"The Azerite what?" Riddywhipple seems confused. "With the tight time limit, and the Cinderfurys trying to burn us to a crisp we barely had time to look through documentation. Masayoshi, do you know anything about this pact?"
“There are a few details and addenda, of course. First, the estate in question is Emberhearth, which keeps most of its security on-call and off-site. Unless you relish drowning in armed guards the moment you make a mistake, you’ll need to neutralize them first. Second, the Cinderfurys maintain a pristine set of local records, and I would like you to secure any local security contracts you find in their library. Third, they keep an heirloom known as the Cinderfury gorget, which you should bring to me. Finally, I have plans for the estate; do keep the destruction to a minimum."
Qalkami sighs heavily. "Mortals and their frail minds," she says sadly. "You really mustn't depend on someone writing everything down for you. Or perhaps I overestimated the Society's ability to provide competent help. But I suppose it matters little in the grand scheme of things, and you've done an acceptable enough job." She clears her throat.
"Only a powerful artifact in its own right could crack the jewel you have found. What you seek is known as Fossilblight, a legendary weapon of solid diamond the shaitans built to punish the City of Brass.” She scoffs. “They lost it, no thanks to my family’s guile. We found it, and when the shaitans dispatched a mighty colossus to crush us in retaliation, we used the weapon to pin the war machine deep in the Kullan Dei Mountains of Tian Xia, a range on your home planet. Tell your elders, as they seem so desperate to know. I have a final piece of business to conduct.”
"In the meantime, it's time for you to be off. Be sure to leave your talismans at the Chromatic Dragon - just tell the barkeep they're for me and she'll keep them safe." And with that, Qalkami turns to a greet a plethora of elegantly dressed efreeti nobles, royal guards, and politicians milling around the estate's main entrance.
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"Thanks!" Cirri waves Qalkami goodbye- and good riddance. "Well, you heard her. Let's return these talismans and then return home."
"...maybe then we can return to the embassy in Zjarra and ask Yasmine Zamara to find our Azer buddies and return what is theirs."
As the Pathfinders depart, they hear Qalkami addressing the crowd.
“Citizens of Brass! Look upon Emberhearth and observe! Today, the corruption of the Cinderfurys has been revealed, defying the very dynasty that put them in power. They conspire with the Peerless Empire to attack the throne, and their crimes must be punished. It is my charge to protect the sultana’s glory, and I would extinguish the last flame before allowing any harm to her. I’ve failed her once before, and I will not do so again!”
Back in the Galley Quarter of the City of Brass, an azer beckons the Pathfinders into an alley. "Hey, I'm one of the servants from Emberhearth," he introduces himself. "I just wanted to thank you all for helping us escape!"
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Cirri snorts as Qalkami rants about her position of purity and exposing corruption.
But she smiles as an azer greets her. "Oh boy! Are we glad to see you!" She runs up and shakes the azer's hand. "You guys were looking for the Flamebinder's Jaw, right? Well... let's get somewhere a bit more secure. And tell your friends, too."
Once they do find a quiet place, Cirri pulls out the jaw. "Xojject Cinderfury is no more, and he was guarding this very closely. I think this is the Flamebinder's Jaw, right?"
"And...and"- Cirri is almost too giddy with excitement. "This horrible contract! It bound all of the azer servants to the Cinderfury family, for the rest of time. It should be destroyed. If you can't do it, the Pathfinder Society will."
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Crowe smiles and claps Cirri on the shoulder.
"I could not have said it better!" and then he looks at the Azer.
"We very much hope that the jaw will give you the secret sauce to escape the corrupt embrace of this empire! And that you can use this nonsense contract to liberate your brothers and sisters!"
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Shocked into silence, the azer stares dumbfounded at the Pathfinders. "I... What... How... Who...?" he stammers before accepting both items from Cirri and vanishing back into the underbelly of the city. The Pathfinders make their way back to Zjarra and eventually to Absalom.
What is in Xojject's spellbook? Cirri would love to copy spells from them if she gets the chance.
