My dear sirs, you will not find a better inn anywhere else is this whole city from which to enjoy both your stay here and the wonderful festival. Adjoining this inn is a private resturant for our guests employing chefs trained in preparing food from any nation to appease the hunger of any traveler. Our rooms are quite luxurious and the maids keep them spotless for you and will bring you anything you wish to eat should you prove too tired from the days festivities to dine in the resturant. We have a standing agreement with the local Jenny Guild should you desire any female companionship. If you name it, we can provide it for you sirs, for a modest charge of course.
Gabriele shrugs, I suppose this place will do. I'll need a tailor sent to my room this evening. Tell Duardo here where one is and he'll go to fetch him. Have your cooks prepare a meal for five. They may choose the food as they see fit. And we're in the market for horses. My friend, Luciano here, wishes a fine Castillian steed. We may not be in town for very long, but don't worry, we'll be sure to spend as much as possible while we're here. He gives the man a wink and a smile.
Bueno, amigo. Luciano slaps a gloved hand on the counter. Your five best rooms. What will they cost for a night?
Base cost for the rooms will be one guilder per night. Additional services will be billed separately of course, such as the resturant service and if you request female companionship. Do you wish the tailor to arrive before or after your meal sir? As for finding a fine steed, there will be many breeders showing off their best horses after they have participated in the parade tomorrow. I am sure that you would be able to find a steed to your liking then. Now, please allow me to summon some help to take your luggage and escort you to your rooms. He summons a pair of young men to come and carry your luggage for you.
Gracias. Luciano pays for everybody's room for the first night.
Gaspar smiles broadly at the dockmaster. Good morning, friend. My companion and I have just arrived here in the famous city of San Felipe. We heard so many stories that the chefs here cook the finest fish in all Castille that nothing would do but that we come sample them ourselves. Assuming the dockmaster is so inclined, Gaspar will trade pleasantries, compare family trees, and curse the Montaigne for a few minutes before he gets around to his point.
My companion and I were supposed to meet a friend here, arriving on a ship from Falisci lands in Vodacce. But we haven't found him, and I was wondering if you had the records of who did come on that ship. I am only a priest, and the donations are not so good in these days of strife, but I could pay you a bit for the time it takes to find those records. Gaspar pull a couple guilder from a pocket and puts them on the table.
During the exchanging of pleasantries and comparison of family trees, you are both surprise to find that the Dockmaster's cousin has just recently married one of your younger aunts on your mother's side of the family. After that, he refuses any money from you and instructs you to wait just a moment and he will look through the records for the past week. Several minutes of search later, he takes up a fresh piece of paper and the ink pen that had been sitting beside him and begins copying some information from his ledger.
Here you go my friends, there was only one ship that arrived from Falisci lands this past week and it docked here two days ago. I have transcribed the name of the ship, its captain and its listed owner for you, though sadly there was no passenger manifest given. I hope that is of some help to you. He will exchange some more pleasantries with Gaspar and compliment him upon his lovely companion.
Two days ago? Perhaps the captain has a message from our friend if he could not make the trip. Is the ship still here?
Giuliana joins the exchange of pleasentries demurely, asking the dockmaster to join them for dinner with his wife should he be so inclined.
Olivier will get himself situated in his room. He is plenty content to simply relax until and unless someone interrupts him before dinner.
Duardo can fetch the tailor now. We have business, but I'm sure he won't mind waiting if it takes long.
Gabriele frowns, We might need horses quicker than that. It's not a given that we'll be staying in town for very long. I certainly hope we will, however our business may take us elsewhere. And swiftly. But very well, that may have to wait.
He takes a few coins from a purse, Now, speaking of business...if I needed to find someone in this city, who would I pay? I assume, as a concierge, you are familiar with such people. Their methods are immaterial. I only require results.
The dockmaster thanks you for your offer of dinner, but says he must refuse. He and his wife are hosting her family that have come in from the outlaying farmlands for the festival and it would be rude to leave them.
Duardo runs off to fetch the tailor, leaving quickly in the hopes that he can earn himself another tip.
The concierge thinks for a moment, If you are not concerned with your mounts being proper breeding stock, you can try the stables that are on the opposite side of the bullfighting ring. Every year they buy some of the horses that are left at the end of the fair. Mostly they rent them out at a daily or weekly price to visiting merchants and the occasional noble. With the fair happening again, they may be willing to sell you some of their current mounts. They are of course good horses, they just might be a year older than what you would normally buy is all.
Now, about finding someone, I believe I understand what you need. I will send a messenger to fetch her with instructions that she pay you a visit as soon as possible. I assume she will be well compensated for her haste?
After Luciano has seen his case laid in his room, he tips the man who carried it and locks the door. Returning downstairs, he taps Gabriele lightly on the shoulder and leans in to him. I would look over the selection of horses tomorrow, but if that is not efficient enough for our needs, I will make do with a common one from the stables across the way. I will think on it. For the time, I would return to the docks and meet up with the others, directing them this way. Is that course aligned with your intentions?
Out through the door again after a few more minutes of chitchat, Giuliana turns to Gaspar.
So, what did he write on that piece of parchment? is it the ship we are looking for? Or did we perhaps overtake them and they have not arrived yet? Anyway, we should have a look at them before we raise further questions.
Taking his arm again she gently maneuvres him through the docks.
You are from Castille, I understand? How delightful. Somewhere close to here?
Do we know the name of the ship we're seeking, and in particular, whether it's the same as the ship we just got information about?
Yes you do and yes it is.
Now, about finding someone, I believe I understand what you need. I will send a messenger to fetch her with instructions that she pay you a visit as soon as possible. I assume she will be well compensated for her haste?
Gabriele smiles, Competence will always be well compensated. Tell this woman she will not be disappointed.
He nods to Luciano when the man returns. The more ways we have of finding the boy, the better. Hopefully, Gaspar and Giuliana are having some luck on the docks. Olivier and I will speak to this "guide" and see what we can learn. Tell the others that we will have a dinner waiting. We can all speak about what we've learned then. Of course, it's not necessary for all to return if the trail is hot.
The name here is the same as the ship we came after, so they've gotten a head start on us. Gaspar sighs. That captain said his ship was one of the faster ships the Falisci had. If one of my countrymen had nothing better to say about his ship, I'd know it was faster to walk. I'd hoped that such faint praise for ones own ship was merely some Vodacce quirk.
He walks with Giuliana, observing the sailors and workers scurrying around the docks. Yes, I am from Avila, a bit north of here, but also in Gallegos. Ah...Gallegos is the province we are currently in. So my hometown is not far. Have you been to Castille before?
He walks a bit further. If we could find one of the sailors who arrived on that ship, we might be able to find out who's behind this, or at least confirm that the boy was on the ship. Gaspar stares thoughtfully at Giuliana and smiles for a moment.
He grabs the arm of a passing sailor. Good sir, I am in need of your aid. My companion saw from a distance a sailor from the the night before his ship left. Sadly, she was unable to make his acquaintance, or even learn his name, before he set sail, but so great was her love that she has sailed here after him. He was a burly man, not so tall, with dark hair. Is there a chance you know where we could find this man?
I have never been to Castille. But I knew someone once...
Giuliana is lost in thoughts for a moment and was just about to say something again when Gaspar starts talking to the sailor. For a moment, shock plays on her features, before she straightens herself again.
When Gaspar is done with the poor man and they continue down the dock, she discreetly punches him and asks:
Wouldn't it have been enough to ask where the crew of that ship likes to drink their wine?
Luciano pats Gabriele on the back before turning and exiting the inn. He makes his way back towards the docks, scanning the crowds of people as he does so.
I am terribly sorry if I have offended you. But a priest and an armed foreign woman seeking a sailor are a suspicious lot. He was as likely to lie to us to protect a friend from whatever debt he thinks we are here to collect. With this story, we are still suspicious...but the promise that a woman is in love with him may be temptation enough for one of those sailors to come to us, despite the risks.
The sailor is unfamilar with that particular ship, "The Sea Bull". However, he tells you that a good many merchant sailors are known to frequent a tavern named "The Salty Ale" and that your lovely companion might be able to catch another glimpse of her sailor there.
@Luciano
As long as you are keeping an eye out for Giuliana you don't have much trouble spotting her and Gaspar amongst the crowds. She stands out a bit in her very fashionable Vodacce attire with her sword at her side.
@Gabriele
Duardo returns to your room followed by a tailor and two apprentices wheeling a mobile wardrobe between them. The tailor will take your measurements and gives two options to you: One, he can make you anything you want from scratch and two, here in the wardrobe he has several very fashionable Castillian style outfits that are mostly finished and can be easily altered to your measurements if you are in a rush to have something nice for the festival.
@Everyone
When it nears dinner time, everyone will hear a knock on their door with a servant waiting to escort you to a private dining area in the adjoining restaurant for your evening meal. (Those still roaming the dock area will have plenty of time to make it back to the hotel before the knocking occurs.)
@Gabriele
Shortly before the tailor and his apprentices leave, you hear another knock on your door. When you open it you see a very lovely Castillian woman. She appears to be in her mid-twenties and she is dressed at the current height of Castillian fashion while still managing to show an almost (but not quite) indecent amount of cleavage. I believe you requested my services good sir. She will then walk past you into your room unless you attempt to stop her and sit down upon your bed and look around the room. I suggest you shut the door unless you wish an audience. Once the door is shut and she sees that the two of you are alone. I believe you needed assistance in finding someone?
Luciano plies through the streets of San Felipe, taking in the local flavor. He stops in a bustling market and buys a piece of fruit, savoring it as he leaves the square and continues towards the docks. Spotting Gaspar and Giuliana, he waves. Amigos! We have found a fine place to dine this evening. And what of your stroll? Did the salty air benefit your mood? Are you refreshed?
Olivier will glance around at the other clientele of the restaurant outside of the private room as he passes. He is attempting to determine whether this is a place that typically serves locals or visiting dignitaries. Once in the private room he'll sit and eat rather quietly, waiting to hear reports of the day's research.
When the tailor arrives Gabriele greets him with a smile. I'll need several outfits made for this festival of yours. And something new fit to travel in. Feel free to take your time with one or two. Finish the rest quickly, including the traveling outfit. He walks over to his bags and takes out a pouch and throws it to one of the tailor's assistants. A visitor will arrive shortly and I will need to excuse myself. Otherwise you have me to take measurements until dinner.
After the tailor is finished taking his measurements he says, I have an associate that will also need a new outfit. Make him something suitable for the festival. He smirks. And as traditionally Castillian as possible. Gabriele gives the tailor the room number of Olivier and sends him on his way.
When the young woman arrives, Gabriele quickly steps aside and shuts the door. He doesn't even seem remotely embarrassed by the woman's cleavage, or flustered by her directness. I'm looking for Captain Benito Torres of The Sea Bull. I need to know what...business...he's involved in, where he might hide things that he doesn't want found, and what sorts of people he associates with. Can you do this?
Shall we have a look at the ship herself befor we dive into the the salty ale, Gaspar?
Giuliana takes a close look at the ship while strolling past. How strong is the guard on deck? How attentive are they? Are they still busy loading or unloading? Has the crew shoreleave or is an unnaturally high number of them on board?
They didn't give a passenger manifest, so if the abductors where still onboard, they must have left under cover. But perhaps somebody has seen something?
Probably unlikely, but are there any beggars making this their favourite haunting spot? Or perhaps a travelling salesman with refreshments, food or something like that?
@Giuliana -
It looks as the is just a skeleton crew left on board to care for the ship. To your eyes it appears to be sitting a bit higher in the water than the ships next to it that are still unloading, suggesting that it is currently empty of all cargo.
There are no beggars or salesmen, but you do spy a couple of older gentlemen casting fishing lines a little further down the dock.
Luciano walks up behind Gaspar and Giuliana and breathes deeply through his nose. That does do a body some good. He straightens his mustache with a finger, following them as they walk.
@Gabriele -
Hmph, when my services were requested I thought you might have a challenge for me. Of course I can manage, though I will require a portion of my fee up front, for bribery purposes of course. Say about 20 guilder? Oh, and you may address me as Esmerelda.
Assuming Gabriele gives her the guilders, Esmerelda will take her leave, pausing at the door to say, Don't be surpised by a late night visit by me and don't worry about leaving your door unlocked. She winks as she turns and walks out.
Gabriele doesn't even blink when she mentions her price and simply tosses her a bag of money. Don't worry, I'm quite accustomed to strange women trying to visit me in the middle of the night.
Luciano clears his throat, then leans in to Gaspar and Giuliana, speaking quietly. Don't let me get in your way, but...have you learned all you can from the those who dwell upon the docks? If so, let us retire to more comfortable surroundings. If some task remains, however, direct me, as I am the man for it.
Greetings Luciano! How are our lodgings? Let me try one more thing
Motioning for them to stay behind, she goes towards the fishing men and with a curtsie starts a little conversation with them.
1: + = 22
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4:
5: + = 20
6:
7: + = 21
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10:
What about that ship down there? It floats so gaily on the water, I'm sure it carries no cargo. Is it the pleasure barge of some important dignitary?
It is quite obvious to all three of you that these older gentlemen are quite pleased to have the attention of such a lovely young woman and do not hesitate to talk to her. They greet Giuliana warmly and begin telling her about several ships currently in the harbor now, often comparing them to ships they had seen in years long past. They'll talk of some of the more famous and eccentric looking people they have seen over the years and will eventually come to the topic Giuliana is fishing for.
That ship there is no pleasure barge my lady, it belongs to Benito Torres, a wonderful captain who I had the pleasure of sailing with before in my youth. Though when we saw it come to dock it appeared that it was being captained by one of his sons. I think it was Alejandro, his middle child since the oldest has recently gotten married and I couldn't imagine him leaving a new bride for a merchant trip and his youngest son has no interest in the sea. That young lad is a major disappointment to Benito let me tell you. Pausing a moment to think where he was in the conversation before he started to ramble on a bit, he will continue: There was a good deal of wine that that was fresh arrived from your home country in fact. I hope to get a chance to sample some of it during the festival. I talked a bit with the two guards who were waiting around for the crew to load the shipment into their wagon. Pleasant young men in the service to Don Hernando Rios who they said is planning some sort of celebration. They weren't really clear what it was about, but if they are providing good wine for free, who really cares? They both laugh at that last bit. At least he has finally overcome his grief over that accident. Perhaps he is finally thinking of remarrying and he wishes to publicly announce his new bride?
Our rooms will suit our purposes, little bella. Luciano grins at Giuliana. They are more spacious and well-lit than the bunks on the Mermaid's Laughter, that is certain.
Listening to the fisherman talk, Luciano raises an eyebrow. Forgive my ignorance, senor, but what is this accident to which you refer?
Of course, you are not from around here, so naturally you wouldn't know. Don Hernando's wife was from the mountain country to the north of us and it must have been about 3 years ago now since she last went to her family's home up there for a visit with her son. Well, you know how mountain roads can be and this was not long after the spring rains. A section of the road her coach was on gave way underneath its weight and sent the whole thing tumbling down the mountain side. Sadly no one inside the coach survived the fall.
A terrible tragedy. I do hope Don Hernando has some happiness to celebrate. I would be eager to hear of it.
Following Luciano back to the inn, Giuliana tells him what little they have found thus far.
So if the boy was on the ship, they have a two days headstart. Benito Torres may be involved, but why would he? He couldn't be after the mistress, if she'd leave Giovanno it wouldn't make no sense maneuvrering her sons into the line of succession. I doubt he thinks the boy is his dead child. So why would he play along in this ploy?
But if it isn't him, who has the power to commandeer one of his ships and use it for a game like this?
To tell the truth, I am at a loss at the moment. Perhaps we should sneak onboard the ship tonight, see if there's any evidence that the boy was on board. And somebody must have seen the party leave the ship. This docks are busy day and night. Not those fishermen, obviously. Somebody at night.
Giuliana sighs.
Guess I won't get much sleep tonight.
Sneaking onboard the ship? That's unheard of. It sounds like great fun. Luciano walks briskly through the streets of San Felipe, heading back towards the inn. But first, we dine!
Gaspar and Guiliana follow Luciano back to the Inn. Shortly after they have checked into their rooms, a knock comes on their doors announcing dinner. Your party is escorted downstairs and through the lobby to the adjoining restaurant where you are then taken to a private dining room. There is a round table set for five people. Plates, silverware and wineglasses sit upon a snowy white tablecloth. As soon as you are seated, servers come in with pitchers of water and sangria and set them upon the table. Those servers are directly followed by more that set appetizers upon your table, aceitunas, chorizo al vino, tortillitas de camarones and zamburiñas.
The doors to the dining area are shut after the servers leave, giving your group some privacy. Given the noise in the main dining area, you are fairly sure that as long as you keep your voices at a normal level, those outside will not hear your discussions.
Luciano eats quietly for a while before speaking. He does not look up. Giuliana has proposed a midnight stroll, down by the docks. I apologize for my faulty ear, but I cannot tell sincerity from jest. Do you really suggest this, little bella?
Giuliana repeats what she told Luciano for the other two.
That's it, little as it may be. Were we in Medico, I could tell you whom we'd have to talk to to find somebody who'd had seen the kidnappers leave the ship. But here?
Everything is different. It was not in jest when I suggested paying the Sea Bull a visit. There might be something left giving us a clue about the whereabouts of the little Lord. Also perhaps we should have a little chat with some member of the crew. It is not unheard of for sailors never to return from shore leave.
And obviously the captain must have known something.
Giuliana plays absently with her dinner while speaking, doing the cook a terrible injustice.
Benito Torres and his sons may already know of our interest in their vessel. And yet, it is our best lead. Luciano looks up, directly at Giuliana. By staring, you can learn much about a man. Every second your gaze lingers, however, you come closer to the man's ire, and your own ruin. It takes but a glance in Vodacce. How long does it take in Castille?
A moment passes. Luciano does not take his eyes off of Giuliana. He smiles. I am with you, of course, but be sure that your blade is sharp and the soles of your boots soft.
Gabriele arrives to the dinner a little late, and greets everyone with a smile. I hope the food is good?
He mostly lets the others talk while he eats, sending the sangria pitcher back to be refilled several times over the course of the meal. Once the main course arrives he speaks up.
There is a festival to take place in this city. This apparently means horses will be hard to come by until it is over. He takes a long drink from his glass. I have enlisted the aid of a messenger. If you need something sent, just let him know. But please tip him well. He pauses to pop an aceituna into his mouth. I've also hired a...guide. Someone who knows the city and may be able to find out what Benito Torres is up to or where he may hide something. As an afterthought he remarks, Oh, I've also hired a tailor. He seems competent enough and I'm sure he'd be available if anyone else needs a change of dress. Speaking of which, I hope he got your measurements, Olivier?
Yes, I spoke with the tailor. Also, I don't know about the rest of you, but I don't have a lot of experience sneaking on board pirate ships. Do we honestly believe that we can make it inside undetected? I'll personally be of much more use should we decide to kidnap and question one of the sailors. Intimidating people is something I am certainly used to.
Another viable avenue, and one that we may need to take should we come upon one or more of the sailors, as Giuliana has said. Anything can happen during shore leave. Luciano pauses to chew a bite of food.
Gabriele has helped our cause a great deal, finding this inn and securing services from the locals. We are well established here, but our one lead is the ship, which could easily be gone in a few days time. We need to take some action immediately. Who would begrudge us a starry stroll down by the pier? If the Sea Bull floats silently, perhaps we take a closer look. If it rings with raucous laughter, the plan evolves. Luciano scans the room, taking careful stock of his companions. His eyes stop on Gaspar. Father, you have been so quiet. Meditating on some relevant wisdom of the Prophets, no doubt. What would they say of our escapade?
Gaspar is visibly enjoying the opportunity to eat real food for the first time in years, seemingly more intent on eating than on the discussion going on around him.
When Luciano speaks to him directly, he does look slightly embarrassed, wipes his mouth, and answers. I think we surrendered the judgement of the Prophets when we accepted the aid of the gentleman from Montaigne. Nonetheless, time is of the essence, and few things will tell us as much as what is on that ship.
We should also visit the tavern, the...Salty Brew, I believe. He pauses in thought. Salty Ale, that was it. To see if we can find some of the sailors. There are plenty of us to attend to the two tasks simultaneously. And helping the sailors get drunk can only help those on the ship.
Salty Ale? That sounds...disgusting. Gabriele chuckles and finishes the rest of his glass. As for the ship, just be quiet and don't get caught. I'd hate to have to pay to get the both of you out of a Castillian prison.