"I passed a few places that seem likely. Though the innkeeper might know more of their reputations." she answers.
"You didn't tell me that you knew him. Perhaps you should tell them the news, I don't know how to explain what happened. I can't believe I'm finally back here. I just want to run over there now and hug mama. She makes the best pies. I bet they're having one for dinner right now. Maybe she will make us a pie when she sees that I'm ok."
"That sounds wonderful." Rose smiled. "I'm ready to go whenever you are."
'Nickolas' and 'Andrel' take some of their goods to sell. Fitting in perfectly as a traveling merchant and his guard you walk the streets as if you belong there. You first find the Tailor who is eager to inspect the quality of the seal pelts. "Good, good." The older woman says, "How many do you have? I'll take them all. I will write you a bill of exchange. The Tailor's guild will back it anywhere in Talinguarde." Her son and daughter work in the shop too.
The Jeweler, a disabled old man who can barely walk but has remarkable dexterity in his hands, looks at your ivory walrus tusks. "These will do nicely for several projects I am working on. The bill of the Guild of Jewelers will see you paid in any major city of Talinguarde as you well know."
24 Seal Pelts(50gp each)
15 walrus tusks(~100gp each)
Narwhal horn(1,500+ gp)
gold wedding band(100gp)
The guards that Talia talks to aren't able to provide her entrance into Balentyne where they train.
The Doctor politely thanks each of the merchants in turn, carefully tucking the bills of exchange somewhere safe. I will have to inspect those a lot more carefully later...
Stepping outside of the jeweler's place, the Doctor takes a quick look around to see if he can see any obvious signs for an apothecary. If he can't, he approaches any visible guards or simply someone who looks like they're not in too much of a hurry to ask for directions there.
Kelvar maintains the stoic, slightly bored look of a merchant’s guard. With the bills of exchange, he looks about for an apothecary as well.
The Jeweler inspects the band and will pay you 100 gold pieces for it. While he is looking at the Narwhal horn he whistles. "There must be quite the story to how this was taken?" He hints, interested in the tale. He unfortunately declines to purchase it at this time, stating that the other tusks and ivory will keep him busy for a long time. "Perhaps someone else will desire such a masterpiece."
The Apothecary is not too far away. A guard gives you easy directions. The man in the store is currently in a back room and doesn't hear you enter. There are many shelves and cupboards and drawers around the shop, mostly basic ingredients. Surely the expensive things are kept locked up. A few minutes later he finally comes out. He looks very neat, businesslike and professional. It is clear he has managed to make his work profitable. "How may I help you gentlemen. Apologies for not hearing you enter. My assistant and I are quite busy lately."
"Tonight? Now?" Timeon hurries to get ready, which doesn't take long. He knows exactly where to go and shows you the way to the north part of town. "Almost there. That's Captain Mott's house. Everyone says Kaitlyn is the most beautiful woman in town. Sometimes I dream of her." Next door to the Mott's is Timeon's house. He seems nervous as he walks up to the door. "I hope they don't think I'm dead."
"Ahh, unfortunately it is not our tale to tell. I merely procured it when we stopped to trade with some natives of the area. I afraid I didn't stop to ask how they went about retrieving it, merely what they wished in return. It is, of course, quite understandable that you would wish to focus on your more immediate projects rather than acquire something that will spend time merely gathering dust. I don't suppose you know of anyone else who might be interested in it?"
The Doctor takes what time he has before the owner shows up to look around for anything of particular interest.
"No trouble at all, good sir. It gave me a moment to admire you lovely wares. As for why I'm here, I'm afraid I found myself on a rather long boat ride recently and, well, it simply didn't suit me. Unfortunately, it seems quite likely that I will have to venture on to one once again in my near future. I was hoping I could find some ginger to perhaps put in my tea to help with any potential seasickness. Though I must admit, your earlier statement has peaked my interest; has something occurred recently that would cause you to be busier than normal? Nothing too serious, I hope."
Rose was a bit amused and curious what the "most beautiful woman in town" qualified as in a backwater like this. "She must be fetching indeed." she said, not letting any hint of sarcasm or pettiness into her tone. Her competitive narure was curious though. She was vain enough that the idea of some backwater nobody being more attractive than her did not sit well.
She looked over her highly polished and carefully groomed armor, adjusted her sword and cloak and waited behind Timeon for the door to be answered.
The Jeweler seems disappointed that there is no story to be regaled by. "Could be that someone important may want it for some ceremonial piece. If you have sway and can get an audience with Lord Havelyn or Father Donnagin or perhaps one of the captains? Maybe they would commission such a prestigious piece to be crafted."
-----
No poisonous or dangerous ingredients are to be seen in the front shop displays, drawers and cabinets. You do find ginger though and many other herbal ingredients, a few healing potions on display(that you suspect are just for show) and basic alchemical supplies, vials and the like. "A long boat ride. Most interesting. Well I can fix something that will have your head right soon enough and give you extra for your future voyage. Just a little military contract. Alchemy will enhance our armies greatly if my plan succeeds. Might you be headed to Ghastenhall by any chance?"
Timeon looks at Rose, slightly nervous then he takes a big breath and knocks on the door. A few moments later a woman answers the door and looks at you both for a moment before her eyes widen at Timeon in recognition. She rushes away rather rudely, she seemed dressed like a maid.
A minute later a clamour is heard in the house and another woman rushes to the door and grabs Timeon in a bear hug. "My dear Timmy!" She hugs him for a few more seconds before noticing the female knight standing nearby. "Apologies my Lady. We did not expect to see Timeon again for some years until his squireship was completed. Why does he not come with Sir Balin?" Timeon doesn't seem to want to answer and has a sad look.
The Doctor politely thanks the jeweler for the information and leaves.
-----
"Oooo, a military contract. How lucrative. I must admit, I dabble a little in alchemy and herbalism myself. While there's still much for me to learn, I can understand how it could turn the army here in to a mighty force to be reckoned with indeed. Though the dangers here must be...more pronounced than I was lead to believe if such measures are necessary." He edges a little closer to his trusty "guard" and gives him his best it's your job to protect me, so make sure you do your job look.
"Or perhaps there is some kind of mass offensive planned? Something to finally end the roving bands of monsters and miscreants I've heard about?"
"I have no current plans to head there , but I'm also in no particular rush to leave this area. I assume you had some errand you had hoped we could assist with?"
"Is the commander of the keep so open-minded as that? I met a watch sergeant in Daveryn who would poke his nose into and search every apothecary in the city, looking for signs of 'black magic' as he called it," Kelvar asked, curious. He remembered Sergeant Ardos Vane - being assigned to his patrol circuit for the day inevitably meant traipsing all over the district, searching apothecary shops where the owner was just trying to earn a living, and confiscating 'illicit substances', which always seemed to be an alcoholic beverage that went home with the Sergeant. That he'd been the one to end up in Branderscar and not that man was one of the many injustices in the world.
"Sir Balin has fallen in the line of his duty. He died bravely fighting enemies of Mitra, but at this time I am not at liberty to speak further on the matter. Timeon's squireship has passed to me. I am Dame Rosemary."
Rose was resplendent in her guise as a Knight of Aeleron. She'd used her circlet to tone down the otherworldly aspects of her appearance. Her ears were no longer so upswept and her eyes were a perfectly normal shade of blue. Her hair was less lustrous and pulled back in a thick, practical braid. Her armor was well cared for and polished, with just enough scores and small dents to note it as being well used. She had also used the illusion to increase her height to that of a taller than average woman rather than her usual diminutive stature. She was still a stunning beauty, but in a far more approachable way than her true appearance. Slooked like something out of a storybook. She smiled.
"Our current mission happened to bring us to Ballentyne, and as you can imagine Timeon was quite excited to come home for a visit."
"It is a pleasure to meet you, madame."
"Nono. Merely curious. I have all I need for a few months."
"There are always monsters out there that the soldiers must be prepared to fight at any moment. I would do anything to help. For a good price." He smiles and listens to Kelvar before speaking further. "Not quite so open. There have been many questions but I am faithful as any. I have been given a chance to prove myself and I intend to blow their minds. Figuratively of course. Once I have proved myself they will be throwing their gold at me." He seems pretty confident in himself. "Every soldier will have a bottle of 'Mitra's Blessing' ready to go before a fight." Very confident indeed.
"Anyway. What can I interest you in? Potions or Tinctures? I can have anything you need brewed up within hours. Or perhaps you would like access to my formulae? None of my special ones mind you." He says with a wink.
"Oh we're so sorry to hear that." His mum seems very happy that Timeon survived. And shaken. "Please come in. We just sat down. Would you care to join us?" They lead you inside the neat home. It is nicely furnished and well kept but they are not the wealthiest and only employ the 1 maid to clean and help cook. Everyone is very happy to see Timeon and he even seems to smile which he hasn't done in so long. One of his older brothers is visiting with his wife and 2 children too so it becomes a swirl of hugs and hair ruffles before everyone calms down to resume eating and a place is found for Rose. They ask Timeon of the things he learned and how he is finding being a squire. The conversation went back and forth for some time before Rose is addressed. "How long will you be in Balentyne? Perhaps you can let Timeon stay with us while you are here?" Timeon looks at you hopefully.
"Timeon does have some duties to attend to, but the majority of my time will be spent in meetings and other things that he need not be present for. My estimate is that we will be here for two weeks. Perhaps longer." Rose said with a smile. She looked at Timeon. "Meet me at the inn in each morning, I'll give you a list of duties for the day. How you go about them will be up to you, and when you are finished for the day the rest of the time is yours to spend with your family."
Timeon smiles and agrees to the conditions given to him. Now he is out of your hair while you plan the fall of Balentyne, but also in the comforts of home. Your work on him in the last months will surely be tested.
"Ahh, a smart plan indeed. It should pay handsomely." The Doctor nods in admiration. "For now, I think the ginger is my main concern. Though depending on what formula you're willing to part with, I may be interested in some of those as well. No doubt you have several beyond my current capabilities, but I'm sure with enough time and practice I may come to understand them."
"Feel free to choose from any of my apprentice or initiate level formulae. I have all the necessary writing materials for you to copy them and even a special study where you can copy them undisturbed. A bigger discount for every one you copy. Come back any time tomorrow to peruse my formulae books and begin copying. As for now, allow me to get you a couple doses of ginger as a bonus. It's not often that I get to make the acquaintance of a fellow practitioner of the alchemical arts..." He moves to get the ginger for you while continue to talk, "Well one that doesn't seem a little crazy. It's not the best idea to do your experimentation on yourself. Before I moved up here close to the Watch Wall I was from the south. Crazy old guy, Mathias Richter, got me interested in alchemy. But I eventually saw how unstable he was. That was years ago. I hear he's a warden or something these days. Ha, how boring."
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Kelvar studies the alchemist, suddenly wary of the man's mention of Mathias Richter. Richter had been a warden - the warden of Branderscar. Now he was nothing but a corpse. Kelvar remembered his stolen longsword digging deep into the man's side as the Warden tried to cast a spell to stop him.
"Sitting around, monitoring prisoners? Sounds boring. I'll take the road any day of the week," Kelvar responds. "Least that way you get to see something of Talingarde."
The alchemist chuckles, "Yes. What a drab existence. Might as well be a prisoner except you get paid to be there..."
"Yes, I can understand the temptations one might face to try new formulas in the pursuit of knowledge. As for myself, I know just enough to realize how little it is that I truly know. No point testing things on myself when there are so many safer ways for me to learn more. Speaking of, I shall return tomorrow then with my notebook, ready to see what knowledge I can gain. I wouldn't want to take up too much more of your valuable time. Unless there was something, you needed as well, Andrel?"
The Doctor did not like knowing that this out of the way man had a mutual acquaintance to him. Though he did his best to ignore it, his mind raced trying to think up explanations. Surely this wasn't just a simple coincidence?
"Nothing for me. Thank you for your time." Kelvar will leave with "Nicholas"once they are done, heading for the inn. They needed to discuss the alchemist's apparent connection to the Warden - without giving away their true identities.
Talia will see if there is a church of Mitra in town. If so, she will ask if there are any tasks that they need assistance with. This allows her to expand her cover as a humble and devoted monk while she examines what resources the enemy has in the area.
If she gets the chance to talk, she'll try and figure out who is the most gossipy and pump them to find out who's who in the local church. Including if there are religious figures in the military camp.
"Excellent! Come anytime. I have no prior engagements for my study. It is yours for the day." You know you have never seen this man before so it must be a coincidence right? News of what happened to his estranged mentor doesn't seem to have reached him at least. You get your ginger and head back to the inn for dinner. Rose and Timeon are elsewhere but should be back later.
-----
Talia visits the little Chapel of St. Alden(6 on the map) and finds the caretaker, Brother Justin of Travismere, a humble devotee of Mitra. Behind the church is the town's graveyard which he tends also. "Thank you for the offer but there is nothing else I need help with today. Tell me which monastery you travel from? Perhaps I can invite you to sit and enjoy a simple dinner with a simple man." He speaks about Father Donnagin with great respect. Donnagin is the chaplain of Balentyne and Brother Justin is in great awe of him. Donnagin only comes to the church on holy days as he has too many duties in the watchtower that keep him busy. He is a very important man.
The Doctor thanks the alchemist and heads back to the inn. Seeing his companions are gone, he turns to "Andrel". "Well, it appears we are left to our own devices for dinner. Perhaps we might spent the time seeing what interesting tidbits we might overhear? Perhaps buy some poor weary souls a few rounds with our successes of the day? Hopefully after that our companions will have returned and we can share what we've learned this day."
Kelvar nods. "I believe that to be wise, Nicholas."
Kelvar will sit and drink with the locals, buying them rounds and seeing what he can hear.
He learns nothing, however.
"Nicholas" attempts to join "Andrel" in chatting up the locals. While he fairs better than his companion, he also fails to get anything useful. He tells himself it's because he's trying to keep his "guard" out of trouble and that's distracting him. However, the powers that be think it's just because he's not cut out for such work. Really, he should be left alone in his lab doing experiments far away from all people save his test subjects.
-----
Later that night, he regroups with everyone (minus Timeon) in one of their rooms. "So, how was dinner and..." he looks at Talia, "...whatever it was you were up to. Learn anything interesting? Andrel and I managed to sell off all but the narwhal horn, gaining these bills of sale* with the Tailor's and Jeweler's guilds. We also met a rather interesting alchemist who apparently studied under Richter briefly. And who is now in the process of fulfilling some kind of alchemical contract with the local military. Something to perhaps ask the soldiers about if we find any more loose-lipped than those we dined near. But anyway, while he didn't want to share whatever formula he's working on for the military, he did agree to let me look at a few other ones he has. I plan to return to his place of buisiness tomorrow to copy a few."
"The nature of that contract is something to discover. Perhaps you will overhear something tomorrow - if not, we can always try other means of investigation. Did either of you learn anything valuable?"
"I come from the order of His Ineffable Perfection. It's a small order, but we do our part to fulfill His wishes here on Earth." Pronouns were such a useful part of language.
"I would be honored to break bread with you. Though no meal is simple. Food keeps us alive and healthy, and that is an amazing wonder."
"Diner was banal and barely sufferable. It's no wonder Timeon is such a sniveling wretch with all that coddling." Rose said, speaking her true mind for the first time in weeks. "The information gained was worth it though. Timeon knows a lot about this stupid backwater. I've already learned where one of Balentine's captains lives."
Brother Justin shows you to his humble little house besides the church furnished with the bare necessities of life and prepares some bread and soup for the both of you.
She thanks him again for the food. "It sounds like Father Donnagin is vital to the survival of this community. I'd love to hear more about him and all of the things he does for the community. I'd love to talk to him, but he's probably very busy and too humble to talk about himself. But I would love to tell others about his story. I'm sure that by learning everything we can about Father Donnagin, others can better follow our Lord's plans."
"Yes he really is. He does so much to help us. Unfortunately if you wanted to talk to him you would need to be invited into Balentyne. He is a busy man and only comes out here once a year on St. Alden's day but that is 6 months away. I'm sorry that I cannot help you enter Balentyne. If you are able to enter, ask to join in the ceremony on the first of every week in the choir hall. The priests are such beautiful singers and sometimes the stone saints that adorn the place join in the chorus. You can sometimes hear it from here in the village. Such a miracle!"
With Timeon staying with his family for now you can expect him in the morning. Tonight it is just the 4 of you, scheming in your rooms.
You hear someone creeping around downstairs in the inn below your room, which would be somewhere in the kitchens.
Kelvar awakens to the sound of someone sneaking around. Choosing not to don his armor, he casts a spell to cloak himself from the sight of others, then grabbed his axe and crept from his room to investigate.
The Doctor notices Kelvar disappear and then his axe and sees the door seemingly open and close on its own. Rose are Talia are unaware in their room.
You sneak down the stairs and towards the sound of not quiet enough footsteps. Entering the kitchens you see all the maids, servants and cooks have of course gone to bed and not another soul is to be seen. The door to the stable is closed, the door to the servants quarters is also closed but the hallway leading to the owner's rooms shows his door has been opened. Before you can formulate any ideas as to what is going on another muffled sound like that of a wooden door being closed quietly. It seems to come from below and there are stairs leading to the basement/storeroom/cellar of the inn.
The Doctor blinks. "Uhhh, Andrel, buddy? You heading out for a night stroll? A little warning would be nice..." He opens the door to look out. He vaguely recalled him mentioning being able to turn invisible, but surely he would have at least said something before suddenly vanishing? Clearly, something more was afoot.
not seeing his companion in the hallway, the Doctor goes to knock on Rose and Talia's door. "Hey, did Andrel mention that he wanted to go exploring tonight at all? He vanished without word to me from his room." Note to self, also be careful of searching for invisible people in our rooms in the future.
Kelvar quietly descends the stairs to the basement to see what may be going on down there.
He turns and looks directly through you, checking to make sure he is alone before going through the door with a lantern. Through the door you see a long tunnel. Remembering the orientation of the inn and the direction of the tunnel, you are certain it heads in the direction of the Castle Balentyne.
Rose was sitting up in bed. She let Talia answer the door after arranging herself in such a way as to seem perfectly disarrayed and demure, clutching the thin sheet high, but somehow still managing to show a great deal of skin. The expression on her face was one of surprise, worry and mild embarrassment.
When their late-night visitor was revealed to be the Doctor, she rolled her eyes, huffed and flopped back down on her pillow, all her seductive pretense gone in an instant.
"He's not here.' Rose grumped. "He's probably just out snooping around somewhere, or meeting with some dumb local to blow off some steam."
A predatory smile crosses Kelvar's face. His spell of invisibility was limited, so he wouldn't try to explore the passage tonight - especially while the barkeep was in it. However, tomorrow night, perhaps with something from the Doctor to augment his sneaking...how far, he wondered, would the passage go? All the way to Balentyne, perhaps? A way in and out of the fortress unseen, avoiding the guards, was exactly what they needed. With that, Balentyne would fall.
The passage discovered, Kelvar crept from the basement back to his room.
Returning to the room he shared with the Doctor, Kelvar slipped back in and then dismissed his invisibility. Finding that he wasn't there, he put his axe down, sat on his bed and waited for him to get back.
Talia seemed sleepy at opening the door, but that was as much of a ruse as Rose's seduction. "I suspect it wasn't planned. I'll check outside for any signs of recent passage and come back."
With the discovery of several rumours and a hidden tunnel, the villains are well on their way to undermining Balentyne.