico's neighborhood.
Venice by Day – Monday March 10, 1309
Michele Querini
"You speak as if he were already dead! I will not believe it, they may have Ferrara surrounded but I do not give up hope so easily. What I give up is believing that our current Doge or those on the Grand Council are seeing things clearly. This IS the time for action cousin. Tell me, will you leave the city now when the Pope has threatened excommunication? What will happen if this takes place? How will you ensure your safety amongst our enemies when the protection of our lagoons do not provide you with succor?"
Venice by Day – Monday March 10, 1309
Alessandro Khadaji & Xing Shi
Xing as you await the two men's exit from beneath the bridge you hear a voice behind you!
"Young lady, this is no place to be skulking... Come. What is it? How can we help you?"
You turn to find the man you were following asking you the above stated question. Even this close you still cannot place where you have met him. It seems he spotted you and approached from the opposite side of the bridge.
Venice by Day – Monday March 10, 1309
Baldemar de Frisia and Andrew the Hardy
Andrew taps Baldemar on the shoulder....
"I should have warned you my friend, my reaction to this lot upon mah arrival to tha city was much like your own!"
"I had heard tha Doge an tha Pope, err at least tha Venitians an tha church was in a disagreement. Though I ken not say wha tha rukus is bout."
"I will get you both papers as soon as I ken."
Storyteller Shadow
"I must do as my father commands me this time but I will try to talk sense to him."
Will tap him on the shoulder then embrace him.
Xing and Alessandro
She looks a bit startled as the man came up behind her.
"Are you crazy man! Don't ever scare a lady like that!"
She flutters her hand in her face a bit pretending to regain her composure and takes in a the man a bit more now they are closer.
"What do you mean how can we help you? I'm just browsing the streets here minding my business. And who is we I only see you."
Alessandro Khadaji & Xing Shi
The man offers a smile.
I offer courtesy... You reject it, do not answer my question and ask multiple questions instead. Unless you have business to discuss, we are done here. Please do not follow me or I will be forced to engage the authorities.
Good day, madame.
Alessandro & Xing
"Wait! Do i know you? You seem familiar."
Venice by Day – Monday March 10, 1309
Baldemar de Frisia and Andrew the Hardy
Baldemar shakes his head, "I have been in residence here for decades Lord Andrew. This is the first time I have seen such a reaction from the Doge's men. In fact, this is the first time I can remember the Doge having so many "men". These fools seem to think that because our tabards have crosses that we are lickspittles to the Pope. We are not, while we respect his authority we answer to the Grandmaster not the Holy See. The rukus, or dispute, is over the fact that the Venetians have taken the City of Ferrera in the north of Italy as a protectorate, a vassal state really. The Pope is an enemy of the Venetians so has sought to block this political power move using the armies of his Italian allies as his force. Until now I had thought the dispute would be resolved but it seems to be effecting the entire city. That being said, if you could acquire letters of dispensation for Sir Martin and I to carry our weapons, this would be most welcome".
Sir Martin watches the Doge's men walk away with a look of disgust. "Let's get to this Federico before another confrontation takes place".
Venice by Day – Monday March 10, 1309
Michele Querini
Marco embraces you back, "Be well my cousin. I hope to see you soon".
Alessandro Khadaji & Xing Shi
The tall young man pauses as he is about to turn away.
Again questions instead of answers. I have lived here most of my life and my family runs a shipping business. It is possible.
What do you want, madame? His question is direct.
Venice by Day – Monday March 10, 1309
Baldemar de Frisia and Andrew the Hardy
"Aye I will either get you both papers or we shall jus travel as pilgrims together along tha same road."
Leads them to the seedy area and Federico's apartment....
Xing and Alessandro
"You just seemed familiar but did not recognize your face that is all. What is your name sir? I am Xing."
Alessandro Khadaji, Khadaji Shipping. Ehm... Pleasure to make your acquaintance. The young man gives a polite inclination of the head.
Xing and ALessandro
"Shipping as in delivery services? I'm a bit of an errant runner myself and may be looking for new employment soon if your hiring."
Alessandro Khadaji & Xing Shi
The tall young man looks at the woman.
Incorrigable. Now you seek employment?
Khadaji Shipping, come see me at my offices. Leave your attitude behind, I demand integrity of every employee. Those without, need not apply. His manner is matter of fact and professional.
Xing and Alessandro
Her eyebrows shift making a face of seriousness.
"Yes Sir!"
She salutes him.
She smiles a bit before continuing.
"No worries on that I'm all business when it comes to a job."
Alessandro Khadaji & Xing Shi
The man had noble bearing, but was from no Venetian House. But, he dressed relatively plainly for a successful businessman, without the pomp of bureaucracy.
I do enjoy you exuberance and energy. But, I cannot tell if you mock. The salute will not be necessary, though the "Sir" has a nice ring to it from your lips.
Relationships, even those of employee and employer are built on trust and integrity. Just be yourself.
Xing and Alessandro
"No worries there. When I'm done with my current job I'll seek you out."
She does a little curtsy bow and begins to walk off.
Alessandro Khadaji & Xing Shi
Alessandro watches her move away, studying her her form and movement. His interest professional. As her diminutive form recedes, he turns looking for Beshter.
Xing will head back to where she is to meet her contact.
Venice by Day – Monday March 10, 1309
Baldemar de Frisia and Andrew the Hardy
As you pass into Federico's neighborhood you begin to hear mutterings from the residents, their mutterings focus on the presence of your two comrades who wear the emblem of the cross.
Baldemar seems calm but Sir Martin keeps his hand resting on his hilt, uneasy to say the least.
However, all three of you armed to the teeth keeps any would be challengers in their darkened doorways and alleys as the afternoon sun sinks in the sky.
You enter Federico's building and knock on his front door. After a shirt wait he answers, his smile becomes a more muted tone as he sees the two men with you, "Ciao Andrew, who are your friends?"
Venice by Day – Monday March 10, 1309
Alessandro Khadaji
You watch the woman fade into the distance, thoughts on her motives as you go again underneath the bridge and see Beshter waiting for you. He appears to have a far away glassy look in his eyes. In fact, he does not seem to be registering your presence at all...
Venice by Day – Monday March 10, 1309
Lorenzo Cappelli & Xing Shi
Xing , you return to hotel in the late afternoon sitting at a table waiting for your employer to arrive. The feeling that you know Alessandro gnaws at the back of your mind, perhaps Luigi Vespucci mentioned the name in the past, checking with him may be in order, though it sees he is less than thrilled with you based on messages you received from Andrew. You sigh as life in this city and this job is much more complicated that you suspected it would be.
Lorenzo , with a few bags in tow, carried by the brawny Moses, your band cuts its way across the city keeping your eyes and ears out for the Volkov's. The cloak over Moses' head deflects unwanted attention from natives of the city based on his heritage but you still feel as if you are being watched, Dominic brushes it of as mere paranoia. Your fears seem unwarranted though as you arrive near the front of the Way of Kings Inn unmolested and according to Moses, not followed. Just as you are about to arrive, Dominic's head nearly swivels off of his neck. "Pause a moment brother, I must attend to something". Before you or Moses can object he makes a beeline to an exotic looking woman sitting alone at an outside table near the entrance...
Xing , as you keep your eyes scanning the area, you see a man approach with a large grin on his face. He is handsome for a Gaijin though his manner is quite forward, "My Lady, you are the most beautiful woman I have ever laid eyes on in my fair city, can I get your name?"