Marwan runs a hand over his brow and sighs
"Thank the Navigator for favorable winds!" He mutters
Looking back over his shoulder at the departing warriors, Fazaam untangles Hasan out from under his shoulder-length golden hair. After finally convincing the hairy hitchhiker it is safe to come out, the elf looks over the town before them.
"Avoid the stockades, double-check!" He mutters. Then says aloud.
"So, where do we head? I was thinking that we'll probably want to find a place to stay while we get the lay of the land and figure out how to pull off this rescue. Someplace we can plan in private and rest semi-securely. We'll also need to find an out-of-the-way spot we can use to regroup if we get separated, or trouble finds us before we're ready for it."
He takes another, longer, look at the ship in the harbor and murmurs, "Or, we could just go and knock on the door,... see who answers,..."
HE looks back at the others and gives a wan smile. "Don't worry, I'm not suicidal. I'm just worried. But it IS frustrating that we're finally THIS close, and,..." He clenches his fists, then relaxes with a sigh.
"Well, come on!" He says brightly, sounding more like his original, cavalier, self. "The damsel won't rescue herself! Or, actually, she might! And I could never live it down if that happened!" HE grins. "So, where to, first?" He repeats.
"We need money boys," Shulim says, "we ain't gonna live off da kindness of strangers in a berg like dis. Lets find a market and sell does silks."
There looks to be many small boats plying their trade across the harbour.
Ghari has no preference. Any market here is going to blow away what he's used to in his daub and wattle fisher village.
Fazaam stops and stares at something in the distance. He raises his slim hand, and points to the far side of the river. "Oh yes, I MUST have one of those!" He declares, grinning.
"I vote we try our hand in the Ruby Bazaar. SImply for the fact that the name 'Poorman's Souk' does not inspire confidence in garnering great wealth from the sale!" HE says with a grin.
Marwan is distracted by a brightly-plumaged jungle bird that squawks by his head.
Marwan nods at Fazaam's suggestion
"Indeed noble Fazaam! Despite our momentary lack of funds I do not wish to start our expedition on the cheap. Come fellows! Najm favors the bold, and we are the boldest! I feel a fresh wind of Fortune filling the sails of our Fate!"
"We stick wit whatever is on dis side o' da harbor, we ain't got no coin ta pay da fairy man and walking around would mean traveling through the entire city. We's trying ta keep a low profile here. Da less exposure da better."
Following the map, the small band walk downhill and head left below the high stockades. They pass numerous large wooden buildings, shops and stores, crafters and artisans working away. There are many guards at several of the buildings.
The bazaar is in full swing. Dozens of men and women, humans and other races are busy trading. each stall has a beautiful silk awning and often stood nearby are a pair of tough no nonsense men holding a variety of swords and other more exotic weapons.
Even a little kender is in the crowd although his reputation creates a space in the people.
The sounds of laughter, barter and the occasional shout mingle with the smells of sweaty work and roasting meats. A water carrier with a large copper urn on his back is staggering about trying to lessen his load with a large cup.
To the left is a large stall selling silks, clearly visible is a banner with a yellow wheel. The three dark skinned men are all chatting with a group of finely dressed ladies covered in flounces and prints.
The bazaar is in full swing... busy trading. ... beautiful silk awning ... tough no nonsense men holding ... swords and other ... weapons.
... a little kender is in the crowd ...
The sounds of laughter, barter and the occasional shout mingle with the smells of sweaty work and roasting meats. A water carrier with a large copper urn on his back is staggering about ...
... stall selling silks, clearly visible is a banner with a yellow wheel. The three dark skinned men ....
Ghari follows the others down the hill, craning his neck to see the town. As the kender approaches, Ghari turns his pockets out to show he has nothing in them and smiles.
That smile turns sour when he sees the water vendor and smells the food. He wishes they can sell the silks quickly.
Fazaam grins happily as he looks around the bazaar. The sights, sounds and smells of the shorter lived races have always been something that he never tired of exploring. The constant back and forth movement of his head and flying hair threatened to dislodge Hasan, who told him about it in no uncertain terms. As they notice the tent of the silk vendor, The monkeys attention is captured by a fruit cart across the way. Hasan licks his lips and makes 'yum-yum' noises.
"Oh no you don't you little thief!" Fazaam says quietly, taking a firm grip on his familiar. "We don't need any help getting into trouble, thank you. And we don't need any trouble until we can afford to buy whatever it was you were going to take!" He slips the monkey a piece of dried fruit from his trail rations. Hasan grudgingly accepts it and ungraciously plops onto Fazaam's shoulder to eat it. Making much of chewing and several nasty faces to indicate his displeasure.
Unfazed by his familiar's uncouth shoulder-manners, he happily turns back to the group.
"Well, this seems a likely prospect! He seems to be doing well enough that he has visitors, as opposed to the hawking to get attention that other vendors are having to do. Perhaps we can even use the interest of his clientele to cause him to make a better offer than he would wish, eh? Well masters, how do you wish to proceed? I can lay on the flattery as thick as honey, but I've never had the subtle patience for truly enlightened and shrewd bargaining. I leave it to your expertise." He says with a slight bow, holding his arms to indicate they should precede him.
"Right, we look fer two buyers, and we get two quotes. We sell ta the best price obviously, but lets not appear too anxious ta sell, and let's not get our stories wrong. Nothing gets buyers nervous faster den tinking dat days dealing wit stolen goods. If anyone asks we got dem just outside of Musaal as payment fer helping out a gnome explorer find someting, and none of us should say wat dat was."
Shulim looks to his companions.
"Any questions?"
"Right, we look fer two buyers, and we get two quotes. We sell ta the best price obviously, but lets not appear too anxious ta sell, and let's not get our stories wrong. Nothing gets buyers nervous faster den tinking dat days dealing wit stolen goods. If anyone asks we got dem just outside of Musaal as payment fer helping out a gnome explorer find someting, and none of us should say wat dat was."
Shulim looks to his companions.
"Any questions?"
"And the gnomish explorer is "a friend of Shulim"?"
"And the gnomish explorer is "a friend of Shulim"?"
Shulim shrugs
"Why not? Just don't get yer names confused," he says.
Marwan is enthralled by the sights and smells of the souk. He nods at Shulim's advice.
"Indeed noble Milush, you are wise and canny both! Nabil al-Kerah will be at your side to help."
Marwan whispers
"Not TOO obvious, but there."
Fazaam nods in agreement with Shuilm and Marwan.
"As always, you are the very voice of reason Master Milush. Noble 'Nasah' and I shall merely strive to lend an air of debonair enlightenment to the proceedings." He says, rewarding the now silent, if still pouting, Hasan with another bit of dried fruit.
"The monkey can help too." He says with a beaming, lady-killing smile, pointing his thumb at Ghari.
"I have stopped at many ports with my family, but never one quite like this. My family's ship stayed clear of such seedy places." Listening to Shulim he says, "Your advise is full of wisdom. Should we split up to sell the wares?" As he watches the flying object Fazaam pointed out, " Whatever we do I would like to see this temple in the distance. Maybe they will have some information on the ..." lowering his voice to a whisper "tomb we found."
"I have stopped at many ports with my family, but never one quite like this. My family's ship stayed clear of such seedy places." Listening to Shulim he says, "Your advise is full of wisdom. Should we split up to sell the wares?" As he watches the flying object Fazaam pointed out, " Whatever we do I would like to see this temple in the distance. Maybe they will have some information on the ..." lowering his voice to a whisper "tomb we found."
"Dat's gonna be a touchy subject," Shulim says leaning in, "it's yer business, but I'd highly recommend approaching it wit extreme caution. As ta da silks, no we approach as a group, people don't like not knowing who day dealing wit. Whoever does da talking had best appear capable of making da deal wit out the needing approval by da group."
The laughter of the ladies comes to an end soon after this discussion. Two of the men rub their hands together as the women take their leave.
They give each other a small hug and clasp wrists at some luck.
One man is a much older version of his younger and slimmer sidekick. The pair start looking around for anyone else of interest.
Ghari watches the two women walk away.
"Dat's gonna be a touchy subject," Shulim says leaning in, "it's yer business, but I'd highly recommend approaching it wit extreme caution. As ta da silks, no we approach as a group, people don't like not knowing who day dealing wit. Whoever does da talking had best appear capable of making da deal wit out the needing approval by da group."
Distractedly and impatiently, Ghari drawls, "Of course you know best, Shulim. I leave it to you." Ghari's nod is pointed at Shulim, Fazaam, Marwan, and Fudrick. "Let's hurry though. I'm starving."
Fazaam also watches the ladies walk off with an appreciative eye. At a warning glance from Ghari he hastily schools his expression to one of bored neutrality.
"Agreed Master Milush. I shall attempt no signal to indicate that anyone is in charge of the transaction other than yourself. But if I attempt to make eye contact, then you know that I have spotted something you need to know."
He turns away, and assumes the look of a bored retainer. HE eyes the ladies with a grin, and compliments them as they pass, "Ladies, the sun herself hides her face in shame next to your radiant beauty!"
As they approach the stall, he appears to have no interest whatsoever in the transaction, but is looking for for danger, or unexpected trouble as he gives pleasant greetings to the men and women as they pass. If any show interest in Hasan, he shamelessly has his 'pet' perform tricks, using the distraction to scan the crowd and the booth owners.
Marwan assumes an air of a bored man at arms, idly inspecting the nearby stalls, meanwhile keeping an eye out for any familiar faces among the crowd. He tries to stay in the background as much as possible.
Shulim approaches the silk merchant.
"Pardon me," Shulim says, slipping into the strange accent, "but are you the owner and proprietor of this fine shop?"
"Yes," answers the elder man. "I am Sulivar. Indeed I have the honour of selling the finest silks in any Straits port. And you are?"
He looks a little down his nose at the gnome and his slightly well traveled gear.
Meanwhile the other merchant scans about and clicks his fingers. A couple of men straighten opposite the stand and walk up behind the businessman and Shulim. Each is muscled and lean and they have strong looking scimitars at the ready.
No one else pays any attention to the occurrence.
Among the crowds, there is little of great or unusual interest. A silk shrouded divan making its way through the aisle is about the only odd sight, since everyone is parting like water before it. Four large half-orcs are keeping the divan at least four foot off the ground.
Meanwhile the other merchant scans about and clicks his fingers. A couple of men straighten opposite the stand and walk up behind the businessman and Shulim. Each is muscled and lean and they have strong looking scimitars at the ready.
***
Among the crowds, there is little of great or unusual interest. A silk shrouded divan making its way through the aisle is about the only odd sight, since everyone is parting like water before it. Four large half-orcs are keeping the divan at least four foot off the ground.
Ghari nudges Yrar and winks. Then he looks back and forth between his short sword and the scimitars. He sighs.
"Wonderful," Shulim says rubbing his hands together, "my name is Milush, world traveler and sometimes adventurer. These are my companions," Shulim says with a wave of his hand, "and to get to the heart of the matter I have some product that I'd wish your experienced and crafty eyes to look over. Silks which I'd like to sell. This is your area of expertise, it would be rude not to come to you first, and, if you'd like, you may also make the first bid."
Marwan keeps up his nonchalant inspection of the nearby stalls, but keeps an eye on the toughs summoned by the merchant.
The divan is like a rectangular box with fine silk veils all around. It is larger enough for a man to lie outstretched on.
Sulivar nods and takes his cue from the gnome opens a curtain to the room behind the stall. "Perhaps you would wish for a little tea while we view your silks?. I have a rare Shelos that may suit your taste."
He waves away the guards impatiently with a hand behind the back of Shulim.
The divan is like a rectangular box with fine silk veils all around. It is larger enough for a man to lie outstretched on.
Sulivar nods and takes his cue from the gnome opens a curtain to the room behind the stall. "Perhaps you would wish for a little tea while we view your silks?. I have a rare Shelos that may suit your taste."
He waves away the guards impatiently with a hand behind the back of Shulim.
At the guard's departure Ghari relaxes a little. He hadn't really been expecting trouble here in the market, but their presence had put a slight chill in the air.
Fazaam eyes the Divan eagerly, attempting to catch a glimpse of who is riding in it. (For no servant that HE has ever seen goes to so much trouble to carry an empty divan so high.) And judging by the way the crowd is parting, it is someone they are familiar with, and know to move.
At the clicking of the merchant's fingers, Hasan tugs on Fazaam's half-braid, eliciting a frown as he is distracted from the Divan's travels. "I see, it's alright. They're just being cautious." He whispers back. Hasan settles back, but still keeps a wary eye on the big, shiny scimitars.
Fazaam does, look over his shoulder at Shulim as the merchant invites him in the back to negotiate.
'I know I'm not the world traveler I aspire to, but I've never heard of that tea,...' he muses.
True to his word, he doesn't attempt to speak to Shulim. Instead he smacks Ghari on the shoulder.
"Don't just stand there, carry that chest into the back for Master Milush!" He says with a bored air of superiority. He then turns back to observing the divan, looking like a courtier that has just given a hired hand an order and expects to have it followed.
Fazaam has a hard time NOT grinning as he picks up his Divan-viewing where it left off. He enjoyed playing these games more than Ghari did. Mostly because he made sure that he always gets the fun parts! But at least now Shulim would have an ally in the back with him if the merchant attempted anything.
The divan is like a rectangular box with fine silk veils all around. It is larger enough for a man to lie outstretched on.
Sulivar nods and takes his cue from the gnome opens a curtain to the room behind the stall. "Perhaps you would wish for a little tea while we view your silks?. I have a rare Shelos that may suit your taste."
He waves away the guards impatiently with a hand behind the back of Shulim.
"I would gladly accept some cold water if you have some, for me and my assistants, for we made the mistake of coming into town overland. The haunted jungles are truly worth their name. Still we managed to pull through relatively unscathed, save for a spider, bigger then a mule, biting and nearly killing my gnomish assistant there, we managed to pull through those horrid woods unscathed. It is truly a blessing to have good help. Now I have three crates I would like you too look through, and I'd prefer to sell all three here in Musushlat, as the last ship we sail on tried to charge us extra for transporting the silks. No better then a pirate that one, he was one of the reasons we walked into town . . .
"Forgive me, I do go on, better to talk silks. Have a look and tell me what you think. I'm eager to know how keen my assistant Nabil's eyes truly are. He valued the silks when we first acquired them and I want to know how close he was to an expert's opinion."
...True to his word, he doesn't attempt to speak to Shulim. Instead he smacks Ghari on the shoulder.
"Don't just stand there, carry that chest into the back for Master Milush!" He says with a bored air of superiority. He then turns back to observing the divan, looking like a courtier that has just given a hired hand an order and expects to have it followed.....
Ghari shoots Fazaam a look quite in character for a resentful servant and grudgingly picks up a crate. He walks behind Shulim and stands behind him holding the box, waiting for further instruction.
Sulivar welcomes anyone inside that accompanies Shulim. There is plenty of room inside the inner store. It contains dozens of silks, rolled around long planks of smooth wood.
A cage is high in one corner with a golden parawing trilling as Sulivar busies himself near the back. He comes back with a bowl of cold water and two rough towels for cleaning oneself up.
"I would not wish to discuss anything until you are all more comfortable."
"Nabil, ZimZaam, and Aliph assist me please, Parsa please come and bring Sulivar's gift of hospitality to Ammar. Ammar, if you would, please assist Sulivar's guards in watching the front of his store while we are busy in the back."
"Also my friends, remember the instructions and warnings I gave you before we boarded our last ship," Shulim says as he turns back to Sulivar with an apologetic smile, "you must excuse them, they are strong and resourceful, but until recently not always fit for civilized society."
Fazaam turns at SHulim's words. His expression clearly one of being interrupted in sightseeing. But he pats the monkey on the head, and smiles charmingly.
"Of course Master Milush." He responds with a curt bow. He takes one last longing look at the divan, taking the chance to take one last look for any former crewmates from the Harem, and strides towards the tent. He holds the tent flap for MIlush and the others, then closes it behind him with a final glance outside.
'Clever little man! He's managed to get all of us from the Harem out of sight! I'll have to remember to stay on his good side. He's very quick on his feet!'
Once inside, Fazaam assumes the position of a watchful, if somewhat bored, hired hand. Accepting his chance to 'freshen up' only after Shulim has.
Once inside, Fazaam assumes the position of a watchful, if somewhat bored, hired hand. Accepting his chance to 'freshen up' only after Shulim has.
Accepting the post of porter, (and hence lowest on the current socio-economic ladder) Ghari waits until last to avail himself of the water and towels. He keeps to the rear of the party with his head down, but steals glances all around the tent out of the corners of his eyes, and listens carefully to the conversation. He also feeps the crate of silk handy, for Shulim will surely want it soon.
Soon Shulim, Fazaam, Marwan and Ghari are inside the store.
Once the ablutions are finished and thick black tea has been prepared by Sulivar's young son (as it turns out) then Sulivar turns to Shulim.
"Milush show me your wares."
---
Outside Fudrick watches as the divan pulls up next to Yrar and a delicate hand steals out to grip his bicep. A few words are whispered and he seems to grin.
"But of course," Shulim says waving to Ghari, "Aliph please show our esteemed host the contents of the first crate."
"But of course," Shulim says waving to Ghari, "Aliph please show our esteemed host the contents of the first crate."
GHari complies, opening the first crate with a flourish.
"Nabil, ZimZaam, and Aliph assist me please,
Marwan bows to Shulim
"Of course effendi, your slightest whim is my bounded command"
Marwan accompanies Shulim
Sulivar's eyes feast on the lovely blue and golden silks within. "Indeed these are pretty and I shall not lie to you, Master Milush, I would like to see what else you are offering before I name a price. What is in the other crates?"
---
"I'll see you and the others around. Say goodbye for me." He turns to follow the divan as its hand beckons.
"More silks," Shulim says waving his hand for Ghari to open another crate, "please Master Milush look over everything, I don't believe in buying anything sight unseen, and I could hardly respect or feel safe dealing with a merchant that doesn't do the same."
"More silks," Shulim says waving his hand for Ghari to open another crate, "please Master Milush look over everything, I don't believe in buying anything sight unseen, and I could hardly respect or feel safe dealing with a merchant that doesn't do the same."
More crate tops removed with flourishes.
Ghari is enjoying the meeting, especially Shulim's cool command of the situation. Who'd have thought the little guy had it in him?
Fazaam, maintaining an alert if indifferent pose, (left hand on hip, right foot resting on a box,) pays attention to Hasan to help stifle a grin at Ghari's flourishes.
'Well, it looks like I'm finally rubbing off on him after all! He muses, the returns his attention to the others in the tent.
Sulivar nods.
He spends a minute going through each box, and pulls out silks from the top, middle and bottom.
Then the old man smiles at Shulim.
"These are very valuable. I think they are from one of the major silk ports to the south, perhaps even the slopes of Maijoon. Well then I am a wealthy man and am possibly the only man who could buy these for a sensible price. The other traders will tear you to pieces for them."
"My offer then is 100 gold for each crate."
The younger merchant nods and smiles in agreement.
Sulivar nods.
"My offer then is 100 gold for each crate."
The younger merchant nods and smiles in agreement.
Ghari looks up sharply, fuming, but, mindful of Shulim's instructions, holds his tongue.
"These are very valuable. I think they are from one of the major silk ports to the south, perhaps even the slopes of Maijoon. Well then I am a wealthy man and am possibly the only man who could buy these for a sensible price. The other traders will tear you to pieces for them.""My offer then is 100 gold for each crate."
The younger merchant nods and smiles in agreement.
Shulim motions for Marwan to lean in for a conference.
"Just give me a moment with my assistant please," Shulim says to Sulivar, "ZimZaam, Aliph, perhsps you could ask our esteemed host where we might stay while in town, what we should see while we're here, and ask about the boats in the harbor."
Shulim leans over to Marwan, whispering in his ear, and covering his mouth so no one can read his lips.
"Noting special bud," Shulim whispers when the others strike up a conversation, "we know da silks is worth 300 per crate, and we know dat settling fer less din half o' dat is robbery in da worst way. So now is da time fer showmanship. You act like da advisor and act angry or insulted . . . and I, of course, bein da worldly gnomish merchant dat I am, will remain neutral. If you gots any thespian skills nows da time ta show yer chops."
Sulivar stands back confident in his offer.
His younger relative goes back outside to watch the stall.