Fudrick attempts to his honor their host with an awkward bow. "Please forgive my feeble attempts at honoring you Morah. I hope the act of showing honor is more than enough to make up for my clumsiness." Fudrick takes the seat offered to him. Once they have all dined on the delicious food he listens to what Morah has to say before continuing.
With the offering of food, Yrar's suspicion quickly diminishes. He shows the crew what a Half-Orc's appetite can accomplish.
With the offering of food, Yrar's suspicion quickly diminishes. He shows the crew what a Half-Orc's appetite can accomplish.
We're all eating.
Where has all the paranoia gone?
We're all full.
Where has all the paranoia gone?
We've become so trusting.
When will we ever learn?
When will we ever learn?
Fazaam tries to reign in his flamboyant personality, not wishing to be seen as attempting to steal the 'limelight' from their host. And having seen that the wily Shulim and the clever Marwan are far better at pleasing and gracious conversation than he is, Fazaam is more than happy to allow them to carry the conversation with Morah. This also allows him more time to concentrate on keeping Hasan from becoming bored and wandering off!
Marwan seats himself next to Morah.
"You honor me noble Morah! If I should ever take pen ro parchment to record my life's adventures like the great Rasmullah you and your noble crew will receive my highest praises!"
Marwan settles in, his eyes lighting up at the chicken being served. He tucks in with the enthusiasm only a large man can bring to the table.
"So, I understand you know a little of Musushlat from the crew. I have been there once or twice. Perhaps I can help too in some small way or another?" He munches down on orange, spitting out bits of skin into a silvered bowl, delicately.
"After all, it is a nest of snakes that place and it is easy to get bitten and swallowed."
He continues chewing on the orange.
Fudrick takes quick look at his friends as they are contemplating Morah's words. "What kind of help are you offering Morah?"
"After all, it is a nest of snakes that place and it is easy to get bitten and swallowed."
He continues chewing on the orange.
Ghari squirms on the cushion, an ingrained desire to remain as unobtrusive as possible in the presence of authority, fighting with the desire to scream, "tell us everything that will help". He is just about to speak when ...
Fudrick takes quick look at his friends as they are contemplating Morah's words. "What kind of help are you offering Morah?"
Ghari sinks back into the cushions in relief.
"I have brought you this far, it would be a shame if I left you to your wishes without at least offering to give you the benefit of my experience and knowledge on the Pit."
He looks down and around at the plates, waving for more to replace the empty ones. Smacking his lips he smiles at Fudrick, "Of Course, sometimes it is hard to know what to eat first?"
He turns to the others with an arched eyebrow. "Or what to tell you. What do you need?"
He turns to the others with an arched eyebrow. "Or what to tell you. What do you need?"
Ghari squirms uncomfortably.
"You have already given us much mighty Morah," Shulim says, "Your kindness won't soon be forgotten. I only hope dis favor you'd have us do will be ample payment. But please, you are a wise and knowing man, a man who likely has contacts in many places, please tell us what you wish ta share, and we'll do whatever we can ta see that yer words aren't wasted."
Marwan finishes eating for a bit and delicately wipes his chin.
"I think, noble Morah, that perhaps it is what YOU would deem important for us to know is the meat of the problem. We here are but neophytes when it comes to a decadent port like Musushlat. Are there taverns we should frequent? NOT frequent? Who are the real players in the town's halls of power? Where can reliable information be obtained? These are just a few things my poor brain could think as important, but such a sage as yourself could probably name several dozen other pearls of wisdom that would benefit us."
Marwan pats his ample belly and belches appreciatively.
"By the Navigator's Compass that was a fine meal, noble Morah! Once again my compliments on this ship of heavenly delights you call the Sailor's Dream!
Anxiety and frustration build in Ghari. Even as SHulim speaks, Ghari jerks to his feet Without thinking and blurts out, "We need to know everything!" As eyes swivel his way, he stops, drops his head a little, and looks both ways, obviously embarrassed.
"Tha- Tha- That is to say.... Pardon me, Morah, ship-master. I am a poor man, son of a poor man. When the pirates took my sister Temusa, they took all the wealth I had and took as much from Fazaam."
He squares his shoulders up, lifts his head and looks around.
"Our companions are good men, who merely for the sake of justice agreed to help rescue her. Shulim, Fudrick and Fazaam are speakers born. But perhaps I, tied to this affair by the blood of my sister should speak now."
"I don't think any of us have been here before and the crew of the Sea Harem is a hard-bitten lot, thieves and murderers, pirates all. It will be a desperate venture to succor my sister. Even if we succeed, we must be able to evade Zerea's vengence, which will fall on us like a star thrown from the sky."
"You, Morah, are a man of great experience and judgement. If you know anything of the hazards Zerea may present, tell us, I beseech you. If you know if we may find any worthies here to be trusted to help us, tell us, I beseech you. If you know how we might escape once we have Temusa, tell us, I beseech you."
"Else you have carried us here for nought."
Yrar, very content after several helpings, loses his restraint after a very inspiring Ghari speaks up. "Yeah, and I'd like to know the best way to smash a sea witch."
Fazaam gently places a hand on his friend's shoulder and smiles.
"Ghari, warrior of the woods. Body of a bear, soul of a poet." He laughs.
"My friend wears his emotions on his sleeves master Morah, but his heart is in the right place. I believe that there are few things in this world stronger than a man's love for his family. And I wouldn't want to be standing between him and Zerea when we catch up to her!" He grins infectiously.
The elf then claps his friend on the shoulder again, far harder this time. "Of course, that means he would have to beat me to her first!"
"Master Morah, I would hope that any information you have on Musashlat would be most welcome. I think knowing things like powerful individuals to talk to, or avoid, and the most likely places that a person like Zerea would stay or people that she might have dealings with would all be useful information."
"Personally, having heard a multitude of stories regarding the powers of Zerea, but having witnessed none myself, I am very interested in discovering if the stories are true. And if so, what her true abilities are. And more importantly, how to defend against them."
Morah nods at Ghari's impassioned speech and then smiles again.
"I have this which may help." He passes to the nearest, Marwan, a scroll. "It is a rough map of the place."
Morah sits back to ponder the many questions asked of him. "I do not know Zerea. But I do know someone you ask this of in there."
"Yes, speak to Sormash. I used to know him well although we haven't met for a few years. Do you wish for me to write you a letter of introduction to him?"
Morah thinks on, "go to the souk and temples for more information. Remember that the place is a nest with fighters and worse backing various councillors, traders and captains, all trying to gain more power and force others out. Watch out at night for the press gangs and mercenaries. It may be necessary to sign for one of the leaders, because they hate seeing someone sitting on the fence, can be good protection. Then again if you pick the wrong one, you may regret it fast."
Morah moves the wine in his chilled glass around. "I stayed in the Roc, but that is expensive and high up, you need to find somewhere out of the way. Cheaper."
"Also Alif and some of the crew have asked that I pay you all something for helping in the storm, saving that man."
"Here are six potions of the sea. They will allow you to swim and breathe underwater. Each is good for an hour. They should help you save Zerea." He hands over to Marwan a small wooden box, with six sealed vials in it. The box is marked with a cresting wave.
Morah looks about and notices the crates. "They may give you a good reason to be in the Pit. Use them for trade and make some money. I have no need of such items. What else do you need?"
Marwan bows from his sitting position
"Truly, noble Morah, when I have thought you have done all that a host could possibly do you once again exceed my wildest expectations!" he cries
"May Najm Himself lay his hand upon you tiller as you travel the Blue Road, and may Krakis the Briny One cradle your ship as if it were a babe in arms! With these potions and your wisdom together I feel that you have assured our victory over our foe. Praise Najm!"
His inner turmoil relieved by the outburst, Ghari subsides on the cushions, hopefully to let wiser more eloquent heads guide the conversation. He takes some meat to keep his mouth busy.
"Thank you Morah. I will seek out this 'Sormash' and ask him. A letter of introduction would be most appreciated. Thank you." The elf bows his head to Morah in gratitude.
He has another helping as the conversation continues, chewing thoughtfully. At a lull in the conversation he speaks again.
"Forgive me Master Morah, but I just had a thought." He looks at the others in the group. "I think perhaps we are asking the wrong questions my friends. What we need to know is, if the crew we met on the beach was right, and the Sea-Witch Zerea has teamed up with a Dark Sorcerer,... then what or who does she seek in Musashlat, and why?" He asks with an unusually serious look on his face.
Shulim nods and mumbles his thanks along with the others, but his eyes are watching everything now, and his ears strain to take in every nuance. Shulim was trained as a beguiler and he studied how to manipulate people, but one thing any rogue or enchanter strives to master is how to read people, and figuring out what people want is the key to making them do what you need . . . Shulim knows that Morah has been playing the group for some time now (giving us exactly what we want), now Shulim believes he's very close to discovering what Morah really wants. Shulim wonders if the request will be bold or buried is smooth sweet sounding words? Shulim's is on the edge of his seat with anticipation.
The cleaver gnome appreciates that he's watching a master at work.
"I am be wrong but Fazaam would it not be likely that she wishes to meet with her mistress, Venemati. She who is one of the Council and a very dangerous woman."
"However she will have enemies among the Council. There is a well known merchant, Castille of Cressimorn, who I have heard of. Above them when I last visited the port was the Lord "Queen Latallah" but she has probably been killed by now."
I forgot that Shulim doesn't have any ranks in sense motive, I like the pathfinder approach that has sense motive and bluff folded into a new skill called deception.
'hmmm,' Shulim thinks, 'is dat 'is real goal, da lady Venemati? Or is he after someting else? Why he throw da name Queen Latallah if he don't want to plant a seed somewhere? Mayhaps it be a false lead. I know he's a tricky one. I just hope dat da oders are listening proper.'
"You mean ta say dat der be a even more fearsome lady fer us ta fear o'mighty Morah?" Shulim asks, looking to see if the man shows his motives.
Shulim
Morah nods, "true, Master Shulim."
"However she will have enemies among the Council. There is a well known merchant, Castille of Cressimorn, who I have heard of. Above them when I last visited the port was the Lord "Queen Latallah" but she has probably been killed by now."
"Noble Morah, why was this 'Queen Latallah' marked for death? And perhaps you know of why this merchant Castille is their enemy? What are the feuds we have to watch for? This port sounds like the Shoals of Harrow on dry land!"
"Political conflicts are fairly common, even among more civilized societies. And I get the impression that Musashlat barely qualifies as civilized to most polite society. I suspect that here the political in-fighting is merely more open than most. Probably with emphasis on the 'fighting'."
The dashing elf strokes his narrow chin as though stroking a goatee. "Perhaps this can work to our advantage. If Zerea already has powerful enemies in Musashlat, all we may need to do is forge an alliance, or at least a temporary partnership, with this matron and our work is half done. This has the added benefit of what noble Morah suggested earlier, and aligning us with a powerful patron while we are there."
"Perhaps we could carry it farther. Perhaps we may be able to find all of the groups that dislike Zerea and/or her patron, and convince them all that now is the time to strike. That should make quite the diversion for a rescue I would think!" The elf smiles, obviously pleased with his own cleverness.
"The Lord is always marked for death. None last more than a few years."
Morah nods again at Fazaam's ideas and grins, "but do not become the scapegoat. There would be much hate for you."
There is a loud splosh behind the party, as an anchor is thrown over board and already the crew are beginning to unlash a small boat. Looking out, there is a thick jungle waiting not three hundred yards away. Its thin golden beach stretches endlessly either way.
Dishdash and Ocelor go down to help with the work.
Morah rubs down his robes to clean off any crumbs. Then he hands Marwan a scroll tube. "There is your introduction. But be careful who you show it to, for I am not well liked in Musushlat."
Marwan accepts the introduction from Morah.
"Thank you noble Morah. may Najm bless you and your family to the ninth generation for the generosity you have shown us."
"A thousand thanks for the swift voyage Lord Morah. And for the invaluable information." Fazaam adds to Marwan's effusive praise as he rolls up the map after one last glance.
"Now we have a chance for a swift and successful rescue!"
The frail elf stands and bows to Morah. "You have carried out your end of our bargain with alacrity and generosity noble Morah. I only hope that when we return we can repay you in kind. Shall we find you where we first met to complete our bargain?"
Fazaam claps Ghari on the shoulder. "Come on Ghar, Temura will have sharp words for both of us if we let her stay in her current predicament a moment longer than necessary!" He grins.
Fazaam claps Ghari on the shoulder. "Come on Ghar, Temura will have sharp words for both of us if we let her stay in her current predicament a moment longer than necessary!" He grins.
"Aye, Fazaam. Perhaps if you stop holding me down, I'll rise faster." Ghari smiles back.
Turning to their host, Ghari bows deeply. "Morah, ship-master, a thousand thanks for all your aid and advice. Have you one more word for us?"
"Only that I wish you all well. You shall need it." Morah inclines in head to Fazaam and then shakes it.
"No, I cannot help you with a way out. I have business in the north. You are on your own in the Pit. But who knows maybe we will run into each other again?"
The boat is lowered away and many of the crew gather on deck expectantly. Captain Alif comes over and murmurs gently, "time to go."
The group can see Lorn and Sexinon waiting. Also Ocelor and Tenimith are there too. Beyond that waits Dishdash and his cronies. The sun is high in the sky and out from under the silk awning, there is a growing warmth on the day.
The cool jungle awaits.
Marwan circulates among the crew he got to know during the voyage, saying his goodbyes. He emphatically thanks Sexinon for her prayers with him during the voyage. He climbs nimbly down to the waiting boat and peers expectantly at the new vista before him.
Marwan
"Tank ye wise Morah fer all your help, ya forgot ta mention dat favor doe. Perhaps ye better ask now in case tings gets sticky in town."
Shulim listens to Morah's words carefully, sticking close to the man in case he wants to say a word in private, and supposing that he has nothing more of significance to say Shulim wishes him luck with his business to the north and continued good luck and fortune for him and his granddaughter.
Shulim quickly makes his way through the crew and says his goodbyes to Lorn and Sexinon.
"Later Lorn ye old dog," Shulim says to the dwarven cook, "can't say I exactly enjoyed my time wit ye, but I can promise yer secret recipes is safe wit me. Also I can promise ye O'Shulim is never gonna complain about da food again . . . dat's hard work dat is!"
"Later Lov," Shulim says to the gnome priest as he gives her a peck on the cheek, "I hopes we cross paths again, but maybe wit out da rug rat. She's a cutie but she's far too young ta witness any proper kissin' and courting."
"The favour can wait. For now. I've said and given you everything that may help and I am sure that my favour will be paid in full. You are honest crew."
Morah lets Shulim go with the rest. When he kisses Sexinon's cheek, she seems a little upset. "Do you have to go?" she adds looking at Shulim, Yrar and the rest.
Lorn on the other hand grins wide at the gnome's sally and hands over a small hard object tied in a bundle. "Now now stop the tears, Sexi, here be dwarf tunderstone. Dat should be good fur you, undercook Shulim.
"Thank you Morah for everything. As for the favor, you do not seem the type to forget much of anything. However please do not forget our terms we agreed upon not so many nights ago." Fudrick walks over to Sexi, gives her a brotherly hug, "Thank you for being a good friend." Nodding at Shulim, "I will keep an eye on him and make sure he will be ok." Turning to Lorn he claps the hardy Drwarf on the back. "I will miss your fine cooking old man. I will be back to get some of those recipes from you. Not once have I ever thought of what is required to be a master chef, but I will try my hand at cooking. Maybe next time we meet I will impress you with a fine meal."
After finishing up any other goodbyes with any friends made he gathers with the others to plan their next move once on shore.
Yrar stands, beard caked in meat juice, and nods to Morah, "Thanks for the meal and the ride." The Half-Orc moves along and gathers the supplies and crates. He catches up with Fazaam, "When talkin' with Morah you say that we make more enimies for the witch. Does this mean I'm not gonna get to smash'er?"
Fazaam bows to Morah once more, then waves to the crew that he got to know during the last couple of days as he puts on his backpack and makes his way to the rope ladder over their awaiting small boat. He ends up next to Yrar, and pauses for a moment as he contemplates the large half-orc's plaintive, almost pouting question.
"Yrar my friend, Nothing would please me more than for you to be the one who gets to smash her flat. And I will happily be there to cheer you on. However, Please don't be angry with me for hoping I get the chance to put an arrow through her heart first!" The elf smiles cheerfully up at the large half-orc.
Yrar's pout turns into a smile as he looks at the Elf, "If your arrow is faster, then I just smash her good to make sure." Yrar nods again and prepares to board the tender.
As everyone goes down into the small boat, one of the sailor's is waiting to take you ashore.
Sexinon wails at Fudrick's words and grabs him in a huge hug. Kisses pepper his face as she cries, "you fool, it's you I want back. Him I can have any time! Look after him Shulim or else."
The party are soon arrowing across to the beach with their crates. Everyone also has sufficient supplies for a day, courtesy of Lorn.
Shulim raises an eyebrow at the pretty gnome's passionate cry, "will do lass," he says, "O'Shulim looks after his friends."
Shulim waits till they're on the water before commenting further, he seems more amused then a person who's been publicly snubbed should, but the enigmatic beguiler seems almost on the verge of laughter.
"Not bad Fudrick," Shulim says after they're in the water away from the ship, "you out played me fer sure. Da lass was cunning doe, playing me and leading me on, but nothin more din a kiss I promise. She's wrong 'bout me, O'Shulim's a gentleman, and I ain't gonna go smooching another man's gurl."
'Besides,' Shulim thinks to himself, 'she might be cunning but she ain't too smart. You need a woman dat can match wits wit you O'boy and judging by her assessment of you she's not on da ball at all. She might not have even been in the ballpark. She might have been fun for a roll but dis ain't no port of call and Morah's ship ain't no house of ill repute. Morah seems like da type of master that demands respect fer his servants and had you actually dipped your quill you might have found yourself married or someting. You dodged a bullet der! And only by pure luck. All dat time looking at da curves and not checking da facilities upstairs!'
Once aboard the small craft, Marwan hums a hymn to himself
A star, a wind, a wave-flecked sea
These things Najm brings to me.
A compass, map and sextant straight
Help Najm's faithfull chart their fate.
Tellora clouds our path with fear
But Najm's call is all I hear.
Once aboard the small craft, Marwan hums a hymn to himselfA star, a wind, a wave-flecked sea
These things Najm brings to me.
A compass, map and sextant straight
Help Najm's faithfull chart their fate.
Tellora clouds our path with fear
But Najm's call is all I hear.
Ghari takes his leave of Ocelor and the deck hands.
In the small boat to shore he helps the sailor pull.
"Morah turned out to be a decent sort after all. What an incredible help he has been."
The small craft nudges against the sand with a hiss of tiny stones.
Quickly the sailor with Ghari's help manages to turn the boat and he starts rowing back. "Luck to you," he calls.
---
Ahead is the same tangled jungle that you remember from Shelitan. The port is along the coast (to the north/left as you look inland). The harbour and its contents cannot be seen.
A parawing glides out to investigate and with a squawk, "Yooorrrwwkk!" it turns tail back into the woods.
From the beach, there are many clearings and possible trails, while following the white sand around offers the distinct possibility of running into a few rocks eventually. For now the beach is crisp and clean, almost hard to look at in the brilliant sunshine.
"Yes Ghari, He does seem to be a decent fellow, overall." Fazaam agrees stepping out onto the beach after shaking the sailor's hand in thanks.
"And he was helpful I'll admit. Almost too helpful. And with no payment in advance. It makes one wonder." He continues, watching the small boat leave while holding back an excitable Hasan who is chattering happily while looking at the trees.
"Well, I presume that he believes we will survive our little adventure and return to make payment later as promised. Or, he hopes that we shall achieve something that will be worth his generosity while we are here,..."
The elf blinks and smiles, cutting short his musings. "Enough time to worry about Morah later. For now, it's Temura I'm concerned about! What do you say all, which looks the most likely route to make our way swiftly to Musashlat?"
Marwan raises a hand to his eyes, scanning the beach for any well-worn paths.
"Maybe next time we could save da talk about our host till after we left da company of 'is employees? Lets not put people in da situation were day gots to report stuff back, ya?" Shulim says as he glances at Ghari and Fazaam, "now which way we heading? I want ta share some of my ideas but I ain't doing it on dis beach."
Fazaam bows his head to Shulim. "Of course, you are correct master Shulim." He then playfully punches Ghari on the shoulder. "He's talking to you, you great bear!" He stage whispers to his friend with a wink.
"Come on Ghar," The elf adds in his normal voice. "Make yourself useful and find us a path!"
Fazaam smiles, obviously glad to be back in a familiar situation with his friend.