"Ah, is that who he is then?" Vivaeri tried to hide her disappointment. "We had heard the name come up during our search. We were told he might know a thing or two about such matters."
She looked back at Adjunta, trying to read the look in his eyes to see if he wanted to press the issue further. It was a bit difficult to tell what was going on in his head, with that veil over his face...
"Estorian? Does he look anything like this druid friend of yours?" Amunrel piped up cheerfully.
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"I think we have everything we need," Adjunta says, "we'd best continue our search elsewhere. Perhaps you can help us search for that cat later though my boy, but for now we'd best be going. We have a few other people to talk to tonight."
Adjunta waits till they're out of earshot of the home before turning to his companions.
"This doesn't rule out Estorian as a suspect," Adjunta says, subconsciously tapping his nose, "I admit though that I was hoping for an easy solution though, but sadly there is magic that can alter one's appearance. I fear we will need to question the wizard yet."
Ewalds nods glumly.."Aye it looks like it..but that should wait till the morning when we are refreshed and rested...I for one need a bath and a meal before we go any further
Ned : My lords , I am supposed to deliver the animals today.
The sheriff meanwhile ask what you intend to do
"How much would cover the loss of the cat?" Amunrel asked.
"Gods yes." Vivaeri agreed with Ewald without thinking. After handling bats and kicking around muddy ponds and nearly breaking her foot...she dearly wanted some rest and relaxation.
When Ned protested the idea, she added. "Well, Uncle's right. The cat might as well be written off. But does anyone think we can really find that snake by the end of the day?" It was beginning to look hopeless to her. She looked to Ewald and Adjunta, conceding to their wisdom on the matters of investigation and tracking wildlife.
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"The boy was robed," Adjunta says, "there's no helping that, we recovered most of his goods but we're still short two, and one of those two we believe was the target. We will continue our investigations tomorrow. If the mage, who is still a suspect I might add, isn't content with that legitimate excuse then I think it would only make him look stronger as a suspect. False anger and make-believe insult is the common mask of the thief and con man. Should he be upset but understanding . . . well, he may be less likely as a suspect but I will remind you that there are very good thieves and con men out there."
"Well we still don't know where this druid is..the snake is gone and if one of you wants to go and get the cat then it's up to you.Do we go speak to the Wizard now..my guess is he will be at his dinner soon"
Ewald turns to the sherrif
"We seem to be at an impasse today Sir..unless you have any suggestions?"
"I can only suggest that we forget the cat..." Vivaeri said quietly, glancing at her uncle and Ewald. "Gods, what would anyone want with a viper anyway? Creepy, poisonous things..."
She couldn't think of anything else they could ask Jemiche. Not anything that wouldn't be harsher than she was willing to be with the boy, at least.
"Well I think we can aggree this so called druid is not a real druid ... " The sheriff turns to Ned ' Now , lad , if I understand rightly , your master had a contract to deliver ALL the pets TODAY . "
Ned aggree "This would mean that Estorion would be able to say the contract is not fullfilled if he is the one who did aggree to this contract . What really worries me here is that the 'druid' shows a knowledge of Moremarch on one hand . Knowing that Jemiche would be a good target for example ... of course , he could just have been in the inn for a time . but then why Estorion ? He is a powerfull wizard with many Bearded as patrons and he would take badly someone impersonating him ... there is in town another wizard which would be a better target ... and if the point is to have Estorion inconvenienced , this seems rather an ineffectual method to do it . no one important would care that he renegates on a contract with a minor merchant ... No I'm sorry , I don't understand what is the point there ...'
"Who knew Estorian had ordered these many potential familiars? Who on your side of this deal that is," Amunrel asks counting a finger on his hand.
"Who knew the route you would take?" he raises another finger and counts it.
"Are you sure they're inconveniencing Estorian and not yourself since you did say the person who normally accompanies you wasn't able to this time, convenient that the one time you'd need backup you wouldn't have it after all could Jemiche or this druid handle the pair of you and remain anonymous?" Amunrel raises a third finger.
"There still remains the fact that they left the mule behind, if they really wanted to "free" all of the animals why leave that behind?" Amunrel adds but doesn't raise a finger.
"I think our friend in there was charmed, I suspect there aren't that many spellcasters' in this town so I'm wondering who are known to have familiars?" Amunrel asks.
"Either Estorian set this up or either he or someone you know told this "druid" about this and they chose to take advantage, now we could introduce this friend of yours who couldn't make this trip to Jemiche or if we know how many people have a fascination for snakes..." Amunrel finally sums up looking at the lad.
"So it may be worth speaking to the Wizard..after all he has lost out on this...we should explain why the familiars have not been brought to him..otherwise he might come looking for Ned here."
"So it may be worth speaking to the Wizard..after all he has lost out on this...we should explain why the familiars have not been brought to him..otherwise he might come looking for Ned here."
"It's not entirely a loss. He has an easier choice to make between them now." Vivaeri quipped without thinking. "This other wizard you mentioned being a better target...sir." she began to ask the sheriff, remembering to rein her flippant nature in for the sake of the others. "Who is he?"
"Well let's get moving then...someone will have to tell sanna where we have gone though"
"Well let's get moving then...someone will have to tell sanna where we have gone though"
"Okay I'll get her and escort the pair so Vi has some family encouragement for her performance tonight, you two take care," Amunrel nods back.
"Oh right before I forget how much to cover the loss of the kitten sorry cat again?" Amunrel asks the lad.
"Oh...right..." Vivaeri couldn't believe she had forgotten. And with their father away, she had to be mindful of her work if she wanted to keep her room at the inn.
"Yeah, good luck." she said to Ewald and Adjunta, and actually meaning it even to the ranger. She smirked wryly at her Uncle's pestering of the boy over how much money was likely to be owed. Then she remembered that the cost might not be that trivial, considering the customer. "Hope we have enough..." she mumbled as she and her uncle set out to find Halsanna.
"Greetings...we would like to see the wizard Estorion...it is with regard to the familiars he is expecting delivery off"
Ewald looks at the surly young man....reasonably sure this isn't the wizard...but then with today's luck who knows
"Good Evening Magus..I am Lord Ewald Salador and this is Father Paul of the Church of Adabar..it's with regard to the delivery of familiars I believe you were expecting...unfortunately the wagon bringing them to you was attacked and the animals were released..we have been able to recover three of the five...the boy who has them is outside, should we bring him in?"
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Adjunta's eyebrows arch in mild surprise.
"What our involvement?" Adjunta asks, "a man of your considerable faculties should be able to surmise that in a scant few moments. I wouldn't think to spoil your fun. But to speed things along, because you are clearly busy and we would very much like to return to our inn for our suppers, I would like to know what your theory is on this robbery. The sheriff naturally has his ideas, as do I, but you're clearly the one to ask. So let's cut to the chase."
Robin:
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"As you say," Adjunta says with a shrug, "individual deals matters little to me, besides barristers need work the same as everyone else, but this highway robbery is serious business. The fact that one of the men was a changeling is particularly disturbing. I shall continue my investigations. The roads are the lifeblood of commerce and this matter will need to be dealt with. Thank you for your time, what time tomorrow would be good for you?"
Adjunta extends his hand for a handshake
Robin:
Ewald scowls a little..this man is one of those who give the bearded such a bad reputation.He says nothing however and makes to leave as Adjunta offers his hand to the mage.
Check this out.
It's not as good as a rule book but it's easier to use then a PDF.
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"That isn't good enough I'm afraid," Adjunta says, "it is Estorian the wizard we need to question so tomorrow we will return. I would hate to involve the Sheriff or my superiors. This business took place just outside city limits you see, and by some interpretations of the law, this could be considered highway robbery, and I don't need to tell you what that could mean. I shouldn't need more then a few minutes of your time. I believe I know who the culprits are but I need a few moments of your time to rule you out as suspect."
Something in Adjunta's tone makes Ewald pause at the doorway....his brow furrows as he tries to make sense of what is going on.