Calenes

All night, the rain pours down on the city. Thunder and lightening make for effective sleep-interruptors. Things finally quiet down to a nice steady rain about 3am.

Sleep ?? What's that?

There is a great commotion in the predawn hours. Most try to ignore it, but eventually the noise and activity is simply too much. One by one, the adventurers stagger out of their rooms and come down stairs, even Avon, whose head is thumping like the inside of a drum. The common room of the Inn is jammed. People are buckling up their armor. Bows and crossbows seem to be the weapon of the day.

Snatches of conversation: "... Gates are closed..." "... 10,000 dwarves... invasion......West gate..." "... No it's Lord Velluth, Duke of Athring...East Gate..." "... Arm of Illuvitar ?"

Finally one of them grabs the arm of Aglora .. or was it Deglora? She explains: "About an hour ago, guards from the palace came to all the homes and inns. There are armies at the gates, which are closed. We're all supposed to man the walls." Then she rushes off.

Chaos reigns for another 30 minutes or so... Outside the windows, the rain has turned into a light mist as the sky lightens. "

"Citizens of Squarento." It is a voice, a rich, deep baritone. It comes from nowhere and everywhere. It is not loud, but conversational, as if the speaker were 3 feet away. Obviously everybody can hear it, for they all stop to listen ... startled.

"Citizens of Squarento." It repeats... or rather he repeats. "Citizens of Squarento. Be at ease. There will be no war today. By my word as Calenes, Champion of Illuvitar, God of War AND of Peace."

"BY THE GODS!" Shouts someone outside the window. "You can SEE him.. on the wall." Suddenly there is a rush to get outside. On the near side of the city wall is a large image. It is repeated every 25 ft or so, in each direction. "HAH," sniffs one of the citizens nearby, "That's nothin' but a spell of Jumbotron... I've seen it before."

The image is a large human male. He stands on a small hill, with the sunshine coming from his left. Those who came in the North Gate will recognize the scenery. In his right hand is a sword that seems to emit light of its own. In his left is a 6' wooden staff, with a pale blue feather at the top and completely carved in runes. He wears no fancy armor, no pennants flap in the morning breeze. His cloak, however is blindingly white, with Illuvitar's symbol embroidered on the left breast. Behind him can be seen a very old elf, wrapped in a plain dun cloak, sitting on a buckskin horse.

"In the name of my God, I request and require King Basalt, Princess Talis, and Duke Velluth to join in parley with me and the wizard, Rast, at noon... outside the north gate."

The image on the wall snaps closed. There is silence for three heartbeats... then pandemonium breaks loose. People are going every direction imaginable. As they look around, there are dozens of trios of soldiers in white cloaks, here and there, scattered around: they are near the wall, in the intersections. Each trio is comprised of a heavily armed dwarf with warhammer on his shoulder, an elven archer, and a human with sword. On the left chest of each is Illuvitar's symbol, sewn in pale blue. There are not so many of them as to be a threatening, military presence at any particular place, but everywhere one looks, they can be seen.

The party of 8 stands together just outside the Inn, where the dwarven captain from last night, Jaspar, in his white cloak, stands talking easily talking to his white-cloaked elven and human companions.

Quill approaches the dwarven captain with purpose, yet remains composed and polite in her stance. "Captain Jaspar, is this the previous commitment you and I spoke of last evening?"

The dwarf turns with a smile. "G'morning miss. Isn't it nice to see peace breaking out? Allow me to introduce my friends. This is Captain Hargreve, a member of Squarento's Arm", he motions to the human who nods and smiles, "and our elven friend is Lord Amaryss. He and his have come a long way to be here -- all the way from the Isle. And to answer your query, one could call this a committment, eh?"

Quill nods to the two men she was introduced to but keeps her attention on Jaspar. "Peace, Captain? I wasn't aware that there was war going on in Squarento. Surely your peace force is a little extreme, is it not? And to what do we owe a visit from an Elven aristocrat, Lord Amaryss?"

"No, there's no war... at least none's been declared," says the dwarf. "The Arm is neutral, as you may know, among the affairs of Princes -- and Dukes for that matter. If someone declares war in an honorable way, we just step aside and let them all decide things on justice's battlefields. But we're not neutral at all in the cases of unprovoked and surprise attacks on civilians."

He smiles sardonically. "I'm sure that Duke Velluth's just brought his 1500 knights and mercenaries to support his discussion with the old King about the succession to the throne... or maybe he wants to marry the Princess and is just showing off to impress her."

The human, Hargreve, speaks in a surprisingly high tenor. "Princess Talis will jump off the Lover's Cliffs before that marriage will take place. Last time he was here, he called her a 'half-breed' -- and to her face. If it weren't at Court, I think she might've turned him into a toad on the spot... As it was, she told him he was unwelcome to return... and he hasn't been back in almost a year now. There's no need for peacekeeping *INside* the walls. 'Tis outside the east gate's the problem, if I'm to venture an opinion."

"In any case," interrupts the elven Lord, "we just go where our general, Calenes, leads. It was his suggestion about a month ago that we come for joint exercises ... so 200 of us came. It's just one of his little coincidences that we're here at a useful time. And as for being a Lord," his smile is broad, "well, elven Lords are a copper a dozen. Hang around for 5 or 6 hundred years, and you're a Lord -- it's an unwritten rule."

"That's right enough... they're proper lousy with Lords," laughs Jaspar. "And as for us... why there's only a hundred of us, and we always accompany old Rex Basalt on his little outings. If ye get the chance, take a look at his armor. It bears the same sign as mine.... Altho he sleeps in softer beds." He finds this so funny, he's doubled over with laughter.

Avon holds his head in his hands. His head feels as if it is stuffed with cotton, he has trouble focusing his sight. He looks around at the other party members, he looks at the two new members that clearly seem to belong to the group now, including the dog. Avon makes sure he stays away from the beast. "Soth! This really really isn't my day", he shakes his head trying to clear his mind. "Shar be damned if I know what is going on here, but I am not staying in this town to find out." He looks around the streets, "I am not to fond of all these military types, if you get my drift."

Avon makes sure his woolen clothes cover his chain mail, as if the fact that he wears chain makes him suspicious. Then he gets down on his knees and checks his backpack to see if everything is still there, including his new treasure. As he sits on the ground he looks up at Myridian, "is everything still here? Did you check... the stuff? Anything valuable?" He gets up again and swings his backpack on his back.

"Well, that book with the tide information will come in handy when we have to enter the caves." Quill says under her breath. "By the way, I'm Quill, the dog is Edge, and you must be Avon."

Avon shakes his head again. "Ok what's the plan? You did make a plan when I was, uhm, occupied right?", he looks around the group. "I mean we got to get going." Avon looks hurried. "Look around, there is no profit here. If there is not going to a war why do I see so many weapons?", he nods his head towards the dwarven captain."War only brings dead, and I don't want to die, not today. I planned something else for my last day. So any one that wants to be a hero, go right ahead. But without me!" He looks around the streets again and acts nervously, "Soth! we gotta go, we gotta go now!"

**********

[Background -- OOC from the DM: Illuvitar is the God of War, Peace and Justice. Every so often he personally selects a Champion [i.e., Paladin]. At any given time, there are typically only a handful of Champions in the world. Most warriors pay homage to the God of War, of course, but some actually commit themselves to His service. Those who do join the Arm of Illuvitar [the white cloaks]. Some in the Arm hope to be chosen as a Champion some day, while others are simply called to holy service. Senior members of the Arm also often act as judges in important matters.

Basalt IV, king of the dwarves of Dwarvenholm, and father to the kidnapped Prince, is a member of the Arm. This is nominally a conflict of interest, but being king of the dwarves is kind of like being the oldest brother in a large family. When something needs to be decided, he decides it, but there's not really a lot of structure and power in the monarchy.

The Arm is very prickly about war. If a war is honorably declared in advance of any fighting, then they stand aside and let the contestants decide on the battlefield. If there is an attack without the official declaration, then they will tend to join the victim's cause.

Existing in every country, the Arm is an independent military/clerical order, serving the needs of Illuvitar. Any Champion of Illuvitar is, by definition a General of the Arm. Outside the north gate is Calenes (KAL-en-is), a human -- prior to his selection he was a Priest who lived in Helegorn.

The Elves came from the Isle of View -- a semi-autonomous region. Melfis claims it as Melfan, but they dont push the issue. Princess Talis' mother (an elf) came from The Isle.

The Dwarves came with Rex (as the sitting King of the Dwarves is known to his kin). The Humans are local Melfans.

**********

Tavarak, dressed in chainmail and cloak decends into the scene of chaos. He adjusts the shield slung over his back and checks the positioning of the sword belted at his waist. Seeing his companions in the corner he moves towards them. "Well It would seem that we have gotten ourselves involved in more then just a seach for a wayward Dwarven Princeling."

Tavarak ponders all of the recent events half listening to Quills conversation, half building the puzzle in his mind. "So we know that King Wilhelm is in poor health and that his daughter Talis will take the throne. With the trouble that Melfis is having with its neighbours to the north and south. Should the King die soon and with the dwarfs preoccupied with the search for their crown prince, then Melfis would have no allies to speak of. This would leave it ripe for invasion, or at the very least intimidation. It would seem that this Duke Velluth and his 1500 knights and mercenaries are here for that very purpose while Lords Jaspar, Hargreve and Amaryss are part of a force here to protect Melfis.

Tav looks at his companions, and lowers his voice "It would seem that the best way we can help is to find Prince Geodon as soon as we can. He will be able to bring the might of his fathers army to aide Melfis, and at the same time unmask those behind this unsavoury plot. If nobody has any better ideas, or can find fault with my reasoning, i suggest we make haste find this Poppy character and see if he will take us to these caves, so we can begin our search. By sea would be the best bet, seeing as i'm sure we won't be able to leave thru an invading army."

Avon beams a distracted smile at Quill, "Yes, my name is Avon. I am the clumsy stupid fool of this party. Don't let the guy with the juggling act fool you." Avon looks more preoccupied with the people in the streets than with talking to Quill. "As you might know I had a little accident yesterday evening, so I didn't have time to see what I, uhm, found. But it looked interesting. But I am sure Myr got a good look at it." He looks at the dog, "Nice companion you got there", and tries to pet the beast.

Then he turn to Tavarak and raises an eyebrow as he is genuinely impressed by Tavarak's thinking. "Help? I didn't come here to help. Let these people sort their own problems. Let's just find this prince and get our reward. And lets be quick about it because if there is a war we can forget about our bounty." Avon looks distressed when he mentions the fact that there is the possibility of no reward. "Who cares about this honor and neutral stuff. War is war. And if there is a war I don't want to be near it. And I surely don't want to die for some other then myself."

Avon now looks really nervous. He checks his sword, his bow. He checks his clothes, again. He rubs a hand through his hair and looks around the group as if he is waiting for an answer. "Besides who is this Poppy character. I mean I sleep for a few hours and suddenly there are whole groups of people joining us." He starts counting on his fingers. "Our reward is now... a lot smaller. And what about that dog, does it count as a member too. Besides I am the one doing all the dangerous stuff. What if that powder had another side effect besides sleeping. Shar knows what could have happened." He looks around the group again, his eyes fall on Tavarak "So, are you our leader now? If you are, tell these people to hurry!"

Docks

Tavarak flinches slightly as Avon attempts to pet the wolf, wondering how successful a one handed thief would be at making a living. Relieved that Avon won't have to find out he chuckles at the mans words before clasping him on the shoulder "My friend, in our future i foresee many great debates on the virtues of Self versus the Needs of Others, yet for now i wholeheartedly agree! Lets get the HELL out of here. As for the dog well if his thieving abilities are half as good as your, we can cut him in for a share, hmmm and perhaps rename him Snoop Doggie Dog. If Quill permits of course. As for being leader," Tav laughs "I'm sure each of our specialized talents will deem who is best suited to lead in a specific situation."

"Leader?" Myr mouths the words to herself. Apparently some big planning took place while she was babysitting Sleeping Beauty.

"I'm with you Avon," she says, looking nervously at all those wandering around decked out in white. For some reason, she was reminded of biscuits, poppin' fresh from the oven. "I just want to get out of here as quickly as possible - I don't like this at all."

As the chaos ensues after the show of dwarven force in the city walls, Sandros turns to the others. "Ahh...I have something important that I need to take care of before we go..." He shakes his head, as if disgusted with himself. "I forgot that the stupid town guard cast some sort of dweomer over me...that will begin to go off in a few more days if I don't report back in. Seems they don't seem to believe I'm not a slave..." He looks a bit sheepish, and shrugs. "But if I report in, they'll remove it, and I'll be ready to go with the rest of you."

Ven, a little disappointed that he has not been able to see more of the city before rushing to leave, volunteers to join Sandros, hoping to get a little sight-seeing in along the way.

"Well, Tav. I think that it might be a better idea to go to where Poppy told us he saw the dwarf prince taken. It's in the waterfront area, where Starmyst and I ate with him. What do you say, Starmyst? Edge and I are going."

Tav nods, "Great idea Quill, why don't Avon, Myr and myself join you. Sandros, Ven, Alexa and Starmyst can go and sort out Sandros's situation. That way each group will have a guide, specifically you and Starmyst, seeing as none of us know where you met this poppy character or what he looks like, and each group will be fairly balanced." Tav grabs hold of Algora and returns his room key along with 15 SP, "This is for the boarding of my horse, I shall settle any debts when i return" He grins at the woman, "And just remember, he is way to stubborn to turn into STEW meat!!!" Tavarak winks at her before hefting his backpack and turning to follow Quill out into the street. Almost as an after thought, Tav turns and says "Beware any halflings you meet on the way, they may be in league with the Half Orc."

"Ah,finaly.something to do besides standing around," grumbles Alexa. "Ok then Sandros.lead the way"

Quill starts, "Halfling? Maybe it's a coincidence, but a halfling tried to pilfer my pack while I was still wearing it yesterday." She pats her left leg and Edge heels as commanded. "Well, Tav" she pauses, looking towards both directions as she enters the busy street, "we met him in front of the Golden Pony, but he showed us where he was when he witnessed the prince's kidnapping. It was right here." Quill swings her backpack around in front of her and pulls out her map to show Tav. Everything is in its place as she glances into the pack. She has gotten into the habit of keeping track of her belongings since she began traveling with the dog. For some reason food would end up missing if she wasn't careful.

Tav ponders Quill's statement, "It could be, but there are alot of adventures in the city. There were 2 haflings that came into my room last night and removed the Half Orc's gear. They had a key so i would assume that they are in league with the brute." Tav nods as Quill points out their destination, trying to memorize the route she marks out with her finger, then gets ready to follow her.

While the adventurers are standing around in the minutes after dawn, another group comes from the Flying Fish Inn. There are 10 in all, apparantly a mixed-race party, with humans and half-elves predominant -- among them are Jan and Crystal, who were at an adjacent table last night. They appear to be casually walking toward the barn.

Casually, they get their horses and -- casually, lead them along the Wall Street... toward the southwest gate.

They are trying so damn hard to look casual, except that there is not one word spoken among them --- just a very tense casualness. They make eye contact with no one, are careful not to jostle anyone, and give a wide berth to anyone who might seem to want to talk to them.

Tav chuckles at the group commenting "I wonder if they are trying to skip out on their bill, or are just trying to escape the city."

So, they form up.. Quill, Avon Myriian and Tavarek in one foursome, off to see what lies at the "X" on Poppy's map ... Sandros, Veneron, Alexa and Starmyst in another group to see what can be done about Sandros difficulty with the local constabulary.  After looking at the map, they realize that they'll be all together for about 3/4 of the trip. It's going to take an hour to get to the point where they'll part company, after which each will have about another 30 minutes of walking to do.

The city is settling down to an almost normal morning -- considering the unusual presence of the Illuvitarian Armsmen in those blazingly white cloaks here and there and everywhere. They pass by bakeries and note the tempting aroma of freshly baked bread and rolls. Quite a few of the people on the street are in and out of taverns and inns for some grub. Stomaches begin to growl.

It gets to be about 7 am or so, by the time the team of 8 gets to the City Plaza in front of the Palace -- the parting place.

Doing some quick remembering, Sandros recalls that the official he met said that the magistrate's court didn't open until 10 am, and he was supposed to go on Wednesday... which would be tomorrow. Maybe he could get in a day early, but looking across the Plaza at the courthouse entrance, he saw no sign of activity this early. "Well," he suggests, "let's all go down to the pier then... As long as I get back here before the end of business, I should be able to clear this up... I've *GOT* my papers in order, after all."  Sandros goes with the others, a slight smile on his face. Must be getting flustered by all these pretty ladies... he thinks wryly. More like word of the "Duke" has completely scrambled my brain...

For the next half hour, the group angles further toward the southeast corner of the city... to the docks. But those who came by boat instantly notice the difference between the docks where they arrived and these run-down, seedy wharves. As they get within sight of the next-to-last dock, the sharp-eyed ranger, Quill, brings the group to a sudden halt, motioning them to duck behind a warehouse corner.

Soon enough they all see what caught her eye. It's the half-orc, standing on the dock, motioning and talking to the captain of a ship. No one can see it's name. They are loading barrels and kegs and crates of goods all marked with the sign of the Oxcart Traveling Supplies Co. The captain, an orc or half-orc is trying to hurry things along, and the half-orc from the Inn is waving his hands around, and stomping in a puddle of rainwater. The dock crew are all humans or half-orcs -- tough looking and muscular. Up in the rigging of the ship, halflings can be seen checking the sails and lines.

Tav grins, thankful for the sharp eyes of the ranger. "Well now that could have been an interesting encounter"

Starmyst whispers, "That's right next to the dock that Poppy indicated. He said it was the last one -- called it the Orc's Dock, I think."

"Well at least we are in the right place,"  says Tav.

The whole journey Avon has been hungry. His attempts at 'finding' something to eat all failed. As he is pushed against the wall of a warehouse he looks around to see if there is an opportunity to find something to eat. When he notices the grades hold no food or anything of value, he takes something that looks like a dried sausage from his backpack, and begins to chew on it.

Avon doesn't look to interested in the orc at all. "Maybe we can find something to eat in one of these warehouse", he swings his sausage towards the warehouse they are hiding behind. As he notices that most of the group members are preoccupied with something that is going on further along the docks he decides to take a careful look around the edge of the warehouse. "Ugly, bastard", he murmurs.

Tavarak grins at the thiefs actions, hoping Avon's rumbling stomach doesn't give away their hiding place. "Avon when the halflings came in last night to remove the Half Orc's stuff, the retrieved a package from under the mattress, Did you happen to come across it during your search? Was there any clues there?"

Avon raises an eyebrow when he hears Tavarak mention the mattress. "Hahaha, the mattress. The mattress you say? Of course I looked there. It's the first place any thief would check out, right? The mattress he says." Avon shakes his head and makes a throw away gesture, still with his sausage, towards Tavarak. Then he turns to Myridian and makes a weird face. As he turns towards Tavarak his face returns to his 'normal' disinterested blank expression.

"What do you think, huh, that I am some kind of beginner. When I checked there was nothing there. I don't know." He shrugs. "They must have placed it there after I was there. Or maybe you didn't see right, who knows." Avon points at his backpack. "All I found I took with me. A map with the tides, some weird powder and other things, oh yes and these calculations on a calendar."

Tavarak leans back against the boxes pondering their options "Well it would seem we need to decide what to do next. We could try and stow away on the ship, probably not the best option and probably doomed to failure. We could try and take over the ship," Tav peers over the boxes and shakes his head "Also not a very smart option considering their numbers." Chuckling softly he continues "And if we do manage to take over the ship what then?" He supresses a laugh before answering his own question "Then we would be forever known as the Dock Bound Pirates Hmmmmmm that leaves us with two options that i can think of We could alert the Arm with out belief that they have kidnapped the prince and hope that they act on our information and arrest the Half Orc and his crew, then we could use Quill's and Starmysts information to sail to the caves and attempt to rescue the prince. Our problem is we have no proof. The other think i can think of is that we continue with our original plan and find this poppy character and have him sail us to the caves. That puts us in race with them and I'm not to keen on the idea that the prince will then be guarded by this crew AND who ever else they left to guard him." Tav sighs "And this is all based on the possibility that he is actually being held by this group and is at the caves." Tav thinks for a bit " What if we were to get the Half Orc to believe that the dwarfs are onto their plan and will be following them. That way they may take a longer route to get there, trying to shake anyone following them. That would buy us some time. We could still get poppy to take us to the caves, and won't have to worry about the Half Orc and his crew, while we sail there and rescue the prince? Sandros and Ven could go and get his problem sorted out, while Starmyst and Quill find poppy and secure our passage to the caves, the rest of us can carry out the ruse with the Half Orc. Whatever we decide to do we should act quickly i'm no sailor but it does look like they plan on getting under way soon"

Avon peaks around the corner again. "Well we could sink the thing, but I am not going to catch a cold, so I guess that's out of the window." Avon rubs his chin as he is thinking, "Hmmmmm, we need to get rid of them. Why not report them for smuggling? That would keep them busy... especially if they found something... well something you smuggle."

As Avon hides behind the wall again, a big smile comes across his face. "Why not. Let them deal with the authorities here, preferably spend some time in jail. We get to the caves and disabled a whole army of those ugly bastards before we even got there." He grins. "I am so devious, it's almost scary." He takes another big bite from his sausage and seems pleased with himself.

Tav says, "Yes but the beauty about sending them off on some wild goose chase is that we can SELL them the false information. We go up and offer to, for a price, sell them infomation that the Arm is on to them and will follow them out to where ever it is that they are going. This way we can get them out of the way for a few days, and make some money in the process"

"I've never been one who likes to be rushed," Quill says. "But, from what I understand of Avon's mishap with the trunk, the orc probably knows that SOMEONE went through his belongings and that SOMEONE has an inkling of what his plans are, whatever they are." Quill begins to put her braid up into a bun and begins to scan the area for people other than those on the orc dock.  "Here's a plan: we act as if we're looking for dock space for our ship. We just have to pretend we're looking for structural things, cleanliness of the docks, etc. That way, we can look for clues and search a bit without that crew thinking we don't have a right to be here. What do you say?"   In fact, she remembers that they passed the harbormaster's offices just a few blocks back.

"And we nudge them in the direction that that SOMEONE was an agent from the Arm."  Tav is still pushing his deception ploy.  "I think that at least the Half Orc will remember some of us. Seeing as i was his roomie I'm sure he will recognize me at the very least. I'll go with Sandros if we choose Quills plan. Besides I have no idea as to what would constitute a suitable docking location for a ship.

"Acting on false information would probably not be the best idea," offers Starmyst, "as governments can't stand false info. That might get us thrown in jail before we even leave the city. Getting Poppy to sail us might work, except that he's old and might require more food. However," she went on, "pretending to be on the Half-Orcs side and getting him to take a longer route might be our best bet. One question: could I be in the group talking to the Half Orc?" She grinned. "I have a way with people..."

Tav nods in agreement with Starmyst "And this way we don't have to go to the authorities, we just bluff them into thinking that the authorities are on to them, and that they will follow them to the prince. Who we shouldn't mention, we wouldn't want them to think that we know to much. They may try and kill us if they think we know to much information."

Avon shrugs. "Well you do what you like then. Aslong as I don't have to risk my life for it."

"Um..." Myridian says, nodding, but looking a little skeptical. "What if we're asked about our boat? We don't have one, do we? Or did we get one while I slept? I mean, we should have our story straight before we start trying to pull the flannel over someone's eyes."

As they talk, the group notices many other people on the docks. This is the warehouse and commercial district, and there are two very large ocean-capable ships down toward the middle of the dock area. They are being tended by a gaggle of longshoremen: unloading crates, moving them into nearby warehouses, moving crates out of others, making large piles on the dock.

Down near this end [east end] of the docks seems to be the fishing and "other" category, judging from the smell. The fishing boats, of course, have long gone, but on shore are several businesses that cater to fish handling. In this section, the only boat with any activity is the one under observation.

There is another beyond it, tied up to the last pier, but there seems to be no activity on that one. The general nature of comments overheard have to do with the "all points bulletin" broadcast by Calenes this morning. The proximity of this section of the city to the East Gate tends to make them focus more on what the Duke of Athring has planned.

The Ruse

Starmyst nods and says, "Say anything that goes along with my story and sounds 'shady'." She shifted her weight slightly and squinted her eyes, looking like the type that doesn't like daylight and does their work by night. She slinked up to the Half-Orc, much like a cat, and purred softly, "I have some information you might like. We are allies of yours, unknown to most, but we care only about keeping the town at unrest." She grinned, and whispered, "One of our favorite past-times..."

Zumir, the half-orc that has been the focus of so much of the group's attention, looks up, a bit startled at the appearance of Starmyst and Tavarak, at her first words he breaks off his talk with the ship's captain. The captain is a particularly unsavory looking half-orc: tall and strong, wearing a cutlass. Zumir turns to Starmyst: "Why miss, I am just a humble servant of Illuvitar, " he gestures to the holy symbol around his neck, "and am simply arranging delivery of some food and supplies to the Orphanage at Athring. It's safer to go by sea than road, these days." He gestures to the packing crates (there are more than a dozen marked "IRON RATIONS. KEEP DRY"), barrels (marked "FRESH PRODUCE") and kegs ("DRINKING WATER"). He aims for an indignant attitude: "Keeping the town at unrest is a subject completely foreign to me. Perhaps I should call the guard !"

He is glancing about nervously and rattles his answer off a little too quickly. Starmyst and Tavarek have a definite bogon alert

Starmyst adds in, "They were going through your things yesterday. We have... ways... of knowing such information. It is up to you if you wish to get caught by them or not, but we will help you all we can. Chaos is our middle name. With a cat like grin she begins to turn back toward the shadows of the warehouse.

Tavarak smiles as the girl moves towards the Half Orc. He Steps from behind the crates and moves up beside her. He waits to see the brutes reaction to her comments before adding. "Well met roomie, and the lady speaks the truth. For a price we are willing to share some information that i am sure will be of great interest to you." His thoughts focus on two ideas: We will not board his ship, we will not to let ourselves be surrounded by any of his crew.

Sandros steps out from around the corner and walks partway toward the dock, letting S&T go on ahead, thinking that (a) they might need someone to watch their backs and (b) the visible presence of someone marked as a slave might increase their "shadiness quotient". Might as well get some good out of this damned tattoo for a change, he thinks.

The half-orc snaps his head up. "They were going through my things? Who is this ~they~ ? And YOU," he turns to Tavarek. "Did you happen to witness this search? Did you by chance see ~them~ take a small candle in a leather pouch? It is of no particular value to anyone but me.... it was a ... errrrummm... a holy candle that I got on my last crusade for Illuvitar. For that personal and religious reason, I would pay a reward to have it back."

He goes on, "As for ~information~, " he unleashed what he obviously thinks is a beaming smile ,"this town is full of it. Every peddler on the street has a secret to sell... always about ~them~ . If you're allies of mine -- which I do NOT need, as I am merely on a mission of mercy -- well ... any true allies would only have information to GIVE, not sell. And........ um.... what ~kind~ of information exactly would you be talking about, eh? And how would I know it's true, anyway? I confess to my Lord that I ~am~ interested in little tidbits of gossip."

Meanwhile....the others watch the interaction from the shadows of the warehouse. Avon finishes his dried sausage. "I am thirsty."

Myr pokes Avon with her elbow, offering her wineskin to him. "If they get in trouble," she whispers, "I've never laid eyes on them."

Avon takes another quick look around the corner and readies his short bow. They are about 30 yards away. As he sits with his back against the wall of the warehouse he starts picking his teeth. "Isn't this great, having a conversation with the same person, correction, half-orc, that we robbed a few hours ago. We must be loosing our minds. It's crazy enough to work, but if it doesn't, I'll make sure he won't live to tell the story."

Quill shakes her head. "Well, let's hope that Starmyst is good at lying," she sighs. She notices that the entire group's attention seems to be on the parley going on about 30 yards away and she suddenly feels vulnerable. She scans the docks, keeping an eye out for anything else that seems out of the ordinary (such as members of an assassin's guild sneaking up behind us).  Quill and Edge stroll out near an unused portion of the dock area and she tosses a stick for him to bring back. The half-wolf seems very good at the "Go-And-Get" part of the game... not so good on the "Bring-It-Back" part.

The conversation out on the pier is going on rather longer than original expected. All here who are looking see Zumir start to make a move toward Starmyst, then stop. He talks some more... waving his hands about.

Having been here perhaps a half hour now, the group attracts a questioning glance from the random dockworker who passes by.

Starmyst raised an eyebrow and didn't let her surprise show. "Surely you can't forget.. Our spies are not mistaken." Maybe she could trick him into thinking whatever small toe-out-of-line thing he might have done recently was actually breaking a law.

"Spies?....." Zumir squints his eyes at the elf. "Who *ARE* you anyway? And what is this ~information~ you claim to have?" He begins to make a move to grab her elbow... but remembers Tavarek's presence at the last minute and pulls his hand back.

Tavarak smiles, but makes no overtly offensive gestures "Now that would not be a very wise move my friend. We did not come here alone, and there are others watching us as we speak. As for who are we? Well lets just say that we belong to an association of sorts. We deal in information, the buying and the selling of it to be more specific. We have information that we feel is worth your while, and you may have that information if the price is right. First things first, as for your candle, no i have no idea where it is, but i do know of someone who may be able to retrieve it for you, again if the price is right of course. As for our information, well it concerns the plans of those who would try and undo your hmmm business, shall we say" Tavarak shrugs "Whatever your business may be. That is your concern and not ours. So what shall it be? Name your price and the information is yours. If not then we shall part company here and now."

Starmyst simply nods in agreement to this speech.

He pauses, looks thoughtfully at Tavarek and at Starmyst. He's thinking so hard you can almost see the smoke coming out of his ears. "I don't see how you could retreive my special candle before I leave... that is if ~they~ took it and not you. As soon as this loading is done, the captain's leaving, and I'm to go with him. The tide is favorable right now... going out yuh see. Anyway.... If you could get it back, I'd pay......... 2 gp for it. Just for the sentimental value you understand... My ummmmm pilgrimage and all."

Another longish pause. "How can I possibly say what your information is worth.. about ~them~... and interfering with my peaceloving plans --- unless I know what it is. Or how you obtained it. Or who ~THEY~ are? I mean... maybe ~they~ is me ! Maybe you've been spying on my real friends and you're just trying to confuse me. I wouldn't pay a copper for street gossip. But if you had something real...... ??" His voice trails off.

The final crates are put aboard and the captain calls to Zumir: "Ready to go when you are... You ARE going to be ready today are you not?"

Zumir's only answer is a distracted wave of his hand as he talks to Tavarek and Starmyst.

Tavarak ponders for a moment before relenting, "Ok here is what we know for sure. The arm suspects that you are somehow involved with the events that are presently unfolding. They plan to lay in wait just offshore and follow you to your destination before making their next move. We do know that they have at least 2 low profile ships out at sea as part of their plan. We also found out that they will follow you no more then 5 days before returning here. So it would appear to me that you have only to lead them on a wild goose chase for a mere 5 days before going about your business and you should be free and clear. We also suspect that they have magical way of scrying you whereabouts and actions, but that we can not confirm. Now you may think me foolish for telling you all of this before a bargin has been struck, however, in these times information is power. The organization to which we belong has a way of coming across many, hmmm shall we say interesting tidbits. Sooner or later you will come to need our help. Should you choose not to pay for this information, well then you will end up paying in other ways, more dearly then money."

The half-orc listens carefully. "The arm you say?" and then in a voice a little too loud, "Why would the MarksArm want to steal this food? Oh well, who knows what evil they may plan." His voice returns to a more confidential pitch: "I do not know how useful this may be ....."

He is interrupted by the ship's captain, who points out that the tide is right, the wind favorable and either the ship leaves *NOW* or 12 hours from now.

Zumir looks disappointed at not having a decent chance to argue the value of the tip. He jumps aboard as the nimble halflings are loosing the lines, pushing the ship away from the dock and preparing to make sail. Nodding briefly to himself, Zumir fishes a small stone from a pocket in his vest. He tosses it to Tavarek, who catches it neatly. "Give my thanks to Paula," he calls -- voice pitched low, just audible on the dock -- as the sails begin to fill and the ship begins to pick up speed.

Tavarek and Starmyst can see him go to talk with the captain. There is much waving of arms and pointing. The two watch for a few moments as the ship heads to the open water: more sails are raised, they fill and the ship heels gently to starboard and heads south-southwest. One of the halflings scampers up to the crow's nest, spyglass tucked into his belt.

Tav looks down at his catch: it is a small black pearl.

Seeing that the transaction on the dock ended without violence, Sandros turns and rejoins the main group. "I'll bet we could stop for some food and still be in time for me to see the magistrate when he opens. It'll almost be on the way to ... errrrr.... where ARE we going now, anyway?"

The chime on the municipal sundial would bong for 8.30, if it existed.