”Your mother has been telling us that you travelled to Kaer Maga a few days back – apparently your illness had taken a turn for the worse and your only hope lay with a bloatmage whose services your mother had procured. We feared the worse… yet here you are. Well, don’t you worry, no word of this will pass my lips but you must be careful Joanna… if your mother discovers that you have been seen in Magnimar, she will act to protect her position…”
Passing some papers to Birt, Mr Donovan smiles, ”Present those at wharf 34 by noon tomorrow… and be thankful that you met young Lady Whitehall here”. Turning back to Joanna, ”Is there anything else I can do for you now?”
Deciding that a 4 way struggle will only further fuel the bidding frenzy, Teldon chooses to wait. He bides his time until the bidding dies down. When its down to two bidders and the increase in each bid is getting smaller and smaller, he raises his hand and calls out his bid, 1,000 gold over the current bid, in the hopes that the already wearied bidders will lose heart at this development...
Joanna's eyebrows continue to rise as Donovan relates to her what her step-mother has been doing, and then nearly falls out of her chair when he calls her "Lady Whitehall." She had been hoping to keep Birt from knowing that was how she was connected to the business after all. She manages to calm down some and slumps into the chair in a way most nobly born children had beaten out of them by the time they were five.
"Fetch a doctor and a priest, I guess since I'm supposed to be deathly ill at the moment," she answers with a wry grin, "Or you could tell me how things are going before I see Birt to the docks and introduce him to the Captain since you've spilled the beans a bit. I'm trying to keep what I'm up to from my step-mother by keeping my name a secret. Some new friends of mine know, as do the Heidmarches, who I really am, but I'd like to keep that number from growing for now," She turns and smiles at Birt, "I wasn't trying to deceive you. I do not trust my step-mother, nor do I like her, so I try not to let her know what I'm up to. I hope you can forgive me for not telling you myself."
Zee is sitting at the edge of her seat. This is exciting... and nerve-wracking!
Maiveer Sloan continues to play the crowd, drawing excited gasps as the bidding spirals higher and higher... Sometime around eight and a half thousand, the curator of the Museum of Ages drops out leaving the noble collector and the arcane scholar to fight it out...
There are moments when the bidding slows, the will to climb higher slowly reducing as the bidders confer with their aides, and then reignites to the great pleasure of the crowd. But, after crawling in increments of fifty, at ten thousand eight hundred, the bidding stops... the half-elf scholar looking around to check that he is indeed the highest bidder...
...the auctioneer calls out once...
...calls out twice...
...and then Teldon, representing Lord Fairfax, thrusts his card skywards...
The moment of high theatre causes the crowd to erupt with amazement, "We have a new bidder, Pellius Crisp..." - Maiveer Sloan hasn't finished announcing Teldon's assumed name when a voice calls from the back of the auditorium, "Thirteen Thousand."
As one, everyone cranes to see the new entrant, a swarthy looking fellow announced by the auctioneer as Havalas Grudd.
...Maiveer Sloan is looking directly and expectantly at Teldon... In fact, everyone in the room has turned back and is looking at Teldon...
"Fifteen" Teldon replies quickly but calmly, trying to gauge the newcomer's reaction...
The quickness in response and the absolute certainty in Teldon’s voice takes everyone aback – the half-elf who had been the highest bidder in the opening stages of the auction waves dismissively to the auctioneer indicating that he is done whilst the crowd look expectantly at Havalas Grudd for a response to the decisive bid. Grudd's Halfling companion, dressed in similarly traditional Varisian garb, whispers into his ear as a look of frustration turning to anger sweeps over the man’s face…
His card stays by his side…
”Going Once…”
…Havalas Grudd hisses something at the Halfling – who merely shakes his head.
”Going Twice… Any more bids from the room?”
Dejected, Havalas Grudd shakes his head at Maiveer Sloan. The Auctioneer looks out across the room…
…and, with no new bidders, bangs his gavel, ”Sold!!! At Fifteen Thousand to Lord Fairfax’s representative”
The assembled crowd break out in applause at the little show they have just been treated to whilst Maiveer Sloan announces that there will be a fifteen minute break in proceedings to allow people time for drinks and refreshment
Donovan flushes with embarrassment as he realises he has betrayed Joanna’s confidence a little, ”Do forgive me Lady Whitehall, it was not my intention to expose you… For myself, no mention of this meeting shall ever pass my lips – it is good to know that you aren’t en route to a Bloatmage in Kaer Maga and that you are doing well.”
Birt reassures Joanna that he will keep her secret for as long as he lives, ”You have done me a great service – keeping your secret is the least that I can do”
Teldon excitedly squeezes Briana's hand as he is announced the winner. When a brief intermission is announced he leans over to her and whispers, "I hope Lord Fairfax wants that as badly as it seemed; he just paid 50% more than he hoped to for it. This could be very good for us though because..."
As he whispers his cheek softly grazes hers and suddenly all other thoughts are displaced. He gently nuzzles the side of his face against hers. Overwhelmed by the warmth of her breath on his neck and the subtle scent of her hair he tenderly cups her other cheek in his hand, his long fingers extending to her neck just below her ear. For the briefest of all eternities he basks in her nearness.
Then, just as suddenly, a new thought explodes in his mind, Kyrot encouraged us to keep our relationship a secret, and this is a very public location... control yourself!
He quickly lowers his hand and withdraws his face an inch or two, but dares not move far enough to see into her beautiful eyes. Then he whispers, "Ես ցավում եմ, . Երբ ես ասում, դա կարող է լինել շատ լավ է մեզ համար, երբ խոսքը ժամանակ է դրույք Ամուլետ , քանի որ մեծ մասը հայտատուները այժմ տատանվում է հրավիրել իմ դեմ այն բանից հետո, տեսնելով, որ ."
Whilst folk mingle during the break, a number of people come up to congratulate Teldon - they tell him he has a fine eye for artefacts, nerves of steel and a powerful benefactor. The Atmosphere stays convivial until the crowd parts to let Havalas Grudd through... He squares up to 'Pellius', "I travelled a long way for this auction Sir... You really have no idea the level of inconvenience you have just put me through... Still, you won the mirror fair and square... Let's just hope you and your paymaster can keep hold of it eh? Say, just exactly where is Lord Fairfax anyway? Ain't like him to miss an auction", Grudd considers things for a moment before spitting on the floor, "Our paths will cross again Mr Crispin... Be ready".
Gerda of Halgrim, who had stood next to Teldon throughout the exchange, asks Teldon, "You're sure you won't have that drink?"
Soon enough the bell is rung to announce the re-start of the auction, several statues stand between mannequins displaying various items of jewellery... circlets, bracelets, armbands and a crown...
...alarmingly, there is no sign of the medallion, despite the fact that it is due to be auctioned within the next ten items...
'Pellius' extends a hand to the swarthy stranger. "Well, Mr. Grudd" he offers, "if it's any consolation, you're last second arrival was rather inconvenient for me as well; Lord Fairfax would have been much happier with my original bid."
When questioned about the Lord's whereabouts he replies, "Sadly, he was waylaid by a significant and unexpected bit of business. I will be certain to extend your greetings to him."
He furrows his brow in surprise and offense at the man's thinly veiled threat. When Gerda renews her offer of a drink he answers, "No, thank you, apparently I have double need to keep my wits about me tonight..." then, turning to Kyrot he adds, "keep your eyes open, and one of them glued to Grudd- that sore loser has just threatened me."
As the next round of items is set out he quietly says to Zee, "Το φυλαχτό φαίνεται να λείπει . Νομίζετε ότι μπορείτε να μάθετε κάτι γι 'αυτό γρήγορα ;"
Then asks Gerda as casually as he can, "One of the upcoming lots looks to be missing, have you heard anything about any items being withdrawn?"
Zee applauds raucously as 'Pellius' wins the bid on the mirror. "Well, done, sir!"
Later, to Teldon's inquiry about the the missing medallion, Zee nods. Taking the lot guidebook with her, she walks over to the stage where the next round of items are being displayed. She looks at each of the items, cross-referencing in the book. She makes a bit of a show of confusion over the missing Lot 401: Thassilonian medallion.
Getting the attention of one of the auction house workers, she asks, "Excuse me... What happened to Lot 401?" She points to its drawing and description in the book. "I rather had my eye on that one. Has it been sold privately already?"
Joanna bides farewell to Donovan after learning how everyone else was doing. She walks with Birt to the docks, telling him a little of what had been going on the past few days. A short while later, they arrive at the Golden Key. Joanna gives Birt a hug and wishes him safe travels before he embarks.
With nothing else to do, she returns to Heidmarch manor to explain her early and sudden appearance as well as how things had been going so far.
The half-elf that Ziomarra asks the question of takes a look at the medallion within the guide, "I'm afraid to say that item has been withdrawn from sale Madam... If you are interested in making an offer for it outside of today's proceedings, I suggest you see Agent Sylvain before the end of our gathering... It's...", he hesitates, "Well, let's just say it's complicated"
...true to his words, the auction proceeds through the latter items with nary a sign of the medallion... Indeed, it seems that a number of items from the second half of the catalogue - all items that were due to be sold by the Consortium - are not present today.
Teldon notes exactly which items are missing and tries (rather unsuccessfully) to hide his frustration over their absence. When Zee conveys the situation to him he heads directly for Sylvain. "I have an interest in one of the missing lots..." he announces, "my attendant was told we needed to speak with you about acquiring it?"
After Zee fills in "Pellius" with what the auction employee told her, she sticks with her "employer," following him to Sylvian. I wonder what's going on here?
As the final few items are sold, the auction winds up – the atmosphere of the departing crowd is a mixture of excitement from those who have secured the artefacts that they were bidding upon and dejection for those who were outbid. The Aspis Consortium are astute sellers though – they escort people out promising new items for forthcoming auctions and, where the mood seems to be threatening to turn ugly, by buying drinks and securing ‘other services’ for their clients. Gerda of Halgrim, her task complete, congratulates you once more on securing Lord Fairfax his mirror before bidding you farewell… and, of Havalas Grudd and his companions, there is no sign.
Teldon finally finds Agent Sylvain in deep discussion with a man in Varisian garb, as Teldon approaches with his entourage, the Aspis Agent brings his conversation to an abrupt end – the two shake hands and the man, bowing courteously to Ziomarra and Briana leaves. Agent Sylvain greets Teldon with a broad smile, ”Congratulations Mr Crisp, that was quite the show in there and, despite that sudden surge in price, you have secured your benefactor a valuable artefact”. When Teldon enquires about the medallion, Agent Sylvain purses his lips in thought…
”Okay, but not here… Let’s find a discrete room before I share this with you”
Fortunately the Osprey Club, with all of its available vices, has plenty of discrete rooms. The room that Agent Sylvain secures is lavishly decorated and very clearly, from the size of the bed that occupies the centre of the room, has a singular purpose.
A look of mild embarrassment flashes across the Agents face before he gets down to business, ”You have maybe heard of the Ventari expedition? Your benefactor provided some funding towards it earlier this year… Two of our most learned agents have been exploring along the Plateau just beyond the Storval Stairs for nigh on a year now – we received word from them two months ago that they had discovered a previously unknown ruin near Jorgenfist and that it had already yielded several prizes. Among them was the medallion that we planned to auction today”
”An agent was due to bring the first collection of items to Magnimar in plenty of time for being sold yet it appears that he has gone missing – this is unfortunate to say the least. We have sent a number of agents to search for our missing consignment but, so far, to no avail”
Agent Sylvain appears to consider something for a moment before continuing, ”I like you Mr Crisp, I like your attitude and I like your tenacity and not it appears that we have a shared problem. Would you consider a commission? I could use a man like you in this hunt and, between friends, I have been authorised to give a sizable reward to the person who finds our missing shipment”
”What do you say?”
On the morning that the Aspis auction is due to be held, there is little more to do than to return to the Heidmarch Manor. Jacanne, the ever present help to Lady Heidmarch, shows you to the drawing room where the Venture Captain is studying a leather bound text. As your arrival is announced, Lady Heidmarch looks up with a slightly confused smile and closes the book.
”Only three of you?”
As Joanna explains the way that the events played out – meeting with Lord Fairfax, the robbery and the chase, the murder of Lord Fairfax followed by the discovery that he was still alive, working together with Lord Fairfax’s bodyguard followed by Teldon throwing the three of you out to maintain the subterfuge – Lady Heidmarch listens quietly, And so it seems that we will hear soon as to whether your fellow Pathfinders were successful… Let us take tea together whilst we wait”
…and so the agonising wait for Teldon, Briana and Ziomarra’s return starts…
"Well, at least it's not all bad. I got to help a man get out from under the heel of the Gallowed (whoever they are,)" Joanna says as she takes a seat.
”The Gallowed you say? You have had an interesting couple of days then… The Gallowed are Sczarni – actually, they are pretty much the most powerful of the gangs that run in this city. You have done a good thing in helping to get someone out of their reach – they are thugs and bullies, the kind of people who thrive on other folks’ misfortune. How did you do this good deed? You were not seen to be performing this deed by the Gallowed I hope?”
The white haired warpriest sips some tea, and waits for Joanna to end her story politely. Then she speaks
Well, Nalathi and myself just gave ourselves a treat, and shared a good meal in a decent inn, chatting and knowing each other a little better. A shame you weren't with us, Joanna. I look forward to another dinner with you.
"I helped him move a load of rotten fish up to the Varisian camp in Cliffside, then we had some drinks, and after we spent the night in hostelry, we went to talk with Donovan, the man who manages the Whitehall Mercantile Company here in Magnimar and got him a berth on the the Golden Key," Joanna says, suddenly looking a little more worried, and a lot more angry, than before.
She sips her tea and sighs, the flash of anger in her eyes disappearing.
"Honestly, I'm more worried about what my step-mother has planned," she says quietly, "Donovan told me that she had saying I'd taken very ill, and that I had been sent to Kaer Maga to see someone who could cure my illness," she takes another sip of her tea and smiles, "I asked him to keep quiet that he saw me, after asking him to fetch a priest and a healer since I was supposed to be on my deathbed."
---
"Well, if I had been, I wouldn't have found out what my step-mother is up to, and I wouldn't have been able to help Birt," Joanna replies, "but I don't see why we couldn't share dinner tonight. I would like to get to know you and Nalathi more as well, and hopefully I won't bore you to tears."
”You took barrels of fish up to the camp in Cliffside? That’s Jaster Frallino’s place… he’s the head of the Gallowed, you really don’t want to cross him… and those fish you took? They were probably for his fish tank – his collection of swamp barracudas – nasty things they are, Sir Canayven and I came across a pair of them out in the Mushfens a few years back. The thing is, Old Frallino doesn’t keep them as an enthusiast… they’re a threat, do the wrong thing by the Gallowed and you are likely to lose a digit or a limb …or worse… to those things”, Lady Heidmarch looks genuinely worried, ”I really hope you can trust your friend Joanna… and that no one saw you help”
As Joanna talks about her step-mother, Lady Heidmarch reassures her that no word of Joanna’s current whereabouts will come from Heidmarch manor.
As Arsith and Joanna discuss dinner, Lady Heidmarch smiles, ”I hope that your friends will bring us good news later today and that you will all share dinner with me tonight”
"Well, that explains why we carted the stuff uphill instead of down, at least," Joanna says, trying, and failing, to not let her voice waver from fear. She may be divinely blessed to be immune to having that fear overwhelm her, but she was far from immune from feeling it.
"W-would he go after just me, or would he go after anyone I know," she asks quietly.
---
"I will certainly be there," Joanna says with a small smile, glad to be talking abotu somethign more cheerful than the Gallowed.
Well, Nalathi and myself just gave ourselves a treat, and shared a good meal in a decent inn, chatting and knowing each other a little better. A shame you weren't with us, Joanna. I look forward to another dinner with you.
"Yeah," the little wayang agrees. "Zee was there with us at one point, you could've joined us too. And we met a little girl who claimed she was a princess, but she probably made that up." Nalathi sips her tea as Joanna tells her story. "Well whatever Teldon and Briana are up to, I hope it's less dangerous," she says with a smile.
"Well, Agent Sylvain," Teldon answers, "it seems we do have a shared problem. Tell me everything you know and I will endevour to solve it."
”It goes without saying that what I tell you now is to be kept in the strictest confidence – if our investors were to find out that we had lost track of the first shipment from the Ventari expedition, an expedition that has been very well funded, it would be very embarrassing for the Consortium.”
Agent Sylvain awaits confirmation of understanding from Teldon and his companions before continuing, ”You will be looking for a man by the name of Elias Kyle – he was travelling alone to minimise attention and was due to come back through Ravenmoor, Galduria and then along the Lost Coast Road arriving in Magnimar about a week ago. The last we heard from him was on his descent down the Storval Stairs - our agents have already confirmed that he never arrived at Galduria.”
”There are a number of possibilities, the most likely being that he turned west before arriving at Galduria and is headed to Riddleport, the second that he is still en route but has been delayed and / or taken a different route whilst we believe that the final possibility is that he has come to harm somewhere between the Storval Stairs and Galduria. Our early investigations suggest that it is most likely that he has indeed stolen the consignment with the intention to sell it at Riddleport; we recently discovered that he is a barely recovered alcoholic - the temptation may have been too much for him – as all of our agents are focussed on that line of inquiry, we have not been able to spare anyone to follow the trail back to the Storval Stairs… If I were to offer you the medallion that you seek as a reward for finding Elias Kyle and to pay your travelling expenses, would you consider making the journey through Galduria and up to the foot of the Storval Plateau?”
'Pelius' smiles softly as Briana speaks; internally, his mind races as he considers dozens of scenarios and possible outcomes. He waits until Sylvain answers her question about possible threats before offering the response he deems best...
"The amulet plus traveling expenses?" Teldon considers aloud... "That is a fair bit of extra risk for an item I had planned to merely purchase... I suppose it would carry the added benefit of fostering a good relationship with the Consortium, though- I trust your organization would bear such service in mind when future auction invitations are going out or when I find myself in possession of pieces I wish to liquidate?"
Agent Sylvain relaxes as he hears that you will assist with the search, "If you find this consignment then the Consortium will be indebted to you... Our relationship from then on will be mutually beneficial Mr Crispin"
Describing the route to Briana, "The Storval Stairs are about 300 miles from Magnimar through foothills, forests, and marshland - it's a long trip. You could go the Lost Coast Road way or via the Yondabakari River - Elias was due to come down the Lost Coast Road so that is probably the best option. You'll get to Galduria in a couple of weeks and from there the rest of the journey is best made via horseback along the road on the western shore of the Lampblack River. The Lampblack follows the trail nearly all the way up to the Storval Stairs..."
"...it's a pretty miserable landscape of bogland and bleak moors. There is actually very little bandit activity once you get past Galduria - it's too remote for such things - but don't make the mistake of thinking it is safe up there... The land isn't tame... Not by a long way"
"Lord Fairfax's man can manage business here... Can I help with arrangements for travel to Galduria or would you prefer to manage those for yourself?"
"I can make all the arrangements," Teldon offers, "do you use notes of credit for travel expenses or shall I keep a ledger for reimbursement?"
"Keep a ledger, it's tidier that way... I will inform our man in Galduria to expect a team heading to the Storval Stairs - he will be able to give you any update on the situation. Show the landlady at the Hermit's Secret this", Agent Sylvain passes you a small brass coin emblazoned with a pair of snakes, "She can direct you towards the Consortium Agent in Galduria"
The agent stands to leave, "May the gods of commerce and enterprise smile upon you Mr Crispin...and keep you and your companions safe. I look forward to hearing word of your safe arrival in Galduria". The agent bows to 'Alika' and 'Eudomia' before showing you the door...
'Pellius' nods in acknowledgement to Sylvain as they leave, "I shall see you in a few weeks."
After walking away from the agent, he leans closer to 'Alika' and 'Eudomia' and quietly says, "It sounds as though we'll be headed through Sandpoint... That's regrettable- my father always said that the people there were uniquely unwelcoming."
When they finally make their way through the crowds back to Kyrot he asks the tiefling, "Shall I make arrangements to have Lord Fairfax's pieces shipped somewhere or has he already made some arrangements?"
"Sandpoint? It's been a few years since I was there, but I found it a charming place! Unlike so many towns, they always welcomed our caravan. They would even let us set up in the town marketplace rather than outside of town. I'd look forward to traveling through there!"
As Teldon, Briana and Ziomarra return to the auction room, Kyrot is overseeing the packaging of the mirror that Teldon secured at auction. With his inimitably toothy smile, he tells you that, ”Lord Fairfax will be pleased to have secured this artefact – who knows, maybe it will go some way towards lightening his mood after losing his simulacrum and his charts. I shall arrange for this to be transported back to the Mariner’s Rest and await further instruction – will you be returning to your rooms? I am sure that Lord Fairfax will wish to send word to express his gratitude to you”
With your business at the auction finished, there is little more to do than to return to the Pathfinder Lodge to inform Lady Heidmarch on your progress to date. Making sure that you are not being followed, you make your way on foot back to Dockway where, in a suitably crowded square, you hire a carriage to take you back up to the Alabaster District… Arriving at Heidmarch Manor with the afternoon sun starting to slide across the horizon, the door is opened for you and the ever-faithful Jacanne shows you in to the drawing room where Lady Heidmarch …and Joanna, Nalathi and Arsith are waiting…
With a broad smile, Lady Heidmarch asks how the auction went…
Joanna beams at them when the trio walks in, only for it to slowly fade as their expressions register.
Arsith sees Teldon and Brianna arriving to Heidmarch Manor.
She says, with an amused smile and over her cup of tea
Hello, whatever your name might be tonight... What took you so long on your way back?
Joanna returns the hug with a grin, that is a little marred by the fear in her eyes.
"Well I may have gotten the Gallowed mad at me, but let's hear what happened," Joanna says, trying to make a joke to ease the gnawing pit in her stomach.
---
After Briana's tale, Joanna shakes her head.
"Why do that? He had to have known to what lengths these guys would go to in retrieving these items, right," Joanna asks, "And besides that, how will we explain the sudden appearance of the three of us that 'duped' Pellius in his entourage? I don't suppose there's a way to disguise us that will last that long, is there?"
"So the medallion never made it to Magnimar and, worse still, the Consortium don't know where it is? That is unfortunate although I must admit that anything that inconveniences that obsequious fool Maiveer Sloan does brighten the day...", Lady Heidmarch sips her tea with a wry smile. "Well my friends, it was always likely that your quest to reunite Xin's star would take you beyond the city walls - I guess I didn't anticipate it would be quite so soon. The journey to Galduria can be quite pleasant this time of year, how many of you have travelled that way? I guess Ziomarra that your caravan will have travelled the Lost Coast Road on occasion? The rest of your trek towards the Storval Stairs though may be arduous...especially if you are searching for someone who may have come to harm or left the trail for another reason"
As is becoming customary, Lady Heidmarch calls upon Jacanne and asks him to ensure dinner is prepared for seven, "You should all keep a low profile within Magnimar for a while, your dual identities may have brought results in the short term but the deception cannot last forever... Maybe it is a good thing if you head into the country for a while. I suggest you all stay here tonight, make your travel plans and, if possible head for Sandpoint tomorrow. Also, I suspect young Joanna may have made an enemy of the Gallowed, some time away to allow Jaster Frallino to calm down would probably be sensible"
Arsith looks at Joanna
As a side point,, Joanna, you know, of course, that you can count on my help- on our help, I presume- should you get into troubles with these Gallowed folks.
She takes another biscuit, and eat it with pleasure between two cup of tea
Mmmm.. ginger biscuits! I love the taste of ginger! You were talking about addiction, Briana... Please take the plate out of my hands, before I finish all the biscuits by myself!
She then studies the map
"Thank you," she replies, giving her newest friend a small smile.
After Arsith mentions the biscuits, Joanna picks up one of them and tries it, her eyes widen as she tastes it and turns to her.
"Wow, these are good," she says before looking at Lady Heidmarch, "can you pass on my compliments to whoever made these, please?"
Teldon remains quietly lost in thought as the girls talk. After dutifully removing the ginger biscuits from Arsith he finally speaks, "I do apologize that it became necessary to chase you all off; I wish that maintaining the ruse would have brought more immediate success. At any rate, I don't believe it will be too big an obstacle... the anger and betrayal were all for Kyrot's benefit; all the Consortium knows is that I, well Pellius, decided you weren't trustworthy enough... I don't think it will raise too much suspicion to merely say that I deemed to offer you a chance to prove yourselves and you have..."
He pauses for a moment to allow the others a chance to express agreement or concern before continuing, "Kyrot is expecting us back at the Mariner's rest... The three of us should really return there for the night and meet up with the rest of you tomorrow morning. I'll hire a coach to take us up to Sandpoint."
Over a hearty Varisian stew and a warming mulled cider, Lady Heidmarch entertains you with stories of her travels in the lands beyond the Storval Stairs. She countenances that, as far as is possible, you should stick to the trail when you are beyond Galduria, "It's marshland up there...many is the fool who has seen a shortcut that was never there. Let us hope that is not what happened to our Elias Kyle"
"Hiring a coach to Sandpoint is the wise thing to do... It is what the Consortium would expect of 'Pellius' but, for the rest of your journey to Galduria, I would suggest you buy horses at Sandpoint", she taps her fingers thoughtfully on the table, "Old Man Hosk used to run stables up there...ask after him"
"Thank you for the warning, milady. Would you happen to of anything particularly dangerous that way," Joanna asks as she nurses a mug of cider. Her cheeks are a faint pink from the wine, and it's clear that she'll fall asleep after too much longer.