Hiram stepped up behind Cyniq with a precariously balanced stack of tomes of his own.
"They could at least make an attempt to be discreet about the situation," he added, watching the thugs leave with a look of distaste on his face.
"Happy to be of service." Dovak responds as he begins picking up the heavy books. "A little bit of simple, honest work is good for the soul. Zirt, why don't you grab those boxes of tea; maybe you'll work out what's in them by smell as we walk. We'll come back for the two bags with the books, unless you want to carry them Anosten?" Dovak seems cheered by the simple task placed before him, and the solution to the problem he was having.
"Yes, I think I'll tag along, let me get those books."
"Thank you kindly, Anosten." Dovak says as he hands half the books to the man. With his freed hand he picks up one of the two bags the tea server set out on the counter. "If you have directions for where these things are to go, could you give them to our shorter companion--she seems to have a peculiar skill in weaving through the crowds here to find where she's going. And if we lose sight of her, we can follow her singing from two dozen strides, even in a crowd." Dovak smiles at Zirt and looks across the street "Though if I get lost on the way to our first stop, I can only blame divine intervention."
Zirt tugs at two of the boxes of tea, managing to get them off the counter and into her arms without falling over. "Okay, I might be a little slower than normal, but I'm ready to go! And don't forget the brewing lessons, Mr. Gerauth! We'll be back soon!"
Dovak bumps into a human as he comes out the door to the bookshop with a halfling in tow behind him. "Oh, terribly sorry. This market is so busy. Have a good day then." he blurts out in surprise as he steps aside to let the man pass. "It's nice to see that people still appreciate a good book." Dovak muses aloud.
As Dovak, Zirt, and Anosten enter the bookshop, Anosten makes eye contact with the men leaving and his eyes widen slightly. Anosten quickly sets the books on the counter, nods at the others, mumbles something about a prior engagement and quickly exits the store. Zeke Burgstem looks up from his conversation with the two other people in the store and acknowledges the newcomers. Good day to you, how can I be of service? Where’d your friend go in such a hurry? Zeke peers at the newcomers over his spectacles and then glances at the Cyniq and Hiram. Hmm, could be I have a solution. Yes, yes they might just suffice. He mumbles to himself. He starts shuffling through some papers while glancing occasionally at the people in the store.
Zirt frowns at Anosten's back as he leaves, wondering why he hadn't remembered his engagement before now. At Zeke's question, she turns to him and smiles (though whether or not he can see her face over the boxes of tea she's carrying is anybody's guess).
"Hi, I'm Zirt! Well, that's not my real actual name, but... anyway, Mr. Gerauth sent us over to give you these! Err... the books, that is. Oh, and he said thank you! Err, not to us, but to you. I mean, he probably will thank us, but he hasn't yet because we haven't done anything for him yet! Also he's going to let me have some of his new tea blend for doing his errands! Oh! And I almost forgot that he wanted us to pick up some books from you, but I don't know what he wanted them to be about!"
Zirt frowns thoughtfully, suddenly worried that they'll fail their errand and the man won't let her have any of the tea mixture to take with her.
Unable to maintain a frown for any length of time, Cyniq smiles at the new comers, "wow Zeke, I've never seen this many people in your shop at one time, finally selling the books?" Pulling a couple of gold from her pouch she hands them to Zeke before stuffing her latest acquisitions into her bag.
She nods and smiles at the newest arrivals, hello."
"Hello" Dovak replies to the woman. He looks toward the shopkeeper; "Err, uh, where would you like these put?" he asks.
Zeke continues shuffling papers, making quick notes, and mumbling to himself. Yes, they could leave two days hence. Passage and meals..two days.. He looks up at Dovak What’s that my boy? Oh just set them over there. He waves distractedly at a table already stacked high with books. Yes, yes tell Gerauth I said thank you..no wait, I’ll tell him myself, you’ll be gone..er well I get ahead of myself. He stops what he is doing and looks up, staring at each one of you in turn. Cyniq my dear, could you please lock the door. He waits until Cyniq returns from locking the door and then takes a breath. I know this will sound strange to you at the moment, but hear me out. I have a problem that needs resolved and I think you four strangers are just the ones to help me. What would you say, if I said I would send you all to Absalom to perform a task for me? I will pay your passage on a ship and pay you well if you accomplish this task. You all look like you need to get out of Magnimar for a while. Shall I go on? Zeke stares at you all, awaiting your reactions?
"Uh, well, the Church here in Magnimar doesn't seem to be doing much with me... But I really have to get them that cloth before I can go anywhere. After that I can help out? I think? Dovak replies, his voice rising in confusion as he sets the books down.
Zirt's eyes grow wider as the man speaks. She waits politely until he finishes, though she fidgets and opens her mouth to speak a few times, barely catching herself before she rudely interrupts him. When he finally finishes, and Dovak has responded, she jumps in. "I've only just gotten to Magnimar! I've never been on a ship before, though... and my uncle doesn't know he's supposed to be expecting me, but what would Mother say if she knew? And you're all strangers, except you Mr. Dovak, but you're just a servant despite your fancy clothes, and -- oops, that was quite rude of me!"
The gnome blushes and looks at the floor. She takes a deep breath, and tries again, her gaze shifting between Dovak and Zeke as she speaks. "I'm sorry, Mr. Dovak. That was very rude of me. Mother would... well, it was rude, and I would deserve it. But she isn't here, so I'll have to try to make it better some other way. I'd like to help you find your cloth. Mr. Zeke, I guess I can... I mean, I'd like to help you, too. Uncle won't notice if I'm gone for a few days, I think."
Zeke nods at Dovak and Zirt. He focuses on Zirt. You would be gone more than a couple days little one, perhaps a letter is in order, hmm? He turns to the two who not spoken. Cyniq, Proffesor, what say you. Let me state that I am willing to pay you all 500 gold apiece if you accomplish this task for me. I am also willing to advance you all 200 gold to cover any equipment you think you may need. I do not expect this back if you do not succeed, but I believe a well equipped party has better chance than an ill-equipped one.
Zirt's eyebrows contract into a little frown. "But... well, I did offer you my help, Mr. Zeke, but..." She seems almost at a loss for words. "Will you write Uncle? After all, my parents did send me here to 'further your education, young lady', and I suppose going on a sea journey and seeing a whole new city would help with that."
"well... If you wrote master Stormstrider a letter, I could take a leave from his employ... I've always dreamed of visiting Absalom..." Cyniq is cautious, but eager for the opportunity to adventure!
"umm, what do you need us to do? Four strangers?"
Hiram's eyes widened at the mention of Absalom, "Oh, but for a chance to peruse the Great Libraries of Absalom," he breathed, "Much less to be paid for the journey. I had long ago intended a sabbatical to Absalom but never got the chance when my projects started eating up my time."
"I'll send word to my lodgings forthwith and be ready to leave as soon as the rest of you are." The young professor was already enwrapped in the prospects of some obscure scholarly delights, no doubt and was certainly not overly concerned with just what they were being asked to do.
Zeke stares at each of them for a long moment before speaking. Alright then, seeing as you all seem willing, let me explain the nature of the “adventure”. He sits back in his chair and removes his eyeglasses and begins cleaning them with a cloth. So, many years ago I was involved in some arcane research with my sister’s husband. A man by the name of Andrax d’Aponte. He was brilliant, if not a little eccentric and research was his life. He never did treat my sister well, Pharasma’s blessing be upon her. As you can infer my sister passed away, some say from the wasting disease, I say neglect. His eyes grow a little misty and he sits forward clearing his throat and places his glasses back upon his face. Needless to say, after my sister passed, our research relationship was...strained. After a period of time trying to work together, Andrax informed me that he was relocating his lab to Absalom, to have better access to reagents and research material. Though the work was mutual, it was agreed that he would take along all of the notes and we would correspond and collaborate from afar. Our research progressed at the good pace under these circumstances, for a couple years. Then his letters began to come less and less frequently. I heard from my contacts in Absalom, the d’Aponte had begun collaborating with the Pathfinder Society and had even joined their ranks. Eventually his letters ceased coming. That was a year and half ago. Now my contacts in Absalom tell me that Andrax has split from the Society and all the money they had funded him with. Now the Society wants his notes, my notes. They are as much mine as his. His fists clench as he says the last sentence. He takes a deep breath and continues. I have petitioned the Pathfinders to no avail. So what I want you to do is go retrieve my notes and research. He pauses, letting the group absorb all he has said. So are you still interested?
It was the Professor that spoke up first this time, "Yes, this is a gross breach of scholarly ethics. I'd be willing to spend a few days abroad to retrieve these notes, you're certainly paying well enough for the trouble." He had a history of dealing with such breaches of ethics. Such things were bad for the arts and sciences and a terrible, if quiet, injustice.
"Sure! It sounds very exciting, and do we get to read your notes? What were you researching? I'll help!"
The gnome claps her little hands together excitedly.
"Well, I can be near-certain that the markets of Absalom will have the right kind of cloth... I can do a side job while I'm there. It's not like the priests' robes were about to wear out." Dovak says with a thoughtful look.
Zeke looks at Zirt with alarm. No, no don’t try to read the journal, it could be warded or trapped. Just secure it for me. He looks at Cyniq, tyrying to gauge her silence, before looking back at the others. I won’t deceive you, this could possibly be dangerous, my contacts tell me Andrax’s behavior has become very erratic. Also he has a bodyguard, a Garundi man goes by the name Sefu. Watch out for him, I’m told he is a dangerous, conniving mercenary. My contacts have also informed me that d’Aponte is working on some type of experiment involving brewing wine from some type of magical plant, any information on this would be appreciated. As for the Pathfinders, they may attempt to confound you, but should not be a danger. Let me be clear, the journal is mine, not the Pathfinders. They are not to have it at any cost. If...you find yourself in a life threatening spot with the Society, you may allow them to copy the journal, but only under extreme conditions is this to be allowed. He sits back and opens a drawer and after some clinking of metal, removes four pouches and places them on his desk. Like I said before, I will advance you two hundred gold pieces each if you undertake this. If you succeed, go to the Temple of Abadar in Absalom and give them the journal and my name. I have accounts with them, they will pay you the three hundred remaining gold pieces and take care of delivering the journal to me. You will leave in two days aboard a Taldan trading vessel, the Horizons of Glory, it’s berthed down in the shipyards. Be there first light, two day hence, the Captain will be know you are coming, just tell him your names. He slides the pouches forward and nods at them. You have two days to equip yourself and tie up any engagements you have here in Magnimar. Do we have an agreement?
Dovak's eyes widen at the sight of the pouches; he's certain that the money there is more than would be held by a typical bookstore shopkeeper. However, he thinks to himself, the church can do a lot of good with such a sum, even minus expenses, and we're just reclaiming property this man owns... "I'll help." he says simply and picks up one of the bags.
Zirt frowns slightly at a few of Zeke's statements, but nods at the end and reaches out to carefully pull one of the pouches off the counter.
Tugging at Dovak's sleeve until he leans over, she whispers:
Dovak whispers back to the gnome,
The gnome looks up at Dovak and forgets to whisper her response.
"Oh! I have one of those from my journey here with Mr. Huonalig. He's a nice man, but did I mention that his tea was awful? I mean, it was freely given and of course I'm grateful and all, but really he should have gotten some better tea from my mother... I should have remembered to take some of hers, but I forgot too. Oh! Maybe Mr. Gerauth would sell me some good tea for us to take with us! I do hope he'll give me those lessons before we leave."
"Ok, I'll go, but I need to go let Master Stormstrider know that I will be taking leave." Cyniq picks up one of the bags and heads for the door, not to mention explaining it to Jarek...
Nodding to the others, "see you in two days!" and Cyniq exits the shop.
"Mr. Zeke, do you have any books or scrolls or anything else that might help us with our errand?"
She looks down at the pouch in her hand, grins a bit, and holds it up. "I suppose I could even pay you!"
Zeke looks over to Zirt. No little one, I'm afraid I don't. That's why I gave you the advance. I know there are plenty of sellers of scrolls and potions within the Bazaar.
Zirt sighs. "No, I suppose that would have been too easy, like the time that my aunt thought my uncle had bought her a puppy. Well, I suppose I'll go wander about, then!"
The gnome heads back out into the market, asking around for suggestions of what to take on an adventure and where to buy it.
"Thank you, Mr. Zeke." Dovak says. "I'm sure I can find some cloth for the priests in the next day and be at the boat that morning." Dovak heads out into the market to find cloth, and to purchase some items for adventuring.
Hiram said his goodbyes as well and headed out. He had to bring his affairs in Magnimar to a close as soon as possible and had precious little time to do so. It seeming like he had only arrived yesterday but was already running off to somewhere new. The prospect sent a small shiver down his spine. He supposed this little mission was exciting.
Zirt returns in the specified two days, excited to be off and seemingly more excited to show everyone what she'd purchased.
"Mr. Dovak, look! I got this from the merchant over on the east side of the market -- he said it's a great joke and if we ever need to distract somebody, it's sure to work! He even gave me a gold-back guarantee, see? And I got this and this, which the nice lady said would make us feel better if we get tired or have narc...narc...narcolisis or something like that. And then I got this one in case we need to talk to anybody, because I'm not sure what language they speak down in Absalom... and I'd hate to be there and not be able to talk to anybody! Although I guess that only one of them won't let us talk to many people. I'm not really sure... I forgot to ask her how long it lasts. Hopefully it's not too short to actually say anything!"
The gnome rambles on for quite some time, pulling this and that out of her backpack and showing them to anyone who'll look, before rolling them carefully and putting them away.
Dovak, dressed in the same armor as he was seen previously, looks at the gnome as she excitedly picks through her pack. "That's good. I like that one." he responds to the various items in a similar manner, smiling at the gnome's antics. "Looks like you're all ready for the journey then." he finally gets in edge-wise as the Zirt describes the last item in her pack and starts to roll it all up into a bundle. "I picked up a few things too, but nothing as exciting as what you've got there."
Hiram shows up a few minutes later with a couple of books under his arm and a small pack on his back. "Where's the forth member of our merry little band?" He asked with an easy smile on his face.
As the members start gathering on the ship, the captain comes over. Grettings, I am Captain Hiriam, captain of the Horizons of Glory. I received a message from Mr.Burgstem saying to expect you. I thought he said four, are you missing one of your party? He pulls an envelope from his vest pocket. Mr Burgstem asked that I give you this when all the party arrives on board, hopefully your friend will make it. We are set to cast off in about two hours, when the tide comes up. I will go ahead and give you the envelope now. The crew will show you to your chambers. There are two cabins with two bunks each, I hope that will suffice. With that he give a short, curt bow and goes back to ordering the crew about, making ready to sail.
I hope your travels go well and you meet with success. I have one final piece of advice, Slow Down and make sure you have all the information. I put you all to a little test in my shop and unfortunately you missed the mark. Nothing serious, but relevant none the less. No one thought to ask me where you might find d’Aponte. I have enclosed a map showing where his laboratory is located. It is in the Cairnlands outside the city, in one of the old siege castles. We will just say the excitement of the prospective journey overcame your better judgement and leave it at that. Be safe and use caution. Andrax and his bodyguard are not to be trifled with.
Safe Journeys
Zeke Burgstem
"Oops, I hope Zeke isn't too disappointed in us. I was so excited... but also, don't you think we'd be able to find Mr. d'Aponte just by asking around?"
Zirt will follow the crewmember who comes to lead her to her quarters, and leave her backpack (including her shortbow and arrows, but not her dagger or spell component pouch) in her room for the remainder of the voyage.
Saying goodbye to Jarek had been harder than she thought it would be. They were just friends, weren't they? She had been surprised that Master Stormstrider had been so easy to convince, she almost thought he wanted her to go off on an adventure.
She spent that entire afternoon writing pages of lists trying to decide what she would take with her. And she knew she was still forgetting something.
Of course, finding that wand had been a godsend, and a message she would heed. It had fallen behind a shelf in Ye Olde Magik Shoppe, but her intuition said look down, and there it was, just the tip peaking out from under a rack full of jars with various body parts. She had no idea how to use it, but that was something she'd think about later.
With time running short, she hurried through the early morning hours, burdened under a backpack stuffed with nearly everything she owned in the world. Spotting the ship she plodded as fast as she could up the gangway. "Cyniq al'Vysin, present!"
After an hour and half the tide comes up and you hear the boatswain signal the crew with his whistle. The trysail is hoisted and you begin to navigate out of the harbor. As the ship begins to head out into open water, you have an astounding view of the City of Monuments. To the north stands the hulking Irespan, towering over the harbor. Soon enough the main sail is hoisted and the ship begins to pick up speed heading out into the Varisian Gulf. Just before you lose sight of land, one of the sailors points out the Lady’s Light, standing silent sentinel over the Gulf. After that you lose sight of land. The journey is pleasant and the captain says the weather is very favorable. After three days of lounging on deck, dining with crew, and watching the fauna of the ocean, you hear a sailor shout “Land Ho”. You all rush to deck rails for your first glimpse of the Isle of Kortos. A couple of hours later and Absalom, the City at the Center of the World is discernable. A few short hours after that and the ship is at the harbor mouth near Pilot Island waiting to be piloted into the docks. You catch a glimpse of the Flotsam Graveyard as the is brought into the Docks. At last the ship in secured to the pier and the party disembarks the ship, the captain and crew bidding you farewell and good luck. As you make your way into the city, you are overwhelmed by the sight and smells of the bustling metropolis. Magnimar was a village compared to Absalom. Eventually you leave the Docks area heading north and find yourselves in an area of stalls, taverns and bazzaars. A passing guard of the city informs you that you’re in the Coins district.
Zirt looks all around herself at everything going on, turning her head to follow this sight or that as they walk. She remains silent for some time, simply gaping, but eventually speaks. "Wow! This is all so amazing, and big, and busy and and... wow!! Mr. Dovak, have you ever seen something so awe-inspiring? I remember Grandmother Sorkunzsar saying that she'd been to Absalom one time, and she talked about how big and busy it was then, but I couldn't even imagine! I hadn't even been to Magnimar then!"
She falls silent, watching wide-eyed for a few more minutes.
"So where are we going, anyway? Mr. Burgstem said that Mr. d'Aponte had been working with the Pathfinders but then turned on them too, so maybe they'd have more information about how we could... well, how to approach Mr. d'Aponte or something. But he also mentioned the Temple of Abadar, who seems like a really stuffy god to me-- oops, Mother wouldn't approve of my saying that. Sorry, Mr. Abadar, sir."
"This is quite amazing! I've never seen such a big city before!" Dovak agrees with the gnome, full of awe. Hearing Zirt's suggestion, Dovak says "I think the Abadar people were just going to pay us and take the book for Zeke. He gave us a map to the place we're headed. It's a little ways outside the city I think."
"It is the largest city in Golarion," Hiram said, looking into his books as much as at the city's sights and sounds. "I'm certain well have time to explore Absalom once our business is concluded."
The party learns from some passerby that the old siege castle they seek is about a two hour walk from the city. You probably would have trouble finding transportation, due to there being only a footpath out to the location.
Dovak looks around for another minute in awe at the city and says "You know, maybe we should look for lodgings? We can find a place to stay for the night... or ask around about the Cairnlands and d’Aponte... At the very least I want to know whether the trek will take more than a day--we should gather our wits before we go walking out there." Dovak will ask around about the Cairnlands and d’Aponte, and if it seems like we'll be back before the next day (i.e. don't have to spend the night out of the city) he'll also try to find information about cheap, safe lodgings.
"But it's still early! We could probably get out there before lunchtime, and then have a nice picnic lunch in view of our destination! But I guess..."
The gnome acquiesces and follows Dovak around as he looks for information.
Hiram trails behind them slightly as he flips through his book, looking for the section on affordable lodgings in Absalom.
"I would like to take a look around before finding lodgings, this is the center of the world, or so I have heard."
Cyniq hefts her bags up, "On the other hand, finding someplace to drop off this stuff makes a lot fo sense, don't need to be carrying it with me all over town."
The party finds a couple options for boarding. For 2 sp, you can buy a place next to the fireplace hearth, for 5 sp, you can lodge in a common room with a blanket and a straw mat, and for 2 gp you can get a private room with a small bed, wash basin and chamber pot. You search for information is fairly fruitless, yielding little more than you already knew; the tower is a two hour march out of the city.