Bethana sticks her tongue out at Kithian and retreats behind the bar. A loud set of thunks punctuate the low volume of the morning crowd and Bethana returns with a pewter mug that brims with foam. Before she even gets to the table the rich aroma of oatmeal and fermented barley almost overwhelm the table. As Bethana sets the mug before Kithian dark black stout peeks from under the foam. The halfling woman gives Kithian a playful poke in the ribs. Special reserve for valued clients, and you I guess. Good barbarians get more if they behave. She winks at the tribesman and goes back to her work.
"Yes mama! I will even keep most of my food on the plate instead of the floor. "
At those words, Enok hops over on the table and caws at Kithian, then he does a credible attempt at imitating his voice.
"Kerric would have better luck converting the local Temple of Abadar to a brothel than you have of being good. Caw Caw!"
Kerrec wipes his mouth of bread crumbs as Kithian makes his analogy. "Brothels are one of the First Banks' best investments Kithian. They pay their taxes on time and do not extend much credit. In fact if I was to give a first-time entrepeneur an example of well run businesses, a brothel would be at the top of the list."
Kerrec winks at Enok as he finishes.
Kithian laughs at Enoks mocking and turns to Kerric as he wipes his mouth with the back of his arm. "Good investment for the church aye. Every time I deposit money into the brothel, I am guaranteed to deposit money into the local temple for a cure of some sort! Maybe I should learn to be a paladin, I hear you guys are immune to diseases, that would save me a dragon's hoard!"
Camillo rises, wincing at aches he shouldn't have, and decides to work out the kinks with some fencing practice before he cleans up and heads downstairs.
He arrives in time to see Bethana ushering the others to the table and hustles to a chair like a schoolboy late to class. He smiles and chuckles at the ribbing and tries to look nonchalant when Bethana mentions Ameiko's name. He does dig into the offered food with fervor. He concentrates on his eating, though, and listens to the others talk.
For the first time in nearly 21 years, Toshio finds himself afraid. He stands at the door of the Rusty Dragon, known to be the establishment owned by his younger sister, Ameiko.
How old were you when I left? I was 15, that made you 4years old. Will you remember me, sister? Will you accept me?
He quickly remembers his resolve and purpose for returning, this was about more than he and Amieko. He had a mission, his name to restore and, if the rumors were true, an estranged father to avenege.
By my ancestors, I will make this work.
He enters the Rusty Dragon and is greeted by a tavern at breakfast. The only people of note he could see in the room were a table of hardend looking individuals and a fop. One particularly well built example had the size of a man who lived my his fists and not his brain. There was a bird hopping about the table. Odd.
Toshio looked around and saw a halfing female, fussing over the table and giving orders to the other staff and no sign of a Tian woman. The halfling was apperently in charge.
"Excuse my intrusion Mistress, I am looking for someone, an Ameiko Kaijitsu, i am told she is the owner of this establishment. I am Toshio Kaijitsu, returned from Tain Xia and need to speak with her.
Diplomacy
Toshio hopes his formal tone and smile is enough to illicit a helpful response.
The fop does a terrible job of hiding his surprise and his fork remains halfway to his mouth for a moment or two before he realizes it. He listens intently to see what else the stranger will share. He looks at the others to see if they heard what the man said.
A relatively young man dressed no differently than any other common man in the town of sandpoint, walks into the Rusty Dragon shortly behind the stranger. "Excuse me, sir" he says as he works he way through the empty tables and past the man. You notice a wooden amulet hanging from his neck in the shape of leaf as he goes past and heads over to the table of hardened individuals and pulls up a chair.
"Did that guy just say he was a Kaijitsu?" Rullis says quietly as he sits down, gesturing with his thumb over his shoulder. He glances back for a split second before turning back to the group and continuing, "I don't recognize him, he's not from around here."
Though he already had a light breakfast less than an hour before, the sights and smells of the food before him causes him to dig in for a little more.
A relatively young man dressed no differently than any other common man in the town of sandpoint, walks into the Rusty Dragon shortly behind the stranger. "Excuse me, sir" he says as he works he way through the empty tables and past the man. You notice a wooden amulet hanging from his neck in the shape of leaf as he goes past and heads over to the table of hardened individuals and pulls up a chair.
"Did that guy just say he was a Kaijitsu?" Rullis says quietly as he sits down, gesturing with his thumb over his shoulder. He glances back for a split second before turning back to the group and continuing, "I don't recognize him, he's not from around here."
Camillo just nods, racking his brain for a memory of another Kaijitsu from his time working with the family.
Kerrec leans back in his seat answering Kithian. "Perhaps my training of the body along with Abadar's grace will allow me to fight off the effects of disease someday. It is rare for those worshipping Him to reach such control. As of now I am at the mercy of disease like anyone else......"
He breaks off his explanation as the stranger announces he's a Kaijitsu. He raises his eyebrows at Camillo.
Vidar also breaks off from teasing Enok long enough to take an apprising stare at the newcomer.
Another one? This family goes from evil to good, which side of the fence did THIS Kaijitsu fall on I wonder.
Quietly, "Wow, a ghost from the family's past." Looking at the others, he explains, "I don't know if I ever really knew him, but Lonjiku and his wife, may Desna smile on her soul, had a boy several years older than Tsuto. He disappeared - ran away, I think - when I was just a boy. Lonjiku never mentioned him again, as far as I can tell."
He looks at the stranger appraisingly, "This man would be about the right age. I think I will invite him over - what do you think?"
"If you think you know him..." Rullis replies as he watches Camillo stand up. He turns in his seat to watch the encounter.
Well I have sworn to kill his younger brother but what the hells. Have at it."
Bethana balks at Yoshio's statements but takes only a second to compose herself. She isn't here. She's at the manor working on the funeral of her...I mean, your father. I have things to attend to, excuse me.
The halfling quickly picks up her skirts and makes her way to the kitchen stopping only momentarily to pick up some soiled dishes she had left on the bar and carry them back with her.
Harrumph...I think I can make myself useful here.
Vidar excuses himself and walk into the kitchen.
"You know Ms Bethana, if you like to run along and inform her ladyship about another long lost brother appearing I think I can mind the kitchen until you come back.
I've been meaning to learn to cook so I can prepare my kills when I hunt."
@Vidar:
The little halfling woman stops for a second and looks over at Vidar for a second with tears welling in her eyes. Hesitantly she looks about the kitchen but she nods and wipes her eyes. Bless you Master Ekstrand I know a shortcut and I move like the wind. There are cakes, eggs and pies cooking or simmering so you should mostly need only to serve but I guess everyone will get a little something different for their breakfast today...
Grabbing a shawl and making for the back door her voice is almost imperceptible, Keep that damn bird away from my pies. There is more harvest corn in that jar over there. With a wave of her hand she motions at one of the many crockery jars on the counter, forces a smile, then leaves.
As soon as Bethana is out of the Rusty dragon, and out of hearing range Vidar walks back into the main room, wearing an apron.
He glares around, inhales deeply and then gives voice to a thundering bellow.
"Alright you louts, ne'er do wells and riffraff, Bethana had to run an errand, so I'll do the cooking for now, anybody gives me any lip, complaints or so much as sniggers and they get to try my new dish.
I call it, "pot of hot grease with a side order of burning hands", you get me?"
Giving the room one last glare he then stomps back into the kitchen and begins minding the food, trying to avoid anything being overdone or burnt.
He makes sure to listen in in case anybody does snigger in the dining room.
Kithian takes a drink and looks around the table. "All I gota say is there better not be a beard hair in my food."
Sense Motive:
Sensing the fear in Bethana, Kerrec eyes the newest Kaijitsu brother intently. He waits to see Toshio's reaction to the news.
If Bethana gives any sign of fear, Toshio misses it completely. He stands back up straight as the little woman leaves. So it was true, not sick but dead. The old man, Lonjiku, (he no longer truly thought of him as a father figure, for indeed his uncle had assumed that role long ago) was really dead. He took a moment to bury the unfamiliar sense of rage he felt, welling up from a part of him he no longer recognised. He would find his father's killer and see him ended. Not for any sense of love for the old man, he could not love Lonjiku anymore. No, it was a matter of HONOUR!
Saying to the little halfling woman as she leaves, Yes..thankyou. I have something I must attend as well. If you see Ameiko, tell her I went looking for Belor Hemlock.
With that he abruptly turned and heads for the door. He needed more information before he could act and there was 1 person in town he knew could help. Belor. Toshio's first swordmaster and friend, the only person in Sandpoint he'd bothered to write to over the years. Toshio, was fortunate because in his replies, he knew Belor had taken the role of Sherriff. If anyone had any answers about his father, it would be him.
Camillo gets up and follows the stranger through the door. "You won't find Sheriff Hemlock in town. He had to tend to some business and actually asked my friends and I to aid his deputies. We, ah, we can probably tell you as much about what's been going on as anyone. Your sister has been kind enough to stake some of us and arranged for a hearty breakfast. Care to join us?"
Diplomacy
Toshio can see that the "fop" wears a well-used longsword on his belt and is very comfortable with it. His clothes are more serviceable than fashionable and have seen their better days, but they obviously fit too well to be off the rack, as it were - but it wasn't a high-end tailor that did the alterations, either.
He's obviously not familiar with the proper way to address one such as Toshio, but does seem to be making an effort to not offend.
Belor, Left YOU in Charge? Toshio checks himself and takes a moment to re-inspect the man he was quick to dismiss earlier.
Forgive me, my return and this news is an unusual circumstance, no doubt it will be for little Ameiko as well. If you have information about Lonjiku's death, I would hear all the details.
Toshio stops his movement towards the door, heads over to the table and, still standing, introduces himself.
I am Toshio Kaijitsu, Order of the Warrior, in service to the Lord of the Magnificent City of Goka. I have returned to reclaim my house and restore my families business to legitimate interests. He is formal, but curt and remains standing.
"Well, we're not in charge, per se. And 'little' Ameiko is going to be surprised that you came home for your father's funeral after all these years."
Camillo pulls another chair over and puts it within Toshio's reach before heading back to the kitchen to let Vidar know they need another plate of breakfast.
Rullis watches the events unfold as he leans over the back of his chair. He looks up at the strange man and speaks up in response, not bothering to get up from his seat to greet the man.
"Well, what's left of it. Aren't you the one who shunned your father as a boy and left town? Rumor had it you were removed from any legal rights to that business."
Toshio takes the comments of the young stranger in stride and replies,Rumor's bare listening to, though they are rarely the whole truth. The stake I have in MY house is between me and Ameiko, suffice to say, I am confident she will be satisfied with the documents I have bought signed by my Uncle, Shesien Kajitsu, TRUE head of our family and legal owner of the glassworks here. But it remains a private matter, that I'll discuss with my sister. And you are?
"Stillman. Rullis Stillman." He offers his hand is greeting, though he is still a little reserved about this new man. "I take it you haven't heard yet. This town has been turned upside down for the past week, with the goblin attacks and all. They took over the glassworks and we had to go in and clear them out."
Camillo says from his spot by the kitchen, "Oh, sorry about that. I'm Camillo Duin. Several years ago, I worked for your family for a time. Ameiko and I were good friends, but I left town and we lost touch. I've only just come back to Sandpoint - just in time for a good, old-fashioned goblin war, it seems."
Kerrec stands to greet the elder Kaijitsu. "And I am Kerrec, Master Kaijitsu. I am sure the documents you have will explain and back your claims under Varisian law regarding your family's business. It seems your return home with documents illustrating your rightful share of the Glassworks could not have been timed better with your father's death at the hand of your brother."
Kerrec looks at his comrades, "He has not been laid to rest yet and already the oldest brother returns to press his rights on this matter."
Kerrec's eyes return to Toshio's. "I hope this is just an unfortunate coincidence Master Kaijitsu. Your sister has been through a terrible tragedy and is currently preparing to bury your father. She has already lost one brother who chose a path of evil for his own gains......"
Kerrec taps his chin thoughtfully. "So... when was the last time you spoke to Tsuto?"
Kithian cuts his eyes at Kerrec then shrugs and knods his head "More diplomatic than I woulda put it but there it is." He leans back in his chair and looks up at the newcomer.
"I am Kithian Darlok and I aim to kill your younger brother. Nice to mee ya."
As Vidar comes out of the kitchen carrying a large tray of food he overhears Kithians comment and snorts.
"Only if you can outrun my arrows friend Kithian, I mean to track him down and put one through each of his eyes."
With that, Vidar dumps the tray on the table, hands out the food and disappears back into the kitchen.
Kithian snorts and shakes his head. "No worries there. I can run pretty fast and I have seen you shoot."
Toshio listens to the replies and states evenly,
@KerricThe last time I spoke to Tsuto was to say farewell to a 1 year old infant sleeping in a cot. I left home to return to my family in Tian Xia 20years ago. I will elaborate so far as to say I discovered my father's true nature and was ashamed at what he was. Our family name is far better than that. Believe me, If I'd thought a 15year old was capable of looking after a 4year old sister and an infant on a journey taking MONTHS, then I would have taken them with me. If you are apparently having any doubts about my character, Belor Hemlock can vouch for that. As an Order of the Warrior for Goka, my role is one of peacekeeper and protector as it furthers the city and my Lords interests.
He then moves to look at Kithan, both warriors meeting the others eye, 'Well met Kithian Darlock, no need for diplomacy, I prefer honesty. As for Tsuto, I do not know the circumstances surrounding his killing of my Father yet. Since you all have yet to elaborate. I would appreciate any insight into what occured and how my brother has been motivated to do this thing. My father was not a good man, yet Honour dictates unless the act was in defence then my brother has murdered my father, it falls to me to end his life or at least ensure he commit ritual suicide in compensation for his act. Killing ones own family is not something taken lightly in my culture.
He then, finally takes a seat, Please, if you could all tell me what happend?
Kithian empties the remaining bit of his ale and looks at the tien man. "Him and a bunch of goblins killed everyone in the glass works and pored molten glass down your old man's throat, then encased him with the rest. He is also in cahoots with a crazy chick that had the goblins attack the town to steal her fathers dead body. From what we can understand they are all held up in a place called Thistletop or somethin like that. Here soon we are goin up there and killing everything that moves."He turns and looks at the others around the table and shrugs. "Thats about it. Oh and he was cavorting with a demon. It's dead now."
Returning to the table with Vidar, Camillo listens to the others before adding with a chuckle, "I'm glad you prefer honesty. This crowd doesn't tend to beat around the bush, as you might have noticed.
He sits, "To back up a bit, a few nights ago, the town gathered to dedicate the new cathedral. You may not have heard that the old one burned down five years ago, supposedly with the priest and his daughter within. During the ceremony, a fair-sized force of goblins attacked, wreaking havoc all over town. That's how we met, actually, as allies of circumstance as we fought to rout the little knee-biters.
"While everyone was occupied with the goblins in town, someone - someone man-sized - snuck into the cemetery and dug up the grave of Father Tobyn, the priest that burned in the church. So we knew that someone other than a goblin was involved in that little bit of chaos.
"Last night - was it just last night? - your baby sister got a note from your bro... from Tsuto. It instructed her to come to the Glassworks alone late at night. When she had not returned, her primary employee, Bethana - the halfling woman you met earlier - came to us because she feared for her friend.
"Kithian has told you what we found - the dismembered bodies of your father's employees all over the furnace room, scattered around the glass-encased corpse of your father, goblins capering all about. Naturally, we fought them. Tsuto emerged and fought on the goblins' behalf until it became clear that we would be the victors. At that point, he fled into the basement and we captured two of the goblins. Still seeking Ameiko, we followed into the basement where we found your sister imprisoned in one of the old offices., we found Tsuto and two goblins. Your sister was their prisoner in one of the rooms. While Kerrec and I remained behind to care for her, the others pursued Tsuto down the old tunnel, but he escaped.
"Funny thing about those tunnels. We don't know what they were used for, but it looked like they'd been sealed off for years. Ameiko seemed surprised that they were even there, but Tsuto obviously knew about them. We think he led some of his goblin allies into town through the tunnels the night of the attack and then waited behind to have revenge on your father. It appears that he hoped that Ameiko would join him."
Taking a drink, he finishes with, "No, we didn't see Tsuto kill your father. But he was aiding the goblins at the site of his murder. I don't think anyone's going to believe him to be innocent. That's not everything from the last few days," he rubs a raw scar visible at the neck of his shirt, "but it's most of what I think you're looking for right now. What did I miss?" He looks around at the others at the table.
Rullis takes several bites of Vidar's cooking while he listens to Camillo's recap. When he is done, he feels the need to correct him. "I know the days seem to be running together lately, but it definitely wasn't last night. It's been what, four days now? Because then when searched through those tunnels and found the demon. And then we found that smart goblin who killed Woodman the next day. And that was just yesterday."
Turning back to the new guy, "It's been a rough week here. And by the way, I have also pledged to seek justice to whoever was responsible for the goblin attack on my town. If your word it true, then it seems that we all have common goals here."
Toshio listens to the group, takes a few seconds to completely digest all the new information. Finally he lets out a loud sigh and asks'
Is Ameiko ok?
Toshio then continues, but is clearly speaking through some emotional difficulty.
The Tunnels you speak of are for smuggling illegal goods and money in and out of the Glassworks, which was SUPPOSED to be a legitimate venture. I believe it started out that way until father saw other opportunities. It was my discovery of these tunnels during an illicet business transaction and subsequent confrontation with my father that caused me to leave. You must understand that to a True Tian, geneoulogy and honour is EVERYTHING. My father had shamed our families name and worse, expected me to follow his example. I could not, so I left. I have kept contact only with Belor in the intervening years, asking him to keep an eye on my sister and half-brother. I even suspected foul play when mother died so young.
He closes his eyes for a moment, refocusing.
I do not know where the tunnels lead. Rest assured you have my considerable skill to aid you in this cause. I have for years been a soldier and fought to reclaim my families heritage. I have done so. And now I have returned to relcaim the life My Family should have had. I only sought to 'reclaim' the household in order to remove it from father's grasp. That has been done already but my family remains shattered and the business is not returned to legitimacy. I need to sought much of this with Ameiko but first, I have a blood debt to settle with Tsuto and this town, where I intend to make my home and trade, cannot be threatend. You have my sword and my horse and my life, if neccecary. I only ask, if possible, when Tsuto is to be judged, that you let me do it. My families honour, and my father's memory, tainted as it is, demands I do this.
"Ameiko is no shrinking flower. She is very strong, but she's been through a lot. I think she will be fine, but it's hard to tell...
"You know, it's too late to ask your father, but since the tunnels were bricked shut - and had apparently been so since Ameiko was too young to remember otherwise - perhaps your departure accomplished much of what you hoped for your return. And if your father was dealing in smuggled goods - I don't know one way or the other, I didn't do anything around the glassworks, I was household help - it might not have been by choice. There are elements, even in our small town, that can make it very hard to refuse an 'offer' if you seek the safety of your family." He shrugs, "But, as I said, it will require a priest to ask him now. I do know that I welcome your aid and your blade. You'll get no disagreement from me regarding Tsuto's final end, but you may need to draw straws with my friends - he's a very popular target these days."
"Fathers and their sons...." Kerrec says just loud enough to overhear although he does not seem to be saying it directly to anyone. A sad look crosses over his expression before it switches back to his normal stoic demeanor.
"Well I hope the news you bring to Ameiko will lessen the burden she currently bears. The poor girl has been through enough I think."
Sizing up Toshio, Kerrec continues, "You have all the outer accoutrements to indicate you can handle a blade. Sandpoint is in dire need of experienced swordsmen. As Kithian said, we are planning on taking the fight to Tsuto and his comrades soon. If you wish to see what your brother has become for yourself, I'd advise you to get your business settled with Ameiko. We have some affairs to attend to as well today. After that, plans for Thistletop will begin to be set in motion."
Kerrec sits back in his chair, sipping his tea, somewhat lost in thought.
Vidar returns bearing plates with drinks of various kinds this time.
"Aye, the pool needs tending, so I better get back to the book as soon as Bethana is back. Are you ready to try and help me master Stillman?"
Looking up at the new cook, "Sure. I don't know how good I'll be but I'll do my best."
"I would be happy to provide whatever assistance I can, Vidar. And I'm sure I will learn a thing or two from your efforts, besides. Unless there's somewhere else I would be of more use." He looks around as he returns to digging into his breakfast.