"Tea is good; but wine would not be amiss," he says with a wink at the servant who glances at Tairin to confirm this request.
"There are many things we might discuss; but perhaps it may wait until the moment is more private?" he asks
What airs you put on since this morning. Tairin's patience was failing at this show Samir was undertaking. "Jiya, please bring my companion half a cup of wine and then you may retire to the servants' quarters. Thank you." Looking to the major domo, Kara Ben, she added, "The house staff may all retire. There is an early start on the morrow and much to do. Please ensure we are not disturbed, Kara Ben." She gave a nod dismissing the servants, even as Bjoern was shooing them out of the manse.
Once she was certain the servants had returned to their quarters, and all the trusted allies were assembled around the table (she gestured for Bjoern to come from his position by the wall and join them at the table), Tairin drew Sabra out of the shawl and set her on the table, where the kitten proceeded to clean her paws. With steepled fingers, Tairin added quietly, "What is this important news you have for us, Samir? We still have the spider to burn this night."
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Seeing Samir return Bjoern keeps his blade sheathed. Turning around, but not before checking the walls Bjoern returns to the eating room and shooing all servants out. Getting a wine hose from the pantry he leans against the wall after serving Tairin and Samir. Intent to listen and watch.
Samir watches Bjeorn with an almost bemused smile on his face, but says nothing as he pops another date into his mouth.
Tairin's patience was failing at this show Samir was undertaking. "Jiya, please bring my companion half a cup of wine and then you may retire to the servants' quarters. Thank you." Looking to the major domo, Kara Ben, she added, "The house staff may all retire. There is an early start on the morrow and much to do. Please ensure we are not disturbed, Kara Ben." She gave a nod dismissing the servants, even as Bjoern was shooing them out of the manse.
Samir says nothing from his place at the table, but watches the servants leave with some curiosity, but says no more on the subject at this time.
Once Tairin is involved and the newcomer is revealed to be Samir, Talar relaxes.
Seeing Talar suddenly pushes the casual look from Samir’s face and it is instead replaced with one that is far more serious, as if seeing the Talar has prompted some sort of change in his own mood.
Once she was certain the servants had returned to their quarters, and all the trusted allies were assembled around the table (she gestured for Bjoern to come from his position by the wall and join them at the table), Tairin drew Sabra out of the shawl and set her on the table, where the kitten proceeded to clean her paws. With steepled fingers, Tairin added quietly, "What is this important news you have for us, Samir? We still have the spider to burn this night."
”My sayida speaks in riddles,” he says with a crooked grin, then glances around the room as if looking for someone.
At this point Paten suddenly stiffens and beckons to Farrokh.
”Come; we shall deal with that while the others speak. I know what must be done and I am confident that these others can take care of business while we tend to those matters which the lady has mentioned,” he says and Farrokh nods and follows him to the rear of the room and down the stairs.
After a moment of careful observation Samir apparently sees nothing out of the ordinary and then straightens somewhat, his manner becoming serious.
”There are several issues which I deem worth discussing,” he says to the company, his eyes flicking past them to the door leading to the stairway.
”But before I begin, are we certain that our little dancing girl is yet sleeping above?” he says, mentioning Daniya.
”That minx has been crafty before and I do not think that these words would be best suited for her ears, eh?” he adds.
”Also, what of our new friend – the sorcerer? Tell me he is not dallying with her; but no! He was sick and weak – surely recovering somewhere… But so long as he is not present then no matter!” he says, then leans forward and speaks in a hushed voice.
”I was longer in the city than I had intended, but you shall forgive my absence for the results, I hope….”
”Firstly the matter with the assassins sent against Yetara… It seems that those were not mere thugs, but specialists that act in conjuncture with his temple. Assuredly we had assumed they had come to slay him for a matter of justice, yet my sources suggest this is not the case.”
”It seems our little vixen is no mere “temple virgin”, but instead, a priestess in the service of the dark god of Lamu,” he says ”and that they were not sent as much to destroy Yetara himself as they were hired to interrupt some ritual or dark rite she was supposed to perform.”
”The details of the rite were vague, but it seems it may be merely guesswork as the ritual needed to be done this before the moon sets this night…. I am not clear on the particulars, only that that she was to perform some dark ritual involving her god and even the priests of her temple were appalled at the decision – they were thus sent to slay her and not Yetara… But seeing the dogs at his door had, no doubt, prompted him to flee into the streets… Yet as of now there is no sign of his whereabouts, but I have offered a bounty of twenty gold to the man who finds reliable news of his whereabouts.”
”I know this may seem to be a high price, but Yetara has much knowledge of our actions, especially with the recent connections with the good… poppy merchant… I felt it would be wise to find him quickly and stifle what information he may share,” he adds with a grim voice, then pauses to wet his mouth.
”In any case, folk are now looking for a Priest from Lamu who may be wounded… We should hear news of this soon, I hope,” he says, then glances past them, still nervous about the whereabouts of Daniya, hoping that she is not seeking to spy on them even now.
He pauses a moment, waiting for some word of thanks or praise for the work he did in tracking both the assassins on the house, as well as his preemptive work to seek out Yetara before the old fool shared some private detail too soon.
However, after a moment, he merely shrugs and switches to other business, his eyes flicking to Talar.
”These details did not take me overlong to perform, but you had charged me with seeking news of your sister,” he adds.
”This did delay me somewhat, but I believe I may have a lead for you…”
”There is a section of the city called The Temple District,” he continues ”and this place has many noted temples and shrines. Yet one point of note is a temple to the beast-gods of Yar-Ammon,” he adds with a glance to Tairin, then continues.
”This temple is not so remarkable, for the city itself was founded by colonists from Yar-Ammon; but it seems that the priests of this temple have strange rites of burial for their dead, in which the corpses are wrapped in linen strips after their insides are taken out and preserved with some vague rites or rituals...”
He shakes his head, knowing that these explanations are not relevant to the point and continues.
”Now, the bodies of the dead are kept in what was once a small area rarely used by the living, for this place is like a small village of stone homes and crypts built to house the remains of the dead. The point of note is that those citizens of the city who yet dwell in that district are said to prefer to buy slaves who are not of their bloodline; specifically, as they are Yar-Ammonite they often prefer to buy Khazistani slaves specifically… Further, most folk in this city who buy slaves are not so interested in purchasing local slaves, preferring their slaves to come from more exotic places, meaning that it would be unlikely that your sister would be bought by a Khazistani...”
He waves his hand as if literally trying to push his rambling aside and continues.
”Now; it is said that the priests that act as guardians to those Houses of the Dead, but they have many complicated tasks to perform in their rituals, and often those tasks require instructions to be read from ancient texts. Thus, they are known to desire slaves with some skill in reading and writing… Your sister knows the Yar-Ammonite tongue; further, she has studied and – given the scars on her face and her… lack of modesty,” he says somewhat gingerly regarding Talar’s sister and her lack of virginity ”especially her age…” he adds ”it seemed unlikely to find her in a pleasure house – but for those citizens who are looking for older women, women who are able to speak the Yar-Ammonite tongue; and women who are local – well, I have heard tell of some priests who are said to be seeking to purchase slaves with those qualifications – mainly female, though males are permitted if they are made into eunuchs…” then waves his hand as if these details matter little.
”If I am correct than your sister may be nearer than expected; but being that it would rouse too much suspicion if I came there at such a late hour to inquire about a recent slave purchase I decided to report back to you first; then, if you were interested, we could seek out more news on the morrow when the sun rises… it is no purpose to show up on their doorstep at night like a beggar or vagrant, we would only alarm them,” he adds.
His gaze travels over Talar’s face and gear and shakes his head, clucking his tongue in a somewhat teasing manner.
”It occurred to me that I should be better garbed if I am to attend to my sayida properly; but it seems that it is I who am out of place with all my finery amidst such gloomy gear and faces,” he says as he brushes some non-existent fluff absently from his silk sleeve.
”I sweat in the city and risk my neck while you hire some new servants to aid you – yet your faces have the look of those who suffered far too much trouble during mere haggling,” he adds with a chuckle, then he quaffs the remaining wine.
”Well; now that these matters are dealt with, what is our new plan? How have you convinced the little trollop to tolerate our presence in the house while she dozes aloft? And when her father returns, or if we find him first, what arrangements have been made to make sure he does not find our comfortable position in his home something for him to subvert for his own purposes?” he asks with genuine curiosity.
Talar keeps his face blank as Samir talks of the dancer-turned-monster, trusting Tairin's judgement to navigate the matter. But at word of his sister he sits up in rapt attention.
Talar is not bothered by Samir's "lack of modesty" comment; indeed he appears to have no judgments about it himself. "She may still be in the city?.." They have made a grave mistake in keeping her so close to me. "Yes, let us pursue this lead with all haste possible without raising their suspicions. Let me know what I must do to aid this. Once we know where she is, men will bleed." He says with a snarl.
Inclining his head slightly, the scholar speaks to their esteemed guest.
"Welcome to the manse, honoured guest. I am Patenemheb Sitayet of Yar-Ammon, schooled in the House of Life."
He clearly believes that this is sufficient gravitas to impress his importance to the visitor.
Patenemheb ponders the matter of how best to destroy the spider-thing's body.
Acknowledging Patenemheb's and Farrokh's departure for the dungeons and furnace below, Tairin turned her attention back to the Samir and remaining companions.
With Samir speaking of Yetara and his people, Tairin looked him in the eye and stated discreetly albeit plainly, "Yetara was murdered and his body hidden behind some barrels/crates by the duplicitous Daniya. Sefu, her lover, was killed protecting her from the temple assassins. Daniya had stolen Yetara's prized tome on summoning circles and alike and completed the dark ritual - the spider god impregnating Daniya and the developing progeny altering her into a monstrous spider who then tried to kill us in the laboratory and dungeons below. We managed to put her down, with much trouble, and as we speak Paten and Farrokh are burning the remains of her body spider so the smoke does not draw the attention of the watchful citizens of Zul-Bazzir. We have taken possession of the manse and estate as our right; I found the deed to the property among Daniya's possessions and have signed the property over to us. Tomorrow the Bey's agent comes to determine rightful, official ownership and we will have to twist and smooth the truth with fine words and coin. Today, we entered the market and I hired servants to run the estate and lend legitimacy to our claim as owners. We have five staff: one to maintain the grounds and stables, another to guard the estate, a cook/kitchen maid, housekeeper/general maid and a major domo to oversee the servants and general upkeep of the estate. With him he brings a son. They are housed in the servants quarters. We discovered a list penned by Yetara of influential and dangerous people in the city. The men listed are worth noting, whether to form alliances or keep out of their way. This afternoon, in the market, we were followed by an Ikuna man. I have noticed him over the past two days - since our visit to the House of Abu Khafi. When he noted that Talar had spotted him, he changed course and we lost him two blocks from the estate. This will require investigating. I would know who he is and who his master or employer is. I believe you are caught up now on the events which transpired while you were in the city proper."
She grew quiet then, allowing Samir the opportunity to process the information she had shared with him. Tairin gave Sabra a soft scratch on her head.
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Inclining his head slightly, the scholar speaks to their esteemed guest.
"Welcome to the manse, honoured guest. I am Patenemheb Sitayet of Yar-Ammon, schooled in the House of Life."
He clearly believes that this is sufficient gravitas to impress his importance to the visitor.
Acknowledging Patenemheb's and Farrokh's departure for the dungeons and furnace below, Tairin turned her attention back to the Samir and remaining companions.
Samir's grin fades slowly as Tairin talks and he says nothing more, listening to the details.
With Samir speaking of Yetara and his people, Tairin looked him in the eye and stated discreetly albeit plainly, "This afternoon, in the market, we were followed by an Ikuna man. I have noticed him over the past two days - since our visit to the House of Abu Khafi. When he noted that Talar had spotted him, he changed course and we lost him two blocks from the from the estate. This will require investigating. I would know who he is and who his master or employer is. I believe you are caught up now on the events which transpired while you were in the city proper."...
Samir's grin fades slowly as Tairin talks and he says nothing more, listening to the details.
"Aye... why should he follow you, is he a spy from this Abu Khafi? If so, he seems to be rather inept to be spotted so easily... And why should Abu Khafi hire this dog to pursue you? I thought the arrangements between you went well? Unless he is attempting to learn more about you before doing further business... Yet if that is so, it seems odd that he would pursue you after having made such large investments with you already..."
He shakes his head.
"This does bear examining..." he says slowly.
As he waits for further details Talar offers his own opinions on the news.
Talar is not bothered by Samir's "lack of modesty" comment; indeed he appears to have no judgments about it himself. "She may still be in the city?.." They have made a grave mistake in keeping her so close to me. "Yes, let us pursue this lead with all haste possible without raising their suspicions. Let me know what I must do to aid this. Once we know where she is, men will bleed." He says with a snarl.
Samir watches says nothing at first, studying Talar, as if attempting to assess the man.
"There is always time for vengeance; yet I would advise some caution."
"When you track your prey it is best to move with stealth lest you startle them; even so, while I have no doubt that those who have taken her may bleed in time I would venture that our primary target is first your sister rather than those who took her, eh?" he says with a friendly voice, yet his eyes are intent as he watches Talar carefully.
Having listened to Talar and then Samir once more, Tairin's gaze darkened as Samir brushed the silk of his new garb, as if flaunting himself. If only I had time to wander about the city, shopping for silks and fine garb. "Yes, the risk was most severe on you, Samir," she said; her voice carrying a sardonic edge; a tell-tale sign for the more observant that she found little amusement in his sojourn in the city proper; buying finery while they fought for their very lives.
"As to the matter of the Temple District and the House of Dead - a possible location for Talar's sister, I could make a trip there after our meeting with the Bey's agent and speak to the Yar-Ammonite colonists and priests. Paten could join me. I do not venerate the beast gods as some of the more traditional people of my homeland; yet if I rightly recollect, Paten does. Together, we may be able to speak to the priests or their attendants and learn what we can. Thank you for the information, Samir."
"Yes, the risk was most severe on you, Samir."
He turns from Talar to look at her.
"No doubt," he responds after a moment with a strange smile.
"As to the matter of the Temple District and the House of Dead - a possible location for Talar's sister, I could make a trip there after our meeting with the Bey's agent and speak to the Yar-Ammonite colonists and priests. Paten could join me. I do not venerate the beast gods as some of the more traditional people of my homeland; yet if I rightly recollect, Paten does. Together, we may be able to speak to the priests or their attendants and learn what we can. Thank you for the information, Samir."
Samir's eyebrow lifts as he considers Tairin for a moment.
"Assuredly your presence might be very helpful in such a task... yet the mysterious laboratory; the ancient tomes in yon library, each filled with secrets of bygone ages... I would have guessed that the study of such texts may tempt you and the scholar more avidly..." he says after a moment, then shakes his head.
"To hear is to obey, sayida; though I must say that outfoxing the wiles of strange priests who sequester themselves within the cyclopean masonry reared to house the tombs of dead lords from forgotten times as well as their dark treasures and strange mysterious guardians who - no doubt - lurk in the gloom filled shadows even as we do what we can to retrieve the good Talar's kin from those sly devils who hold her there for their nefarious purposes... Well! If you are willing to travel with us to such a place I, at least, feel that our journey shall be very interesting indeed," he adds as he watches her.
Perhaps it had been the long day or the lingering, taxing effect of the toxic chemical fumes yet Tairin's patience was waning and Samir was bearing the brunt of her current mood.
"There is time to sort through laboratory and library - neither can be completed in a day. Nor do I care to be locked away inside musty rooms day after day. I am not the scholar Patenemheb is and he may find more profit from such endeavours than I. I am interested in learning what the tomes house; for I may make use of some of the magic contained within the texts. Yet, you speak of a Yar-Ammonite temple and you would not think the two Yar-Ammonites in your company to be of particular benefit; both of whom understand the religion and who have a talent for conversing? I believe it would be prudent if Paten and I were to go in first and try to discover more of this House of Dead and its servant occupants before those more versed in using their fists and weapons go in to free the sister. We'll leave that up to you, if there are other duties Paten and I must take care of."
Patenemheb observes the foul corpse, makes a plan to dispose of it, and then he and Farrokh enact that plan.
When the deed is done, and the ashes are cooling, Patenemheb turns to his man and says:
"Farrokh, it has been a very long time indeed since I had such able help as you provide. I wish you to know that I value your worth, expertise, and most of all, your loyalty."
"Now, let us attend to the rest of the manse. I am certain there is much left to be done, and I would see how much has been accomplished in our absense."
"There is always time for vengeance; yet I would advise some caution."
"When you track your prey it is best to move with stealth lest you startle them; even so, while I have no doubt that those who have taken her may bleed in time I would venture that our primary target is first your sister rather than those who took her, eh?" he says with a friendly voice, yet his eyes are intent as he watches Talar carefully.
Talar clenches his fist. "Yes, of course. She will be rescued and brought to safety. Then men will bleed."
"I believe it would be prudent if Paten and I were to go in first and try to discover more of this House of Dead and its servant occupants before those more versed in using their fists and weapons go in to free the sister."
Talar nods, a mixture of frustration and appreciation on his face. "Thank you Tairin. Is there anything I can do to help?" He fidgets. "I just hate feeling like I can't do anything."
"What can we do in the meantime?" Bjoern looks at Tairin, but looking at his pasty arm, still not as healthy as it where before the poison sapped his strength.
"I do need some more times to return to my old strength!"
When the deed is done, and the ashes are cooling, Patenemheb turns to his man and says:
"Farrokh, it has been a very long time indeed since I had such able help as you provide. I wish you to know that I value your worth, expertise, and most of all, your loyalty."
Farrokh smiles and bows before Paten, then straightens; his hand straying absently to his face, brushing the empty eye-socket where he had been previously injured when Paten had found him.
"Each day that I yet live is from your grace, lord. There is no need to thank me for remembering your aid," he says with a friendly, though serious, smile.
As they prepare to head upstairs he pauses a moment and tugs at his beard.
"I hesitate to say a thing, for it may make me seem petty; or at least overcautious... Even so..."
He glances at the stairway then leans in and lowers his voice.
"Your ally from the east - his accent is that of Nabastis; a land of manifold corsairs and soldiers of fortune... he is no noble-born, else I am a fool... Yet did you not mark his garb? He is now dressed like a knight of high standing in the city; or else someone of power and prestige."
"It may be that he secured such garb to blend smoothly with the local folk, and I have no issue with this. Yet did you mark the ease with which he assimilated to this city? I am no mystic to know the secrets of men's hearts, yet how could he have achieved so much without aid or contacts in this city?"
"If he has contacts, well and good - but how, or more important... who?"
He pauses, and though it may be that Farrokh is somewhat jealous of Samir's easy merging with the local culture, he does make a valid point - how did Samir blend so well in the city so quickly?
And, perhaps more importantly, what do the others really know about him?
Farrokh shrugs a bit then smiles apologetically.
"Forgive my suspicions, lord; yet I deem it my duty to watch and observe - if this man is true my fears shall be meaningless. But if not? Well, in any case, I leave the matter to you; I trust you shall do what is best in this issue," he concludes.
"Now, let us attend to the rest of the manse. I am certain there is much left to be done, and I would see how much has been accomplished in our absense."
Farrokh nods and the two men return upstairs just in time to hear that tale end of the conversation between the others.
"There is time to sort through laboratory and library - neither can be completed in a day. Nor do I care to be locked away inside musty rooms day after day. I am not the scholar Patenemheb is and he may find more profit from such endeavours than I. I am interested in learning what the tomes house; for I may make use of some of the magic contained within the texts. Yet, you speak of a Yar-Ammonite temple and you would not think the two Yar-Ammonites in your company to be of particular benefit; both of whom understand the religion and who have a talent for conversing?"
Samir says nothing but watches Tairin with a crooked smile, his eyes regarding her thoughtfully.
Talar nods, a mixture of frustration and appreciation on his face. "Thank you Tairin. Is there anything I can do to help?" He fidgets. "I just hate feeling like I can't do anything."
Talar clenches his fist. "She will be rescued and brought to safety. Then men will bleed."
Samir says nothing, but sucks in his breath through teeth uncomfortably, as if this course of action does not wholly agree with him for some reason, but he says nothing about his opinions at this time, merely watching the others.
"I believe it would be prudent if Paten and I were to go in first and try to discover more of this House of Dead and its servant occupants before those more versed in using their fists and weapons go in to free the sister. We'll leave that up to you, if there are other duties Paten and I must take care of."
"Well said and I concur. I always support prudence and caution," he says with a grin.
"What can we do in the meantime?" Bjoern looks at Tairin, but looking at his pasty arm, still not as healthy as it where before the poison sapped his strength.
"I do need some more times to return to my old strength!"
Samir turns a glance to Bjeorn.
"It is not so late that we should fear to dabble in the delights of the city life - yet if recovery of one's strength is a thing worth doing then I should think that sleeping now to get a full night's rest, followed by the meeting with this local agent in the morning - is the best option for us now? Though, of course, that is merely suggestion..." he adds with a casual shrug.
Farrokh nods his head and looks at Paten.
"This seems like wisdom, lord. Let us rest ourselves this evening properly; in the morning we shall be better off and then advance with eager energy to deal with a new day," he adds.
Patenemheb thinks upon what Farrokh says.
"I am inclined to see wisdom in your findings. Samir carries secrets. Perhaps ones dangerous to us. Now, let us rejoin the others."
The party has awaken and feels fully restored and restored.
They go about their morning duties and begin to prepare themselves for the arrival of this supposed diplomat.
At roughly 10 AM there is a summons that there is a dignitary at your door who wishes entrance.
What do you do?
Tairin rose from the bed, the faint light filtering from the window into her room. Sabra, who was curled up in a small ball at the foot of the bed, began to stretch; little claws out and her tongue lolling out of her mouth as she roused from sleep.
Pouring cool water from the jug into a large bowl, Tairin began her morning ablution - taking particular care with washing/sponging her body/face/skin until she felt fresh/clean. She picked up her brush and she brushed out the long strands of her silken ebony hair until it shone and fell in straight beauty - the sound and movement of the brush through her hair calming any early signs of agitation. When she was satisfied that it was in silken order, she pulled the sides into fine braids and tied them in the back with a cord. Tairin left her hair uncovered. She cleaned her teeth with the tooth powder and added a few drops of the lotus blossom perfume to her wrists and neck. Sabra hated baths or being immersed in water - so she simply took out a brush and combed the cat until its fur was smooth. Tairin then added a drop of perfume to Sabra's fur, so the kitten would smell pleasant for their guest.
Tairin applied the kohl to her eyes, enhancing their dark depths with practiced ease. She added the decorative bangles to her arms and placed Belet-Lil's amulet around her neck. She dressed in fresh, clean, light clothes: A white, airy, linen shirt and long skirt, cinched in at the waist with a colourful silken veil. The shirt accented her fine breasts (and the amulet was tucked behind the fabric, so it would not be readily seen). Tairin placed sandals on her feet. She did not put on her armour or her weapons for she was playing the role of the lady of the estate; however she placed a dagger inside the deep pocket of her skirt just in case she required a weapon. She took the signed deed to the estate and the library key and placed them inside the other skirt pocket.
Admiring her reflection one last time, she collected Sabra and made her way down to the library and unlocked the door, drawing gold coin from the chest and into her pouch to be used in case they had to bribe the agent for his/her approval. Locking the library door, she made her way to main floor dining room. Tairin placed the coin pouch in a medium-sized, ornately-carved chest on the the marble side table by the seating. She then began to check in with the servants to ensure the house would be in proper order before the agent of the Bey's arrival. First, she looked them over to determine if they were clean and presentable. If they were, she merely continued and if not, she sent them back to their quarters to fix themselves. She asked Bast to cut fresh flowers from the garden to be put around the manse in tall crystal vases. Hanala was dusting and ensuring the furnishings were clean, lamps were filled with oil and pillows positioned neatly and Jiya was busily preparing the meal to break their fast and the refreshment for their morning guest. "Kara Ben, I would have one of the fine wines brought out and offered to the agent of the Bey. Please introduce him before he enters the sitting room. I wish all servants to remain mindful yet hold their tongues unless they are asked to serve in some fashion. Please introduce me as Lady Tairin, Daughter of High Priest Chefren of the Royal House of Yar-Ammon and then address me as Lady Tairin in the presence of our guest." Looking to S'bu, she added, "Be mindful of who comes to the gates this morning. Be respectful, if it is the agent, and allow him or her to pass. Bast, you will escort the agent up to the manse and deliver them to Kara Ben's care. He will then bring our guest in to us."
Once her companions began to descend to the main floor of the manse, Tairin inspected each to ensure they looked their best - if not, they were sent upstairs to right their appearance.
Over their morning meal (she had Hanala place small parcels of raw goat meat on a plate on the floor for Sabra), she simply and steadily instructed, "Bjoern, Talar and Samir, you will attend me as my personal guards in the room once the agent enters. Please ensure you have your weapons, sheathed, not drawn. Please speak only when spoken to. Patenemhab will play the part of my distant kinsman guardian. Farrokh will attend to him as his personal servant/guard."
With the morning meal finished and the dining room restored to order, Tairin made her way to the sitting room and settled Sabra atop a silken pillow and told the kitten to stay upon it in the presence of the agent. Tairin then sat down, collecting herself and undertaking any last minute instructions.
When the agent arrived, was formally introduced and led into the room, and Kara Ben introduced her in turn, Tairin smiled, formally/regally inclined her head (although not too low as she considered herself of a class higher than the agent) and gracefully rose from the velvet seat; her voice taking on a pleasant and noble timbre, "Good morning, and, welcome to our home. Please, do sit down. Would you care for some refreshment?", gesturing for Hanala or Kara Ben to bring in the wine and the locally prepared delicacies/sweet meats, dates etc.
Talar rises early , eager to get the day moving with new word for his sister. He does a quick morning groom, brushing his hair and clipping his neck hairs, before donning his armor and weapons and heading out to feed Ramul. The rest of his morning is spent exercising himself and Ramul; stretching, riding, practicing combat, etc. He sets aside extra time to work with Ikhtanabu Xul's dagger, getting comfortable with the vicious little weapon.
He also spends some time thinking about new skills he should invest in; if he is going to be a member of this group, spending so much time in cities, and fighting supernatural threats, he needed to expand what he offered. In particular this means fighting the people of the city. . There is also something he could learn from each of his new allies...
From Tairin he considers spellcasting. Magic is a strange and terrifying creature, but one could understand it with research, and see the signs of it as a learned man.
Bjoern makes his presence as much a threat as his weapons. Sometimes situations could be handled with a snarl or a hard look, and bloodshed avoided.
Paten has shown the invaluable skill in treating wounds, especially when violence can be so constant or deadly. Stopping the flow of blood could save a life.
Once his training is done he makes his way inside, grabbing some food quick he begins to quickly scarf down before remembering he can actually enjoy the taste. But halfway through his breakfast Tairin chastises his appearance, making him surprised but with a grumble he goes upstairs to clean up. He comes back down, hair washed and brushed, beard trimmed, and fresh clothes on. He paled in comparison to Tairin, but for a fighting man he looked well-groomed enough.
"Bjoern, Talar and Samir, you will attend me as my personal guards in the room once the agent enters. Please ensure you have your weapons, sheathed, not drawn. Please speak only when spoken to. Patenemhab will play the part of my distant kinsman guardian. Farrokh will attend to him as his personal servant/guard."
"Understood." He says simply. He wasn't expecting too much trouble, at least on the violence end of things. Not today anyways.
As the guests enter Talar stands stoically, sizing up the new people, in particular any muscle they might have brought.
During the arrival and introductions, Tairin took in the figure of the agent and tried to gauge something of note from their dress/carriage/demeanour or manner/motive; something she could utilise, during the course of the meeting, to aid her and her companions efforts to gain the sanction of the Bey (through the agent) as rightful, prominent, property owners in the city.
Your servants open the outer gate and you see a short, opulent man with Khazistani features reclining on a litter with four slaves with features native to Shoma carrying him. In addition, walking next to him are two men wearing livery consistent with the city guard; they each have Yemarite features.
Finally, what seems to be a modestly well-dressed servant with Yar-Ammonite features has the gate opened and calls out -
"Way, way, for the noble lord Astir, of the mighty city Zul-Bazzir!"
At this time the two guards enter the main gate and move to either side to flank it and the slaves bring the litter in and the man named Astir eases himself out ponderously and stands up.
"I was charged with meeting the new owner of these estates," he says with a somewhat officious voice and glances around as if taking things in.
At this time Kara Ben has brought him and his servant to the gates of your house while his slaves and two bodyguards remain in the courtyard.
"Good morning, and, welcome to our home. Please, do sit down. Would you care for some refreshment?", gesturing for Hanala or Kara Ben to bring in the wine and the locally prepared delicacies/sweet meats, dates etc.
Diplomacy to create a favourable impression on first introductions and welcome, including perfume bonus: 1d20 + 14 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 14 + 2 = 36
Perception re agent: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (2) + 9 = 11
Sense Motive re agent's actions/words/body language: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25
The man smiles unctuously at Tairin as his servant pulls out a chair for him so he can sit down and he does with a somewhat clumsy huff.
"Something sweet would be delightful," he says with a grin you suppose he means to be charming but comes off as merely oily.
The man is very sly but you sense he has little experience with real politicking. Instead, he seems to be likely the sort of man who has recently bought his way into some minor position of power, of a very low rank you would assume; but he is not noble-born, of that you're positive.
His trappings; the slaves, the servant, the bodyguards - they all seem like the sort of thing he has because he assumes that is what he SHOULD have, but he doesn't seem to be used to them yet; nor does he seem to know the customs of basic table manners, diving right in to eating rather than the usual protocol of waiting for the offers of food, then refusing the food of the host as taking it too soon would be seen as greedy - and then the host would insist that the guest would take some refreshment, and the guest would, eventually, accept the offered food, but insisting that it would be unseemly to have so many wonderful things (thereby showing his humility as a guest). These formalities obviously originated in nomadic cultures when hosts would offer guests the best food they had when they had a guest as a courtesy but a good guest would refuse the best as they knew that would be taking advantage of their host. Essentially, all of those little formalities built in to polite greeting to make sure neither the host nor the guest would lose face.
This person did not adhere to any of those practices; this COULD be seen that he is far more powerful than you, but given the fact that he's not trying to intimidate you with his power but trying to smile and impress you with his charm, you'd wager he's just out of his element.
If you can impress him with your own power he may be the sort who is willing to lower prices of his 'bribe/court cost to transfer the ownership of the property' with you, but only if he believes that having you as an ally would be good for him in the long run...
His servant seems crafty enough, he will be a bit more of a trouble, but potentially more valuable. If you can convince him of your power/status with your people it's likely he may have heard of your family, if only indirectly. Thus, he will likely be the one to persuade his master that you are either important, or not, depending on you act around him.
As the guests enter Talar stands stoically, sizing up the new people, in particular any muscle they might have brought.
Perception to observe the guests for anything visible of note: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (13) + 10 = 23
Sense Motive to observe the guests for anything non-visible of note: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21
The slaves seem to be nothing unique; just slaves used to carry people in litters or palanquins. The two spear men look like they've got in a few skirmishes in the past, but you don't think they're that committed to their current duty. Their gear is certainly local city colors; you'd wager, then, that he has some local guards as a matter of form. You doubt, though, that they are especially loyal to him or even that interested in doing a good job as they seem somewhat bored by the entire process, as if they don't expect any trouble and are content to hold down a soft job.
They will remain in the courtyard by the man's litter and the slaves will kneel in the shade waiting for the meeting to conclude.
As he picks up some fresh flat bread that was fried in oil, nutmeg, cinnamon and some cloves, then drizzled in honey, he rolls it up into a squished doughy mass and eats the small square of bread in one bite.
Chewing his food does not prevent him from talking, however.
"I was under the impression that the owner of this house was from Lamu; where is he so that we can discuss the proper nuances," he says then pauses and lifts a goblet of whatever drink is closest to him and takes a deep draught.
Then, letting out a gasp of breath he sighs and glances around.
"If there are no Lamurians here than who is the one I am to discuss terms and payment with?" he asks as he reaches for another piece of fried bread.
The servant besides him winces somewhat, but the look passes nearly instantly and you almost missed it. Nevertheless, you suspect that the servant is a bit uncomfortable with his master's direct attitude - to ask so brazenly about money without a more delicate approach not only lacks decorum or tact, but it also leaves him open for potential legal repercussions later, should your party press the issue (however unlikely that may be). The point is; by not showing some subtlety he's demonstrating that he's not very clever.
"Assuredly my master would be honored to deal with the one who is to formally take ownership of the house," the servant says a bit more artfully.
He is not sure who that is formally, though he is currently looking at Tairin; even so, he waits for a response before giving more information or guesses.
Waking up at first sunlight Bjoeren removes the fur he has sleeping on. Carefully starting his morning exercise to work the kinks out of his muscles, his daily pushups to test his muscles, crunshes and pullups, left handed and righthanded, feeling the joy of his body again obaying his commands and not feeling the sluggishness of the spider poison. Finally he does his 50 handstand pushups, feeling his massive muscles again working in perfect harmony.
Swiping the sweat from his brow, he moves over to his armor rack and slowly works over his arms and armor, still in his simply linen tunic. Working the whetstone over his bladed weapons sans his word he hones them to a razors edge. Checking his mail carefully for any broken links or loose straps, as he does with his shield.
Satisfied with the results Bjoern turns to the pitcher and pours himself a bowl of water to wash his face and under his armpits, before dressing up. Breeches and tunic, battle boots and a his light gambeson under mail. Finally girding his weapon belt and arming himself he walks down to the kitchen to grab a simple meal of bacon, flatbread, eggs, sausage, cheese, gruel, drinking three mugs of hot steaming tea.
As soon as the agent sat down and requested something sweet, Tairin gestured to the major domo and Hanala to attend to his request.
Tairin smiled; a smile that was well practiced to keep her eyes less crinkled and more opened, so their dark depths and long lashes would tantalise their recipient.
She lifted her slender arm, creating a graceful arc, allowing the bangles to jingle sweetly and the heady, sweet aroma of lotus to waft toward the man.
"I was under the impression that the owner of this house was from Lamu; where is he so that we can discuss the proper nuances," he says then pauses and lifts a goblet of whatever drink is closest to him and takes a deep draught.
Then, letting out a gasp of breath he sighs and glances around.
"If there are no Lamurians here than who is the one I am to discuss terms and payment with?" he asks as he reaches for another piece of fried bread.
The servant besides him winces somewhat,
"Assuredly my master would be honored to deal with the one who is to formally take ownership of the house," the servant says a bit more artfully.
He is not sure who that is formally, though he is currently looking at Tairin; even so, he waits for a response before giving more information or guesses.
"Lord Astir," her dark eyes piercing the agent; drawing him into their dark wells. "The Lamurians who fleetingly held this estate have returned to their homeland on some official, private matter, that may take several months at least. The estate has been signed over to me in their absence and I have the deed for your inspection. My head servant introduced me as daughter of the High Priest, Chefren, of Yar-Ammon; yet we are of a long-standing noble bloodline - My beloved mother and the Queen are first cousins and enjoy a bond like that of sisters - my mother has the Queen's ear and they share much affection. I have five elder brothers; four of whom serve as high ranking officers in the Royal Guard and counsellors in the Royal Circle, and one who is Priest of the First One, Zothur, and will take over my late father's position as High Priest of the Royal House. The man beside me, Patenemheb, is my kinsman - who is my travelling companion and sanctioned with providing me with wise counsel/guidance and brotherly protection in your radiant city. Alas, my own brothers could not be spared from their official, noble responsibilities and my dear cousin would not leave me unattended." Tairin steadily moved her hand to the pocket of her skirt which contained the deed and undertook the removal with a grace and art to allow the man to see more of the dusky, satin skin of her arm and be assailed once more by the fragrant perfume. She held the deed in her lap until Astir requested to see it.
Looking down at the man's goblet, she asked in silken voice, "Would you care for more wine, Lord Astir? It is particularly sweet, with a deep, resonating flavour. I do hope you like it."
As her mistress spoke, Sabra lay imperiously on the silken pillow - her bright green eyes locked onto Astir, as she took his measure and scent in. Occasionally she would lift a paw and lick its plump, pinkish pad before lowering it and continuing with her keen gaze.
===
Content with the attitudes of the guards, Talar sees they are in little trouble currently; at least when it comes to potential violence.
As he picks up some fresh flat bread that was fried in oil, nutmeg, cinnamon and some cloves, then drizzled in honey, he rolls it up into a squished doughy mass and eats the small square of bread in one bite.
Chewing his food does not prevent him from talking, however.
Talar is far from versed in the subtle dance of politics, but even he can see the man seems to be rude and a slob. Well, at least compared to the fancy demeanor Tairin and her ilk often put on. He keeps his face stoic and his tongue still, trusting in Tairin's handling of the matter.
Patenemheb sleeps, awakens refreshed, and attends to his preparations.
From his luggage, he draws out jewelry, golden pectorals, and masterfully woven silkwear, all brought from The Kingdom.
For just such an event., he muses.
He uses mirror and tools to ensure that no unsightly hairs or redness blemishes his visible skin. He applies unguents in order to give his skin the appearance - and scent - of a lordly noble, both scholar and physician. He openly carries the accoutrements of both professions, pen and ink for calligraphy, a case of surgical tools discreetly at hand.
For that is what I am. But that is not all that I am.
When he reckons himself satisfied with the results, he meets with the others, well before any visitor arrives.
*****************
He eyes the newcomers with a pleasant expression on his face, but an appraising one.
**********************
"The First One". Ah, yes. Technically true. In a sense.
With a smooth voice like poured oil, the scholar attends to his appointed role with purpose and the air of the supremely confident.
"Lord Astir, I am Patenemheb Sitayet, of the Kingdom, trained in the House of Life, and kin of Lady Tairin. I bid you welcome, and hope that your visit will be a worthy one for us all."
Looking down at the man's goblet, she asked in silken voice, "Would you care for more wine, Lord Astir? It is particularly sweet, with a deep, resonating flavour. I do hope you like it."
The man glances at the table, not sure if he had already tasted wine or tea, but he cheerfully takes the glass of wine if offered.
"Of course, of course - wine is wonderful," he says with a wide smile.
"Lord Astir, I am Patenemheb Sitayet, of the Kingdom, trained in the House of Life, and kin of Lady Tairin. I bid you welcome, and hope that your visit will be a worthy one for us all."
The man's eyes flick to Paten only for an instant as he turns his attention to the wine and drinks it in thirsty sips.
During this time the manservant behind him seems to be studying Tairin and Paten with lidded eyes.
The servant leans forward and speaks quietly to his master who listens while continuing to eat.
When the servant is done Astir dusts off his hands over the plate and gives you a "let's get down to business" expression.
"Of course you know that the legal fee to transfer ownership of a house is fifty gold pieces; but there are so many things that must get done to finalize that legally that it could take weeks... perhaps longer; generally hiring additional help could move the process forward very quickly..." he says, then pauses to see if you offer a higher amount to gauge you for how much to haggle with.
But before you can respond, the servant coughs and Astir responds.
"However, that sort of, er... trivium... is so tiring between people of our status. Let us say that I shall do what I can to expedite this process directly and see to it that it is formally concluded by tomorrow?"
"Of course, this will take a lot of time for me personally, but I do not mind overmuch - let us consider it a favor between friends," he adds with a knowing smile.
Bjoern has been long enough a servant to know, when a servant is a servant ... or not. Understanding that this time the most important person is standing he keeps his eyes on him and looks menacing.
Tairin will know what to do best.
Having asked for the fifty gold coins and saying the transfer of ownership would take weeks, to the suggestion that it would be a favour between friends and would take a day turned Tairin's head and a tendril of frustration tugged at her patience. The man was out of his depth, or, by accepting his proposal, they would be tethered to him under the guise of friendship. Let us hope he will be useful to us during our stay in Zul-Bazzir. The man's knowing smile vexed her; yet Tairin returned the smile in order to keep in his good graces for this little rat could make it difficult to remain in Zul-Bazzir.
She levelled her warm gaze on the agent, although the more astute negotiator and politicker was clearly the servant behind him.
"Please be assured, we have every intention of hiring more servants to manage the estate. As to hiring a legal advisor who is well versed in the laws of this land, well, that is a fine suggestion, Lord Astir, and something we will consider. Thank you. We have not had the opportunity to meet more people of our ilk since arriving in the city; so your gracious offer of friendship and hastening the transfer of property ownership is welcoming news and one we are delighted to accept." Lifting her own goblet of wine, Tairin smiled over the rim, and, in a silky voice, she added, "Let us drink to new friends and the continued prosperity of Zul-Bazzir."
"Please be assured, we have every intention of hiring more servants to manage the estate. As to hiring a legal advisor who is well versed in the laws of this land, well, that is a fine suggestion, Lord Astir, and something we will consider. Thank you. We have not had the opportunity to meet more people of our ilk since arriving in the city; so your gracious offer of friendship and hastening the transfer of property ownership is welcoming news and one we are delighted to accept." Lifting her own goblet of wine, Tairin smiled over the rim, and, in a silky voice, she added, "Let us drink to new friends and the continued prosperity of Zul-Bazzir."
"Indeed, let us drink!" he agrees and proceeds to finish off the glass of wine before him.
When the drink is finished he stands up and wipes his hands off on his trousers, pausing only to gather the remaining pieces of sweetbread to place in his pouch and snack on later.
"I am confident that we shall enjoy the new friendship together. Meanwhile, as soon as my man collects the coin for the deed I shall ensure that is finalized properly," he adds with a bright grin.
Turning he exits the house and heads to down his palanquin while his servant remains and collects the fifty gold pieces.
After they have been paid he leaves a document behind with a stamp placed on it with red ink bearing his master's seal.
He then exits the house and follows his master out the main gate and is ushered out by his servants.
When he is gone Samir watches him with a crooked smile and grunts.
"Well, now what?" he asks the others.
Keeping the polite smile on her face as Astir stood and placed a delicacy or two in his pouch, Tairin bid the entreating agent, "Excellent. Until we meet again, Lord Astir."
She then turned to the wooden chest beside her, discreetly opened and removed a full pouch of coin. Standing, she continued to the remaining servant of the agent, "There are fifty gold pieces there," and gave it over to him. She carefully handed across the deed to the estate and watched as the servant put seal to parchment and officially endorsed the property transfer. Indeed, the cost of completing such a task, the sharp, silent thought came bidden; yet her face remained passive.
Accepting the newly stamped deed from the servant, she thanked him for his service, and watched with dark eyes as he followed his master out of the manse. She waited a little before speaking - giving the agent and his retinue time to leave the estate.
Hearing Samir ask what there was to do next, she merely sat back down and first addressed the major domo and Hanala, "You and the others did well with our guests. Please leave us now, and Kara Ben, please close the door and see we are not disturbed presently," she smiled and nodded her head in approval. Now that the ink of the seal was dry, she rolled up the deed and placed it in the deep pocket of her skirt.
When the servants left the chamber and they had privacy in which to openly speak, Tairin sat back down on the velvet-smooth settee and called Sabra to her. The kitten happily bid her mistress' call and curled around her leg; whereupon Tairin picked her up with one hand and settled her on her lap; gently petting her.
"Well, it may have cost us fifty pieces, yet we are now owners of this estate." She poured herself some more wine and gestured for the others to take some drink, too.
Addressing, in lowered voice, Samir's question first, she looked to the man in his new finery, "I believe we spoke of visiting the Temple District, introducing ourselves and quietly and resourcefully determining if Aisha is one of the servants held in the House of Dead before undertaking any rescue." Looking to the others in the group, she asked, "Do you all agree?"
With the estate matter done, Talar nods to Tairin. That seems like it went well enough. I think that man was out of his depth against Tairin. As talk turns to his sister, Talar's look turns hungry. "Yes. To the Temple District." He says, absentmindedly grasping the new dagger at his waist.
"Well, it may have cost us fifty pieces, yet we are now owners of this estate." She poured herself some more wine and gestured for the others to take some drink, too.
Addressing, in lowered voice, Samir's question first, she looked to the man in his new finery, "I believe we spoke of visiting the Temple District...
Samir grunts at the display, clearly supporting Tairin's annoyance in paying such a lofty fee to the man for such a trivial task.
"The task is done, aye, sayida; yet to what end? In my land there are many homes like this in great cities which remain empty; others remain occupied by men of wealth and power."
"Yet if a man desires to have such a home and it is occupied by another it is no trick to slay those who live within the walls and take the property for yourself; if his guards fail to do their duty then they shall be cut down, too... why indeed pay for such nonsense as a paper to prove who owns the house?" he says with a sardonic grin.
Farrokh clears his throat somewhat and does his best to ignore Samir while interjecting.
"In truth that practice of taking what you wish is not so uncommon in these lands, either. Yet the document, and the cost, is more subtle business than legal ownership."
"In effect the seal on the door and the document we possess demonstrate to all the ruffians in this city that the property is not only owned, but - if you prefer - under "shared protection" of the military leader himself."
"In short; those who assault this house to simply take it do not merely contest with the guards we have hired, but the leader of the city itself shall take a personal interest in those who attempt to rob or slay the occupants."
"The cost is to declaim to the citizens that we are under the formal protection of the leader of this city and his military aid."
Samir accepts this explanation with an audible sigh and rolls his eyes.
"In any case, I believe there was discussion of our next venture? And it seems to this temple district we shall travel?" he says, ignoring Farrokh.
With the estate matter done, Talar nods to Tairin. That seems like it went well enough. I think that man was out of his depth against Tairin. As talk turns to his sister, Talar's look turns hungry. "Yes. To the Temple District." He says, absentmindedly grasping the new dagger at his waist.
"Good," says Samir, and swings himself to his feet and adjusts the linen tunic more comfortably around his waist while loosening the silver hilt of his scimitar in its sheathe.
Farrokh stares hard at Samir's gear for a moment and turns and gives Paten a knowing look which Samir ignores.
"Before we leave formally, what orders for the folk who remain in our absence? And who among us is coming and who shall remain behind; if any?" he asks the others.
The lesson on ownership did little to soothe her. I realise properties can be taken and wealth usurped and a mere deed will not stay such actions. Yet, it gives us a little security in a time where it is sorely needed and we have a ready base in which to make plans... Sabra felt the tension in her mistress via her fingers scratching at the fur and the kitten's eyes narrowed as she looked at the speaking men. Tairin sighed. "Please, enough. The levy was inflated, we all agree. This practice is not uncommon in any city across these lands. Yet, this formalised deed does gives us an official residence to rest, recover and formulate plans. It is better than what we had previously. We shall employ more guards for the gates soon enough. I only had time to employ one before the agent Astir's visit." She set her goblet down on the side table having had enough of the heavy-accented wine.
"We must determine who is inside the House of the Dead. This takes a certain finesse - a keen eye, a cunning tongue and a quietness/discretion of movement. We will not be rescuing any person this day, for we must confirm first if Aisha is inside the temple so as to not cause an incident or strife with the powerful Yar-Ammonite colonists in this city. I suggest Paten and I go there and introduce ourselves to our fellow countrymen and gain entrance to observe and collect information from within the household. We need one fighter among you to accompany us in this first visit - a protective guard so to speak and someone to keep watch and investigate quietly on the outside. I am hoping that if we are permitted entrance into the House of the Dead, the meeting will only take an hour at best and we can return to the manse and share our findings with the rest of you. If Aisha is indentured there, we will need to put together a clever plan to get her out and not get caught or seen in the process. During the second part of the plan, I will remain at the manse. I will give orders to the servants before I leave for the city proper - they already know their duties; yet I shall say they are not to permit any locals or strangers access to the estate in our absence. Now, you will need to decide who among you will accompany Paten and I as I would like to leave soon..."
At this point Farrokh sits up straighter.
"I shall assuredly travel with my lord," he says with a nod to Paten.
"As for the others? Their silence seems to me an indication that they are not eager to make this journey..." he says slowly, then shrugs.
Samir reaches for a goblet and picks it up and quaffs it.
"We all have things that weary the body and task the mind, yet that is life; shall we stand silent while the potential for action stirs the blood?" he says, hoping to inspire some enthusiasm.
Farrokh frowns at this.
"At this time the lady has indicated she wishes to make this venture with less force than you seem to suggest; a more diplomatic stance is suggested rather than your usual style of action," he says with a stern voice, pausing a moment to rub his empty eye socket.
Samir's lips tighten as he stares at the man.
"It seems, then, that there may be two separate tasks to undertake," he retorts somewhat stiffly.
"Let my sayida, you and your master go to this place to examine it; but as for the rest of us we may rather seek out something more than dallying about this dwelling."
"And what would that be?" Farrokh asks suspiciously.
"Not that these matters should concern you overmuch, but assuredly there was the presence of some Ikunan dog leering about the house. Why should not we three with skill with blade and bow seek out this wretch and convince him with our own version of diplomacy to defer from his observations - or at least discover his purpose in watching us?"
Farrokh gives Samir a long, appraising look.
"I am not your master; if none protest this course then my opinion is not relevant."
Samir grins and looks to Bjeorn and Talar.
"How about it, lads? If the others insist on traveling to the temple region why should we not find some amusement in the streets with a little knife-work? It may be profitable, and I have no love for spies, besides..." he adds.
Tairin's dark, unreadable eyes moved from Samir to Farrokh and back again. Taking Sabra in hand, she stood and added, "I will ready myself and then we can leave. If another wishes to join us at the temple, then I will not stop them." Her dark eyes then set on Talar, wondering if the archer wished to join them and whether he could temper his impulses so they could get the information they needed without fighting and/or bloodshed. She did not understand the attachment and bond he felt for a sister, yet she respected Talar's determination and loyalty. "Talar, if you mean to join us, then you will need to act with cool, dispassionate temper or our mission will come to nothing or worse. You cannot give away that Aisha is your sister, even if you see her in service to the Yar-Ammonites. If you wish to join Samir and Bjoern in tracking down the Ikunan spy instead, I am certain the three of you will be able to find him and learn who his master is and why he has been sent to spy on us." She then quietly nodded her head and moved to open the door.
As she was about to turn the handle, she stopped and spoke again, "If we all mean to be away from the estate, then I will have a word to Kara Ben and inform him of this and the instruction to go about their tasks and not permit any other person access to the estate in our absence. I will do that after I prepare myself for the visit. Paten, Farrokh, I will not be long," and with that she turned the handle and moved through the door to the stairs and up to her bedchamber.
Bjoern thinks about finding the man and speaks up.
"I am not good as a spy. But I will help find the man! And if we find him bring him here, dead or wishing to be dead."
Talar grips his knife white-knuckled, then sneers and audibly cries his frustration. "Bah!" He turns, kicking over a chair and letting it crash against the ground. He kicks the chair again, letting out a curse as pain lances up his foot. He limps away from the chair, pain and anger and frustration open on his face.
Talar leans against the wall, looking up as he struggles to calm his breathing. As if a physical metaphor, his bruised toes throb in response to his impulsive violence. He softly bangs his fist against the wall. "Yes, I'll go look for the spy. I will only get in the way at the temple." He brings his gaze back from the ceiling, locking gazes with Tairin. He doesn't say anything, but the intense emotional look in his face is clear: Talar is trusting Tairin with the safety of Aisha.
Patenemheb keeps his own counsel for some time during the meeting, making appropriate murmurings and gestures in support of Tairin's efforts.
When the business is concluded, he turns to the others.
"Even that gold and that man's ill manners are small prices to pay for any surety in this den of vipers. I conclude this was a fine night's work. But we have much else to do. I will of course join Tairin in visiting our countrymen. I imagine there will be much to see and hear. Farrokh shall accompany us as my manservant. I expect the spy will fare ill against you three.", he finishes with the barest of smiles.
As Tairin readies herself, the scholar thinks of his homeland, its people, and those of them who would venture to this city.
As she was about to turn the handle, she stopped and spoke again, "If we all mean to be away from the estate, then I will have a word to Kara Ben and inform him of this and the instruction to go about their tasks and not permit any other person access to the estate in our absence. I will do that after I prepare myself for the visit. Paten, Farrokh, I will not be long," and with that she turned the handle and moved through the door to the stairs and up to her bedchamber.
When Tairin heads upstairs Samir looks at Talar and Bjeorn.
"Well?" he asks them.
Bjoern thinks about finding the man and speaks up.
"I am not good as a spy. But I will help find the man! And if we find him bring him here, dead or wishing to be dead."
Samir's grin is bright as he hears this.
"Do not worry overmuch; when it comes to seeking out people I am very good at that..." he says, but despite his smile his eyes are suddenly very flat and cold.
Talar leans against the wall, looking up as he struggles to calm his breathing. As if a physical metaphor, his bruised toes throb in response to his impulsive violence. He softly bangs his fist against the wall. "Yes, I'll go look for the spy. I will only get in the way at the temple."
Samir watches Talar for a moment.
"Good," he says finally and a bit abruptly.
"Do you have any gear to fetch before we leave, or are you fit to go as you are now?" he asks them.
At this point Tairin returns down the stairs is able to give instruction to the other servants even while Paten considers lore about these folk.
The city had many Yar-Ammonite colonists when it was founded and the Temple District was once a mighty and well-established set of tombs for minor nobles and wealthy patrons of the city. It exits just outside the formal borders of the city, toward the south-east; roughly two miles from the south-eastern gate; your house being roughly a half a mile from that very gate as you wind through the city.
In any case, over time from its creation the city drew more folk from not only Khaziatin but also Jairan. These new settlers greatly displaced the Yar-Ammonite folk whose natural proclivity toward flaunting their status/titles over "Commoners" had caused the folk in the city to grow less patient with them.
The Yar-Ammonite population dwindled over time and the Temple District had become worn due to misuse and lack of repair and its state was further complicated by grave robbers and other rogues looking for easy coin in the tombs.
Roughly ten years ago several patrons had begun to support the restoration of the tombs to an extent; but this is a small area of what was once a large, veritable catacomb city in many respects, has a small section roughly the size of four or five city blocks that has been restored and delicate work in excavating the places near collapsed tunnels, old tombs and hidden vaults is being done at this time.
It is there you will likely find the leaders of the Temple District who may have connections with "Old Town"; a part of the actual city that has buildings and houses that have existed from the beginning.
At this time you know no specific names of people in Old Town or the Temple District that you are traveling to; you can find more about the Temple District if you first do some investigating in Old Town, but that will take some time and may be redundant if you wish to do your investigation in the temples in a forthright manner.
What you do with this information is up to you...
Farrokh, seeing that Tairin is ready smiles and nods.
"Do you wish to ride, walk or should we hire a litter?" he asks, curious to know how they wish to travel.
Placing Sabra inside the shawl pouch across her chest, Tairin answered Farrokh's question, "We should aim to make a favourable impression on first meeting with our fellow countrymen. Let us hire a litter and arrive as nobleborns. Farrokh, when we reach their gates or door, please alight and formally announce our arrival. It should appear that we are people of some worth. Such custom is necessary. Thank you, Farrokh."
Patenemheb nods, and speaks.
"Indeed. We come from a noble manse and we are nobles of the Kingdom. I am content to stand as your distant kinsman. The exact degree of truth of that matter is one I would like to assess with you, when we have more time available to us."
"I have thought upon what I know of the Yar-Ammonites here. The city had many Yar-Ammonite colonists when it was founded. The Temple District was once a mighty and well-established set of tombs for minor nobles and wealthy patrons of the city, sworn to the gods of the Kingdom. It exits just outside the formal borders of the city, toward the south-east; roughly two miles from the south-eastern gate. The manse being roughly a half a mile from that very gate, through the city."
"In any case, over time from its creation the city drew more folk from not only Khazistan but also Jairan. These new settlers greatly displaced the Yar-Ammonite folk, whose natural proclivity toward flaunting their status and titles over commoners had caused the folk in the city to grow impatient with them. An unfortunate state of affairs."
"The Yar-Ammonite population dwindled over time and the Temple District had become worn due to misuse and lack of repair. Its state was further complicated by grave robbers and other rogues looking for easy coin in the tombs."
To Tairin's experienced eye, Patenemheb's mood darkens subtly at this thought.
"Roughly a decade ago, several patrons had begun to support the restoration of the tombs to an extent. Albeit a small area of what was once a large, veritable catacomb city in many respects. Delicate work in excavating the places near collapsed tunnels, old tombs and hidden vaults is being done at this time."
"It is there we will most likely find the leaders of the Temple District who may have connections with "Old Town"; a part of the actual city that has buildings and houses that have existed from the beginning. I know no specific names of people in Old Town or the Temple District that you are traveling to. We could find more about the Temple District by first investigating in Old Town, but that would take time and may be redundant if we pursue our investigation in the temples in a forthright manner."
"I would ask you Tairin of your thoughts on the gods. Worship in the Kingdom has changed in not such a long space of time, after all, barely a generation."
"I would ask you Tairin of your thoughts on the gods. Worship in the Kingdom has changed in not such a long space of time, after all, barely a generation."
I wonder if we share a true, albeit distant bloodline, Tairin mused upon Patenemheb wishing to determine if they were actual, distant kin.
As they walked to the gates, Tairin listened to Patenmeheb as he spoke of what he knew of the Yar-Ammonite colonists.
As they waited just inside the gates of the estate for Farrokh to hire them a litter, Patenemheb's question caught her by surprise. In truth, it had been some time since she had given much thought to the ancient beast gods or the unknown, Star-god, Zothur. Her late father and the youngest of her elder brothers demanded that their followers abandon the old ways of beast worship - it had been the High King's most fervent wish. She had yet to be born when their family's faith had changed.
"I have heard stories of the priests of Yar-Ammon wearing the masks of their beast gods. That at the feet of the Great Red Sphinx in Khadis, our people heaped gold and silver and feasted on intoxicating wines prepared by the priests. The Royal House outlawed the beast cults before my birth and my father, as an emissary, did as the High-King bade and broke with the old ways - instead embracing and proclaiming the First One, Zothur, as the only god of the Kingdom. Being a noble-born priest's daughter, I was only permitted to worship Zothur; for to go against the decree of the High King would mean exile or worse. To go against my father and elder brothers, would mean punishment and isolation. And, imprisonment, she silently added. Since I never practiced the old faiths, it was not difficult for me to lay offerings to the First One. I often look at the night sky and the shiniest star in the heavens and wonder if that is the home of Zothur. I am not a scholar, like you, so I have not given much thought as to the merits of each cult of Yar-Ammon and their rightful place/order. If we gain entrance to the House of Dead, where they still worship the ancient beast gods, I will not say a word against them and will do my part as best as I am able. Our purpose there is to determine if Aisha is among their servants while not provoking our hosts. Upon the rest, I can smile and politely nod, and, permit you to debate the merits of the beast gods as my kinsman. If we can convince and count on these Yar-Ammon colonists as allies in the city, then I would prefer that than to have them as our enemies. If we do not find what we seek in the House of the Dead in the Temple District, then we shall explore the 'Old Town' and try to find answers there."
Patenemheb absorbs Tairin's words without comment, until she is done.
"I ask, because I wish to be frank about a matter. Of some history. I had thought of speaking of this before, but our journey has been somewhat short of idle moments and long on fraught ones requiring every attention."
"Should the temple guardians speak of Zothur, I certainly can and will converse on that matter. However, I have hope that they will not. Not all of the Beast Gods encouraged wild revels in their name, at least not from all of their servants. Sekhmet, for example, is the Goddess of Healing and War. Two concepts tightly bound for reasons that may be obvious."
Patenemheb pauses, seemingly waiting for either moving on or a reply.
Placing Sabra inside the shawl pouch across her chest, Tairin answered Farrokh's question, "We should aim to make a favourable impression on first meeting with our fellow countrymen. Let us hire a litter and arrive as nobleborns. Farrokh, when we reach their gates or door, please alight and formally announce our arrival. It should appear that we are people of some worth. Such custom is necessary. Thank you, Farrokh."
Farrokh bows before her, but it seems that he will not be traveling in a litter personally.
"Your pardon, noble born," he says to Tairin "assuredly I would prefer to ride in a litter as you and my master; even so, I deem that this would be dishonoring both your stations, that a servant be afforded the same luxury as his master?" he says.
While you believe his opinion that your servants must look more humble than the lord and lady, it is also possible that he is personally considering the cost of hiring the servants to carry three litters.
As you walk you are guided first to the southern part of the city not far from the bazaar; there you see a wide collections of various temples and other houses of worship arranged in side streets but collected in a somewhat unruly mass of buildings that keep worshipers of different deities collected in a somewhat tight cluster.
There are very little temples dedicated to Yar-Ammonite deities, except for the small temple to Zothur, there is a collection of shrines that are very old and worn down over time that allow followers to place offerings in them to the Old Gods of Yar-Ammon.
This is, of course, from what Farrokh had alluded to before when he said "Temple District" and you suspect he applied that term to include both this collection of temples within the city walls as well as the location of the ruins outside the city walls.
In any case, he directs you past the temple to Zothur and instead pushes to the south east side of what the hodge-podge of shrines and temples to a somewhat bare, stone courtyard. In the center of this courtyard you see a large obelisk standing tall and proud, though it seems very old and the heights of it are clearly weathered.
The obelisk has glyphs carved on its various sides; they are cracked and faded toward the top - yet you can also observe that someone has been restoring them.
As you stare up at it you notice that on the other side of the courtyard is a small stone house or building which the smell of sweet incense wafts from.
A middle-aged man wearing long, linen robes exist the building and strides to you with a purpose.
He carries a staff made of ash, and on its crest is a bronze eagle-head. His head head is covered with a linen cloth and around his neck is necklace made of turquoise beads on copper wire.
Seeing to important people from Yar-Ammon before him he nods his head graciously at you both, completely ignoring Farrokh and whoever is carrying the litters you are riding in.
"Ii-wey, em hotep," he says with a deep, baritone voice.
"Welcome, peace be with you."
He then waits for your response.
Patenemheb inclines his head at Farrokh's suggestion.
"Certainly, Farrokh. You shall be borne by your own feet."
The scholar enjoys being carried in a litter.
It has been a very long time indeed since I have done such.
He glances over the small temple to Zothur, his attention focused ahead.
On sight of the man, Patenemheb turns to Farrokh and says:
"Farrokh, introduce us."
A middle-aged man wearing long, linen robes exist the building and strides to you with a purpose.
He carries a staff made of ash, and on its crest is a bronze eagle-head. His head head is covered with a linen cloth and around his neck is necklace made of turquoise beads on copper wire.
Seeing to important people from Yar-Ammon before him he nods his head graciously at you both, completely ignoring Farrokh and whoever is carrying the litters you are riding in.
"Ii-wey, em hotep," he says with a deep, baritone voice.
He then waits for your response.
Upon the male priest's (?) greeting, and waiting upon Farrokh to customarily introduce them, as per Patenemheb's instruction and their station, Tairin gracefully inclined her head and responded in a gentle, well-born manner, "Dewa-netjer en-ek. Em hotep."
"Thank you. Peace be with you."
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Tairin nods and greets the man while Paten encourages Farrokh to make introductions.
He bows to the man.
”Greetings, honored one; I come on behalf of my lord Sitayet and the lady Hem-Netjer-Tepi, who are pilgrims from your homeland and wish to observe the holy places that are here,” he says with a bow.
The priest instantly realizes that Farrokh is nothing but a slave.
He speaks directly to Paten, not uncommon treatment from a High Priest, perhaps – but it’s clear that though he is talking specifically to Paten as convention might dictate, he’s clearly focused his full attention on Tairin.
”Greetings lord, I am Thoth-Apep; High Priest of this humble temple dedicated to the ancient gods of our people,” he says, then pauses, studying you both with a calm, subtle smile – knowing that the official faith of Yar-Ammon does not embrace the old gods.
However, he also knows he is legally outside the boundaries of your home nation. While it is true that you could both be powerful agents from his homeland that might summon your own mercenaries to destroy or imprison him for adhering to “false gods” he seems to be completely confident in his ability to declare allegiance to the old gods without fear of reprisal, or he feels that his resources will be enough to protect him even without knowing your full resources.
This suggests he is either extremely arrogant about his power or he is extremely confident with his power...
”I am delighted to assist you in any way I can. What may I do for you this day?” he adds continuing to speak to Paten while his eyes remain long on Tairin.
She despised this dance of convention and had suffered it countless times in the presence of her father and elder brothers in Amenti. Tairin did not care which gods the man worshipped, and that was of little note; for the mission was to discover if Aisha was indeed inside the House of Dead and determine if she could be rescued with little fuss.
"Hem-Netjer Tepi Thoth-Apep, it is a great honour. We are newly arrived in Zul-Bazzir and have only discovered the existence of the House of the Dead in this city. Immediately, I was eager to travel to your temple and entreat upon your kindness. My doting cousin obliged my desire, which pleased me so. May we enter and see what you have accomplished in this city? It would mean a great deal to me, if we could enter the temple, be shown around and perhaps leave an offering for your service to us this day? I do revere learned men in holy service. I believe you've enriched this city with your very presence and divine counsel." Her smile was soft and slow as it spread and her deep gaze continued to hold his.
Tairin mindfully positioned her body in a way which would catch the priest's eye all the more, while retaining a general manner of eagerness and sweetness at the prospect of seeing a temple from her homeland and being in the company of learned men.
"Hem-Netjer Tepi Thoth-Apep, it is a great honour. We are newly arrived in Zul-Bazzir and have only discovered the existence of the House of the Dead in this city. Immediately, I was eager to travel to your temple and entreat upon your kindness. My doting cousin obliged my desire, which pleased me so. May we enter and see what you have accomplished in this city? It would mean a great deal to me, if we could enter the temple, be shown around and perhaps leave an offering for your service to us this day? I do revere learned men in holy service. I believe you've enriched this city with your very presence and divine counsel." Her smile was soft and slow as it spread and her deep gaze continued to hold his.
The man's eyes had not left Tairins and he smiles at her and inclines his head politely.
"But of course, lady," he says.
"Though, I should say; this is merely a shrine to our revered gods," he says with a gesture to the obelisk that is clearly refurbished with the patterns and symbols of the ancient deities upon it.
"But if you would like to enter and pay homage to the true faith I should be delighted to instruct you," he says.
He waits for a moment and Farrokh instantly takes the hint and moves like a humble servant would to assist you out of your litter as befitting his position to your title.
Once you are out of the litter the High Priest bows to you and escorts you to the building.
The opening to the building has a large set of wooden doors inlaid with bronze plating with elaborate symbols on them depicting scenes from the ancient religious texts.
You instantly smell incense burning as you enter.
There are small braziers with lighted coals in them in front of various statues of various beast-headed gods that line the side of the building.
The rear of the building has a wall with another set of small doors; you do not know what is behind them, but based on personal experiences you would imagine that the priest's private chambers are beyond.
You feel that while he may have a living space behind them this entire area is far too small for him to call "home" based on his status; but then again, it is possible that in this nation his status is not as important? Even so; quite a bit of money was spent on this place - the priests of the Old Gods of your nation seem to be doing well.
As you enter you notice that two slaves are kneeling by the doorway in the back.
There are also a large chair with two smaller chairs beside it; they are carved of heavy wood and have linen coverings on them.
He turns and looks at you.
"As you can see, there is little to show; would you care to make an offering, or perhaps you have other things that you wish to discuss?" he asks with that same smile he gave before.
His question is not as odd as it seems; the priests in your land were not only members of clergy but very often teachers. Meeting with him to discuss things involving science, medicine, law - or simply getting to know about your people in the city in general as you have been declared to be a new pilgrim - are all things he could answer.
However, you also pick up the subtle hint from him that he is prepared to do more than simply talk if you are interested.
Considering the ways of the temple of Belit-lil his subtle hints may seem a bit forward, but not to the point that he is formally being ill-mannered or formally discourteous.
At this time he waits for your response...
Patenemheb nods ever so slightly as Tairin speaks.
"Greetings, Thoth-Apep. As my kinswoman says, she is keen to be shown around the temple. As am I. It has been some time since either of us were in a temple of the Kingdom, or I in a House of Life."
Farrokh moves to assist him and he steps down from the litter, to begin entry. He does glance at the townhouse pointed out.
Patenemheb keeps his expression as stoic as usual, but he does relish such a place.
It has been far too many years since I was in even a small shrine to the Gods that was worthy of the name!
He gazes over the work done on the walls, seeking beauty - and secrets.
"You have a finely appointed place of worship here, Thoth-Apep. I would know more of how it came to be, and how you maintain it. The worship of the Gods must not be so emperilled here as in the Kingdom."
He turns to Tairin.
"Kinswoman, I am sure that you have questions for Thoth-Apep. There is much to discuss here I think."
As the Yar-Ammonite priest gestured to the obelisk, Tairin, still seated in the litter, turned her dark eyes to the structure and keenly examined the patterns and symbols of the ancient faiths.
After some contemplation, Tairin's gaze strayed to the temple beyond and then returned to settle on Thoth-Apep.
"But if you would like to enter and pay homage to the true faith I should be delighted to instruct you," he says.
She noted the discreet proposition and the corner of her full lips turned up; showing an attractive dimple.
"It is impressive and you have honoured the gods and our people in this city, Chief-Priest, Thoth-Apep. I do believe you would be an unequalled instructor." Tairin accepted Farrokh's hand to alight from the litter before politely acknowledging Thoth-Apep's bow.
As they were escorted through the finely carved wooden doors, Tairin stopped to cast her eyes over the scenes depicted on the wooden doors.
Tairin discreetly and briefly gazed at the slaves, hoping to see if one of them could be Aisha. The action was subtle/deft, for a master seldom had purpose or mind to gaze upon a common slave in her country.
Then her eyes took in the seating and the doors to the rear of the chamber, possibly Thoth-Apep's private chamber.
Are you willing to bed this man for a chance to spy Aisha and learn what he is doing in Zul-Bazzir? she silently asked herself.
...quite a bit of money was spent on this place - the priests of the Old Gods of your nation seem to be doing well.
There are also a large chair with two smaller chairs beside it; they are carved of heavy wood and have linen coverings on them.
He turns and looks at you. "As you can see, there is little to show; would you care to make an offering, or perhaps you have other things that you wish to discuss?" he asks with that same smile he gave before.
She listened as Patenemheb attempted to learn more about Thoth-Apep and then looked at the priest and then at the arranged chairs. Let us start off in this sitting area, she silently mused and smiled before asking, "May we sit and speak, here? It is good to spend time with a fellow countryman I am not related to in this city; no insult to you, gracious cousin," she directed at Patenemheb. If given leave to sit, Tairin will walk to the one of the smaller chairs and will take a seat; placing her legs gracefully to the side, letting the drape of the skirt fall away a little to reveal a glimpse of the smooth, dusky skin of her legs.
"I am curious, too, as to how long you have been living in the city? You appear to have accomplished much during your time in Khazistan. This temple district is remarkable. I do hope the local folk have taken well to the presence of the Kingdom's colonists? I am eager to hear of your experiences, so I may know what I and my cousin can expect during our stay in Zul-Bazzir."