Kaul looks concerned for a moment, then brightens at the thought of a mug o' grog.
"Hur. Now yer talkin' Jimmer... but where's to free-quent like? Hur...."
:
Kaul realizes that they aren't going to find much open on account of the curfew especially in the rather safe and staid Eastern District. The best bet might be knocking on the door of the Black Gull to see if he can charm his way in, but likely just returning to the ship is the most certain route to drink.
*******
Kaul scratches his muttonchop with a mechanical finger and nods to himself;
"We could try the Gull lads... but Buster ain't one fer visitors. Reckons the ship or we hunker down somewhere out o' sight?"
"I'm here tae let yer boss know what tae expect... we knows what tha feckin splodies looks like so we ken warn him. That an ask a request o' him tae see whas left o' tha council warned an tha other names onna list seen right tae warnin too. Figure Finn's got ways o' gettin tha word through that'd cut past curfew an be heard like."
"Tha other names an what the boom boom looks like is fer Finn's ears... or at least in 'is direct presence like... so... ye goan fetch 'im?"
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Finn gives Dibbets a not particularly friendly smile. "Well, it has been a while. At first I thought that you may have gone after Black Dog's treasure on your own and skipped town after. If that were the case then you made a grave error returning to Freeport."
"But then I heard that you were on some lark in Bloodcove and now I hear that you know something about recent events on the west side of town. I'm honestly not sure what to make of all this news. Do tell." The crime boss leans forward, eyebrows raised in exaggerated interest.
Dibbs whiles away the short wait rubbing his crutch armpit while balancing on a single peg. After Trask guides him through Dibbs gives a grin and a wink before spilling details "Aye... been busy dealin wi' some pretty fecked up characters. Unfortunately like, had tae deal wi' tha same here. Ye know the booms that went off at Kolter's an Maurice's? - well... we were onna track o' tha bastard's involved... had a bit o' luck an flushed tha buggers out."
"Weird arse albino gnome by name o' Nestor's involved... as is an orcy gang by name o' Salty Blades. Their plan fer some feckin unknown as o' yet reason were tae wreak a bit o' havoc by blowin absolute buggery oot o' FIVE places aboot 'ere. Three they ain't hit yet is the Temple o' Knowledge... Seaside Market... an 'ere in tha good ol' HBA."
"Now we's thinkin it'd be a good bloody idea tae put this afore tha Council sooner rather than laters, but we look like a drowned cat dragged arse end down a washin board... an tha curfew ain't goan do us favors wi' gettin word through. That's where I gets thinkin and thought o' yersel."
"Not withstandin that we ain't got much business between us like, but I knows o' ye... an so does tha whole feckin sh1teshow. A storms comin Finn... dunno when, nei how... but fer Freeport tae stand tall we needs tha likes o' ye on yer feet and nei blown ontae yer arse. So I'm comin nei askin fer any fame nor favor oot o' this - but givin it freely an just askin fer a bit o' a lend in tha name o Freeport."
"Get word through tae whats left o' tha council - I knows tha curfew ain't goan mean sh1te tae yer means... an they needs tae know. Tarmon's a man who set us tae path an he or his men should hear ye. Oh... an fore I forgets, there were eight o' tha boomers by our reckonin... Two gone off an' we caughts a third leaves five live by me measure. They looks like clay jars but wi' strange arse rune on 'em." using his hands to help describe size and shape.
Sniffing and sticking his pinky in one ear to chase away an itch Dibbs cocks his head and finishes "So... ye on board like?"
Finn leans back looking thoughtful. "Chaos is bad for business; at least business as usual. We can work together, you may have proved yourselves useful after all. Do you know anything else? Who is the source of the bombs? How are they being delivered? I can get a message to Tarmon, but anything else that is known will help."
Dibbets fills Finn in with what details are known, without holding anything back. He doesn't speculate on motives though... just on details.
Chewing his cud a few moments as he puts mind to the thinking, the filthy halfling responds once his little grey cells have cogitated "Don't rightly know fer sure like. We follered a trail o' crumbs like a good little seagull... Tarmon gave us a line tae tha potter made tha jars - but he's dead, cut by that Salties. Then that led tae some mage called Parnass... he's dead too - bled oot by Zelkema."
"So we's buggers off that way, shank some god awful monstrosity held together wi' acid n' spit... then ended Zelkema afore we mets who I reckon's highest up that we's seen - Whitecoat tha albino gnome bastard. He got away frae us, but we met an ended some o' tha Salties an a nasty-ish bugger named Prolk. Then we gots down intae tha whitey's lair an found some interestin sh1t that Jimmer's got back at tha ship."
"Some mention o' Rentak's Runners, Capt. Whitemoon, and tha Freeport Orphanage. Nei sure how it all figgers in like, but Tarmon or his like can get tha books frae Jimmer jus soon as he likes tae take a peepsie. Course... iffin ye wanted yer men or us tae help in any peekin soonish we'd be up fer it like."
Finn doesn't show much reaction until the end. "The Orphanage? What did you see about the Freeport Orphanage?"
Shrugging "Nei idea... books wi' Jimmer but he's a bit tall fer yer entry quirements eh? Iffin ye wants a peepsie youll need tae ask him back in like"
Finn looks annoyed, but waves off one of the halfling toughs to retrieve the human sailor. A few moments later, the low door opens to where the rest of the crew ponder where to find a drink. The halfling calls for Jim only, making sure orcs and Tians aren't allowed.
Smiling to show Jimmer there's little overt to fear Dibbs explains "He wants a look at tha ledger Jimmer, special the bits wi' stuff on tha Orphan house."
As Jimmer is called upon, Kaul scowls once again, then looks toward Dingus;
"Hur. Reckons they know yer snake would eat them little rat basterds fer supper! Hur!"
Dingus returns Kaul's look with a more disturbing look of his own.
"Richard prefers to eat living things, but perhaps I could chop them into little pieces, then cast an illusion on them to make the parts look like squirming little rodents".
He then starts to move forward, rolling up his voluminous sleeves.
"Shall we try out the theory"?
the Groom catches hold of the seat of Dingus' robe. "Belay that, mate. No need to exacerbate things." Jim ducks low under the door and it slams shut behind him and there is the sound of bolts slid. Back in Finn's office, Jim hands over the account book.
It takes the diminutive crime boss only a moment to read the tale among the names and figures. "It seems no mere chance that I was targeted. Wednesday is colluding with the gnome Aspis Agent. Mister Wednesday is the fool who fashions himself my rival on the west side of the city. The Freeport Orphanage is the main front business for his pathetic attempt at a thieves' guild. I've tolerated his presence for quite some time since our interests didn't really overlap, but he's forgotten his place of late and this likely explains it. Allying with the Aspis Consortium appears to have given him a bit of false confidence."
Finn gazes down at the book again. "This Whitecoat is likely using Rentaks' Runners for delivery of the bombs. I don't doubt some of Wednesday's orphans have infiltrated the business if Rentak isn't directly on the payroll. Here's the plan: the HBA is forewarned and I can get word to the Council and Temple of Knowledge. The only place still in danger is the Seaside Market. Your crew should head to Rentak's and try to prevent any delivery if possible, but if not, focus on identifying and stopping the runner that's heading to the Market."
"Have you any notion of how quickly they'll be moving, now that they know they've been found out?" Without waiting for an answer, the Taldan glances down at Dibbets. "Mate, we've had a long day. Got some indifference that'll keep us on our feet a mite longer yet?"
At Dingus' suggestion Kaul brightens up, then pertinently sighs as Jim bids they hold off from bloody mayhem.
"Next time we does the talkin' Ding... Hur-hur-hurrrr.."
The thug taps his axe with a knowing grin.
Dibbs weighs the weight of his soul and headache and measures "Aye, likely got a tad left... less yer feelin generous like Finn?" pausing for half a moment just to see before getting to the dispersing...
"... less yer feelin generous like Finn?"
"Generosity sin't good for business, but I do appreciate the notification. Burdock, get them two strong healing potions. Jim here doesn't look too good."
Dibbs gives the halfling overboss a nod of acknowledgement "Taken kindly... best for all o' us we ken take these feckers head on. We're yer sods fer tha job... ain't subtle but none much ken scrap like we can." looking to Jimmer to see if he had any more questions before giving Finn one last comment "An jus fer bein straight... afters this is done we's back to what we we're afore like... as in we ain't got ties an' we ain't owe each other nothin?"
"Definitely not subtle," Finn assents with a nod and waves Trask to see the sailors out.
With the not-so beginning of a beautiful friendship, Jim and Dibbets are escorted out with a pair of potion vials and rejoin their mates to plot their next moves.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
On the way out Dibbs holds for long enough to get an assurance that word is sent to Tarmon immediately, and looks also to ensure the papers stay with Jimmer.
Once without he lets out a relaxing exhalation "Right... that went better than a punch in the gut" and fills Kaul and Dingus in on what transpired within. At the end he asks Kaul especially "So... ye know much bout these Rentack types?"
Kaul finishes taking a p1ss near the doorway of the Finn's place, then lumbers o'er to where Dibbs fills them in.
The thug dredges his memory on what he knows about Rentack;
:
As he mulls the brute offers how they can stymie the messengers:
"Reckon we should 'amstring 'em all? Can't run that way see... An' lopp off their arms... Can't carry boompots that way see... Hur."
The brute mugs a grin at his canny plan.
Kaul is well familiar with the delivery service which is located down on the Docks next to the Rusty Hook behind the Lobstermen. A half-elf named Rentak Lo'Quiss runs the place and tends to hire extremely energetic youngsters to run light packages about town. When on delivery, the runners wear a blue armband displaying the business’ logo— a red hawk carrying a scroll in its talons. Kaul has heard rumors that this is actually based on Rentak’s family crest, but he's no longer supposed to be using it because of some incident in Taldor where he used to live.
Dingus was laying up against a wall, his legs splayed un-lady-like sleeping soundly, with a trail of saliva running down the side of his chin, when the two emerge from the den. A bit surprised to see them seemingly still alive and with all limbs intact (At least those they entered with). He starts to wakefulness when they come out, and yawning and stretching listens to their tale.
Chewing his cheek Dibbs measures Kaul's added information and helpful suggestions "No knowin iffin they or Rentak's in on tha job... but best we get there soonish an scope tha bastard rather than sittin back. Use our peepers, an iffin that dinnae work we ken poke around more violent like... Be good tae get a looksee at 'is books though..."
Dingus' little snake nap seems to have some him some good. He no longer feels poorly, but the same cannot be said for Jim and Kaul. As the crew stealthily move back through the Eastern District to the Docks, the Groom gives Dibbets a concerned eye. "Maybe we should do something about those two. They seem to be getting worse by the hour."
Sizing up the pair Dibbs shrugs "Iffin ye cannae do aught... I ain't got feck all chance eh?... jus leaves Pegger as yer only option eh?"
"But ain't fer nei at least takin eyes straight tae Rentak's on tha now... might be we needs tae split iffin yer right in thinkin they're screwed up."
Kaul nods as he listens to the course of action, then he moves off on point for the group.
As he does the brute's beady eyes flit, and brow furrows... and he whispers to his axe...
Sizing up the pair Dibbs shrugs "Iffin ye cannae do aught... I ain't got feck all chance eh?... jus leaves Pegger as yer only option eh?"
the Groom takes note of Kaul's behavior and just shakes his head shedding a few drops of brine off his stringy hair onto his much shorter companion. "I've got no healing for that. Besmara might not see blood madness as a bad thing anyway. If Peg-Leg has nothing, we might need to go see that gilded gnome again. We'll pair dearly I'm sure."
Grumbling and frowning "We need eyes at Rentack's now an nei waitin tae chase doon that arse chargin gnome. Iffin yer inna need fer healin then go an try... but I'm fer puttin at least me own peepers at tha Runners... I ken wait fer yers there."
As Dibbs' and The Groom mull the state of their shipmates sanity, Kaul still muttering to his axe stops suddenly and drops into a combative stance.
Axe ready and claw raised, the brute stares into the shadowy gloom;
"Ye see that lads? Lil' Half-Inch... back to haunt Ol' Kauly... Whispers in the dark..."
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Jim squints at the shadows Kaul indicates. He puts a reassuring hand on Kaul's shoulder, "Half-Hitch is gone, Mate. That's just in your head." Jim takes his hand back and inspects it. "It's the Brainboil or whatever Whitecoat infected us with. It was in the blood and it's still on us. We've got to get clean! Clean it off or we're DEAD!" Jim is yelling now as he starts to strip off his clothes. "FIRE! We need a fire to burn all this stuff and KILL THE PLAGUE!"
As Jim begins to scream and strip, Kaul's beady eyes dart back to the shadows...
"Besmara's briney teats! Yer right Jimmer! Yer right... It ain't Half-Inch.."
He let's out a breath of relief, then blinks at the shadows again;
"There is somethin' there! It's... It's..."
The thug frowns, then growls a warning at the shadows in the street;
"FECKIN' STUMPY! E's BACK!"
Dibbs just faceslaps and shakes his head, casting eye to the two less affected in the group "Well... they's fecked in the head enough tae be less'n useful... but I still reckons we needs eyes on tha Runners jus in case sh1te kicks off wi'out us while we're babysittin... So Groomy, go an cast an eye eh? - me'n Dingy'll see iffin we ken de crazy tha longshanks" before turnin back tae Kaul'n Jimmer "Roight ye two twiglets, stop bloody blatherin an lissen up... we're off tae Peggers ok? - he's got'n special feckin soap or summat that'll clean off tha plague an... I dunno... an eyepatch that'll let ye see tha tongue beast... so lets off'n go... come on... ye behave there'll be rum fer ye after."
The commotion on the street finally attracts the Watch. A patrol appears down the street from the group just as Dibbets offers to take his brain-fevered mates to the Temple District. the Groom scowls at the newcomers before answering Dibbets. "No, I believe I can handle this better. You and Dingus get on to Rentak's. We will join you as soon as we can."
Shrugging an affirmation and shifting the crutch in the crook of his armpit Dibbs accedes "Right che are Groomy... dinnae take nei lip frae 'em though eh? C'mon Dingus, lets get movin."
Dibbets and Dingus quickly move off heading down an alley. Jim seems to regain his senses momentarily as the Watch closes in. At least he stops taking off his clothes and gazes forlornly at pile. One of the Watch spots the hobbling halfling and Tian retreating and asks if they should go after them, but the leader waves them off as he looks at the odd trio that remains behind. "What's going on here?" the grizzled guard asks uncertainly.
*******
Dingus and Dibbets reach the messenger business with no further mishaps. All is still and dark in the early morning hours.
At the gruff guard's question Kaul scowls, puts metal claw to pursed hairlip then tips his no-necked noggin toward the shadows;
"Shhh lads. Stumpy legg'ed deader lurkin' in the dark... Evil basterd so it is..."
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
The Watch leader looks a little uncertain at Kaul's ranting and peers about before noticing the Groom's lack of concern. He pats a heavy cudgel against the palm of his other hand. "Curfew's up," the Watchman grunts. "If you're out, you're going down."
the Groom just fixes him in a steely gaze beneath the broad black brim of his hat. "Blood cursed these two are. Seeing only dark portents and death ahead. Can't wash that off either." He glances at Jim who fidgets in his small clothes. "I'd be happy to let you bust open their drunken skulls, but their fate belongs to Besmara now. Lubbers laws are second to the Pirate Queen's will. These two are bound to kneel on Her Quarterdeck."
The Watchman seems uncertain under the inquisitor's gaze. Finally, he grimaces. "You're in the wrong district. You've got count of 20 to get out of the Eastern District or Queen's Will will be done by out cudgels!"
Kaul keeps his gaze upon the threatening shadows as he slowly makes an exit with The Groom and Jimmer, grumbling fell portents;
"We'll move on. Leave ye to the Stump'ed legg'd deader. Reckon ye'll keep him busy an' off my tail for a while at least..."
As he passes the Watch Lead, the brute thug leans in;
"Hur. Should be lucky 'nough tae survive the deader. Iffen me and Lopper 'ere ever comes across ye again... I'll butcher ye, an all who stand with ye... Savvy cudgel man? Hur."
: