"Well, she has done well for herself, no doubt of it."
... Sorkesh says to nobody in particular
"A stirring tale, with not a doubt.", says Theshen, "Are there any house rules that my companions should be aware of?"
"It is highly appreciated to avoid speaking loudly or inconveniencing other patrons, effendi. Nothing so draconian as rules, only politeness, common sense and a respect for privacy." Ahmose bows again and moves to the door. [b]"At least during the day, that is. I shall take my leave now and let you know as soon as the errand boy comes back with the diviner's forecast."
"Indeed. Your duties compel you elsewhere."
Once the man has left, Theshen writes a few words on parchment and shows them to Shu-Kri and Sorkesh.
The sands shifted beneath us. I suspect we are being listened to. Madame Zelekhati's work?
Sorkesh shrugs, but has another look/listen at the floor:
but notices nothing apart from a solid floor.
Then he quickly jots down a reply on Theshen's parchment:
eavesdropping maybe?
Theshen replies:
Perhaps. We need a plan.
Sorkesh writes back:
Maybe that's how she gathers secrets?
More scribbling as Theshen says:
"These pastries are quite good are they not?"
Perhaps. But we need to confirm that.
Before anyone can answer, someone clears their throat just outside the room. "May I come in, effendis?" Ahmose asks.
Theshen quickly stows the parchment into his robes.
"Certainly. What is the matter?"
Ahmose enters the room and bows. "This is very embarrassing, but it seems the diviners are not currently offering any forecasts. The errand boy said there was some sort of huge discussion which he could not follow in the slightest." And then, smiling: "But the skies are clear for now and as far as the eye can see there are no signs of dust storms.
"Now, is there anything else I can help you with? More pastries, perhaps?"
"Certainly. Those would be appreciated."
Now what?
"Think we should ask about the night time fun and games on offer here?" Sorkesh whispers to Theshen and Shu-Kri.
Shu Kri blushes and shakes her head.
"But of course, they're coming straightaway, effendi." Ahmose claps his hands with glee and leaves the room.
"Do you think his leaving is a bad sign?" Sorkesh whispers to the others
"Only the Gods know.", replies Theshen.
"Let us wait here for a spell, and see if he truly meant 'entertainers'."
More pastries arrive; and then cardamom tea; and then, as dusk arrives, beer and savoury snacks. The group watches as the clientele slowly changes from the nouveau riche of Eto to rowdier people of all sorts. The servants open the curtains and doors that ensured the group's privacy, revealing that a grandiose stage in the shape of a copper dragon had been set on the multi-coloured sand garden.
A smiling Ahmose approaches Theshen, Sorkesh and Shu-kri. "The fabulous madame asked me to inform you that you are welcome to the best seats in the house, in case you wish to enjoy tonight's spectacle in full. May I guide you to the front row?"
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Theshen is pleasantly surprised to find that the 'entertainers' are not in fact assassins. An upbringing in noble houses can have that effect.
"But of course, effendi. Please, lead the way."
Sorkesh looks in admiration at the shape of the stage.
"Interesting. My sister and I once met a copper dragon.
"Uðon was her name.
"Very nice to Senana and I, she was.
"That stage brings back memories, that does."
Sorkesh talks about meeting Uðon casually, as if it were a chance encounter with someone ordinary..
Unless someone asks him for details, he's oblivious to any long faces of what he said about Uðon.
He then bows slightly at Ahmose and goes to the front row, as directed.
Theshen thinks to himself...
I really must ask Sorkesh about this Uðon - when we are not in a place which may have ears everywhere. But he may end up blabbing anyway.
"I hope it doesn't get too lewd. I'm not here to learn about northern depravity ..."
Ahmose raises an eyebrow at Sorkesh's comment and seems about to say something before changing his mind. "This way, please."
Shortly after they sit down, a voluptuous shape appears in the middle of the dragon stage, to loud cheers from the whole audience. What follows is more than Sorkesh, Shu-kri and Theshen could have expected: the shape turns out to be a woman with long multicoloured hair which seems to move on command, changing from simple dresses to extravagant garbs to fake draconic wings that hide her whole body. Male dancers join her as the stage seems to come to life, in a mesmerising and entrancing performance. So entrancing, in fact, that everything around the adventurers begins to blur.
The three companions lose all perception of their surroundings, increasingly mesmerised by the grandiose dances and songs. When the dragon-stage folds its wings in a cocoon and the audience erupts in applause, one of the dancers approaches Shu-kri, Sorkesh and Theshen inviting them to the backstage. Seeing no reason to doubt such talented and well-meaning performers, they gladly follow the man to a small hut on a corner of the sand garden.
Once there, he offers them drinks, some molokhiya and a nice place to sit down. It is only when the man presses a switch that brings down a barrier of wrought iron bars that they realise the situation they're in. A few minutes later, the woman they saw at the performance enters the room with 2 more dancers.
"Well, hello, my dear patrons. I hope you are feeling absolutely enchanted and charmed after our little cabaret performance," she says with a booming voice.
"Is this still part of the show then?" Sorkesh asks...
Shu-Kri doesn't know where to look.
Theshen is roused from his trance.
"A potent enchantment indeed! I trust we have the pleasure of meeting Madame Zelekhati?", he asks with a short bow.
"Oh, I liked you best the moment I first saw you! Indeed, you have the pleasure of meeting Madame Zelekhati in flesh and glamour." She adjusts her dress for a moment. "But, little caged songbirds, I must say you got my attention with all that ruckus and whispering! So, who sent you? Sorry-not-sorry for the bluntness."
With no others speaking, Theshen continues.
Think about your wording!
"We had word that you know many secrets, but debated between ourselves how such a thing could be. So the only way to know we thought was to show up here ourselves. I sincerely hope that our wonderings have not greatly offended your worthy self."
Madame Zelekhati begins cooling herself with a fan decorated with golden birds. "Very well…let's say I believe you, my dear healer. Why do you care about the secrets you believe I know?"
"You are famous, my good lady.", Theshen replies, as if it is the obvious thing in the world.
"Many wonder just how you manage it. Magic? Invisible wardens? Spirits? Curiosity is a powerful thing."
The woman is mollified, but clearly is not prone to simply giving her secrets away. "Oh, hush, you flatterer." She giggles a bit before continuing: "So flattering, indeed, you haven't really answered my question: why do you care? Why, if you weren't such a pretty little morsel, I'd think you want to steal whatever secret you think I hide."
"I'm just a scholar!" she blurts.
Theshen picks over his words, but not for too long.
"It would impress people of stature if we knew how you know such secrets. And that unlocks further secrets."
Perhaps bait?
The madame darts a glacial look at Shu-kri then raises one eyebrow when Theshen speaks again. "Indeed? Tell me more, my dear. Who knows…perhaps if you scratch my back I will scratch yours, as the riff raff says?"
Perhaps I can get us out of this yet!
Theshen smiles, as warmly as he is able to in the circumstances.
"That we certainly might, Madame. We seek the trail of lost elements of Ancient Osiriani. Perhaps they might be found again. But we have to offer something significant in return for even a clue..."
Madame Zelekhati stops fanning herself and winks at one of the dancers. "Ooh, girls, this is getting interesting! So your 'something significant' is a bit of information about old silly me?"
She closes the fan and gesticulates in a grandiose manner. "Very well, then. Tell me the name of the person who sent you and I will give you the secret of your dreams!"
Something on what the madame said, or perhaps on how her lips curved to a subtle smile when she spoke the last words, makes Shu-kri suspicious.
"Dreams, though ...not very reliable. Why just the other night I had a dream that my legs turned into soup and my grandmother was orange. Perhaps something more concrete before names get named?"
I will wait and see if this works!
The madame rolls her eyes. "Dear, I am offended by what you are implying. Madame Zelekhati is the most honourable of women, rest assured. Also, I do feel the need to remind you that you are in a…difficult situation. I mean, I do not need to know who is your master. You, instead, seem like you really need to…understand how I came to be such a wonderfully knowledgeable woman. Tell me who sent you."
She adjusts the many rings on her hands. "I grow tired. This is your last chance. Tell me who sent you and why I should share my secrets with them. Otherwise, you're sleeping here tonight. And trust me, this floor is not a comfortable bed."
One of the Madame's rings seems to shine for a moment when she touches it. It is also very similar to Ahmose's ring.
Theshen intervenes swiftly, with as much calm in his voice as he can manage.
"There is no need for delays, or unpleasantness, Madame.", he says with a smile, "We seek information from the man known as 'the Torch'."
Shu-Kri stays silent. There was much and more transpiring with this woman, and she clearly lacked important data.
"Oh? Really? You work for the Torch? No offence, but you are all far too…" she moves her hand in circles "nice to be working for him." She approaches the bars.
"As for my part of the bargain, it should be logical: I have bards walking around, dressed as waiters, disguised as servants. And we are all fabulous enough to fascinate people into slipping a secret or two. I'm surprised the man couldn't figure it out himself. Unless he was hoping you would do some damage whilst investigating…he is an envious snake, after all."
"I shall take that as a compliment, Madame. And I could not in good faith rule out that motive, but that is speculation in my part. I trust that the rustling of sand we heard in the room had to do with your servants?"
The madame smiles, pleased. "Good healer, your gifts for perception are unmatched. Indeed, some of my younger and smaller associates do end up…misplacing their belongings in the sand every now and then, and thus have to spend some time searching for a dear object. Servants can be so very clumsy, don't you agree?"
Howling winds outside slam a door in the distance. "Oh my! Is this a nascent sandstorm? With the diviners in complete disarray about gods know what, no one can say. I recommend you do not dally for long outside. And…" she says, turning her back to the group…"do take into consideration the fact someone might be using you when you decide what information to share with your employer. Myself, Torch, whoever got you in touch with that scarred serpent, the baker's daighter…"
Her voice fades away as she leaves the room. Shortly after, the bars are raised and some of the dancers escort Theshen, Shu-kri and Sorkesh outside. At the exit, they are greeted by Ahmose who informs them their expenses were gracefully paid for by Madame Zelekhati.
The dark streets are empty and the moon is hidden behind thick clouds.
I am missing subtexts...but what else can I do?
"A good night, Madame. May fortune smile on you!", he says, and he is only fairly certain that he means it truly, being somewhat confused.
After being ushered outside, Theshen whispers:
"My friends, I think we are fortunate indeed to see the moon once again. Let us go and sleep away from the graces of the Madame."