Lorenzo Cappelli |
Lorenzo gives Dominic a quick glance, urging him to play along with events as they progress.
"By all means, let us get that drink. By chance would you have any idea when Andrew might be returning?" Lorenzo asks the rather large Scotsman as he follows.
Arriving in the bar of the Way of Kings Inn, Lorenzo retrieves glasses of wine for himself and Dominic while asking, "What might I get for you, Donnach?"
Storyteller Shadow |
Venice by Night – Monday March 10, 1309
Michele Querini and Xing Shi
As you walk towards the compound from the shadows the man with the voice appears, he is quite skilled at hiding Xing! The man appears to be a Moslem of some sort based on his dark skin.
As you close in on the manse the darkness itself seems to subside like a fog lifting. No guards bar the entry to your disconcertment Michele. However, as you step in the front doors you see them all milling about, seemingly confused.
You nod to them and they nod back as you take your party into the conference room where your father generally attends to his guests. Almost as if waking from a slumber they snap to as the doors close.
One of the guards knocks, "Is all well Signore' Querini?"
Storyteller Shadow |
Venice by Night – Monday March 10, 1309
Alessandro Khadaji
"It is important that you find her before she finds me. Her reappearance may well jolt Beshter into control once more. The guards are mine but the last order given was for them to protect her, it is best if you found her without them present, they may complicate matters. Beshter has little skill with crafting flesh which is why these scars appear on the back of the vessels neck, as I said, he is careless in his approach".
Storyteller Shadow |
Venice by Night – Monday March 10, 1309
Lorenzo Cappelli
Donnach orders mead and slams down the first glass as it arrives in his fist. Dominic grins, "Now this is a man who knows how to drink!"
Donnach orders another but before he slams the next glass home responds to your query, "I do not rightly know. Aodhan has been less than pleased that he has taken on a side project of selling pipeweed. We all know that enriching ourselves is part of life but our goal here is to meet with the Doge, not local peddlers. I myself was out last night so I have not seen him since the day before yestereve".
Storyteller Shadow |
Venice by Night – Monday March 10, 1309
Alessandro Khadaji
"I do not know, they were inseparable until yesterday morning. Where she is now, I cannot say".
Storyteller Shadow |
Venice by Night – Monday March 10, 1309
Lorenzo Cappelli
"Ahe, Federico, a good lad. It was through him that I have created my own side deal with the Merchants Giovanni".
Storyteller Shadow |
Venice by Night – Monday March 10, 1309
Michele Querini and Xing Shi
"Good but let us sit closer together, I wish to ensure no eavesdroppers", the man with No Name states.
Sadir looks at him dubiously but complies.
As you all close in together the man closes his eyes for a moment, "Ah, much better". What if anything was done you cannot tell but the man seems satisfied and begins.
"Due to our present mixed company", he states gesturing at Michele and Xing, "I must be judicious with my language".
Sadir nods.
"My Master is not interested in Signore' Querini but is instead interested in your father so to speak, Fahdi Mohammad. You may not be aware that prior to your, arrival, Fahdi had another childe who serves alongside me. Well, my Master wishes to reach Fahdi and offer him a bargain. We believe that you know where he is and more importantly, we believe that you know how to reach him".
Sadir considers No Name's statement, "I know that he is here. I am here to speak with him, it is another reason why I have arrived here at this time, besides business considerations".
"Good, good. Instead of convincing him to go to the Serpents of Cairo, instead, convince him to go to Vincenza".
"I fear, for my own long term survival, this would be an unwise course of action", replies Sadir.
No Name retorts, "You will not win with the Courts, any of the Courts. No, you will always be their slaves. Come with us and we will set you free Sadir".
Sadir pauses for a moment. Do either of you wish to say anything or simply continue to listen?
Storyteller Shadow |
Venice by Night – Monday March 10, 1309
Michele Querini and Xing Shi
"By "we", I take it you do not mean Narses and his ilk or the Romans".
"I do not", replies the man with No Name.
"And if I wish to discover who "we" is I will have to travel to Vicenza?"
"Also correct".
"I am afraid I will have to pass on this offer at the moment", replies Sadir.
The man with No Name shakes his head, "Well that is your choice. Know that this offer was extended to you as the end comes for you and pass along what I have informed you to Fahdi Mohammad".
"Perhaps I will... Wait, what do you mean the end comes".
The man with No Name shrugs, "It has been forseen".
Sadir scoffs, "Now you sound like the Prophets of the Courts".
"This was forseen two years ago by one whom I have come to trust. The night after Narses sent his emissaries to all Fiefdoms".
Sadir pauses for a moment considering what the man with No Name just stated.
Any wish to interject by either of you?
Storyteller Shadow |
Venice by Night – Monday March 10, 1309
Lorenzo Cappelli
Donnach shakes his head, "Ach. We have yet to meet with him. It seems his people are in "crisis" over the disagreement with the Pope. Until this crisis is over, all diplomats must wait. I don't know why but that is what we have been informed. Based on what the French tell Aodhan, it will be no time soon. The negotiations with the Pope go poorly".
Lorenzo Cappelli |
Lorenzo raises his glass, "None-the-less, here is to a successful negotiation."
After finishing his glass of wine, Lorenzo says, "I am afraid I have a bit of business to attend to. When you see Andrew next, please tell him I would like to speak with him when he has a spare moment."
Getting up, Lorenzo motions for Dominic to come along as he heads back up to his room to wait for Moses.
Storyteller Shadow |
Venice by Night – Monday March 10, 1309
Michael Santo
As you exit your building you notice standing in the shadows of the alley perhaps 30' away Francois. What do you do?
Storyteller Shadow |
Venice by Night – Monday March 10, 1309
Lorenzo Cappelli
Donnach raises his glass to you and smiles, "Well met, I am sorry what was your name again?"
You catch Moses out of the corner of your eye motioning for you to come upstairs as Dominic stands up and salutes Donnach back.
Storyteller Shadow |
Venice by Night – Monday March 10, 1309
Michele Querini and Xing Shi
"Nothing specific. Your fate is tied to that of Sadir, how is not clear.".
Lorenzo Cappelli |
"How rude of me, I am sorry for the breach of etiquette. I am Dr. Lorenzo Cappelli and this is my brother, Dominic." he finishes with a gesture toward Dominic.
"Until next time, my friend." he says as he heads back to his room to meet with Moses.
Storyteller Shadow |
Venice by Night – Monday March 10, 1309
Lorenzo Cappelli
Donnach smiles, "Hah, etiquette, very funny Doctor!" He slaps you on the back again forcing you a few steps forward. He orders another drink while you and Dominic head to the stairs.
When you return to your room Dominic states, "Well we know where to find Andrew at any rate, how went your search for my next romantic interest Moses?"
"It seems I just missed the woman by a few moments. She went somewhere into the night in a hurry according to patrons seated nearby her. I could attempt to track her but I wanted to report back to you first Dr".
Storyteller Shadow |
Venice by Night – Monday March 10, 1309
Michele Querini and Xing Shi
Sadir stands up, "If that is all, you and your young Lady friend should be on your way then. How shall I reach you should I change my mind?"
No Name stands looking somewhat irritated, "Tell Fahdi. You had your chance. My Master is not one to forgive and forget. Come Xing, I would think we have business to discuss this evening".
Xing do you do or say anything?
Michele Querini |
Storyteller Shadow and Xing Shi
I will turn and nod to Xing and the unnamed man. After they are gone I will look to Sadir.
"what next beyond our cargo? Surely this man will try to disrupt our current and any future plans. I should take precautions go forward as he can easily overpower me. I assume you are stronger or he would of just taken you to Vicenza against your will, correct?"
Storyteller Shadow |
Venice by Night – Monday March 10, 1309
Xing Shi
You leave the Manse of the Querini's with No Name heading out into the darkened streets of Venice. The guards give you both sideways glances but say nothing as you leave, they having taken their traditional positions to guard the property.
The man with No Name leads you to the northern section of the city and gestures towards a man with a small boat as he arrives there.
"It seems i have no use for the ride tonight. Thank you Signore". He throws the man some Ducats and waves him away, the man grins and mumbles something and pushes off into the night.
No Name takes in a deep breath smelling the sea breeze. "Soon spring will be here Xing Shi. The days will grow longer and the night shorter. I used to love the summer seasons now I dread them".
He pauses, "My Master wanted you for his own. I do not believe that your skill set lends itself to servitude in his employ. No, skill sets I could grant you would be much more suitable to your capabilities my dear".
He turns back to you, "You have proven your worth, much to my surprise. Tell me, do you wish to know how I am able to confound your most elaborate traps?" He chuckles in a sinister voice, "No, I believe you wonder about more than just that, am I correct?"
Storyteller Shadow |
Venice by Night – Monday March 10, 1309
Michele Querini
Sadir looks at the door the man has walked out thoughtfully. He smiles, "Yes, yes I think I will discover where that creature sleeps this very night".
He turns back to you. "The cargo is all that matters. I should receive word in the next day or so as to arrival times and docks as well as ultimate destinations for the cargo. Do not worry about him, I do not think he will interfere with us. He gives me much to consider, perhaps I will inform my old friend as to what he said, once I discover his whereabouts. Whether he could overpower me is not clear. He did not try which is good. I am... stronger than I look". He smiles and sits down.
"Well now that we are here and you are not going anywhere, have you questions for me?"
Storyteller Shadow |
Venice by Night – Monday March 10, 1309
Lorenzo Cappelli
"I know of an Artisan here in the City. She excels at, investigations if you will. On occasion she will provide her services to Narses though most of the time she cultivates and oversees the culture and the arts of Venice. Supporting writers, poets, and artists. Her cost would be unclear to me but it would not be free. Now that night has fallen perhaps the better course of action is to again try to convince the powers that be of the dangers the Volkovs present. I can do one or the other this night but I do not believe I can accomplish both".
Alessandro Khadaji |
Alessandro thinks. If she is as hellbent and determined as you say, perhaps she was always aaware of her brother Sergei's presence and only feigned surprise.
Cappelli... He was having issues with the Cappellis, a storage issue. And, he was headed to the Querini home. He was headed there with a Francois. We could start there. Now, demons, what should I know about them?
Storyteller Shadow |
Venice by Night – Monday March 10, 1309
Michele Querini
Sadir ponders your query for a few minutes staring at the candles lighting the room around you.
"The more you know the greater danger you will be to me and to yourself. However, after this night, you are correct, I should tell you all. First things first, the final drink".
Sadir stands he bites his own wrist and blood begins to leak out of it, his teeth have somehow elongated and his own blood glistens on his lips.
"DRINK".
Despite the revulsion you feel in doing so, you find yourself compelled to drink... For how long do you attempt to do so?
Storyteller Shadow |
Venice by Night – Monday March 10, 1309
Alessandro Khadaji
"I do not know enough about the brother and sister to know. One assumes the brother will defend the sister, I would avoid him if possible".
Sebastian shakes his head, "The less you know of Demons the better. They are to be avoided both in deed and in word. Forbidden knowledge is best if it stays forbidden".
"Do you believe that she would have visited the Querini's or Cappelli's?"
Storyteller Shadow |
Venice by Night – Monday March 10, 1309
Xing Shi
The man smiles back, "Just so. You should know some things about me. I was not lying to these men, I truly am the man with No Name. I have no past and no future other than that which belongs to my Master. I am beholden to him and him to his Mistress, it is for her that we ultimately work. I am a Childe of a creature disguised as a man named Alejandro, this Alejandro was a Childe of Narses, who was a Childe of Boukephos, who was a Childe of an entity known as Lasombra. It is from Lasombra that my brethren are so named".
"I attempted to kill you because you are a loose end and we cannot afford loose ends. My Master did not ask this of me but I am thorough and easily could have passed off the fact that you perished without my interference. Now that I have seen your worth, I wish to take you for my own. Does this explanation make sense to you, assassin?"
Michael Santo |
Michael glances about and recognize he is being followed. Not wanting to raise any further suspicion with his follower Michael tries to start a conversation with his would be employers but also alert the second rate assassins that failed to end his life of the impending dangers francios presents.
"Gentlemen, I am so glad that you have taken the "Boat of the River" into consideration for your needs. I can assure you my service can satisfy your every needs of the water way, whether it be for transporting goods, business, or even..." Michael leans in close tapping one of the gentlemen speaking softly but projecting loud enough for francois to catch his words " cardinal pleasures. Trust me many a men make use of the services offered if you know what I mean" slapping one guy on the back in a friendly manner offering up a dry laugh.
"in all honesty I think it would be in your best interest to see what I am offering and we can draw up the contracts at my office.....
looking past one of them Michael will wave to François acknowledging his presence so the men will see why his mood and attitude has changed
Lorenzo Cappelli |
Lorenzo sits in quiet contemplation, thinking about the options Moses has provided before ultimately answering, "As I am loathe to enter any other potentially costly agreements without the council of Dr. Benne, Moses, please see if you can convince the powers that be about the Volkovs. Failing that, we go the other route tomorrow night if need be."
Storyteller Shadow |
Venice by Night – Monday March 10, 1309
Xing Shi
"I am what your people would call the "hungry dead". I no longer live as a normal man would. A Lasombra is the tribe to which I, and soon you, belong to".
Storyteller Shadow |
Venice by Night – Monday March 10, 1309
Michele Querini
You receive 3 more blood points.
Sadir pulls his hand away. "There, now our bond is complete. You are my Vassal, it is through you that I will operate from the shadows until such time as I am ready to bring you into the fold".
He sits back down and motions you to sit. You hungrily wipe the blood off of your lips and onto your tongue.
"Fahdi is the being which made me as I am today. The leaders of our people believe that they are descended from the Egyptian God of Darkness, Set. As such, they tolerate failure not at all. Fahdi failed them. As a result, his failure reflects upon me. To redeem myself in their eyes, I must bring Fahdi back into the fold so that he serves his punishment. However, I am also a man of the west. I am employed as a procurer. I procure things as well as beings. My talents are how you have received your lovely "wife". This city will soon see some of the most influential of my kind, the Cainites, arrive to settle disputes which have raged for more than a century".
Storyteller Shadow |
Venice by Night – Monday March 10, 1309
Michael Santo
As you turn back to waive to Francois, he is gone and you catch no sight of him.
The men shrug and continue on their way. "Indeed Signore' Santo, it is this very business that my employer wishes to speak with you about".
You continue through the city taking a circuitous route for a few minutes before boarding a Gondola, not one of yours, to your consternation.
You arrive after a short trip in a section of the city where commerce is the focus of the buildings. The building you arrive at you have never visited before. The black marble of the building is gorgeous, you walk through the front doors.....
Storyteller Shadow |
Venice by Night – Monday March 10, 1309
Michael Santo and Andrew the Hardy
Michael
...and into an awkward situation! Standing before you Michael, praying in a circle with three other men is Lord Andrew. The Scotsman who was among the combatants against the risen dead.
Andrew
The door opens but instead of seeing Pietro Giovanni enter the doors, you see two men who you do not recognize flanking Michael Santo, one of the men who accompanied Sergei Volkov to the marsh the night of the melee with the risen dead.
You both stare at each other for a moment when the double doors at the far end of the hall open and Pietro Giovanni strides in, his aged manservant on his heels.
"Good evening gentlemen, my apologies for my late arrival. I am preparing for a voyage shortly and I had to ensure that all was in readiness with the ship upon which I have booked passage. It seems Lord Andrew, that we have something to discuss? Signore' Santo, may I finish my business with this man first? I promise it shall not take long".
Storyteller Shadow |
Venice by Night – Monday March 10, 1309
Alessandro Khadaji
Sebastian shrugs, "If I have heard the name it has not made a lasting impression. Is he someone that Katriana knows here in the city?"
Storyteller Shadow |
Venice by Night – Monday March 10, 1309
Lorenzo Cappelli
Moses nods, "I shall do so, what shall you do in the meantime?"
Dominic grins, "Drink and make ourselves conspicuous!"