Queshem looks around and spots a book/scroll store type of establishment that she knows Draflo would be interested in. Queshem points it out and suggests that she take a look at it while she browses something else. Going in the opposite direction Queshem passes the man pretending that she hasn't noticed him and starts browsing the contents of a more martial shop.
Out of the corner of her eye she watches to see what the man does. Does he focus on her or Draflo?
Draflo raises and eyebrow but then spots a book on sea monsters of the Shackles and is instantly engrossed. She is soon gabbling with the shop-keep in Tian.
Queshem picks out a store selling weapons, keeping an eye behind her.
The man is following her, not Draflo. he seems to be somewhat experienced, keeping his distance. When she turns his way, he turns as well, hiding his face. Still, Queshem gets a good look at him.
Queshem enters the store continuing to play tourist.
If it's a large store she will circuit the inside and watch to see if the man enters after her as she pretends to examine the crossbows. If it's a small store she only ducks in for a bit before heading out.
If it's a small store she will try to see if there is a side street of stores that she can go into. What she's looking for is a corner she can turn that will lead to another corner she can disappear. Preferably with less people in it or even empty.
It is a small shop and she is soon in and gone. Leaving Draflo behind Queshem moves ahead, her tail following her at a safe distance. The pirate Captain finds a small side street, little more then a muddy gutter between two large shops that cuts through and leads to a marketplace on the other side.
Chaenath strolls down the small side street but once inside quickly moves to the end and side steps to one side. Leaning against the wall she waits for her tail to come out of the mouth of the alley.
Just as Queshem darts into the alley, and hides she notes another man following her trail. he is bigger, bulkier. Some extra layer of protection perhaps, a bodyguard for her follower.
Her tail, the smaller man, looks around then comes into the alley, going slow, but looking around to see where Queshem went.
The second man doesn't enter the alley, but positions himself to look down it.
MARKET
Q
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==*W*==
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B
MARKET
Q is Queshem hiding around the corner
W is wiry following
B is bodyguard
Did you have something different in mind?
Queshem isn't looking for a fight. She's just looking for answers to the questions that the tail's presence has created. She casts Tongues on herself and then steps out casting Zone of Truth down the alley catching the tail red handed.
So why're you two following me then eh?
She prepares a casting of Calm Emotions in case either of them look to get violent.
The smaller man freezes as he enters the Zone of Truth.
He looks surprised when Queshem speaks to him in his own tongue. Carefully he replies, 'Welcome to our city. Few speak our tongue so well." he bows a bit, although she notes he doesn't break eye contact.
Queshem curtsies herself. She's getting a bit tired of the constant bobbing up and down in truth.
This humble servant of Abadar is blessed to be gifted a touch of his divine grace Queshem says. I thank you for your kind welcome. Would you and your friend be also kind enough to tell me what business you would have with me?
"My friend?" he ask blankly then goes on, pointing at the Zone, which he can feel 'I have to add, that casting such a spell without permission is considered a rather aggressive act among our people. Am I really so threatening?" The man smiles and takes a step back, tot he edge of the Zone.
Queshem sighs. She was in his city, if the conversation was happening with him on her boat it would have been going very differently. For one thing she would be shouting very loudly.
"Being followed is considered aggressive and threatening amongst all people I imagine. There" Queshem waves her hand to dismiss the spell. "A gesture of goodwill then. May I know what you would wish to learn of me?"
"I wish to learn nothing. I was merely following a stranger to the city, we get so few. When I saw you stray into an alley I was concerned you were lost, that is all." He smiles and bows again.
'Obviously you are quite capable. I will leave yo to your own affairs." With another bow he walks backward, vanishing into the crowds, the bodyguard leaving as well.
Queshem rolls her eyes and goes to find Draflo. Alright let's get back to the ship. When yer done with yer fascinating conversing of course
Draflo looks surprised, 'Did you go somewhere? Did I miss something?"
Queshem calls a meeting in the Captain's Quarters. It's a bit crowded with Tound, Magner, Draflo, Polos, and Parcell and her all in there but there's enough space for a map to be rolled out.
First, I hired the services of a Cleric of Abadar to serve on the ship. He be a tengu coming aboard tomorrow. If he works out he'll be providing services for body and soul.
She points at the coordinates provided by Chan Ai'Huao. Second I found out from a little birdie that there be a prize fer the taking here. A slaver ship. Thoughts on the location and how best to take it?
Both Parcell and Tound light up at her first words.
'A tengu, Captian?" Tound says and Pracell adds, 'A jinx-eater. Aah, they be mighty lucky aboard ship, Captain. What crew did you steal him away from?"
As to her second Magner asks, 'How did you hear about the 'bird'?"
That's between me and the bird. Queshem grins at Magner As for the tengu. Got 'im from a temple, not a ship.
Praying is good fer yer soul. Remember that. she says gnomically then moves on to business This area, what do ye make of it? When will we get there if we leave in the morning? And what do yer weather senses make of the next little while?
Magner looks curious but Polos asks, 'Are we ok to attack her? I mean, she isn't owned by some lord who will send out a fleet to the end of Golarion in revenge?" he shrugs, 'Not that I'm scared, but it might may finding a safe berth difficult."
Tound answers her saying, "Say two days, if the weather holds. Winds from the south, will slow us down and hurry the slaver. Is she going to be carrying a cargo? What do we do with the slaves?"
We'll be avoidin' Schechu Bay fer a little while after this. If we do this clean then if anyone be having a problem won't know who to go after. I don't know about any cargo but we're goin' to take the slaves and crew survivors and drop 'em off at Bag Island. She looks at the leaders of her crew There be a lot of different feelings about slavery around here and we aren't going to avoid stepping into it. We'll have to make a choice sooner or later. I be not for it myself as Polos and I barely escaped being slaves ourselves back in the day. Now there be forms of slavery that be acceptable to Abadar but the form it take in the Shackles be devilish and infernal. Mayhaps we'll be able to keep playing both sides fer a while longer if we can do this quiet. But if word gets out then we'll very much be siding with the workin' man and woman and the abolitionist over the slave owner. Anyone here be having a problem with that?
There is no answer, nothing verbal. Queshem can tell Magner and Draflo both disapprove.
Polos asks, "Is the other ship expecting us? If not, do we surprise her? Do we give her a chance to surrender? Do we accept quarter?"
They should no be expecting us. We aim to surprise. Give 'er a chance to surrender and accept quarter. If it come to a fight we aim for the crew and not the slaves. If we can project our voice to the ship we'll promise the slaves freedom to get 'em to maybe revolt or at least stop cooperating and slow the ship down while we close in.
Queshem sighs Look I know some of ye disapprove. If ye do then out with it right here. No need to keep it bottled 'in.
Even with Queshem's prompting no one says anything. Silence reigns before Parcell breaks in, 'Do we keep her or do we have promises to keep? Also, if we are keeping it quiet, what do we do with the slavers?"
Queshem snorts at the silence Then forever hold yer peace.
We can do what we want with the ship. She says to Parcell We'd have to squib if we keep 'er. Might be simplest to just scuttle and be done with it. We don't have the crew to man three ships at the moment. Either that or sell it. If there be no valuable cargo than the ship will be the prize that fills our coffer. The slavers get dropped off on Bag Island along with the slaves and we'll let the abolitionists deal with 'em. This should get us in good with the people of that Island. Draflo. I want ye to tell me what ye know of the place. Also if we have access to magic that'll project my voice to the slaver ship. If not what scroll or wand we need be buying before we leave.
Dralfo smiles, 'Clarion Call can do the trick. It is in my spell book, I shall prepare it when needed." A pause then, 'As for Bag Island, I will do some research. I have picked up a book or two here in town. Will I have time to buy more?"
Parcell says, 'Selling her depends on her condition. If she is a hulk, or we damage her in the taking, Bag island has ship-wreckers will will take her, even if we have to tow her." Polos nods and adds, 'Slavers stick anyway, I wouldn't want to serve on her, even after we cleaned her up."
Then Magner adds, voice smooth, 'Will the slaves get a chance to sail with us?"
Queshem considers this. Maybe we might recruit the best of 'em, both in know how and fitness but only them. We need to keep the quality of the crew up. Tound and Parcell be good at judging that I figure
Ye have tonight and tomorrow morning to do your shopping. Tound ye be the best sailor here by my judging so come up with a plan such we can use our two ships to corral the slaver between us if it tries to run. Draflo, Magner, some way to get a scout in the skies or under the waters so we can spot her before she spots us would be mighty useful. Natural for preference if ye can accomplish that. I know you don't want your friend to range far out under the water Magner but something else similar that could accomplish the same thing would be a treat. I don't want to be surprised.
She gives Magner a look Maybe when we get close ye can do something with the sails to slow 'er done if she's trying to run.
She looks around We've got the jump so I aim for us to make use of that. We scout with magic. We see what's up and we move in fast in a formation that makes it hard for her to get away from both of us. We try and incite a rebellion aboard and then we close in. Draflo can ye make it so The Deadly Bolt and The Second Wind can speak to each other fer coordination?
She looks around. Any other questions?
Polos and Tound don't look happy at the talk of slaves on board. Tounds says, 'Once you put the chains on 'em, Captain, they never really come off, savy?" But they don't object any stronger then that.
Draflo and Magner both nod at their instructions. The druid's idea seems to be a simple one, just summon some water creature to scout and inform. Draflo is on the heels of a spell to mess with the wind in the sails of a ship.
As the meeting breaks up, Parcell says to Queshem, "Should be an easy one, Captain. You like your planning, don't you? I've seen plenty of captains just charge in and rely on blood and powder to make up mistakes.'
Queshem nods at Polos and Tound That's why I be leaving the sortin' to you. If no one is fit then that's fine. But there could be gems in that rough. I saw a slave at the auction in Haigui Wan. Seemed like he could have been a Linnorm King from a story. she shakes her head at the memory.
Queshem grins at Parcell I like the idea of living and accomplishin' my goals more than a glorious death meself she shakes her head. It all comes down to blood and powder in the end anyhow. Alls we can do is try and set it up to our advantage beforehand. Learned that from old Algross in more ways than one. Oh and all of you. Not a word of this to anyone until we're well out to sea. Yeah?
Outside she sends Polos out to escort Draflo on her shopping. Then she makes a round of both ships. Slapping backs and talking. Seeing what the crew had done with their pay. Asking the Abadarns if they'd been to the temple etc.
Everyone agrees to secrecy, such things being common on board a Shackles vessel.
Queshem meets with the crew. Morale is still good, and the removal of the thieves after the ooze incident is well-received. The good pay from that run helps as well although most have already spent their share and poor in the towns grog shops, brothels and gambling dens. Nothing too serious though and no injuries or fights that are worth noticing. Queshem does note a new 'fad' of lizards as pets, apparently the locals enjoy them. The geckos seem to be everywhere.
The night passes quietly, and Queshem gets a good night sleep. It is odd being at port, where the sounds, sounds and smells are different but she is getting used to it.
The morning dawns bright and clear with a breeze out of the south, just as Parcell and Tound predicted. The ship is already awake of curse, making ready to set sail. Sails are hoisted, ropes checked, cargo moved around, breakfast served.
As Queshem makes her rounds she spots three priests of Abadar making for the ship. One is the tengu, Xaikon, looking smaller and more pitiful then yesterday. At his side is the high preist, Fen Jai. The other, an older male Tian, is unknown to Queshem.
Queshem moves down to meet them and drops into a curtsey. Hail. How do ye be this fine morning? I believe all the particulars are taken care of?
The priests all bow deeply, and Fen Jai says, 'Yes, all has been arranged by secular and spiritual." He pushes Xaikon forward a bit, the tengu obviously a bit unwilling.
'My apologies, Captain. he has never been aboard ship before and is a bit apprehensive. Pay him no mind."
Queshem approaches the tengu and tries to catch his eye I understand that this be a new experience for ye. But I assure ye that yer council and presence and skills will be valued deeply by me and me crew. Surely it be better to serve Abadar with us on a ship rather than where ye were in the temple? We be eager to make yer acquaintance
The obviously nervous tengu stands straighter and bows. He cocks a head and the high priest says,
"He does not speak your tongue. He has never been off your island. But he promises to learn quickly." The tengu shoots off some rapid Tian and the priest adds, "he says it is an honor to sail with you and serve the needs of your crew."
No common? Queshem quirks her eyebrows and crosses her arms and starts tapping a foot This do be information that be useful to have yesterday to ensure a fair transaction for all concerned
The priest bows again, "My apologies. It slipped my mind, but as I said he is willing to learn. I am sure it will not be a problem of lasting consequence. Forgive me my memory. It is not every day I deal with foreign captains."
Queshem curtsies herself Ah well... perhaps the deficiency in language can be made up by vestments and equipment worthy of a cleric of Abadar spreading the word of the God of Walls and Ditches throughout the region?
A shadow of a smile crosses the man's face. Apparently her bargaining appeals. With a few curt words to the unknown priest, the other man strips to the bare minimum handing his robes, purse, short sword and other gear to the tengu. The young cleric blinks at this unexpected generosity.
Then Fen Jai says, "Does this satisfy?"
Queshem grins and curtsies Pleasure doing business High Priest. May our paths cross again to both of our mutual benefit. she offers her hand again.
This done Queshem taps the Tengu and motions him to climb aboard.
On board she says This be Xiakon. He'll be here to ease yer soul. And yer body too sparing us from Draflo's tender mercies. Queshem grins and elbows Draflo in the ribs.
She motions Xiakon into her cabin. Inside she sighs and motions him to sit. Sitting done herself she casts Tongues on herself.
I apologize for all this Xiakon. If I had known you were unwilling or that you did not even speak our language than I might have done things differently. As is my crews are in sore need of a healer and of morale boosts. And I need someone to help spread Abadran virtues in the Shackles. she shrugs I thought you might prefer that to a whipping but now I'm not so certain.
The young nervous tengu nods, glances back at the retreating priests, then says, "I...I am grateful, Captain Of this Vessel. Not only was the whipping a bad thing, I have longed to see the rest of the world." He pauses, straightens and says, voice stronger, 'What will my duties require?"
Draflo frowns at Queshem's teasing and says, "Not my fault your crew is cowardly." Indeed, many refused Dralfo's more...experimental treatments, particularly one outlandish procedure which involved force-feeding lemons to those with scurvy.