Okay.
Erick humphs but seems to be agreeable to going back.
Let's scout out around the place, make sure there are no extra surprises. Clyde will begin casing the place before they head in.
Telsyn follows.
Henry and Clyde run a quick circuit up and down the street, as well as discreetly inching up a ladder to get a view of the roofs.
They spot a coming duo of guards on their patrol route; they look rather bored. A few seagulls angrily demand food and threaten to caw loudly if you refuse.
No particular threats or traps are spotted.
Clyde tosses some jerky at the gulls. So we could just knock on the front door or go for home invasion like we did last time, or just knock on the door to get let in. I'd go for door knocking since we vamoosed pretty quick.
Fine, lets just knock on the door. Clyde heads around. Anyone else got any input? Clyde raps.
There's a pause, then the door is slowly opened, revealing an elderly man behind a small lecturn. He nods politely. "Welcome to the House of Infernal Lies. We are closing soon, however I can likely fit you in for a few minutes with our senior partner, if you wish? How would I announce you?"
Clyde and company. We are here to inquire about any piossible openings for carriage driving. We've heard that some talented horsemen can offer there services here.
The man, pauses and nods. Soon enough, you're shown through upstairs, through an office and into a medium-sized study with a thick dark wood desk neatly stacked with papers and a toy of metal balls moving back and forth magically. Behind it sits a darkly handsome man, tall despite sitting down, who looks rather familiar. Eventually, he looks up.
"Good morning; I am Nigel Aelzebub, senior partner; what can the House of Infernal Lies do for you? I was told something relating to... driving?"
Greetings, we've heard that there might be positions available in coach driving and ferrying people around the city. I have experiance handling horses and saw an opportunity for employment. I am wondering if you have any positions available?
He frowns severely. "...hrm. One of our valued clients has indeed requested that we operate a business for him including coach driving. While I do not currently know if we need drivers, if we truly do, I could have you in a cab as early as tomorrow." He pauses, and studies you all. "...could you better detail your experience?"
I am able to demonstrate my ability in feeding, care and directing trained horses as both riding animals and cab pullers. A Micah from Micha's Bra is my reference for my horse handling.
"I see. Well, I'll have the receptionist take your names and details. Well, if that is all..."
Can you tell us anything about this client? I would like to know more about a possible employer. Such as where the coaches travel, does he focus on passengers or cargo? Clyde glances at his group to see if they have any more questions.
Yes, do the coaches go very far out of town?
He frowns. "I am afraid our clients are confidential, but... I can tell you that the business he has engaged us in involves carrying passengers around; young passengers particularly, winners of a contest."
"Drivers do not leave town."
He pauses, and drums his fingers against his cheek. "...perhaps I will expedite you hiring. My daughter has been more independent than usual of late, and last I heard she was pursuing this contest... if while working you could keep an eye out for her, as I have told the other drives, it would be appreciated."
Henry merely waits while the others talk, but keeps a watch on the comings and goings in the building.
Indeed we could, we'll just need to be informed of her appearance.
He jots down a description of a red-haired girl with green eyes, a thin build and a small burn mark on two of her fingers.
Clyde takes the description and nods. Much obliged, we'll leave contact information with your clerk.
After leaving the building, Clyde turns tot he others. This could give us the chance to check out the carriage and see if there is anything weird strange with it. We can earn some extra coin at the very least before another 'harvesting' is done.
"I'm not really all that good with animals. Heck, I'm only middle competent on a horse. Hope this is easy. "
I'm game.
Come the next day, following directions given, you find yourselves in a large stableyard; dozens of horses are stabled and various groomsmen and riders move between them with careful haste. Called over, a man with a thin brown beard stands next to a richly appointed black wood carriage.
"You're the new drivers? Right. We just need one today, for your contract. Go down main street, outside Clippoth's Tailor, and pick up a passenger named 'Arling'. Take him wherever he wants for the day, but don't leave the city and don't get into any trouble- keep out of anywhere liable to leave your horse stolen."
"Anything else you want to know?"
Any young ladies about.. Clyde gives the description of the daughter of the man who directed them here.We were told she might be trying for free rides. Also, what will be our wages?
In spite of any rumors you may have heard, Elves can't live on just air! Telsyn jokes.
"When does the day end by the way?"
"Never seen her, she ain't on any list I've been given of passengers."
"Day ends at nightfall or when your passenger wants to get off, whichever happens first."
Choosing two drivers amidst yourselves, the rest get in position to quickly follow the carriage.
Heading to the address, you find yourself hailed by a young black-haired kid with dirty clothes and half-broken shoes, who introduces himself as Arling. He holds up a big old competition flier with several demons and devils ticked off, and scampers up into your cab.
Affecting a regal tone, he commands you to dirve him up and down main street a few times, then to cruise by his home street twice.
Jetro gets on the cab and drives the cab. Well hello there lad, get on up and we'll make your friends jealous.
Jetro starts the cab out. Well Arling, you have done pretty well for yourself. Just where do you and your friends get yer fliers for the competition and drop them off? I know my young'uns would like to give this a try.
Telsyn follows along.
Henry will act at the footman of the cab, helping people in and out. Being a halfling he does this at foot level.
The kid gives you an incredulous look. "What, you realy think I'm gonna let more competition in? No thanks! Already had some pikers who I know were on track to win who've up and vanished- probably sold their competition for gold and are too damn ashamed to show their faces, hah!"
He gestures regally. "Keep on, driver."
The kid utterly ignores Henry.
Hmm.. Clyde keeps on driving the kid, Gotta try investigating about missing kids.
Accepting the snub with good grace, Henry boards the carriage.
Telsyn prefers to be ignored, and follows along.
The day passes by fairly slowly, directing the kid around; little of interest occurs.
Sounds like your buddies couldn't keep up with ya? Just who are they and where do they hang? If they ever show up I could tell them all about what they missed.
Clyde will keep driving and drop the kid off when they are done
With a little more prodding, you're able to get a street corner outside a small grocers where the kid's friends prefer to hang out.
The night passes, the kid is dropped off; with a little more time, you return your carriage to the yard, and each receive your day's wages.
Henry takes his wages and heads back to their lodgings.
Ok, our next move is to check out the grocer's and see if the owner knows anything or maybe find some kids who are willing to talk for a few coins.
Ok, lets come back tomorrow and see if we can get more info. *sigh* Talken to folk is not my strong point. Clyde goes for some shut-eye
The evening passes calmly enough, in infernal Cheliax; imperial gold buys a peaceful night's sleep. Micah makes sure you get a hot drink before you fall asleep.
Come the morning, you're quite easily able to make your way to the grocers. A simple shop with a few fruit-racks, guarded by the steely-eyes of its merchant, who with the resolve of a dragon draped over its hoard stares down the assorted youths gathered sullenly around his edges like besieging knights, and all he has to mount his defense is a single, stout mop.
Clyde decides to try the bribe route by buying some fruit from the grocer and parceling them out to the kids. Hey there, Arling said that you folk are part of the contest to find tieflings and handing in the papers. You all know who has been running the contest? I have a niece who wants to give it a try, plus I heard some of your friends took off when they were winnen, know if they have any parents I could see?
A few of the kids badger each other into selecting a spokeskid; the one that ends up being chosen is a bit pudgy, with spots.
"...yeah, some've tried hidin' it, never lasted long, we're all onto each other..."
"Who's running it? I dunno, we just send the flyers in..."
"Those sods who've probs sold off their flyers? Yeha, we know'em... if you want." They disgorge a few addresses for the parents.
"Anyfin' else you want?"
Clyde hands out the fruit and a couple of silvers so they can buy more stuff.
Where did ya get the flyers?
"Added near the paper stands a few days ago... probs all gone now, people snapped them up quick."
The merchant reluctantly lowers his guard as they busily spend the coins given, gratefully.