Modius scans the area with his usual craggy, keen-eyed stare.
Modius sees another young boy like the ones that died earlier, who is fairly far away, but has seen what happened to Agrippa and is moving away fast. He is probably going to tell someone. Unless you have bows ready, there is no way to stop him, but at least you know he has gone. He went south, but there is no more that you can see than that.
This place is not going to get any safer.
The time is 11 a.m. The sun is high, and everything is drenched in clear light. Shadows and shade are dark in contrast. It is about 38 degrees in the direct sun. There are many white walls around, which dazzle you. The market is nearly all cleared now, and the fishing boats are all out on the water. It is a beautiful meditteranean day. The horn is yellow and cream sandstone and the water is green, with a brown undercurrent of silt and wastes. The docks themselves are small and rickety, built for small boats. A few larger ships are patiently pressing their way through the bobbing small craft. The far shore is lost in the heat haze that makes the horizon dance unsteadily. The wall is to your south, and the gate that leads to Hrothgar's pad is visible just to the east. There are not many buildings on this side of the wall, and all are somehow tied to the docks. The restaurants are brick caves, and have no doors. Curtains or beads keep out flies. Seagulls are everywhere. Hundreds of them live here, and there is evidence of them on every roof, and surface.
Germanicus is dying. The old ox has wide eyes, and is making strained lowing sounds. He has got twisted in his harness, and the wagon is tilted a bit from the strain.
Agrippa has just spoken, but he sees something in Paper's face. He is looking very scared now, and has broken out in a sweat. Adrenaline and pain are on him too.
The man who talked to Isat has fled. So has almost everybody else, and everyone who is still here is trying hard not to notice anything.
A seagull is hopping close to the severed ears.
Paper scowls at Agrippa
"I remember you all too well dog. I led you unwittingly to my family's home, which after you left was assailed by assasins and theives. Then I find you and your ox in company with the very theives who wear clothes stolen from the burnt shell of my house! You lie, and bleat not to me of mercy, for you showed none to me or mine. I will have vengance upon you, your master, your house and anything else I can reach. Your actions have made you a dangerous enemy this day."
Paper swells with anger, veins popping from his forehead.
"If you have anything to tell me about why my home was burnt to the ground by your master, this is the time. Otherwise ..."
Paper's hand whitens on his sword hilt.
Agrippa is now more scared of Paper than he was of the men who cut him up. He is a pathetic sight, covered in blood and urine, on his knees in the filthy fish market.
"If I tell you everything, you will let me live?" He looks at Paper.
A gull has grabbed his ear, and three more have squacked down to do battle for it.
"Paper?"
"We need to go. We're better men than them."
Modius needs to take a leak, so he's sort of squeezing his legs together and looking around nervously. He wants to clear out.
"And I can't stand watching gulls eat this guy's ears."
Agrippa is now more scared of Paper than he was of the men who cut him up. He is a pathetic sight, covered in blood and urine, on his knees in the filthy fish market.
"If I tell you everything, you will let me live?" He looks at Paper.
A gull has grabbed his ear, and three more have squacked down to do battle for it.
Paper scowls at Agrippa.
"Upon my honor as a Roman you will not die today if you tell me what you know."
"And I can't stand watching gulls eat this guy's ears."
Paper glances over to his squeamish friend.
"We will leave as soon as this man tells us what he knows."
"Ok, ok."
He picks up the ears.
Agrippa speaks.
"I do a lot of work for a man called Juvenus. He got me to take a mercenary from Tunis, and a few of his best lads to the temple on Via Proscenus. That is next to where I picked you up. The mercenary, Rafi got out and I went to park and wait for them. The Nubian that trains Juvenus' men got out and went out front. The lad then climbed up onto the closest roof to keep a lookout. Our information was good. The Tunisian had been chasing this satanic jew witch all the way from Africa, and sure enough, he came into the alleyway, heading for who he was said to be going for, that filthy senator. Rafi cut the man in the alley, but the witch did something that made a flash, and Rafi lost him. The witch jew starts screaming, and you lot got involved. Rafi comes running up to me, and he tells me to give you lot a lift, and that Paredo, the lad, will tail us, but the Nubian says, no need, he knows this slave that you own, and guesses he can make it to your house first. Says he knows this slave. Says he buys hashish for him, in exchange for 'favours'. So rafi goes back to Juvenus, The Nubian bloke goes to your house, in case, and I go around and offer to carry you. So you see, I never betrayed nobody. I was just driving them. I drive for Juvenus. He pays me, and he gave me some opportunities, but I ain't loyal to him. He hates the Goths. Hates witches more. He is in with a crew that say they can kill all the witches, and close off something. I heard that Rafi is big in that crew. I don't know the Nubian's name. Might have been Ammar. He was deep in with Juvenus, and was supposed to be enough to take you all. Rafi gave me the pay, and I drove off. Now here you are and here am I. Jesus help me."
Looking at Germanicus
"Modius - put that poor beast out of its misery. Paper, let's get out of here - with Agrippa."
To Agrippa
"An eye for an eye. You've given us the information we need and I'll heal you. Or I'll try. Modius, give me the ears. I'll try and re-attach them for him. He's a fool and a weakling, but he doesn't deserve to die for that."
Isat badly wants to be away from here.
...
Modius does a coup de grace on the ox.
Paper gestures at Agrippa.
"Go."
Paper looks to his companions
"Let's leave this place."
Moving swiftly away from Germanicus' swifly spreading blood, and the bodies of the young boys in the wagon, you all head through the gate into the city, and move South.
Isat would not be able to reattach the ears except through magic, which would be excessively unwise, considering the recipient.
You all have about fifty minutes till midday. The sea breeze does not get this far into the winding streets, but there is shade here and there. Beams join buildings, and have thin awnings and porticos to shade the foot traffic. Hrothgar knows the way better than most of you. He has been here longest.
After bobbing and weaving a little, you arrive at the building site that is the back wall of Hagia Sophia.
Modius and Paper both saw that no-one followed you all.
Sitting on the ground against the wall, trying to stay wet and cool in the shade, is the burnt Rufinus Galsius. He is sitting on a pile of belongings from the house, and has made a shaded area from a beam and some sheets from the bed. He is red like a lobster, and his skin is cracked and oozing. He has applied bulbonella and made a set of cucumber strip bandages for his hands. He smiles as he sees you all, but does not get up. The burns are first degree, and have been treated. He has a bowl of water on his lap, and is flicking water onto his face and hands. His hair is relatively untouched. Strange that his skin burned, but his hair didn't singe.
Amicably "Welcome. I got the thing that our hebrew friend left on the rooftop. I am glad you are all here, as I have been afraid to sleep, and am exhausted."
To Modius: "I see you made it safely. Thank you for your help last night.
To Paper:" I am really sorry. This is about all I could save, and it is all smoke damaged. The masks all melted before I could get to them, and I was stupid, and went into the kitchen to get our clothes, instead of going into the last rooms to burn."
"Isat would not be able to reattach the ears except through magic, which would be excessively unwise, considering the recipient."
"Rufinus - good to see you this side of the Styx." Isat is extremely pleased to see him.
...To Paper:" I am really sorry. This is about all I could save, and it is all smoke damaged. The masks all melted before I could get to them, and I was stupid, and went into the kitchen to get our clothes, instead of going into the last rooms to burn."
Paper looks at Rufinus.
"Those masks were reproductions of our family death masks back in Roma. While I am angered by their destruction, at least the originals are safe. I would have to avenge my gens on the theives out to their wives, parents and children had they destroyed the original masks. As it is, I will settle for the blood of this Juvenus fellow."
Paper nods to Rufinus.
"I am in your debt to you for rescuing what you have. "
"So brothers, next moves? I don't know about you, but I'm developing an aversion to all the people who seem to want to kill us. My own preference is to know why we have the enemies we have. Shall we pool information and, dare I suggest, make some plans?"
"I daresay we should."
Perhaps somewhere safe... like a tavern.
Paper nods to the Goth.
"After this morning I could use a few glasses of Falernian or a nice Chian."
"Tavern sounds good."
There is a high ceilinged hall close by, which sells roasted chickens and boiled eggs. The food is not exciting, but they sell bitter, dark beer. It is brewed by a Gaulish family. They sell watered wine, with fruit for lunch. Tactical advantages include many entrances, and large shaded windows for air.
Two blocks away, there is a second storey wine house with backgammon gambling. It is loud and crowded.
A basement water house is close by. They sell water, and have some small cold baths. The bathwater is salt water. It is not cheap, at four silver an entrance. It is very private.
There are brothels of varying quality. None of them are discreet.
A tunisian family has a rooftop taverna, with a grill, and strong, sour local wine.
Modius has heard of a lrge catacomb below this part of the city. Apart from a few rats, it is cool, and used as a thoroughfare by workers, slaves and labourers.
Lastly, there is an inn of sorts, with communal rooms for rent next to the temple, for pilgrims and travelers to the holy sites. All that is required is a donation. Sacrificial animals are available, on request.
"Gaul Hall down the street? I like those Gauls."
"Good beer. Mind you since everyone we talk to these days ends up maimed, maybe we should go somewhere we hate."
Paper grunts
"Ugh, Gaulish beer. At least they are starting to make wine like civilized folk there now."
"It's an acquired taste, but stick with Red and Modius long enough and you'll come to appreciate it's qualities."
"The chicken is awesome, Paper. You'll like it. We can grab a bottle of wine on the way."
"Modius, don't eat all the chicken."
"Paper, this here beer is for the real warriors." Lowering his voice, "Besides the wine is undoubtedly watered down."
"Modius, don't eat all the chicken."
"Paper, this here beer is for the real warriors." Lowering his voice, "Besides the wine is undoubtedly watered down."
Paper sighs
"Lead on then. I don't suppose perhaps we can pick up an amphora of some nice vinegar? There's a true man's drink. The Gauls are at least good cooks."
"So the Gauls will get our dangerous custom."
"Lead on then. I don't suppose perhaps we can pick up an amphora of some nice vinegar? There's a true man's drink. The Gauls are at least good cooks."
"My mother used to give us vinegar when we were sick. Alas, it just worsened the problem."
"Very cleansing stuff vinegar. If it works for floors, there's no reason why it shouldn't work for intestines."
"Very cleansing stuff vinegar. If it works for floors, there's no reason why it shouldn't work for intestines."
"My grandfather drank vinegared Falernian wine every day of his life and he lived to the ripe old age of 60. It keeps you healthy."
"My grandfather drank vinegared Falernian wine every day of his life and he lived to the ripe old age of 60. It keeps you healthy."
"Wow, that's old."
"Talking will not get our bellies filled. Let's go. Isat is buying, right?"
"Speaking of Isat's turn to buy lunch... Isat, you gonna do something about Rufie's burns? That looks seriously painful."
Looks back of Rufinus who is walking stiffly behind.
"Cool beer on a hot day, Rufinus? You gonna be ok, uncle?"
"It's just skin. This is nothing compared to a whipping. I am looking forward to hearing what happened to you all. I won't drink beer though. I am a dangerous man when I am drunk, and I like beer."
Rufinus shrugs. He seems happy to be with you all again.
Raising his eyebrows at Modius and Red -
"Who do you think's going to serve us looking like this?"
Off their looks -
"Fine, fine. I'll buy lunch. Gannets. On one condition. I buy something to wear first."
To Rufinus as they walk along.
"Only skin, but it still works better whole. Let me see if I can make the burns less conspicuous at least."
It is a short walk in the baking sun to get to the beer hall. The owners are moving languidly about, filling orders. A clay fire pit in the middle of the room has long skewers on it, with chickens and a boar roasting on them. There are large entrances, and the hall is cool in the shade. Light yellow awnings filter the light, giving the place a creamy glow. A few wild-haired men are grouped in the east of the room, talking animatedly in musical languedoc. A few youths close to the fire pit are playing drums. They are not very loud, and seem to be discussing a dance or play. There are murals on the only wall. The hall is open on three sides. A broad stone staircase goes upstairs, where a few families live, and make textiles. A few crates and tables cluster by the stairs, where a couple of middle aged egyptian leatherworkers are selling their wares. The woman who comes to serve you as you settle in the cool part of the room, has braided and beaded red hair, and is rubinesque.
It is about one thirty. Isat can make a heal check to take proper care of Rufinus' burns. The big man is sleep deprived, and his cup of watered wine will put him straight to sleep.
Isat: Heal check to tend the burns.
DC 15. Every five successes over that will heal HP, as usual for this game.
The plump, freckled waitress seems to like Modius. He is the only one who can speak to her. She asks what you all would like to have through him. Drinks are served. Spiced black vinegar with tiny onions and olives. Dark, thick beer. Sweet and tart rose wine. Water with peach skins in it.
With the young men at their drums, and the seven Gauls loudly discussing Gaulish tribal politics close to the stairs, you are sure that you are not overheard.
Through the awninged arches, you can see the foot traffic of those who are out in the sun. Seasoned warriors that most of you are, you keep an eye on the exits, and can see that there are no threats there.
Until it cools down at about four, this is as good a place as any to make plans. One small thing: Levi may need help now. He may have woken up. He did say, however, during your flight last night, that he can only go to find his wife during the night, as she will be hidden, even from him, during the day.
Rufinus passes a bone tube to Isat. It is sealed with a cork. It is heavy enough to be full of lead or gold. By weight, it is about seventy gold coins. There is no rattle or sound from the tube.
Yawns "It was where he said it was, on the temple roof where we met him. He must have thrown it into the gutters. If it were any lighter, the rain would have washed it into the Bosporus."
"First things first. And if you'll take my advice, drink some water before you have any wine or beer."
Heal check for Rufinus: 1d20+10 ?¨ [15,10] = (25)
Once he's sure Rufinus is more comfortable, Isat examines the tube carefully without opening it.
"Levi will be glad to see this."
Hrothgar places his left hand on his forehead, rubbing it. He wishes to keep as much of his face hidden.
Paper sits so that he can keep the entrance in view. He keeps scanning the area, almost obsessively.
To Isat. "Thank you. That feels much cooler than what I had. Is that aloe?"
"I didn't sleep much. What happened to you all after you got away? Whose blood is that, on Master Papyrus' neck? How is Levi? What is going on? I will not be able to concentrate very well for a long story, for I am so tired, but what do I need to know?"
"We seem to have become involved in a struggle for power in which Levi has some strategic value. What scares me is these people, their life, is one that I escaped not so long ago when my master and his people were slain by the very same goons who are on the hunt for Levi. I was one of them, just a pawn for another player, one who lost, in fact I still have some memorabilia of some value which I narrowly escaped with. When I met Isat and Hrothgar I was laying low from these people."
"Now we have some names of the power behind the pawns, and we've discovered other players. Personally I'd rather not get involved, but then the Lord seems to have just thrown it in my lap, so maybe I should take it up. And maybe what's happening really is important. It may be that the lives at stake are more than our own."
"My mom always said my life would lead this way. 'Why do you look for trouble Moody, trouble will find you,' she always said."