”Ha, does this bow, make me look like I want to draw close. But fear not child I will not shoot you first. That bear behind you would be more dangerous naked than you with your switch and stick.”
Child?! Who is he to dare to call me child?! And to say I am not capable of tearing his heart out? More thoughts came fast and furious in the mere seconds she stood her ground.
Placing his arrow back in its quiver, ”If you want to talk let’s get out of the street.”
I am not in the street, but in the shadows of this building. Her lips turned up and she smiled as she watched him put his arrow back into his quiver. Her beauty grew with the dimpled cheeks that went with the smile.
"Lead the way and we shall talk, peacefully." Her voice was soft and silky smooth.
As she waited for the bowman to start moving, she heard Red's whispered question,
"Anyone have any idea if this man is who he says he is? Red asks her companions quietly.
Quietly, under her breath and smile, Tairin answered, "I've not seen him before. Let us see where he leads us and what tale he tells."
Tairin dared not look back at the tortured corpse of Mei-Mei.
Tairin's hand squeezed around the handle knot of her whip as she listened to the man's words. She heard him utter quietly that he would avenge the death of Mei-Mei and the dark fire inside of her approved. Loyalty and conviction were admirable traits.
He nods toward the fiery temptress, "Does this one speak for you? Give me your word of Truce, whatever happens, we part letting each other live. If we become allies fine, if we become enemies fine. But today, this moment, we walk away from each other alive."
Looking back at his dead friend, "I'll have things to do, that only death will keep me from, by Belet-Lil, this I swear."
She followed the man's unusual grey eyes as they turned to look upon the lifeless priestess. He swore oath to a goddess and means to keep his word. Through her father, she had seen and heard many a leader of faith swear upon their gods and then lie through their teeth. She did not see the same duplicity in Ala'lhys' grey eyes or in the tone of his voice.
"You have your truce this day. Unless you call me child, again. We will see how far it will last after we speak. Let us find a private place to talk." What mission did Mei-Mei send you on? She was curious as to the answer.
He then looks to the others coming out of the shadows. "I am Ala'Ihys sometimes called the archer, Sometimes called a Divine marksman of Belet-Lil, sometimes called beloved of the moon. But for three years I've been a servant of Mei-Mei. I have just returned from a mission she sent me on."
Samir does not advance from the shadows; his eyes instead grind into the surrounding places where folk passing by may be watching them.
He studies the body with pain in his eyes, and is clear he wants to remove her from the cross, but he knows that whoever left the body there would likely be waiting to see who took it down.
He looks at Tairin and Ala and beckons them to the alley.
"What does the sign say?" he asks them.
Bjoern looks around and whispers to the others.
"Maybe we should retreat to an inn and have something to drink and eat. I am famished!"
The carnage was of no worry to the gladiator, but he knew just to well that where there was violent death hundreds of curious eyes were watching and the group was more intent of laying low then to attract unwanted attention.
Bjoern looks around and nods."Maybe we should retreat to an inn and have something to drink and eat. I am famished!"
Samir swings up on the balls of his feet and his hand tightens on his sword.
He turns to Tairin.
"Teach him respect for those who passed, or I shall," he says with a brittle voice as he stares hard at Bjeorn.
"We may have already been spotted; perhaps not, but wherever we go we should move somewhere that we are not studied," he adds.
[dice=knowledge check: local]1d20+5
[dice=knowledge check: religion]1d20+7
Well, at least he signed his name so I know who to kill.’
You know exactly who this man is.
He is from the far south; some say from Yar-Ammon; others do not know where he comes from, though the rumors of his origins are filled with dread and fear.
However, he is not native.
One thing is clear; he is an extremely powerful wizard. He has a massive amount of wealth and power - enough to make the king of the city afraid. He is dangerous and if he is truly interested in you or your party you will be dead very quickly if you attempt to face him without preparation.
You and Samir would have both heard of him; you would know he is the sort to hire out his own mercenaries and is involved in dark rites and makes blood offerings.
In those same sacrifices he butchers anywhere from a score to literally dozens of captives when he pays homage to cosmic beings of power that some consider gods and others consider demons.
Something led him to Mei-Mei and you also know that beyond his connections to the occult it is clear he has the political clout and power to institute the legal execution of a High Priestess of one of the city's patron deities; the destruction of her people and property and the means to overwhelm her forces without much effort.
Your best bet should be to flee the city as quickly as you can, it is likely he will already be coming for you...
Ala'Ihys turns and hisses, "No one loved these people more than I,"
Samir turns from Bjeorn to study Ala'Ihys.
"I recall seeing you at the Bath House at times; therefore I will trust your fealty to the Lady of the House..." he says slowly.
"Even so, you are a fool to go to a tavern to talk now. We must move somewhere private to speak, we may already be being watched," he adds, then turns back to Tairin.
"Deal with him," he says with a glance to Bjeorn.
Then he shakes his head and glances at Mei-Mei, then turns back to Tairin "My apologies for my dark tone; I am somewhat overwrought, sayidda..."
With that he turns and moves down the alley and moves away from the main street alone, ignoring the location of an inn.
He looks at Tairin and Ala and beckons them to the alley.
"What does the sign say?" he asks them.
Tairin moved deeper into the alley's shadows and quietly answered, "It says that Mei-Mei was a blasphemer, harlot and thief. She was deemed a traitor for having the sacred texts and executed for it. It also warns any of her kin and conspirators - that they will be judged next. I suppose they mean to kill them, too. The parchment was signed by Eibon Ibn Schacabao. Have you heard of him? Is he a Yadar priest?" We had her killed. It is our fault for leaving the sacred scrolls with her to decipher. Now, they will be after us.
Hearing Bear say he was hungry and then Samir angrily telling her to teach Bear some manners, the ire bristling beneath the surface of her mind was yearning to break free. Yet, she resisted. Instead in discreet voice she said, "Peace. Bear, we ate before leaving the inn. I cannot understand how you are still hungry. And, you may be accustomed to such violence, but not all are, and, Mei-Mei was a friend to some here. Show a little respect, please."
At mention of an inn, she was concerned with going some place unknown and being spied upon. She looked to Samir, "Is there another inn close by where upon you trust the proprietor and patrons? If not, we should return to our inn. Yet, it seems too dangerous if we do so right this moment for I feel we may be followed."
"Deal with him," he says with a glance to Bjoern.
Then he shakes his head and glances at Mei-Mei, then turns back to Tairin "My apologies for my dark tone; I am somewhat overwrought, sayidda..."
With that he turns and moves down the alley and moves away from the main street alone, ignoring the location of an inn.
Tairin rubbed at her throbbing temples. Men! "Where are you going, Samir? You cannot just leave us. You know this city better than any of us bar the bowman. Wait."
She gestured for the others to follow, and made after Samir down the back alleyways, hoping he was headed to some place safe and secure.
You know enough that Mei-Mei was no blasphemer to the customs of Belet-Lil; therefore you suspect that term is false; you suspect the rest of the letter is nothing but nonsense to stir trouble and you suspect that the person involved is using to justify his killing of an important and well-liked/respected priestess.
You think the sign on the parchment looks important, but you do not know what it refers to - you suspect it is worth examining later, or by another...
At mention of an inn, she was concerned of going some place unknown and being spied upon. She looked to Samir, "Is there another inn close by where upon you trust the proprietor and patrons? If not, we should return to our inn. Yet, it seems too dangerous if we do so right this moment for I feel we may be followed."
He pauses and shakes his head.
"Not our inn... You have a reputation there; folk know you by name, they may be waiting until you perform to make their move."
"And with the enthusiasm for bounty hunter's now more heightened... I would not go to any place that we may be noticed with ease... certainly not a place that there might be spies; and this includes an inn..."
His jaw clamps down hard and he tries to bite back anger at what has happened but it's clear he is as at least as upset as the mysterious stranger in your party, but working hard to mask that emotion.
"Where are you going, Samir? You cannot just leave us. You know this city better than any of us bar the bowman. Wait."
She gestured for the others to follow, and made after Samir down the back alleyways, hoping he was headed to some place safe and secure.
"For now I would say we must go to some place that no one can see or hear us; at least out the view of watchful eyes... then, we may chose our next path," he adds with a tight voice, then hurries down the alley to a place that he led you before when heading to Mei-Mei to avoid detection...
Running after Samir, she heard the bowman, and turned her head and responded quietly, "Follow Samir. He appears to know of some place. Better we go, now." And continued, mindfully, down the alleyways/backstreets, hoping the others followed.
Samir is a patron of the place. A favored with a local noblewoman he manipulated his way in her house - a comely slave that the noblewomen was interested in. He soon became the head slave in her house and a lover to the woman.
Using his freedom to do his mistresses bidding was what led him to Mei-Mei. He dallied with one of her acolytes; specifically one known as Alia - he spent much time with Alia and this led his mistress to realize what was going on and - because she was jealous - she decided to sell him as punishment.
Last you heard he was sold to a slaver's caravan heading west - at least, that was what Alia had told you before you left.
You know he's from Nabastis - a former sailor (among other things); he's cunning, sly, dangerous - but he also has a strange sense of loyalty found among many of the sea dogs to the east; the desire to find a crew and bond well with a brotherhood... You trust him to protect those he calls friend, but more than that, you are not sure...
Also, you see young urchins on the street watching you disappear down the alley; but you do not know if they are merely children in the street or if they are spies watching you - at this point, though, it seems that Samir trusts no one, and based on what you know of the wizard, you suspect this is a wise choice.
Tacking back and forth between some side tall walls and narrow places between windowless buildings you're soon ducking down a narrow side-street which dead ends between a tall, forlorn looking warehouse. The walls have a few boards on it, and lifting a slotted board aside you can see that in the room there is heavy dust and cobwebs in the corners.
The wooden beams that support the room and the upper level are blackened with soot and you suspect there was a fire here some time ago and the place has not been wholly repaired.
In any case, with a quick glance around you see nothing but a rat scurrying fro your group.
Crouching low, Samir turns to those who came.
"We must decide what we should do next; I deem we are all in danger now," he says, then looks around.
Crouching low, Samir turns to those who came.
"We must decide what we should do next; I deem we are all in danger now," he says, then looks around.
Tairin came to crouch beside Samir and replied quietly, even though it seemed they could speak freely in this place, "You know this city better than I. Underground tunnels? Or do we try to leave Belthaar as soon as we can?"
He looks from Samir to the Decadent Yar-Ammonite girl, nodding toward the Nabastissean, he asks, ”I understand why I’m in trouble, even why Samir here may be. But princess, why are you and your entourage worried?”
He called her Princess. That appealed to her, even though technically her rank among the nobility of Yar-Ammon did not rise that high.
She gazed with deep, dark eyes at the bowman before responding quietly,
"I do not know you well enough to tell you our story. Since the proclamation upon the cross where Mei-Mei hangs states that her kin and co-conspirators will be hunted down and judged, then being acquainted with the late priestess gives me good reason to be concerned. I counted her as friend and she sought to help us when we arrived in Belthaar." She paused a moment and then added as quietly, "Mei-Mei was no blasphemer and followed Belet-Lil dutifully. The wording makes me believe that it was a lie made up to stir trouble and justify killing the well-liked priestess. If they employ such means, then there is cause to worry."
Caslav kept quiet as they confronted the archer, fading behind the man-wall of Bjeorn. While they debated he slipped away to steal a glance at the sign displayed on Mei Mei's corpse and look for any fresh prints in the ash and rubble. He then hurried back to the party to follow them away from the ruined bath house.
He found the others' fear at the situation comforting; he'd been bordering on terror since he'd met them, while they seemed to face the horrors of the catacombs with little less than bravery and determination. It was reassuring to know that he wasn't the only one currently scared by this new turn of events!
He shrugs, "But if you and yours want to run from this, and you think you can keep up, then your welcome to come along."
Turning to Samir he continues. "I've just gotten back from Ghezath. One of their noblemen was kidnapped by raiders from Belthaar. It might not be a bad place to hide. My animals would be being watched. Do you know anyone who would sell us beasts to ride. I have enough to pay for discrete means."
Tairin bristled again at Ala'lhys' words, If we can keep up ... indeed. She bit down any retort for this was not the time or place for such things. But again she felt her fingers tighten around the handle knot of the scorpion whip she kept in hand.
She pondered what she knew of Ghezath and if they stood a better chance travelling there.
"Leaving this town as quickly and unobtrusively as possible seems wise, Ala'lhys'. Whoever killed Mei-Mei is very dangerous indeed. Even more so since he feels he can advertise his deeds. Samir, do you know if Alia was at the Wet Embrace when this atrocity was enacted?"Red sounds thoughtful, but pain and anxietyis in her voice when she asks about alia.
[dice=Linguistics / Sign]1d20 + 6
[dice=Survival / Tracks in ruins]1d20 + 9
The sign is very clear and easily read. It is written in the language of the land and made as clear and legible as possible so that any who see it would know not to cross the wizard named.
As for the tracks, you detect a group of roughly 8-10 people came from the north, probably 16 hours ago (this puts it at roughly 1:00 AM) and moved about the property. Their tracks lead about the grounds to various places where blood was spilled, but there are no bodies found there.
You would wager that it was a group of followers of Yadar who came and took the bodies back to their crypts, but you are not sure. At the least you know that they came in a group and they left in a group and the places they collected were where bodies had fallen but are not there any more.
You also notice various tracks and footprints leading from the street to the base of the cross. It's clear that people have moved to the base of the cross and studied the sign as well, but they are a confused set of tracks and you suspect that it was multiple people who moved to it at multiple times of the day - you are not sure how many.
Turning to Samir he continues. "I've just gotten back from Ghezath. One of their noblemen was kidnapped by raiders from Belthaar. It might not be a bad place to hide. My animals would be being watched. Do you know anyone who would sell us beasts to ride. I have enough to pay for discrete means."
[dice=knowledge: local]1d20+5
If you elected to leave outwardly and alone or in a small group you would surely be noted. The best way to leave the town is part of a company. Joining a caravan that was already leaving could work; either in disguise as some important figure that wished to journey with them, or perhaps hiring on as a bodyguard or mercenary for the trail.
Large groups of people leaving the city are more frequent; their destination and goals would be known - but a few extra travelers with the group would probably be overlooked.
Samir's eyes narrow.
"If we try any place in Susrah than I would guess that damnable wizard could find us, for it is said he has spies in every city in this realm... Besides, if you are correct and the dogs of this city have taken some royal toff from Ghezath then I would avoid that at all costs for they will likely see any coming north again to their nation as a threat or at least a spy."
"Further, Zhaol is likely a problem as well, for she and Ghezath are both of like mind in conquering Belthaar for their own purposes, I do not trust that way either..."
He frowns, thinking a moment.
"The safest place for us to journey, I would deem, is to find a group of travelers who are seeking to leave for some mundane errand that is known but not overly attended to as their departure will be seen as nothing of consequence... If we find such a group and join with them than I think that would be our best plan," he adds.
She pondered what she knew of Ghezath and if they stood a better chance travelling there.
[dice=Untrained Know. Geography re Ghezath]1d20+5
[dice=Know. Local re Ghezath]1d20+11
You believe Samir is right. You don't know much of the northlands as they are not local to Yar-Ammon, but you know enough that there has been various raids and battles between Balthaar, Ghezath and Zhaol.
You also know that if you would escape from the land of Susrah and the power of that wizard your best bet would either be to travel roughly a week or so to the east to find a ship at Ghazor or travel west a few days to the Kharjah Pass and Khazistan beyond.
"Leaving this town as quickly and unobtrusively as possible seems wise, Ala'lhys'. Whoever killed Mei-Mei is very dangerous indeed. Even more so since he feels he can advertise his deeds. Samir, do you know if Alia was at the Wet Embrace when this atrocity was enacted?"Red sounds thoughtful, but pain and anxiety is in her voice when she asks about alia.
Samir turns to Red.
"No; I was in the crypts with you and the others when this happened. I do not know if she survived, and if she did, I do not know where she would have fled."
"Her skills could give her safety at another brothel or temple of Belet-Lil, perhaps, but I do not think that she would be asked to join as she is known to be connected to Mei-Mei and others may not wish to incur the wrath of the gods-cursed wizard," he says with a growl.
"This assumes she is even alive at all, but I do no think she is," he adds the last with a tight voice.
"Even so, we do not yet have the strength or resources to deal with this wizard, yet... but he is known and we may return to exact our vengeance on him, never fear."
The discussion moved around her and Tairin listened and contemplated the most prudent course to take.
When resolved on a course, Tairin spoke quietly to the group, "To escape the clutches of the wizard across Susrah, we could travel east to Ghazor and book passage on a ship, there. The journey to Ghazor would take us about a week. Or we could travel west, back to Kharjah Pass and then beyond to Khazistan. That would take us a few days. My preference would be to go west into Khazistan. I would hear from the rest of you on the matter, however. We should decide quickly and make our plans to leave."
"Or with one of us disguised as an important person, with the rest of us as their entourage.” Stopping and looking at Tairin, "Clearly you could pull that off.”
Of course she could. She was her father's daughter afterall.
"I will need to purchase suitable clothing befitting the position. However, I do have the temper and breeding that goes with such a guise." Tairin cast a glance at her fellow Yar-Ammonite. Red has the breeding too, if she desires to play the part.
"Having said that, May I travel with you? I have nothing to keep me here and revenge will take time, resources and planning. I can pay my own way and take care of myself in a fight.” He smiles slightly, ”And believe it or not, I can take orders with the best of them.”
The archer's question caught her attention and she turned her focus back to him, "It appears you are resolved to join us and as such I will not block your path. If the others give their consent, then you will be one of us, for better or worse. We must stand and fight together if we are to survive this wizard's wrath."
"I believe your two options, a ship from Ghazor or the Kharjah Pass to Khazistan are both sound options, personally I prefer the pass only because I am more comfortable aback horse or camel than on a boat. But I would do either.”
Tairin nodded her head as that counted as two votes for Khazistan. "I have never sailed on a ship, although I have taken barges along a river. So earth and sand beneath my feet is more appealing. Kharjah Pass is known to most of us who came to Belthaar. It seems the more logical choice to travel, yet I can be swayed if the majority of the group want to sail across the sea. What say you?" Tairin cast her gaze over Bear, Red, Caslav and Samir.
At the mention of the sea Samir’s eyes light up.
Clearly he is instantly excited at the possibility of standing on a deck tilted by a full press of sails groaning in the wind; exploring new and untamed islands; the lust of battle with bloody-handed reavers; the press of steel against steel with some dark-eyed corsair as the sting of sea-spray slices across skin bare to the naked surf and sky.
Still, Khazistan seems good, too.
He glances at the others and then checks his enthusiasm.
”Heading west would be the safest course, yes… Further, it is a fact that none of Belthaar are in good standing with the folk of Khazistan. Thus we must assume whatever influence this wizard has will be less potent to the west, whereas if we travel to the east and the sea we must travel many days, and who knows what perils we shall find in Ghazor when we reach it?”
"May I travel with you? I have nothing to keep me here and revenge will take time, resources and planning. I can pay my own way and take care of myself in a fight.” He smiles slightly,”And believe it or not, I can take orders with the best of them.”
He hears Ala’Ihys ask to come with them and nods.
”This is a good plan, for you are known as a guardsmen of this place and now that you have returned it is likely that you will be recognized as a confederate of the Lady and then be hunted by some aspiring lickspittle eager to curry favor with that gods damned wizard… Further, you have seen us and know us and our names and faces… It would be wisest if you came with us and we helped each other,” he adds the last with a polite voice as he stares at Ala carefully.
"I have never sailed on a ship, although I have taken barges along a river. So earth and sand beneath my feet is more appealing. Kharjah Pass is known to most of us who came to Belthaar. It seems the more logical choice to travel, yet I can be swayed if the majority of the group want to sail across the sea. What say you?" Tairin cast her gaze over Bear, Red, Caslav and Samir.
He looks back at the others.
”As for what they have to offer in this matter? The choice is plain enough; you and Ala have wisely suggested going to Khazistan; if the others had any issue with that plan or, indeed, a desire to contribute to these plans and policies then they would have – no doubt – spoken.”
”It is my opinion that – henceforth – silence must be judged as assent with those who speak; else we linger overlong when the situation demands action,” he adds with a flinty voice.
Hedran nods his head at these comments.
”My home is to the east; therefore I shall head that direction and do what I can to draw the attention of anyone in this town, convincing them that our company is heading in that direction. In the wild I will be harder to find than many, but it will help give you more time without trouble on the trail, at least for a short while…”
Samir nods.
”This is a good thing; before you leave, take your cut of the wealth that you earned so you may do better on your mission. If the gods will it, one day we may meet again,” he says.
Hedran and Samir clasps hands and he nods to the others, then takes his cut of the loot and leaves.
Samir turns back to the others.
”Perhaps we should see if there are any groups leaving the town. If they are, they will likely leave near to sundown so we have only a short time.”
Bjoern spits out and speaks up."I do not know you and I do not trust you Susrahnite. But if Tairin vouches for you, I will accept it."
The huge man takes a sniff in the wind.
"I am not in favor of returning to a place I have been before and sailing sounds good."
He shrugs and continues."Well if you all insist, we can return to the pass."
After greeting the big man, he adds, "That's two votes land two sea." Looking at the others he asks, "What say you?"
Samir watches the greetings with a wry expression.
"Be careful with him Ala; he is strong enough, but when fighting in tight places he is less trusty than others - he's not malicious but he has no head for tactics or strategy," he says with a dry voice.
"We need to decide if were going to play mercenary guards, or 'noblewoman and entourage.' Which ever direction we go one will cost more than the other. IF we go as guards or soldiers most of your daily expenses will be covered with a little pay at the end. If we go as a separate party, we will be paying for expenses. Cabins on board a ship, Animals and tents with a caravan. either way we pay for food." He shrugs, "I don't know if it makes a difference to your wallet or not. Either way, I'm playing a hired guard, so it doesn't matter to me."
Samir studies Ala'Ihys thoughtfully.
"You were north recently, yes? Do you think we'll see trouble from those dogs from Ghezath? If so, I'd rather be in a larger group than smaller; but in this you'd know more than I..." he adds, then waits to hear if Ala'Ihys may have any other information about troubles in the surrounding territory.
Samir turns to Red.
"No; I was in the crypts with you and the others when this happened. I do not know if she survived, and if she did, I do not know where she would have fled."
"Her skills could give her safety at another brothel or temple of Belet-Lil, perhaps, but I do not think that she would be asked to join as she is known to be connected to Mei-Mei and others may not wish to incur the wrath of the gods-cursed wizard," he says with a growl.
"This assumes she is even alive at all, but I do no think she is," he adds the last with a tight voice.
"Even so, we do not yet have the strength or resources to deal with this wizard, yet... but he is known and we may return to exact our vengeance on him, never fear."
Seeing Samir's obvious distress mentioning Alia, Red places a sympathetic hand on his shoulder, then replies "I too am concerned for Alia. We do not know she died, so there is hope. In any event this wizard has earned himself a lingering and agonising death."
When Hedran declares he is leaving, Red says "You will be missed Hedran, as will your skill at arms. Go with my blessing. And some wealth as Samir says."
On the question of Ala'Ihys joining the group, Red makes her views known by saying "There is truth in the aphorism the enemy of my enemy is my friend. We are losing one warrior and gaining another seems fortunate. I say we welcome Ala'Ihys into our group."
"Where to go under which guise? My thoughts are we should head into Khazistan via the Kharjah pass. From Khazistan we could head to Yar Amon, from where Tairin and I originate. And I favour the guise of caravan guides over a noblewoman and followers, simply as it seems more anonymous, less notable. However, neither heading across the sea nor impersonating a noblwoman's entourage are foolish ideas and if that is the path chosen by the group I will follow."
"I am called She Who Knows by some, The Red Seer by others. Both are rather long and my friends often shorten the second to Red."
Upon Hedran announcing he was leaving and travelling east to divert the attention of those searching for them, Tairin nodded approvingly and moved closer to the ranger, "Be well, old man, remembering the time he had called her 'old woman' in jest, and may your arrows always fly true. You shall be missed."
The conversation was in flux around her. She listened to each point of view and pondered the questions.
"It appears most prefer the idea of playing mercenary guards to an established caravan, so that is what we will do. I would buy more clothes - something light and something warmer." Looking to Ala'lhys, she asked, "So we do not need to purchase tents and horses for our party? Yet, we need to purchase food? If someone accompanies me to the merchant stalls, I shall see if I can get us a good price."
Tired of crouching, Ala'Ihys stands and begins to pace like a caged lion. He looks to the others, "Didn't someone say you all just traveled the mountain pass? So the road would not be unfamiliar."
"I said such. Bear, Red and I are familiar with Kharjah Pass. I cannot say if Caslav is because we met him after we entered Belthaar." As for Samir, he seemed to to be well travelled, so she was not concerned he could not find his way there.
"I'm not familiar with this pass, no. But I'm in agreement that we should travel west, east, or even south." Anywhere but north.
Your check revealed little, but enough to know that the north had launched a military campaign against the raiders before you left; they were not successful. Open war is not something that is going to be used at this time as it would put the hostage in jeopardy, but you believe there was talk about sending raiders and scouts to hurt the caravan routes leading into the city and hopefully encourage issues in Belthaar.
If this is true, the faster you leave town the better as specific attacks on caravans will become problematic very soon.
The company knows that there are some stalls located on the western side of the city. While they are not the best stocked in terms of supplies, they know that the supplies sold there will have the most amount of gear required available for traveling in the wastes.
When they get there to their dismay they see that there does not appear to be any caravans of note ready to leave – except one.
There is a train of six camels; two of them are clearly for riding while the other four are for supplies and gear. In addition to that you see a large, dark brown horse, tethered to the group.
Standing by these mounts is what looks like a young woman or girl; she is garbed for the desert and her face is veiled and you cannot see her very clearly but her body seems comely and her eyes seem bright from above the veil.
Standing by her is a towering man with dark, black skin. He wears a large bastard sword over his back and a suit of chain mail gleams from under his massive arms which are folded across his chest. What is the most surprising thing about this man is that his cloak is very obviously made from the skin of a lion; the “hood” of it stretching over his head in the shape of the dead lion’s maw.
He is standing very close to the woman; almost as if he is a bodyguard of some sort.
In addition to the girl and the towering giant you see another person of note. Even at this distance the man seems both haughty and arrogant. He wears a gray, hooded robe and his gear makes you suspect he is a northerner; likely a man from Lamu, but you are not sure quite yet.
Meanwhile, though it is getting later and cooler, it is not overly cold yet and there is enough light for you to spy a few local vendors who are ready to sell those who would come and go the supplies they may need in the desert. However, instead of lazily lounging about their shops they sit with eager enthusiasm, grinning at the sight they are witnessing before them.
Even now robed person is yelling out curses at a group of ill-favored men who are responding with loud shouts and wild gestures in return and this sight is what draws the amused looks of the vendors.
The other men who the grey-robed man is yelling at are dressed like most folk from Belthaar would dress; some of them carrying scimitars and curved daggers and few of them with short bows on their back.
Between the ill-favored men and the yelling, grey-robed man, you see another man with features similar to Samir and instantly divine he is from Nabastis. Unlike Samir, however, he wears a heavy breastplate and has a heavy shield as well; he carries a shortsword at his side and a shortbow at his back, and near to him is a beautiful stallion with full riding gear on it.
This armored man says nothing at the argument between the grey robed man and the local sorts but merely gazes on without expression.
Finally it seems as if it is enough and the chief among the ill-favored men turns with a scowl and wanders back toward your company leading his gang. While he does not seem to recognize anyone in your company this does not stop him from electing to vent his frustration at the entire process to any who can hear him.
”Gods-cursed northern dog! As if we should venture into the wastes when those whoresons from Ghezath are rumored to be prowling about our city walls like jackals! And you are right, my friend,” he says to one of the men as the company passes ”were he to pay us three times the promised coin it would be far too dangerous to act as his guardsmen… pah,” he adds, spitting into the dust as they wander past.
”Let him try to find some reckless fool to be guard for his damned caravan, for by Belet-Lil’s bosom it won’t be us,” he adds, turning his gaze for a last glance and the chance to make an obscene gesture at the grey-robed man as his company strides off.
Samir turns his gaze to Ala and his expression seems to suggest – Find a reckless fool to guard his caravan? Here - hold my drink…. – and he grins widely at Ala.
Turning quickly to you he speaks in a rapid, quiet voice.
”This northern man needs more protection and it seems as if he is eager to leave. Come; let us go haggle with the wretch and convince him to hire us… If he agrees then we have plenty of shopkeepers near at hand so that we may buy what goods we may need,” he adds with an eager voice.
He pauses then, studying the group.
”Perhaps you others should approach the northman with the grey robes first... But as for that other one with the heavy mail? He is from my own homeland and no native son to this place. If someone approaches him with me while you others speak with the leader of that company of camels then I think we shall be able to take two fish with one net, eh?” he adds with some relish.
Samir and anyone who comes with him moves up to the strange man with the heavy mail.
”Greetings my friend, it is good to see a kindred soul of my homeland within this city’s walls,” he says with a polite touch of his fingertips to his temples, eyes then lips to the mail-clad stranger.
”My name is Pratap Ibn-Raj, and I and my comrades are looking for folk who are eager to leave this city and seek some more pleasant diversion in the west,” he adds with a casual gesture of his hand at those who spoke to the grey-robed man.
”With respect, I heard the shouting just now; do you know what that was all about?” he says with a pleasant and polite voice.
Bjoern looks at the towering man next to the girl, a black copy of himself.
Flexing his muscles ones his grins and makes a dismissive action with his hand.That would be an interesting challenge. But not too much.
"What is that grey-robed´s name? So that my mistress can haggle with him?"
Caslav seems torn between assisting with the grey-robed man and the Nabastissean. Even if that man is from Lamu, he would no more know my shame than the Nabastissean. Still he hesitates, lost in indecision, until the archer prompts them regarding Samir.
"Yes - I'll go with Samir!" He scurries after the swordsman, coming up alongside him and nodding to the strange man in the heavy mail.
"I'm Caslav." He does his best to imitate the greeting motions Samir used, getting it mostly right. "You have a very fine horse!"
Maintaining his statue like expression the breastplate clad man turns toward the robed northerner, “You do realize your coin does you no good if we die?” he says in a cool albeit annoyed tone as he watches one more group walk away. “Look,” motioning to the new arrivals, “maybe they will be more to your liking, but we need to move it along, I don’t want to be in the mountains come the new moon.”
“Greetings and well met, countryman. We too are hoping to leave soon, but it would appear Yetara would rather part with his life than his coin, like getting water from a stone sometimes,”
He regards the group as a whole, I wonder why they are in a hurry to depart the city, pleasure can be bought anywhere for enough coin, what awaits them in the West... No matter I just need them to take the job.
Watching Bjoern go and speak to the towering man, Ala'Ihys speaks to Tairin. ”If you are speaking to the man in grey, I would like to go with you. I can verify what he says about the city and keep an eye out for trouble.”
Looking to Red, Tairin whispered to the witch healer, "Sister, bestow your Guidance on me, please."
Tairin waited until Bjoern finished asking his question. Looking to Ala'lhys, "Yes, you may join me. Bear, please come along."
Gracefully and mindfully approaching the haughty grey-robed man, Tairin waited until he finished yelling before speaking; her voice steady with a husky tone,
"Good evening, sir. It appears you are hiring guards for this caravan and we are seeking such a position. I am Tairin of Yar-Ammon." Tairin lifted her hair and gently let it fall, allowing the heady perfume to catch on the light wind and carry it to the robed man. "We are ready to leave presently, if that is your wish. And we would happily work for the same coin and reward you promised those other men. There are six of us, ample guard to protect the caravan." A pleasant smile played across her lips as she waited on the man to respond.
Standing behind Tairin Bjoern crosses his arms, showing that he is there as a guardian and utterly happy to let his ward do the talking.
But also ready to ripp anyone apart should they try to touch her!
"I'm Caslav." He does his best to imitate the greeting motions Samir used, getting it mostly right. "You have a very fine horse!"
Samir winces a bit when he hears Caslav volunteer his real name as the young lad studies Lysander's horse, but his smile is still on his face.
“Greetings and well met, countryman. We too are hoping to leave soon, but it would appear Yetara would rather part with his life than his coin, like getting water from a stone sometimes,”
Samir gives a loud bark of laughter.
"Ah yes; well, such are the innumerable ways of the wealthy... Is it not written A rich man is best marked by his greed? - ah, but such axioms are tiring work," he adds with a grin.
"I have spent my time before the mast - but by your gear I would deem that you are one of the riders of the city proper?" he says, but the tone implies it is more of a question rather than an observation.
But before he can get an answer, he hurries on.
"You seem to know the name of that fellow yonder - he has the look of a man from Lamu, even as my young friend here," he adds, clapping Caslav on his shoulder.
"My apologies, my friend - I did not yet catch your name," he adds with a friendly tone, studying Lysander intently as if trying to gauge what sort of man he may be.
"Do you know the destination that goodly sir wishes to travel?" he inquires with a polite voice and friendly smile even as his eyes remain watchful and intent, flicking around the square where the vendors are located and occasionally glancing to the gate toward the sullen guards who - now that the shouting is over - go back to their duties.
Meanwhile, as he speaks, the others approach the grey-robed man.
"Good evening, sir. It appears you are hiring guards for this caravan and we are seeking such a position. I am Tairin of Yar-Ammon." Tairin lifted her hair and gently let it fall, allowing the heady perfume to catch on the light wind and carry it to the robed man. "We are ready to leave presently, if that is your wish. And we would happily work for the same coin and reward you promised those other men. There are six of us, ample guard to protect the caravan." A pleasant smile played across her lips as she waited on the man to respond.
The man turns a haughty gaze to Tairin.
"A Yar-Ammonite and a woman?" he says with a tone of surprise, but also seems to practically sneer contempt, even as his face merges into some semblance of a polite smile that ends up being more lecherous than friendly or courteous, despite his efforts.
You suddenly suspect the other mercenaries may have left this man for more than just a lack of coin, still, there seems little other options for you at this time.
"Ah; but you have a bevvy of eunuchs and other such folk with you? Well, that speaks to your station or power... But what; you say that you would work for the same coin I promised the others, eh?"
"Excellent - the deal has been struck!" he says with a pleased expression as his hands rub together eagerly.
"We leave in thirty minutes, then. I am Yetara a nobleman of of Lamra and that is my... my daughter," he adds, and without even a glance you can tell he is not being honest about the girl and you doubt she is his daughter and suspect there is some mystery afoot regarding his words.
"We are heading to visit some... some dear friends of mine, in the city of Zul-Bazzir in the pleasant lands of Khazistan. My man Sefu there," he adds with a somewhat contemptuous gesture toward the towering black man with the lion cloak "will see to the particulars," he adds with a sniff and then turns and wanders to speak quietly to the girl.
The large man with the lion skin cloak moves to you.
He bows low before your company.
"Greetings noble ladies," he says to Tairin and with a polite bow to Red as well.
"Well met, man of the far north," he says to Bjeorn "and you, goodly bowman," he says to Ala'lhys.
"I am named Sefu; I thank you all for your generous offer to ride with me and lord," he says with a polite voice.
Unlike his master Sefu seems extremely courteous and sincerely polite.
"Please excuse my lord's tone, he is recently overwrought over a matter with the gentlemen before you," he adds with an apologetic voice and a somewhat embarrassed smile.
"My lord will gladly pay you the service of two gold pieces per day, as well as provide you with food for the trail which we have purchased."
"The journey is long, as I understand it, and I believe it will take perhaps three weeks; thus you should at least gain a total of sixty gold pieces at least - and more if the journey takes longer, plus your meals, of course," he adds.
With the wealth in your packs this does not seem like very much, but you all remember with clarity when you were forced to haggle over the amount of silver for the cost of water. Gold being more rare than silver, this at least suggests that the man is certainly wealthier than what you have met with before.
"As my lord has said, we shall be leaving by roughly seven o'clock if any of you have any other gear you wish to purchase?"
He notices you are all on foot and clears his throat politely.
"It is not my place to say; but the road is long, if you elect to walk the journey will take longer... though you are, of course, paid by the day... Still, if money is not a concern, perhaps you would consider mounts?"
"For myself, I have a horse; though my lord and our companion ride camels. They have a tent for themselves and I have a small tent for myself, but we have no other gear for travelers to sleep in should the weather prove uncomfortable."
"Also, I am no traveler of Khazistan; though I hear there is an oasis on the road between the pass of Kharjah and Zul-Bazzir where we must stop to get more provisions... Yet my lord does not wish to stop at Dipur for long, if at all, but move with as much speed to his destination as possible; hoping that we may reach there by the next full moon," he adds.
"I apologize for talking at length, I only mentioned this as I do not know the amount of water between here and that oasis; I am worried a trifle for my horse, but as it is said there are many horseman in Khazistan I hope to find at least places for my horse to wet his mouth for I doubt that he can travel as long without water as a camel."
"Even so; I have made provisions for my horse on the trail and bring extra water skins for him should it be needed. If you have the means to buy mounts and do not prefer camels, remember to purchase the necessities to carry water for your beasts if you are able," he adds.
He nods to the man Samir and Caslav are talking to.
"That man has also pledged to function as a guard to our company. He is well armed and seems to be a strong rider, though we have only met recently and I do not know him well. Still, he shall be traveling with us as another guardsmen - it may be wise to consult with him about other particulars about what gear you should desire for your journey as you will likely see much of him on the trail," he adds with a friendly smile and a courteous nod to Lysander.
Then he turns and looks at Yetara who - despite the noble's claim that you had a half hour to prepare, seems to be glaring about at the vendors in an impatient frown as if he is already tired of waiting, though it has been barely a minute since he left you.
Sefu looks at Yetara and sighs softly.
"We are often charged with tasks that are not to our tastes; even so, even the harshest desert may reveal a rose," he adds, clearly attempting to find some good out of a difficult situation, then he bows low again to Tairin and Red graciously and then offers a bow more fitting between men to Bjeorn and Ala.
"Do you have any other questions I may answer before you get your provisions?" he asks you all politely.
Red notes all these events without any visible reaction. When Tairin, Bjoern and Ala’Ihys move towards the man in grey Red follows like a shadow.
Bjoern shrugs and adds."Wouldn´t mind a camel for a chance, too. Walking is fine, though. But why not spend it on comfort. And we should buy a barrel of ale for the trip, too!"
"Thank you, Sefu. You have been most kind. We shall look into mounts immediately, so the caravan may leave on time."
"How long do you expect the journey to Zul-Bazzir to take?"
In discreet voice, Tairin answered, "I believe Sefu said around three weeks."
As Sefu moves away Ala'Ihys asks, quietly, "If you would all stay near, I don't want anyone else to see this." He loosens his breastplate and reaches into it drawing out a small pouch, he empties some of the contents into his hand, revealing several gemstones of variable wealth, he quickly selects four, "These will do." and begins to return the still full pouch to its hiding place....
"I had money saved for, oh, never mind that will never happen. If I buy camels for everyone, when we get to Zul-Bazzir I sell them and recoup my losses, agreed?"
Tairin disliked owing coin to people, but Ala'lhys said he would sell the camels once they arrived in Zul-Bazzir. And he did have all those lovely gems. "Agreed. I have enough coin to outfit the riding camel and purchase the feed. I will join you in purchasing the camels and hopefully manage to bargain with the herder/seller."
"That man has also pledged to function as a guard to our company. He is well armed and seems to be a strong rider, though we have only met recently and I do not know him well. Still, he shall be traveling with us as another guardsmen - it may be wise to consult with him about other particulars about what gear you should desire for your journey as you will likely see much of him on the trail," he adds with a friendly smile and a courteous nod to Lysander.
Approaching the unknown rider named , Tairin smiled and said, "Well met. I am Tairin and we'll all be riding and guarding this caravan together over the coming weeks. My companion and I are off to market to purchase riding camels and provisions, so we cannot tarry. I just wanted to introduce myself. There will be time over the journey to Zul-Bazzir to get to know one another better." Then with a simple nod, Tairin turned on her heel and began moving toward the camel herders/sellers, calling over her shoulder, "Come along, Ala'lhys."