Still standing and looking about as if he's bored with the conversation, Gabriele speaks to the guard without even a look in his direction. Describe your horses. He pauses to look directly at Casius, then speaks again before the guard can respond. I assume you've searched for the stable boy and have been, so far, unable to find him. Keep looking. I expect none of us will do better than a Falisci searching on their own island.
Casius responds regarding the horses: All of the horses were eventually found. We guess that they were scattered after the kidnappers no longer needed them. Doubtless they would have gathered too much attention attempting to load them onto a ship. Speaking of ships, when you are ready to depart this island just head down to the docks and look for the ship "The Mermaid's Laughter". The captain of that vessel has orders to take the five of you wherever you wish to go.
Whoever did this doesn't seem to have a particular taste for murder, so I do think attempting to find the stableboy is a prudent endeavor. When you say all attempts have failed to find him, did you find any information at all? Continue searching as Gabriele suggested, but was the trail cold from the moment of the incident or were you able to trace him in part before all leads ran dry?
Responding to Casius, Gabriele finally seems interested in something. Are any fast ships heading to the mainland? I have a letter, and apparently a few boxes, that will need to be delivered as quickly as possible. Faster would be better.
He turns to the others and remarks. What do we know? Without waiting for a response he starts listing things. I wouldn't say we have a great many "clues". We know there were five men. One of which might have been using a style commonly associated with Castillians. We know that they knew the exact route the boy and his party would take. And we have a missing stable boy. If Giovanni's child is still on the island, then Giovanni's men will find him. If your plan is to keep a hostage alive, you won't use Porte to move an eleven year old boy. Unless you sew his eyes shut or remove them first. So unless they can fly, or decided to swim, they've left by ship. There are two known possibilities along with any unknown. Aldolfo's ship is surely headed to the mainland even if he has the boy. Unless the kidnapper is selling him a small island, he'll still need to offload the shipment of Falisci wine. The other could be headed anywhere, but there's only one place to follow it to. And if they hid a ship and sailed on that, then we've also no hope of finding the child.
He pauses to chuckles for a moment, So, setting aside handling the impossible, it appears we sail for Castille. And pray.
That seems the best course to me as well, considering what we know. Luciano grins at Gabriele, perhaps acknowledging him for the first time. How fortuitous that Castille and prayer pair as well as they do. Now, we have some letters to write before we depart. We'd best get to that.
Casius replies: For this, we will make the fastest ship available and have set sail on the morning tide with your messages and boxes. As for the stableboy, no one has seen or heard from him since that day. His roommates report that he never returned to his room that night and that his few personal belongings were missing.
Luciano requests parchment, a quill and a quiet desk.
There is no way to ensure that they will not read my letters before they are sent. I would not blame them if they did. Trust is dangerous. All the same... Luciano pulls from his satchel a stamp with the Mondavi family crest on it. Perhaps they will have difficulty replicating this if they break my seal.
I hope that a smile comes to your face when you see my symbol on the seal of this letter, my love. It saddens me that we did not part well, but know that I left my heart in Paix.
Traveling by Porte always sickens me, but as I walked in blackness with my eyes tightly shut, and voices dripping with temptation came to my ears, I thought only of your sweet face, and I stepped to the other side unharmed. I am fortunate to have you or I may have been lost forever.
I can say nothing of my business here, but I should inform you that my duty may take some time. While I am focused on my task, all of my spare thoughts are of you. When I am able, I shall return to you, and months of suppressed passion and yearning will spring forth. I look forward to that day, my dear.
With love,
Luciano
If you guessed that this missive bearing my seal contains urgent business, then you have guessed correctly. I hope the letter finds my household well kept. I am again in Vodacce, but I shall not be returning to you any time soon. I write with a simple request.
There is a man that my father once dealt with by the name of Benito Torres. There may be some record of him among my business papers. If there is, please enclose it in this box within two days of receiving this letter. You must then leave it unattended on the desk in my study. I have included a second box, trimmed with gold, if you need more time. If this is the case, use the first to inform me of the delay. Know that eyes besides mine may look upon what you include.
I can say nothing of where I am and who is in my company, but those around me proport friendship. My gaze is as watchful as my sword hand is swift, so I expect I shall know the veracity of such claims soon enough.
There is not to be a word about this to anyone, Bernardo. I trust that you are ever my faithful servant.
Luciano Mondavi
It is curious, isn't it? kidnapping someone from their own island takes daring and puts you at a great risk. And still they opted to increase their risk by leaving everybody alive.
[b]I doubt they are just stupid. So they had to assume that the guards would tell us something. Also, they must have known that we would search the ships and know which ships left before the blockade.
[b]All this allows only one conclusion: Castille is either a dead end or a trap.
[b]Let's hope it's a trap, than. Because as far as I can tell it's our only lead thus far. I'm sure the household guards are capable enough to handle the situation here on the island. If the stableboy or any of the conspirerers are still here, they will find them.
[b]We have the advantage of being mobile and with a little bit of luck we might be able to overtake the merchant ship and board her before she reaches her port.
[b]But we have to hurry. We ought to leave as soon as possible.
It will be the first time in years, Giuliana has left the island. To tell the truth, she's getting a little excited at the prospect.
Casius will remind you that the ship will be ready to leave on the morning tide to whatever destination you give and advises all you to pack and get what sleep you can before dawnbreak. He will send a servant to wake all of you and to bring you a quick breakfast to ensure that no one will be late.
The morning comes all to soon as it seems that you've barely lain your head upon your pillows when a servant is awakening you already. He bears food and will offer to take any luggage that you need assistance with to the coach that is waiting for your departure.
When everyone is ready and loaded into it, the coach will take everyone to the docks where "The Mermaid's Laughter" is preparing for departure. Boarding the ship, you are greeted by a young man who introduces himself as Enzo Rossi. Welcome to "The Mermaid's Laughter" my friends. Though I fear that my ship may not offer the comforts that some of you are accustomed to during travel, I can assure you that she is one of the faster vessels at Giovovanni's command and that I am his loyal servant. Enzo bows as he finishes that last sentence and will then motion for a couple sailors to assist you with your belongings. Simply tell me the name of our destination and I will get you there as quickly as I can. Enzo awaits your orders.
Gabriele quickly pens his letter after the interrogation.
Friend,
Captain Adolfo will have already arrived with a shipment of wine for the Lord's personal reserve. I fear that a mistake may have been made in the shipment records. A bottle of rose Lauro de Falisci may have inadvertently been added to the shipment. It is a vintage I quite enjoy and would hate for it to be lost. I'm sure the bottle wasn't taken on purpose, but I'd like it back all the same.
It is also possible that there will be bandits wishing to get a hand on the famous Falisci wine. Especially a shipment headed to the Lord's own collection. The writ enclosed will be enough to increase the guard on this shipment. See to it that nothing stops it's delivery.
If you find the wine, I'd be grateful for it's return. Keep me updated on the shipment with a letter in the box delivered with this correspondence. The first box will be taken within two days. The second will be taken at the end of the week.
Sincerely,
Gabriele Fausto Falisci
Gabriele then pens a writ issuing two hundred guilder to his associate, finds a box, and places both the letter and writ inside, sealing both with wax. Delivering two boxes to Casius, he says, See that these reach Master Orazio at our usual shipment port on the mainland. If your man doesn't know where to find Orazio, tell him to ask at the Dockmaster. And tell him I sent him. Olivier should be along shortly to do whatever it is that he needs to do with them. Once he's done, send them swiftly. He then finds a servant to let Olivier know the boxes are ready and in the possession of Casius.
Gabriele arrives at the ship with very little luggage. He is wearing well-made traveling clothes, and has two sacks. One looks large enough to hold only one extra set of clothes and a few personal effects. The other obviously carries his power flasks and lead. His usual sword, knife and pistol are on his belt, and he has a musket.
I prefer sea sickness to portal sickness any day. Luciano flashes a grin at Olivier. Do not take offense, mon ami. I simply look forward to sailing. Luciano takes a deep breath of salty air as he begins pacing the vessel. This ship, she is a good one. The deck is strong, but giving. I shall be doubly-pleased if she is as fast as you boast, Enzo.
Luciano is dressed in simple finery, and now that he has passed his large case off to one of the crew, he has a spring in his step. To San Felipe, I think we have decided. Am I wrong?
Assuming no one contradicts Luciano: To San Felipe it is. I have been there many a time, it is quite a busy city. Always much going on and lots of sights to see. My last visit there, I had the pleasure of escorting a lovely young woman to one of the bull fights. I honestly can't tell you who won, the man or the bull. Enzo laughs, finding his own joke rather funny. Ah well, I can tell you plenty of stories another time, for now, please allow Lucio here to show you where you will be staying below deck. I apologize in advance for the lack of luxury aboard my modest vessel. With that, Enzo takes his leave, shouting out orders to his men to set sail. Lucio appears even younger than his captain, perhaps 17 years of age. He seems a bit in awe of the lot of you and quietly asks for you to follow him to your rooms. Begging your pardon sirs and lady, but we don't have many rooms set aside for guests. This first room here is for the lady and the next two rooms are for the gentlemen if they don't mind sharing. He clearly hopes that you don't mind sharing as he has no idea what to do if you do mind.
Upon entering, all three rooms are of a modest size and though there is little in the way of furnishings, it is obvious that great care was taken to clean and polish what is there. Each room contains two, single beds covered with fine linens, a small table bolted to the floor with a pair of chairs and small footlockers to store your belongings if need be. The sailors who helped to carry your things are standing behind you, awaiting your orders of which room to put your things into.
Boarding the ship, Giuliana wears an ankle-length woolen skirt over traveling boots, a white shirt and a red corsett, with a heavy coat to account for the ocean breeze. It's all well made with little in the way of embroidery or frivoluous knickknacks. She carries with her her weapons and has the servant bring her travelling chest with a change of clothes or two and whatever she deems necessary.
I'm sure nobody has a problem with sacrificing luxury in favour of speed, master Enzo. Is the Laughter armed?
She spends the first day and night aft near the helm, with a green tinge to her face and little appetite for socializing, but starting with the second night she grows a pair of sea legs and becomes her own self again.
Prior to leaving, Olivier will blood the boxes in private and return them as directed by Gabriele.
Box 1:
Total: 21
Box 2:
Total: 26
Olivier boards the ship in a light, pleasant garb with a pair of white gloves. His shirt is light blue and he has a simple pair of brown pants, his sword hanging low on his belt. He has few other belongings with him, only bringing aboard a single bag.
[b]How long we expect this trip to take?[b]
Olivier will ask mostly of the group as they all load up.
Prior to leaving, Olivier will blood the boxes in private and return them as directed by Gabriele.
Box 1:5d10
Total: 21Box 2:5d10
Total: 26
Gabriele throws his bags on to one of the bunks and stores his musket underneath. He spends most of his time aboard wandering about and speaking to the sailors.
Your trip to San Felipe proves uneventful, there are no sign of pirates about and the weather remains quite fair with the winds blowing in your favor. Captain Enzo tries his best to keep your group entertained with stories of his travels to various ports (though they always seem to feature a rather ill-fated attempt at wooing a lady). He also attempts to talk you into games of cards and dice, both of which he enjoys greatly though he is outstanding at neither. He always avoids talking about the purpose of your travel and you get the feeling that he has forbidden the crew to ask you of it.
The morning of the third day finds you on deck looking across the sea at the port of San Felipe. You can expect to be in the city itself in time for lunch. Captain Enzo will walk up to your group as a whole (if possible) and hands over a pouch to whoever is standing closest to him. Giovanni saw fit to send some money along for you to purchase mounts with if necessary once you are in the city. I regret that my ships hold wasn't big enough to bring your own mounts here with us, but we needed to bring our shipment of wine with us. My ship showing up here with naught aboard but some armed men would raise unwanted attention I am sure. If there is anything else you need of me just ask, I gave my word to help you in any way that I can.
Gabriele will attempt to feign disinterest in the games, and might possibly be successful for all of ten seconds. He spends most of his time playing with the Captain and the other sailors. He certainly seems to know his way around a game of chance, but he doesn't seem to win any more than he loses.
Total: 22
Luciano would have made no complaint about sharing a room with another.
For most of the trip, Luciano is above deck, quietly enjoying his passage upon "The Mermaid's Laughter". He rarely speaks to anyone, but he has not hidden his interest in Giuliana. He periodically watches her, though not lecherously. He is simply fascinated by her.
Luciano refuses the pouch of money. I thank you, Enzo, and your generous lord, but I will buy my own horse. I have been meaning to procure a Castillian stallion for some time now. I thank you also for a pleasant voyage. It has been too long since I sailed upon roiling waves.
Box 3:
Total: 24
Olivier doesn't seem to care who he rooms with and as a pouch of money is offered, he'll take it if no one else does. He'll look through it, counting it all.
So, where are we supposed to be starting?
Perhaps the dockmaster will have recollections about the vessel we have followed. Luciano thanks the sailor who returns his case to him. Though he is dressed in much the same fashion that he was previously, Luciano now also wears a finely embroidered neckerchief, emerald in hue. The shirt beneath his doublet is also green, and though not as striking as the neck scarf, it too stands out vividly next to the sleek, black leather. Luciano's rapier hangs on his belt below his right hand.
Fashion roll (keeping Panache...happy to use another trait if needed):
Keeping three (5, 6, 4) = 15
Luciano hopes to make an immediate impression, though he hardly demonstrates the prowess of the Lucani family.
During the voyage, Giuliana will have spent most of the time talking to people. She has an endless curiousity regarding the ship and how it works, the fauna of the sea, stories and legends.
Also she'll try to get a feeling for her comrades. So she'll join the card games with Gabrielle, spend an afternoon with Luciano gazing at the horizon and seek out Olivier and Gaspar under some other pretext. But all the time, her manners are immaculate and though she won't hesitate talking about her life in the employ of Lorena, she won't travel back in time farther than that.
Once they reach port, she walks down the plank with enthusiasm. Something is bound to happen, she can feel it. Standing at the pier with her chest, she says:
Here in the harbour, asking for the Torres ship. And the people that left it. But first we ought to find lodging somewhere so we can store our belongings and split up. We might get better answers if we don't show up in force.
As Gabriele goes ashore he is wearing an outfit that is much the same as the one he wore two days ago when he boarded the Mermaid's Laughter.
Very well. Perhaps you and Gaspar would like to visit this Dockmaster? The rest of us will buy horses and find a place to stay. Luciano, you mentioned you wished a fine Castillian steed? Let's get you one after we find a place to leave all this...luggage. And perhaps Olivier will have a moment to retrieve those boxes.
Gaspar spends much of his time on the ship socializing with sailors, often pressing them about matters of religion or trying to lead small groups in prayer.
I would not recommend that those who cannot speak Castillian wander about alone. Monsieur de Paix, I would suggest that if you don't stay on the ship, you dress in Vodacce styles and avoid speaking at all.
Allí donde fueres haz como vieres. Gabriele nods in response to Gaspar and continues in Vodacce. As you can see, my accent is quite terrible, but I think a few guilder will fix that. However, the delicate conversation you'll need to have with the Dockmaster might require someone with a better grasp of the language. He frowns, Though you might need some coin yourself to get it out of him.
Gabriele searches through his bags for a moment and comes up with a small pouch. He hefts it in his hand for a moment, seemingly checking it's weight, and then tosses it to Gaspar. That should be about 20 Guilder. I'm hoping you won't need all of it, but better to overestimate than be left running for more.
After that he moves to pick up Giuliana's luggage chest. Well boys, shall we find a suitable place for the Lady's luggage? I'd suggest grabbing the rest of the bags, Olivier. It'll help to have people think of you as a servant, or better, not think of you at all.
Don't bother, Gabriele, I doubt anybody could ever mistake you for a servant. Best you stay what you are, a honored member of the Falisci family. There'll be men on this docks to carry our bags. And somebody will be able to show you fitting quarters. For a tip.
So let me make a counter proposal. The three of you get situated and afterwards speak with the dockmaster. I am sure you will find some legitimate business reason to inquire about our ship.
Gaspar and I will talk with the dockworkers and visit a few establishments along the waterfront to ask for our masked prey. I am sure Gaspar will be able to offer adequate protection.
Any objections?
Fully aware, that, as long as she is wearing a sword, she'll stand out no matter what she does, Giuliana is dressed to kill, trying to evoke the image of the vodacce courtesan as it may appear to a foreigner, dangerous mixed with risque, in the hopes, that the attention on her looks may make her questions less meorable.
Gabriele looks blankly at Guiliana. I wasn't claiming that I should act as a servant. I'm just willing to carry an oversized box to an Inn rather than wasting time finding a boy to drag it there.
It might take us a bit to find proper mounts. Especially one to suit Luciano's request. But we can also speak with the Dockmaster, if you wish. I suppose that shouldn't take too long. Though if you're only speaking to sailors, there had best be plenty of guilder left in that bag at the end of the day. He winks at Gaspar.
Gabriele will proceed to look around for someone to ask about local Inns.
Any objections?
Luciano seems surprised at Giuliana's decisive suggestion. He raises an eyebrow. None from me, little bella. Turning to Gabriele and Olivier, Luciano smiles widely. Shall we?
I tend to forget about all of the little issues here. In Paix I'm used to being more...accepting of all kinds. I'll pretend to be a servant as long as I can, but the longer we're here, the more likely it is that someone will harass me for it.
He pauses.
I'll try to avoid churches.
With that he goes to grab what bags he can carry to bring off the ship.
Box 1:
Total: 16
Box 3:
Total: 20
Box 1 retry:
Total: 21
As you walk down the dock you pass other travelers either boarding or unboarding from their ships, sailors and dockworkers loading and unloading cargos from various merchant vessels, local children running up and down the length of the dock, old men casting their fishing lines and a fair number of jennys looking for lonely travelers and sailors. Your group gathers a few curious glances, but does not attract any undue attention and is hardly the most outlandish in the busy port city. Though Giuliana does receive several whistles of appreciation as she passes by. A small building sits upon the land where the dock begins and has a large sign posted in several languages that identifies it as the Dockmaster's office.
Gabriele sighs as they approach the Dockmaster's office. On second thought, no. Guiliana and Gaspar, handle the Dockmaster. I'm not walking into his office with everyone's luggage, and we don't have the time to waste for us to walk to an Inn and then back here. He frowns and continues, Furthermore, the reason I wanted Gaspar to speak to him was so that we don't end up paying every last Guilder we have. If a Dockmaster sees two nobles, and foreign ones at that, walk through his door, then we'll be bled dry for any information, no matter how innocuous it may seem.
He walks past the Dockmaster's office without another word and stops one of the children, speaking to them in Castillian. Boy, what's the best Inn in this city?
Luciano watches Giuliana for a moment, trying hard to gauge her response. Once we have our rooms settled, I will return here. May your efforts prove fruitful. My lady. Father. Luciano gives a polite bow and then turns to follow after Gabriele.
That would be the Inn of the Running Bull sir, it's pretty fancy and best of all it's right beside the biggest bullfighting ring in all the city. All you gotta do is follow that big street right there all the way to the Plaza of the Sun and you can see both the inn and the ring from there. The little boy then holds out his hand as he clearly expect some sort of tip for giving you such valuable information.
Gabriele laughs aloud, That sounds perfect! I do hope we're here long enough to enjoy it. He tosses his bags to the boy and laughs again. He digs out a Cent and a Guilder. He tosses the cent to the boy, and holds up the Guilder. Show us where this place is, carry those, and you'll have earned more. I may have need for someone to run errands for me while in the city. If you're interested, stick around.
The boy is clearly impressed by the offer of a whole Guilder and is doubtless already planning what to spend it on. He starts off ahead of you and keeps glancing back to make sure that you are following him.
Gaspar waits patiently for the back and forth over who will do what will end. Finally, after Gabriele's orders, he smiles at Giuliana. Come, Giuliana, let us speak to the to the dockmaster. I think we need not worry about being attacked. After all, you are traveling with a priest of Theus in Castille itself. No man would think of bothering us, unless he had something to gain from it.
Unless there's further dispute, Gaspar will walk down the dock looking for the dockmaster's building.
Have you ever seen a bull fight, Gabriele? They are absolutely barbaric. I do hope we are able to attend one.
Giuliana looks after Gabriele, clearly a little annoyed. But she gathers herself and slips her hand on his arm.
Well, padre, if it's all decided let us get started. To the dockmaster than and afterwards we will visit every little tavern this side of the docks.
Guiliana and Gaspar head on over to the dockmaster's office, passing by more sailors, wandering travelers and playing children with Gaspar getting the occasional nod of respect and Guiliana getting the occasional look of appreciation, some more respectful than others.
The office is a small wooden building painted white and having with large open windows from which the dockmaster has a view of the entire harbor. An older gentleman is sitting on a chair in front of the office, clearly paying attention to nothing else but a large ledger that sits upon his lap. A pen and inkwell sit on the ground beside his chair, unused for the moment as he is clearly trying to make sense of something.
As you follow the boy up the street, it occurs to him to wait for you to catch up enough that he can talk to you and introduces himself as Duardo and then proceeds to chatter on for a bit. You've picked a great time to visit the city sirs, The Festival of Flames is to begin tomorrow. There is to be a grand opening parade in the morning that begins at the palace and then ends at the Plaza of the Sun where there will be dozens of vendors setting up in preparation for all the activities that day. There will be food contests, dancing contests and very best of all there will be a bullfight that afternoon. It will all be so very amazing and wonderful and everyone in town will be there and plenty of people from out of town too. No one would dream of missing all the fun. Unless interupted, Duardo continues on about how great the festival will be until you arrive at the Inn of the Running Bull.
Giuliana leans into Gaspar and whispers into his ear.
Perhaps you should do the talking here?
Luciano smiles as he listens to the boy go on about the Festival of Flames. If you gave a coin to a child in Vodacce and asked for a service, he would perform it silently. What a welcoming, strange land Castille is.
Luciano casually notes the route they have taken, doing his best to memorize the way back to the docks.
Street Navigation, keeping Wits (-2 unkept die for an unfamiliar city) 3k3:
Exploding dice:
10 + 3 + 9 + 7 = 29
Gabriele walks along with a smile, listening to the boy.
I have never seen a bullfight. Perhaps if we'll be here for a while we'll get to see one. This festival also sounds interesting. Though I fear that it may make our task more difficult.
Hell, if there were going to be that many foreigners, I didn't have to conceal myself, Olivier mumbles to himself.
Duardo precedes you into the lobby of the inn and walks you up to the front desk, announcing to the man behind the desk: The fine gentlemen need room here sir.
Leaning in to Gabriele and Olivier, Luciano speaks quietly. I would have my own room. I assume you gentlemen have similar preferences? Luciano steps up the desk and pulls a small stack of guilders from his purse. He speaks in Castillian. Five rooms, I think.
Indeed. I've heard you have here the best Inn in the city, is this true?