As you collectively determine a course of action, at least for the day, you realize two things. First, nobody bothered to awaken the sleeping blue wizard from his slumber. And second, Rexus was later than his usual arrival to the coffee shop for his research.
Laria bustling about, serving coffee and the like chimes in. If you five do manage to go out, please check for Rexus. It is unlike him to be late.
Lubella replied, "Where is Rexus staying right now. We'll stop by and see what's delaying him.
She returned to the cellar to rouse Arcos. "Arcos, wake up! Time to work for a better Kintargo. We're just about to head out." Once she was convinced that he was, in fact awake, and not going back to sleep, she returned to the others.
Aldren glances up as Laria bustles about, accepts the coffee with a heartfelt, "Thank you...I really do need to buy some rum today." After adding an obscene amount of sugar and cream, he drinks it and a twitch starts to form at the corner of his lips as a smile forms. "Aaaah, better. Okay. Let me finish getting ready. I'll be back up in a minute."
He goes to don his armor and collect his weaponry, secure his holy symbol beneath the breastplate, while leaving his backpack and other gear he doesn't need to simply get around town. I'll have to get the rest of my stuff today, too. And rum. Nobody drinks here. Shameful.
A few moments later, he's back upstairs and ready to go.
For once, Arcos sleeps late. Lubella’s call starts him awake and he trudges upstairs, still bleary-eyed. He mumbles, ”Hmph, could’ve gotten myself up.” He quickly makes a cup of tea and after drinking it seems a bit less irate. ”Suppose we should check on Rexus,” he notes, ”Remind me to pick up my scribe’s equipment today. If we’re moving into the Wasp’s Nest I’ll want it there. Might be good for making revolutionary posters and such.”
Lubella advised the others about what she had learned about dotarri procedures on an earlier bridge crossing, "The bridge guards are under orders to check every twentieth group for contraband; they're supposed to take them to a blockhouse for inspection. If we time it right, we should be able to reduce our risk of being stopped."
The five of you depart the Longroads shortly after 9 bells. No sign of Rexus prior to your departure.
The morning streets are relatively calm and people moving about on their daily routines, trying not to draw any unwanted attention to themselves.
You pass the Alabaster Academy and head towards the eastern part of town. Arcos spots several book stores and shops where scribing materials could be found. More likely here than any other part of town.
As you continue towards the ever popular Bleakbridge connecting to the southern half of the city, you hear the sound of increasing crowds in the open marketplace on the bridge, with the occasional shout from guards.
Fortunately, there is already a crowd and the dottari appear to be searching a group of foreign travelers a few paces ahead of you, so random search seems less likely.
Move along, citizens. Keep to the right. Law and Order are paramount, especially in these times. Keep moving!
Once across the bridge, you enter the Red Roof district with some o the more exotic shops. Signs can be seen for Kelimber’s Dry Goods and Supplies and The Devil’s Threads as you draw closer to the Devil's Nursery where Zea left you yesterday.
Luckily there was no sign of High Warden Duxotas Trex at the bridge, who Lubella and Arcos had encountered four days ago at the checkpoint. She had seemed harsh and unsympathetic; Lubella suspected she was a Barzillai Thrune loyalist.
That experience had given her a healthy dislike for the bridge crossing. We're going to have to come up with an alternate way across the river. What if Thrune closes the bridge to civilian traffic? Maybe we can recruit a boat owner into the Silver Ravens. Not that we'd want to use a boat as our regular crossing method, but it'd be good to have when we need it.
High Warden Duxotas Trex indeed was not on the bridge this morning. Whether that has any significance is yet to be seen, but is a relief as you pass over the bridge.
People can be heard to grumble at the surcharge of 3 coppers to cross the bridge each time.
It is a minor annoyance to adventurers or business folks, but to the poor, this is a significant charge.
Aldren crosses the bridge with the others, paying for his own toll. As he hears the townsfolk grumbling about the charge, his pace slows slightly as he considers the situation and whether it's an opportunity. After a moment's thought, he begins to hand out silver pieces to families and simple working people heading towards the bridge.
"Here, just a bit of help with the toll. We need to stick together."
"Good morning, ma'am. Looks like you're heading across the bridge. Here, to help you get across and back. In Kintargo, we help each other."
And so on, until he's handed out nine silver pieces. That done, he says, "I'm anxious to get to the root of this murder, but I'm wondering if our first priority should be trying to find Rex. If the dottari took him into custody while he was working on our behalf, it could be big trouble for him, and us."
After Aldren finished distributing coins, Lubella said, "That was very generous of you!" She considered giving out some of her own money, but worried about drawing attention to herself so close to the bridge. If one of the dotarri recognized her from the protest, it would be bad news.
"When we first met Rexus, we stopped in at a bookshop in Jarvis End called Crissali's Fine Tomes. Let's stop in there; the owner knows him. It's close to Aria Park."
As they got closer, she said, "My directions aren't the best here. I only arrived in Kintargo a couple of days before the protest. Do you remember where the shop is, Arcos?"
Aldren glances at Lubella and chuckles slightly. ”Was it? It just seemed... prudent. If I’m supposed to be recruiting, that cost me next to nothing but maybe I’ll run into them again someday, or they’ll tell their friends about sticking together and it’ll make my job a little easier with little up front exposure. The Thrunes are not Kintargo, and we need to foster a sense of us against them. Even the little things may help.“
He shrugs slightly. ”Sorry. Wish I could say it was simple kindness, but... it was in my own interest, and ours. They can believe what they want, they’re simple people and they need to believe in something, and it may as well be in a Kintargo united against Thrune than one where the laws of Hell crush all independence, but if we’re going to trust each other, I may as we’ll be honest with you about my motives. I hope that doesn’t offend you over much.”
The peasants and families on the bridge initially look at Aldren like he was from another planet.
What's the catch? but eventually they thank him and nervously walk away as the dottari start to take notice.
***
Seeming to be as good of a lead as any, after crossing the Bleakbridge, you follow Lubella west towards the bookshop in Jarvis End called Crissali's Fine Tomes.
As you pass temple hill, the ominous Temple of Asmodeus looms large in Kintargo. As with many other such temples throughout Cheliax, it occupies a grand structure once devoted to Aroden.
Today, the large central dome and facades of this structure have been reinforced with iron and magically transformed to be adorned with images of devils and Hell itself. Outside the steps to the main entrance several of the dottari seem to be standing watch, including a hellish hound as seen during the riots.
Aldren also notices the House of Golden Veils, which he knows was once a Calistrian church called the House of Satin Veils. It too boasts a contingent of guards in the livery of the Keeper of the First Vault, as well as some Kintargian regulars.
Giving the temples a wide birth (along with any derision you may have), you eventually reach the magic shop, with the familiar sign, Crissali's Fine Tomes. Recalling your first discussion with Rexus but a few days ago. How much your lives have changed since then.
Entering, you spot the owner, Nandy Crissali. Greetings, patrons. What brings you to my shop this morning? You notice she seems to recognize Arcos and Lubella, but Talvek she looks at with distrust, probably associating him to Felicia from the prior visit.
Talvek smiles and greets the bookshop owner despite the chilly reception. He lets the others talk to her while he browses the books, taking care to keep his hands where Nandy can see them, and making appreciative comments on the quality and variety of her wares as a means to ingratiate himself with her.
He is quite keen on getting back to Devil's Nursery and their murder investigation, but he understands the concern for Rexus in these troubled days. He knows all too well how easy it is to make someone disappear... someone who is inconvenient.
Lubella greeted the owner, "Hello, Nandy! I was here with Rexus on the afternoon of the protest. I was wondering if you've seen him today? He was supposed to meet us at the Long Roads Coffee House in Villegre this morning, but he didn't arrive."
"Indeed, we would be most grateful if you could help us find him or give us some inclination as to where he might be," he goes to peruse one of the bookshelves and says, "You know I must say as a fellow scribe these books are exceedingly well copied."
As the others try to ingratiate themselves to the bookseller, Aldren just walks up to the counter, smiles and winks, leans up against it and stares at her while they talk, a silly grin on his face. ”I love books. There’s something about the smell of all that parchment and leather, don’t you think?” What he’s actually doing is just trying to see if she’s given off any signs of deception in answering the others.
(he hates books)
She nods at Arcos compliment, but stays focused on the questions regarding Rexus.
Well yes, as a matter of fact, Rexus was just here yesterday. He was hinting at some sort of meeting at the Longroads, but I am pretty certain he said the meeting was yesterday. I did not attend as I have a business to run, and besides, I try never to become involved with politics. Are you sure you have the right date?
She puts her finger on her chin while thinking while continuing to look at Aldren and Talvek.
Your plea, and her friendship with Rexus has her continue.
He normally is punctual, so it would be strange for him to miss a meeting, assuming there was one. I could imagine he may have been detained by the dottari, although I have not heard any arrests this morning. It is a shame about his parents and all. But it is not like him to do something rash.
Another thought, Poor Rexus has a weak constitution and perhaps he has just caught a some illness. Have you checked any of the medical shops or temples.
He may be purchasing some supplies with Maercin Kelimbe or curatives at the Songbird Hall, as that is the only temple of good remaining in the city. Failing either of those, normally I would expect him to be at the Academy studying.
"OK, thanks. We'll check those places," Lubella replied. She glanced at her friends to make sure that someone knew where those were. She didn't feel like advertising that fact that she was new in town just now. "Have a good day!"
She left the bookstore, and consulted with her associates. After determining that Songbird Hall was nearby, she walked the few blocks to Kintargo's temple of Shelyn. She was also interested in learning whether the Shelynites were harboring any of Sarenrae's faithful, but Laria had warned her that the high priest was unlikely to be easily convinced to reveal such information.
Good luck, and I hope you find Rex and everything is ok. Nandy says as you depart her bookstore in search of the missing aristocrat.
If you need any books on the arcane, you know where I will be.
***
Lubella follows one of the others towards the temple known as Songbird Hall, back on Temple Hill.
This temple is also in the direction of Hell's Nursery and where Zea showed you the murder site yesterday. Continuing past the temple to the south will take you almost directly to that locale.
As you approach, Aldren and Julessa are aware this is only good-aligned church currently allowed to openly practice in Kintargo, the church of Shelyn. You are met at the front doors by an acolyte of the faith.
Greetings and welcome. I am Acoyte Sarina. the brightly clad woman bows towards you before reciting an obviously memorized speech.
Here at Songbird Hall, we perform the tireless work of her lady's faithful to keep Kintargo steeped in both culture and creativity while simultaneously helping to preserve city peace and curb violent uprisings. How can we help enlighten your day?
As they leave, Aldren winks again at Nandy. ”Thanks. You’ve been very helpful.”
Once outside, Aldren says, ”I think she knows more than she’s saying. She said Rexus was vague about the meeting but then she said she stayed away from anything political. And she doesn’t trust us.” He pauses, then adds, ”But I don’t think she’s involved. Speaking of which, if necessary, I can try to charm someone.”
When they arrive at the Shelynite Church, Aldren’s mostly silent. Cowardly bootlicks. Appeasers. Wouldn’t want to put yourselves at risk, would you... Keep the peace. You mean not lift a finger. He keeps a smile on his face and affects an easy going demeanor, but if one watches him closely there are occasional glimpses of a clenched jaw and narrowed eyes.
"Good morning! Lubella Heathertoes, at your service.", Lubella said, bowing to the acolyte. "I'm looking for a friend of mine, Rexus Victocora. He was supposed to meet me earlier today, but he didn't arrive at the meeting spot. I thought I'd check here, in case he was feeling ill and came to obtain curative services."
Good morning Lubella. I am not familiar with your friend, but I do not always ask names of visitors.
He could have possibly entered through a side entrance as well. If you are willing to wait, I can schedule an appointment for you with high priest Vhast. We have openings as early as this afternoon. she offers, although not particularly helpful.
Continuing with her prepared script....
Would you like to purchase any of Shelyn's services, or curatives? If so, you can proceed into the main temple and seek audience with acolyte Dallia at the chapel.
Aldren looks like he’s about to smack the acolyte when he comes up short, his mouth snaps shut, forms a beaming smile and says, ”That’s a great idea; thank you. I could use a potion or some pastoral counseling. Let’s head inside, shall we?”
"Thank you. I think we'll talk with acolyte Dallia. Good day!" Lubella entered when Sarina let her through, continuing into the main temple.
Acolyte Dallia calls out to you as you enter the colorfully draped and decorated temple of Shelyn.
Hello, I am Dallia. Here at Songbird Hall, we perform the tireless work of her lady's faithful. How can we enlighten your day? Are you in need of healing?
***
Julessa is able to head back to her bakery without issue. Assuming she parted ways with the group prior to their entering the book shop (which is not overly far from the bakery).
Lubella approached the acolyte and greeted her. "Hello Dallia, my name is Lubella. I'm looking for my friend, Rexus Victocora, who might have come here for healing. He didn't arrive for our meeting this morning, so I'm concerned for him. Have you seen him?"
In case Rexus hadn't given his name, Talvek gives the acolyte a physical description of the man as he remembers him.
"And might I add how appreciative I am of the work you do here." he continues with a smile. "Beauty and art are to the soul what curing potions are to the body."
While the others talk with the appeasers, Aldren spends a couple minutes just surveilling the temple to see if there are any indicia Rexus has been here. It was a reach, but he couldn’t stand the thought of talking with these do-nothings. Not like I’m some great champion of the poor, but funny how a couple of faiths benefited from the Asmodeans’ takeover while others lost everything.
The woman's eyes light up at Talvek's description.
Oh yes, that fancy aristocrat gentleman. Yes, he was in here. He comes here from time to time. Always asks to speak directly with high priest, Zachrin Vhas about some new illness he has. Was coughing and wheezing.
She pauses as if she is afraid she said too much as Lubella watches her.
I am sorry I cannot say more, you know with the Thrune's Health Information Proclamation Announcement and all that.
You could make an appointment with the high priest, but your friend left about an hour ago. He said something about picking up supplies and hitting the books.
With a smile, she returns her focus to Talvek.
Anywho...yes, we have basic curatives in paper or potion form. Standard rates apply, but discounts are approved if you can prove destitution. It is a shame what is happening in the Nursery these days.
New illness? Lubella was concerned about Rexus' health, but it sounded like he might have gone to Kelimber’s Dry Goods and Supplies; maybe she could catch up with him there. "Thank you."
When Dallia mentioned the Devil's Nursery, Lubella asked, "Have you heard about the recent spate of murders there?"
"Yes, my people are quite a beleaguered one. Any charity you can spare would certainly be welcome. I will be happy to make a modest donation and spread the word about the good work you are doing here."
She looks around to make sure nobody is looking.
"Yes it is just awful what is happening. I overheard from a friend of a friend that I sometimes give 'overstock' bandages to take to a lady working down there. The Thrune doesn't care what happen and probably encourage the violence. Horrible."
Seeing nothing of interest in the temple, Aldren starts to walk back to rejoin Lubella and Talvek when he sees they are having an apparently productive conversation with the acolyte. His lips purse in thought. Hmm... I hope that's a good sign. Best to not intrude and break their rapport. He decides to just walk outside and wait for the others to finish.
Lubella lowered her voice a notch and replied, "We're investigating the killings. If you can put us in touch with someone who knows some details about the crimes, or has seen or heard something, it would be very helpful. It's time to put a stop to this mayhem!"
Dallia smiles.
Well, good for you. Someone needs to do something.
I cannot get away from my duties here...and I am just one person anyway.
Good luck and be careful. I have not heard anything specific. Some suspect it is the Slasher.
Others think some of the Asmodeans are taking out their malice on the poor souls late at night.
Whatever is happening, it is just horrible.
Bless you for doing something. May Shelyn smile upon us all!
She winks as she resumes her distance and professional posture as if nothing had happened.
***
Julessa finds the bakery pretty much as she left it. Her associates have opened it in the morning.
Miss Julessa, we were so worried about you when you did not return yesterday.
And this morning when we opened....why you are never late.
Are you feeling ok? Did the dottari detain you? Oh my.
Lubella figured they had found out as much at the temple as they were going to right now. She did want to meet with High Priest Zachrin Vhast, but she felt that a meeting would be more productive when they had done something more concrete, like solving the murders.
"Rexus could well have gone to Kelimber’s; let's see if we can catch up with him there. If he's already left, or went somewhere else, then I suppose we should pick up our investigation in the Devil's Nursery. I'd also like to stop by the Owl Bakery."
Aldren looks a little surprised, ”You got something useful from the appeasers? I’m truly surprised. Huh. Well, here’s hoping we can trust the information and it’s not a trap. Let’s go to Kelimbers. A bit odd, though, isn’t it? If he was here just an hour ago? Why’d he miss the meeting. That doesn’t seem like him.”
As you exit the temple, almost exactly in the center of South Kintargo, you realize you are roughly equidistant from the bakery to the west, Kelimber’s to the east (closer to the bridge) and the murder site to the south. Each will take about 15 minutes to reach.
The streets are becoming more busy as shopkeepers are plying their business and people are heading into the various temples.
The odd student or band of guards can be seen every few minutes as well.
Julessa quickly squelches all concerns by setting everyone to work, though in truth the bakery has been run efficiently without her. She checks the dough that's been set to cool, the latest batch of loaves and honeybreads, and then tastes the coffee to ensure it's the perfect blend of dark roast that she serves.
Then, when she has a moment, she retreats to her back office to consider what it would take to launch her new project. Opening up her account books, she quickly works through her sums, figuring out how much she can set aside without impacting the running of the bakery.
Let's see. A light wagon. Large enough in which to host the sick and cure them out of sight. Say about 50 gp. That in turn would require some four mules... another 32 gold. Basic healing supplies... yes. Just under a hundred gold. Add in the free bread... say at 1cp a loaf, that's hundred loaves per gold piece...
Lubella said to the others, "I'm going to see if I can catch up with Rexus, assuming that he went to Kelimber's. I'd like to make sure that he's all right. If some of you want to join up with Julessa, I'll meet you at the Owl Bakery."
She hurried off towards Kelimber’s Dry Goods and Supplies.
If Arcos or Talvek are willing to find Julessa, Aldren will go with Lubella. He feels too much of an obligation to Rex — and something still feels odd about this — to abandon the search based on an appeaser’s word.
With the two (or four) of you heading back towards the bridge and where you spotted Kelimber's shop. Just as you enter, a familiar face turns within the shop.
With his usual tailored coat, polished boots, and his trusty cane in hand, Rexus turns, and you can tell he looks a shade off his normal color.
He speaks with a cough, in a raspy voice.
Oh, hello friends. {cough} I am so sorry I was detained. I awoke and was feeling unwell. {cough} I think I over extended myself on the research. I was just preparing to head back to the Longroads, now that I have some ingredients for my remedies.{cough}
He pauses for a few moments to catch his breath.
Destitution is a new experience for me, I am afraid. And I occasionally require a few alchemical unguents to maintain my health. I apologize if you spent time seeking me. I am ready when you are. Laria will probably give me a thrashing.
The malady usually besets me when I do not know my limits.
Lubella looked at Rexus with concern. "We were concerned that something untoward had happened to you." She paused, considering his use of the word 'destitution'. "If you're short on funds, and need more ingredients, we can make up the difference."
She regarded him closely, trying to gauge if his condition was more serious than he was letting on.
"Please take care of youself, and don't push yourself too hard! Remember, friends help out friends, and we're here for you when you need us."
Lubella can tell he is rather embarrassed by being in his condition found and having caused concern. Obviously, he had expected to slip out and get back.
Yes, yes. I realize it was unwise of me to venture forth. I am not accustomed to have to call on others for favors.
I would normally just had asked a household servant to pick up the supplies for me.
He still does not admit he is short on funds, but it is apparent he was used to better conditions than his current means allow.
Arcos happens to notice there is a sign "The Devil’s Threads" about a block away to the south, in the Redroof Market area.
Talvek leaves it to the others to hunt down Rexus while he swings by the bakery. One, there might be a chance of free food, and two, he was rather quite eager to talk to the human woman about Milani... although probably the middle of her bakery wasn't the very best place for her. Still, he needed to establish that first rapport.
The smells of bread and pastries tickle his nose well before he pushes through the door of the bakery, and he takes some time to savour it. Obviously this was someone who had elevated baking to a true craft and took great pride in the quality of their work. Talvek disliked it when people compared professions like baking or cooking with art; art was improvisation and inspiration. Baking was science - refining a recipe over and over, experimenting and carefully measuring ingredients. And by the smell of things, Julessa was a genius.
"A lovely day to you, mistress of delicious baked goods!" Talvek greets her as he enters, a smile on his face and eyes darting quick as sparrows for a likely-looking bun to snatch.
”Rex,” Aldren sighs. ”With recent events, you gave us quite the scare. I’m sorry you’re not feeling well.” Aldren gives the man a once over and considers the symptoms he’s describing.
”But you’re also being ridiculous. Just as you’re helping us, let us help you. You’re not asking for a favor, you’re letting us return one.”
If it doesn’t look like anything too serious, Aldren suggests the man go home and get some rest, then he and Lubella make haste to the Bakery so they can follow-up on the murders and other issues. They’ve wasted enough time on this.
Julessa has returned to the front of the bakery by the time Talvek makes his appearance, and turns to regard the new arrival with a smile. "Talvek! Welcome to the Owl Bakery. It's good to see you."
And it's clear she really is pleased; her smile is warm and genuine, and a twinkle lights up in her dark blue eyes. She notes his roving gaze and takes up a pair of wooden tongs.
"Here. Perhaps a sampler? Young men always have quite the appetite on them. An almond roll... and a pistachio roll. A thick slice of honey bread with a crock of full cream butter, and - why not - a slice of potato and red pepper tortilla."
She places the items in a wax paper lined basket, fills two mugs of coffee, and then nods for him to come around the far end of the counter and follow her, leaving the front of the shop to her assistants.
It's a short passageway, leading past the voluminous kitchen with its row of ovens to the left and a small door to a private study on the right. The room's small, brightly lit by two large windows, and features a mosaic-topped round table around which are gathered four comfortable tables. A few shelves feature leather bound journals and other tomes, while the window sill is dominated by large balls of brightly colored wool, the sunlight making the crimsons and cadmium yellows and azures and viridians seem to smolder.
Julessa sets down the basket on the table - whose mosaic, Talvek sees, is of a rose - and then sits, claiming one of the coffees which she wraps her callused, blunt fingered hands around as if enjoying the warmth, and smiles at Talvek once more.
"How has the morning's hunt gone?"
Once she had bid Rexus farewell, Lubella surveyed the goods for sale in the store and went to speak with the owner, to see if they had heard of any details of the murders.
"Did you hear about the murders in the Devil's Nursery? It's just terrible what's been happening!"