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In Stealth and disguised per her usual protocol, Soliel made her way back to the Tower. The information on House Seris had been both hard-won and small, a poor combination. She had doubts about the usefulness of it, particularly given the distance to Gumlat. She did, however, want to run one related lead to ground.
After arriving back at the Tower she waited as usual until well inside before dropping her guise and making herself visible again. Pulling out the battered black journal Brother Tomlin first started keeping when a group such as this was pulled together by the Mage, she made her way to the Tower archives and began researching land ownership for farms near Gumlat.
He nods to Soliel, "Following your lead, sis."
Soliel spots the half-elven girl Ellenora pacing back and forth in front of the house Roland had indicated. She is easy to pick out given her description. She appears rather distraught.
"That her?" Ian asks, slowing down. He looks to the disguised Soliel. "You want me with or should I just keep watch while you talk to her?"
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Soliel frowned as she took in the half-elf's frazzled state. You may as well come with. If something is threatening her you may even provide some soothing with your presence. Do not let her know we are from the Tower yet. That may come out soon, but I intend to hold onto it for the time being.
Still guised as a human merchant, she tweaked it a bit to look a bit more important and perhaps just-ever-so-slightly out of place in this part of town. Ian's presence might make more sense then. She calmly walked up and said in a friendly tone, Ellenora yes? I apologize for being abrupt but I have some information for a friend of yours and I'm hoping he has some for me in turn. Checking to ensure no one is watching she added, Firyin is that friend of course and I can assure you we have quite a mutual interest here.
Ian pulls his cloak over the tower emblem on his armor. He follows a few steps to Soliel's left and behind her, watching the surroundings for anyone paying undue attention.
Arriving at he library with his diminutive companion, Wraxus considers his options. I could spend the day pouring over texts and quietly questioning a variety of the other librarians... or I can go straight to the source. After a brief inquiry, one of the librarians points him in the direction of a small, older woman. Wraxus watches her work for a time before approaching. "Pardon me and good day, but would you be Librarian Cena? My name is Wraxus Drake, formerly a magister of the city watch, now a citizen dedicated to the protection of our fair city. I apologize for drawing you away from your work, but I wonder if you could assist me with some questions that you may have particular interest in?"
Ellenora sees Soliel approaching and watches her curiously. At mention of Firyin though her face darkens in anger. "I have no interest in that rat. He can throw himself into the sea and drown for all I care." Her hand reaches inside her shirt, but then she stops and looks around at the street where beggars sit and others walk, and pulls her hand back out empty. "If you have news for him, go hunt him down yourself."
"Ah, yes, yes, of course my good man. Come, follow me, and we can speak in private in one of the storage rooms here."
She leads the way to a small room with a table in the center stacked with books. Two of the walls are lined with shelves filled to the top. A stained glass window overlooks the library gardens on the east.
Cena pulls a single chair from behind the table and passes it over, "Have a seat please, and ask me your questions, and we shall see if I have the answers."
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Summoning up a look of puzzlement was not hard for Soliel, adding a note of concern to her countenance was the only effort. Taking in the others around as well, Soliel gently motioned the girl away from the prying ears. In hushed tones she asked, it sounds as if....things have changed since a colleague of mine spoke with you. Could you tell me a bit more about what caused the falling out with Firyin? Glancing at her shirt she added, it also sees you have something hidden there. Should I be worried?
Ian sets a hand on the hilt of his greatsword cautiously, then lowers it again, matching Ellenora's movement. He sticks by Soliel, on watch for threats.
Wraxus calmly follows the librarian into the room and graciously accepts the seat, lowering his sizeable frame down upon it. "Thank you. As I said before, I am looking into some matters pertaining to the safety of our noble city. Along the ways, I found a strange religious text, perhaps written by someone half-mad, with a curious inscription upon the bottom... Cena blood is life. Mean anything to you?"
"Because he is a blithering idiot. Doesn't care a whit for anyone else or who it hurts to get what he wants. So if you want my advice, disavow any deal or bargain you have with him as it will have no value for you unless it happens to coincide with his current whims."
There is certainly more detail to her story then the surface details she has given.
"She sticks her hand over the spot on her shirt. No, there is nothing for you to worry about. Now can you go bother someone else?"
Cena screws up her face. "That is... odd. Could I see this text? Nothing comes to mind."
Her hands and voice shake as she speaks, you are quite certain she is lying.
At Cena's fumbling and obviously dishonest words, Wraxus' expression draws frustrated and cold. After a long stretch of silence, he sighs, "I must say, I am disappointed. You are here in the library, so I assumed as a researcher you'd have drawn more knowledge from the description I gave of myself. Perhaps a bit of aid would help? Let's see, I stated I was formerly a magister of the city watch, so from that we can deduce I am at least a moderately skilled arcanist and likely have at least some investigative skill. Then we can take into account the fact that I have left said service, likely because my skills have outclassed the challenges of that work. Of course, I said I serve as a 'private citizen' dedicated to the protection of our nation. Of course, when I said private, I really meant I was backed by a more powerful force. Then, finally, there is my heritage..." leaning forward, Wraxus bears his enlarged canines and draws focus to his primal blood, "which I am sure you can guess lends me a bit of an agressive nature. So, Librarian Cena, perhaps you would like to reconsider your statement that you have no idea what the line pertaining to you was in reference to?"
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Soliel eyed the girl for a moment, keeping the incredulity from her expression. and you are shocked that underworld snakes would betray. The lessons will come quickly for this one. She then glanced over at Ian and with a polite smile asked, could you give us a moment? And afterward, rounds on Ellenora with fire in her eyes. In a low but vicious tone she said, You can hate Firyin if you desire, I truly do not care. You can hate me, I truly do not care. You can leave this city, rat out your friends or even join Diguri. I. Do. Not. Care. BUT, I do care to find out EXACTLY where Firyin is and I do care to know EXACTLY what this falling out is all about. You will tell me NOW, girl, or your problems will multiply faster than you can fathom. Now SPEAK.
Ian shrugs and goes over to a street vendor and gets a couple legs of spiced chicken. He watches Soliel's direction as he eats, but isn't too worried.
Cena pales as Wraxus speaks and bares his teeth. Her hands trembling, she reaches into a pocket and removes a parchment and a writing implement. "Here. Here" She begins writing, "tonight at midnight. The baths in the northern part of town." She writes down the cross streets to find it - it is barely legible. "The eastern bath. Remove the lose stone from the steps. There you will find it... the answers you are after."
Ellenora's eyes go wide with fright. She lifts the back of her shirt, "He did this when he found out Zam was dead." Her back is bruised, and there are several criss-crossing cuts. "He has been spending time with the merchants. The ones named..." she squints her face trying to remember, "...di'Alkinev, alkenov. Something like that. I don't know where they live."
"Ah, and here I thought I was going to have to have a fire-related mishap." Edmond says, smiling.
Wraxus leans back, relaxing and allowing his face to move to a soft smile. "Thank you, it warms my heart to know you are willing to help work toward the safety of our fair city. And I of course I assume there is no I'll intent or betrayal to be found at this bathhouse... Correct?"
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Soliel's eyes narrowed; she already knew Firyin could likely be found at the d'Alkanov's but hoped there was a way to interact that did not bring a major Merchant clan into the picture. It now appeared that hope was lost.
Little else truly concerned the tiefling here, but out of pure curiosity she continued her line of questioning. Who killed Zam? And, moreover, why was Zam killed? Tell the whole story.
Her looks of fear turns to one of horror at Edmonds remark. "In the library? You could not... that would be sheer madness."
"There will be others there. They will not take kindly to your presence."
"The half-orc, Sicsivicus, was here. He came with his allies and slaughtered Zam and the others. I could only watch. He said I could be rewarded if I did as I was told."
"Well, I figured the threat might be enough. Then again, I could keep it from burning the books as well."
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Soliel frowned, thought for a moment and responded. What other allies did Sicsivicus come with? Give me descriptions if you do not know names. What others, besides Zam, did they kill? Was there some other reason they were killed aside from the general gang war? Also, what were you told to do and what reward would you get for doing so?
Wraxus looks across the desk calmly at the aged scholar, though briefly shoots Edmond a subtle smile. "Librarian Cena, I trust you want this all to go as smoothly as possible. Tell me, what would make them be more welcoming to my presence? A letter of introduction from you, perhaps?"
"You will need to go alone. And you will need provide a sign, like this." Her hands are still trembling, but she holds out her left hand, the thumb extended, pointing up, and the first two fingers extended pointing out. The last two fingers are folded against her palm. "Be sure to wear a cowled robe that they cannot see your face."
"He was with Anthony and Vaek", she makes a sour face at the last one. "Zam, Meya, and Garad, all dead. They said she would reward me. But here I am still waiting for my reward", she spits on the ground. "Empty promises. They didn't even tell me what the reward might be. I told them who Firyin had holed up with. Did I have a choice? Sure, die instead."
Ian finishes the last of the chicken, tossing bones in the gutters.
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Soliel simply nodded, sympathy not being her strongest suit she offered the girl no aid. Instead she began to leave, but thought of one additional question. Would you know where Anthony and the others could be found if, say, you wished to speak with them?
Soliel simply gave Ian a nod as she began walking back, certain that he would understand the signal to proceed with her. At a low tone, barely more than a whisper she told him. It seems your old friends Anthony, Vaek and Sicsivicus paid the girl a visit. Perhaps we can pay them one back.
Halfway back to the Tower, Soliel split with Ian and hid for a moment in a dark alley. There she switched guises to a nondescript guard and in stealth traveled the rest of the way back to the Tower. Only after arriving inside Tower grounds did she drop both the disguise and back into visibility.
After gathering up whomever was available and interested, she proceeded to the room in which Aurelion was staying. With little more than a curt nod, she launched into her queries. Aurelion di'Alkenov, the Tower is in need of your assistance. As you may have heard, the criminal drow Firyin has reportedly taken residence in your family's estate. Do you know anything more of this matter, and what would you suggest regarding the best way to extract him?
Ian walks with her, leaning slightly closer to hear. He stops walking when she lists those names.
He struggles with words for a second then says through clenched teeth, "Yeah. Let's do that," face red. He broods the rest of the way back, murder in his eyes.
~~~
Back at the Tower, he opts to beat the s$%! out of a burlap punching bag rather than talk to this merchant guy, mind elsewhere.
Wraxus stands slowly and calmly, politely offering his well wishes as he does. "Librarian Cena, I thank you for your assistance and diligence in working toward the protection of our great city. I trust that, should the need arise in the future, we will once again find ourselves staunch allies. Good day."
Turning, Wraxus nods to Edmond, then walks out of the office and across the Library, heading for the entrance. Assuming Edmond follows, he turns to his diminutive companion, "Let's get back to the tower and reconnect with the others. Soliel's skills of stealth and deception could be quite useful in digging further into this scenario."
Edmond will follow Wraxus, hoping that Soleil has accomplished great strides, as usual.
Ellenora grimaces, "They laughed when I asked how to reach them. Useless lot all of them."
Standing next to Aurelion is Tunny Murdoch, Aurelion's constant companion.
Aurelion sighs with a frown, "I wondered how far my father might go. He is not an honest man. I have no desire to see him imprisoned, or worse, but the good, honest, and law abiding citizens of this city cannot be set aside for him."
"He will have guards with him", he looks at Tunny. "The Murdoch family has long been allies of ours. They train in all forms of combat and magical protections, and are most loyal. But given overwhelming numbers or a show of power that he does not think he can stand against he will surrender. If you seek only the drow, then summon the city guard, surround the place, and I quite expect my father will happily hand him over. If you seek to bring my father to justice as well, you are likely going to have a hard time finding proof of any wrong doing other than the word of Firyin and any allies of Firyin you take as well. The word of known thieves would not exactly be compelling in a trial. Otherwise you are going to need to take them by surprise and uncover any clear and direct evidence of his dealings with the underworld before he can dispose of it."
"There is a hidden entrance into the home that you will need to block off to prevent him from simply fleeing - or use to enter in. I can show you where it is, but I hope you understand I cannot take part in this task."
"Anything you want to add Tunny?"
The smaller man looks up dully. "If this is what you want Aurelion?"
"It is."
"There are actually two secret entrances that I am aware of. One in the cellar, which is the one you know about. There is another behind the chimney that leads down from the second floor into a narrow passage beneath the streets. I have searched, and don't have any reason to believe there are others, but I lacked experience at the time and may have missed something."
Cena bows her head, "Of course." She seems more then eager to be left alone.
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Soliel listened intently as Aurelion and Tunny spoke of the situation at the d'Alkenov manor. The Tower very much appreciates your allegiance, Aurelion. Such allegiance can be most difficult when family ties are pulled, but clearly you have not let their misdeeds cloud your vision. She paused to think a moment, taking a few steps as she did. The Masters must be consulted before any action is taken, but I suspect our best course of action is to speak with Firyin first. He must be dealt with at some point of course, possibly your father as well, but more immediate, pernicious threats also exist. Another pause. Very well, I believe that is all for now. I am assuming that you will be in the area a day or two longer, in case further consultation is needed?
After finishing her discussion with Aurelion and Tunny, Soliel sought out the Masters, with a preference to include Hast and Serelina if available. After she had found as many available as she could, she reported back the findings related to Firyin and the d'Alkenovs. Sir, Ma'am, recognizing the political implications of actions against a major merchant house, requesting guidance regarding mission limits to address the situation. Recommend we infiltrate the house, confront Firyin for information on the whereabouts of Anthony and his cohorts, then at a later point eliminate the drow. Ideally this would not involve elimination of d'Alkenov personnel, but if problems arose..... She let the last point hang in the air. There is also the matter of the d'Alkenovs' direct illegal activities. Should we address this as well?
Following her discussion with the Master's, she sought out Wraxus and Edmond for an update on the discussion with Librarian Cena. Soliel nodded as the details of the midnight meeting were revealed. We certainly need to attend that event. Looking at Wraxus she added, Sir, do have a preference regarding our tactics?
Wraxus stares at the agent quizzically. She is the senior member of this unit, is she not? Why does she see my guidance on this action.] "If you would know my thoughts, it would make sense to move on this cult, and whatever capacity in it is, swiftly. I came back with Edmund seeking your guidance, as it were. You seem to be the master of subterfuge on this team, and are far more familiar with the underworking of this city."
Ian rejoins the group, putting gauntlets on over bloody knuckles. "Alright, we're going after Anthony right?" He missed the briefing.
"Unless the Tower calls me to other errands, I will be available as needed."
Master Hast taps his fingers against his chin. "You suggest a wise course of action. Upsetting the merchants guild could cause undue problems. Subduing the di'Alkanov's, and then fining them for their activities would be preferable. If a few who are loyal to them are injured or worse in the process that should not represent any real issue, but members of the direct family should remain unharmed as much as possible."
Bellafini speaks, "The cult that Cena is a part of, should we assume that Bannali was also part of it? If so, they need to be taken out immediately lest we end up with more daemons sprouting up into the city. It may be best to take Cena into custody for further later questioning."
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Soliel pounded her right fist to her chest in the Friends' traditional salute, after proceeded away from the meeting with Masters Hast and Bellafini. All Masters were to be respected and obeyed of course, but she admitted to herself that she found Masters Hast and Bellafini to be particularly...sensible, when it came to difficult matters.
Moving briskly down the hall she headed directly for Aurelion's room. The man seemed surprised to see Soliel again so soon, but she moved past pleasantries to her request. Aurelion, I have met with the Masters regarding the situation with your family and Firyin. I am in need of an interior map of the manor house, could you sketch one with the rooms marked? Also, requesting a list of d'Alkenov family members, with descriptions. Could you provide this as well? The information will be critical to the plan the Masters approved going smoothly.
Soliel gave Wraxus a curt nod, something between acknowledgment and concurrence. Very well, we shou… At that moment Ian burst into the room, not having even tried to hide the damage he did to his fists, clearly in anger over Anthony and his dregs. Soliel turned and gave the much larger man a flat-eyed stare, her eyes turning black as night. And where should we go to "go after" Anthony, Ian? We do not know where the cockroach hides and that useless waif Ellenora had no information to aid. A brief pause So, your personal vendetta against one of many of the Towers' foes will need to wait. Firyin is our best chance to secure Anthony's location, and that will ideally be obtained tomorrow when we travel to the d'Alkenov's manor for a visit.
Another pause, to think and give space for protestations or other comments. The Masters concurred that the Cena cultists need to be dealt with, tonight. That will be our first order of business. Tomorrow I will visit the Iron Gullet at noon for information on Banmor. Assuming that is not urgent we address the d'Alkenov's manor and Firyin tomorrow as well.
Considering the matter closed, Soliel turned back to Wraxus. Conjurer Drake, perhaps we should take Librarian Cena into custody, yes? From your description of the conversation, it is hard to imagine she is but a forced bystander for these cultists. Bringing her in would allow her to later be put to the Question if need be. Master Bellafini certainly encouraged that course of action. Recommend....you direct a contingent of guards for the arrest. I will need to prepare my alchemical supplies for tonight. The tiefling's tone showed her level of discomfort at directing a mage to do anything.
"Thought you said we were payin' em back. I was eating chicken while you talked to her. Thought you knew where they were," he flexes his hands in the gauntlets. "Cultists tonight, manor tomorrow. Got it. When do we leave?"
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Soliel spent the remainder of the evening resting and preparing her poisons and elixirs. Afterward she secured a simple oversized cowl from the Tower, one that would hide the face. Gathering her gear she met the rest of the group at the main Tower gate and, after conferring about the plan changed her appearance to that of a nondescript human female merchant of middling wealth. The group then headed to the vicinity of the meeting point to move ahead with the plan.
The bath house is easy to find given the information Cena provided. A mechanical clock set into the wall of the bath house shows the time as 11:31. From inside can be heard the voices of two men talking to one another. Their conversation is filled with idle boasts about their mundane work day. The streets are otherwise empty
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After the other group members were settled nearby, Soliel requested a Message spell from Wraxus and then headed to the entrance of a nearby alley in stealth to observe the clock and bathhouse entrance. There she repeatedly practiced the hand-sign Wraxus had shown her. Left hand held out, the thumb extended and pointing up, the first two fingers extended pointing out, last two fingers folded against her palm. She then continued to wait and observe any others that might be coming or going.
Seeing the clock reach midnight, Soliel ghosted into the bathhouse in Stealth. Moving towards the eastern bath, she searched for a loose stone on the stairs and after finding it removed the stone. She then stepped to one side, consumed several elixirs and then proceeded through the opening while letting her innate cloaking ability drop. She strode forward, fully cowled, and when needed made the hand sign to enter. Under the cowl she disguised herself to appear like Sela from the Iron Gullet.
Ian nods to Soliel before she sets out, "Good luck sis."
Then settles in with a drink to pass the time.