Perception +7
Bloodied your nose a bit, eh? Tell you what...
Saul unleashes another blow.
...give up now...
And another
...and I won't take it off your face.
Sauls first strike crumples the man to the ground, a large ugly bruise already spreading across the side of his face. To the south the thug has disappeared around a corner, but shouting and yelling can be heard from that direction.
Anthony comes rushing down the stairs, finally finding enough space to stand easily on the cobblestone.
Searching through the drawers of the desk and scanning the papers on it reveals nothing of interest. Just business records.
Talor speaks up as Vaek looks about, "Mister Banden never kept records of certain goods being moved or stored. So best just to leave things as they are. They won't find anything a miss by searching the records."
With noone to interupt his spell, he this time successfully managed to cast his spell on Saul.
The spell should make carrying him easy, now lets get out of here while we can. North id say, unless youve got another idea?
Turning to Cheyle he added.
You should slip away on your own, I doubt anyone who saw what happened here will even remember your presence. Not with a giant spellcaster and man of Sauls description around. Meet up at the Crow when you can.
After the crates are unloaded,Maeltheron sends Dale on his way, and instructs the Barkeep to send Vaek to the private room with the crates when he arrives. In the meantime, Maeltheron will attend the crates, opening each and searching carefully for the narcotics.
Once Sic and Sorad are done with the sipher the half orc will suggest returning to the Crow to check in with the others....and to get some damn grub already!..book work makes me bloody hungry, you heard?
I agree. There isn't much more we can do here.
Saul cocks his head to the side and listens to the yelling.
North works. Sounds far less crowded to me.
While Krast prepares his spells, Saul swiftly digs in his pouch of for potion, and downs it with one gulp.
You're a useful fella to have around, Krast.
Saul grins as he feels the arcane energy flow through his body. Lead the way.
Cheyle ducks down one of the side streets, disappearing from sight.
With his magic infused strength Saul easily picks up Serl's unconscious form, barely feeling the added weight, then follows Anthony to the northern cross street.
You haven't been on the east-west running street for more than ten seconds when shouts from the street you just left are telling that the guards have a arrived. "Spread out and search the area."
People on the street give Saul sideways glances, hastily stepping to the side to let him pass.
Anthony wondered briefly how odd he looked, flying across the pavement at the speed of a race dog, all while limping. He would have laughed at the thought if they werent still in terrible danger.
Suddenly getting an idea, he slowed down just long enough to reach into his haversack. Retrieving a potion he handed it to Saul.
Invisiblity..*huff*..potion. Get it *huff* down his throat. People will keep *huff* being able to point the *huff* guards in our direction if *huff* they spot you hauling another man around like *huff huff* that.
Then he returned to the task of finding that damnable sewage drain.
EDIT:
Grimacing as a soft sting had already started to settle in his sides, Anthony forced himself to run through the pain I really have to get into shape one of these days.
Im taking us to a nearby wash area, theres a chance we might be able to fit down the drain, but dont count on it. Keep your eyes peeled for any good places to hide.
After Talor leaves the office. Vaek begins to write a letter in the handwriting of Drail
Draev,
I know you would just assume have nothing to do with me. I have not been the father you wanted. I don't blame you for ignoring my request to come back to Coran. I am getting continued pressure from the group of merchants that I told you about. I am starting to think they simply want me out of the way to they can take over my business.
I will be damned if I let those greedy bastards own any portion of this business. We have a shipment coming in tonight that they personally want to move off the ship. It doesn't seem right.
No! They are here early and their are six of them. It was only supposed to be two. This cannot be good!
After finishing the letter, Vaek 'hides' it in the the top drawer of the desk. He then spends several minutes looking through the office to see if there is any legitimate clues that could lead to the true killer.
Perception +7
Afterward, he makes his way down to the warehouse to look for Mael.
After completing the letter to head out of the Drail's office... and find the four guards who had been at the warehouse standing near the door waiting for you. "Mr. Banden, for your own safety we have been asked to keep watch over you in case whoever killed your father has further ideas."
With the benefits of the magic Saul and Anthony quickly get away from the area where the guards are searching and reach the wash area. Half a dozen woman are busy washing dirty clothing in the dirty pool of water that drains down into the sewers. The grate is small and would prove a very tight fit. Several shops and a tavern surround the area, along with a couple of small homes.
In a cheerful voice, "Wonderful. if only you had provided my father the same courtesy. I will be working in my office late into the night. With the exception of Talor or my companion from earlier, anyone who approaches after working hours should be considered criminal. Treat them with prejudice. And to think, I was going to need to hire my own guards."
Vaek walks back to his office. Before entering, he gives the guards one last order, "Don't let anybody in this door, I do not wish to be disturbed."
Vaek locks the door behind him and opens the window. He begins to thoroughly search the office of clues about Drail's death, or anything else of note.
One of the guards shrugs, "Had your father let us know of the threats against him we might have afforded him some protection."
Before leaving for the Crow, Sic stops Sorad with an outstretched hand.
Look bub, you best be changing your looks. That rat Maklo gave a right good telling of your gnomish appearance, savvy? I'll ne taking my own advice. No reason to push our luck.
Finding an out of way place; the half orc will murmur under his breath. He shrinks a half a foot a and seems to lose considerable bulk. With wavy brown hair and modest clothes he was ready to continue to their meeting place.
Late that night, when all others have long since gone to sleep, Mistress Diguri gathers everyone together into one of the rooms to hear of the days events. She still wears her disguise as one of the serving woman, though in the privacy of a room the pretense of a docile servant is gone.
Serl sits tied and gagged in one corner of the room.
Anthony sat at the table, the fading stench of sewage still hanging heavily upon him. He imagined it was practically visible on him like the haze of a hot summer.
Leaning in over the table he whispered to Sic.
I think this might be more your type of "negotiation" than mine Sic. Just dont be unnessesarily rough okay?
With that, he got out of his chair and walked to the window, looking out into the darkness outside. He would rather not be in the room at all when Sic went to work, but he would have to settle for not looking.
Sic sat with his brawny arms across his chest and stared at the man bound to the chair. He raised an eyebrow at Krast's remark and then shrugged...dont take a wizrdd to see that he wants me to put the screws to this guy...but why?...
Hey I know the limits but what's the skinny on this poor fool? Who is he to us Tony?
Maeltheron sits comfortably with his feet up on an opposing chair as he carefully watches the interplay between Anthony and Sic.
Are they going to good cop, bad cop this thing.
Mistress, I was able to secure the spice, and I have it here safe at The Crow. I was hoping to discuss further with Vaek the appropriate distribution channels, but he has been tied up until now with his portrayal of the prodigal son.
An explanation of what he knows is important before any investigation starts, Tony. Perhaps you could give us some background on what happened?
Anthony raised an eyebrow of his own at Sics question. Apparently he thought it was private when I recounted what happened, to the Mistress.
Like I said earlier Sic, this "poor fool" is an accomplice of Firyin. He was guarding the walkway outside the appartment when we arrived, so its safe to say he was a trusted henchman. Now that Firyin has escaped, hes our best chance at finding out where he may be hiding.
He looked over at Serl with a sideways glance.
Im just sort of assuming he isnt in the mood to tell us anything, but I guess we can start easy and go from there. Who knows, he might even want to change employer.
Sic unfolded his arms and stood up....change employers?..what the hell is Tony talking about?..dont he know that we cant ever allow this guy to walk out of here?..
Start easy huh? Aint no such thing when you're bound to a chair with a pack of ruthless thugs surrounding you...not to mention the two cannibals...hahaha...lets draw a little blood and see if that loosens his tongue.
Sic walked over and ran a stubby finger across Serle's cheek.
and then undoes the man's gag.
Id start talking if I was you bub...but keep it real quiet like. Now, where do we find Firyin? and what does Maklo have to do with all of this?
"Excellent work Maeltheron. See it makes it's way into Rosuc's hands when you can. He will be eager to purchase another supply to ease the cares and pains of the poor folk of Coran."
Serl flinches at Sic's touch, sucking in a deep breath as his skin peels back where Sic's finger runs along his cheek leaving a streak of red that begins to drip onto his short. His eyes are frantic.
Before Serl has a chance to answer, "Oh don't worry Serl, if you scream and wake the inn we will simply slaughter everyone staying here tonight." the Mistress says with a smirk.
"If he ain't back at his apartment he's probably at the Murdoch estates." Serl blurts out.
The Murdoch's are a minor merchant family. They've been around for a long time, but have never risen to great wealth or power in the city. They live at the north end of the city.
After days of barely eating, Saul ravenously digs into his plate of food.
That'd boy, nice fast answer. Saul says between bites But I believe th' gentleman ask'd you two questions.
Serl's eyes widen, flicking to Saul then back to Sic, thinking back on what was asked, trying to remember.
"Maklo was Ilvaria's lapdog. Firyin wants him dead."
Sic nodded to Diguri that he knew where the Murdoch's were but made it look he was greeing with her threat of killing everyone in the inn and contunued asking questions.
What stake do the Murdoch's have in this? and why would he want Maklo dead? are you saying that Firyn aint in league with Ilvaria?
Vaek comes approaches the door to the backroom. Changing his appears to that of Draev.
Entering through the door and closing it behind him. He looks at the Mistress. "Mistress, Draev Banden at your service. The docks are secure for now."
In a instant, Vaek changes back to his standard look. "Ran into a little bit of trouble thanks to the servants of the Tower. Two in particular were not your standard guard. One of them named Tunny had a pair of short swords. He is going to be a bit nosy I suspect. His companion Aurelion who is of the house of Di Alkanov. I have spun a tale trying to place suspicion on the Merchants guild. In fact, I have left a letter 'hidden' in the office to be found pointing them on a wild goose chase. Surprisingly they didn't ask for official paperwork verifying my identity. I forged some, though if they pursue further, we may want to get a master forger to ensure there is no doubt."
Vaek looking around the room notices the tied up drow for the first time. He looks to Anthony, acting as if disgusted, "Anthony ... you can't bring every stray you find back home."
Hey Vaek, I filled in the Mistress on my end. I have the crates with the spice here at The Crow. We can discuss their delivery to Rosuc in detail after Anthony and Sic are done with their new friend.
A large smile plays across Mael's face as he leans back in his chair and crosses his arms to enjoy the show.
Anthony scowled at Vaeks remark.
It would behove you not to assume things Vaek, acting on assumptions is folly. As for this "stray" we did what was nessesary considering the outcome of our talks with Firyin.
Softening his expression he added.
As for the paperwork I agree we should have some made by a dedicated professional. We will need to plant any such papers in the records though. Im guessing those would be stored at the library? You should probably refrain from posing as Draev untill thats taken care of.
A flash of realization played across his face.
Speaking of papers, what did you write in this "hidden" letter?
He looked over at Sorad, not wanting to disturb Sics work.
And speaking of Maklo, what are our options in regard to him?
Speaking with confidence "Already considered that. As far as they are aware, Draev will be traveling back to Gumlat by the end of the week."
Scanning the room, his voice growing darker, "It simply intimates the involvement of the Merchants guild. That they wanted Drail removed, perhaps to take over the business for themselves. It does not name names, though when I spoke with the Tower Guards, I mentioned the house of Baelson."
Taking a moment to move over sitting at the edge of one of the tables. "It won't delay the Tower for long, but it should be good enough for us to 'Prove' that Draev is legitimate. Most importantly, we still have the business in our control to move goods as we see fit. Thus our assignment was successful."
Vaek nods at Mael with a look of satisfaction on face at a job well done.
"Maklo is a blathering fool. He'd have died long ago if not for Ilvaria's protection. And he deserves what's coming to him." Serl looks at Anthony with a nod of his head, "Ask him."
"And I'm not privy to Firyin's plans to the Murdochs. He's making some deal with them, but I don't know what it is." Serl's face is pale from the loss of blood, though the bleeding has now stopped, and sweat is beading on his forehead.
Noticing Serls condition, Anthony got up from his chair and walked over to the bound man, leaning past Sic. Sic probably knows the limits of the body more than most, but cant be too careful.
Running his hand over Serls wounded cheek, he expended the last magic of the day, curing some of the damage.
Not wanting to show Serl his concern, or the fact that he really hated the idea of torture, he put on a fasade of superiority and detachment from the situation.
Thats good Serl, very good. Keep talking and this may be the last magic you feel today. Old Sic here will be dissapointed ofcourse.
At the nemtion of Sic he lay his hand on the Sics shoulder, before turning to walk back to the table, lightly slapping Sics back as he removed his hand.
Saul puts down his fork, and narrows his eyes at Serl. When did Firyin start makin' his bed with the Murdoch's? How often does he go out there 'n how long does he usually stay?
The orcish brute waved off the questions in regards to Maklo.
We can discuss that later. Pretty boy aint going no where fast and we got this chump sitting right here that needs attention.
Sic was more than annoyed at Anthony healing Serle why they were putting him to the question and shot him a dark look at Serle's comment.
Whats he mean by 'Ask him' Tony? What do you know of this Firyin and his plans?
He ignored his fellow conspirator's hand on his shoulder as his thoughts took an even darker turn...disappointed?..doubtfull on that bub...this fool has seen and heard way too much already...no, his blood will run faster and freer than his tongue has this night...and Father Skinsaw will be pleased...
Color returns to Serl's face at Anthony's touch. The fear in his eyes remains though. In response to Saul's question, "I don't know, a couple months ago I guess. He spends a day or so at a time there at most."
Anthony looked back at Sic, meeting the half orcs stare with an uncharacteristically dark one of his own.
I lived under Maklos heel for years remember? He may be a fool, but hes cunning like any Drow. Anyway I believe Serl was refering to this:
He leaned on his good leg, tapping his cane against his other useless knee.
Although thats hardly a reason to kill a man...but hes done enough to deserve it.