If you'll excuse me, I should head back to meet up with my companions.
Gabriele hurries back.
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Well, I would be delighted to escort a fine Lady such as yourself. If you would do me such an honor. Gabriele pauses to admire several passing performers. Sadly, if this man is as boring as you say, there will be little to find out about him before the party this evening.
Gabriele smiles and admires Esmerelda's outfit. Well, I suppose to start...how good with a blade is he? How influential is he in this city? Does he have any connections to...shady...individuals? Family connections perhaps? What sort of rumors surround him. Who was his wife, and how did she and his son die? And finally, how do I get an invitation to this party? He pauses after each question for a response.
Gabriele makes his stop as brief as possible. He checks in, briefly looks through the listings of employers, and moves on. (Unless, of course, anyone interesting is listed.)
Once dressed in his new finery, Gabriele walks down to the plaza to find Duardo. Boy, where is the local Swordsman's Guild Chapterhouse? I need to check in before moving on to enjoying the festival.
Gabriele turns his back to Giuliana and speaks over his shoulder as he leaves the room, You would do well to remember we are not in Vodacce anymore. Watch who you challenge here before you make a fool of yourself again. He pauses at the door and chuckles, And you'll just have to put up with my condescension, I'm afraid. As I don't take orders from the likes of you, nor do I intend for us to fail. Not waiting for a response he leaves and returns to his room to dress and prepare for the day.
Are you two finished blathering on like idiots? Gabriele sighs again. I feel like I'm a nursemaid to children. He gets up from the table calmly. Luciano, you will go to this Don Rios. You will mention you have heard of his famous horses. You will charm him, using what little wit you have, and get him to bring you to his magnificent estate. You will explain that you could not get horses yesterday because of the impending festival. You will further explain that now that the festival has started, that you were hoping to see some of these horses. Perhaps, if you're clever enough, you'll be able to convince the man that you're oh so very excited and can't wait until the end of the festival. Once in the man's confidence, you will learn what you can about the man. If you go to his estate then others will lurk about trying to find out his other secrets. Gabriele smirks, When I said I'd walk you through the scheme, I didn't truly believe that you needed me to. He finally acknowledges Giuliana, And you call for action tonight. The time for action is right now, not tonight. We need to know as much about Don Rios as possible. Luciano can speak to him directly, unlike myself and you others. Some of us will need to search his estate and others will need to find out what else he controls in this town. Do it by charm, wit, guilder...or in your case, since none of these seem to be in supply, blade.
Gabriele sighs, If you recall, we were unable to buy horses yesterday because of the festival. Now you can approach this Don Rios about a horse. Whether at his estate or not, it does not matter. We'll eventually get there. You will not buy the horse on the spot, as this is a fine horse we're talking about. You'll ask to see its trainer, were it lives, and perhaps other horses. Gabriele throws down the rest of his orange in disgust. Now, is there any other part of a basic scheme that I must walk you through?
Gabriele looks exasperated, The man is a Don and sells famous horses. You won't be talking to a stableboy when buying one, you'll be talking to him. But we'll need plenty of money, or he won't have the time for us. Our excuse, since it appears I must supply it, is that you could not find a proper horse in town because of the festival. All we need to do is have an excuse to get on to his estate. From there, we'll figure everything else out.
Gabriele looks puzzled at Luciano's question. Yes...this is why I suggested you go buy a horse from this man.
Gabriele joins them as the discussion begins, It appears that Don Rios is the money behind the scheme, and Alejandro just one of the pawns. He picks up an orange and starts to peel it with a knife. Perhaps you could look into buying one of his famous horses? We'd best find out as much about this man as possible.
I'll take my breakfast in the restaurant. If the tailor arrives with finished outfits have him place them in my room. Gabriele will eventually make his way down to the restaurant for breakfast.
Gabriele smiles at the sight of Esmerelda. Neither. Now I wish to know what you can find out about Don Hernando Rios. I trust you didn't spend all of the guilder I gave you to find out Alejandro captained the ship?
I suppose that information is...useful. Yes, I believe it's time to sleep.
Gabriele nods and smiles to Olivier and Luciano. Well sirs, we got what we came for. Did you and the Lady find anything interesting?
Have it pick us up at the Running Bull. Now, get on with you and have a fine evening. He smiles and sheathes his knife. We'll take the back door, if you don't mind. Gabriele is smiling as he and Gaspar leave the bar. That went as well as we could have hoped. I suppose we should learn more about this Don tomorrow. If he truly sells horses then perhaps Luciano might be interested in one.
Well, I suppose there's no sense in kidnapping you. And I'd really hate to have to kill you. And if you don't collect your money, the Don will be suspicious. He stops to think. Perhaps my friend here will have to accompany you when you do so?
I suppose we could just let you go. What do you know of this Don Hernando Rio?
The dagger leaves the man's neck. I suppose we'll be attending a party tomorrow night. Now...what to do with you?
And I suppose you've already been paid? The point of the dagger presses against the man's neck.
Listen to my friend's questions and answer truthfully. Do not speak otherwise.
Genius is often mistaken for madness. Gabriele smiles as he steps towards Alejandro. We'll need men to overpower the boy's guards. He steps forward again, pulling a large pouch of clinking guilder from his belt. And discretion, of course. He places the pouch on the table before Alejandro and draws his dagger in his left hand. But most of all, discretion. Gabriele steps behind Alejandro and holds the dagger to his throat. I suggest you use that discretion now, and tell my friend everything he wants to know.
Gabriele smiles, Excellent. It seems we might have found our man. What do you think? He says, as he looks at Gaspar.
Gabriele looks to his companion. I suppose this will do. What do you think?
A flash of surprise crosses Gabriele's features as Alejandro introduces himself. I see. He quickly tries to hide it with a smile. Well then, perhaps you shall do just as well. I have need of a fast ship and a brave crew for a dangerous voyage. But perhaps we can speak of this...in private?
Gabriele gathers his winnings with a smile and stands to greet the captain. Ah, I assume you are Benito Torres, the famous Captain of the Sea Bull. Your crew here claims to be the best sailing the seas, and I have need of such a ship.
Gaspar takes a seat with the sailors. It is good to be back home. I spent years in Vodacce, drinking that water they try to pass off as wine. Gabriele laughs, You should have stuck with insulting Vodacce food. At least that I can believe. But I suppose if it makes you feel better to compliment whatever it is that people drink here, so be it. His eyes light up as he sees the cards, Perhaps this night will not be a waste. I wonder, do Castillians dance as well while playing cards as they do with a sword in hand? Gabriele will sit with a florish, place a few coins down on the table. Keep the drinks coming barkeep. I mean to show these men how a Vodacce drinks Castillian wine! He winks at the men, And perhaps give them a chance to win some coin, if they're lucky.
Gabriele chuckles as he watches the men walk out and mutters. It looks like he'll get his wish...hrm...what? Oh, nothing. Gabriele waves his hand and returns his attention to the sailor before him. I see. Well, I suppose I can wait. He places a few guilder on the bar. Barkeep, a round for these men. His smile is wide. Now, what entertainment is planned for this evening? Perhaps my friend here and I can join you and you can convince me of your ship's worth?
Gabriele laughs, That's it? That's your pitch? He looks over his shoulder at Gaspar, You told me the people of your country had more pride in their work! I was ready to hear tall tales of heroism at sea. Very well, perhaps it is his Captain I should speak to after all.
Of course you can, my good friend. I'll be drinking plenty tonight, if the rumors of the skills of this crew hold any truth to them. He turns to the first mate, Marco, is it? Well, First Mate Marco, is it true that the Sea Bull has the finest crew in the seven seas? I'm planning a dangerous trip and only the best will do.
Gabriele whispers over his shoulder to Gaspar, Perhaps a change of plans is in order. The Vodacce approaches the bar with a smile and places a few guilder down, saying loudly, I'm looking for sailors from the Sea Bull. I'm told the ship would be perfect for a trip I have planned and would know whether it's crew could handle the challenge.
I have a feeling that Benito might be able to resist despite himself, given the circumstances. But you are right, his crew will have less self-control. Especially after some alcohol. Gabriele smiles. And Olivier, make sure to get into trouble. I'd hate for this to be too easy.
How would you like to handle this Father? Shall Olivier and I be the dastardly foreigners that wish to track down Torres, and you be the dutiful Castillian priest that wants to warn him? Or shall we all enter the bar together and follow your lead? As they exit the hotel, Gabriele looks around for a moment before spotting Duardo. Boy, I need some directions. A bar named...what was it? The Salty something. Something disgusting. Brew, or ale, or cerveza?
Gabriele almost chokes on his sangria as he laughs, I suppose this is where I say something clever involving guilder and blood, but I've got too much food in me for wit. Have fun on your walk, we'll handle the sailors.
Salty Ale? That sounds...disgusting. Gabriele chuckles and finishes the rest of his glass. As for the ship, just be quiet and don't get caught. I'd hate to have to pay to get the both of you out of a Castillian prison.
Gabriele arrives to the dinner a little late, and greets everyone with a smile. I hope the food is good? He mostly lets the others talk while he eats, sending the sangria pitcher back to be refilled several times over the course of the meal. Once the main course arrives he speaks up. There is a festival to take place in this city. This apparently means horses will be hard to come by until it is over. He takes a long drink from his glass. I have enlisted the aid of a messenger. If you need something sent, just let him know. But please tip him well. He pauses to pop an aceituna into his mouth. I've also hired a...guide. Someone who knows the city and may be able to find out what Benito Torres is up to or where he may hide something. As an afterthought he remarks, Oh, I've also hired a tailor. He seems competent enough and I'm sure he'd be available if anyone else needs a change of dress. Speaking of which, I hope he got your measurements, Olivier?
Gabriele doesn't even blink when she mentions her price and simply tosses her a bag of money. Don't worry, I'm quite accustomed to strange women trying to visit me in the middle of the night.
When the tailor arrives Gabriele greets him with a smile. I'll need several outfits made for this festival of yours. And something new fit to travel in. Feel free to take your time with one or two. Finish the rest quickly, including the traveling outfit. He walks over to his bags and takes out a pouch and throws it to one of the tailor's assistants. A visitor will arrive shortly and I will need to excuse myself. Otherwise you have me to take measurements until dinner. After the tailor is finished taking his measurements he says, I have an associate that will also need a new outfit. Make him something suitable for the festival. He smirks. And as traditionally Castillian as possible. Gabriele gives the tailor the room number of Olivier and sends him on his way. When the young woman arrives, Gabriele quickly steps aside and shuts the door. He doesn't even seem remotely embarrassed by the woman's cleavage, or flustered by her directness. I'm looking for Captain Benito Torres of The Sea Bull. I need to know what...business...he's involved in, where he might hide things that he doesn't want found, and what sorts of people he associates with. Can you do this?
Gabriele smiles, Competence will always be well compensated. Tell this woman she will not be disappointed. He nods to Luciano when the man returns. The more ways we have of finding the boy, the better. Hopefully, Gaspar and Giuliana are having some luck on the docks. Olivier and I will speak to this "guide" and see what we can learn. Tell the others that we will have a dinner waiting. We can all speak about what we've learned then. Of course, it's not necessary for all to return if the trail is hot.
Duardo can fetch the tailor now. We have business, but I'm sure he won't mind waiting if it takes long. Gabriele frowns, We might need horses quicker than that. It's not a given that we'll be staying in town for very long. I certainly hope we will, however our business may take us elsewhere. And swiftly. But very well, that may have to wait. He takes a few coins from a purse, Now, speaking of business...if I needed to find someone in this city, who would I pay? I assume, as a concierge, you are familiar with such people. Their methods are immaterial. I only require results.
Gabriele shrugs, I suppose this place will do. I'll need a tailor sent to my room this evening. Tell Duardo here where one is and he'll go to fetch him. Have your cooks prepare a meal for five. They may choose the food as they see fit. And we're in the market for horses. My friend, Luciano here, wishes a fine Castillian steed. We may not be in town for very long, but don't worry, we'll be sure to spend as much as possible while we're here. He gives the man a wink and a smile.
Indeed. I've heard you have here the best Inn in the city, is this true?
Gabriele walks along with a smile, listening to the boy. I have never seen a bullfight. Perhaps if we'll be here for a while we'll get to see one. This festival also sounds interesting. Though I fear that it may make our task more difficult.
Gabriele laughs aloud, That sounds perfect! I do hope we're here long enough to enjoy it. He tosses his bags to the boy and laughs again. He digs out a Cent and a Guilder. He tosses the cent to the boy, and holds up the Guilder. Show us where this place is, carry those, and you'll have earned more. I may have need for someone to run errands for me while in the city. If you're interested, stick around.
Gabriele sighs as they approach the Dockmaster's office. On second thought, no. Guiliana and Gaspar, handle the Dockmaster. I'm not walking into his office with everyone's luggage, and we don't have the time to waste for us to walk to an Inn and then back here. He frowns and continues, Furthermore, the reason I wanted Gaspar to speak to him was so that we don't end up paying every last Guilder we have. If a Dockmaster sees two nobles, and foreign ones at that, walk through his door, then we'll be bled dry for any information, no matter how innocuous it may seem. He walks past the Dockmaster's office without another word and stops one of the children, speaking to them in Castillian. Boy, what's the best Inn in this city?
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