"Sayyida, I observed gold, silver and copper in the chest in that wagon. I took my share, of course, but the balance is inside it if you wish? Do not fear, I left most of the gold for you and your companions..." he adds, his eyes only occasionally flicking to Red a bit nervously.
"If we divide the money and carry it, it may be easier than keeping it all piled up?"
Tairin levelled a closer look at Samir before nodding her head once to assent to his taking the coin before any other matter was concluded. Turning upon Hedran's words, she added, "The remainder of the coin we will share equally between the rest of us and carry it on our person. Hedran has the right of it. It would be easier to explain and conceal than carrying chests filled with coin."
...he passes by Tairin and mutters to her in a low voice, "This one, Hedran, would give strong children." He nods in recognition of the service he has done her and resumes his activities.
Upon the surprise of Anhur's comment, she attempted not to draw attention to herself and her Azimban companion. She replied in discreet voice, "I see you feel strongly on this matter. Perhaps when he has found a suitable bride, you may regale her of his potential." As Anhur resumed his work, Tairin contemplated the bold statement and a certain mirth overcame her and the corners of her mouth twitched upward. Anhur is a strange man. What is he stirring up this time...
"Maybe you could tell your khadim not to dally, I wager the gate guards will be less attentive closer to noon then they will later in the day," he says to her.
"You keep... interesting... companions, Sayyida," he adds with a grin and turns to look at her again.
"You speak too freely, Samir." Shading her eyes with her hand, Tairin looked up at the sky and gauged the sun, which she could now see that the khamsīn had passed. "You are right about the time of day, Samir. Alas, my words fall like grains of sand in a sandglass in this place."
"Begging your pardon, Sayyida, I do not wish to walk to Belthaar at this time and return to the city as a lone traveler on foot, for I am not so skilled a liar to convince the guards that my presence at their gates on foot at this time would be reasonable..."If you would lend me the camel I will ride on now to the city alone. "
"Take a camel, if you must go now. We will make do with a wagon and the remaining two beasts."
To her other companions, she added, "With the sun still high in the sky, riding atop the camels would drain both Red and I. If we are to go now, let us take a covered wagon pulled by the two camels and make our way to Belthaar. It seems the best course of action and we will waste no more time."
Bjoern moves over to Tairin and asks her to come a step aside.
"I do not trust this man. At all. He talks as if he liberated the caravan. But it was us, and we bled and almost died for it. He should be more than happy with food water, clothes and his freedom, and some weapons. Maybe a few coppers and silvers."
Tairin stepped to the side to discreetly speak with the northern warrior, "You fought with courage, Bear, as did Anhur, and I am sorry you shed so much blood. Yet, these slaves did fight alongside us and finished the last of their masters. Let him take a camel and the coin he's already pocketed. I have not discerned any falsehood from him, yet. Watch him, if you must. I will be watchful, too. Let Samir ride ahead to Belthaar and we will follow in due course." Tairin reached out her hand and gently patted Bear's forearm.
"Tarry a while Samir."
She Who Knows moves closer to Bjoern and Tairin, and motions Hedran over if need be, then speaks quietly and intensely, but her eyes are on Samir, cold and predatory "We don't know what he pocketed. And we don't know why he is so eager to leave. He has either taken something important or valuable or is up to something. What he is not is just in a hurry. I agree with you completely about Samir, Bjoern."
"And he could take care to tell the guards that we killed the slavers and make any kinds of problems. And probably get a reward for it!"
Samir watched the discussion.
His amused expression quickly gave way to one of surprise, then it vanished and was replaced with an emotionless gaze.
”Do you have anything you want to say to me directly?” he asks the group, but his gaze turns back to Tairin.
”The dead are rotting in the heat; it will attract carrion birds which will be seen for miles.”
”I have no desire to linger here when jackals or rogues come to see what attracted the birds.”
He tosses the apple core aside and swings himself onto one of the camels which Anhur unhitched.
”I will meet you in the city. Look for me at the tavern closest to the main gate.”
”Until we meet again, Sayyida,” he says with a flat voice, then urges the camel into a quick trot and leaves the company.
Immediately, She Who knows utters "Codladh!signalling the use of the Slumber Hex on Samir, then, if he falls, says to the men "Kill him."
Immediately, She Who knows utters "Codladh!signalling the use of the Slumber Hex on Samir, then, if he falls, says to the men "Kill him."
”I will meet you in the city. Look for me at the tavern closest to the main gate.”
”Until we meet again, Sayyida,” he says with a flat voice, then urges the camel into a quick trot and leaves the company.
"We are ready to set forth as well. If you would rather ride with us, you are welcome to do so. After I visit the hammam, I will seek out the tavern."
"We are ready to set forth as well. If you would rather ride with us, you are welcome to do so. After I visit the hammam, I will seek out the tavern."
Samir gives Tairin a somewhat relived look, clearly glad to be gone from a place.
"I would not have issue riding with you so long as we journey sooner rather than later, of course," he says, noting that it is now 12:30 in the afternoon - losing more health for working under the sun due to heat issues is not something he's eager to have happen, though, admittedly, he did spend most of his time watching, eating/drinking and resting.
He rides on the camel on the left side of the party, his eyes peering to the north occasionally.
"Hmmph..." he mutters, somewhat irascibly "The Desert Wolves do not typically move so close to the city, yet a man is wise to be cautious," he adds, continuing to study the surrounding area with a studious frown.
Anhur stretches his legs and pops his back loudly in the back of the wagon. The scars and stitches from the morning's affairs are just starting to blend into the other, older marks that litter his body. He wears a rare smile and sorts through a collection of odd animal parts, fluids, and vials contained within a tortoise shell while humming a strange southern tune. Once he's quite comfortable he looks up at Hedran.
"So, Hedran, the Fighting Slave, tell us what you will of where you come from and what makes you a man."
Seeing Anhur inspecting his wounds, She Who Knows says:-
"I can give further healing to your wounds tomorrow my friend. The arcane boon is... expended for now."
"The Desert Wolves do not typically move so close to the city, yet a man is wise to be cautious," he adds, continuing to study the surrounding area with a studious frown.
Tairin frowned a little at Samir's statement. She peered out of the covered wagon to see what he was looking at. "What do you mean, Samir? Is something amiss?"
After waiting to see if the former slave would respond, Tairin then asked, "You said you would guide us within Belthaar. Have you lived long in the city? And what transpired for you to be enslaved and carted away with Hedran and the others?"
Tairin frowned a little at Samir's statement. She peered out of the covered wagon to see what he was looking at. "What do you mean, Samir? Is something amiss?"
Samir says nothing for a moment as his camel trots next to the wagon.
"It is said there are bandits which infest these lands, which is not so unexpected. Yet some have joined together and they now form a band of raiders in the north, it is said, near the Zorab mountains."
"There the warriors are like your bodyguard Bjeorn - they are tall and heavily built; though they do not have fair hair, and rather, they are dark-haired like mine own people. Yet they make their gear from the hides of wolves and wear masks cut from wolf skin."
"They hate the Susrah folk and make raids on them - especially on Yaatana and Hamgatana... None from Belthaar have felt their sting, yet the stories of their bestial ways are told in many taverns," he adds with a frown.
He glances north but there are not even the specks of mountains in the distance.
Then he shakes his head, realizing his sudden concerns are likely to be completely unfounded as the Zorab mountains are more than a week away at least.
He glances behind you and studies where you had traveled with a critical eye.
"Clearly we should have little to fear from the west."
"As you know, the Kharjah pass is guarded by the people of Khazistan - but those folk do not meddle much in Susrah lands. Though, of course, anyone traveling through the pass itself will discover them on the western side on the borders of Khazistan itself, not far from Dipur - or so it is said."
"Still, the eastern side of the pass has nothing of note. Everyone knows that there is a clear path that leads nearly a day or so through the stony roots of the mountains between Susrah and Khazistan, and all know the folk from Khazistan care little for what goes on in Susrah, excepting when they wish to levy a toll on those who would cross over from this land to their own nation," he adds with a shrug.
He turns his gaze back to the city and his eyes narrow thoughtfully.
"Yet I know little for certain on these things, it is a fact much of the lore about the lands outside Belthaar are only fragments I heard from idle gossip. Yet that is no matter, for it is inside the city that I can better aid you."
After waiting to see if the former slave would respond, Tairin then asked, "You said you would guide us within Belthaar. Have you lived long in the city? And what transpired for you to be enslaved and carted away with Hedran and the others?"
He glances at Tairin and his dour mood brightens somewhat.
"I can guide you very well there, Sayyida," he says with a sly tone in his voice, then chuckles.
"I have been the slave for several months to a noble within the city. He was an old dog and wished to surround himself with things which enlarged on his status - including a very young wife with less refinement than beauty, for she was the sort of woman a man shall suffer to impress his fellows with by using her looks to demonstrate his great skill as a lover, though she had little use to him other than that," he adds.
"As for the wife herself? Ha! Well, she was young and hotblooded and joined with a man who was too old to perform his husbandly duties. So, after a time, she found that she desired distraction."
He grins a bit, then continues as the camel plods along next to the cart.
"So, as you might guess, for a short time I was her distraction, at least one of them. As for her husband? Bah! He was a fool, and either he did not know, or - if he did - he did not care. As long as his wife's dalliances were kept private from his fellows and he was not shamed publicly before them then he did not protest it so long as his wife appeared at his side at engagements and events when he desired to display her."
He stretches a bit, easing himself in on the camel's back, then continues.
"Now, as for myself? Well, my favor with the lady gave me the chance to have more freedom in her House. I was able to join with her when she journeyed to the temples of Belet-lil many times as a 'bodyguard' - yet, of course, that was merely a ruse to provide an excuse for me to come with her to dally with her during their festivities."
He begins to relax with these reminiscences, his reserved manner giving way to his more jovial and talkative style you encountered earlier.
"Indeed, Sayyida, she favored me much, though I deem it was because she hungered more for the unusual or exotic than as any real testament to my skill, for I am foreign enough to this city, and she found that intriguing."
"Aye, her lusts were perverse - once she desired that I accompany her to the Catacombs when she paid homage to the dead," he says, his voice dropping somewhat - as if he worried that someone outside the wagon might hear him, though there is clearly no one near your company for miles.
As you listen you realize that though you have only met him recently he seems to enjoy telling dark and twisted tales; stories which excite the mind with their lurid and horrible details.
Therefore he continues his narration with a slow relish, clearly enjoying himself at this time, despite the heat and current circumstances.
"Well, we were taken into the crypts of her husband's people by those damnable folk - the god's cursed Keepers of the Dead - they said nothing when they brought her, and I - her 'trusted bodyguard' - and left her there to lament the fallen... Yet when the Keepers left us, we dallied on the stone floor among the grim sepulchers which surrounded us."
He leans back and shakes his head.
"Such a thing was loathsome, perhaps, yet the twisted nature of it was clearly that which excited her, and such actions helped my position with her - after that tryst she made me her favorite, for she delighted in the suggestions I conceived for future joinings with her, for such ideas excited her as they were far darker than her wont and dark things inflamed her passion. Indeed, it was only my wit to create such ideas which would sate her need for the perverse that allowed me to gain more of her favor. This was, of course, my purpose; as my favor with her grew I was allowed more freedom in the city on her behalf."
He sighs.
"Ah, and such was my downfall... For though it is true that her husband had little interest in who she joined with - for she had many lovers - yet I say that she was as jealous as all women are in such matters. Aye, she could take any slave she wished, but woe to any of her slaves if they bedded a lover other than her," he says with a brittle smile.
"Yet what could be done? Her lusts were grim and foul, though her body sweet; even so, I was forced to find my own distractions if I wished to bed one who was not so darksome to the spirit."
He shrugs a little sheepishly.
"I needed one who was not as twisted as she was. So I found my own distractions - from time to time - with an acolyte serving at the temple of Belet-lil... That I returned to that acolyte was my undoing."
"You see, that I had such a tryst with one besides the lady of the House might not matter overly much to her, indeed, had I been more cautious it might not have been known. Yet when it reached her ears that I was with another woman - and one I visited on more than one occasion... Well, the lady was so jealous she had me flogged and sold me from her House as a slave a short while ago, and thus was I reduced to the man you see today."
He turns a grin at Tairin.
"Yet with all of that I deem there was still some part of her demented lust which still desired me; else why let me live, eh?" he adds.
A strange sound can be heard to the north and Samir urges his camel forward a bit and peers to the land there, then he moves his camel back next to the wagon.
"In the far plains I see what looks like a company of many men, yet they do not use the road and come rather due south from somewhat north of the city itself, as if they travel down between the spurs of roads between Yaatana and Ghezath."
"I cannot see them clearly, but even from here I mark the colors of Simashattar on their few banners; I wonder if they are his soldiers, and if so, why they come hard on the plains so soon after the storm, and during this hour, and why they did not use either of the main roads..." he adds, almost to himself.
Then he shakes his head and looks at the others.
"Well, it is no matter. Though they are not on the main road I deem they shall reach Belthaar before us, though their course makes me guess that they shall use the north gate toward Yaatana rather than the west gate where we shall enter, so we shall not see them when we arrive."
He shrugs again, then looks at the others, then back at Tairin.
"Well then; we shall be in Belthaar soon enough, do you wish to know more, or shall we continue to ride in silence?" he asks with a small grin.
Upon hearing of the large group of men approaching Belthaar from the north, She Who Knows becomes suddenly very interested. Her eyes scan the far plains for sight of them:-
And she asks of Samir:-
"Who or where is Simashattar? And are there enough of these men to mean to attack Belthaar?"
Upon hearing of the large group of men approaching Belthaar from the north, She Who Knows becomes suddenly very interested. Her eyes scan the far plains for sight of them:-
And she asks of Samir:-
"Who or where is Simashattar? And are there enough of these men to mean to attack Belthaar?"
"I do not see how many there are, but I deem not more than two small companies, perhaps two-hundred, perhaps three... Yet it is hard to guess as the dust may be stirred by chariots rather than the pikeman, for he has many chariots in his army..." he mutters as he looks back to the north.
Then he looks to Red.
"But do not fear; Simashattar is the name of the king of Belthaar. He is a petty dog, as are most kings. Still, those men are likely his soldiers, for it is a fact that he wages war with both Zhaol and Ghezath... but all know this to be a fool's act, for each city is greater than Belthaar in size and numbers of men."
"Yet what can be done? Simashattar fights with them, though he does not have the power to achieve victory, yet he has no wish to surrender to either city. If I would guess, I would think they did some deed against Ghezath, for that is to the north of us, while Zhaol is to the south."
"Perhaps we shall find out more when we arrive in the city itself, though," he adds.
"Thank you Samir. It is a relief we are not going to reach Belthaar at about the same time as an army bent on sacking the place. However, the soldiers on the move may indicate conflict of a less drastic nature, we shall see. Could you tell us some more about these catacombs beneath Balthaar and the cult that tends them. Don't worry, I am not going to head down there for a tryst."
"Thank you Samir. It is a relief we are not going to reach Belthaar at about the same time as an army bent on sacking the place. However, the soldiers on the move may indicate conflict of a less drastic nature, we shall see.”
Samir glances from Red to Tairin, somewhat surprised that Red is asking more questions. A sudden thought prompts him to turn and stare long at the north where the dust is and he frowns a bit, then turns back to Red.
”To sack the city would be very difficult, but not for the greatness of its ruler. The king of Belthaar - Simashattar, The Third of His Name – he is considered to be a ruler of little consequence, having achieved his crown like many 'civilized' men."
"That is; he did not become king through the strength of his arm like the men of the Northlands, nor with cunning and skill, like the captains of the fleets of my homelands… Rather, he has power for his father and father before bequeathed it to him…” he says, then shakes his head.
”My apologies, lady, I tend to stray from the point at times,” he says with a small shrug of his shoulders.
”This man, this King Simashattar; he rules a large city with few folk. It is said that there are less than six-thousand people of note behind its walls, yet if you would count slaves the number would be doubled. Even so, that is not a great number. Yet it is well positioned and holds the crossroads, further, its walls are still mighty and its towers secure.”
”Because of its location on the crossroads both Ghezath and Zhoal vie for it, for they would each profit should they control it. Yet though they are often rivals, it is said they each hate with greater strength Balthaar, for it is written that no tyrant enjoys seeing men prosper who they cannot dominate. Even so, neither city has been able to conquer it.”
His manner quickly turns from story-teller to one who shares lore. Whatever his failings might be, he seems to have no issue with sharing information.
”I have heard many guardsmen in taverns boast that any army who wishes to assail the city must first journey over hard country, and this is not good for large companies of men and beasts. Further, the insides of the city hold many resources and could withstand a siege for a long time and with the lands around so poor, the cost of a siege is generally said to be a fools gambit.”
”In any case, Belthaar cannot be easily defeated, yet it does not possess the men to vanquish her rivals, though some seek to make progress in such endeavors.”
”With this in mind it is true that those captains within who seek to curry favor with Simashattar will often lead small, fast companies of men against their neighbors and raid their lands for resources, though I do not know the truth of that.”
He peers to the north again, clearly thinking.
”If I would gamble, I would wager that the riders there did some action against Ghezath, for it is north of here. I would further guess that they were hotly pursued and would be overtaken. Yet, seeing the storm, their captains elected to drive their armies within it to shield them from slaughter. Those men who dared to follow them into the storm would be hard pressed to find their rivals, and when the storm passed they would be in dangerous county under the high sun and no place to find water with ease.”
He looks back at Red.
”Yet I do not know these things, I merely guess,” he says with a small grin.
” Could you tell us some more about these catacombs beneath Balthaar and the cult that tends them. Don't worry, I am not going to head down there for a tryst."
He glances from Red to Tairin, then back to Red.
”But of course.”
”Though people of Belthaar are not powerful at this time the city itself is ancient. Some have said in days past the lands here were far more fertile and there was much in the way of pastures and orchards… So it was that Belthaar was once great and powerful. As testament to its greatness many temples were made for the gods, and mighty lords and princes would be honored behind their walls in death. Some have said that there were even dead lords from other lands who were taken on long journeys to the city for burial below the mighty temples.”
”Over the years the places to honor the dead became more numerous and more and more tunnels were excavated to create shrines and chambers for certain families which were buried there, though now the only folk buried in those places are from Belthaar itself, and those who take the bodies to the tombs levy a price not all can pay, for they demand coin for their rites.”
”Though all dead are taken their in time to be buried, most living folk are not permitted in the tunnels below; excepting the few wealthy folk who can pay the priests for the chance to visit the chambers of their fallen kinsman and so honor them.”
”To enter the Catacombs one must first pay the priests of Yadar for the privilege, and they call those priests ‘The Cult of the Dead’.”
”Some claim these priests are merely swindlers who take the coin and burn the bodies. Yet I have with mine own eyes at least seen the crypt to the family of the noble I was enslaved to and so know at least some of the crypts are real enough.”
”Yet others,” he says with a lowered voice ”they claim that the crypts and monuments beneath the city may not be false, yet the bodies are not embalmed nor even burned, but the priests themselves feast on the remains like some creature of dark legend.”
He leans back again and frowns at the city.
”To enter the Catacombs you will need good reason to be allowed in; and a guide who will permit it and lead you, for once you are in it is not simple to find your way in the dark. Still, if those foul priests guide you they will say little to you and leave you in peace with the dead until it is time for you to depart. Yet for all of that it is a foul place; dark, and it seems to me more dangerous than simply somewhere to honor the fallen.”
"From what I know of the wars of the past to take a well fortified city is always difficult and expensive. And Belthaar is protected by the desert as well as walls and soldiers. If I were to guess the future if Belthaar were to fall at some time, it will be due to treachery by some inside rather than the taking of the walls by main force. Those catacombs below the city sound more forbidding the more I hear about them. I will try to avoid them."
"From what I know of the wars of the past to take a well fortified city is always difficult and expensive. And Belthaar is protected by the desert as well as walls and soldiers. If I were to guess the future if Belthaar were to fall at some time, it will be due to treachery by some inside rather than the taking of the walls by main force. Those catacombs below the city sound more forbidding the more I hear about them. I will try to avoid them."]
Samir grunts in response to her comment.
"I should think avoiding them would be not only wise, but simple. Yet this does beg the question; what do you wish to do when you arrive?"
"Your... your companion, she felt it would be best to travel to a bath house and refresh herself" he says, glancing at Tairin, then back to Red.
"As for the others you journey with?" he glances at them with a frown, then shrugs.
"A man who who hides his desires too deeply may discover that he himself is unable to reach them..."
He looks at Red.
"I can try to guide you on your journey, but no guide alive can show a man the right way if he is not at least given a destination."
He thinks a moment.
"You possess power; I would think you would wish to meet confederates who have gleaned greater lore then you on the ways of the ancients, and so better learn from them. Yet we shall see what the city itself shall reveal when we are inside, no doubt."
"I should think avoiding them would be not only wise, but simple. Yet this does beg the question; what do you wish to do when you arrive?"
"Your... your companion, she felt it would be best to travel to a bath house and refresh herself" he says, glancing at Tairin, then back to Red.
"Indeed. I think Tairin displays wisdom. I don't think I have ever been so dirty. Between the desert, the sandstorm, sheltering in the dirt, not to mention blood, rather too much of it mine. A lengthy bath seems imperative."
"You possess power; I would think you would wish to meet confederates who have gleaned greater lore then you on the ways of the ancients, and so better learn from them. Yet we shall see what the city itself shall reveal when we are inside, no doubt."
"Now you are displaying insight Samir. Do you know of any in yonder city with knowledge of ancient arcane ways? And anything of their natures and temperaments?
While we have leisure to converse on such matters, which gods are worshiped in Belthaar? You mentioned the Keepers of the Dead, which sounds like a religious group.
"Indeed. I think Tairin displays wisdom. I don't think I have ever been so dirty. Between the desert, the sandstorm, sheltering in the dirt, not to mention blood, rather too much of it mine. A lengthy bath seems imperative."
He nods.
”This is easily done. When we arrive we shall be forced to leave the wagon and beasts somewhere, but never fear – I know of many places to bathe,” he adds with a wry grin.
"Now you are displaying insight Samir. Do you know of any in yonder city with knowledge of ancient arcane ways? And anything of their natures and temperaments?
His wry grin evaporates rather quickly.
”I know of such things, yes… But I say that no one who is truly wise would seek to pursue them, for such power is like a serpent; it does not gift its venom, rather, it latches on to a creature which is weaker than it and then bites hard, releasing the venom into the creature.”
”Though the recipient may be glad to receive the power, it will surely destroy whoever takes it into themselves… Even so, after you have bathed I shall do what I can to guide you to a place where you may find a sage to offer you enlightenment."
"Still, I feel that such sages are better found in my own homeland, though. Should you ever journey to the city of Khargamum, I advise you to visit the temple of Apsis; there you shall find great libraries filled with lore to sate even your search for such secrets.”
"While we have leisure to converse on such matters, which gods are worshiped in Belthaar? You mentioned the Keepers of the Dead, which sounds like a religious group.
He eyes her sidelong a moment, then shrugs.
”Belet-Lil has the most temples, for all enjoy what she provides those who would follow her. However, Baal-Khardah, while reckoned greater as he is the mate of Belet-Lil, as well as the patron of Susrah; he is not worshipped as greatly, being praised by the wealthy few, or nobleborn.”
”Further, The Keepers of the Dead are, in fact, priests to Yadar who – as you know – is the High God to the Khazistani people. Yet Yadar is more than the god of the dead, he is also the god of secrets, and though the Keepers of the Dead follow him, they will not share much with you as many of their order have taken oaths of silence.”
”Besides this there are many other minor gods or goddesses of note, yet those are likely the ones you encounter most frequently, unless there are some in particular which you wish to seek out?”
Bjoern shrugs and smiles. The conversation was long and he was not a man of many words.
"I do not mind the bathing, but I would very much prefer a place to have decent food and wine again. And after distributing the loot, we should have ample coin for booth! And a warm bed."
”I know of such things, yes… But I say that no one who is truly wise would seek to pursue them, for such power is like a serpent; it does not gift its venom, rather, it latches on to a creature which is weaker than it and then bites hard, releasing the venom into the creature.”
”Though the recipient may be glad to receive the power, it will surely destroy whoever takes it into themselves… Even so, after you have bathed I shall do what I can to guide you to a place where you may find a sage to offer you enlightenment."
"Still, I feel that such sages are better found in my own homeland, though. Should you ever journey to the city of Khargamum, I advise you to visit the temple of Apsis; there you shall find great libraries filled with lore to sate even your search for such secrets.”
"Thank you Samir. I will seek out the sage you speak of in Belthaar. I may even go to Khargamun for that purpose. Do you know if the priests of Apsis will admit seekers after knowledge? I think it fair to pay for such a privilege, but it would be... disappointing, to quest to Khargamun only to be turned away.
On the topic of those who aspire to occult power, don't believe everything you hear. Such people are not all the same, any more than all soldiers or farmers are the same. And we are the subject of prejudice brought on by fear and ignorance.
If I had not been with you when you fought the slavers you would still have more severe injuries, and you might be dead. If you are going to consort with witches, best be with them not against.
Bjoern, good food, drink and a soft bed all sound like fine ideas."
"On the topic of those who aspire to occult power, don't believe everything you hear. Such people are not all the same, any more than all soldiers or farmers are the same. And we are the subject of prejudice brought on by fear and ignorance."
Samir looks at her, but his eyes are suspicious.
”Perhaps I am too wary, yet let us cleave rather to facts alone then.”
He shakes his head, as if to put aside emotion and proceed logically.
”It is a fact that mortals do not have such powers on their own, this much is known. Further, it is a fact that mortals may gain aid through the study of herb lore or the ability to mix elixirs compounded of things found in the wild to great aid, such as the brew the desert folk make of roasted beans, ground into a fine drink they call qahua – a dark, bitter drink, and hard on the belly – yet it gives energy to the limbs and keeps one awake long after weariness would take them. With such remedies I have little concern, for they are forged with the skill of men and little more.”
”Yet it is also a fact that such folk achieve the power of sorcery from somewhere other than our flesh. Some say this power comes from gods, some say demons, others say creatures beyond or ken.”
”In any case, the power is less a gift rather than a bargain. Even as priests make sacrifices – be they offerings of gold, or grain, or blood itself – still these beings take payment for power and so portion it out to the mortals who call upon it, even as demons do, or so it is said…”
”And thus I am nervous of such power,” he adds after a moment.
"If I had not been with you when you fought the slavers you would still have more severe injuries, and you might be dead. If you are going to consort with witches, best be with them not against.
He pauses in thought.
”I have seen many times in which folk who take the poppy plant for aid.”
”At first the merchant asks only for a trifle of coin and the results pleasing to the supplicant. Yet the merchant knows that soon their buyer will need more, for that is the way of such things, and they will need it with greater wont. Ever and again shall they return, and in greater need, and thus shall the merchant recount his losses for portioning the plant so cheaply, for now he shall tax the man overly much until the price is so great that the supplicant can scarce afford it.”
He looks at Red carefully.
”That is my concern; that the beings that grant such power are the danger, and when they do business with their followers such future debts may not be easily known.”
”Yet it is also true that you seem a goodly person. For now, I shall I do my best to put aside such concerns, as you ask.”
"Thank you Samir. I will seek out the sage you speak of in Belthaar. I may even go to Khargamun for that purpose. Do you know if the priests of Apsis will admit seekers after knowledge? I think it fair to pay for such a privilege, but it would be... disappointing, to quest to Khargamun only to be turned away.
He turns a bright smile on her.
[b]”Would that we were in Khargamun, or better – the sea. For I have been a sailor all my life. I love the sea and the ships which ply it. If ever we have the chance to return to my home we must do so on ship, and I would delight to show you and your companions the adventures you could find on the great waves,” he says with a grin.
Bjoern shrugs and smiles. The conversation was long and he was not a man of many words.
"I do not mind the bathing, but I would very much prefer a place to have decent food and wine again. And after distributing the loot, we should have ample coin for booth! And a warm bed."
Samir tosses a glance at Bjeorn.
"Fear not," he says, then points. The wagon obviously obfuscates their vision, but after a turn and a glance they see what he is gesturing at.
Less than five-hundred feet away are the city walls, and the mighty gates are standing open.
"We have arrived," he says with a friendly nod.
Bjoern let´s out a looong sigh.
I have been in this desert for far too long. A city, at last!
Giving the animals the signal to move faster he prepares for the gate and the necessary question and answer game common to any city-gate.
"Excellent. I have had my fill of the desert for the moment. Tairin, you shall have your bath!" exclaims She Who Knows with unusual enthusiasm for the normally subdued woman.
As the company advances they see that the western gate has the worn, somewhat faded carvings of lions mounted on either side of it. The statues are nearly thirty feet in height and seem to be both massive and somewhat forlorn, their very age causing their features to be worn, yet their age also seems to preserve their dignity.
Several guards wearing gray tunics over various sorts of mismatched armor lounge in the shade by the gate. When they see the wagon they amble out before it, their spears loose in their hands. Before anything of note can happen, Samir moves his camel forward and calls to the guard, informing him that he is an emissary from Zhaol looking to sell a few dainties for his master to a man named Balor, who apparently one of the guards seems to recognize.
The chief of the guards asks some questions about how your company fared in the storm, as they saw it move south from the city, but Samir brushes the question of with a mere nothing and hurries on, saying that he needs to get the folk inside cleaned and ready for transaction as the storm has already delayed them.
The chief guard seems doubtful, but Samir gives him little chance to consider things, but smoothly dips his hand into a pouch and removes thirty silver pieces and dumps it into the chief guard’s hand, suggesting that he and his men enjoy themselves in such glaring heat.
The guards are instantly impressed with the modest show of wealth and wave the wagon through with barely a glance inside of it, being more concerned about the coin.
Despite the easy situation, Samir seems to be hugely relieved it went over so well. As he moves through the town he waves vaguely at those passing by, speaking now mainly to Hedran, who seems to be guiding the wagon at this time.
”We have entered through the western gate, called by some “The Lion Gate”. Yet this is not the way I would have wished, for this side of the city is more wealthy and the chance of being recognized is greater.”
”I had hoped to be here sooner, for most nobles take this time to rest or sleep. Yet that was not our fortune.”
He continues to wave and act cheerful with those he passes, the folk who see him give him barely a glance and so he continues.
”For now we must be cautious. Should the gear be recognized we may be branded as thieves, and thieves are crucified here if they are judged guilty,” he adds with grim voice, despite his outward smile to anyone watching him.
He urges the company south down lazy streets filled with stone houses of wealth and status, but does his best to appear to be moving quickly.
Soon he tacks the course until they are again moving east, the road moving between a narrow opening in the walls. The sounds of dull moans can be heard and carrion birds are circling over an area behind walls with heavy doors.
”That is the place of death. Folk who are judged guilty are slain behind those walls, while others wait their turn for judgement,” he adds with a low voice.
Despite his edginess no one really seems to notice what is going on. Even so, there is a louder clamor of dull voices beyond the prison and soon you see him urging the party north east past several warehouses and into the root of this noise.
”Now we enter the streets where we shall find a safe place. Begging your pardon, Sayyida, until we are able to find a place to get you out of the slave wagon and deal with what is next without being noticed, I did not wish to risk the bath houses yet.”
”Even so, I know a brothel of note where I shall bring you, for I have a man there who will be willing to help us.”
He urges you through the a wide expanse of businesses and taverns then, and despite the heat there are merchants doing trade as well as a much greater amount of activity.
”For now we head to the Square of the Green Peacock; a good place to lay low for a time, for it is located at the border between Belthaar’s Trade and Pleasure Districts.”
”This is good as it will allow us to blend better, for it attracts a curious mix of merchants and entertainers, animal-handlers with trained beasts, and sword-masters.”
He has dismounted and is leading the camel and then moves it behind a small alley that is currently empty. Looking both left and right, he opens the wagon and beckons swiftly.
”Exit the wagon now, but do not all exit the alley at once. Do so a few at a time, and stray about as if you are searching for items of interest. On the far side of the square there is an inn with a painting of a black dog upon it. Spend some time dallying in the street, but meet there in about thirty minutes or so.”
He glances out at the streets suspiciously, though none can see him where he stands.
”Be on your guard, for all of its color there is still the threats of the ever-present beggars and cutpurses among the crowds.”
He turns to them.
”This place can be a little rough. We must be cautious.”
Then he motions to the first of the company to enter the square, and after ambling about for a short while, they are able to meet him in the inn with little to no trouble.
Inside the inn you can see a few tables that are mostly dirty yet you find one that has enough space for six and make yourself comfortable. The bartender seems to ignore you almost intentionally, clearly giving your company space, as if he was requested not to draw any attention to you.
She Who Knows remains quiet and unobtrusive as Samir guides the group in and through the city, saying only to Samir "Your local knowledge is invaluable Samir, thank you.".
When Samir suggests leaving the wagon, She Who Knows lets one of the men go first. When she emerges, probably looking like any other filthy woman to have emerged from the desert, she looks around alertly, apparently looking for items to purchase, actually looking for thieves or other threats, and makes her way into the inn Samir mentions.
When inside she takes a seat and says quietly to her companions "I think we should continue following Samir for the present. He knows this place and we do not. Some food and drink?".
She Who Knows remains quiet and unobtrusive as Samir guides the group in and through the city, saying only to Samir "Your local knowledge is invaluable Samir, thank you.".
Samir calls out, "Many thanks, many thanks," in a loud jovial voice which anyone passing by may assume he is using to address local citizens on the streets, rather the people in the wagon behind him, though it is clear to all in the wagon he is speaking to Red personally.
After the company reaches the tavern and has a moment to reflect on the city Samir glances around the establishment.
Although coming here was his plan, he seems to be somewhat uncomfortable for some reason and keeps looking around with a confused, almost agitated, expression.
Finally he shakes his head.
”I am glad that we have some privacy for a time to plan our business without being studied. Still, it does not seem right that this place should be so empty, especially now when I would expect them to be enjoying the last of the noontime revels. Something has happened to quell the business today, yet what that is I do not know.”
Finally he shakes his head, then glances at Tairin.
”The wagon and camels; it would be good to deal with those things quickly. I shall do what I can to sell them to sorts I know of for a good price, for coin is easier to manage then beasts or cargo.”
”There is indeed a bath house, it is only two streets over and is called The Wet Embrace. If you go there speak to one named Alia, tell her that you are here for some purpose aligned to Belet-lil and she will be inclined to give you reasonable rates.”
He taps his finger nervously on the table and continues to peer around.
”Before you leave, secure for yourself also some rooms. There are few folk here now so it should be easy to bargain for better rates.”
”For myself, I shall be back, no later than nightfall; I shall meet you here,” he adds.
Then he gets up and heads out muttering about why it is that there are so few people in the tavern.
Nodding Bjoern adds. "When can always buy new animals.
Shaking his body under the armor he smiles and moves toward the bathhouse.
She Who Knows speaks to Tairin saying:-
"You are the one best at handling people. Would you attempt to negotiate the cost of us staying here? I will come with you for moral support. Then we can head to 'The Wet Embrace' for a much needed bath."
"You are the one best at handling people. Would you attempt to negotiate the cost of us staying here? I will come with you for moral support. Then we can head to 'The Wet Embrace' for a much needed bath."
Tairin nods at Red.
"But of course," she says with a small smile in response.
She then turns to Bjeorn and Anhur.
"Please give me a moment," she says to the others.
The shopkeeper listens to her pitch and offers three adjoining rooms on the second floor at the end of the hallway. Each room has two bunks in it and the doors have locks for keys he provides.
After the rooms are paid for, she returns to the common area and notes there are still few patrons in the bar with a small frown.
She turns to the others.
"Our guide advised us that this place would have more patrons than it has thus far. He seemed to think it was important that the tavern is strangely empty."
She looks at the others for a moment.
"I am curious as to why this. I have no knowledge of this city, yet I feel that if I choose to have a man guide me then it would be wise to listen to what that guide has to say."
She shrugs, then heads with the others to the streets.
At this time there seems to be a general clamor in the streets; the folk outside are more lively than they seemed only a short while ago when you arrived. Some of them seem excited, and there is a muted sound of horns and celebration from the northwestern part of the city, closer to the Grand Plaza.
The bath house was located a little to the south east, however, and this is where Tairin is headed.
As they move close to it the smell of incense and smoke washes over the group; vendors are cooking small fires to sell choice meats which are cooked before you, others are kindling fires to fry delicacies in mettle skillets filled with oils, all of it reminding those who elected to avoid eating on the journey that a meal is long overdue.
Tairin will pause at a local vendor and order a spitted piece of grilled meat and accept it, eating the pieces on her way to the bath house.
As she does, she asks some of the folk what the general clamor is all about.
The crowds are now growing thick around you, and you are all glad of the smell of incense rising from the area that looks like where the bath house are.
This place seems more akin to a minor Temple District, with various signs and notifications to different gods dangling from painted placards hanging from the openings to various businesses.
After a moment of careful advancement the party reaches a wide gate in a grungy, albeit well-maintained wall, with an open gate nearly twenty feet wide.
There are no guards at the gate, and upon entering it you proceed into a wide courtyard open to the sky. The floor of the courtyard is done with beautiful mosaics while to your left and right you see hanging awnings providing shade for young women wearing naught but laced sandals, a transparent veil which barely obfuscates their faces beneath wide, beckoning eyes, and light, bronze colored chains draping over their nether regions from a thin wire girdle which does little to hide their nether regions.
They seem to be doing little at this time but move their bodies seductively, the effect stimulating to the eye; yet they do not offer any direct contact, nor do they speak to any of you when you enter.
You notice at each of their feet is a small bowl with the symbols of Belet-lil carved in them, some of the bowls having coins of small note in them, and you deduce these sorts are likely servants to the goddess of fertility, revelry, and beauty.
When you arrive at the main entrance you meet the matron to the place; a supple woman who is roughly forty years old, with long dark hair. Her dress is similar to that of the beauties in the courtyard, but she wears a long, line robe dangling from her shoulders to better shade her sun-drenched flesh from darkening more from the sun, though at this moment the robe is hanging open and she makes no move to belt it, her left hand propped casually on her slim hip as she studies your company.
She has a bronze symbol which dangles from a chain between her breasts and she greets you with courtesy, yet here eyes linger long on Bjeorn's massive frame and her gaze has an almost hungry wont as she studies him, then she turns a thoughtful, yet appraising glance on Anhur and Hedran.
She returns her eyes to Tairin.
"Greetings, travelers," she says, her accent clearly foreign, and you wonder at her features, knowing she is not from Susrah, suspecting she is either Taraam or far Taikang.
"I am the lady Mei-Mei Jiaohuá, Priestess to our Mother of the Moon, the great goddess Belet-Lil and the owner of this meager house; how may I and my folk better serve you?" she asks.
Tairin speaks for the group at this time.
"We have traveled many journeys and are worn and weary," she says to the matron, then glances at the others a moment, then back to the matron.
"We desire to be cleansed and healed of the trials of the road and the difficulties of travel," she adds.
The woman studies Tairin's features for some time. Then she gives Tairin a wry smile, behind the diaphanous veil, her lip curling thoughtfully.
"Such things we can provide you. Come with me and we shall attend to you each properly," she adds and beckons you within.
The crowds seem to be fairly excited; the usual taciturn priests of Baal-Khardah have been offering gifts to those who claim allegiance to their faith, the people claiming today heralds two joint victories for their god and the city as a whole.
The details of these victories are not fully known to the folk near the part of the city frequented by the less wealthy, though more news on this could be found by inquisitive folk who wish to travel to the Grand Plaza for more details. Indeed, many citizens who are not known to be aligned to that faith have been traveling to that part of the city simply to receive what gifts or blessings are being offered.
This may explain why so few people are in the tavern you frequented.
However, as the Grand Plaza is far from the bath house you are visiting it is a journey that might have to wait to a short while later, though...
Tairin, intrigued by the priestess look, elects to visit her privately for personal care and the chance to learn more information.
Further, I will need Perception Checks from all of you for something that happened earlier in the day.
+2 on the roll if it involves stone.
Red (and anyone who wishes to aid her) please also make a separate Diplomacy Check for each time you wish to Aid Tairin for bargaining.
Anyone who wishes to impress the acolyte they are with is free to offer an additional roll via Strength, Fortitude or Perform (your choice) - while this is not totally necessary, a good showing with an acolyte could result in being remembered favorably for future aid, should you return to this place.
Further, I will need Perception Checks from all of you for something that happened earlier in the day.[dice=perception, Red]1d20 + 6 +2 on the roll if it involves stone.
Red (and anyone who wishes to aid her) please also make a separate Diplomacy Check for each time you wish to Aid Tairin for bargaining.
Anyone who wishes to impress the acolyte they are with is free to offer an additional roll via Strength, Fortitude or Perform (your choice) - while this is not totally necessary, a good showing with an acolyte could result in being remembered favorably for future aid, should you return to this place.[dice=fortitude, Red, female acolyte]1d20 +2
[dice=fortitude, Red, male acolyte or guard]1d20 +2
Trying to impress the acolytes Bjoern lets his muscles flex.
"So, Hedran, the Fighting Slave, tell us what you will of where you come from and what makes you a man."
Hedran smiles at Anhur's insistence - "I am a son of barbarians" - he smiles - "Almost born in a battlefield, with a weapon already in my hands" - he shrugs - "Somehow managed to stay alive and thrive along with my tribe, and we did well for ourselves" - he stares into the distance for a second, now with a more sullen look - "I guess it all got to a point where it wasn't enouh though, and I took to the road"
Looking back at the destroyed caravan, he shakes his head - "That back there was... An unfortunate misunderstanding - I stuck my nose into business which was not my own, and my neck out for someone who did not deserve it" - again a shrug - "Got lashed and chained. Guess I deserved it though" - and a smile - "So as you can see, not much to tell really. Maybe one day, who knows?"
The travel continues for a few more moments in silence - "There may be more actually... But you'd have to pay me a few rounds. At least enough to make us best friends" - he laughs raucously.
Bjoern shrugs and smiles. The conversation was long and he was not a man of many words.
"I do not mind the bathing, but I would very much prefer a place to have decent food and wine again. And after distributing the loot, we should have ample coin for booth! And a warm bed."
"Definitely agreed" - Hedran pipes in.
++++++++++++++++++++++++
Hedran elected not to enter the bathhouse, as he was intrigued partially by Samir's words, and also by the city itself - he wanted to draw it all in, or maybe he was still equating if he would stay with this group a while longer, or simply bail out - "I'll stay outside and wait for you" - he informed as the others went inside - "I'll be closeby, taking in the sights and the sounds"
Anhur took in Hedran's brief story with a strong, mischievous laugh at the end, though to what he took humor was not fully clear.
He spoke to Samir of the Gods, the Demons, and the spirits that men worshiped for power; he spoke of the strength of Bjoern and the cunning of Tairin, the magic of Red and the bravery of the slaves; he spoke to consulted a scroll of strange letters, and worked with many strange things; and at last, he took some time to close his eyes and rest a bit, for the battle had taken much from him.
Within the city Anhur did as he was told. For indeed many men, as he had known, were buried with their pride, but the clever man lives many long days.
At the inn, Anhur watched Samir closely. While he did indeed seem a friend, danger and fear could dissolve even the bonds between kin, and they were certainly far from kin. Yet still he took no action against them, at least of an obvious sort, and this pleased Anhur well.
Finally arriving at the bath house, something which Anhur had taken to be more for the women, he realized what sort of place it truly was. As Hedran declined an invitation, so too did he. Many were the seductive arts of those who would pry from a man his dignity, his safety, or his wealth. Anhur avoided such indulgences as often as he could, and having the company of the Fighting Slave was a good enough reason.
"Remember to ask for the one called Alia." He whispered to Tairin before departing.
In the streets he bought for himself some cheap spiced cider and purchased too some cooked and flavored meats. He looked upon them with judgment, however, and shook his head. "They use fire to make it better for the stomach, but in such do they drive from it all power."
"I have eaten raw meat more than once, but I must admit I prefer it cooked - you do not?" - Hedran comments to Anhur.
"I cannot ignore the flavor," Anhur replies, taking a satisfying bite, "But whatever beast died for this, its strength is forgotten." He spits out a chunk of gristle and shrugs. "There is much that bloody meat can offer, but few have the stomach for it." He surveys the people in the city streets and concludes, "City dwellers have a soft nature."
"They are different, I'll give you that" - Hedran nods in agreement - "Soft... Maybe... I tend to think they are hard in different ways. The most ruthless people I have ever met were city dwellers" - he ponders - "They would not draw a blade on you, don't even know if they could use one. Yet they could bring worlds of harm upon their antagonists"
Again the familiar chuckle returns - "But yep, they are soft" - he adds, taking a bite from his own morsel.
"What about you Anhur? What brings you here?"
During the work over the company had felt the rough press of folk upon them, including the hands of would-be rogues.
Bjeorn feels a young lad make a grab for his pouch, but squashes the attempt at once.
As for Tairin, she also notices a lad trying to lift her possessions, yet the efforts failed abysmally. When the lad ran, he dropped his own pouch and she was able to pick up a small amount of coin within.
As the company enters the chambers of the bath house they each make their own decisions on how to behave.
Given that neither Anhur nor Hedran are interested in honoring the goddess Belet-Lil, they are asked to leave the place and remain on the streets outside.
As Anhur is about to leave, he speaks softly to Tairin –
"Remember to ask for the one called Alia." He whispered to Tairin before departing.
She says little, but nods in agreement, her eyes communicating that she understands.
As Bjeorn continues to perform his feats of strength in the courtyard, he notes that while Tairin has been closeted for some time, Red has now appeared.
At this time there seems to be some debate, for the male acolyte is politely – but firmly – demanding that she pay the promised price for the joining with him.
As for the female, she informs the company that Red has already made the formal offering to her; and the reason Red is out of coin is that she herself got the last of it.
Tairin is still not there, but it’s clear there is some trouble at the lack of coin for the offering.
What do you do?
As for the female, she informs the company that Red has already made the formal offering to her; and the reason Red is out of coin is that she herself got the last of it.
Red appears from the bath-house/bordello/place of worship looking much cleaner and happier, sporting a couple of love bites and accompanied by one very friendly female acolyte and a male acolyte demanding payment for services.
Red, not having been in this particular situation before, seems a little unsure how to proceed. Turning to the male acolyte, Red says "Some swine appears to have stolen most of my money. I am going to see if I can borrow some coin from my friends, if they have not been robbed as well. Please wait a moment."
Red then approaches her three male friends, slightly red faced and with a self mocking smile, asks "It seems I have incurred a debt and some filthy rogue has stolen my money. If any of you are fortunate enough to still have any money, would it be possible to borrow 20 gold pieces. Not sure when I can pay you back, but I will. This is exactly what you expect to happen when a party of adventurers visits such an establishment."
Bjoern smiles after his workout in the patio and returns to the others, well cleaned and massaged, but not more and looks at their faces.
"Why do you make so long faces. I feel clean, for the first time now!"
"I would gladly help, but it would seem after purchasing these meager morsels, I have been 'relieved' of all my money also" - Hedran shakes his head with a smile - "I'm not even surprised this city is already overwhelming us without the slightest of chances" - then turns to Anhur - "I guess we are the soft ones huh?" - again he shakes his head and smiles.
"Red, I cannot help you" - he returns to the matters at hand - "I have no issues in offering my work as servant for a couple of days, if they accept it. Maybe that will sort things out? At least they should offer me a place to sleep, now that I have no coin to pay for my own" - he suggests, then adds with a slight more serious tone - "Or we can just bolt. I don't care"