Turn 36 -- Dealing with Tauster

Beleg looks at his companions and says, "I think that we should have a copy of the ring made regardless of the cost, since we made a promise to the shaman. If Master Tauster is able to confirm that the 'real' ring was the cause of the mire, then the 100 gp cost for the copy to be made is a minor consideration when compared to the fee we will be receiving from Carman."

The others nod at the words from Beleg. Talimar looks at Ortho before speaking, "I think we should get the ring duplicated. Darius would probably compensate us and it may give us a chance to get the shield back."

"Aye, sounds like a good plan, friend Talimar," answers Ortho.

"Thank you Tauster," says Talimar to the mage, "We will accept your offer. We have a delivery to make to the Count and will be coming back tomorrow to collect the letter."

"Yes, of course," replies the mage.

"My thanks to you, Sir, for your aid in this matter," says Beleg, "I wonder if we may beg your assistance in another matter?" At a nod from the mage, Beleg continues to tell him about the repeated attempts to kidnap the mages in their party.

"Oh my!" says Tauster. "More kidnapping's?! This is oh so terrible. I told you last time, these are dark times! Dark times indeed!"

"I don't know who would be interested in capturing mages though. It just doesn't make sense. There aren't all that many mages here to begin with. It's why I like it so much." he says before stopping abruptly with a look on his face like he's said too much.

"I hope your company can solve this mystery," begins Tauster, "I'm too old to move again." He says this shaking his head as he takes a seat at the table.

"We'll do our best to protect ye," says Ortho. "Just one question fer ye, if ye please? Me clan depends upon me finding a human sage by name of Pericles VanDray. Would ye have heard of him? Could ye tell me what ye know? Where might I find 'im or 'is works? These are important questions fer me an' me clan. If ye want time to think aboot 'em, I'll happily come back at a more convenient time. What say ye?"

Tauster appears to listen intently to Ortho but it is also quite evident that he is shaken by the news of attacks on mages. After a moment he does answer the questions of Ortho, "Yes, I believe I have heard of Pericles. Most old mages know of him. I think I've got a book about him around here somewhere." He says as he gets up to sift through a number of stacks of books.

"The man to help you would be Elminster in Shadowdale but he's practically impossible to talk to. I'll look for that lost book and try to give you some information when you come back for the ring, how's that?"

"That would be great!" answers Ortho with a big smile. "Any help ye could be givin' me would be much appreciated."

"Well sir," says Dain to Tauster, "I'd like to talk to you privately later this evening. Our group has an 'errand' to run first. If you would care for my help this evening in preparing the ring, I'd gladly give it. Perhaps I could learn what I've done wrong."

"Why yes, I could use the help," answers Tauster. "I'm gettin' too old for these spells that require all this preparation anyway. I'm more into research these days now."

"I'll return after we finish our errand then," says Dain.

With that decided, Talimar leaves the ring with Tauster and the group makes their way from the tower of the wizard. "So that's Tauster?" asks Druckner as he speaks for the first time. "Kinda thought he'd be a little more intimidating."

The rest of the companions laugh at the words from their friend as they make their way back toward the waiting wagon-train. As the group approaches their friends, they hear the sound of Gnore cursing loudly after someone or something and looking up they see their companions standing around the wagons, weapons drawn and at the ready. Their are four bodies lying amongst the wagons, one laying in a pile of flour amid a broken barrel, blood staining the flour and the ground. Gelderon is walking around thanking them all and shaking hands with them.