"There" - Zak nodded as they managed to get the box onto the wagon again.
"So as far as you are aware, your 'friend' is moving these metal rods, but not the stones underneath?" - he adds to Nareem - "Or he simply did not tell you about them?"
"One way or another, now we know it is there" - the minotaur continues, replacing the stones in their place, as well as the false bottom, and the bars on top - "And it seems we are all ready to go"
Nareem snifs at Torin. If i had my wagon available, i would have, good dwarf. axle was being repaired.
Nareem looks hard at Zak, her brow pinching together in deep thought. I-he-um... she bits her lip, and her face darkens. it could be only two things. He may not have been aware, or he was aware and didnt tell me. Once i see him again, he and I will have words! she makes a fist and shakes it a couple times.
after loading the wagon, Nareem embraces everyone with firm, full bodied hugs. Oh I cannot thank you enough for doing this for me! You are really helping to save my business! thank you so much! thank you thank you thank you! she says, kneeling down and embracing Bander the most and kissing him upon both cheeks.
Now, when you get to Palanthas, seek out the trader Joram. He owns the company Joram and son. He has a small office located along the waterfront of Palanthas. He is the man who is purchasing this from me. He will give you the payment, and all you have to do is simply return here and i shall give you your payment as well. I am expecting 5000 gps for this exchange. Again i cannot thank you enough for helping me with this!
With everything done and all the proper farewells finished, Fuma drives the wagon to the tavern to pick up the remaining group members.
Sheska fits her bedroll and sack of extra rations on the wagon bed and then starts walking just to the right of the wagon.
"And we're off!" she exclaims gleefully.
"Let's get this show on the road."
Torin packs up his mule and ties her lead to the back of the wagon.
Fitting his weapons, armor and backpack, Zak lumbers alongside his companions.
Duatha finishes his meal and when the wagon arrives he grins a bit, happy to finally be away from here and back once more towards his ultimate destination.
---
The sun, having crossed the overhead and now makes its descent upon the horizon to the west, casts ever growing shadows upon everyone and everything as the party begins its trek north towards Palanthas. The land beyond the walls of Solanthus transforms from that of city that of a rural landscape. Farms and fields bordered by short and thin stone walls dot the countryside. Here and there, a ditch crosses through the farmlands, helping to provide water management.
And yet, the further north you travel away from Solanthus, the farms grow fewer and fewer. the stone walls denoting property lines disappear, and instead trees with ribbons wrapped around them provide landmarks for property boundaries.
the jingle of the bells hung upon the harnesses of the mules chime and tinkle, providing background noise to the group as you all walk north.
"I really don't mind walking until I fall into my bedroll. I want to sleep under the stars. It's gorgeous out here, the further we go out from that city."
Sheska smiles and looks around at the others.
"Agreed, further is better".
Fuma drives the wagon and finding an appropriate spot when the day ends to let them all camp out.
"I am fine either way" - Zak comments when the conversation comes up.
the roadside inn. A common feature found upon main routes within the lands of Solamnia. Dating back to Pre-cataclysm days, the humble roadside inn is a testament to the importance that Solamnia places upon ensuring security with trade. Rather than allowing traders to go it alone in the wilderness between points, the roadside inn has become a mainstay on roadway travel upon Solamnia roads and highways. Usually found at 10 mile intervals (although, some routes have them at 20 mile intervals), no matter how far you have to go, the possibility of a warm bed and a hot meal awaits you on the road.
A large Inn, with a tavern, dining hall, kitchen, and small bath area comprising the lower level, with rooms and suites on the upper level make up the main structure. Upon the grounds of the inn is also a stables, for horses, mules, and other beasts of burden to be housed over night, and a large staging area for wagons to be kept over night. Surrounding the grounds is usually a wall of some sort. wood is common, but at some of the finer, or more insecure, locations, one will find stone walls. And, on occasion, one will also find a small security force that helps keeps the inn and the travelers safe from wanton bandits and outlaws.
The rusty windlass Zak reads aloud, his nautical nature twinging as he sees the sign hanging upon a sign post, with the image of two ropes tied into a sheepshank knot.
Knowledge Local -
The rusty windlass. One mile. Zak reads aloud, his nautical nature twinging as he sees the sign hanging upon a post, with the image of a rope tied into a sheepshank knot.
Next inn isnt for another 10 miles...and it'll be dark by the time we reach it. Fuma says to everyone, making easy work at driving the wagon.
Then let's stop here for the night. We can ask the innkeeper or bar maid if the next Inn is indeed 10 miles or more from here. Torin says, standing next to the wagon, his hand resting easy upon the buckboard.
Everyone nods or gives some acknowledgement to Torin's statement.
The mile is covered with ease, and the sun is kissing the horizon as the group comes upon the Rusty Windlass.
As is true to the roadside inns, it is indeed 2 stories tall, windows illuminated by candles standing upon the sill. A couple of torches are lit, bathing the area in front of the front doors, and around the stable with light. arranged in neat rows of 3 are 15 wagons. Horses and mules wander the corral, nipping at low grass, and other unseen things.
Fuma guides the mules into the area where a girl comes running out, mud smeared upon her face, a stark contrast to the bright smile she gives out to everyone.
Huh-oH! 'usty Win'lasd in! she stilts out. She looks at Fuma and holds up a hand, showing the number 3 to the paladin. It takes a moment for you to realize that youre not sure if she is holding up the number three, or something else, due to the lack of thumb and pointer finger upon her hand. Sahble! HA-HA-HA-HAHA she barks out in an off key tone, and then she laughs loudly.
"You will have to repeat that again child" - Zak steps forward, now speaking louder and slower - "This.is.the.Rusty.Windlass.yes? We.seek.stabling.and.accomodation!" - he points at himself and his companions, then nods expectantly.
"Stable 3?" He points to the wagon. "Fer her."
Fuma takes a moment to consider her words remembering her times in the slave camps where people couldn't speak properly due to one reason or another..
She nods and move to drive the wagon towards the aforementioned stable 3.
She makes sure to unhitch the horses, bring them in to feed and water as well as to rub them down after placing the wagon in a proper place.
the child smiles an innocent smile. She points at the wagon, and then at the other wagons. she then points at the mules and at Zak, and points to the stables. Sahble! HAHA-HA-HA-HA She then points at everyone else and points her 3 fingers at the inn. 'usty Win'lasden
she does this a couple more times as Fuma guides the wagon to its parking spot. The little girl walks up to Zak, reaching high to take his hand into her tiny grip. She tugs and continues to make the haha-ha-ha-ha-ha noise, attempting to guide Zak to the stables.
Zaern! Zaern where are you? a voice shouts out from behind the inn. a woman steps around the corner, and sees the young girl attempting to lead zak to the stables.
Dont mind her, please. she's just a bit....slow. the lady says simply as she gapes at the minotaur, then sees the two elves, and the dwarf....and then the kender! Oh gods of darkness take me now! not two of them! she says to the heavens above.
There is a slight frown of annoyance crossing Zak's muzzle once he realizes the girl is mistaking him with a donkey, or some other pack animal...
He snorts loudly but then seems to relax, turning to the woman - "No need to worry" - he comments in a deep, rumbling voice - "I imagine minotaurs are not a common sight around here" - the warrior adds, then leans down to Zaern, pointing a finger at her - "You are Zaern" - then a thumb at himself - "I am Zak"
the woman purses her lips at Zak, her eyes growing cold. They were 3 years ago during the war...and they werent exactly friendly. She looks at Zaern for a long moment, memories resurfacing.
suddenly she brightens up, her head given a shake to clear the bad.Ach! where are my manners? I am Lullian na'Soth, wife to Huroan na'Soth, owner of this here roadside inn. I see that you have already figured out where the wagons and the animals go. It's the standard 3 silver a night to store the wagon. and 2 silver for feeding the animals. We did just get in some oats and barly. Zaern will feed the animals, not to worry. upon hearing her name, Zaern begins to to the haha-ha-ha-ha-ha noise again. She tugs some more on Zaks hand, attempting to pull him to the stables. ZZZZ! ZZZZZ! zaern says as if in recognition to what Zak is saying.
Lullian shoos off Zaern to the stables, and leads the group inside the inn. the outside may be different due to regional availability of materials, but the inside pretty much all the same.
you walk into the large front room, wood walls, flooring, exposed ceiling joists, wood tables, benches, chairs, bartop, barstools, everything is made of wood. Stained dark from varnish and oils to protect the surfaces, and from the daily use of travelers, all of the woods give off a dark brown warmth that is associated with these types of inns. While not the most comfortable of places to be, at the end of the day of long walking or riding, its a pleasent comfort to be inside this location.
the common room itself, while not empty, isnt full either. 3 groups of people sit apart, talking amongst themselves. One group looks to be a small band of mercenaries from the way they are dressed. armed and armored, they sit on the backside of the room, drinking and gambling, rolling dice and laughing.
the second group more in the middle of the room, appear to be magic users, or, at the very least, one of them is, as she wears black robes. the other two, men, a human and elf, sit next to her, talking, hunched over a book of some kind.
the third group is an eclectic bunch. travelers, like yourself, you have to assume. 2 humans, a dwarf, and a kender, sit at the bar (the kender sits upon a box on a chair to be even with the bar height).
and thats when uncle tasselhoff slide down the hair from Solanari into the Schallsea! the trio sitting to the side of the kender chuckles kindly and continue to sip their drinks.
upon your entry, heads from these groups turn and look at you, assessing you, before returning to whatever they were doing before.
please, help yourself to a table. I'll bring out some basic foods for you to nibble on until we can cook you a proper meal for the night. Lullian says as she sweeps through the room and into the back doors beyond, the sounds of banging and chopping sounding faintly upon the air as the doors close behind her.
Duatha nudges Sheska and nods to the Black Robe.
He takes a seat at the table to take a load off of his feet. Much as he wishes to read the book to be delivered to the Great Library, he knows to wait until the group has their own private room to do so. For now, he is content to wait, after all, as an Elf, he has many centuries to live and is not as impulsive as the humans and other short lived races.
In the first few moments he walked in Bander's frantic mind and attention twitched from table to table. "Dice . . . their playing a game." He points obviously and loudly, "Black robed bunch are they wizards the look like wizards. Aren't the black robed wizards evil. I mean does where robes MAKE you evil. Seems like should have to Do something." He hears the mention of Uncle Tasselhoff and his head turns, "Uncle Tasselhoff . . . have you met him. I never met him but I have heard some of the stories." He smiles at the other Kender, "Hiya I am Bander, Bander Drunkensquirrel."
Bander looks back at the rest of the group, "And some of you wanted to just camp out. This place is gonna be fun."
Torin surveys the common room before taking a seat. He tries to keep his back to a wall and keeps and eye out for trouble.
"I don't expect we'll run into any problems here, but it's best keep the details of our business to ourselves. Oh, and everyone keep an extra eye on your coin purses. Double the kender means double the hands in pockets where they don't belong."
"Where will we be leaving the cargo?" - Zak inquires before everyone goes inside.
Fuma enters the tavern though she thinks about the child, Zaern. Catching wind of the stories, she grins.
"My master used to tell me stories and some of them had this Tasselhoff in it as well." she smiles.
She continues looking around.
"I wonder how that child is...." she muses.
"Miss Nobane? Where is the cargo?" - Zak questions the paladin as she passes him by into the inn.
Fuma Blinks as Zak poses his question.
"It should be still in the wagon. Do we have to bring it down as well?" she asks.
The kender at the bar spins around on the stool and looks at Bander in surprise and glee. speaking loudly, Pleased to meet you Bander! Im Fitz! Fitz Nawhen! The kender slips off of the bar stool and walks up to Bander, embracing him.[/b] Met him? Uncle Tasselhoff? Well, he is my uncle! three times removed on my cousins fathers brothers great uncles nephew roommate! Great kender! Did you know he once shaved the mane off of a griphon?![/b]
Hearing the loudness from bander at the door, and the following loud exchange, the black robed wizard and her companions all turn and look angrily at the two kenderkin. The woman turns her gaze towards the rest of the group, and inspects each person, her eyes picking up the minute flaws upon the clothing, body, and even, the soul. her gaze lingers longest upon Duatha and Sheska, a heaviness to it as she picks up the hints that mages can see upon others that weild the Craft. her two companions look at everyone as well, and yet just look over duatha and sheska without recognition.
The mercanaries, also drawn away from their dice game turn and look at the doorway. The take in the sight of the Minotaur, and fix their gaze upon him. The two with their backs to the door spin their chairs loudly around in place, their attention fully upon the tall creature filling the doorway asking about cargo.
I know i asked for my steak to be rare, but this is too much! one of the men says to another, and the entire group laughs, although mirth is far from their eyes...
Zak takes a look at the man offering the comment, but has other issues to sort for now...
Fuma Blinks as Zak poses his question.
"It should be still in the wagon. Do we have to bring it down as well?" she asks.
"I do not think it makes any sense to leave it unguarded" - the minotaur replies to his companion - "Otherwise it can simply be stolen"
Duatha nods respectfully to the Black Robe though he makes no further move or gesture.
The speech by the mercenaries causes no response form the Elf, if the Minotaur wishes to fight certainly he will back him but he supposes the Minotaur is used to suffering such fools among Humans.
He calls for the wait staff and asks for Elven Wine and a light dinner of salads with some seasoned chicken.
While waiting he turns to Sheska, "My dear, would you mind if I peruse your own tome for a spell that I may find of interest while we await our rooms to be prepared? I meant to ask in the wagon ride today but was sidetracked by deep thoughts."
Bander looks at his own item in Fitz's hand, "Isn't that a thing." He smiles.
Bander sort of looses balance a moment not quite able to get at an interesting bauble that Fitz has.
"Really. I had a friend back home who used to make his boots. He shaved a Griphon. I never heard that one. I do know that he once pulled a thorn out of a displacer beast's paw. They became great friends."
He leans in to the other Kender as the black robed wizards look their way. He whispers, "They look sad. And a little angry. SMAD. Its sad and mad. Smad." the Kender gafaws at his new word.
"It took 3 of us to load it into the wagon but perhaps you are right and I should go stand guard over it then." she turns and exits the Inn, heading towards the stables.
Duatha raises an eyebrow as Fuma exits, "She cannot do this all night and be fresh for the next day. We should take turns and do it in groups of two. There are enough of us all for this to take place and be fresh for the next day's travel".
"I will grab us something to eat and drink, and then I will join you" - Zak nods at Fuma, his initial idea reinforced by Duatha's words.
Then he steps inside, takes a good look around, and heads toward the men who had spoken before, pausing by their table - "If you want to insult a minotaur, then you will compare him or her to a beast of burden" - he speaks calmly - "Even if you were being but an ignorant simpleton before, now you are informed. If you insult me again, I will act accordingly" - he finishes with a snort - "My name is Zak, if you find the need to address me again"
He waits for a retort, and if none is forthcoming, Zak heads to the counter to order food for him and Fuma.
Fitz doesnt catch Bander "borrowing" an item from one of his pouches. Oh yes! i found it! i think you dropped it. looks like its your Flint and steel pouch. great thing. Good thing i found it for you because if you had lost it here, and you were on the road, how would you have started a fire? Youdve been sitting there, dumping your packs on the ground, sifting through everything looking for it, and itd be cold, food uncooked, and youd have no fire and- leaning in close, he nods at bander. Yes. they do look smad hehehe you know, i hear that them wizards folks have sorts of fun and interesting things in their pouches. maybe She lost something? Should we ask her if she needs help finding it?
one of the mercenaries, glaring at Zak as the minotaur speaks, stands up quickly. But before he can say anything, another of the mercenaries suddenly seems to materialize in the space between Man and Minotaur. Easy Chahlen. Easy. You really want to waist your effort upon this beast? There's no honor in such an easy kill. Come now. Sit down, drink your beer. Roll some dice. Here, in fact, you can take some of my winnings and play out for you and me. I'll see to it that the bovine doesnt disturb you for the rest of the night.
Chahlen glares at the man, and then up at Zak, and finally back down to the man. Of course Grenk, of course. Your right. Would be a waste. Plus, no women around to impress. although...there was one... in armor... he scratches at his chin, a smirk upon his face. he looks around, and puzzlement shows upon his face. whered she go? she was just there, at the door...
Chahlen pats Grenk upon the shoulder and sidesteps the man. Fine. more fun to be had elsewhere anyways. He gives Zak a wide berth, and leaves the room through the front entry.
The man, Grenk, turns and watches Chahlen leave the room. Zak, was it? Usually id offer an apology on behalf of one of my companions, but Chahlen there...well, he's an ass. a bit full of himself. To be honest, if he was brought down a few pegs, I wouldnt hear anything. just dont kill him. While we here think he's an ass, he's our ass. lacking socialble skills, he makes up for in a fight. reaching up, palm open, Grenk gently touches the side of Zaks arm and nudges zak to the bar. If i may, allow me, and the rest of my squad here, an opportunity to pay for your meal here tonight, for Chalen's ineloquent affront.
the rest of the group finds an open table and sits down. A serving lady comes up to the table and provides mugs and a couple pitchers of beer for the travelers to quench their thirst upon. She smiles at everyone We have a hearty stew thats been simmering all day. the chuck is real tender right now, and the sauce will stick to your ribs for the next three days. The bread, baked this morning, is a bit firmed up, but still delicious. we have a wonderful fruit salad, a vegetable medley, and even some fresh fish caught by Farmer mago.
[spoiler=Fuma] You return back to the wagon, and settle in to sitting on the wagon buck seat, the sounds of the horses and mules in the stables neighing and hawing. Lit torches, hung at random locations throughout the yard cast an uneven light in the area, as strange shapes in shadow form flicker and fold, making for slightly interesting visuals.
All is quiet for a few minutes until the sounds of someone walking around the wagons filters into your ears. the distinct clink and clack of metal gently hitting each other indicates someone wearing armor. The noise comes from behind you, and seems to be walking down the aisle between the wagons. And from every indication, it isnt attempting to be quiet. And yet, you havent lived this long without being cautious. Your hand slips slowly, deliberately to your sword, and you pause, waiting. You dont have to wait long until the shape resolves into that of a man, wearing armor, one of those armored men at the back of the room you think to yourself, vaguely recalling specific features. He walks past, glancing up at you, looking away, and then spins in surprise! Where there was nothing in his hands moments before, he now holds two daggers reversed in his grip.
WOW! youre sitting there! Wasnt expecting to find you there! oh wow! sorry! here, let me just... he sheathes his blades back on his sword belt.
Sorry. Sooo....how you doing?
Duatha orders the fish and awaits Sheska's response to his request though he does keep an eye on the situation with Zak. It's as if these fools do not realize that the Minotaur is here with allies.
Duatha leans into Aeleni,
"Ale and the stew will suit me fine."
Torin is content to keep a low profile and not announce the party's business to the whole common room. He keeps his attention divided between the minotaur and the kender, watching for any serious trouble brewing.
Her hand still on the hilt of her blade, Fuma moves to ensure that there is nothing to her back except the wagon seat as she looks the man up and down.
She was certain he was one of the men back at the bar but as to what he was doing here, she had no clue.
"Guarding what needs to be guarded." she answers still wary of this men. Their type she knew too well during her slave days, they always tried to be smooth and when they fail or succeed, they reveal their true colors.
Zak snorted audibly as this individual - this Chahlen passed him by. He had not moved when the ruffian stood up quickly, but those paying close attention would have seen his neck muscles tightening like cords.
The man, Grenk, turns and watches Chahlen leave the room. Zak, was it? Usually id offer an apology on behalf of one of my companions, but Chahlen there...well, he's an ass. a bit full of himself. To be honest, if he was brought down a few pegs, I wouldnt hear anything. just dont kill him. While we here think he's an ass, he's our ass. lacking socialble skills, he makes up for in a fight. reaching up, palm open, Grenk gently touches the side of Zaks arm and nudges zak to the bar. If i may, allow me, and the rest of my squad here, an opportunity to pay for your meal here tonight, for Chalen's ineloquent affront.
The minotaur stood watching for a few more moments after the man left, then nodded to this other one - Grenk - "There is no need" - he replied - "You do not need to assume the responsibility for this Chahlen fellow. I will accept an ale as courtesy, and before the night is over I will pay one round for you and yours also" - he allowed himself to be nudged toward the bar - "Why would there be any killing in a bar brawl - where is the valor in that?" - the large warrior shrugged.
Apart from the drink paid by the stranger, Zak will order two large servings of stew and vegetable medley, bread, and two extra ales - "I will be taking this to share with my companion outside. She is tending to the horses" - he explains to the serving lady at the bar, and Chahlen.
The merc looks you up and down, a smile touching his lips. its obvious that this man is really, really liking what he sees. Guarding huh? Pretty little thing like you playing guard? Well, i suppose i could sit out here and keep you company. Could swap stories about where we've been, where we're going, thoughts about the return of the gods, what youd like for breakfast tomorrow...you know, simple topics to pass the time. the man, while speaking, slowly steps forward, coming to about 5 feet away.
The serving lady nods at the orders and sweeps away into the kitchens.
Bander looks at Fitz, "I don't know they look all kinds of fastid . . . fastiti . . . you know like they keep detailed records of things." His eyes narrow, "But now I want to see." He looks around, "For whatever reason, I mean its like they never saw kenderkin before, everyone keeps looking over at us. Let's look for a good moment." He taps his foot a few times, "Waiting is so boring."
Fuma glares at the man as he attempts to move forward.
"Step away or I'll be forced to use my blade on you. Kindly remove yourself from my presence since I do not think you're here with any good intentions. Besides you wanted to 'eat' my companion. His hide too thick for you?" she smirks as she remembers where she's seen this man.
the fighter steps backwards a few more steps, his hands lowering to his sides. He just shakes his head wouldve been fun... he turns and walks away, headed back to the bar.
As zak walks out of the bar, his hands full, he dodges quickly around Chahlen, who doesnt even register that Zak is standing in his way. The man is muttering stupid woman, not knowing a good thing to come her way, who in Takhisis' name does she think she is? turning down me down like that. oh i bet- the muttering cuts off as the door closes behind him.
The man who left earlier comes back in, muttering to himself and sitting with his companions. He picks up his drink and downs it, and then downs three other drinks on the table too. Stupid whore. i'll show her.
ENough Chahlen! Go to bed. NowGrenk orders.
Chahlen looks at Grenk, anger flashing upon his face. He looks up, and stares at the room. He looks around, seeing everyone, and finally, his gaze falls upon Bander and Fitz. A murderous glare fills his face. Sure, ill go to bed...after i put someone to sleep.
He marches around the table and bears down upon the two kender, his hand reaching down and pulling out a long bladed knife.