Flavia trails over for a drink and a breather from the dancing. "So you're with us, then?" she pants, "I can't say you're unwelcome, but you weren't on the contract with us. Don't know that we can speak for our employer. But you'll have a full share of any found money along the road."
Flavia trails over for a drink and a breather from the dancing. "So you're with us, then?" she pants, "I can't say you're unwelcome, but you weren't on the contract with us. Don't know that we can speak for our employer. But you'll have a full share of any found money along the road."
"Well, you know what they say... found money's the best money. 'Cause you don't have to pay taxes on it. Or somethin'."
"Taxes? What're those?" Flavia asks innocently.
"I dunno. I ain't never paid 'em."
Flavia drains her drink. "Well, if nobody here is up for some dancing, I'll find someone who is. See you in the tent later!"
“I don’t like this,” Enard mutters to Rokuro later, when he’s sure that Corvin is out of hearing range. “Maybe this Corvin fellow is no more than he seems, maybe the Varisians put him up to tagging along with us for some reason of their own, maybe he’s up to something, or somehow involved with the disappearances ... I don’t know. But I figure he’s easier to keep an eye on if he’s travelling with us rather than trailing along behind. If he is no more than he seems ... well, the roads have been dangerous enough so far that some extra muscle can’t hurt ... but keep an eye on him. Something’s not right about that fellow ...”
It takes a moment for your eyes to adjust to the dimness of the wagon. It is illuminated by a single candle on a small table. A thin, middle aged woman sits before you. Her wrinkled face looks vaguely familiar but you don't know why. She motions to you to sit down and without word begins to read your fortune.
"First, the cards reveals your past." She lays out three cards, end to end in one column, The Wanderer, followed by The Cricket, followed by The Empty Throne. She studies the cards intently, "You have always been able to find value in cast-off things, but a great loss brought you bad tidings."
"Now, let us look at your present." To the right of the first column, she lays out 3 more cards. The Idiot, The Waxworks, and The Peacock. She studies the first card for a moment and looks up at you, "You think you are quite clever feigning idiocy." The she points to The Peacock, "Perhaps You are experiencing a sudden personal shift through this journey, no? Will you no longer be hanging in the back?"
She turns back to her deck, and begins dealing the final three cards. "This is your future." She deals another column of cards. The Theater, The Crows, and The Publican. "You will find no refuge where this journey takes you. Alas, your propensity for taking items will not subside. The stories you have heard are true, this mystery is much deeper than it appears."
Urzur grows bored watching your belongings and wanders through the camp. He finds his way to Madame Paraca's wagon and at the urging of the money collector, reluctantly agrees and enters the wagon.
After awhile, he emerges from the wagon a strange look on his face. He finds all of you at the campfire. He brushes off your questions concerning the fate of your belongings. He is murmuring to himself, "How does she know, how does she know?"
"Urzur? What's wrong?" Flavia is clearly worried about her big friend.
"You left our stuff?!"
Enard quickly goes through his belongings to ensure that nothing is missing.
"That, that Harrower. It was as if she was following me my whole life. I'm sure your stuff is all there, Enard" adds Urzur with a slight sneer. "I'm going to sleep now."
"That's odd," Flavia muses. "He'll work it out. Nice guy, but not real deep." She looks around the group. "Rokuru, you look like you can move. Care to trip the light fantastic?" She grins, nodding towards the sound of fiddle music.
"I feel like my mind has been travelling without me, " Mason whispers, a slight grin forming. He watches the revelry absentmindedly.
"I feel like my mind has been travelling without me, " Mason whispers, a slight grin forming. He watches the revelry absentmindedly.
"Can't say I know what that feels like."
The crowd around the camp fire has swelled with the addition of another dozen or so travelers. Two dancers in brightly colored clothing twirl and and dance among the guests as a small band plays a variety of traditional Varisian folk songs. Laughter and cheer seem to be in wide supply this evening.
Flavia will join in the party, circulating among the guests and catching up on local news, gossip, word of the road (dangers, etc.), and keeping her ears open for any news of strange disappearances.
Savendir similarly joins in the dancing and revelry. He has a particular taste for good wine, good music, and good desserts.
Flavia overhears two travelers talking quietly together. She gathers from their conversation that they were traveling south and had left Sirathu that morning. They seem to be quite relieved to be away from town. What piques her interest the most is when they mention that two more people had gone missing within the last three days.
Savendir gets caught up by the music and is quickly joined by several others into what becomes an impromptu square dance. Every half a minute or so he finds himself with a new partner. The rest of the crowd watches and claps approvingly in time to the music.
Within half an hour, Corvin is stinking drunk and singing along with the Varisian band, albeit somewhat off-key.
"Why do you ride this way, and wherefore came you here?
I seek the witch of the Westmoreland who dwells by the winding mere..."
Flavia tries to catch any information about the people who had gone missing. If she can't hear, she'll approach the travelers and speak to them quite meekly. "I'm sorry, but I overheard you saying a couple of people had disappeared from Sirathu. I'm headed that way myself, and my poor mother would die if anything happened to me. We don't have the money for ransom, either. Is somebody kidnapping for slavery, or ransom, or are there horrible bodies turning up somewhere? Anyplace I should avoid to stay safe?" She tries to look innocent and harmless and a little frightened.
Enard retires to the tent to study his spell books before turning in for the night.
The two gentleman look up from the conversation. "You are headed to Sirathu you say. Beware. People are disappearing and no one knows why. They vanish without a trace. No ransom note, no body, nothing. From what I hear, it has been going on for months and nothing seems like it's being done about it. People were whispering that two more people disappeared in the last few days. We decided, in the interest of our health, it was time to leave before we are added to the list. Our advice to you - stay away from Sirathu."
"Surely it is slavers looking for the young and healthy, then. But why wouldn't the authorities stop them?" Flavia sighs heavily. "I am obligated to go to see Pharasma's daughter and her fountain. Thank you for your advice, kind sirs." Flavia gives a little bow and meanders back to the tent to find Enard there reading. She plops down next to him.
"Having fun, I see. Thanks for watching our stuff. I'll stay if you want to relax for a while." She leans close and speaks softly. "More rumor of disappearances, with nothing done, no body, no ransom. Travelers are leaving Sirathu for their own safety now. I don't think we'll have trouble finding rumor of trouble, but I think we'll need to pursue this with the authorities there. Or we can set something up. A couple of us can pose as lone pilgrims while the others keep an eye on them from a distance. A short distance."
Enard looks up and smiles wearily at Flavia. “No thanks. It’s probably terribly prejudiced of me, but I can’t shake the feeling that our hosts are waiting for us to let our guard down and rob us, or are setting up some long con ... legacy of growing up in a ‘noble’ Chelaxian household I suppose,” he adds with a hint of bitterness.
“You’re better at talking to people than I am anyway,” he adds more brightly. “My time is better spent making sure that I’m prepared as I can be for any more dangers we might face on the road ... or when we get to Sirathu. Your idea has some merit ... hmmm, some of us go in alone, yes, I like that – which of us will be the patsies? My instinct is that you’re right about this being the work of slavers ... probably taking them off to Kaer Maga or Belkzan or somewhere ...”
Flavia nods. "A sudden upsurge in tourists, folks away from home with no support, local authorities overwhelmed by crowds. It's perfect for slavers, isn't it? But really... slavers are in it for the money, right? So if you've got somebody yelling for daddy, saying he'll pay - why not take that opportunity?" She shakes her head. "It seems odd, is all. I couldn't get much of an idea of who they are targeting, either. Loners, is all."
Enard shrugs. “I don’t know ... young nobles can fetch a lot of money in some markets out East I’ve heard, and accepting a ransom, even a generous one, might compromise their whole operation. But you’re right, we need to consider the possibility that we’re not dealing with slavers ... it could be a cult, or some monster that doesn’t leave any trace of its victims ... anything. Who ever is behind it they do seem to be targeting fairly isolated travellers, so your plan should work.”
Enard looks thoughtful. “I don’t mind playing the bait – if they are targeting nobles I can probably stretch my repertoire to look the part,” he smiles slightly, sarcastically, “assuming I’m not all too intimidating for them ... I’ll want some good eyes watching me though, I don’t want to end up as a pleasure slave in some Qadarin princesses harem ... well ...” he rubs his chin and pretends to consider the scenario.
Flavia chuckles. "If that works out for you, can I have your cut of our commission? You might look too dangerous, Enard, with that big toadsticker slung on your back. Though you do have the noble bearing to pull it off." She hmms for a bit. "Savendir and Rokuru look like outsiders. They could be seen as vulnerable. Mason... he might go with them willingly just to see what would happen next. The new guy... he might be good bait. He's out there now, drunk as an otter."
She nods towards Urzur. "Has he woken up and said anything?"
Enard glances at Urzur and shakes his head. “No ...” he lowers his voice. “What’s his story anyway? He looks like he’d be made of sterner stuff than to be rattled by some fortune teller of dubious reliability ...”
“As for this Corvin – I’m not sure I trust him to be honest. He seemed intent on heading in the same direction, so I figured it would save potential trouble to invite him to travel with us, where we could keep an eye on him, and where he might be able to help should we get attacked by anything else on the road ... but once we get to Sirathu ... well, I don’t know yet. Besides, if I were a slaver I don’t know that I’d target him. He looks tough enough to give trouble, and he doesn’t look like he’d clean up well enough to fetch very much.”
“Yeah, maybe Savendir and, or, Rokuro if they’re willing. They’re both tougher than they look, and they’re both exotic enough that they might make good targets for certain types of slavers. We should talk to them when they come in.”
After partaking of the revelries, Savendir returns to the others for the night. While he has eaten and drank much, he holds it well. "How now, you two look as if you are scheming," he says good-naturedly to Enard and Flavia.
"AND IT'S NO, NAY, NEVER
NO, NAY, NEVER, NO MORE!
I WILL PLAY THE WILD ROVER
NO, NAY, NEVER, NO MORE!"
Corvin takes another massive swig of ale.
"Oi! This one's empty!"
"Urzur's tough, but he has a kind of superstitious streak. People have the oddest weaknesses, you know. Ah well, things will fall out as they will. You're right, though, we're probably better off keeping Corvin with us than trying to use him as our bait. He looks like trouble, but we may be able to make him useful trouble."
Flavia narrows her eyes at Savendar when he comes in, sizing him up analytically. "And you, good sir, look like you might be very fine bait..." she muses with a smile.
“Flavia had this crazy idea ... which just might work.” Enard quickly explains the plan to Savendir (and Rokuro if he comes in), including he (them) having been nominated for a starring role.
“So I figure maybe we separate by half a mile or so on the road a way out of town, with the bait heading in first. We can get rooms at the same inn – the only inn isn’t it? – and go to the same places at similar times, but try not to be seen talking to each other. See if anything sticks. If needs be, we can have Flavia here, who I understand can move pretty quietly when she wants to, sneak around to keep a specific eye on you – tail you to see if anyone else is doing the same ... what do you think?”
Flavia nods. "That's exactly what I was thinking, Enard. Our bait could meander in first, followed by the rest of us in pairs. Meeting up at the fountain and chatting a bit there wouldn't seem suspicious at all, since that's likely what all the pilgrims do. At night, we could all slip into Savendir and Rokuru's rooms, so anybody popping in for mischief would get a surprise. Of course, this will put a crimp on your love lives, gentlemen, but it's a small sacrifice."
"I see the merit of the plan," Savendir says, "but we should not forego more traditional methods of investigation. Many more could go missing while we wait for the perpetrator to follow the bait. Perhaps in conjunction with our intended inquiries, this may be another means of identifying who or what is behind the disappearances."
"That makes sense, Savendir. We could have one team watching both of you during the day, while the other speaks with Endyn Sust. Any and all of us can seek information from the pilgrims or locals while we act as bait or guardians. Our client disappeared at night. Maybe that is when we need to be most watchful. That's something we need to find out - when and where are people going missing?" Flavia sighs. "I think I'll turn in for the night. My feet are sore from dancing and my brain from thinking. Perhaps sleep or the new day will bring us answers."
17 Lamashan 4711
The sun rises over the camp and people in the tent begin to stir as they prepare to continue their journeys. Much to Enard's surprise, all of your belongings are still intact and undisturbed. . Urzur seems particularly urgent in his preparations and also a bit distracted. An announcement is made, "Breakfast is available for 7 copper pieces in the dining area."
Flavia groans and grumbles as she rises. "Why does morning have to come at dawn?" she asks of nobody in particular. "I'm going for breakfast. You, Urzur? What's your hurry? I better find our new guy, too. He probably needs a good breakfast after his party last night." She binds her hair in a rough tail, scrubs her face with her hands, and stomps her boots on before grabbing the required coppers and heading to the dining area.
Urzur looks down at the ground for the moment and then back to Flavia. "I will not be continuing on to Sirathu with you. The harrower..." Urzur pauses for a moment. "The harrower told me last night that I must leave you. I have something I must attend to of the up most importance. I am sorry. Good luck and Good bye." Before Flavia can say another word, Urzur turns and quickly exits the tent and heads toward the camp exit. He speaks to a man leading a caravan going south. The man nods and Urzur hops on the back of the wagon. Another moment passes and then the wagon begins to pull out.
"But.. but what about..." Flavia says to thin air, then follows in time to see Urzur hop onto the wagon. She waves for a second, then strides off to breakfast, muttering to herself.
Corvin lies sprawled face-down in the dirt near the smoldering ashes of the campfire, his cloak wrapped around him like a blanket. He appears to have slept in his armor, and numerous broken jugs and cups surround him.
Savendir emerges from the tent and sees Corvin splayed on the ground. He prods at Corvin with his foot, cheerfully urging, "Breakfast awaits, and it smells delightful!" He heads in the direction of the food.
Flavia passes Savendir, smiling and calling a cheery 'Good Morning!' to the elf as he enters the dining area. She carries a steaming mug and trencher of food over to the campfire where Corvin lies.
"Time to rise and shine and pursue your destiny," she says, kneeling to set the food down on the ground and shake Corvin to consciousness. "I brought you food and drink. Not your preferred drink, but it will do you good. Are you perchance related to my mother? I used to do this for her all the time. Wakey, wakey."
Flavia passes Savendir, smiling and calling a cheery 'Good Morning!' to the elf as he enters the dining area. She carries a steaming mug and trencher of food over to the campfire where Corvin lies.
"Time to rise and shine and pursue your destiny," she says, kneeling to set the food down on the ground and shake Corvin to consciousness. "I brought you food and drink. Not your preferred drink, but it will do you good. Are you perchance related to my mother? I used to do this for her all the time. Wakey, wakey."
Corvin stirs slightly.
"I don't wanna peruse my density, I just want to sleep..."
He sits up, his eyes taking some time to focus.
"Since when do pretty young things like you bring me breakfast? Any case, don't think this means I owe you nothin'."
Flavia's eyebrows shoot up. "Me? Pretty? You're still drunk." She chuckles briefly before her smile fades. "The only thing you owe me is pulling your weight on the road. It's been a rough go so far, and a good man just headed out on a caravan to elsewhere. We need to be ready for anything. This should help. Call it insurance." She nods and rises. "I need to pack my stuff. Urzur left our employer's horse, so you have a mount. Eat up, friend." Flavia heads off to the tent to arm and pack and take an apple to Blazing Doom.
Mason looks up from his meal. "This breakfast is delicious. By the way, I wouldn't mind being the bait. I believe I can focus on the task at hand." His gaze drifts out to the middle distance for a moment, and then a sudden realization hits him. "Say, where is Urzur?"
"Gone," replies Enard shortly, looking up from his eggs. "Which is where we'd best be soon too, if we're going to make Sirathu within the week." He looks over at Corvin. "Hope you can ride with a hangover, new guy."
Finishing breakfast you gather up your gear and horses, saddle up and hit the road north toward Sirathu. It is a full day's ride and you near the town near dusk. You pass several travelers along the way, but none are able to provide you any more information than you already know. Along the way, you flesh out your plans for how to explore Sirathu and get to the bottom of the mystery.
From the outskirts of town, you see a small village in the midst of an urban renewal of sorts. Crumbling rock walls have begun to give way to freshly constructed brick structures. Carpenters, masons, and other tradesman seem to be keeping busy as the sudden influx of money from visiting pilgrims attracts all sorts of commerce.
On the early part of the ride to Sirathu, Enard and Flavia will no doubt have filled the others in on the plan.
“So essentially we enter the town in two groups, the first, smaller group – probably no more than two people – act as the bait, the larger group keep an eye out for them ... but try not to look like we’re keeping an eye out for them. We shouldn’t give any indication that we know the other group, we can share information in our rooms at night," Enard summarises.
“The idea is that the ‘bait’ might attract some unwanted attention, and when they do, the rest of us jump to the rescue ... hopefully ... Meanwhile, both groups can go about any other investigation of the disappearances, but the bait group in particular needs to keep it very much on the down-low – try to make it look like you are simple pilgrims as much as possible, otherwise we’re likely to tip off these slavers, cultists or whoever is at work here that something is up.
“Now, Mason has volunteered to play the part of bait, and we may have sort of volunteered Savendir,” Enard flashes the elf a quick, rueful smile. “Is everyone comfortable with those roles? Anybody want to put up their hand for one or the other in particular?”
Once the roles are decided on, Enard suggests that when they reach a somewhat secluded point on the road, at least two or three hours outside of town, the two groups separate, with the ‘bait’ group riding in about half a mile ahead of the others.
"I have no qualms playing the role of 'simple traveler who follows Desna,'" Mason states with a wry smile.