Thalia cries out as Jon delivers two vicious cuts. Blood starts to spill from her wounds, but she reacts quickly. She cautiously brings up a ward around her and then tries to stumble away.
Kage can hear the sound of a struggle across the room as other figures move about around him.
Outside, Gafar watches as several of the worshippers stagger out into the night, blinking in the dim lamplight. He hears the struggle inside, but no one is calling the alarm.
Kage hears Jon-Wyn's gambit and a female voice answering. A moment later he hears what can only be Jon-Wyn attacking. This was it! The guild had marked this woman for death, nothing was going to stop Kage from carrying out their will. Certainly not a minor affliction such as being blind!
Kage barreled forwards towards the noise, lightly brushing past furniture and all sorts. Suddenly some kind of ward pulsed out, attempting to hedge him out. After the earlier mystic assault, Kage was ready and gritted his teeth to push past the ward which parted like butter before his fury.
He waited for the sound of Jon-Wyn's footfalls before deciding to attack. There was a faint zzzing of Jon-Wyn's Kukri sliding off armor. Kage blindly thrust with his wickedly serrated blade, trusting to his (and Jon-Wyn's) training and the will of holy Achaekek who would surely guide his blade!
Jon tries to keep the pressure up on his target. "Frack! She put up a warding spell." He feels the spell's effect as it pushes back against his attacks.
But his will is greater than her spell.
Kukri, mw, cold iron: arcane strike, bleeding sneak attack
Kukri, mw, silver: off hand, arcane strike, bleeding sneak attack
Thalia's desperate ward is easily brushed aside by the assassins. Kage stumbles and pushes his way to his quarry and lashes out. Despite his blindness, he brings her to her knees with a powerful strike. Jon-Wyn, too, presses his attack and though one of his strikes skids along her breastplate, his follow-up rakes across her neck resulting in a satisfying arterial spray.
The cleric crumples to the floor. The ritual is completed.
However, the sounds of combat and Thalia's distress has drawn the attention of the apprentice, who is calling out in dismay. Similarly blinded, he flails about with his rock-hard fists.
Jon's nose is bloodied by a solid punch.
If we don't finish him now, we'll just have to take him on later. That he gave me a bloody nose does not factor into my decision at all.
Kukri, mw, cold iron: arcane strike, bleeding sneak attack
Kukri, mw, silver: off hand, arcane strike, bleeding sneak attack
Eris grants Yanmei a smile as she listens to her plan. "Gaining an audience with such a significant seamstress would have involved some hard work...I believe that you have done well in that regard. Having said that, do you have any particular goal in mind during the audience? I can copy her form once I have set eyes on her, after that there's little need for her presence, unless you had something else in mind...."
Jon can easily sense that the apprentice would have been much more formidable had he been able to see his attacker and not covered in the sticky residue of the tanglefoot bag. But sightless and entangled, he was easy prey and in two deft slashes Jon has the man on the ground, bleeding out. Without aid rendered in the next few seconds, his fate is sealed.
Hearing another body hit the floor, gurgling and thrashing as it died, Kage whispers, "Good. Time to go, guide me I cannot see." Kage was pleased that Jon-Wyn had not hesitated to strike when the time was right. A pity he hadn't been able to watch, but he had felt the spray of arterial blood and knew holy Achaekek was well pleased.
Jon will take a moment to stab the Milanian and her apprentice again to make sure they have died then will get Sa'Kage and meet up with Gafar to make their escape.
Kage follows Jon-Wyn as best he can, seething inside at the indignity of being blind. He just had to be patient, Achaekek willing the order would restore his sight.
When he was sure they where alone he whispered, "A good save there Jon-Wyn. While there were three other minnows on the list, perhaps it's time for us to try a bigger fish? Eris and Yanmei have been working on a project, lets see if they've got a bite..."
Jon-Wyn leads Kage outside and meets up with Gafar. Together, they lead the stricken Tith-Kali through the darkened streets, evading the patrols, until they reach the access points to the tunnels beneath the city. Finally, they reach the underground lair of the Red Mantis.
Vernai Acantha is summoned, and in short order she arrives. With a scathing sigh, she shakes her head at Kage's blindness. "Is this the sort of thing I'm to expect from Vespid's chosen? Shall I keep a store of restorative magics regularly on hand?" she chides. "As if I have nothing better to do than to play nurse maid to--"
Her diatribe is cut off as a wounded Mantis comes in from another secret entrance. She scowls at the newcomer, who shrinks back while clutching a still-bleeding side. Shaking her head, she rounds upon Gafar, Jon and Kage. "On the morrow, I'll see about restoring your sight. In the meantime, think hard about how you will not disappoint me again."
Kage shrugs slightly, and replies clearly, "With respect Vernai Acantha, the mark is dead, that is all that truly matters." The implication being that Kage didn't matter in the grand scheme of things and he knew it.
As Acantha stalked away Kage reflected not for the first time how unfortunate it was that Ghiv had died. They shouldn't have to turn to the Vernai for healing.
Gafar fumes silently outside the house as the others quickly dispatch the mark. Things had not gone as he had hoped; instead of a long, drawn-out game of cat-and-mouse ending in a public execution, the hit was a hack-job with no political impact. What's worse, he didn't even have the opportunity to wet his own blade. If I had known that this is how it was going to happen, I would have preferred to pursue my own research instead. Perhaps I can make use of the apprentice and turn this to my benefit... Unfortunately, this also was not to be. Gafar has to swallow his disgust with the job. As they make their way back to the lair, he glares sidelong at Jon-Wyn. "Really, Jon-Wyn, the apprentice was unnecessary."
After Sa'Kage receives his deserved tongue-lashing, Gafar sees an opportunity. "Tut tut. Vernai Acantha is a harsh taskmaster, is she not, Kage? A successful ritual completed, yet all you receive for your service is a harsh word. Achaekek would be pleased with you, this night. Certainly he would not want one of his favored Tith'Kali to suffer so. Perhaps there is something Gafar can do for you..."
"That one would have been problem later. Better to take care of that one now rather than deal with his interference later."
Jon stays quiet during the chiding. He bows respectfully when they are dismissed and doesn't speak until they are out of earshot of Vernai Acantha. [b]"I suggest we use this time to meditate. To bring ourselves closer to the Mantis God. Your blindness may be a blessing in that. You have less to distract you from the glory of Achechek."
The three are still resting when a panel in the wall opens and the injured assassin from earlier steps in followed by a second. The injured one has had his wounds bandaged and is moving a lot better. They both remove their masks, the first one revealing a ruggedly handsome half-orc with chiseled features and small tusks. The second is a stunningly attractive female half-elf with brilliant red hair.
They both extend their hands in greetings. "Hello. Nordusk Tey'el. From the Hold of Belkzen, originally."
The woman smiles brightly, which looks somewhat incongruous on her blood-splattered form. "I'm Astrid Tith'Kali. From Mediogalti. Welcome to Korvosa! Hope you're having fun here!"
Unaware of Gafar's rather gruesome hobby, Kage takes the man's strange intensity to mean something else. He favours the general direction of Gafar's voice with a wan smile, "If the Vernai was truly displeased our breathing rights would have been revoked. She rightfully expected more from us. As for what you could do, I have an idea, try and find the ladies. If I know Eris, she'll be working on something big. Perhaps our opportunity to excel!"
Kage nodded towards Jon-wyn's voice, there was little else to do. Until the other the others entered that was! Kage rose and bowed at the correct angle towards Astrid's voice and replied, "I am Tith'Kali Sa'Kage, this is Jon-Wyn and that distinguished fellow is Gafar azri Mendassa. As for Korvosa, it has its charms..." There was the ghost of a smile on his lips, but he was thinking, 'What do they want? Which faction do they represent? Are they a threat or are there other possibilities...' Just as Master Brinn had taught him, he concentrated on the emotional delivery of their words rather than the exact details of what they said.
"Yes. IT is entertaining enough." Jon points to the bandages. "Had a little trouble on your outing?"
Nordusk tests his movement gingerly, then shrugs. "Nothing that won't heal on its own. Unlike that nasty affliction," he gestures to Kage's blanched irises.
Astrid chuckles lightly. "The Vernai hates to be used as a source of restorative magics. But she won't have much use for a blinded assassin, so I have no doubt she'll cure you. What did you do, let a cleric get a spell off?"
To Kage's ears, the half orc sounds guarded, clearly not liking the appearance of weakness his wound has given him. As for Astrid, she sounds almost bubbly, earnest in speech and demeanor.
Kage replies evenly, "We were hunting a priestess of Milani, some kind of ward on the doorway that did this. An object lesson for checking your doors and corners like the masters say. Didn't stop the ritual of course, although it lacked our usual finesse."
Yanmei helps Eris dress and take on the part of a fashionista. It is a rushed job but her artistry is still impressive. She steps back and admires, "Well m'lady. I shall summon a coach." The maid steps outside and flags down a coachman who will take them to meet the seamstress.
"Do you have a suggestion on how we shall subdue the seamstress for the time being?
"Bah!" Gafar ignores Kage's brush-off, and instead goes about boiling water for coffee. When the other assassins enter, his interest is piqued. A half-orc and a Tith'Kali. Fine physical specimens. One would think half-orcs too brutal for such precise work as ours. Taking note of the half-orc's injury, his prejudices are confirmed. While the water boils, he grinds a cup of beans.
At the question about the city, Gafar snorts. "The city itself is nice enough. But the Queen is a petulant child, and these Hellknights are only capable of keeping the barest semblance of order. I suppose it is to be expected; after all, the 'perfect' rule of gods can only take man so far."
As the water comes close to boiling, he sticks a finger in to check the temperature. Satisfied, he pours the water over the fresh grounds to steep. Without looking up from his preparations, he addresses the half-orc. "Nordusk, I was a healer in a previous life. Perhaps you would allow me to tend to your injuries."
The half-elf tsks in sympathy at Kage's description of their latest efforts. "Rough."
Astrid sniffs the air as Gafar's concoction comes to fruition. "Is that coffee?!?" She bounces over and breathes in the aroma. Then she turns to the doctor and looks at him closely. "Garundi, right? Or, wait, no. There's something planar about you. But no matter. I haven't had coffee since I left Mediogalti. This is my first assignment," she shares.
Nordusk stays silent initially, but at Gafar's offer he steps forward. He lifts his arm so the bandage can be clearly seen. "If you have skill, and are offering, I would be foolish to refuse." If Gafar checks, he can tell the blow was from something heavy, and spiked. The wound is still seeping.
Kage remembered his first mission well, his master had sent him to poison a pie seller who had been selling pies rumored to made from the flesh of those he had killed. The rumors were false spread by a jealous rival, the contract however had been very real. He hadn't slept well for weeks after, the poison had been slow acting and vicious. He was nine years old and Achaekek was well pleased, or so Master Brinn claimed...
By the voice he could tell Astrid was much older than he had been, but still young enough for there to be a sting to her actions. Not that she would ever admit it. With the ease of a veteran he asked casually, "I'm sure you excelled. Who was your mark?"
"Your first? We should mark the occasion somehow. Did you take a souvenir? We could sacrifice it to Achaekek then go celebrate."
A sacrifice was a good notion, Kage found himself nodding. Of course there were many types of sacrifice, he wondered what the apparently young Tith'Kali would choose.
Gafar scowls at the invasion of personal space, fighting the urge to straighten the turban that hides his horns. Impressive deduction. I must be careful around this one. Replacing his scowl with a forced smile, he offers the dreadfully cheerful Tith'Kali his freshly-prepared cup of coffee. "In celebration of your first mission," he says, pushing the cup into her hand.
He ignores further discussion to tend to the half-orc's arm. He pokes and prods at it, relishing his patient's discomfort. Stellate lacerations, likely puncture wounds. Contusions beneath the whole area, no wonder it still bleeds. "This is a nasty little injury. It appears you were struck with a morningstar, or a spiked flail. Your arm does not appear to be broken, but mundane treatment alone will not suffice. Give me a moment and I will have something for you." He disappears into another room for a short while, returning with a vial of liquid and a bandage soaked in something foul-smelling. He wraps the wounded arm with a bandage. "This is going to sting. Drink this," he commands, giving the vial to Nordusk.
Astrid accepts the mug and breathes deep the aroma, a look of sheer bliss on her features. "Oh, thank you. But I misspoke. My first mission was two weeks ago; Korvosa is my first assignment. Under Vernai Acantha, and this standing obligation under Queen Ileosa. I've had two additional kills since my first."
She sips lightly and observes as Gafar tends to the half-orc's wounds. In a matter of moments, the alchemist had the healing process well underway. Nordusk strikes his chest in a Belkzen gesture of respect. "You have my gratitude. If I can be of assistance to you, please let me know." He then jerks his head in Astrid's direction. "And don't mind the youngblood. Somehow the Ilizmagorti taskmasters have not stripped her joy from her."
The red-headed half-elf snorts over her coffee. "Nowhere is it written that we can't smile beneath our masks." Then she looks at Kage with a bright grin that only fades when she remembers that he can't see it. "Anyway, to answer your question, my first kill was the head of Korvosa's textile guild. Kenlan Ulvegha. It was actually rather anticlimactic. I had planned to jump down upon him from my hiding spot, in one of his warehouses. But the fabric was stacked precariously enough that all it took was a decent shove and the weight of the textiles did my job for me."
Kage smiled faintly, "Excellent, I believe holy Achaekek willed it. There's nothing like a spate of inexplicable accidents to install the proper respect for the queen."
Kage meant this on several levels, firstly the obvious meaning from a professional point of view. The second meaning was a personal one, he wasn't entirely convinced the queen was a worthy ruler, among the riffraff she had them executing loyal retainers. Of course such thoughts would be closely guarded and he would fulfill the terms of the contract to the letter.
Finally he adds, "If you need our aid for the greater glory of Achaekek, we will come if at all possible."
Jon points his finger in emphatic agreement at Astrid's comment about smiling behind their masks. "In that case we can celebrate your first mission under Vernai Acantha. As long as we go celebrate."
"Agreed!" Astrid says enthusiastically. "But shall we wait for when Sa'Kage can see again? Or shall we celebrate in the dark in his honor?"
Nordusk simply rolls his eyes, folds his arms, and settles into a chair.
Kage suddenly wonders, 'Have I gone too far? I can't fully take her measure like this, but there's a spark. A spark that is dangerous in every witch way. If I give her the cold shoulder, there's no telling how somebody so young might react. If I'm foolish enough to give into temptation that would literally be playing with fire. I can hardly forget how a Tith'Kali is conceived after all!'
It was only with fierce discipline that Kage suppressed a shudder. When it came to the Red Mantis the female of the species was said to be more deadly than the male. Considering the astonishing things he'd witnessed Eris and now Yanmei do, Kage was a firm believer. What to do now was a tricky question, the logical thing would be to act the big brother for Astrid. He only hoped she would be average looking, an ugly mantis was too much to hope for!
A sudden thought came unbidden, 'Is the offspring of two Tith'Kali also Tith'Kali or does it need the ritual? And how exactly would one find out? There's no way you can just ask! Leaving it to fate would be ludicrously dangerous. No I'm going to have to find some pretext to enter the restricted archives. The guild knows for certain, they just keep everything on a need to know basis. It appears I need to know...'
The one good thing about being blind was that, if he was staring off into the middle distance, nobody could complain. With a slightly forced smile, Kage attempted to make his excuses, "I hope you don't mind, but I have a tendency to bump into things when I'm like this and will only slow you down. It has been suggested that I retire to meditate on the theological, I believe that might be excellent advice. Well met one and all, and good night."
"You misunderstand. First we meditate, then we celebrate. You bumping into things only means you'd be ahead of the curve. The rest of us would need to drink enough to catch up."
"I'll not except a negative response either. It is important that we Mantis build bonds of camaraderie and trust. Spending time out on the town is a time honored way of doing just that. So we will spend the next few hours in communion with the Mantis God, then put on your best scholar disguise and we will go out."
Unruffled Kage replies, "Indeed. Still we must not draw unwanted attention to ourselves. No shop talk, no getting blasted on shrooms, and defiantly no spiked drinks tonight even if it is traditional. In truth going out will be good for us, but remember we are here on the Queen's dime. We should keep our ears open, others in their cups will have loose tongues and we may hear some interesting rumors."
The coach arrives at a short row of merchant shops. Nestled in between a haberdashery and a cobbler is Maylinna's Klädeshandlaren.
The two ladies enter to find a pleasant shop filled with torso mannequins and an array of fabrics draping them. The catfolk slinks out from a back room and appraises them with her slitted pupils. "Welcome! You wouldn't be the Lady Sarania and her attendant would you?"
The catfolk seamstress has a blue-grey striped pattern and large green eyes. It's clear she prefers long, diaphanous gowns with intricate folds, as she is wearing one herself and has several on display. She bows her head with a smile.
"How formal of an occasion are you looking, or do you need a full wardrobe for your stay?"
The others meditate for an appropriate amount of time, then proceed to a tavern in the Shingles called the Lean Two, an establishment in what looks like a haphazard structure of two lean-twos against each other on the roof of another building.
Pretty soon, the liquor starts flowing among the group and the spirits begin to rise. The ever-observant Mantises study the others in the tavern. Two tables are pushed together for a group of surly toughs, while a corner table has two Varisians clearly Not Up to Something. An enormously fat half-orc sits at another table with a small crew consisting of a one-eyed halfling, a mangy gnoll, and a swarthy Garundi who won't let go of an ornate staff adorned with what's probably elf ears. Lastly, a world-worn human woman plinks at a harp half-heartedly. The place is seedy and uncouth, but the drinks are strong, if somewhat overpriced. Nordusk seems to love the place.
"Of course, Sa'Kage. A simple night out. That's all I was suggesting."
"See, comrades, I told you that this was the best place for us to have our discussions. Quiet, not well known, we blend right in. Perfect." The blond half-elf says. "Let's order some drinks and get to work."
"Something upperclass and formal" Eris remarks easily at the women's question. "I'll need something very fashionable...I couldn't never well have half of high society laughing at me now could I?"
"Ah, very good," the Catfolk says. "Are you wanting something in the queen's style, or a departure from that? Dresses that recall the Grey Maidens' armor design are quite popular at the moment. Bright red plumage is all the rage. I've managed to keep a few in reserve, since the prices are only going up."
As she speaks, Maylinna produces a ribbon and begins to measure Eris.
Yanmei follows quietly as Eris' personal assistant. She eyes the seamstress warily, watching for threatening movements. Between glances at the cat woman, she peers around the shop taking account of the fashion and memorizing the styles as best as she can.
As they returned to their compound by a circuitous, route Kage surprised himself by saying, "Perhaps we should come here again in a few days." Being, or at least pretending to be an anonymous ordinary citizen, had been enjoyable.
"Something different to the Queen's style I think, I prefer looking like a trendsetter rather than a copycat" Eris responds airly as she lightly glances around the store, seeing what was on offer.
Yanmei sees nothing out of the ordinary; she only sees a consummate professional applying her craft.
When Eris says the word, "copycat", Maylinna stops what she's doing and stands straight up. The Catfolk's eyebrow arches severely as she takes a long look at her.
She folds her arms and the atmosphere in the room grows several degrees colder. "Indeed. Why, exactly, did you choose my shop?"
Might as well.
to gather information
Eris frowns, before swiftly backtracking. "I picked your shop, because it has exceptionally high quality and definitely has some cutting edge fashion stylings? Nothing I have seen in this shop indicates anything contrary to my initial opinion, but if my presence here makes you feel uncomfortable or slighted, then I apologise, I can easily leave and take my business elsewhere if that is what you wish."