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Masym staggers slightly as he still feels the effect of the blood loss. Shaking off the fatigue he slowly moves over to retrieve his sword. Cleaning it with an old piece of cloth he sheathes it and secures his spear as well, before moving to examine the corpses for any valuable items.
"You can return now, the threat has been dealt with." He announces to the Sarenites. "These...faceless stalkers may have been working with the guards though so we had best keep moving."
The faceless stalkers do not have much in the way of possessions. All of them have a scimitar, though Akkuret's appears of a much higher quality than the others. Each of them also has a potion of some sort, and Akkuret also has some fancy silver bracers. There will also be just over a hundred and sixty gold coins between the three of them.
The only one of the Sarenites with healing powers of any sort, was the woman, Piria, who came with you from the lodge, and all her energy was used up before you even started.
The various Sarenites slowly filter back into the temple, looks of confusion and suspicion, worry and shock, on all of their faces.
"I've known Akkuret since he was a boy." one of them mutters. "And Mibosk... I was there when he was born! What were those?!"
"This was our only remaining safe house." Xene exclaims, looking at the others. "And now it's been compromised too?!"
"We can't stay here." Sophone whispers, barely audible, one hand absently rubbing her belly.
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"That is most correct. You cannot stay here. As for Akkuret and Mibosk... I... well..."
He slowly considers his words, shaking his head slowly. "I am familiar with shape-shifting techniques. It would be overly optimistic even for me to suggest that..."
He finally just puts his hand on Xene's shoulder and bows his head. "I'm sorry. I will keep my eyes out for them and ears tuned for any information, but we must face the very real possibility that they are most likely already dead."
Looking over at Sophone and back to Xene he squares his jaw and snaps back to a rigid posture. "I have a ship. We should make haste towards it and try to get out all out of Taldor. I have contacts who have been working long and hard to affect change within this nation, but none of that will matter if there aren't future generations."
He takes a few steps back. "Don't be alarmed, I show you this so you know both of me."
He shifts his guise to his human form, making sure his face is in plain sight.
"We have work to do... and both of my faces will likely be necessary."
He shifts back to his kitsune form, and prepares to head out again.
"We have a ship." One of the temple Sarenites says, at Marcus' offer. We had it prepared, just in case. It is ready to sail tonight."[/b]
Many of the others nod slightly, clearly not wanting to stick around any longer than necessary.
"And what of Chalfon Dalsine?" An older woman, asks.
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"What of him? Do you wish for us to spend valuable time planning to have him killed? Your well-being is worth more than his comeuppance."
Rather flippantly he adds, "If he survives today that can be fixed tomorrow, but if you don't survive today it will be much more difficult to fix tomorrow..."
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"We need to get out of here NOW," Masym interrupts the Sarenites, his patience clearly running out. "Let us worry about Dalsine. You worry about getting out of Taldor." Despite Midge's attentions (which earn her a smile) he staggers to his feet moving to the entrance of the temple. "Get yer things, we are leaving."
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Fifi is relieved the threat has been dealt with, and thanks Midge from the bottom of her heart-"I'm glad I could rely on all of you guys. Truly my path has been blessed by the Everlight."-as she helps the Sarenites gather their things.
With a sigh of relief, she reassures the Sarenites and agrees with the plan-"Let us make haste to your ship. We will guide the way, and provide you with a shining path out of Taldor. Our fire will first protect those in need, and only after move on to stop evil in its tracks."-she says with a bright smile.
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Marcus takes Kioshi aside and mutters in Tien. "Hrmmm... Not sure if you noticed, but we are not even close to healthy right now. Masym's parries are a half second slow, Londo's are lagging a bit as well... and Masym and I are both perpetually short of breath after that strangling. To be honest, I'm in awe of Masym's fighting spirit... the ability to keep his wits about him despite his mounting wounds... The evidence will have to wait until the Sarenites are safe. I don't think we have it in us to handle both issues at once."
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Londo smirks a tired and yet justified smirk of satisfaction at the stupefaction of his faithmates I think someone or something a fair bit more sinister than the younger Dalsine has its sights set on you. We need to leave and we need to defuse this situation before it deteriorates further. It is clear someone is manipulating you.
"We do not need an escort." Another adds, though not all of them seem to look as confident. "We know the catacombs."
"I don't think they could guide us anywhere." Another adds, with a frown. "Though I suppose we should guide them out, or they'll be lost down here for days."
A few chuckle halfheartedly at that last.
One of the men from the temple approaches Marcus, and offers him a couple of small flasks.
"We lost most everything during Chalfon's attack, but we did manage to hang on to a few things." He frowns slightly at the memory. "We won't need them where we're going, so perhaps they'll help you."
A second Sarenite offers Fifi a well-worn tome, illuminated in fancy gold lettering and silver designs.
She will recognize the title, The Birth of Light and Truth, as one of Sarenrae's most holy texts.
"Perhaps you can find others here who would find these teachings meaningful."
They start gathering what few remaining items they have, in preparation to depart.
As you head back into the Catacombs, you quickly realize that offering to lead them out was probably better for you, then them. The constant twisting passages, seemingly turning back on each other, would have been a nightmare to navigate without the Sarenites assistance. One of the temple members appears to be quite familiar, even Xene happy to let him lead the way.
It is almost two hours before you are directed up a ladder into a dingy cellar of some sort, that soon leads to the outside, and the salty tepid scent of the ocean.
Though darkness still hangs in the sky, you can tell dawn is not far off. You're not sure where you are in Oppara, near the docks for sure, though which ones, you are not.
"Our vessel is not far, we can make it from here." One of them says. "You're welcome to come with... I can't imagine the Pathfinder reputation is doing too well in the city right now. The Porthmos Militia is probably looking for you even now."
"We are not Chalfon's target." Another remind you. "What Akkuret said was not wrong. We do believe the attack on us was just a means to bringing your organization down. With Khismia dead, that seems like it will be sooner, not later. Especially if they took your Venture-Captain."
There are a few muttered prayers to their fallen comrade from those nearby.
"You might already be too late," the first chimes in again. "That thing back there was trying to delay you for a reason. Perhaps that was why?"
All of the Sarenites stop to thank you again, for your help, then slowly melt off into the darkness, heading towards the nearby docks.
You soon find yourselves standing once again by yourselves, the darkness perhaps a little lighter, as dawn approaches.
Of course, you're not sure where exactly you need to go... though if it is Chalfon's estate, you do know that it is in the Senate Hill District... so that at least gives you an idea of a direction to head.
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As the group emerges from the sewer, Marcus shifts back to his human form.
"Hrmm... you make a good point... if you are not the target of this... Dalsine Affair... myess... than perhaps if we were to accompany you we would be bringing more danger to you than anything."
He looks at the potions and grabs the lesser restoration potion, handing it to Masym. "Drink up friend, looks like our day isn't done... myesss..."
With Kioshi's exclamation Marcus shrugs. "Yeah... I suppose you're right. If you have any... spells to assist in seeing through illusions I would highly recommend them. We had best do what we can to avoid being caught unaware yet again."
You quickly realize you are by Westport, quite some ways from where Marcus berthed his own ship, but on the right side of the river to get to the Senate Hill District without passing any of the more well-manned checkpoints.
There are few people out and about at that hour, but as you get closer to the district, and the sky starts to lighten, as the sun approaches the horizon, you start to see more and more folks. Mostly common laborers getting an early start on whatever mundane job they have.
You see the occasional patrol as you travel, but manage to avoid them before they can get too close.
You reach the Senate Hill district without trouble, though your nerves are on high tension by the time you do. The sun finally starts to peak above the horizon, its rays causing long shadows as it touches on the many buildings of Oppara.
Of course, now that you're here, you have to figure out where Chalfon Dalsine's estate might be. As you gaze at street signs, apparently named after long dead nobles of various sorts, Kioshi starts to recall some of the dinner conversation from your fancy meal with Jacquo and his wife, what seems like eons ago. He mentioned he had a cousin, that lived in the area, though did not say Chalfon's name outright. And recalls a street name.
Whether it was his home or not, is unsure, still... how many Dalsine's could there be in the district?
The entire district seems almost deserted, the houses separated by great distances and tall hedges and fences. The only people about at the crack of dawn are servants running errands for their lords and ladies. Many of them eye you suspiciously as you pass, clearly the district not one for casual strolls... or at least not one the residents want casual strollers to use.
You are able to find the lane you want, a wide boulevard, with giant oak trees reaching over it, like walking down a tunnel of leaves and branches.
With no cross street to reference, you just pick a direction and start walking down it.
You've gone perhaps fifteen minutes, when Masym points to a carriage parked just inside the gate to a large estate on the west side of the road. Some of you recognize it... only because you've all ridden in it... it is the very same carriage that picked you up at the Bait shop, to take you to dinner at Jacquo Dalcine's estate outside the city. The gold filigree and inset gems make it stand out. It is probably the same carriage that is supposed to pick you up tomorrow.
You are not sure what it is doing here, in the city now, but it can't be a coincidence.
Outside the gate, a second carriage of a more modest wooden design, is parked. Its shades are drawn, and the horses that pull it are still breathing heavily, as if it had arrived not long before you.
A number of people stand on either side of the gate.
Inside, dressed in livery that indicates they are manor guards, are five of armed men, all standing ready, glaring at the three men outside the gate, gathered in front of the carriage there. Those men are dressed in a style not typical of Taldor. They are gathered together conversing quietly among themselves, throwing the occasional return glare at the guards on the other side of the gate.
None of them are paying you much heed.
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On discovering the fact the Sarenites were holding onto the means to cure the poison damage before encountering Akkuret it took most of his willpower to keep quiet. Still he grudgingly admitted the Pathfinders would have been lost without their help.
Still I am glad to be rid of them...
He gratefully takes both potions here, downing the restoration potion...
"Nope, the days are long in Taldor Marcus....sad to say."
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Londo approaches the man and flashes his badge of office as a Knight of Taldor. He does so while still obviously dressed as a Sarenite and with Zarisha contained in his soul.
Is Master Dalsine in? There is a matter of grave importance that I need to speak with him about. It seems that he may have a threat on his life.
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Fifi is extremely happy the Sarenites were able to escape, and even sheds a tear or two when given the book by one of them, saying-"I will do my best to find those faithful in need. Let our faith spread like fire, and our love be relentless in the face of tyranny."-she says as a quick prayer.
Once they arrive, Fifi puts her finger to her cheek as she ponders how best to approach the situation. She procures a scroll from her person, and holds it in her hand instead of her scimitar. Noting the tense atmosphere, she approaches the group with Londo but instead turns to the differently-dressed men-"Friends, please, a moment of your time. Are you well? You seem to be angry at the guards over there. We're here to help, and we're quite experienced in defusing hostilities if I do say so myself. What say you?"
The guards glance Londo's way, and frown.
"You can stand over there and wait, with the rest of those Qadiran scum." One of them growls.
A second gives him a stern look. "The lord of the house is not taking visitors at this time." He says, eying the half-orc for a moment, before adding. "And I wouldn't bother waiting with... those. The lord of the house was very explicit."
Back at the carriage, the three there turn sharply as Fifi addresses them, hands almost immediately going to the scimitars at their sides.
"You would do well to stand back from the Pasha's carriage." One warns. "These Taldan scum are bad enough, we don't need... whatever you are?"
He frowns slightly, clearly not sure exactly what Fifi is.
As the young paladin speaks however, they seem to calm down a little, though still remain at the ready. You note they are careful to place themselves between the Pathfinders and the carriage.
"The Pasha merely seeks an audience with the... noble that dwells here." he almost spits out the word 'noble', clearly thinking little of Taldan titles. "There are grievances."
He does not elaborate.
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Marcus sits quietly... unnervingly quietly for a minute or so, simply considering the situation... remembering his father's methods. Observation, Consideration, and... well... verbal Evisceration.
"So you are Lord Dalsine's guards or his secretarial staff?"
He sighs and shakes his head. "I'm going to hope that it is the latter, as accusatory comments and hot language cast towards an..."
He looks around, eyeing the Qadiran blades before looking back. "...armed crowd... particularly one of larger numbers than your immediate staff, shows a degree of disregard for the... hrmmm severity of the situation.... myesss."
He adopts a stance of confidence as he... for probably the hundredth time this week, gives his credentials.
"I am Captain Marcus Vulpares Fantailler of the Fearsome Tide, Marquis of Fantaillershire, Baronet of Ridonport, Son of Marcus Vultulus Fantailler. They speak truth... there are... grievances. I STRONGLY recommend that you provide these representatives with the respect that would be shown to any other diplomatic envoy. I am not here to start a needless fracas, however disrespect to our fine traditions of diplomacy and negotiation is not something I will take lightly. So, let us all take a seat. No blades have been drawn, no blades need be drawn."
The guards look at Marcus for a moment, then break out laughing.
"Baronet?" He glances over towards one of the others. "Hey, Glev, ain't you a baronet too?"
One of the other guards grins. "Damn right. Won the papers in a dice game last year. But definitely not of some hole like Ridonport."
The others laugh as well. The first man turns back to Marcus.
"The actual noble that dwells here has asked to not be disturbed. Just cause you, or those lot, try to act like you belong, don't give you no rights at all to intrude on his private estate."
"Begone, all of you." He adds, in annoyance. "We'll let his Lordship know you dropped by."
One of the carriage cards yells something at them about 'Taldan dogs', which gets both sides glaring again... but in no way gets anyone entrance to the grounds through the gate.
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Fifi ponders for a while how best to approach, and says to Masym-"The guards certainly recognize that the Pasha in the carriage is of enough importance not to shoo her away. We could try to talk to the Qadirans and demand entry together, as one big group."-as she worries about the possibility of getting caught tresspassing.
Fifi once again approaches the Qadiran men, this time trying to spot any amulets or signs of worship of the Dawnflower, as she is very well aware Sarenrae is the patron deity of Qadira, and she might find even more pious followers here in the capital.
Unsure of what to do, Fifi decides its best to take a leap, and starts talking to them in a hushed tone-"Friends, we're here to confront the noble that lives within. We hold important information that might bring ruin to his name - a man that treats fine people like you and your Pasha like mailmen needs to think twice before calling himself a representative of Taldor. He is out of line, and I promise you after we are done with him he'll be begging to apologize to your Pasha."-as she hopes Marcus and their connection to Baron Dalsine is enough to convince the Taldan nobility to put the noble behind bars.
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Marcus drops to a more hushed tone.
"Of course, which is why I included it at the end of my list of titles rather than the beginning... as it appears you are forced to do. But anyhow... if you insist on making this personal we may of course settle things in the... hrmmmm... traditional manner. I do believe that would be pistols, blades, or fisticuffs, your choice."
He pauses just long enough to let that settle in before he breaks out in laughter. "Ok, I must apologize, I should not jest in the midst of such a serious situation. Anyhow, the fact of the matter is that we all act in the official capacity of Baron Dalsine."
He deliberately leaves out the fact that he is referring to Jaquo rather than Chalfon.
"We have a dire situation to report on that... while he may find disturbing... would most definitely not be considered a disturbance... on our part... of course... myessss."
The estate guards do not seem at all influenced by Marcus' attempts to worm his way in, and he only gets thinly veiled contempt for his efforts.
"So are you with those lot, or working on your own?" One of them growls. "You should really get your story straight."
"We already told you, no visitors." Another reiterates, emphaticly.
The men guarding the Pasha, and her carriage, seem far more inclined to listen to Fifi... though her words are perhaps not quite eliciting the response she was after... as her words seem tuned more to incite them to violence, then peaceful resolution.
She does not see any signs of the Dawnflower on any of them.
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Noticing the Qadirans are considering a violent resolution, Fifi does her best to quickly dismiss such thoughts-"Let me be clear - we shall make our stand and protest in plain daylight, and with words as our blades. Let us not lower to the level they want us to: for a warrior can commandeer a barracks, but a diplomat can stop wars. I need not remind you of the political implications violence has, given Taldor and Qadira's current state of affairs"-she says, remembering how she was prosecuted for her beliefs in the Dawnflower and the explanation she was given regarding the tense atmosphere between the two nations.
With a holler, she calls the party to gather with the Qadirans, saying-"We'll make our stand right here, our resolve crystal clear. Our group will demand an audience with Dalsine, saying he is suspected acting out of Jacquo's orders, and that we have reliable first-hand information of him being involved in plotting with evil creatures. Our Qadiran friends will demand to see him as well, saying the situation has changed and that he must answer immediately or risk bringing disgrace to his house. I'm sure if all of us chip in peacefully but resolute, the guards will have to let us in!"-trying her best to convince the Qadirans to follow her plan.
If there are other entrances, you can not see them from where you are, aside from trying to clamber over the wall... but that's not something you would probably want to attempt within sight of the guards here.
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The estate guards do not seem at all influenced by Marcus' attempts to worm his way in, and he only gets thinly veiled contempt for his efforts.
"So are you with those lot, or working on your own?" One of them growls. "You should really get your story straight."
"We already told you, no visitors." Another reiterates, emphaticly.
"Working of on our own, for Baron Jacquo, on assignment that... intersects with the immediate issue. But, since it seems as though now is not the best time, I am exhausted and would be appreciative of an excuse to rest before reporting. I shall be back in the morning to continue this discussion."
Midge can easily wander away from the gate, everyone seemingly preoccupied enough there that they don't pay much attention to someone going away.
She sees the same thing Masym noted: a twelve foot smooth stone wall surrounding the property on all four sides, though she will be able to note that it appears to go all the way around.
She will not see any other entrances. It would appear the servants enter through the front gate with everyone else.
Though only ways in appear to be through the gate, or over the wall... though she doesn't think she could manage the later.
Masym will quickly realize that it is not so easy to climb up. There is little in the way of places to hang onto.
He will need to put a little more concerted effort into it.
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Kioshi observes the scene and is speechless. Then he gathers the group and with his back to the building silently says.
”Marcus, Londo, Fifi, Midge, I do not know what actions are best to take while Masym is gone, I ask you to trust in my intelligence to guide our hands! We could try another diplomatic approach but I need you to lead with me!“
He returns to the Taldan guards.
”Hello, I greet you! The arguments that were exchanged here are not reflecting that we are here in a matter that will be of great interest to Taldor’s population and that lord Dalsine will be affected by this so much that he will want to cooperate with us! So let us in please - in your lords interest!“
And Kioshi holds out 10 gp from his purse as an additional incentive.
The left and back sides of the property border on other estates, and you're not sure if you want to trespass on those properties as well. The right side though, borders on a small side cobbled side lane. It is not busy, though you do see the occasional person on foot... usually servants going about their morning activities.
Masym can easily wait for it to be clear to try to get over the wall... probably a good thing, as his first two tries have him back on the ground, on his but, as he loses his grip and falls the short distance to the ground.
With a determined grimace, he waits for another clear moment, and with a small run up, manages to get his hands on the top, and pull himself up and over. He drops down into a carefully manicured flower bed. He will see no signs of guards, or servants in the immediate area.
Londo will find summoning Zarisha a little trickier to time, as it takes a full minute of concentration to do, and the foot traffic is a little unpredictable.
Back at the gate, Marcus stands ready to provide a distraction should the guards there notice Masym's intrusion, but they seem oblivious, more concerned with those people lurking at the gate.
Kioshi tries again to talk his way in, but those who've tried before seem to have already made that bed. They don't insult him, like they seem happy to do with the Qadirans, and Marcus, but neither do they open the gate, stating they are under orders, once again.