"I can only give you my word that I want nothing more to do with you. It's not worth the risk." says the man in response to Lazverinus and Lysimachos questions.
When Cornel finishes his questions, the man adds "That is my brother, and neither of us are married or have anyone that we're responsible for. As for the poison, I like to drink it. I'm building up an immunity to it by drinking it a little bit at a time."
As impossible as his last claim seems, he at least believes what he is saying. As a matter of fact, he does not appear to be lying in the least.
Lysimachos raises an eyebrow at the last statement.
"I suspect that my well-versed colleague might have something to say about the efficacy of that practice. I am in favour of releasing you, without you seeing the route to this place. Do not cross us again, and we will have no reason to cross you."
Once they're alone, Lazverinus proposes what probably everybody is thinking. "Shall we go back and see this priest?"
"Aye, Lazverinus. That we shall. But I would like a day or two to recover. And I have not forgotten that I owe you both my life - and coin."
"Let us return to my home, then. With a little time and resources spent, I can make some more healing potions to aid your recovery, Lysimachos."
"I appreciate that, Cornel. I will do my best to back you both up in whatever you require."
The group makes it's way to Cornel's home, where they rest, recover, and make their plans for the next day, which comes all too soon.
Bandaged and aching, Lysimachos says:
"So were there any pieces of information on the numbers and capabilities of Terminus' sub-cult?"
Lazverinus has his bow in hand and caresses it while taking. "Can you remind me what is this Terminus about? What did you say that he took so personal?"
"He appeared to think that I was competition for him. Which I am, if not in the manner he believes."
"We didn't really have words with him, at all. I was asking quite a lot about him from the information broker. It was clear the information broker would approach Terminus about selling information on me in turn, but I don't know if that had yet occurred. If so, that may have prompted this response from him..."
"So, he seems quite a powerful guy. Are we sure we want to start this kind of war?"
"So were there any pieces of information on the numbers and capabilities of Terminus' sub-cult?"
"I know from Mokwi that only a few who were considered to be priests of Gakoraki followed Terminus in his rebellion--most continue to follow the head priest. How many followers Terminus has amassed, however, I do not know. I think we should look for the head priest that Terminus defeated in single combat, and see what we can learn from him."
"I think that is a wise idea. I will accompany you whenever you wish, but I am still quite injured for now."
"Of course! The first item of business is to prepare some healing potions to restore your health."
"There is the equipment that we retrieved from our assailants, should coin become an issue."
Lysimachos says to Lazverinus:
"I would know more of the city while we wait, if you are willing to speak."
"Ah, yes, of course. I will gladly have a brandy by the fireplace while we talk."
Lazverinus explains that the city is composed of 10 wards, each of which spiral out from first ward, and each was created as the city grew.
The city currently has ten wards, each numbered, and other than First Ward and Tenth Ward, most of them are middle class at best, with the middle wards being downright ghettos.
The next few couple of days pass in a haze, with Lysimachos recuperating and Lazverinus giving him a geography and history lesson on the city. Now that wounds have mended, the heroes have a decision to make: where to continue their investigation. They have several leads that might prove fruitful, but the question remains: where to start.
So, here is a summary of what you have learned so far:
The Senator's son was seen spending a lot of time at the Tea Room, where a priest of Gakoraki spends his time; the same priest that hired layworshippers of Hunri to attack your group.
You've also learned that Terminus, said priest of Gakoraki, has created a schizm in the local priesthood of Gakoraki after attacking the old head priest. The information broker, Mokwi, knows the location, but he was asking for 100 gp in order to share that information.
Finally, you know that Quintus was often seen in the company of a young woman who sells flowers in Third Ward, and at a Healer's shop in Second Ward.
"Lazverinus, my thanks for your hospitality and knowledge. Cornel, for your skill and attention. I believe that we should question the young flowershop attendant and those in the healer's shop, before seeking Terminus."
"Alright, let me meditate for a short time and I'll be ready."
After spending a few days resting, you make your way to Third Ward, where you enter a vast and varied open-air bazaar. There is no rhyme or reason to the shops in the bazaar, and there are quite a few "walking stores", which are basically merchants who wander the roads with a large pack on their back, shouting out what sort of wares the deal in.
It takes a bit of asking, but you manage to find the flower shop you are looking for. Sandwiched between a general store and a blacksmith's shop, plants are growing along the walls, going up and over the roof. There is a radiant young woman with black hair, river blue eyes, and a smile so radiant it is hard to look at.
Observing her for a few minutes, you notice that she is popular, especially among the young men who pass by her shop.
Lysimachos feels the weight of his hammer on his back, as he stands in the street in front of the flower shop.
He turns to the others and says:
"Time to go in."
"Good morning gentlemen. What can I get for you?" asks the pretty shopkeep as your group approaches. "Are you looking for flowers for a particular occasion, or just something to brighten up your day?"
You notice that there is a small plant that is sculpted into the shape of Gakaroki's Holy symbol sitting under a table behind the counter.
Lazverinus good with Lysimachos and brings his panoplia. "If there's a place where I cannot go in with this, I'll wait outside."
When the shopkeeper gets them, Laz taps I've of his companions with the elbow and gestures with his face towards the plant mimicking the holy symbol, drawing their attention upon it.
Lysimachos nods to Lazverinus. And to Cornel.
As Cornel starts to walk towards the shop, a urchin runs up and hands him an envelope. He takes a look inside and says "I have to go. This is going to take me a while, so give my apologies to the Senator, but I'm going to have to leave the city for a while."
Laz clears his throat. "Good morning, Ma'am! Oh, nice arrange you've got there!" he greets, pointing at the plant. Then he weighs his coin purse to show he's got some cash. "We'd like a nice and colourful bouquet, please... and we also have a doubt that you might as well clear, if you're so kind."
"Good luck, Cornel. Return when you are able."
**********
Lysimachos interjects.
"Have you met a young Intorian, about 14, name of 'Quint'?"
In response to Lazverinus, she says "I'll answer your questions as best I can, but before I do, what sort of Bouquet are you looking for?"
At Lysimachos' question, her smile dims a bit and she says "I have met alot of young Intorian men. Do you know what he looks like?"
Lysimachos begins to describe the young lad, using his memory of the picture of Quint and of the Senator's disguise.
"A colorful one, one that could be gifted to a nice and radiant young maiden. It doesn't have to bear any meaning, though."
The woman sets about arranging a bouquet for Lazverinus as she listens to Lysimachos' description.
When finished, she says "That will be 1 gold crown." to Lazverinus.
She then adds "You mean Parcan; at least he told me that was his name. It's not the first time someone has lied to me, however. Who has he offended?"
"We do not know. We would see him safe. Do you know where he might be, or whom he might be with?"
Together with Lysimachos's new question, Lazverinus puts one gold crown on the woman's palm, followed by a second.
"He told me that he was staying at the temple of Gakoraki with his friends." she says as she pockets the coin. "I believe that he was interested in joining the church, as he spoke about it quite a bit."
Damn.
"I see. Did he name any associates or mentors? Or why he wanted to join?"
"Not really. I think he might have had a crush on me." she said with a kind smile.
"That is understandable.", Lysimachos says with a smile, briefly nostalgic for his own youthful follies.
"I bid you a good day, young lady.", and he makes to depart.
****
When out of earshot,
"To the ousted priest then? We can see if he knows 'Parcan'."
"Yeah, let's do this."
On their way, Laz can't help but think about his little one, how he's helping another man recover his son to get some help with his daughter in retunr. "I will find you."