Karethas' personal agenda is put on hold for the moment as the group takes care of the liquidation and distribution of loot under Amir's skilled guidance. It takes quite some time as Amir leads you from stall to shop looking for the best prices, but finally Amir's magic fanny pack is emptied of arms, armor and other miscellanea to be replaced with clinking coins that rattle along with Kzrira's jaws.
The sun has set and the heat of the thick stone and clay walls radiate remnant heat into the cooling desert air. You are half-drunk on the smells and wonders of the endless bazaars when you recall that Radi Hamdi awaits you at the Sand Dragon Inn.
You pay the gate fees to enter the Inner City and find the Sand Dragon Inn abutting the palm groves of the Golden Oasis. You hear the chanted vespers of pilgrims somewhere inside the dark trees as you pass beneath the brass dragon sculpture that marks the main entrance of the inn.
Inside it is quite noisy as several desert tongues and accents mingle from the travelers and merchants that make up the majority of the clientele. The great room is well lit and cool and filled with the delicious smells of food. Radi appears now dressed in a clean white tunic, plain blue pants, and a kaftan.
He obsequiously stands until you are seated and there is a bit of tension sensed as he competes with the waiter to make sure you are properly situated. The fare offered bears quite exotic names and all are heavily spiced. Though the waiter asks you to rate how spicy you'd like your food by picking a number between one and five, you wonder how much difference that makes given the heavily sweating faces at the tables around you.
After orders are taken, Radi finally sits smiling broadly. "Thank you so much for the new clothing, Saddah. Now how can I be of service? I know these markets quite well. Surely you must have some things to sell. I can find you the best prices."
Varkata smiles at Radi and takes a pull from her tankard, "At the moment, I'm just enjoying having an ale that wasn't warmed in the sun.... it's an act of worship."
She motions with the tankard at her companions, "I would imagine they know better than I about such things."
Varkata takes another sip, and then looks up with a start, "Apologies. As I said, it's an act of worhsip. Please, sit, I'll buy you an ale and we can talk about our plans... We've already spent several hours in the stalls, so I'm not sure what else we have to sell."
Radi looks crestfallen upon hearing that you've already conducted your business. "Even the artifact from the House of the Beast? I am sorry if I presume too much, but I overheard the Witch telling the Duena you carried it. I was hoping perhaps for a small commission..."
Karethas sits lost in thought for several minutes as he repeatedly imagines a conversation with his father. He seems to perk up at Radi's last statement, spilling a small amount of the black tea he was drinking. "What was that? The witch mentioned an artifact? What exactly did she say? Start from the beginning of that conversation."
Amir keeps a calm disposition though the topic causes the rogue plenty of concern. I am a former denizen of the stalls. A citizen of the city for a long time but your aid is thoughtful. Amir pauses to take a drink and look after securing some of the succulent shrimp he has missed...looking about almost distractedly the rogue look over at Radi, And what else did the witch say of the artifact?
Varkata motions for an ale to be brought to the distraught man, Hopefully it will lift his spirits.... She perks up at the sudden interest of her companions, and chuckles to herself, ...and maybe loosen his tongue as well....
Radi nods, "She said it was a relic of Nex, the legendary wizard-king. A scroll with a spell powerful enough to make them wealthier and more powerful than they could imagine. The leader of the gnolls, Vlark, called her a liar and she killed him."
Amir offers a shrug as he settles in with his drink, Powerful of course. And what would you do with a commission Radi? Return home, wherever that is?
Varkata offers, "Of course, it could be worth having an agent here when we're away..."
The waiter brings a beer for Radi with a bit of a sneer that is lost on the young man as he drinks deeply and smiles at Amir's question. "I suppose it depends on how big the commission is. As for my home," he throws out an arm, "Katapesh is my home!"
"But let me earn my commission." He stands and waves across the room to a well dressed young man who immediately makes his way to your table. Radi introduces him, "Marzuk Mu'sad, third son of renowned Mu'sad trade dynasty. A skilled haggler, but wealthy and honorable."
Marzuk raises an eyebrow at Radi's introduction, but beckons for another chair that is promptly brought. Before he sits, he look you over with a discerning eye. "If what I am told can be confirmed, I am prepared to offer you a princely sum..."
Despite the sudden turn of events Amir (attempts) to coolly accept the presence of Mu'sad at the table, Greeting to you sir. I would need to know what you have been told before I could confirm it for you...
Karethas laughs somewhat heartily at Marzuk statement, "I'm sure this young man thinks we have as many treasures as Lucky Farouq, but unfortunately he has only the word of a lying demon spawn to base that upon. It is also unfortunate that we just sold all of our acquired treasures at the market." He looks at Amir and his smile falls, "Sorry my friend, were you going to negotiate something?"
Marzuk frowns and Radi looks alarmed. The former gnoll captive sputters, "But.. you just... and I heard you discussing it with the Pactmasters' servant, Garavel..."
Marzuk looks at Amir closely, "I was told that you had a relic of Nex. I am unclear now if you are saying there is no such artifact or that you have already sold it. If you have sold it then perhaps you can guide me to the buyer and I will double what they paid. A loss for you."
"Of course, I would require that its authenticity be verified. I think Rayhan Xobadi, being the foremost expert on Nex in Katapesh, would do. That is, if the artifact actually exists..."
Karethas immediately recognizes the name of one of his professors from the College of Dimensional Studies with a sudden flutter in his stomach.
Amir takes all of the various pieces of information being thrown his way and offers a polite hand up to bring things to a calm moment, Marzuk Mu'sad, I am grateful for your visit but I must be plain. We have many possessions that are considered treasure. We have sold many items that are also considered treasure. Of the thing I have sold many of them are to individuals who take their anonymity seriously, such is the way of the Nightstalls. So I propose the following, as we have a prior commitment of some importance to attend to, let my friends and I reflect on your words and come to an understanding on how to proceed. Once we have retrieved our friend we will find you and let you know what arrangements we can make. Does this sound fair?
Marzuk purses his lips and strokes his short neatly trimmed beard before nodding. "Very well, you can usually find me at my family's booths in the bazaar." So saying, the well dressed young merchant departs and the waiter removes the unused chair.
Radi makes a strangled sound, "Gah, do you know how much he is worth?!"
Varkata takes another pull of her ale, and asks from behind the mug, "Is that truly what worries you, or are you more worried about the amount he was to pay you as a finder's fee?"
Amir nods bemusingly at Varkata, My new friend has the right of it Radi. Perhaps you have read this situation wrong. My group here has faced down the Carrion King and horrors you are barely knowing of. A man such as this can wait and we will do business on our terms. Not his...or yours.
Radi looks exasperated, "Certainly, but what are your terms? Maybe you should start with the expert Marzuk mentioned. Once it is verified as he said then all of Katapesh will be ready to shower gold upon you. Trust me. I only wish to serve."
Karethas looks at Radi for a moment with a frown, "Radi, it is beginning to seem to me that you are more interested in serving your own greed rather than our goals. We have defeated the Carrion King, yet you persist in treating us as children. I value loyalty and discretion above all other treasures. If you do not have those traits, then perhaps we should part ways."
Radi looks glum at Karethas' scolding. "I am sorry, Sayyid. I am only trying to help. I can be discreet and I am very loyal. Can I get you more tea? Should I reserve a room for you? I will speak no more of the... you know what."
Amir smooths his mustache as he considers Radi, Don't mistake our caution for vitriol. We are world weary in a sense and have made enemies that require us to be vigilant. That you have been so close to the like of the div must give us pause otherwise we risk betrayal. It is not personal, it simply takes time. Amir moves to rise gesturing to Varkata and Karethas to follow, We need to see our friend brought back. For now Radi, if it is still of interest to work with us, I have a task for you.
Amir stands, securing his gear and looking at the ex-slave I would like a meeting with the local venture captain of the Pathfinder Society. A friend of ours is a member and I think it would be beneficial for Kelemerane and for Faelar to have a relationship moving forward. Use you new found enthusiasm in securing this meeting for me and meet us back here later with word of your efforts in this matter.
Radi smiles broadly and jumps to his feet, "Thank you, Sayyid! I will not fail you in this task." So saying the obsequious Katapeshi bows several times as he backs away and exits the Inn.
*******
The next morning you rise and dutifully make your way to the Immaculate Repository to see your dead companion restored. There is already a line of money changers and merchants at the great gilded doors by the time you arrive, but you are admitted past several heavy doors to a private chapel in the back where the ceremony will occur.
The Master of the Vault awaits dressed in all his finery and the altar is dresses in cloth-of-gold and framed with golden candle sticks. Kzrira is once again pulled from the pouch and you note a slight curdling whiff of decay once again.
The Master conducts a thorough inspection to make sure she is properly preserved and the body is entire. "Very well, the remains are fresh enough and despite that great axe gash, the body is whole. We shall begin."
The body is properly arranged upon the altar and anointed with fragrant oils. An exquisite diamond is placed upon Kzrira's chest. Finally, the Master of the Vault begins chanting prayers to Abadar. This continues for some time until there is a blinding flash and you hear a sound like a cascade of falling coins upon the altar. You blink several times and see that Kzrira's body radiating a golden light. Once it fades, you find that the diamond is gone and your ally's chest rises slightly in its absence. Her wounds are all mended though she lies still and looks rather thin and pale yet.
The Master lays a hand on her wrist and then turns back to the adventurers, "She will remain weak for some time. A return from death is taxing."
Kzrira's eyes suddenly pop open and she screams:
Then her eyes close once more as she returns to a fitful sleep.
As Kzrira flits about with consciousness Amir looks to the Master, A thousand gracious thanks for your efforts Master.
Looking at his companions Amir smirks and puts his hands on the young woman's arm Okhty, it is time to rise. The axe is gone. Its back to dealing with me and Karethas. No release for you yet...
Varkata asks gently, "Would it be possible to cast a restoration spell on her as well, to undo at least some of the weakness?"
"Not the first time that's happened," the priest grimaces. "It is a good thing that we could help. Had she been in Osirion, the Pharaoh would have been required to approve such a spell and she would likely have had to dedicate the rest of her life in service to the Ruby Prince. At least you are paid in full here."
At Varkata's question the Master nods. "Certainly, at least partially, we can provide that service. Unfortunately, that service is rather expensive as well. Everything has its proper price."
The Master pauses and tugs on his beard. He continues somewhat reluctantly as he looks at the rival priestess. "Something has come up though that might allow an exchange of services. It has to do with Kelmarane so I think it might be of interest to you."
Slowly Kzrira begins to hear voices. At first they are mere murmurs, then they slowly coalesce into the familiar sounds of her friends. After hearing these for a few minutes, Kzrira opens her eyes slowly. Even this simple motion hurts and the bright light, of the dim temple chamber, nearly blinds her. As her vision slowly comes into focus, she tries to look to where the voices are. Her neck protests as the unused muscles strain. Finally she sees Amir, Karethas, some strange half-orc woman and a man in the robes of a senior priest of Abadar.
Who? Where? What happened? Did the Carrion King get us all? Where is Faelar?
Karethas smiles kindly at Kzrira and places a hand on her shoulder. "Faelar is fine. He is back with his wife in Kelmarane, living the peaceful life. The Carrion King is vanquished thanks, in no small part, to yourself. He...hurt you badly, but we have traveled far to have you healed and restored. Although not completely it seems." He looks up to the priest, "What service would be required?
Varkata steps back to give the now-awake archer a moment to recover herself and to have her questions answered by familiar faces before quietly saying, "I am Varkata, a blade of the Drunken Hero... Your companions have asked me to join in your travels... likely because I share a burning hatred of Gnolls... and am willing to heal them."
Kzrira blinks her bleary eyes as she looks at Karethas and then at Varkata:
The only good gnoll is one with an arrow between its eyes.
She then slowly shifts her eyes back to Karethas:
What happened? I recall the Carrion King's axe, and then all was red, then black.
The Master waits while her companions bring Kzrira up to date.
The beast was nearly felled by your efforts, then brought low in chaos. We were lucky, as the king fell the rest of his pack lost the fight and withdrew, and we were luck for it. I doubt we would have lasted much longer. From there our escape was harrowing and plagued by that b!+~~ div that has vexed us so...but we managed our escape. Kelemerane is safer and now we attend to to the business of getting you right by the living and assessing next steps. We have some leads... Amir look at the others and the Master, But those are conversations that can wait. I think it best we take you some place to rest and we can discuss what should happen next...
The High Priest gives an approving nod, "Rest would be good, but when you have recovered perhaps there is a task for you. The Pactmasters have contacted me in regards to recent word of success in Kelmarane. They seek to reopen a trade road that has not been used in decades. It is rumored to be cursed, but if it were restored it would bypass Solku and be a much more direct route to the new settlement."
Varkata nods, Opening a road may be one of the few things that Abadar and Cayden agree on.... She asks, "Have we heard any tales of the form of this 'curse'?"
Kzrira wearily sits up, letting out an exasperated groan as she does so:
What, what would curse a road?
She then lies back down, exhausted from just sitting.
Ladies. The curse will last a day and night for sure. Let us take Kzrira, look to get her mended or at least fed, and then come back to the Master when we have our wits about her. We have other matters to discuss as well and I would just as soon let the Master attend to his other duties until we are ready to properly consider his task.