The man shrinks back from Rileng's harsh eyes. He seems to slump in his chair, shoulders turning inward.
"Very well. What message do you want to send?" he raises a hand, "I transfer all communication, the goblins don't meet with anyone but me. Their rule, not mine. They don't trust anyone but me. You give me a message and pay my fee, and I pass along the word and any return message." Sivo seems a bit sulky now.
At that he mind jumped to deception. Maybe someone had fooled Sivo into thinking they were goblins, after all goblins were not overly cautious or intelligent. More to the point, how did they pick out Sivo from anyone else in the city. It just did not add up right to him.
"Tell them I want to meet with their leader to arrange a business agreement. If I can not meet with their leader myself, then sadly we can not do business. That is all, when will you have a reply?"
Sivo ponders, "The leader is an odd fish. What should I tell him. Are you an investor, customer, rival? I need something to tell him. If he agrees to meet, we can do it tonight, after dark. Meet me here and I can get you were you need to be." He waves a hand at the stolid Ute. "You can even bring your guard, if you like."
Just as he says it, Rileng can see Sasthiss's head pass by under the window of the 'private room'.
Rileng thinks.
"I have other business tonight that can't wait. Tomorrow night, tell him I am a investor or customer. Anything else?"
He was not going to stand up the lord or walk into his house depleted of his resources. Nothing good came of being reckless with one's life or thinking one knew all. Anyways it would give him time to look into the goblins and Sivo even more.
Sivo shrugs, "Tomorrow night then. I can arrange things. Bring money, they like to be paid upfront."
The man gestures to the door, "You first."
Rileng nods and leaves the tavern, rejoining his second bodyguard. He then goes about hiring a small boat to take them to the crow.
"We are just taking a look. But be on your guard, it doesn't take long for something to go wrong."
He told his bodyguards. Thinking on the strange goblins.
It takes awhile to find a boat willing to take them. Not only are most of the crews of the Underbridge asleep during the day, local rumors has it that the pilings are haunted and filled with dangerous criminals.
Finally though, he finds a small fishing boat full of halflings. Grizzled and slat-stained, the lean captain eyes Rileng and his offer with a grin. 'I can take you anywhere in the bay with my boat. Aye, even the Rat, if you are willing to pay. One gold coin should cover it. Unless you expect trouble? It'll cost you." The halfling says.
Rileng eyes the halfling captain back.
"I am headed to the crow, not the rat first of all. Secondly I expect a two way trip. As for trouble, it's underbridge and only a fool expects none. I do not take you for a fool and I certainly am not."
Should he accept his conditions and seems trustworthy enough. He tosses a gold coin at the captain, from one of his seemingly empty pouches.
"You'll get double on our return trip. For your time and service."
He didn't know what traps, spirits, or guardians were left in the crow. But it did not hurt to take a step into the place to have a look, if it did then he would be near enough to the door to make a quick exit.
The captain bows, catching the coin in mid-air. 'Captain Moss at your service." he shrugs, shoulders lean as rawhide. 'there is trouble, and there is trouble, if you get my meaning. But for a gold coin it'd take a big storm to blow me away. I'll be waiting for you when you want to leave."
The boat is a small fishing affair, with a small sail and a tarred hull. It reeks of fish and offal but ti is clean enough, with neatly coiled rope and tight sails. The crew are all halflings, who generally silent as Rileng and his two guards come aboard.
Moss calls out the orders and soon the little boat is sailing across the bay, dodging sharp rocks and rotting wrecks (which dot the Underbridge).
Soon they are near the Crow, the pillar standing dark and solid in the water, waves crashing on it. Rileng can see a small landing at the water level, and some kind of door built into the very stone.
'You heading there, friend?" Captain Miss says, pointing towards the door. 'Tricky."
Rileng nods.
"Everything of worth is tricky my good captain. Once we land, I'll see if a door is all it takes to stop me. I'll admit if it is then I'll be a bit put out. But it'll be the fastest and easiest coin you've made in a while I dare say, so at least one of us will be well in a moment."
He was once a thief but he never developed the knack for lock picking and trap breaking. He relied on seeing and not being seen to take what would not be missed and held value. Perhaps he would pick up the skill if it became a constant obstacle, then again he could just hire a locksmith.
Captain Moss shrugs, 'True enough." and begins to guide the ship in. between the waves, the rocks and the sheer sides of the pillar it is a tricky maneuver. Rileng is impressed with the captain's skill, and his vocabulary as he curses his crew outrageously.
He guides the ship in, just off the small, wave lashed landing and says, 'Just hop off. Signal when you want me to come back in, I have to stand off a bit. I'll get smashed if I stay."
The ship backs off, maybe fifty yards and waits.
Rileng turns his attention to the door. He sees no handle, no hinges, nothing but the outline of a door carved in that same, dark basalt of the Irespan.
Sasthiss remains silent but Ute speaks up, "Now what?"
Looking closer, Rileng can see some writing in Common, carved into the stone.
It cannot be seen, it weighs nothing, but when put into a barrel, it makes it lighter. What is it?
Below is written the word.
Speak
and below that a small hole, the size of Rileng's fist and of unknown depth, in the center of the door.
Rileng does not think much, the answer seems pretty clear to him.
"Air, I guess you have to speak the answer into that hole. Ute no offense but your face is the most rugged. If you would do the honors."
He did not trust random riddles and should things go badly, a merchants mouth was worth more then a bodyguards, it would also be a shame to ruin Sasthiss' so that left Ute. He would heal the man should the worst happen, alas his would be the face to take the blow should it occur.
Ute grimaces and stares at the otherwise blank stone wall. The wind has forced him to remove his hat, and Rileng can clearly see his small eyes sizing the doorway up.
Finally, he shrugs, and raises a hand. He flexes the fist, tight then loose. Rileng can see it is covered with a fine web of scars and calluses, he marks of a hard, violent life. He places it on the sword hilt, grasping it firmly.
He leans down and speaks into the hole. "Air"
Nothing happens. The waves continue to lap the pillar, gulls scream overhead and the small fishing boat stays at anchor.
"Do we knock or something?" Ute asks.
Rileng rubs his chin.
"Try wind or blowing air into it. If that does not work then I say we call it a day and come back with an expert some other time. I am not much for riddles."
It seemed he would have to feel out the rat with the goblins for a less tedious approach. Their was plenty of day left and he could have the captain drop him off at a near by market so he could prepare for the lord, he supposed.
Ute shrugs and tries both, blowing into it and trying a few variations.
Nothing happens, and the gusty wind picks up, frothing the wave caps white.
He repeats the riddle aloud again.
"Well unless ether of you have an idea?"
For the first time, Sasthiss speaks. 'The answer is nothing." then she falls silent, her eyes riveted on the strange door.
Ute shouts that answer too into the hole and nothing happens. Just the endless sighing of the wind.
"Any ideas?" Ute says, staring at the hole. 'Do..do you want to stick your hand in?"
"Good idea, you do that. I advise not using your sword hand."
He smiles at Ute. He really hoped he would not have to have the man's arm healed or worse still regrown should he trigger something. Honestly he doubted he could afford to have the man's arm regrown, perhaps he should create a fund for those sorts of things in the future.
Ute looks hard at Rileng, "I didn't sign up for this, you know." He hesitates, looking at the dark greedy hole.
Sasthiss hisses in dismay, pushes him back and thrusts her arm in without any preamble. Nothing happens until Sasthiss starts shouting all of their guesses. On nothing, there is a loud click and suddenly the door swings outward, massive, ponderous stone grinding on ancient hinges.
Inside, there is a small simple room, obviously just an entryway. The dusted, rotted remains of a guard stations it there, a few old logs long turned to dust and a rusted old kettle.
There are three exits. One has no door and reveals stairs climbing up. Another is the same, but spiraling down into deep shadow. Another, with a stout iron door is closed and fastened.
Judging from the dust and dirt, some adventurers have probably made it this far before, but non recently.
'Where to?" Ute says, eyeing the blank walls.
Rileng turns to Ute slowly.
"You know I don't even pay her half of what I have paid you. She doesn't even talk back. For a man whose job is to risk life and limb in my protection, bulking at a door seems a bit sad. Don't you think."
He stops any response with a raised hand.
"Not really a question. Now how about you lead the way up slowly, at least we know where that ends."
He was starting to think he overpaid Ute. Here he thought shoanti were supposed to be brave. If he was so concerned he could have used a something else inside the hole to see if it worked first. None the less he would need to pick up a metal gauntlet for such things in the future, he made a mental note. He scans the interior to make sure he takes in everything and spots anything before his nervous bodyguard comes upon them.
Ute does seem bothered by Rileng's remark. 'You pay me to protect you. And I'll do that even if we run into a dragon up those stairs. I know my business. But sticking my hand into magical holes? That isn't what I signed on for, friend."
Without a word, he leads on up the stairs, sword half drawn, eyes keen. Rileng follows, with Sasthiss behind. The stairs are still sound and well-made, with iron rails sunk deep into the rock.
They soon come to a landing, with a ajar door off tot he side. It looks to be long abandoned barracks, with rotting bed frames and long gone chests (look to be smashed). There is a small window, looking onto onto the bay. They are only a few floors up, no where near the massive Irespan itself.
There is some writing on the lintel above the barracks door, but even Rileng can't read it.
The way up the stairs is blocked by a crude barricade of crumbling wood and half-stacked stone. Ute pokes at it, eyes sharp.
"Whoever built this is trying to fool us. It looks simple, but they used tools to build it. A trap?" He looks to Rileng, questioningly.
Rileng sighs, he had tonight to consider. A built trap meant someone or something else was here. It also meant he would need a roguish type after all at least.
"I can't afford any missteps before tonight, we know how to get in and that we are not the first. So let's call it a wrap. We have some shopping to do then a lord to visit tonight."
He looks at Ute.
"I may need to get you something too."
With that he returns outside and closes the door behind his group, flagging down the halfling.
Dusk is falling as Rileng, along with Ute and Sasthiss find themselves at the dock. The ship is where it always ism elegant, refined. As Rileng watches he can see a gang of sailors repairing the hull where the adventurers must have blasted through. The smells of tar and pitch waft through the air, mixed with something else. Well-cooked food?
Ute sniffs, "A feast?" he shrugs, 'So, you expect trouble, judging from your directions with the magic." he pats the vial. "May I ask what sort of trouble?" the fighter doesn't look overly concerned, but Rileng can see he is sizing up the ship, plotting escape routes.
"I am just being cautious and prepared for the worst. Hopefully everything will remain civil and we can walk off that ship. While I think it goes without saying, keep your guard up. Treading verbal waters is no less dangerous in more subtle ways."
He had drank some extracts just before their arrival. He was sure the lord had something up his sleeve, be it keep the door open with him via an implied favor or more physical implications. He had no yet dismissed him, so he wanted something. The question was what.
Rileng and his cohort enter the boat. Looking around, the investigator notices more armed sailors then last time. then again, considering the blasted hole in the side, who could blame the lord for wanting more security?
They are lead down into the main stateroom, where a huge feast is laid out. Fresh fruit, still wet from cutting, meat of half a dozen animals, fresh fish, even sparkly, sugary desserts are laid out, under warm glowing lamps. It is all untouched, so far.
The Lord sits, reclined in a divan of pillows, at one end, seating for easy access to the county. he waves a vast hand at Rileng, 'Greetings, translator! Thank you for attending. Please, sit, sit!"
After Rileng and his two guards are seated he asks, his voice low, 'How goes your vengeance? So distracting so you cannot work for me?"
Even seated he gives a bow, switching to infernal with ease.
"You grace as usual you cut to the point, sadly I must say you miss your mark. Business before vengeance, the interlopers have retreated to whatever hole they came from for now. What distracts me is a tiresome man, he sought to have me betray my word to another once given, naturally I declined. When bribery failed him, he sought to have his minions....remove me from the stage as it were, once more I declined a tad more forcefully. Having failed twice and learning no wisdom for the effort he has sought to interfere with my personal business. Clearly I must clean my own house, as such I would not walk into yours in such a state less I track dirt upon your floors great lord."
He said all this without missing a beat.
"I do not wish to involve you in my affairs or bring undue hardships upon you. I am fairly new to this city myself and find some of it's denizens have no prudence or honor of any kind. They may see my service to you in a unfavorable light, thinking to strike at you is to strike at me. As such I must settle these new affairs with my full attention, least I find myself drowned in their filth. I can only hope you understand my position, once more I beg your forgiveness great lord."
He bowed again but kept his eyes on the lord.
The Lord is not surprised by any of this. Somehow, he has kept tabs on Rileng over the past day.
'I understand the foolishness of others, yes. But there is some wisdom int he city." the bull's vast shoulders shrug slightly. 'I had a long talk with the master of the Guild of Spicers and a member of the Council of Ushers today. Apparently, stopping boat construction can be good work in this city." The rakshasa smiles slightly, 'I hear you have been caught up in some web of scheming and petty revenge? It is a shame. I could perhaps help you?"
The smile that follows is as barbed as a fish hook.
Rileng does not take the bait. If the lord had a hand in his problems or chose not to at least inform him. Then he had proven no friend of his, business relationships were just that. Relationships and one good turn deserved another. He was being treated like a mercenary and to add to the insult he was trying to be used like a pawn. The lord had made a mistake in that. Still he smiles.
"As always your generous my lord. Yet as I said, it is my problem alone. I do not bring others into my personal affairs, those that intrude. Find me most unkind, I will deal with all interlopers in due course. I am a man with a long memory and as you have bore witness, no small amount of hidden talents."
He let the murky words drift over the lord.
"As to stopping boat construction being of good. I respectfully disagree, it cost the city. It most certainly cost those involved in such unlawful actions. For a law used is burdened with proof, a foolish gamble to bind oneself to a law they had no hand in crafting or enforcing. Perhaps a blunder, by thinking one can control the actions of another. But that is beside the point."
The council of ushers was a political body, it did not control the law. That domain belonged to the justice council, their were other councils as well. How far did the spicer wish to take this, he wondered for a moment. Petty revenge for a kind refusal may cost him dearly.
"Fear not, webs can be cut or burned. That is assuming it was spun by a spider, what a surprise it would be to find a fly instead."
He shakes his head.
"It seems all this talk has soured my appetite, I would not seek to degrade yours in turn. Apologies but I would take my leave great lord."
He rises with a bow. He had shown the lord enough manners, he would not be toyed with by the spicer. If the lord meant to take advantage then he would be disappointed. Best to cut things short with the outcome clear. Still he watched the lord carefully, after all he never made the mistake of thinking he knew how others would react.
The raksahsa lord laughs, a booming, deep laugh. "Flies, very good."
He waves at Rileng when the investigator stands, "Please, do not get offended. It was merely a business opportunity, nothing more. Sit, eat. Think no more of it, we can talk of other things then flies and spiders."
The Lord does want him to stay, although doubtful the rakshasa cares about Rileng's nutrition.
"Again my apologies, I have much to do and time bends for no one sadly. It is out of respect that I came here great lord, not for the feast. So I must regretfully decline once more. Such luxuries are for those power like yourself, lesser men must be ever attentive."
He was being set up for something else, he could sense that much. As the lord said he was caught up in a web, he would not tread deeper into one or another. At least not on the terms of others. He makes no move to sit but bows again, ever watchful.
"Should I come across anything that may be of interest to you. I will keep you in mind, your grace."
The Lord holds Rileng with his eyes, "You refuse my hospitality? It is late, what more do you have to do tonight? Perhaps I could help with these many pressing matters? I insist, in order to honor you and your sacrifice for me. You need what allies you can get, my translator."
"Lord Harikiran, it is said early to bed early to rise. A common saying but no less true. As for your generous offer of aid, allies are earned not bought. Or so I believe in my humble opinion, I will not presume to know more then I do. Yet I must ask myself, would my ally allow a chance to aid me pass them by rather then take it."
The lord was not his ally, not as he saw it. He sought to use his difficulties with the spicer to his advantage, another bargaining chip as it were. Lord Harikiran saw him as a useful and valuable tool, one he would like in his pocket and not by his side. He was no tool and his allegiance was not to be gained by gold or manipulation. He refused to be manipulated and gold only gained his employ when he chose to grant it.
"Forgive my musings, as you said it is late. I would hope in the future to honor such debts, granted or owed in equal measure. Yet tonight I find myself weary. Good night your grace and good fortune until our next meeting."
He bowed and left Lord Harikiran. He would leave him to choose his position, he could be another enemy or court his favor as an ally. As it stood he had other problems and opportunities to hold his attention.
The next day dawns bright and clear, no clouds in the sky. Sasthiss, as always, seems to have hardly slept. She has said little since the last meeting with the Lord but she does offer this, 'It was wise, not to eat. It was probably poisoned or drugged in some way, It is a favorite trick of his."
A single letter is waiting for Rileng at the front desk. It is unsigned, but clear.
Meet me at the Bronze Golem at noon. It is a restaurant in Naxos. Be sure you are not followed.
Rileng gets up before the dawn, making sure both his bodyguards are ready. He informs them to be on the look out for any trackers as well. He then arranges for one carriage to take them to the alabaster district, where he changes carriages for one heading to the lost coast road gate, there he changes carriages again to enter the noas district, getting off in the general area but not at the meeting place. Using the alleyways and spaces between buildings he takes a roundabout method to finally make it to the meeting place. Even if they had a tail, their would be plenty of chances for them to stand out if not get lost.
As Rileng crosses a small, quiet courtyard, he hears Ute grunt and Sasthiss hiss.
Turning, he sees Ute, carefully, casually, move slightly, as if to block Rileng. "We got a tail, boss." he says quietly, 'I blocked his line of sight on you. Just one,f or now. Small, weedy looking guy. Not bad, but not great either. Sasthiss wants to double back and kill him." How he knows this without Sasthiss saying anything Rileng has no idea but she nods in agreement.
'What do you want to do? If we wait too long, he'll know we spotted him."
"I want to catch him and make him talk. Then we can see if Sasthiss gets her wish. Any suggestions?"
He whispers in turn.
"We keep walking." Ute says, pushing slightly and the trio starts to move. 'We cross the square, find a narrow alley, and then hide, when he passes, we gab him. Easy."
Sathiss hisses however, saying "No. We split up. You two go on a head, I will double back and catch him from behind. Safer."
Ute frowns but turns to Rileng, "Your call, boss."
"Why not both, we make for a narrow alley. Sathiss hides while we lure him along a bit more. Then we hide, if he gets skittish then Sathiss can greet him. If not then we have him. That way he won't notice her sudden departure as a narrow ally will not give him a view of all of us, only the one that brings up the rear. Which naturally will not be me, only seeing Ute's back will not alarm him."
He whispers as they move.
Ute shrugs, "Ok, then."
The two carry out the maneuver perfectly, apparently working well together. Sasthiss soon has the struggling man in her grip. He is small but feisty enough, threatening to break the vishkanya's grip until Ute pits a firm grip on his shoulder and growls. The man quiets after that.
the man fixes Rileng with a glare, "Tell them to let go, or you'll regret it. I've got powerful friends, teifling!" he throws the last word as an insult.
Rileng smiles coldly with full fangs. Slipping out his wicked blade from it's hiding place and bring it close to the man's face.
"Yes I am sure you have powerful friends. It is not as if your just some disposable pawn. Clearly your skills are vast."
Every word drips with sarcasm and acid.
"Well now please continue to lie to me. I am sure your powerful friends will be along shortly in this hidden alley where none will hear your screams. Perhaps they may even appear before I have started to remove more then just your fingers and other short limbs. Of course that can all be avoided if you should simply tell me what I wish to know. How much gold is your blood and body worth I wonder?"
He grabs one of his hands, extending a finger in preparation of removing the digit.
"Would one of you prepare to stuff something into his mouth please?"
He was drawing things out, giving the stalker plenty of chances. But he had every intention of removing the finger. It was the least he would extract, his civility in these matters growing thin indeed.
The man looks in horror at Rileng, then to Ute's impassive face. The fighter grabs a bit of dark cloth for a gag, handing it to Rileng. "Here'
The sight of the cloth seems to break the man.
"All right, all right. Just don't hurt me. Please. Korlt sent me, to keep an eye on you. I was supposed to follow you, that is all. I never tried to attack you or anything." He thrashes, pitifully, in Sasthiss's grip.
Rileng lets go of his hand but does not remove the blade from near his face.
"Well it seems Korlt is getting into business that does not concern him. Tell him you lost me, because that is what your going to do. Get lost. If I ever catch you again, your going to find out I am not a man of second chances. Now walk while your still fit to."
Once the stalker is let loose.
"Does no one in this damn city mind their own business. It's a wonder they have any gold at all if they spend all their time spying on folk that have nothing to do with them."
He takes a breath.
"Stay on guard, we have a meeting to attend."
Not letting up on his vigilance and expecting the same of his bodyguards. He goes about making it to the meeting in the same round about manner he had originally planned, back tracking twice to be sure. Just in case their were anymore rats on his tail.
The weedy man takes off as soon as Rileng lets him go, pelting down the streets like a horde of orcs is after him.
The rest of the trip goes well and soon Rileng finds himself in the quiet, rich and well-appointed Naos district. This is where all the new-money in the city has been flowing lately, as merchants, traders and diplomats are putting up new manor homes in the increasingly wealthy city.
The Bronze Golem is easy to find, and Rileng enters the half-empty restaurant, seeing it is a rich affair, with teak counters and marble floors. A waiter glides up when Rileng enters, whispering, "Your appointment is in that room, sir." he points to a white painted door against the back wall, with a suspiciously bouncer-looking waiter, standing next to it.
Rileng enters but still keeps his guard up. Today was not the day to start slipping. He will let the venture captain make the first move, anything to give his current mood time to ebb.
The room past the white door was small, and rather plain. A few chairs, a bookcase or two, two bright lamps filled the space. The walls were painted a bright, clean white.
More then the decor, RIleng was focused on the three figures int he room. Seated at a round table, was Shelia, Venture-Captain of the Pathfinder Society. She was wearing her rough adventurers clothes, leather boots, short jacket, hair pinned on her head. She sat, quite at ease. Behind her, standing protectively, was a man Rileng did not recognize. A rather dour, bearded man wearing a short sword a leather helmet.
In a corner, leaning casually, Rileng recognizes Bastic, the rouge who promised revenge for his fallen comrades. The man bares his teeth as Rileng enters but does not move.
Sheild speaks first, waving a hand. 'Welcome. I bought this room, decades ago, off some of the more well-heeled criminals in the city. The walls are cork, lined with lead. All covered with the best anti-scrying magic money can buy. We are quite secure."
"I don't think you know everyone." She nods at the man above her, "Canayven Heidmarch, my husband." The bearded man nods curtly.
"And I do believe you know Bastic already?" The rouge watches, eyes hooded.
Rileng bows.
"Greetings Canayven Heidmarch, a pleasure to meet you."
When she introduces the rogue, he only slightly gives a nod.
"We have crossed paths."
He holds up a hand to each side in turn as he speaks their names.
"Ute and Sasthiss, my associates."
Bring down his hands and folding them into the small of his back he continues.
"While I am glad you took the time and effort to allow my request. I must ask, a no doubt expected question before we begin, why is Bastic here?"
He had his own thoughts as to his presence but it never hurt to be sure.
The Lady Heidmarch nods her head, "If we are to form a working partnership, we cannot have hate and vengeance grow between us. I brought Bastic here, so he could hear from your own lips, that we need to work together, if we wish to bring down a greater evil. Besides, I could hardly keep him away."
Bastic, small and wiry strong, leaves the corner, stepping toward Rileng. He keeps an eye on Rileng and stands still, obviously waiting for the investigator to say something.
Rileng shrugs.
"I have no hate or vengeance in me. If he is no threat to me, it is not my concern. Then again, I can only speak for myself. Last time Bastic spoke to me he made promises to seek out my life. It seems to me it is his choice not mine. I am a reactionary by nature mostly."
He spares the rogue a look but little else. He was ready if he made a poor choice and observant for any lies in his reply. Otherwise he had spoken true and Bastic held his interest not one bit otherwise.
"Now should we move to the matter at hand, what do you wish to know precisely?"
He wanted to see how much information he could offer that they wanted, as well as how much he could offer that they did not know they wanted.
Bastic growls but Shelia waves him away. She looks sad, saying, "That could have gone better. Bastic, outside." The rouge, without a second glance, leaves the room silently.
The venture-captain eyes Rileng, "Please sit. I wish to know about the Lord. I have studied him for years but never met him. What type of being is he? What does he have planned? How can I best thwart him? I have simple goals. Frustrate him, defeat him, later perhaps see him dead."