Gawain grins a little back at Alika and then he says, "The only purpose refiring the blade or shield might serve would be to repair the weapon. What I speak of is called etching, where a skilled craftsman uses his tools to create a symbol in the actual steel that will not simply wash off as paint might. Every knight has his own symbol to denote from what house he hails from, what lord he might serve, or to what order he takes his tenets from. I serve the Order of the Lion, the symbol of Kings."
He then turns to eye the swords and dagger sets with a speculative and appreciative eye. "The set there, with the straight crosshilt guard and dagger, I shall take that one, as well as that stout heater shield leaning against the far wall there. If I understand the marketprice of such, I believe I should have enough coin left to purchase these three items. Please gather them for me and we may exchange coin." he then stands back, eying the new blade appreciatively, admiring the straightness of the blade and dagger set. It should service him well in the coming days. He harbored only a slight wish that he would get a chance to break the weapons in, if only in a sparring match.
The captain smiles at you with a rye wink, "Hear that Barron, I got business to attend to. Heh!" He elbows the other man. "Well it's good to know all the business will get taken care of. Ehh?" He wave you back toward the stairs as he advances. "Come on lads, let's get our 'Business' done." He yells back over his shoulder "If there are any problems with your shipment, we'll take care of it when I get back."
As he follows you down the stairs he then turns to the right and motions you to follow him through a set of double doors and into a small sitting room. He takes off his hat and admires it, brushing off a small bit of dust. Then he waves you to sit at the small table and he says "Give me just a second and I'll be back with your 'Business'." He chuckles to himself has he disappears through another door.
After a minute he returns with a large wooden box, 14" x 10" and almost 8" deep, with a simple inlay pattern of geometric shapes on it. "Now I reckon you boys want to inspect the merchandise, and I also reckon that you won't mind me looking at the coins, Eh?" as he sets the box down in the middle of the table.
The boy gathers your items, wipes them all down and then freshly oils both blades. He sheathes them and then presents the pair to you for inspection while he cleans and quickly polishes the shield. He takes your coins and then recommends you visit an engraver down the street a few blocks by the name of Mordilen. He insists that his father sends all of their custom engraving work there and that you will be treated to a fair price.
Tristen frowns and wonders if looking at the merchandise would be allowed, had the instructions said anything about seeing what the lord ordered?
Stroking Adler's plumage he leans over to whisper to Matt, "Are we allowed to inspect the shipment?"
Bluff?
"Aye, that we are." Matt says simply moving towards the box, as Mangur shows the Captain the payment. Matt carefully opens the box, the lid pivoting away from him. 'All going well so far. So that was the Barron, the one the dockworker talked about?'
Matt examines the contents, making sure to touch the item (in case of an illusion), with the reverence that such an expensive quality pieces deserve. He looks at the vials picking one up and gently with a circular motion sloshing the contents, to see if they are filled. But keeping the items generally out of sight of the rest of the crew and the authorities.
Mangur nod to Matt as he checks over the vials. Once he gets the 'O.K.' from Matt he hands over the payment to the captain. "It has been a pleasure doing business with you captain. Perhaps, in the future, we may do so again."
With that, Mangur follows the others out of the cabin and back onto the deck.
Gawain takes the sword, shield and dagger, strapping them to his back and waist and nods to the lad, then bows his head again to Alika and heads off to the engraver to see about etching on the symbol of his order with the few coins he has left in his purse.
Matt thinks thoughtfully for a second as he ponders the significance of this exchange.
The inside of the chest is lined with soft cloth and features cutout pockets along the top and bottom. While there are a total of 12 of these pouches, only 8 have bottles in them. The bottles are small curved glass flasks that each hold about 8 oz of liquid. The tops are stoppered with glass plugs and then sealed with wax. The contents of each bottle are different, ranging from a thin, clear oil that seems to coat the inside of it's container, to a thick blue sludge with small bits of white in it. None of them are familiar but all are interesting.
The captain takes the pouch from Mangur and examines the contents "Hold on here boys. What have you got here, say 150 or so. Well I'm gonna need at least 200 for this." He plops the sack down on the table unceremoniously and folds his arms across his chest.
Replacing the vials and closing the wooden box, Matt looks at the Captain. 'Ah, a shake-down. How best to achieve our goals and keep our patrons' good name.'
Matt looks up at the captain; "200 would be just for a dozen vials, but there are 8 here. Thus 150 is a reasonable price." his voice holding a firm note of authority. 'Mangur is better at dealing with things like, this I will let him take the lead.'
"Aye, but eight was ordered and eight is what's delivered. The problem is, you see, my expenses were more than expected. So that means so are yours." He smiles ruefully, his arms still crossed on his chest.
Tristen blinks at the Captain and raises a hand towards Matt and Mangur. Adressing the Captain Tristen says, "Was this varyiance of terms stated in the contract captain. If so then perhaps we can bargain over that if not we will not be liable for terms that were outside any contract you have set up with the order. In short if expenses went up we would not be liable for them subject to the contracts wording." Tristen grins right back at the Captain Adler squawking loudly to emphasize his words.
Diplomacy
Mangur looks over at the captain, assessing the man and what he might be trying to gain (Sense Motive)
"My dear Captain, I assure you that we are dealing in good faith with you, and our employer has amply paid you for transport of these items. I would suggest that you contact your factor and discuss the terms with him." (Diplomacy?)
"Heh! You all and your 'Contracts' and 'Factors'. I can see he's sent a troop of jesters to negotiate. And don't we all love a good laugh." The grin drops from his face and he stares down at you, continuing in a steely tone "Now listen here, that box isn't going anywhere until you all come up with 200 Sails. Understand?"
Intimidate
"And understand this captain if we have to go to the port authorites with this they will see two things, an employer not getting what is due him after fair payment, and a swindling mercant captain that is asking for greater money that is deserved." Trsiten says as he glares at the Captain now remembering greedy mercahnts trying to rip off his hunting companions.
Matt looks at his companions. 'Oh this is going south quickly, hopefully this won't be the excitement they crave.'
A calm facade upon his face. "Now, though what my companion says is true. What were these extra costs you had?"
The captain glares at Tristen "Well, so it's like that is it. Aye, well I don't think either one of us wants to involve the harbor master over this... trivial little matter, do we?" He chuckles nervously as he pats the top of the box. Then, turning to Matt and speaking in a softer tone and turning his hands out, palms up "Now yeh hafta' understand that this stuff ain't easy to come by. In fact that bottle of blue Thorman's juice took me two whole weeks to get. I gotta get some sort o'compensation, don't I?"
Tristen grins and then laughs, "Captain your compensation is that we wont have to mention this to our employer so that he won't quit your business, thus a contiued source of income for you and your men. Now if you don't mind I think we shall be going. Unless you have something else to discuss?" Tristen grins again and nods towards Mangur and Matt and moves to pick up the box.
"Here now, lets not get ahead of our'selves. For what I'm making on this I might as well be for the damn mummers. Hell, I could make more from certain interested parties just to tell 'em bout this than I do from three of these trips." He nods his head and you see that same sly smile break on his face. He continues more confidently "I'm sure my continued discretion is worth something, Eh?"
You continue to the engravers where you find a pair of haggard looking women each no less that 60 sitting around a worktable. The table itself is strewn with tools and bits of metal shavings. However for all the messiness of the table, the rest of the room is spectacularly resplendent in bronze, gold, silver, and steel. Plates, shields, crests, plaques, and frames hang on every wall. Each delicately engraved with patterns or designs of beautiful artistry.
As you enter one of the women looks up from her work "Welcome, welcome. What can we do for you on this fine day." as she displays a yellowed smile.
Gawain bows his head to the woman and displays his new shield. "Good day madam, how much would it cost to engrave a lion onto this shield? I am a Knight of the Lion, and thus it would be much more fitting for my shield to bear the insignia of my order. If it is required of me I can return at a later date if the cost exceeds my current funds, for I will take no form of charity and wish to fully fund this on my own."
The woman takes the shield from you and examines it closely. "Oh, sure sure. No problem. What kind of Lion would you like and how big do you want it?" she asks letting you show her on the shield what you are looking for. "And you understand that it will be a few days before we can get to it, we are a bit backed up at the moment." she sweeps her hand at the piles of items scatters about the table.
Matt raises an eyebrow at the words of the Captain. "Really, other 'interested parties', you would be willing to do that. A braver man than me you are then. Wanting it be known that you are a rat and welshing on deals. I couldn't do that, lose my livelihood and more over a few sails." The scorn and pity is evident in his voice.
"These, others, what would they do once you have proven your worth as a gossip. I hope you can swim once they slit your throat, so that you don't tattle on them." His hands are gently placed before him on the wooden table surface as he leans forward.
"Look how about we throw an extra 5 sails for your trouble and we won't inform our employer about this. Thus you might earn some extra money in future." His voice, tries to be consolatory but underneath it there is a sharp edge.
The man's head slumps a bit as he stares at the pouch on the table. "Fine, take it and be gone with you." he replies in a low monotone, waving his hand absently in the air.
"Is this an unusually high volume of requests for this time of year?" Alika inquires.
Matt nods to the Captain, looking him in the eye and at his general demeanor. 'Is he lying, so that he can talk to these other 'interested parties'? Matt wonders.
With a mollifying tone Matt responds. "Just make sure you have a bit extra contingency next time. The boss won't begrudge an honest trust-worthy merchant that!" insinuating that the Captain needs to keep his mouth shut.
Matt picks up the box, with a nod of his head and moves to leave the cabin; going out onto the fore-deck and the afternoon sun. He looks back to Mangur, "Friend, can you get the papers from the Captain? Thus enabling our visit to be 'official', you have more experience than I in such matters."
Tristen mutters "That man reminds me of the rich merchnats that tried to cheat us out of our season of pelts"
"What creatures did you skin?" Matt asks curious about the quiet man.
Tristen looks at Matt curiously "Mostly deer, elk if were in mountanious country, things like that. Beaver sometimes if we were lucky."
"Oh, good eating venison. Beaver that would make a warm cloak. Did your master teach you the curing and skinning processes." Matt says trying to be gentle whilst not loading his voice with emotions. 'I wonder what his story is.'
Matt slowly leaves the cabin with the box, trusting Mangur to get and check the appropriate documentation. As he walks and talks gently, Matt avoids the eye of the officious/weaselly looking man.
Mangur looks over to the Captain as Matt mentions the required paperwork.
" I am sure you have all the papers for this consignment ready for us!" he asks, holding out his hand.
Mangur: The Captain hangs his head and sighs heavily "Here, take 'em." He reaches into his coat and produces a fold of papers which he tosses onto the table in front of you. As you reach for them he says "And lad... well done." he then winks quickly at you then turns and disappears back through the inner door.
As you come out on to the deck to rejoin your companions, you notice several assessors checking the boxes that have been unloaded so far. The Barron, who had been talking with the captain, was now engaged with one of them. The two pouring over a stack of papers with the ships cargo master whom you met earlier.
As the three of you descend the gangway on of the officials calls out "Here now, what's that you got there? Why isn't it with the other boxes?"
The woman replies to Alika's question "Oh, not really. Beginning of the season is always a busy time. Lots of people buying and selling everywhere, just like your friend here." gesturing to Gawain's shield.
Alika nods and looks to the knight. "I am aware that the Inheritor requires that one makes an effort with his appearance. Do you believe that She will allow you to make your rounds with naked steel upon your back?" she teases lightly.
Tristen groans and looks back to the captains apartment, "We have just been had." Quickly he jerks his shoulder sending Adler up into the air.
Gawain gives a loud harumph at that and strokes his long mustaches thoughtfully then looks back at the shield strapped to his back. He ponders this for a moment, then looks back down at Alika.
"A Knight's appearance at social gatherings is I know expected to be presentable but in Linnorm, all men keep their blades close at hand if not on their person at the time. Danger can surface as easily there as here, so I think I will leave the shield in Milady's capable hands, but keep my blade with me unless He tells me otherwise. I require a Lion ensignia, one hand wide by 2 hands long, prefferably done in red on the centerbosse of the shield. The pose shall be the beast in action, on the backlegs, paws splayed before him with claws extended and roaring. When can I expect this order to be completed?"
Mangur looks over the peperwork to make sure it is all in order, then joins the others out on the deck, just in time to hear the port offical ask about the papers.
"We have the proper paper work here my good fellow," he says and hands the papers to the customs official.
Matt pulls on an ingratiating smile. And moves towards the official the box under on arm. "Good day, this box? Because it is not part of de Rossi's consignment of goods, that is why it was kept separate. I believe he prefers that we are not rooting through his items for our particular cargo." Matt nods.
Matt waits for the man to catch up with him; "We have the documentation required for shipping and customs."
The man takes the papers and looks them over "Cooking oil? Rare, gourmet, Jalmeraic cooking oils?" He raises his eyebrows and and smirks "OK, this I have to see. Open it up." He motions you over to another crate to set the case down on.
The woman takes down all your instructions and your name on a sheet that she attaches to the shield. She tells you that the work will cost 8sp and be ready in three days. "And don't worry, sir, it will truly be a symbol worthy of your fine order." she smiles at you.
Matt nods and moves over to the crate. "Certainly, sir. It's a sample of the finest oils, so if you will please be careful. The merest drop split is more than a weeks pay. Hopefully opening them won't make them spoil." He almost whispers the last to himself as Matt walks over to the crate and places down the case.
With the utmost care, Matt opens the crate. "This one is a fine pungent oil distilled from the ut-gara fruit." Matt says pointing out a vial. "We are taking them to chef to see if they are suitable for his cuisine. He demands only the best, you know what their type is like." He says conspiratorially. "Although we have high hopes, that if these are upto standard we can place a larger order."
Bluff
"Chef told us that we have to take extra special care with them. Captain back there was giving us trouble with complaining about the extra expense of obtaining this stuff. Never understood why people had to go out of their way to try and cheat honest working folks you know?" Tristen chimes in following Matt before looking the man.
Sense motive
He looks wide eyed at the bottle as you hold it up to the sunlight. "Uht-gaerah fruit you say? Huh, well I'll be. Single drop is a weeks pay? Who would eat such expensive food?" then his gaze meets the sight of the Baron arguing with one of the other assessors about the number of bolts in a crate. "Oh, right. I get it." he says with a distinct disdain in his voice as he mocks stroking a beard over his chin.
Matt rolls his eyes cordially; "Exactly gentlemen like him. Apparently it will hopefully give a subtle piquant flavour, or so I was told." Matt tries to put a hint of scorn in his voice for the rich nobles that would pay so much for fripperies like oil.
He chuckles under his breath an then the assessor turns to Tristen "Eh, the captain you say. Well we'll just have a little talk with him." He hands the bottle back to Matt and continues "You gentlemen go along, and good luck with your chef. Sounds like he's got difficult customers to please." He winks and waves you on.
"Thank you and good-day to you, sir!" Matt responds politely, as he packs up the crate again and tucks it under one arm.
He steadily moves back down the gang-plank and onto the docks. Once they are out of sight and ear-shot of the boat, Matt looks to his companions.
"What was that about? Another test? I am not sure that the Captain was trying to swindle us; it could be more of a test to see our reactions. The 'well-done' comment is worrying. And what is it with the Barron de Rossi? There were distinct undertones there that I will have to mull over." Matt queries out-loud.
Tristen blinks and looks up seeing Adler circling over head. "I think the captain was hoping to catch us up in a lie. That oil isnt just cooking oil is it? If the captain signed false papers saying it was and we were discovered with it well," Tristen shrugs then looking to Matt and Mangur, "I dont have the knowledge of these dealings, my art is more suited to simpler things."
"Nay, I believe they are components for certain arcane rituals." Matt replies.
"There was some affectation with his replies and actions. I wonder what he was talking about with de Rossi. Tristen your eyes are sharp and subtle, is anyone following us."
"It would not surprise me if de Rossi is also in our employers pay and was grading our display when we present forged or false documents. Alternatively, he could be a competitor of the Lords, which we were meant to meet." Matt muses.
The late afternoon sun hangs low over the rooftops of the buildings. As the intrepid trio of tradesmen return to the Standing Ogre, their cargo safely in hand, they find their companions sitting at the bar listening to a most vigorous tale. "And then I took the whole cast of wine and threw it off the roof, right onto the top of the carriage. It crashed right through and came apart when it hit the floorboards. Both the countess and her 'friend' were drenched in the finest port. I hear that's still her favorite Red Dress!" as the dwarven bartender bursts in to an uncontrollable belly laugh, unable to finish his story.
The inn itself is almost empty, the staff scurrying around to prepare for the approaching dinner rush. You can hear one waitress mention to another "Every time he tells that story it gets longer and he gets louder." shaking her head as she continues her work.
Alika advises you not to speak of whom we met at the temple this morning, particularly to Matt, as his insinuations are like as not going to get us all killed some day, and sooner if he does not actively watch his tongue.
Alika listens idly to the dwarf's tale, glad to have arrived in time to secure a table at a favorable position in the common room. Before her sets a rather large glass of red wine, slowly spilling down the sides after having been swirled. Her azure eyes are intent on measuring its legs, and if she has tasted the beverage at all, it does not show on her face. She looks up when the others enter, and smiles at Mangur.
"I trust that your assignment was completed with little excitement?"