It's been an uneasy week within the walls of Cairdus, almost as if it has been sacked - doors closed, shops closed, bodies in the streets. Those going out have a furtive look on their faces, as if they'll be next.
Cairdus is usually a city of possibilities; all roads lead to Cairdus, they say. With the constant influx of fresh blood and without the strict caste system of some places, thanks to the worship of the goddess Nelleska the Liberator, nobles brush elbows with peasants at the most popular hangouts.
It's one more reason to fight for this city when the need arises - and it often has, lately. The silent shopfronts are irresistible to looters, and the empty alleyways are breeding grounds for mischief. Even city guard has quieted its watch as of late. Fortunately, there are others who step up.
Gaius Trevalyan - Vox and trusty bow Iolaire to some - has had no respite since the whispers arose of a strong plague in the city. Criminals are just as chatty than socialites, conveniently, and there are a few rumours coming in from either side that could mean something.
The outlook is bleak thus far; local wizards and clerics have proven unsuccessful in finding a cure. The only thing that seems to help are blessings from the powerful Baron Velstaf, though not without the tidy sum of 4,000 gold for his troubles.
Velstaf. The Trevalyans and Velstafs run in similar circles, though the Velstafs gained money and status during the war as weapon and armor suppliers. Society gossip has hinted that he sabotaged the peace efforts in order to maintain his profits. The parties he throws at his estate on the edge of town are lavish, and he is known to be a friendly host... at least, until anyone crosses him. His presence in the city is a blemish, to be sure, but it will take further investigation to know anything more about him.
It's just one problem after another these days. Gaius muses as he walks the streets, his depressed thoughts hidden behind a cheerful demeanor. Months of carrying Iolaire has left him with the habit of conversing mentally, even when his companion isn't actually with him. I don't like the stories about this plague though. Velstaf is a dangerous man, too much of an edge under the good host. The fact that only he can 'cure' it smacks of a scheme, but what? He wracks his brain for any more information about Velstaf, cursing the fact that Vox has been taking up so much of his time recently.
As he walks Gaius keeps his ears open, cataloging the gossip automatically as he weaves through the streets. A few gentle questions at opportune moments help to encourage the more voluble citizens to speak of what they know.
Fortunately for Gaius, he is well known around town, and it is easy to get the few people around to open up to him, despite the quiet that the plague has caused. Lady Cora Hartley's cook is even convinced to send along her famed cobbler recipe to the family butler, Virgil (though that may have more to do with her feelings about said butler).
The Star of Olindor, a recent acquisition of the Baron's, is to thank for his success at healing. "Anyone who wields the Star has this power," says Professor Thail Donnodol when approached. "It's nothing to do with the Baron himself except his ability to fork over a lot of cash for a priceless elven relic! Hmph. Artefacts have no business being in private hands."
The apothecary indicates that the plague is known as hell's lung - though, curiously, it only tends to be found on evil-aligned outer planes.
As Gaius pasts a shadowy alleyway, an arm reaches out from what had appeared to be a pile of blankets to pull him in by the trouser leg. A rustle, and the pile is shed to reveal a young, dirt-smudged boy on the ground. The lack of bulk under the pile hints that there's a reason the boy has not risen.
"Heard you been asking about the plague," whispers the boy. "I seen you around. You got money, but you seem to care, so maybe you can do somethin'."
The boy gives a furtive stare around, checking for eavesdroppers, then drags himself a little further back into the alleyway.
"People don't pay much attention to me, so I see a lot. Right before the plague started, I seen someone - a few someones - brushing a clear liquid on some of the shop doors. Poured something like that in the wells, too." He shrugs. "No one listened when I said."
Unfortunately, most of the people out aren't the sort to hobknob with the Baron, so Gaius is unable to find out much more. The manor may actually have received some correspondence from Baron Velstaf lately, though it's the sort of thing they were likely to toss aside.
Gaius passes some bodies on a wagon and people coughing blood into their handkerchiefs or sleeves during the course of his investigation, a reminder of the dire straits of his city.
"The 'Star of Olindor' Professor?" Gaius asks. "Could you tell me more about this object? If Baron Velstaf purchased it legitimately then it must have some sort of history - do you study such things? I have an interest in such thing myself, which is understandable I hope. I've been doing more research into my families history recently and uncovered some intriguing stories but I've never heard of anything like this Star. Can I buy you a drink while we talk?"
After the boy finishes talking Gaius gives him a wide smile. "Thank you lad. This is very interesting news. I'm going to go and buy you some food as a way of saying thank you. I'll be back in a minute."
Gaius leaves the alley carefully, waiting for a busy(ier) moment where he can slip out into what bustle there is without attracting too much attention. He curses about 'that damned cloak chain' as he leaves, backed up by the large dirt smear across his cloak from where he crouched in the alley.
Once (if) he is able to acquire some food he returns to the alley and the boy, handing him the food in small amounts. "Careful lad, don't eat too quickly. You don't want to make yourself sick." He takes the chance to watch the boy closely, observing how thin the child is.
Once the boy has finished Gaius crouches in front of him. "You were right earlier when you said I look like I have money. I certainly have enough to be able to support another member of my household. I can't make any long term promises, but if you'd like I can bring you to my home and give you a hot meal and a bed for tonight at least. If you are willing to work for your keep then I might even be persuaded to let you stay more permanently!" His smile is wide and genuine. "I'm not going to force you lad, this is a matter for a man to make by himself."
Gaius sits back to allow the boy space to make his own decision.
On the way home, passing by yet another person coughing violently into a handkerchief Gaius chokes and draws in a much deeper breath than he intended. By the time he makes it back home he is feeling rather under-the-weather.
Thail is flattered by Gaius's attention. "Certainly! I hear the Dancing Bugbear is still open for business."
He hobbles alongside you with a stout stick as his aid. Thail is practically an institution at the university. He loves talking about his people's history, so Gaius doesn't get a word in edgewise for a while.
"The legend goes that the Star is one of several objects crafted centuries ago by heroes of the city of Olindor that were supposed to keep the city strong if they remained together. The treasures have scattered to the four winds now that Olindor has fallen." He chuckles. "There have been some heated debates over which one caused the other! I was there, and I couldn't even tell you. The Star of Olindor provides immunity against disease, which can be bestowed upon others as a blessing. If only it wasn't in the hands of a certain warlord..."
The boy's jaw drops. "You... you don't really mean it, do you, sir?" A look in Gaius's face seems to convince him, though. He starts talking very quickly, bouncing a bit.
"I dunno that you'll want to keep me, but I can work, I promise. I used to have walking sticks, but they got stolen. If I can find myself another pair, I'll be just as good as the next boy, swear to Nelleska."He puts his fists against his chest then spreads his hands outwards in the sign of the goddess.
He wipes his hand on one of his raggedy blankets and holds it out to you to shake.
"M'name's Meech. What should I call you, sir?"
__
When Gaius gets home, Julia is waiting for him, concerned.
"You went out in the middle of a plague? Honestly, Gaius. Just like the ice storm when you were fifty."
She presses a palm to his forehead and pronounces his temperature normal, though.
She and Virgil, long accustomed to Gaius's good nature, are unsurprised at the sudden appearance of an orphan boy with a hangdog appearance. Virgil bundles Meech off to get settled for the night.
"My name is Gaius. It's a pleasure to meet you Meech."
-----
Once Virgil has left the room with Meech Gaius slumps in a chair, he never makes a point of his war wounds but on days like today, particularly after so many late nights it throbs badly. Looking at his sister he decides to be honest. Julia is one of the only people who knows the truth about Vox and she's never judged him for it. Iolaire even approved of her and that was rare in itself.
"Of course I went out Julia." He says with a slightly tired smile. "I won't sit by when crime lords cause chaos on the streets, why sit by now then when something even worse is happening." He relates in brief what he has discovered to his sister, particularly emphasising Meech's information.
"Someone is planting this plague, this devil's lung. Given the situation it can't be anyone other than our old friend Baron Velstaf. So the obvious thing to do is for Vox to pay a visit to his manor house and see if he can extract the star, maybe even find and end the cause of this plague." Gaius is thinking aloud by this point, Julia always had a good head for plans - that's why he always ended up taking the blame for their pranks. "Getting in will be difficult. I'm wondering whether we've had any invitations recently? Or some other form of excuse. If I could get in and wander a little then it would make any return trip much easier."
He rises and heads to the sideboard to pour himself a small drink. He pours for Julia too and the chink as he puts the glass down makes her jump.
Julia screws up her face in thought.
"We did get some sort of missive from his house the other day..."
She holds up a finger and rifles through the always-high pile of correspondence on her desk.
"Aha!" she cries triumphantly, holding aloft an unopened envelope. "I hadn't even looked at it yet."
It takes a while to read, couched in flowery language with even more flowery compliments (as if it's not immediately apparent that this letter has been transcribed en masse). The Baron wishes their good health - but of course, in such uncertain times as these, it is best to have some insurance. He invites them and anyone else they know in society to be blessed by him, curing all sicknesses, for the unforgettable deal of 4,000 gp.
Julia looks rueful.
"I wish I could say we had such a sum to spare, Gaius, but our fortune is tied up in our trade interests. Merchants can't even travel to and from Cairdus right now. Even if we could liquidate, I wouldn't want to gratify Velstaf." She shudders. "While you were away during the war, he asked for my hand in marriage via his guard captain. You can imagine how well that went."
"Via his guard captain? From what I remember the man is a brute at best. I hope your turned him down firmly! Some of the human aristocracy have absolutely no class..." Gaius shrugs. "You're quite right, I wouldn't want to part with the families money either, even if Vox could get it back I'm not sure the risk is worthwhile. However..." He pauses for a minute as his eyes light up with an idea.
"How are our trade interests at the moment? Since Velstaf is such an opportunist, that might be a way to secure an invitation. Offering him in on a deal or some such - he'll have spare cash for investment at the moment... If I write to him proposing some sort of deal, maybe in arms and suggest I need a partner to avoid coming to you for funds..."
He leaves the sentence hanging and smiles at his sister.
"Oh, there was no mistaking my answer," says Julia. "Flames may have been involved."
She drums her fingers on the desk, deep in thought. "Our trade interests would be well enough if only we could get access to them, though the Baron doesn't have to know that. Hmm... I could let slip to Arel Torvan that I'm worried your newfound love of gambling will get you into trouble; the news will reach his house by noon with that nosy old biddy involved.
"You're one of the best-equipped men in the city. It won't be hard for Velstaf to believe you have something valuable to offer. Just watch yourself in that place."
"Sounds like a plan." Gaius grins. "It would also explain my slipping out late and keeping some odd hours if I'm off gambling away our finances in seedy dens..."
He stands and stretches, joints popping all over the place. "Speaking of odd hours I'm going to sleep for a couple. I'll write the Baron's letter this afternoon and suggest a meeting in the morning. Hopefully that'll give me a chance to scope the place out."
He almost makes it to the door before turning, coming back to the table and kissing his sister on the cheek. "Thanks for this Julia. I'll preserve the families good name by not losing too much!"
On his way out the second time he runs into Virgil, who is precisely where he is needed, as a good butler should be. "Virgil, could you look into something for me? I need to find the architect who designed Baron Velstaf's manor house. Can you track him down for me? A meeting this evening or early tomorrow would be preferable." With that, the latest in a long line of bizarre requests the unflappable manservant has dealt with, Gaius heads upstairs and collapses into his bed.
"Like this house, the Velstaf manor was built some centuries ago, sir," says Virgil. "I will certainly make inquiries. One of the current staff may be of more assistance; I shall let you know what I find out."
When you awaken, Virgil updates you on the situation.
"Unfortunately, sir, I was unable to find records regarding the house; however, I did come across a young kitchen maid who works for the Baron, Miss Madle Relling. She is quite a devout member of the Church of Nelleska, so I believe she would not agree with the Baron's cause. She has been wooed to our kitchen with the promise of gossip and cobbler, should you wish to question her."
The goddess Nelleska, also called the Liberator and the Free Spirit, is quite popular in the city. Her followers are often good-hearted people without much regard for rules. The Church of Nelleska is currently bearing the brunt of the fight against the plague.
"Thank you Virgil, that's very helpful." Gaius takes his time getting dressed, allowing himself to luxuriate in hot water and a shave before heading down to the kitchen. When he gets there it is easy enough to pick out Miss Relling as she's the only one who seems surprised when he enters.
"I'm sorry Cook, I was sure I smelt cobbler and you know how I adore a slice! Would you be so kind?" He takes a seat at the long bench opposite Miss Relling and next to Meesh, who is still shovelling away food. "Have you stopped eating since you arrived here Meesh? Poor cook is probably worried about dinner with you here." All this is said with a wide grin and he winks at the boy before saying sotto voce "I used to eat like that too."
Raising his voice he addresses Cook, although his words are aimed at a rather different target. "I imagine getting fresh produce in at the moment must be quite difficult Cook. The plague is surely disrupting supply, with people afraid to leave their houses. Thank the heavens for the church, at least they are doing something about it. Although from what I can tell the only one achieving anything is Baron Velstaf. This business of charging fees though - and such high ones! Profiteering from a tragedy like this, its just not right."
He breaks off, as though just noticing their guest for the first time. "Oh I'm sorry miss. Here I am wandering in and spoiling your cobbler with our home-made troubles. My name is Gaius, and you are?"
"He's the master," adds Meech through a large mouthful. He seems in good spirits now that he's been cleaned up and fed. Virgil's late father's walking sticks are propped up against the table next to him.
"The Mistress's younger brother," corrects Cook. "Aye, sir, it's some time we've had getting food lately. Our own garden is something, but it's not like to hold out for long. I trust yourself and the Mistress have had no complaints with the fare of late?"
A plate of hot, piping cobbler is shoved into Gaius's hands and he is forced into a seat, Cook muttering all the while about how thin he is, even for an elf.
Madle Relling watches the scene with wide eyes, as if such goings-on are foreign to her.
"I am Miss Relling, sir." She stares downwards at the table as she begins to speak, shying from eye contact. "I, um, actually work in the kitchens of Baron Velstaf... I hope you don't mind that I'm here, I was invited honestly. It's a nice setup you have. Real friendly like. You don't get that in all the big houses. I- I take it that you are a member of the Church?" She fiddles with a pendant around her neck.
Gaius takes his time answering, looking Madle up and down before he responds. She seems anxious and he's looking for anything that might help him put her at ease.
"I make my prayers and offerings as we all should, Miss Relling. I assume you worship there also? I must confess I'm a little surprised though. The Baron doesn't seem too much like a Nelleskan himself. Rather too in it for himself, what with charging for his 'blessing' and so forth. Please forgive the question but do you know how he's providing this 'blessing'? It seems like something that the Church would provide free of charge, not for such a huge price."
Gaius notices that the pendant is a holy symbol of Nelleska.
Madle Relling's eyes grow large as he speaks, and she finally makes eye contact.
"That's just what Father Arden says, m'lord!" Her voice has become more animated. "The Baron has this old relic he's using to heal people, I haven't seen how, but the Church could actually use it to stop the plague. The house is pretty well guarded - dogs and guards everywhere - so I think Baron Velstaf is worried about it getting stolen."
She bits her lip.
"It's a shame, that's what. I wish this city had more heroes like you see in plays, willing to stand up for what's right. My own brother caught sick yesterday, but of course I don't dare ask for healing or it's my job next, and what then of the rest of the family?" She sniffles.
"Have you heard about this new vigilante? Vox I think she's called. She might be convinced to do something about this." Gaius pauses, looking thoughtful. "I've seen her a few times at a tavern I drink in. If you were to give me any information you have that could help, I could try and make contact - persuade her to go after the Baron's artefact. We'll have to move quickly though - if your brother is sick then there isn't much time and I have no guarentee I can find her immediately." He looks intently at the young woman, willing her to agree with him.
"Oh, Vox, yes! The sight of her's supposed to be enough to chill your blood, they say." Madle shivers. "Well, that's brave of you, sir. I would be much obliged.
"Just... can you please make sure to ask her that none of us regular folk get hurt? It's just a job, you know? We're not part of whatever Velstaf gets up to. Old Eldra's not so bad, really, though that Jalk could do with a boot up his tight arse, and the guards are mostly good lads. Anor and Riul have been taking turns walking me home after my shift, just so I'm not out late on my own.
"I wouldn't be happy to meet Vox in a dark alley, now, but if you're sure she can help, she could come pay me a visit tonight at home and I can tell her what I know about Whitehall Manor." She dimples. "I might even be able to sneak her in, so long as she doesn't mind getting dirty."
"Well thank you Miss Relling. I'll do my best to pass your message along." Gaius nods politely and stands up. "Cook, the cobbler was wonderful as always. Please excuse me everyone, I have a letter to write!"
After he leaves the kitchen Gaius heads to his study and writes, not to Vox to Baron Velstaf. One thing experience has taught him is that it's better to have a back-up plan at all times.
My Dear Baron.
Please forgive this poor note, scribbled in haste. I would like to contact you in a manner more befitting our mutual stations but time is of the essence.
I have recently arranged a potentially lucrative trade deal with a former colleague in Elhandra. He assures me that after the de-mobilisation there there are substantial amounts of army surplus which he can arrange to be sold to us at a very reasonable price.
I say us because, while I have the contacts, I am kept short of funds by my sister. I hoped that you might be interested in such a profitable business venture. If you are interested perhaps we could meet for further discussions tomorrow?
Yours Sincerely
G. Trevelyan.
Once the letter is signed and sealed Gaius passes it on to a footman. "Please have a boy deliver this to Baron Velstaf's house. He is to wait for a reply." Gaius passes over a tip for the messenger before heading to his 'wardrobe' and the concealed room behind it, where he begins reviewing his equipment for the coming night.
Baron Velstaf returns a missive several hours later. In similarly unctuous tones to his previous message, he expresses his condolences over Gaius's straightened circumstances but appreciates the chance to get involved in this opportunity. Due to his current duties healing the city, however, he is rather busy as of late. Perhaps if Gaius could bring some sample merchandise to Whitehall Manor sometime to show his guard captain, Azalor?
___
Madle isn't in the room she said was hers when Vox shows up that night. Her head peeks out from the one lit window in the house upon Vox's approach.
"Sorry, I was nursing Varen," she whispers, her face drawn and pale. "You'd better not come inside while we have the sickness in the house, uh, Mistress Vox. I'll meet you out back."
She takes a deep breath when she gets into the alleyway behind the small, ramshackle Relling home. She avoids looking at the shadowy figure who joins her her and talks in a matter-of-fact tone, as if she is trying to make the situation more normal.
"Now, I know that the gates are guarded all the time. If you don't work at the Manor, you need a letter from the Baron. Usually it's just two guards on duty there, but they'll call over one of the lieutenants if something's gone wrong. Shift changes are 4 pm and midnight. They've got guard dogs all over the yard. There are two guards in the main hall, too. In the kitchen, I don't see much more than that.
"Did Master Gaius tell you?" she asks anxiously. "If you promise not to hurt us regular people on staff, maybe I can help get you in."
"He told me." Vox's sing-song voice is matter-of-fact. "I have no intention of killing innocents. When can you get me in, and how?"
"We can sneak you in on a delivery. I know the boy who runs the cart. I go with him in the mornings sometimes. He always takes breaks at a certain spot, so we could hide you under a sack of flour or something then, and I can get you at the kitchen side. We could even go tomorrow morning."
"Sooner is better. I do not want to leave innocents in danger any longer than I must. Now, tell me as much as you can about the lay-out of the house, in as much detail as you can."
After arranging the fine details with Madle, Vox spends the rest of the night scouting the Velstaf mansion - she observes the guards routines, tries to divine the precise layout of the buildings and even sneaks up to a number of windows to gather as much information as possible before meeting up with Madle in the early hours.
Madle sighs. "I don't know much about it," she confesses. "When you're from the kitchen, no one much likes to see you out of it."
Of the yard, she is able to describe tall gates around the manor grounds, a guardhouse where most of the guards sleep at the back, and kennels and stables in the yard. The house is two storeys tall with a double staircase in the main hall and most of the second floor open to below. A servant's area off the main floor to the left has a door to the grounds and also leads to the kitchen. The kitchen, at a back corner of the house, has a cellar and is connected to the dining room. Meals are served at 10 am, 2 pm, and 7 pm. Sometimes, Baron Velstaf eats with a wizard under his employ, the half-elf woman Elskar. The Baron's study is off the main hall to the right.
___
Whitehall Manor is a large manor house surrounded by a stone wall. The style of architecture is elegant and not overly complicated. The gently sloping roof is broken by two small tower-like rooms at opposite corners of the house. A plume of smoke drifts from the chimney.
The house sits around 20 feet back from the 10-foot tall wall; getting a look inside the windows would not be quick or easy.
The gates are locked when Vox reaches the manor, and no guards are present. The occasional growl from the other side of the wall suggests that the guard dogs are out in full force. Flickers of torches and conversations in the yard around midnight lead Vox to believe that that a changing of the guard is taking place.
Vox passes the rest of the night observing and learning what she can before meeting up with Madle at the appointed place and time in the morning.
Madle is talking to the delivery boy as Vox approaches. Her eyes light up as she notices Vox, and she draws the boy close and gestures to a spot in the cart over his shoulder.
The cart makes it through the gates with little trouble and rolls to a stop somewhere inside the grounds. Madle keeps up a steady chatter to distract him and allow Vox a chance to get away.
First rule, know your ground. Vox's first thought is to get into some actual cover where she won't be easily spotted. Second, find the Star. It's probably in a secure room, but it can't be too far away if Velstaf is using it for his 'ceremonies'. Third, where is this plague coming from? If it's Velstaf then he must have a source and I'll wager it's in the dungeons he's supposed to have...
After taking cover and weighing her options Vox makes up her mind. Avoid the kitchens, they're busy - but the main rooms will be close so start nearby. Be thorough and quiet!
Vox can see a grassy courtyard from her hiding spot. Clustered up against the house are a number of shrubs and small gardens of flowering plants.
From the kitchen, you hear a sharp voice saying, "Well, don't just stand around! We've work to do."
"Yes, Mr. Jalk," comes Madle's sheepish voice, and the wagon jolts as she dismounts.
I need to get inside. I could go through the kitchen but there are people in there... Vox looks around for a window she could slip through.
Failing that she approaches the kitchen and glances inside before taking a deep breath and throwing her voice across the room. "Jalk! Jalk! The Baron wants you. Now!" She makes the voice deep and male, hoping that Jalk will respond and leave the way for her to sneak through.
The kitchen is filled with cooking paraphernalia, including a wood burning stove, an oven, and many utensils. In one corner, there is a trap door in the floor.
Jalk is momentarily distracted from his current task of berating Madle and the other serving girl and mumbles something dire before stalking off. The girls breathe sighs of relief and start whispering to each other once he leaves.
There are windows in the kitchen as well as the rooms to the north and south.
When Jalk stalks off Vox slips through the kitchen to follow him, assuming that he will be heading into the important parts of the mansion.
Jalk heads into the main hallway, which must give Whitehall Manor its name. The floor is laid with stones of white marble, and the walls are plastered white. White marble columns stand on either side of the hall spaced every ten feet, each holding an everburning torch. Instead of traditional portraits, marble busts of the former occupants line the hall. The ceiling stretches two stories, and a railed walkway on the
upper story encircles this level. At the far end, two marble staircases lead up. There is a guard at either end of the long hallway.
Jalk crosses the hallway to the closest door and knocks tentatively. His voice changes entirely as he says, "Sir? You requested my presence?" He pauses a moment, then tries the knob without success.
The closest guard comes over to him, looking confused. "Baron's not up yet. He's not likely to be down til breakfast, is he?"
"I thought you said- damn that Tom!" Jalk's expression grows thunderous. "Probably drawing me out to sneak treats or flirt with the girls. That mimicry of his is going to get him in trouble someday. I should have known. Usually we have an hour yet."
The other guard chuckles indulgently. "Aye, young Tom's a handful. Azalor will whip him into shape soon enough, mark my words."
"You keep an eye on him for me, Harren," says Jalk darkly. "I'd best get back to handle the situation."
Harren nods. When Jalk stomps back to the kitchen, he laughs again, shaking his head, then heads down to the opposite end of the hall ("Hey, Riul, guess what Tom did now!") to regale the other guard, who has been watching curiously.
If I was the baron and I owned a near priceless relic I'd keep it close at hand! Vox eyes up the guards for a moment and then approaches the door Jask tried. Waiting for the guards to turn away she fishes out her lockpicks and, the moment the guards are out of sight, begins picking at the lock.
If Vox can crack the lock she'll sneak in and close the door behind her as silently as possible. If not then she'll retreat behind a bust, or into another place of safety and think some more.
Vox is able to unlock the door on the first try.
Baron Velstaf's study is a well-decorated room, but not lavish. Bookcases line the inner walls, and a writing desk is set beneath a window.
Right, where could such a thing be kept? Drawers? The desk? Secret panels behind the bookshelves? For want of a better place to start Vox heads to the writing desk and begins an efficient and thorough search.
There is no magic in the room.
Not seeing anything immediately significant both Vox and Iolaire focus on the desk.
One of the drawers of the desk has a false bottom. Under the false bottom, there are a number of short and cryptic records. They each contain a date and a gold piece amount, but the payee is identified only by initials, and the reason is always “services rendered.”
What do you think Iolaire? I'd guess these are the people who have paid the baron for healing... but I can't make head or tail of these initials. Maybe Julia will have more luck.
Vox scoops all the notes into her pack before carefully shutting the drawer and continuing her search around the room. Once she's searched everything she takes stock of her exit options.
Vox realizes from the notes that there was a cluster of transactions approximately one week ago and a steady number of small transactions since. Before that, transactions were fairly sporadic.
Besides the door she came in, there is a door to the south as well as a window to the courtyard.
Vox takes a swift look out into the courtyard to check it for potential threats before heading to the southern door. She listens carefully, before (if it seems clear) opening it slowly.
The courtyard has gardeners labouring away and chained-up dogs snoozing in the sun. A guard walks past on her rounds.
The door requires unlocking before it can be opened, but there are no sounds coming from the other side. The next room is large, luxurious, and currently unoccupied. There are thick velvet-cushioned chairs, bright gold leaf inlaid on the walls, and a fireplace to one side of the room. A door to the right appears to head back out to the main hallway.
Iolaire, can you sweep the room please? As her companion sweeps the room Vox relocks the door before conducting a thorough search, hoping against hope that she will find something of significance in the room.
Assuming that she finds nothing she heads to the new door, listens closely before gently opening it (with her lockpicks if necessary).
Iolaire doesn't find anything magical in the room. Vox spies Gaius's letter on the table, and a listing of people who have paid for the blessing so far. There are some recognizable names on the list, but fortunately no friends.
The door is locked from the inside. Vox can hear the guards talking on the other side. The door opens to the main hallway.
Vox, hearing the voices outside, thinks better of her plan and retreats back through the previous room, laboriously unlocking and re-locking the doors behind her. She carefully returns to the corridor and checks it in both directions before taking advantage of the guards continuing conversation to slip across the hallway and up the nearest staircase, hugging close to the wall as she goes.
Vox successfully makes it up the stairs, which lead to a wide landing. In the center of the landing is a five-foot wide, eight-foot high stained glass window featuring a knight in shining armor standing on the head of a green dragon the knight presumably slew.
Off of the landing is a five-foot hallway, which circles the entire floor and overlooks the main hall. A wooden banister prevents anybody from accidentally falling off the ledge. Vox can see five doors leading off the hall (one right by Vox, one to the south, and three on the opposite side). Two guards are standing outside the south door.
After a swift glance at the window Vox tries the nearest door, unlocking it if necessary, and then slips through quietly, trying to get out of sight before considering her next move.
Once inside Vox moves swiftly to glance through the papers, trying not to touch anything as much as possible.
Going up isn't going to help. If the rumours about dungeons are true then anything valuable is going to be below ground not above it... What do you think Iolaire?
You're right. The sibilant voice of the bow sounds in Vox's head. We need to get down, not up. Not unless you want to meet the baron and give him a good shaking?
Tempting, but no. We'd have to kill him or he'd raise the household and I don't want to kill people unless I have to. I'll make an exception for his guard captain though. That man was downright unpleasant to Julia - that won't stand.
Conversation concluded and room searched Vox returns to the door and cautiously pokes her head out.