Just an FYI - I am alive, just did not seem like much for Kzrira to say.
'I would like to be able to see whom I am talking to, before asking any questions, but it is so dark in here ... Oh ...'
I start to fumble around in my back and pull out my Wayfinder, where I push a button at the top of the device and at the press of the button the area around us (20 ft) is illuminated all around us and just further from us (another 20 ft) it is slightly lighter than before, but still dimly lit.
'Ah, that is better. I can see now, now where were we? Ah, yes the price for answers I think was my friends question.'
As soon as Faelar’s wayfinder begins to glow, total darkness crashes back down on you before your eyes can even adjust to the light. The voice responds, ”Now that was quite rude. I prefer the darkness if only for its metaphoric qualities. I don’t think you understand the nature of my business, elf. You see, only I provide the illumination here ...for the right price."
"Information is much like illumination, is it not? Not all illumination has the same quality. Likewise, not all information has the same value. Ask your questions and I will tell you what the answers will cost you. If you do not care for my terms then you are free to leave.” There are chittering sounds above you much like laughter.
Karethas squints against the darkness, "Well, Great Provider of Illumination, I suppose our first question is why your familiar up there has been trying to take books from Alondro Tuzzi? I would be more circumspect about the question, but the cackling above suggests the imp is there so why not just get to the point."
'I am very sorry, I didn't mean to be rude. It is just hard to talk to someone and trust them, when you cannot see who or where they are. Information is like illumination? I have never thought about it that way before, but I can see that may be true. Thank-you for showing me a new view on knowledge and information.'
"But I have no familiar, Karethas ibn Faradin, only a group of associates and that sounds more like an accusation than a queation. I don't believe my associates appreciate your charges of theft." There is the clap of many wings dropping from above and you are suddenly in the center of a whirlwind of sulphur, fiendish cursing, and little claws pinching and pulling your hair.
"Damned diabolists." Karethas mutters under his breath as he waves at the creatures flying about his head. First the darkness parlor trick and now being molested by little demons, I don't believe I like this Mecham Djal "You have my sincere apologies that it may have sounded like an accusation and that I assumed the creature was your familar, let me rephrase the question and ask another. Have you been sending your "associates" to acquire a book from the merchant Tuzzi? And if so, why? We seek to find an understanding to resolve the issue, or perhaps we should just bring the matter up with the appropriate trade guild and let them handle the situation."
Amir swats at the pests trying to keep his tone even. Just so, as Karethas says, we wonder about the book shop owner and if we can speak of such things amicably, we have other questions as well but can we please desist with the harassment? My companions are younger and energetic, unknown to how we do things in the shadows.
I pull out one of my silver crossbow bolts.
Nothing personal, but I would prefer if your gnats would stop swarming like insects. My understanding is that imps were supposed to be intelligent. This is like a bunch of children let loose at a toy store. If you are unable to control mere imps, then I doubt you are the genius we are seeking. If you do not call off your beasts and agree to answer our questions, then we shall leave and take our money elsewhere. We came here seeking information, and unless you wish to barter for your answers, then our business here is done.
With this I turn back and open the door and begin to leave.
The voice from the darkness gives a command in the same sibilant sinister tongue and the wings rush back up into the rafters. The voice continues although it is unclear if it is addressing Amir or Kzrira,"Finally, someone who speaks with some sense of authority. I know of the book shop and scroll of which you inquire, but I am afraid what I know will cost you dearly- in the neighborhood of 1,000 scarabs. Perhaps your other questions will be easier to answer and thus relatively cheaper."
I let out a sigh of relief as the creatures stop harassing me and fly up above us 'Thank-you for calling your "associates" off, I was starting to get concerned that you wouldn't be able to ask them to stop.'
A steep price indeed. Perhaps we will come back to that one. What about Kzrira's Haleen or our elf in Dogtown, Xander is his name. We are looking for details and locations, how much might those questions go for?
"My associates have a less generous nature than myself obviously, but they are quite reasonable when a deal is to be made. Now what would an elf be doing in Dogtown? My usual fee for locating lost individuals in the City is 100 scarabs. However, I believe I can already provide your answers quite easily, so let us figure as you are new clients I will provide you with a two-for-one deal: 100 scarabs for the locations of both your lost persons."
Hearing the voice mention that it has information about Haleen Kzrira quickly turns around:
You claim to have information about Haleen? I doubt you have ever even heard of her. Before I am going to even consider parting with my hard earned money, I want proof that you truly have the information. I am only interested in where she is now, so why don't you tell me what else you know about her so that I can verify that you actually have the information you claim.
Intimidate:
"Yes Kzrira, the Haleen that raised you as a daughter. The Haleen that left suddenly leaving only a note not to seek her. I believe we are speaking of the same Haleen." the voice gloats.
"I can see this information is quite dear to you. Far dearer than gold. Perhaps we can come to another arrangement. I could just give you the information you seek, but this being Katapesh... what would the guilds think?"
The guilds have their rules, and compliance is a necessity. However, if the alternative to a sale is no sale, then the guilds and the taxing authorities allow flexibility. Although I would be thankful to receive the information for free, I am willing to bargain with you for information on the location of Haleen. Based upon the recent exploits of your . . . associates, there are items of which you are interested in obtaining. Perhaps, we can reach a deal. We help you obtain some item which is difficult for your associates to gain access to, and in return, you provide us with the information we seek.
As Amir begins to open his mouth Kzrira responds in force with talks of the guilds and alternative sale. He had been about to negotiate a lower fee, or try anyway but the woman had brazenly offered an alternative, one of questionable outcome. Amir waits for Dejal to respond.
I whisper to Amir 'I am looking for a book myself, but it is an extremely rare find. I wish to know of its location and this man may know where to start looking, but so far he has not been trustworthy and is putting a price on answers that we seek. Seeing that this is a rare tome and he will probably want it too, should I ask him about it. Even though the price will be ridiculously high and he may give us the wrong information? You seem to have a way with words with merchants, so I would very much like your advice on this matter.'
Djal responds to Kzrira, "Be not concerned brave archer, I will not require any larceny. Only an exchange of information on one lost person for another. I need information on a lost Thuvian merchant's apprentice. So far my clever imps have failed and timing is essential. Bring the lad or at least the contracts that he holds tomorrow evening and I will tell you what you wish to know, Haleen's ward."
"This may be something we can do, but we would need more information about this young man to have a chance of finding him when your imps have already failed. Tomorrow we must also find this elf that we spoke of earlier or he may end up being given to slavers. Perhaps you can provide information to help us do this quickly, so we will also have time to find your young apprentice."
The darkness suddenly fades and you can view the faint light of the shadow box on the stage again. ”Imps can only spy as few would care to speak to them. You may have better luck asking around, “ the voice from the shadows admits. ”The lost lad's name is Gilad and he works for the merchant Kathkallan of Thuvia. He disappeared soon after his meetings with Trading House Arrasti and Far Desert Spice Traders two days ago. These are located near the Eagle Gate. I would recommend starting there in the morning.”
'How is it you know so much about us and what we seek?'
A soft chuckle echoes through the darkness around you, "Why it is my business to know these things, Faelar."
'You may know my name, but do you know what it is I seek; my good sir?'
Kzrira stands back and listens, holding and slowly spinning a silver bolt in her hand.
There is a pause after Faelar asks his question. "You are full of questions, elf. Yet I have not seen your coin. Do you accept my terms, Kzrira or not?"
I accept your offer with regard to Haleen. However, my friend the elf is seeking someone who may be in a doggie bag at present. For him time is of the essence. Let us know whether his life is at risk this night and how we can find him. If you give us this information, you have my word as a child of Haleen that we shall seek information regarding the missing Gilad at the Eagle Gate in the morning.
Mechem Djal replied, "I do not offer predictions or divinations. See the Smoke Lady if such speculation is your desire. I can only say where he has gone. In most cases however, a slave is of more value alive than dead."
"We had deduced as much ourselves." Karethas turns to the rest of the group. "Tomorrow, we head to this "dogtown" and find Xander. Hopefully that does not take too long, then we can look for Gilad. We are all in agreement, yes?"
'I am in agreement; my good sir. Hopefully tomorrow I will feel a little less clumsy too. Let us have the best of fortune for tomorrow.'
"Just remember I must have word of Gilad and the contracts before the end of the day tomorrow," the information broker reminds you.
We shall find whatever information we can on your Gilad, and I expect the same regarding our inquiries when we return.
Yep - heal up, rest up, and prepare for the morning.
'Perhaps once we have retrieved the information and documentation that you seek, I will be able to ask for your help in locating a certain tome I am looking for.'
With Faelar's final thought, you leave the ruined theater and make your way back to your quarters with the agreement to meet at the Golden Net on the morrow. The sun rises all too soon, but you wake with great expectations for the coming day. It is another cool and bright morning and you enter the inn to find Xilla impatiently waiting for you.
Karethas walks quickly into the cafe, eager to continue the investigations. When he see's Xilla waiting he opens his arms wide, "Dear, sweet Xilla! I have good news for you. We have a lead on where your brother is. Xander is in some trouble, but we will extract him from it and we know you will be reunited by the end of the day. Please just be patient! I will not give you any more details because I do not want you chasing after him yourself."
Amir rises early to visit his donkey Hota and make sure she is well. Combing and patting her wordlessly Amir offers her a carrot for her patience.
Amir makes his way to main room, the nights events still playing over and over in his mind, every angle and idea being assessed over and over. Coming in and seeing the young elven women pacing about,Amir bows.
Ah you are as resplendent as the sun miss Xilla. We have much work to do this morning and we had lost you in the churn of events last night. Are you ready to find your brother?
Xilla replies in Kelish, ”You have news, Sayyid Hajjir? I think Sayyid Farradin is being a bit over protective. I assure you I can take care of myself. Do you know where my brother is?”
Karethas smiles widely, Ah Habibi! I merely wish to keep you from any danger in order to preserve your great beauty, but I will concede to the great wisdom of my friend Amir to give you all the pertinent information."
I too will rise early and visit the stables with Amir, where I groom and feed my 2 mules. I give them a bit of attention and then head back with Amir to the main room. Upon seeing Xilla I offer a bow 'Ah Xiphilomera, we do have some information as to the where abouts of Xandraedrel and I can see Karethas' point of view, all we want is someone as beautiful and talented; with such a bright future, to be safe. I do have some more information for you though, we have located the tomes that Xandraedrel sold and we are currently in the process of acquiring the money, so that we can buy them back for you. I was wondering if my good friend Karethas and I could read them once we have repurchased them for you?'
Xilla looks appreciatively at Karethas and Faelar. "I understand, but do you believe he is in dire danger? I was going to plead to Venture-Captain Steelbloom this morning for some assistance so if you do have any leads at least let me know that much. Yes Faelar, that is good news about the books. You feel free to keep them. I've nearly memorized them as I've pored over them all these years."
Seeing the guys all fawning over Xilla, I join them at the table.
Morning all, so, are all all ready to hunt dogs today?
Upon seeing Kzria, Ah our brave companion returns, I hope your hand are healed from the harrowing experience of agate swiping hmm? Amir emits a chuck to himself. You also, look the warrior ready to topple her foes resplendent in the morning sun! Amir winks at Krira.
Turning to Xilla, Ah you see Katapesh is a place of mysteries and intrigue! We know where your brother is but not where, if you catch my meaning. Another day of fishing for answers and we pray to Abadar that we come up winners once more. Amir's face turn more stoic as he considers the elven woman, It would have been helpful to know of your brothers taste for games earlier and even more so his desire to use his skills to suit the games outcomes to his own. Such things make all the difference in this city and his current predicament is a reflection of this sort of character.