Turn 35 -- Merchants Quibbling

"What do you mean by 'desert you', Master Gelderon?" says Beleg with a sharp glance at the merchant. "My companions and I were under the impression that the terms of our agreement required us to escort you and your cargo as far as Thurmaster." Beleg then looks toward Talimar for confirmation, "Isn't that correct, friend Talimar?"

Talimar frowns at the merchant, "You did say 'at Thurmaster' but the count is nearby and we are being paid 55gp each for this work. I feel we should see the job through. The count may also have some information that could help us in our quest."

Druckner steps forward to offer up his opinion, "Well, seems to me that Gelderon is right, we did agree to bring his goods to Parlfray Keep, we just didn't realise it was so far away. Besides, it'll give us a chance to see the Keep and maybe learn something useful. However, I don't think there's any harm in spending the night here to allow Dain and Talimar time to recover." With that said, Druckner walks over to Ras, "Lemme take a look at those gems and that buckle from the bandits." He and Ras then bend their heads over examining the newest gems the party has acquired.

Kersath thinks a moment about Gelderon's words before speaking, "Well, you did say that you were carrying goods to the count, although you did not mention us having to go there. As far as I remember you introduced yourself as a merchant and asked us to escort you to Thurmaster. As far as it concerns me, I don't mind either way but I think some of my companions will mind." He then turns toward the others to see what they think.

"Aye, if we agreed to go to Parlfray Keep then go we should." says Ortho. "We haven't been there before and talkin' to the count may do some good. Besides, we don't want to tarnish the good name of the Red Feather Co. by not keepin' our word!"

"I agree," says Randor, "Most of us should accompany them on if for no better reason than to fulfil our promise. I do believe though that the mages stay here, rest and try to get the ring identified as well as what was on the people we fought if that is magical."

Talimar turns toward the merchant before continuing, "Very well, we will accompany you to the count, however while you are getting ready, some of us need to visit someone in the town. We shall be back shortly."

Turning back to the group, Talimar motions Dain, Beleg and Ortho to come with him, he then asks the others to remain and guard the merchants goods.

"Yer right!" says Ortho enthusiastically, "I do need ta visit the mage! Thanks fer remindin' me."

"To Tauster we will go...to Tauster we will go...High, ho, the merry-o, to Tauster we will go."

"Well...I suppose so. Very well," stammers Gelderon as the others prepare to leave. "Please hurry though."

As Druckner sees Talimar, Dain, Beleg and Ortho prepare to leave for Tauster's he decides to follow along, whistling a tune under his breath. The group walks quietly into town, passing the dozing guards at the gate on the way in, continuing on towards the house of Tauster. Upon arriving at the rickety door to the wizard's dilapidated tower, Talimar knocks softly on the door. After a few moments, Tauster opens the door to the party.

"Ah, greetings! If it isn't the inquisitive youngster and his friends." says Tauster after he recognises the party. "The Red Feather Company, is that correct? I've heard quite a bit about you lately. Been busy it seems?"

"Aye, that we have," replies Dain as the party enters and takes whatever seats are available. The mage still has several different piles of scrolls and parchments laying about as well as several dozen open books and spell components scattered around. "Well, what can I do for you gentlemen?" asks Tauster.

Moving forward, Dain speaks first to the old mage, "We need another item identified, my friend. I tried yesterday eve but the scrying was beyond my power." Dain says this with a furtive glance over his shoulder at his companions. "Anyway, we were hoping that you might be able to identify this ring for us." He then hands the goblin ring to the wizard.

"We believe that this item is the cause of the New Mire," states Talimar, "But we need you to identify the nature of the magic as well as the problem."

"We'd also like to know if you can see about having a duplicate ring made for us as well, nonmagical of course," says Ortho as he moves forward.

Tauster looks at Ortho and obviously does not recognise the dwarven cleric.

"Ah, Ortho Pestkiller's the name," says Ortho as he sees the look from Tauster and offers his hand. "I'd like to talk to ye about a mage named Pericles..."

"Yes, we can talk about that later," says Talimar as he gently taps Ortho on the shoulder, "Right now we need to find out about this ring."

"You have your priorities, elf, I have mine." says Ortho with a sour look at Talimar.

Tauster appears to have been oblivious to the exchange between Talimar and Ortho as he has been looking over the ring. He comes back around after Talimar loudly clears his throat. "Oh yes, sorry. I get so caught up in these little queries some times," explains Tauster. "I can find out the nature of this ring over the night. I have a friend in Shadowdale who can make a duplicate ring but it will take ten days to get it back though."

"Well I suppose we have no other choice," says Beleg from across the room.

"Very well then," says Tauster, "Come back in the morning and I will have the ring identified. I understand you are under commission from Darius Carman to solve the problem of the mire. If this ring is the cause then I will have a letter prepared for you then to explain the nature of the ring to Carman. After that I will send the ring off to my friend in Shadowdale to be duplicated. It will cost you 100 gp for the duplicate ring though. Do you still want it done?"