Pace frowns slightly having little experience with the Harrow, yet he still leans forward and quietly takes one of the cards.
I stand and consider the information Zellara provided about the servants.
Acid user, a sadist, and a brute...
The acid user is likely intelligent, and while he may not pose a threat to Mister Gambol, he would almost certainly recognize Chavakala, Parneth and I... Must acquire more information before we proceed.
What manner of skills would the sadist have? She called him a slave driver. Could he be the one training the children?
The brute... If it is true, he should easily be manipulated by intelligent application of spells. Perhaps Brother Parneth? Chavakala? If he be simple, might we approach him independently for more information about the other two?
Is it possible to approach the children without their handlers learning of it?
I look to the table and see the uncertainty clouding Mister Gambol's features, and sympathize. Still cradling my chest, I approach the table, coming as near to the group as I dare and pull my own card then approach Mister Gambol.
"Think on the cards as a tool," I whisper to him, and spare him a broad but comfortable smile colored by the light flush of my embarrassment with my behavior and lack of control of my functions. "Like the high sermons of the priests concerning the gods, they lend us a new perspective on occurrences in our daily lives. Instead of being the cat tracking the mouse through a field of obstacles, we are like the child watching the play unfold from his mother's balcony."
As you draw the cards from the table, Zellara asks you to reveal them one at a time. As you do so, she studies your faces, and the cards that you have drawn. When she speaks, it is with a stern, almost otherworldly voice. She speaks your names in turn:
"Chavakala, you have drawn the Peacock: you will be faced with one transfixed by the beauty of the peacock - and is doomed by his inability to get out of its grasp. Save him... or destroy him."
"Parneth, the Avalance means a great disaster is likely to occur soon... yet if it were to be averted, the consequence will still be there. Which is the lesser of two evils, only you can judge..."
"Pace, the Crow signifies that an object of your affection is in danger, and may suffer as violence personified attemps to take it away. Yet if you stay vigilant, you may avert this calamity..."
"Iolana, you have drawn the Juggler: your balance will soon be put to the test; not only must you take care to stay on your own two feet, but you will have to exercise your judgement as well..."
"Djal, the Dance urges you to tread lightly, for every step along this troubled road requires caution. The harmony of the city will be key to success, though missteps will be cause of dire consequences..."
She reaches for the idle cards on the table, and in turn holds out her hand to retrieve the cards you drew. As you give them to her, she shuffles them right into her deck. The dance she performs is mesmerising, picking cards at random and arranging them in a three by three pattern square, face down. She looks at all of you, her hand hovering over the left-most row.
1st card, upper row (LG spot): The Liar (CE)
2nd card, upper row (NG spot): The Wanderer (NG)
3rd card, upper row (CG spot): The Sickness (NE)
1st card, middle row (LN spot): The Waxworks (CE)
2nd card, middle row (TN spot): The Fiend (LE)
3rd card, middle row (CN Spot): The Crows (NE)
1st card, botton row (LE spot): The Midwife (NG)
2nd card, bottom row (NE spot): The Keep (NG)
3rd card, bottom row (CE spot): The Locksmith (LN)
How delightfully vague, I think, but take no effort to separate myself from Mister Gambol. What a ninny I would appear, really, to be cowed by such a thing! Honestly...
So... In the end, she warns Djal and I to be more cautious? And Chavakala, as well. Although, it is likely that that is not how she will interpret the card.
Soft! I warn myself as she touches a new card. What fresh mystery is this?
Zellara never glances at the cards, as she, with a single gesture, flips the left row of cards: The Liar, The Waxworks and The Midwife. "Someone thought unworthy will triumph in the end - to endure the tide will bring desired results, to persevere is to succeed."
Her eyes are closed. With the other hand she flips the middle row of cards around as well: The Wanderer, The Fiend and The Keep. "Not all that glitters is gold - yet as appearances may deceive, what is cast-off may very well be worth the world in hearts."
The last row of cards is revealed - Zellara's voice is stronger than before: The Sickness, The Crows, the Locksmith. "It is always darkest before the night - not always will the dawn arrive in time, and the scars of despair will ache once more...
Her voice trails off; Zellara sweeps her arm across the table and the cards are there no more. She opens her eyes and looks at all of you, to gauge your reactions...
I step foreword and despite my earlier embarrassment, boldly present my interpretation of Zellara's reading for the benefit, I hope, of Djal and Mister Gambol at the very least.
"To endure is to succeed," I repeat, beginning with the first line. "As we suspect, Gaedren Lamm is but the first of our trials. We must think and act as a cohesive unit to achieve the desired results. We stand stand stronger together than we would as individuals. We will achieve our goals."
"Appearances may deceive, what is cast-off may very well be worth the world in hearts," I continue, moving to the second line. "A warning?" I shake my head. "We know to be careful of the men at the fishery, but I believe that taken with the first, this does not pertain to the matter at hand, rather, the larger plot. We may yet come across another potential ally that we should not immediately discount for his or her prior affiliations."
I smile a spare a glance at Mister Gambol, and Djal as I reach the third line. "Darkest before the night," I muse with a melodic quality to my voice. "To be cast in doubt weakens us," I confirm Mister Gambol's much earlier observation that at some point we may have to stop distrusting and start striking each other. I resist the urge to look pointedly at Chavakala. "Knowledge is power, it will guide us in the darkness. We must be aware of our pains, but not conquered by them, lest they doom our mission to failure before it begins."
I rise and spare a smile for our hostess, Zellara, and after a moment, for Chavakala, as well. "Many thanks for this divine perspective, cousins. I feel as though it has allowed us to step back from our personal pains and given us a point of reference to understand each other better."
Pace glances sideways at Iolana as she whispers in his ear and seems to relax for the reading. He listens attentively to the reading and interpretations, while enjoying Iolana's warm presence on the edge of his consciousness.
As Djal suggests two days spying on the fishery, Pace becomes visibly disturbed. As my card indicated Celia is in danger even now, as are the other children under the whip of this Hookshanks. Do we really want to give these deviants two more days with these children? I will go with whatever our consensus is, as it is my best chance at success, but delay seems to be a poor decision.
Nice style thinks Chavakala as she watches the cards disappear from the table. The cards emblazoned in her mind's eye, she considers The Reading.
An interesting interpretation...always fascinating to see how another Harrower sees the message. Surprising not to hear of a relationship. But, perhaps that is the message - that we need to build ours.. But perhaps there is something more literal to consider as well.
The words of Djal and Pace cut her train of thought short. "Pace is right. It is not good that The Crows have appeared for his Choosing and in The Future of The Reading. We must act quickly."
"Celia?" I repeat, and turn round to regard Mister Gambol for a moment, then the group as a whole. "Djal, do you seek to recover someone that may yet live, as well?"
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Parneth, his face white at the reading, his thoughts troubled over the its meaning, in particular his mind troubled by the impending disaster. "Whatever meaning the gods have provided in those cards, the road ahead is difficult and our paths intertwined. Whatever disasters befall, our destinies are set." He once more remains quiet, listening to the others as they bring the reading's meaning into their present quest. Eventually, he speaks "Mistress Chavakala, I cannot but agree that we must act quickly, yet not with haste."
Zellara smiles, keeping quiet as you all interpret the cards in your own ways - when the topic changes to action, she puts her Harrow deck beneath her folded fingers.
"I believe it is necessary to move soon. I do not have much more advice to give you, but to repeat myself, I earnestly believe you can bring Gaedren Lamm to justice, for his crimes."
"The old fishery is due north of here. Go to the docks, right beyond the corner, and look for a building with double doors, and a weathered sign strung up by only one rusted chain. It is in that building you will find Gaedren Lamm."
Chavakala looks to Parneth, "Well said priest. I do not mean to imply that we should break down Lamm's door and take on him, his lieutenants and potentially a horde of children. Only that I do not believe we have days to observe and act. Let us observe for certain and see if there is an opportunity to isolate one or more of these villains."
A smile spreads across her face, "Then we break down his door."
"Zellara, it has been good to meet you. Thank you for this precious information you have uncovered, and for the insightful Harrowing. We will see you again after we find Lamm. Good night."
"NO!" I shout, frustration plain. "You, Brother, and you child may firmly believe that your lives hold no value beyond what the gods place directly in front of you, but I am not so eager to orphan my daughter!
"This acid user, Yargin - do you know if he flings it in bottles to burn his opponents feet? Or does he conjure it from his hands, among other spells meant to distract and confound others?" I pause to allow anyone with the advanced knowledge of the man's tactics. "No one?" I snarl derisively.
"Tell me, please, do any of you honestly believe that the man who is instructing children to pick pockets in the marketplace has not a system of checks in place to prevent reprisal? Forgive me, Madame," I incline my head in a bow to Zellara in apology. "Had it not occurred to you that your son was observed every step of his journey? Persons willing to trade you information for coin are two times as likely to give your information, as well."
I sigh, deflating, and hazard a glance at Mister Gambol. "I sympathize with your confusion and your loss," I tell him, somewhat defeated. "Please believe me that I do not say these things to subvert our cause before it begins.
"We would be walking blindly into their home," I state, and look across the group at each and every member. "They will have every advantage, including however many children to place between themselves and us. Children!" I emphasize, and press a hand to my breast. I look to Brother Parneth. "Please, Brother, do not let your devotion to your lady deprive my Emri of both her parents in this life."
Zellara smiles sadly at Iolana. "There is no need for an apology, though you must understand I never paid coin for information. Gaedren does not expect you to arrive at his doorstep, and won't know until you're knocking on his door - unless any of you foolishly boast about his future downfall."
She sighs softly. "And yes, the children. They have no love for Gaedren, no loyalty, no desire to stay in his clutches. Yet they are a weapon, a blade with cruel barbs that will cut deeper than any sword. They are innocent in all of this, you are right, Iolana."
"As for Yargin, he hasn't an ounce of magical blood in his veins. The acid is concocted by his own hand."
"An alchemist?" I conjecture and shake my head. "Intelligent, at the very least. We should not discount that he could be at the very least as dangerous, if not more so..."
I turn and consider the priest. "Brother Parneth, have you any method of crowd control prepared?"
At Iolana's impassioned response Pace says We can't let fear of what we don't know force us into inaction. It seems to me that we have the makings of a very capable little group here. We will have the element of surprise, the ability to adapt, and our diverse skills on our side. None of these are to be discounted. He smiles, I, for one, like our chances, though danger is going to inherent in what we will do.
I spare a glance for Chavakala before turning to regard Mister Gambol. Passion before deliberation, faith before educated, informed opinion...
I sigh heavily and shake my head. To lead from the shadows, then, it appears. Not beside him, but behind. So be it. I am not vain. I am patient, I am confident in my abilities, I will protect them, no matter the cost.
"Djal," I say finally. "If you would, please guide me to this place, I should like to observe with my own eyes where the children are kept, so I might devise a way to minimize the potential cost of innocent life." I turn to look at the man square in the face. "I am not exceptionally skilled in hiding myself, however. If you believe this will be a detriment to you, I will remain. I only ask that you report as objectively as possible."
I resist the urge to look at Mister Gambol. "If you might be persuaded to temper your enthusiasm," I address all and no one, "I believe it would be most advantageous to strike in the earliest hours of the morning. They might be comfortable, better yet sleeping and slow to rise, and should we fail, I would prefer we have the darkness to escape into and dawn closer to find adequate shelter in the light."
Pace grins boyishly, seeming a little embarrassed that he was misunderstood. I'm sorry, I didn't mean to imply that we should just march over there this minute. I just didn't think that waiting days was good either. Waiting until early morning seems like a very good balance of gathering information and making a timely move to me. Plus the tactical advantage you mentioned, Iolana
Chavakala shakes her head sadly at Iolana's outburst. "Pace, it's not you, she's just listening with her heart instead of her mind. Sister, I am sorry that your grief and fear for your daughter is so great that it clouds your mind. You are not even listening to the rest of us."
She looks Iolana in the eye. "If you are not emotionally prepared for this, you should stay behind. You will endanger us all if you cannot keep it together when we enter the fishery. We have all been perfectly clear that we will observe first. And there may be a better opportunity later in the day for us to pick off one of Lamm's men. Let us see after we get there."
She relaxes and heads for the door, then looks back over her shoulder. Her voice when she speaks is as cold as the winter night sky. "Oh, and Iolana, I do listen to you and would appreciate if you really take the time to listen to me as well. I have the ability to send my spirits to make sounds that often trick my enemies. It works quite well for this crowd control if I understand your meaning. I have a few other quite effective talents as well. Let's go."
"Have I not been listening, Sister? I am fairly certain that with the exception of emotional appeals to get you, specifically to listen to my perspective that I have been completely rational.
"I know you are young, and eager to prove yourself. There you might say I have the disadvantage on you, being elder, and having spent my youth tempering myself and my spirit to the service of others before my self. It is not for myself that I am urging caution, but for all our sakes.
"There is something very wrong with this city. You might have forgotten the Bloody Oath day. You likely have not noticed that the streets were empty, that no one feels safe to go out and buy goods. Trade is the heart of a city, I know this for fact. Why aren't there more guard about securing the scene, making people feel comfortable and cared for? Why have they done nothing to subdue this obvious scoundrel when he resides but a few blocks from their garrison?
"This... creature and his fiendish friends will not be the end of this. This trial will make or break us, and I for one will not allow myself to be lead along in ignorance when there exists a force powerful enough to strike an entire city dumb with fear."
"You say you want to go. Tell me, are you effective at hiding yourself? If so, you and Djal are welcome to go. Five cannot hide as effectively, however. Can you temper yourself and allow Djal to do his job effectively, or will you feel eager to appraise the situation for yourself based upon your extensive experience in battle and decide for all of us, and those children? Are you that confident in your abilities?"
I stare down Chavakala, and then address the others. "Gentlemen, I will allow you to be the judge. Am I being irrational? Do you believe that my caution is excessive and a detriment to this team?
Pace looks alarmed at the tone the conversation has taken, Especially that my best boyish grin did not disarm it.
I wouldn't say irational, but you may be looking far beyond the scope of what out immediate goal is. I know the city is in chaos and something unhealthy seems to be in the air, but for now we are fixing one problem that is small in comparison but large to all of us.
I take a step down and shake my head.
Iolana... you silly woman, these are not your people. You are not loved, here. Neither you, nor she have proven yourselves. Foresight, analysis... these are abilities Eugeni adored. They are no replacement for what you have lost.
"Not alone," I relent after a few moments. "A pair double the chances that should something go awry, we will be informed. I have cast in doubt my ability to completely divorce my passion from the task at hand. I prefer Mister Gambol stay with us should we have any unwelcomed visitors, but I understand if you wish to go."
I sigh and deflate. "Please accept my profound apologies. I have recognized the error in my thought, it is highly unlikely that I will allow myself to come to this amount of passion in the future."
I pick up my backpack, stride over to the wall opposite the tapestry of the angels on the mountain side and slide down it to sit on the floor. From my backpack I extract the ledger I have carefully maintained for the passed seven seasons of trade, and open to a well worn page of figures and accounts of our holdings. The numbers are sterile, but tangible. No god's fingers pushed mine to err in the crafting of them.
Spring three years ago, the price of wool skyrocketed. There was a shortage of supply to meet the typical demand. I noted. I told Eugeni to purchase more grains than the last year, and hold the surplus no matter what others might offer him. He understood. When the harvest was poor, the excessive heat of the season was blamed. Many went hungry. Not our people.
How many did I win that year? I wonder, But no. It was Eugeni. My husband. My rock. And I his wife, his support. Nothing more in their hearts. Though they loved me too, in their own way. I managed the figures, I kept the discipline, and they loved him more. It had not bothered me then, strange that it did now.
"Why, Lady," I whisper, and am uncertain which mistress to whom I refer. Shelyn for making me with an excess of love to cull my reason, or Pharasma for claiming my husband too early. I flip the pages a few more times, and grief grips my throat for the second time that night, the first in many, as I regard the tendril of hair I cut from Eugeni's head before his body was moved to the cathedral.
Forgive me, my love, I could not make them see.
I do not look up from my book when Djal speaks, but my fingers find my purse easily enough. I toss it lazily in the general direction of the table, underhand.
"In it you will find three gold. Given," I arrest myself. "If it is needed, you are free to spend it as you wish."
I crack a smile at Djal's sense of wonder at handling three gold pieces.
I wonder how much longer currency will be relevant in the city. Fear kills trade. The markets will starve, and the merchants will flee. Scarcity breeds desperation, and desperation, violence. The city may begin tearing itself apart in a matter of weeks, yet he grins like a child at the jingle of a few small coins.
I close the ledger with a snap, and rise.
"Now then, Mister Gambol. About your Celia," I begin. "Perhaps you might inform us how we are to identify her from the other children."
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I turn and consider the priest. "Brother Parneth, have you any method of crowd control prepared?"
Parneth looks up and replies "Not for this day, though in all honesty, Pheresma does not give me much in the way of divine favors to do such a thing. What was it you had in mind?"
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Parneth, listens to the others his head bowed, then speaks quietly, "Indeed your plan is well conceived, yet in my present clothes, I would bring attention to you if I entered such a place dressed as I am. I must return to the Gray and collect my things, but more importantly to change into more modest and inconspicuous clothing, such I can disappear into the populace without notice. Unless you are happy that I come dressed as I am? Yet the night draws on now, where and when shall we meet tomorrow to begin our journey to bring justice to Lamm?"
Later after all discussion and plans are laid, Parneth turns to their host Zellara and , "I would thank you for bringing us together, may we meet again, I hope our news will bring you some respite from your sorrow. I will pray that my lady did send your loved ones on a journey to peace. May Pheresma guide your readings and bring you peace."
"Parneth, do you need things other than more common clothes? It would be best for none of us to be making a long trip through Korvosa tonight alone. Perhaps Zellara would be willing to make a loan of some of her son's clothes if they would fit you.
She turns to Djal before he leaves, "Djal, I should like to accompany you. Since our first step is to find a suitable location from which to observe the fishery, my words may be helpful in procuring a location. Let's stick to the silver until we need gold."
Before leaving, she turns again to Iolana, "Sister, I am far from as reckless as you seem to think. My comment about breaking down the door was intended as a minor jest, but you will see that I am very serious about bringing Lamm to justice. If there are greater powers at play, we'll find them in due time. I am confident in my ability to avoid my sister's journey to Pharasma's boneyard. There are many ways we may be able to tackle this fishery and I am in complete agreement that this starts with observation. I do find that I am growing quite fond with Djal's suggestion about the alcohol., but let's see what we're dealing with.
Zellara gives a grateful bow to Parneth and her smile is still sad, but hopeful. "I am glad I brought you together as well. Please do not be disheartened, Iolana - your caution will bring you success. As will your burning spirit, Chavakala. Remember - balance is key."
"I'm afraid I no longer have my son's clothes. After his death..." She shakes her head and looks away.
Outside the sun has long since set - and darkness has enveloped the streets of Korvosa.
I wait until Chavakala exits before I sigh and shake my head, and look to the two remaining members of the party.
"My apologies, gentlemen, but it appears as though our leader prefers that we accompany you, Brother Parnell, on your errands."
I acknowledge Zellara's effort with a nod. "Indeed, Mistress. Would you like to accompany us, as well?" I offer hopefully, not wishing to leave her alone in this place.
"I appreciate your offer, Iolana, but I think I will be fine tonight. Focus on the task ahead of you - I am not defenceless." She starts fluttering with her deck, the cards dancing between her hands. "I will wish you the best of luck - though I am certain in your success. The cards tell me as much. And so does Korvosa."
She seems to be listening to a humming that is not there, her head leaning towards the door - towards the streets of Korvosa.
"I prefer not to imbibe, thank you. But you are correct, I will not be able to collect the information I crave sitting prone here," I smile at Djal. I offer Zellara a bow. I speak to her in Varsisian. "Mistress, cousin, from one mother to another, please heed my caution."
I think on it a moment, and then pull the orange scarf I was embroidering earlier from my pack and hand it to her. "Should you have need of us in the future, instead of sacrificing your livelihood, I will recognize this." I tell her.
At Djal's prompting Pace rises. He bow's to Zellara Thank you for your information. I pray that we are able to put it to good use. He slings his shield and walks out the door.
Zellara accepts the orange scarf. A tear is forming in the corner of her eye and she hugs it against her chest. "I...thank you, Iolana, I will utilise this well, I promise."
She rises from her chair as you all begin to leave and thanks you all as you take to the streets of Korvosa.
The night sky is littered with stars, the faintest crimson gleam in the horizon - a homage to the sun. The air is peaceful tonight. Peaceful, and empty. Nobody is on the streets. In the alleys, where thieves and guttersnipes scurry and look for prey, there is only rustling now.
"I like the look of this not at all," I say while we are gathered. "Brother Parneth may I accompany you to the cathedral? I should think your brothers and sisters may be closer to this" I indicate the scene with a gesture of my hands, "and more willing to discuss it than anyone we might encounter elsewhere."
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Taking a deep breath, Parneth fills his lungs with the refreshing night air, hearing only the beating of his own heart. He turns his head, looking up and down the unusually quiet street, before focusing on his friends. "This quiet is unnerving for this district, most unusual and not expected after last night's troubles. There maybe safety in numbers. Whilst my natural inclination is to return to my cot and my very own comforts, I don't feel so sure tonight. Iolana, you who move with the utmost caution, should we not stay with Pace and the others?" he turns quizzically to Iolana, "What say you?."
"Parneth, you're right. In addition to the risk of splitting, Gray is some distance south and the fishery is north so the journey through the night streets would be long and only warded by Volshyenek and Gray itself. A suggestion. Let us use the darkness as a cloak tonight and allow Djal to begin observation once we have rooms. If it looks like disguise is advisable or even just simpler clothes for you, we can see about procuring something tomorrow. That assumes it is only your clothes that you wish and not something vital such as weapons or materials for your spells. If there are items such as these you need, we should stay together."
She looks up and down the silent night-shrouded streets.
"Iolana, you are right to be concerned with what's happening in our city.. While, I share many of the concerns about our monarchy, violence and chaos are good for none. Yet, I know not what we can do at this time to help. Only that we have been brought together to deal with Lamm. Perhaps dealing with a murderer and criminal such as this is one small contribution we can make.
"You are correct, the use for caution ended when we stepped out of this house together," I say flatly. "And further dalliance in the street is not going to lessen the blow. Let's go," I agree, to this fabled tavern which will support five perfect strangers, two of whom are kitted out in preparation for war in a time of extreme fear for a flash of small coin but do not voice this opinion.
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Parneth nods, "Yes, who can know the grand plans of the gods, when we are just like flies buzzing around their plates. All we can do is make our little difference and yet may never know if it unlocks a key to great changes for good or ill, or if it has no effect at all. But enough of this, Iolana you are right we should get off the streets as quick as we can. To the inn."