SPICED SPIEL
The bard forged ahead past the ranger and gave the foreman a bright smile
The paladin interceded on the part of Salimen " I am Nerendil of Hovansted and Paladin from the House of Sif." He placed his talisman to his forehead " We are here seeking rest and food, but we will pay for them. We are not looking for trouble and, if we are armed, you have already said the reason; this is a dangerous road."
The rest of the party held their weapons firmly as the men exchanged animus.
The cleric scuttled forward in front of Salimen
" Well, let's not get ahead of ourselves here. Surely this fine gentleman does not want or... " the dwarf glared at the elven bard "...need to hear our intentions."
The priest stared up at the merchant leader. " I am Oktavianus of Soul Forger. As my fellow companions have stated, we are interested in some supplies, for a price of course. We also seek news of those who might harass the township of Tolx. Our mission is secret and if a respite you can grant us, I say that the King himself sent us this way."
Salimen bowed in acceptance and shot a curious glance at the crates The tall iron gates clanged shut while Gresmo led the team ahead toward a grey-bricked building. As they filed along, Leah leaned close to Gailwind
The foreman proclaimed loudly " Each in a pair will dispatch their weapons into the armory and will receive, in trade, a punched bone of their inventory." He smiled and strolled up to the last wagon passing through " From there I will host you with an hour of drinks at the 'Twin Shepherd' and hear your story of this ambush!"
" Greetings good man. My name is Salimen, the minstrel. You can't imagine how happy I am to be back to civilized areas after these horrible fens. We traveled from Bethlun and were attacked by orckish monstrosities on the way..." The leaders' eyes widened at the mention of the assailment and scanned the crew with deductive eyes.
"... that's why we hurried and didn't rest at night. You surely don't have to fear for your wares, good man. My companions are men of faith and honor."
The bearded man glanced over his shoulder briefly to gauge his men's reaction and then squared up to the bard " You say you have all traveled from the southern Kingdom? You wag a foreign speech there, boy!"
Salimen bowed " You have to excuse my accent and strange talk. I was born in Phertic of the west and not yet used to these lands. I heard rumors in Bethlun about dark strangers in the area and I suppose that's why every honest traveler is on his toes." The leader stepped forward staring into the bard's oculars " And what of these strangers do you know? If you travel from our Kingdom, who sent you and on what orders?"
The foreman evaluated the garb of the travelers and spoke direct to Salimen " Sorry for seeming so brash, young man. I now see you walk amongst valiancy so I can grant your party quarter for the night if you house your weapons at our armory. My name is Gresmo." He signaled for the bowmen to relax. They dropped their guard reluctantly scanning the outer fringes of the shadowy road.
" What is your business here? Do you trade in spice? I heard this is the Spice caravan trail here. Is it?"
The foreman crossed his arms and scowled benevolently " You have come upon the trade route, yes, but if you seek recognition of our commerce, that is as much confidential as your 'mission'. Unless you possess a vendor pass direct from the coast, do not ask such business here."
He turned and marched the throng into the city as the last of the wagons wheeled in behind them.
" Excuse me sage, but I have never been to this town before. Could you offer us any information about this place that might help in our endeavors here? Mayhaps tended customs can keep us out of trouble."
As Gresmo disappeared within the armory, the lorist whispered among 'Raven'.
" Tolx is known for its' trade in tinocar and ginger. Their main import is ginseng, mariweed, and caramel rum." The last is an exotic good solely exchanged off the Avila Isles." He looked up with discretion as Gresmo returned down the cemented steps " I think it wise to not tap too much in Tolxen affairs unless, of course, you really desire to pursue this 'strange folk'."
Suddenly, a winged form flew in over the wall piercing the night with a quick screech. It pounced lightly onto Glade's bedroll as Gresmo snorted in alarm. Splendor pinched his eyes tight, twisted his neck upward to watch Moonshade adjust itself. The owl swiveled his head vertically clockwise trying to take in all the fanfare. The sorcerer acknowledged the foreman's confusion " Don't mind my companion. He has become agitated this evening. It seems there is much to dislike outside your palisade."