Sheska thanks Duatha for entrusting her with his spellbook. "I will keep it safe as my own."
She casts read magic and leafs through the spellbook before finding one spell she does not currently know.
Taking an hour to attempt to learn its intricacies, she attempts to scribe it into her own.
Satisfied, Sheska puts Duatha's rather charred looking spellbook in her satchel with her own immaculate red one.
Wandering the market, she finds the shop wherein she can buy more scribing ingredients. Sheska asks at the counter for one of the special inks that and is delighted to hear they have that in stock.
Afterward, Sheska wanders through the market, eventually running into the others. She finds herself not really concerned with the state of wagons but is eager to get on the road.
Zak stays calm as the kids surround him, but he makes sure his steel pieces pouch is well secured from any would be pilferers.
"You one of those savage beasts from the far lands? Those that always want to slaughter people and enslave them?"
"Those stories are exaggerated child - not all minotaurs are alike. The same way not all men or children are alike" - he snorts back, picking up as many small children as he can, and putting them on his shoulders so they can enjoy the view.
Bander finds Fuma, Zak, Sheska and Torin who are also in the marketplace. "Hiya I didn't find anyone selling or renting a wagon but I did find someone who sending a Wagon to Palanthas." He looks up a the nice half-elven woman, "So this wagon did you hope we would escort it or would be need to pay passage or is it more of a more the merrier sit-che-A-shun."
"Seems like an interesting proposition" - he nods, looking at the woman for an answer.
A man walking past in the crowd, overhearing what Zak says, laughs. At least my race doesnt openly proclaim that, whats the phrasing, conquer all of ansalon and see it brought under the hoof of Minotaurs.... Be wary of this one, kids. He may act all sweet and nice, but, remove the bull whip, and the beast will return. The man turns and blends into the crowd.
aside from this single encounter, the kids, for the most part, ask the rather inane questions filled with childhood innocence and curiosity.
the half elf nods at Bander. more in the vein of an escort, if youre up to it. The route between here and Palanthas is safe from brigands and outlaws, for the most part. I fear, however, that a competitor would try to take out my wagon. It's my only wagon, and if it makes it to palanthas, the goods exchanged will provide me with a down payment for another wagon, allowing me to increase my trade presence here in Solanthus.
Well well! this is a pleasant surprise! To see you both this way, and not behind the bars! Although, i am a bit shocked that you would come back here... he trails off, a slight apologetic look to his face.
He heads up the stairs as directed smiling at the woman. Duatha shrugs at Jorin's response, "I wished to speak with Banzif if possible. Has he been released?"
When information regarding the lack of wagon reaches him, Torin just says, "Odd that there's no wagon to be found, but no matter. I guess we won't be traveling in style."
With that sorted, he will finish some last minute purchases for the trip.
When information regarding the lack of wagon reaches him, Torin just says, "Odd that there's no wagon to be found, but no matter. I guess we won't be traveling in style."
With that sorted, he will finish some last minute purchases for the trip.
Bander looks up at Torin, "Really?" He speaks really slow which is probably regular speed, "Ahhhh maybe you didn't hear the nice lady. She wants to pay us to take a wagon to the city we are already going to. We have to spend no money. I think we should ask how much she was willing to offer us to escort the wagon." He looks at the half-elf woman, "You think they have a lot of hair on their chin." He holds up a hand guarding his expression from being seen by Torin, and he points to his ear with his other hand indicating that he has even more hair in his ears. He chuckles, "We were hoping to leave soon as we have other business to attend but we would be interested. How much would the job pay? Are you sending a teamster or would we need to manage the wagon and animals as well. I think we can do that." He looks up at the others wondering why they are letting him negotiate on his behalf. Usually someone more 'responsible' takes over before a Kender is allowed to talk this much.
Fuma not knowing any better, watches the Kender negotiate.
Maybe in this part of the town, they were the usual spokesperson? The others didn't seem to object so this is normal.
A man walking past in the crowd, overhearing what Zak says, laughs. At least my race doesnt openly proclaim that, whats the phrasing, conquer all of ansalon and see it brought under the hoof of Minotaurs.... Be wary of this one, kids. He may act all sweet and nice, but, remove the bull whip, and the beast will return. The man turns and blends into the crowd.
"Hmph, to each his own" - Zak shrugs as he carefully puts the kids down - "Do not listen to him children - he is just jealous he does not have horns like mine" - he winks.
---
Looking from Bander to Torin, the minotaur seems confused - "Is there any reason not to assist the Miss with escorting her as we travel?" - he inquires, turning to the half elf woman - "I am Zak - what payment are you offering for the work provided?"
the half-elf smirks at banders joke, and throws a wink his way to show her understanding. The job would pay 5 silver a day. I know it's not much, but unfortunately, it is what i can afford. This wagon is large enough for you and your companions to ride in, along with the cargo. Well, Your friend here she waves at Zak he may find it to be a bit cramped. but otherwise the rest of you should be able to fit in with ease. I would ask that you drive the team and look after it. It should take about 2 weeks to get to palanthas by wagon.
This grows curious indeed.
Can you take me to his cell? Did he leave any belongings behind?"
"Ahh that actually sounds great. We came to find a wagon to buy and we are getting paid to ride one." He holds out a hand to reassure the woman, "And of course look after you wares and equipment." He thinks a moment. "Once we make the delivery will we need to get the wagon back here?"
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Released to Fuma Nobane? How is this possible? Is she involved in this? What is going on?
Aeleni seems confused at first, then her resolve fastens....
To Duatha in elven:
See? This is very suspicious. Humans can't be trusted. Who knows what they are plotting and what is really going on.
"Look at you, Bander, finding us honest work," Sheska says, smiling down at the kender.
"Umm. So this means we're taking the job?" Fuma glances in between the kender and the woman, unknowing of the brewing storm that has her ensconced in the center.
"If someone would let me learn the basics of driving a cart, I think I should be able handle it."
"It does look like it, though the others must also have a say in it" - Zak ponders.
Bander shrugs, and looks up at the half elf woman, "When would you need us ready? We have a couple of associates to gather."
"I have no objections since I find myself a wanderer for now. I do not know where my master has gone too and it seems that he's left me to my own devices."
Bander looks up at "Torin, does this sound good to you?" He looks at the others where did the elves go? And they say Kender wander off."[/b]
the half-elf smiles a bright smile at Bender. well, its not quiet noon yet. If you want, we could meet up around dinner time here, and then go to where the wagon and mules are kept. it'd be a bit late in the day to start the journey, i think but youd have to leave tomorrow at the latest. unless you feel comfortable leaving tonight. And yes, lady, i could show you how to drive the team. Simple instructions really. Ho. Git. Whoa are the basics. and then simple treatment at the end of the day and ensuring food and watering. I can go into that later, if you'd like. Will you do it? please? she asks simply, her eyes watering slightly as you can see the hope fill her face but not wanting to fully give in to the idea that maybe she might be able to save her business...
"Aeleni and Duatha left on their errand, and we were left to get a wagon. And we have. I see no need to wait for their permission."
Sheska peers up at the sky. "Assuming they get back soon, we could actually cover some miles today."
Sheska tells the half-elf, "I'll take the job."
She looks over at the paladin. "You drive, and I'll care for the mules in the evening?"
When the contents are read to him, his eyes light up. Spell Components! Zifnab is a Wizard. Perhaps it is himself he was referring to...
As he reads the note, Duatha scowls and hands it to his Cousin.
"Thank you for your time Guardsman".
In Elven to Aeleni, "Cousin, this Zifnab is a Wizard. No doubt it is he who wishes to make us useful to his machinations. But what are they and why us? Do we share this knowledge with the others or keep it to ourselves?"
Bander nods, "Any objections?" He looks to Torin.
Torin thinks over the full offer, "I can't really argue with the opportunity to make a little extra coin while traveling to where we are already headed. Not too keen on any liability we might have for lost or damaged goods that are incurred during travel though."
He shrugs and bows to the will of the collective.
Fuma looks over at Sheska.
"Sure. I can do that I think."
She looks over at the paladin. "You drive, and I'll care for the mules in the evening?"
"Let me know if you require assistance with handling the beasts" - Zak pipes in - "I have done it before"
Sheska grins at Fuma and Zak.
"Thank you, both. These are things I know nothing about," she admits.
She glances over to Torin. "You have a point. But if a time comes when the cargo is in peril, it seems likely we will be in peril ourselves."
Turning at last to the merchant, she says, "Just let me know any details or special instructions we may need."
Sheska thinks, Why am I so sympathetic to her plight? Maybe it's just I know what she may be reduced to if her business fails.
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Aeleni seems completely baffled. Looking from the slip of paper to the new clerk she sighs.
Has this one been enchanted? I don't know why Fuma would do something like that. Perhaps she is in league with the wizard. Of course human wizards can't be trusted at all. Who knows what his plans are? You should know best actually, being a wizard yourself and so understanding of humans.
Perhaps he enchanted this one and Fuma?
Duatha replies to his Cousin in Elven, "I would find it unlikely that Fuma did this. She was with us just last night someone would have seen her leaving.
Likely the Wizard indeed enchanted the guard with the note. The Wizard probably also enchanted another last night to cover his tracks and used Fuma's name perhaps to sow mistrust. For now Cousin, watch her closely but take no action and say nothing to her or the others. I may be able to detect some magic about her if the effects linger.
We cannot know that Wizard's game nor have we a way to learn more about him but we should be on guard for his return. It is indeed good that we are here together. While I do not hate Humans you are correct that their loyalty is to one another and their own greed, why else would so many follow the ways of the Dragonqueen?
It was the Magister that sent us to Palanthus so we should assume this Wizard knows this as he was so easily able to escape the prison it is logical that he could have learned what he wanted to from any within. What is remarkable is his ability to utilize the Art while he had no spell components... A pity neither I nor Sheska have the talent for Enchantment magic, I wonder what spell he could have used to gain his release in the first place.
Let us return to the Inn and find the others to see if they have made appropriate travel plans".
"Where are our wayward elves. We have the wagon lined up. Didn't they want to leave today." Bander stops short of saying he's bored but that seems to be the next stop on his train of thought.
"Let's wait at the inn and have some quick lunch. I'm sure they'll be along shortly," Shaksa says.
She turns to the half-elf. "We'll pick up your wagon on our way out of the city."
"Sounds like a plan" - Zak nods, having finished his purchases, and moving after the others - "Once we meet Duatha and Aeleni back at the inn, we should soon be ready to go Bander" - he adds to his companion.
"Why not we just drive the wagon and meet them at the Inn. Once we have picked them up we can leave then. It'll be easier for us to laod whatever other items we might need." Fuma Offers.
"Good thought, Fuma. Saves us walking," Sheska says.
Excellent! Oh! you wish to leave now? OH! Ah...Well...umm.. she looks around, a bit nervously, a slight frown upon her face. it is obvious she is thinking quick and hard. not tonight? she asks half heartedly. No thats ok. We can prep the wagon to leave now. yes! I must close up my shop. the half elf shoos everyone back away from the stoop of the stall. ENsuring everyone is clear, she reaches over and begins to crank a small gear. It's teeth chatter and grind, holding up the weight of the overhang and finally she lets go! the awning closes with a windy woosh, causing dust and small debris to fly up, causing people in the vicinity to cough. the sounds of iron bars slamming into iron bound enclosures sounds dully through the wood and a few moments later, she emerges from the side of the stall. She pulls out a lock from a pocket in her skirt, and withdraws a key from under her blouse upon her chest. She sets the lock, and puts the key away as she walks towards you. Shall we? she asks as she passes, leading you away from the marketplace.
The wagon is at my small warehouse on the east side, in the outerskirts of Solanthus. The mule team i have to rent, which is located just a short walk away from the warehouse. I was planning to load the wagon myself prior to you leaving, but since you wish to leave soon, I have to ask you to help load up the wagon. she explains, walking through the streets of Solanthus.
By the way, my name is Nareem Ol'san'il. You can call me Nay, just please dont call me a horse. the half elf introduces herself to the group. As she leads you through the town, she chats aimlessly, no topic off limits, everything from her family history, to strange foot fungus, to if a man named Hark will ever call upon her again after that wonderful encounter behind the Cushin Tavern. My knees still have bruises! she cackles loudly. And as open as she is with her and her story, she is equally as persistent at asking close, personal, embarrassing questions.
Zak, is it true that the horns are proper indicators for...vigor? she asks with a wink.
Torin, That beard. is it to compensate for your short stature or are you actually proud of it?
Bander, if kender dont steal things, but only find random things within their bags and proclaim innocence, if you were to find your belt pouch upon the waist of another person, is that theft or did you unknownly give that person your bag?
Fuma, does red nature follow its flow with you, or do you do some magical aide to make the scene go away?
and yet, she doesnt seem to direct any questions to Sheska.
finally, she leads you to in front of the warehouse. It looks a little run down, some of the timbers having even been snapped in half and taken away, and a puddle of...something....stands still in the far corner, providing a unique bouquet to the air. And yet, even though the warehouse is a little on the small side, its still large enough to house the wagon, and all that remains of her cargo. One small wooden box with large iron locks set upon the latches. Nay sighs out loud, its so much more depressing seeing that.
"Bander, if kender dont steal things, but only find random things within their bags and proclaim innocence, if you were to find your belt pouch upon the waist of another person, is that theft or did you unknownly give that person your bag?"
"Oh a riddle game. Ummm. Let see. A proclamation of innocence implies some sort of guilt? But . . ." He holds up his hand fingers slayed out and he taps each finger as he thinks and mouths her words. "Theft? Isn't that like really bad. Like someone rips something out of your hands violently or like threatens to stab you or something. Well if they are that sort of wicked then I would just give them my bag. Such monsters should be dealt with."
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Who knows the motives oh humans and wizards....
Aeleni seems a bit indifferent and skeptical. Clearly she mistrusts the whole thing on several levels.
She just nods slightly as they leave, barely acknowledging the guards and clerks.
I don't want to be in the machinations of a wizard at all. How can something like that end well for us? And if he is a wizard, he did most certainly not wear the white! We should...
She stops at the sudden interruption.
This is the...book? You give it to us just like that? No case or chest for it? Is it even safe to transport and touch? And out here in the open, shouting around like that? It's as if you wanted to invite the thieves and bandits robbing us!
She gives the dwarf a stern look, watching around if there are any suspicious passersby.
Quick, take it Duatha and hide it away! We should make sure it is actually the book though. Not that we get blamed then for delivering the wrong book or stealing it! And then we should head to the market to find those other fools. Even though it makes me double uncomfortable, heading to the market with the book and then finding them. I just hope the coming weeks won't be too obnoxious and they will actually make this safer.
Torin, That beard. is it to compensate for your short stature or are you actually proud of it?
"No lass, you've got your stereotypes mixed up. A dwarf's beard is a mark of virility and as you can see, mine is quite impressive."
Seeing the cargo, Torin is a little surprised. "I must admit, I was expecting something a bit more substantial."
Fuma is befuddled as Nareem Ol'san'il or Nay as she calls herself seems to do an about turn. Her actions seems off but Fuma cannot sense malice of any form whatsoever from this.
Are all City Folks like this? Mood changes on a dime or just attention spans the length of a gnat? the paladin thinks to herself.
The question posed to her was even worse.
Despite having learnt her letters, she was no scholar despite her erudite teacher's best efforts. She just did not have the mind needed for such discourse.
"What? Red nature? Magical aide? What's natural should be natural and why make it worse?" is her flustered answer as she speaks with whatever comes to her first.
The sight of the cargo though gives Fuma some pause even as her companions expresses their own surprise at the cargo's volume.
"That's....That's the cargo right?"
Duatha takes the books at the satchel, "Thank you... ah Master Dwarf.
I disagree Cousin, let us head to the Inn, too many pick pockets and criminals in the Market. Hopefully our new allies will come there to find us with the wagon they have purchased".
Nareem nods at everyone. Yes. Unfortunately just the one box of cargo. But it is an important to me. the success of my business depends upon the delivery of that cargo box. Can you please be careful with it? And watch yourselves, it took six men to unload it from the back of other wagon. I fear it would make a bad mess should it accidentally fall onto the ground.
"You are going to let us see what's inside. I'm not hauling contraband around anywhere; jail doesn't agree with me." Sheska tilts her head toward the cargo box.
While Nareem's desperation has certainly played a part in Sheska's assenting to this, she knows that same desperation might have caused the woman to make poor choices.
Sheska's generosity ended at exactly that point at which it brought woe to her, or any she called companion.
"Trust us fully or not at all."
Bander shrugs, "I'm not sure everything I am carying right now."
Duatha shrugs and heads back to the Inn with his Cousin keeping quiet with his thoughts for the walk.
Sheska chuckles at Bander's remark. "True. But I think any guards at a gate will be a lot more curious about a heavy cargo box than the contents of your pockets."
She looks back at Nareem. "I don't mean to be dramatic. But, understand that knowing what is in the cargo box goes beyond any idle curiosity, for those who propose to travel with it."