Venice by Night - Sunday March 8, 1309
Michael Santo
As you finish a stillness comes over the room. You see Hans in a way you have not seen him before, there can be no doubt that this is the proper path for you to take in life. Through him you will be invincible and if you are not he will watch over and protect you.
"Very well, I will meet Michele at the place of his choosing and see if he has delivered what I have asked for". ]
"Hans" smiles, "Be resistant to their ideas at least initially, you do not want to seem too eager to join them else they suspect you are something other than what you appear to be. You have done well thus far. Keep up the good work my friend. We shall bring the mighty to their knees before all is said and done. Be careful this night, I will not be nearby to aid you again".
With that he takes his leave as he passes, "The woman is sleeping if you wish to have her again, feel free".
Venice by Night - Sunday March 8, 1309
Alessandro Khadaji
Galeel enters the room as your father and the Earl leave it. Servants follow him in and clean off the table of the plates of fabulous food finished by your famished fraternity.
He bows to Alyssa, "My Lady. Greetings I am Galeel, Seneschal of House Khadaji. During your stay I will be your humble servant. Forgive me if I speak out of turn but I appreciate your gracious gesture to dress appropriately under the protection of our roof".
Alyssa smiles stands and curtsies back to Galeel, "You are most welcome, it is unbecoming of a guest to assume that his customs are the customs of the Master of the House. Tell me Galeel have you served the Khadaji's for a long time?"
Xing Shi will grab a drink from a servant and quickly make her way back to Fiona.
"Apologize for taking so long, being a foreigner it seems to attract much attention and got stopped asking many questions." She smiles at Fiona and looks to where Jordan and Christopher are still trying to keep an eye on the men that were looking for her.
"They seem to get along very well. Would you mind introducing me to your daughters to be husband?"
For as long as I can remember. An excellent mentor and friend.
Venice by Night - Sunday March 8, 1309
Xing Shi
"Not at all".
With Chris' bully boys elsewhere you easily approach with Fiona.
Fiona walks forward with you in tow, the guards attempt to hold her up but Christopher waives them away.
Fiona smiles at him, "Allow me to present to you Xing Shi a visitor from the Far East, she has graciously aided us in attending this gala tonight".
Christopher gives you a slight bow and kisses your hand, "A pleasure to make your acquaintance my dear. Tell me how have you aided my betrothed? I would like to do what I can to repay you".
Venice by Night - Sunday March 8, 1309
Alessandro Khadaji
Galeel bows, "Yes I have served faithfully here at the Venetian estate for a decade. The Khadaji's are like my family".
Alyssa smiles, "Good, then you would not mind accompanying us tomorrow? It would not do for us to be seen together alone faithful Galeel, I do not want people having the wrong impression of me and being with a man alone who is not of my family, well you understand".
Galeel nods, "I understand, I will certainly accompany you as a chaperone".
"Good, can you show me to my quarters Galeel? I am weary from the long trip by sea. Retrieve me when you are ready tomorrow Alessandro".
She heads to her quarters with a smile for you accompanied by Galeel.
Venice by Night - Sunday March 8, 1309
Gunther Thesing & Andrew the Hardy
After nearly an hour of smoking Gunther is quite relaxed. He turn to Andrew, "Tell me friend why is it that you and this young Lady are attending this party? This is the first I have heard of you amongst my daughters friends. I hope you are not simply using a young girl for political agendas".
Alright, no holding hands then... Alessandro gives Galeel a mischievous look. Then smiles genuinely at Alyssa.
I do have a business meeting around lunch. How about a morning jaunt, some rest... siesta as the Spaniards say, then an evening outing?
Xing Shi smiles a bit at the manners of a man that wanted her in for assassination.
She attempts to speak with her best Italian accent as possible.
"No need for repayments senior. I love this country and it's people and only wished to bring a smile to a beautiful young lady." she beams at Jordan.
"I have heard you are a very nice and generous man and I'm sure you will make a wonderful husband for Jordan. May I ask what it is your family does for occupation in this city? Your estate is quite nice and would love to learn how to make earnings such as these some day."
Venice by Night - Sunday March 8, 1309
Alessandro Khadaji
Alyssa smiles, "Sounds wonderful Alessandro,
I shall see you in the morning".
Venice by Night - Sunday March 8, 1309
Xing Shi
Christopher smiles warmly, "My family has long provided leadership and guidance for this city. My father currently is a close advisor of the Doge and is grooming me for the position though I am currently exploring other options as well. Wealth for generations often leads to choices that are not available to others. What about you, what is your business here in the city?"
Venice by Night - Sunday March 8, 1309
Andrew the Hardy
Andrew continues to rest outside the party engaging with guests who venture out into the evening, his thoughts turn to the brutal slayings as of late. He wonders what the enclave of holy men actually knows.
He raises a silent toast to Gunther.
"Being a foreigner my options are limited and have been doing mostly courier work which I must confess I do enjoy doing because it allows me to see much more of this beautiful city than I would normally have seen just staying in one spot.
She looks behind her for a second and back. "My friend Andrew the Hardy, Lord of Moray, who unfortunately made a commotion outside is friends with the Doge as well perhaps you should have conversation with him sometime and swap notes or something political."
She smiles at Jordan and Fiona and back to Christopher.
"I have one more question for you Senior Christopher. Why are your men stalking me?"
Venice by Night - Sunday March 8, 1309
Gunther Thesing & Andrew the Hardy
Gunther frowns at your toast. "Are you too drunk or simply unwilling to answer my question?"
Venice by Night - Sunday March 8, 1309
Xing Shi
Christopher looks at you puzzled, "My men are stalking you? Whatever are you talking about?"
At the question the armed guards around you take a keener notice.
Fiona looks puzzled as well while Jordan giggles nervously, "She is just kidding, right Xing?"
Xing Shi smiles a reassuring smile at Jordan.
"I am really enjoying this party and do not wish to spoil it for anyone. I was probably mistaken it just seemed your men were following me around."
Xing curtsies toward them.
"I shall leave you to your man Jordan. Enjoy the rest of the party."
Xing backs away slowly trying to make her way toward the exit.
Venice by Night - Sunday March 8, 1309
Xing Shi
Christopher raises his hands and you feel the presence of two men at your back.
"No. I shall get to the bottom of this. If men at this party are troubling you I will see to it they trouble you no more".
He turns to the man at his left, "Constantine, have any of the men been following this woman?"
As he is about to respond, the man from the previous night exclaims, "Her, that's her, near Christopher - grab her!"
Xing Shi says "I guess I was right they were stalking me.
Xing Shi pretends like she is about to fall and rolls into a tumble attempting to get past the men and away from the others that are trying to apprehend her and jump up into a sprint toward the exit.
Venice by Night - Sunday March 8, 1309
Gunther Thesing & Andrew the Hardy
"Oh yes tha ladies, let them have their fun, I did let mine vassal Xing have a day in tha shoppes an she returned with both a dress an an invitation to tha party......truth be known I would rather be at tha Inn, or outside than within tha party."
"You asked about politics, I hope to gain tha aid o tha Doge in runnin tha English out o my home land....Deep mysteries an intrigues err not fer a fightin man!"
Venice by Night - Sunday March 8, 1309
Xing Shi
Jordan yells out, "Wait!"
But it is too late you have made your move. The guards move to grapple your arms.
Guard 2
You manage, just barely, to evade the arms of the first guard. You have mere seconds to get away as he needs to but turn around to grab you.
Alessandro stays in. Soon, he does find himself in a reflective and introspective mood. Shortly there after, he gains the roof looking out at his beloved Venice.
What now, Alessandro?
She moves with the grace of a cat and heads toward the door that should be closest to Andrew which is her immediate destination.
Venice by Night - Sunday March 8, 1309
Gunther Thesing & Andrew the Hardy
"I appreciate you being honest with me. However, I do not want my daughter to be used as a pawn in some political game. Keep her out of your affairs Andrew, are we clear?".
Venice by Night - Sunday March 8, 1309
Gunther Thesing & Andrew the Hardy
"I am not fer certain I have made yer duaghters acquantance, but I have no affairs other than mine own safety an that o mine envoy, tha Lord God Almighty, Pipeweed an tha aid o tha Doge gainst tha English. So I see not how she might fit in."
Andrew looks thoughtfully at the hurt of the man before him...
"I would not endanger yer daughter, should she ever need aid she has but to ask, yerself included Gunther."
Venice by Night - Sunday March 8, 1309
Gunther Thesing & Andrew the Hardy
"You were formally introduced but I suppose you did not say much to her. It is good you would not endanger her. Though I do have to wonder what are the motivations of your friend? She seemed interested in getting into this party, how well do you know her?"
Venice by Night - Sunday March 8, 1309
Gunther Thesing & Andrew the Hardy
"Sadly other than those who journeyed at my side from tha Scottish Isles, or those on tha ship she and you are both new to my acqiantance. I have no intention o ill toward any man here, tha English would sate me by returning an never coming back."
"All this talk of danger and politics....though in truth one day I hope tah marry once I meet tha lady who ken see past mine infirmnity...Does my designs endanger any o your daughters or cousins?"
Venice by Night - Sunday March 8, 1309
Gunther Thesing & Andrew the Hardy
"So you have no real sense of what this woman is all about or why she wanted to come to this party? Hmmm. That is troubling to me. Life used to be simple. I served drinks and food to customers and took in coin. Now thing shave gotten complex. My daughter can't fall in love with a dock worker, she has to choose this boy! It pains me to involve myself in their affairs but my wife would never forgive me if I forbade her to follow her heart nor do I think fleeing this place will give me peace".
He let's out a breath, "I don't think what you seek will endanger me but how can I know? If you or that woman are using a chance encounter to cause trouble then the answer is yes. If your goals are pure then I would think the answer is no. I guess time will tell. Perhaps I can introduce you to someone who has his eye on politics, would that perhaps aid you in what you seek?"
Venice by Night - Sunday March 8, 1309
Gunther Thesing & Andrew the Hardy
"Indeed if aid ken be succored then I will count mine time here victory. Mayhap tha woman would be willing to leave these shores as well. If you could aid in such a way then truely yer a messenger from God wit glad tidings upon yer lips."
Venice by Night - Sunday March 8, 1309
Gunther Thesing, Andrew the Hardy & Xing Shi
Before Gunther can respond, Xing comes hurrying out the front door and heads towards where Andrew and Gunther are seated.
The guards pay her no mind as they are concerned about people milling about outside, the typical hangers on who wish to be part of something but are not.
Venice by Night - Sunday March 8, 1309
Gunther Thesing & Andrew the Hardy
Andrew considers the time upon sighting Xing, but he takes the opportunity to stand and see if his leg feels any better in an upright position....
"Gunther yer in some luck what ken I ask Xing on yer behalf?"
Venice by Night - Sunday March 8, 1309
Gunther Thesing, Andrew the Hardy & Xing Shi
Venice by Night - Sunday March 8, 1309
Gunther Thesing, Andrew the Hardy & Xing Shi
Gunther nods to you Andrew, "I can ask her myself. Miss Shi, I do need to know what exactly you are doing here. To say that this chance encounter seems a bit too coincidental I think is safe to say. My daughter is in a rush to make a dress for an event and you buy one for her. I must know if you have any ulterior motives and if so I ask that you keep my daughter out of it. She is an innocent who has done no wrong to anyone in her life".
Andrew thinks about the question a bit...
He smiles and nods encouragingly at Xing.
Gunther Thesing, Andrew the Hardy & Xing Shi
Xing Shi does not answer any questions and breaths hard.
"We need to go NOW! Those men that were looking for me were inside and spotted me. I'll explain everything once we are someplace more safe."
She grabs Andrew by the hand and tries to pull him along looking back to see if the men are coming out after them.
Venice by Night - Sunday March 8, 1309
Gunther Thesing, Andrew the Hardy & Xing Shi
Gunther glares at Xing, "Who should you know in there that should be after you? No, you will stay here and answer my questions!"
Venice by Night - Sunday March 8, 1309
Gunther Thesing, Andrew the Hardy & Xing Shi
"Thats fine wit me, I done had one stare down wit tha guards tonight I am past due fer another. Here we shall stand."
"It seems tha men mayhap saw Xing around town an noted her several different times, thus arousing weak minded suspicion, an kindness is rare afforded foreigners, as I mayself have seen........but I doubt they noted tha true villian in tha city sat wrapped as a beggar under their noses all of thar days."
Gunther Thesing, Andrew the Hardy & Xing Shi
"I don't know who they are or why they are after me but they have been following me around since yesterday and they are here inside and came after me again. They obviously think I'm someone I'm not and do not plan on letting them have their way with me."
"Lord Andrew saw how rude they were yesterday when confronted. They appear to work for your daughters betrothed Senior Christopher but he does not know why they come for me."
She gives Gunther and Andrew a look of despair as she knows they will be greatly outnumbered when they come out and this is not how she likes to fight.
Venice by Night - Sunday March 8, 1309
Gunther Thesing, Andrew the Hardy & Xing Shi
"We will not let that happen. My daughter is betrothed to this man. He is a kind boy and will not let harm come to you. If you run it will create problems for my daughter and me, problems that I will not readily forgive you for. Besides, I do not think that Andrew is in any condition to run from anyone nor do I sense his people are the type to run from anything".
Xing Shi stands behind the men and waits for the chaos to begin.
Venice by Night - Sunday March 8, 1309
Gunther Thesing, Andrew the Hardy & Xing Shi
"Right on both counts Gunther."
Venice by Night - Sunday March 8, 1309
Gunther Thesing, Andrew the Hardy & Xing Shi
In less than five minutes the assembled might of the guards of the party surround you all. Christopher pushes his way through with his friends, the skinny one pointing an accusing finger at Xing.
Christopher turns to him, "So you are telling me you believe this is the person that struck Tibauld with that strange circular knife?"
The man responds, "Yes, we were told it was a weapon from the east. She is the only person I have ever seen from the far east in the city. Do you deny this woman!" He shouts as he turns his gaze upon you Xing.
Venice by Night - Sunday March 8, 1309
Gunther Thesing, Andrew the Hardy & Xing Shi
Andrew speaks up
"Is she denying beein a woman, being from tha east err bein an assassin?"
"With murders in tha streets tha cries o assassin seem a bit stupid fer mah taste."
He points accusingly at the man who has identified her.....
"Who is Tibauld? an what situation was he in tah get stabbed?"
Venice by Night - Sunday March 8, 1309
Gunther Thesing, Andrew the Hardy & Xing Shi
The man who stepped through the crowd (Christopher) answers your questions Andrew. "Murders in the street have nothing to do with assassinations of prominent men in this city. If someone were to drive a knife into the back of your King would you not protest? Who are you to answer for her? Let her spesak for herself and let those of us here weigh her responses".
"If you must know, Tibauld was a friend of mine who was struck by a weapon the likes of which I had never seen before. Brought to an expert in the field of exotic weapons he identified it as a "Chinese throwing star". My friends seem to think that this "star" was meant for me. Even if it was not, it still grievously injured my friend and I would like to know who threw it. My friend here is right about one thing, Xing is the only Asian person I have seen in this city in my entire life. Tell me Xing Shi, did you throw this weapon at my friend and if so why?"
Venice by Night - Sunday March 8, 1309
Michele Querini
You sit at the eatery enjoying a glass of wine as the sun begins to set. When the sun vanishes from the horizon you realize that there is no going back, you must meet with this Hans' and give him answers that you have not yet fully formulated in your mind.
Still here in the eyes of the general public you should be quite safe.
Night wears on and soon you begin to believe that the man has simply not bothered to arrive.
From the way you face a man approaches wearing the crest of your house a look of consternation on his face. He comes to your table and whispers, "Signore, you must come with me, your cousin, he has started trouble again".
Venice by Night - Sunday March 8, 1309
Alessandro Khadaji
You stand on the balcony watching the sea. For the first time in a long time you feel a sense of calmness wash over you.
It must be the calm before the storm, never before in your life have you stood on the edge of a knife as you do now with one wrong misstep ready to slice you open. The choices you make will decide the fate of your family for years to come.
The tranquil beauty of the sea washes away these worries as you let your mind drift with the rolling waves.
Venice by Night - Sunday March 8, 1309
Lorenzo Cappelli
With a small lamp to light your much reduced collection of tomes you squint at the notes you scribbled in the margins of the books.
Moses is sound asleep getting rest. He seems to feel very comfortable in this under city system. Of all the things you imagined about this city you would never have believed that monsters dwelt underneath your very feet!
You bear all of the horrors of this place and would bear 10,000 more for the chance to be united again with Constancia. No need to ask yourself if it is worth it, you already know the answer to the question else you would not be here now.
Xing Shi shows the expression of shock on her face as if she can't believe what she is hearing.
"I am no assassin! How dare you! I ran from people like that in my home country to come make a life in a place of peace and here I am a foreigner being accused of such things just because I come from the far east! I don't even know who this person is you speak of!"
She stomps her foot a bit.
"I know what men do to women when they gang up on her. My family and friends were raped and butchered by men like you!" she points accusingly at the man that pointed her out.
"I have friends in the city that can vouch for who I am and why I'm here."
Storyteller Shadow
"What has he done and where do you need me to go? I am waiting for a very important man to meet with."