The Spy
Chapter
29: The Professors' Dark Secret
Chapter
30: The Meaning of Complimentary
Chapter
31: Mi'ana, Tel'sha, and Yuri'me
Torana, Nahabedian and Jadir all look at each other confused. After a few moments of silence Jadir says slowly, "Yeeesss."
Torana suddenly laughs, "They dropped you off penniless didn't they?"
The Professor nods ashamedly.
Magnus quickly checks his purse and says, "I have a feeling that the coin we have on us won't be accepted hereabouts very well."
The Professor considers his words for a moment then says, "Well, lets see what you have."
Torana promptly pulls out a gold coin from an inside pocket and tosses it to the Professor who manages to catch it without even seeing it!
The Professor rubs his fingers over it mumbling under his breathe, "No design, good heft so it solid and real. He frowns, An odd size though." Much louder he says, "We must be careful. Any innkeeper will be suspicious if we use these coins."
Magnus looks at the motley entourage, "Perhaps we can perform some sort of service for the innkeeper to procure lodgings?" Turning to Torana he smiles kiddingly adding, "Perhaps my mentor here can entertain the crowd with his abundant skills?"
"Why I have a million of `em my boy!" Torana winks slyly.
The Professor says, "I'm afraid not! He says indignantly, The outfits that I were hoping youd have were to show that you are men of high rank. Even offering to perform any kind of service would raise suspicions. As our retainers Magnus and Velim will be expected to handle the day to day menial operations. But it will be expected of men of such rank to always have plenty of coinage around. It would be beneath even your status to stoop to any such means to produce income. In fact it would be scandalous! They would have to haul you away just to protect your honor. You wouldn't be detained just asked to move on and not do that again, while some cover story was made up. I suppose I could have chosen uniforms of low rank, but then we would never be given an audience to the council chambers. Which is what we need."
Torana looks serious for once thinking deeply, "I understand we have put you in a difficult situation and you have chosen wisely. This is merely a temporary setback."
"On a serious note, Magnus suggests, perhaps one of the more experienced wizards can cast a glamour upon the coins we do have to make them match the local currency?"
The Professor dashes that hope immediately, "With the amount of students we churn out with enough knowledge that they could discover and use such a rune. Most innkeepers will be skeptical and very careful and see though such charades instantly. The innkeepers that wouldn't care...well let's just say that if we stepped foot in those establishments it would cause just as many suspicions."
Torana says, "No help for it we shall just have to chance it. We are men of power from a small province somewhere."
The Professor thinks, "Geography was never really my strong suite, but I think the town of Noravia will do. There is supposed to be a castle there that was abandoned centuries ago. It's fairly remote and cold country I doubt any of the current council's ever been there."
Jadir says, "Oh so we are nobility from an old family. A little inbreeding never hurt anyone right brother." He claps Torana roughly on the back.
Torana, with a pained look on his face says, "I doubt we could pass for brothers, but nobility from different houses in the same area. Acting noble won't be a problem for me. But for you, however, you scruffy little peasant. I think you should be on your best behavior otherwise they will find you out."
"Oh really! My family goes back hundreds of generations", Jadir says pompously.
An orc couple dressed in some finery hurry past the group. The man bows while the woman curtsies to the three magi. Jadir with an air of utter aristocracy gives them a polite nod of the head and turns back to his argument.
Torana says, "Your family can't go back that far you idiot."
"Why not?"
"We'll for starters you cant even count that high. Now I'm a real blue blood."
Vel'im moans, "Tell me again are we still in hostile territory."
Nahabedian says, "Relatively..."
Vel'im says, "And they're still doing that thing again?"
Magnus nods.
"Someone put a bolt through my head and put me out of my misery!
The Professor interrupts, "Gentleman, you had better hand your squires some spending cash. Because while they are showing you around and catering to you're every whim, they'll expect the squires to be paying for it all right behind you."
His curiosity piqued, Vel'im asks, "How do you know so much about this?"
"I have a cousin", the professor answers, "that works in the Aris'te Flore, a very expensive inn out in Dagaro. When she takes care of the rich, she earns more in tips than I did in a months salary as a Professor. It is the only place I know where they tip in Selya's."
Torana reaches into his jacket and procures a small change bag.
Jadir snorts, "Is that all?"
Torana sniffs disdainfully, "I did not come here to shop. I carried just enough for emergency bribes and such. What about you old boy? I do not see you laden with bags of gold."
Jadir nose raised slightly, looks disapprovingly at Torana, "Bad show old boy that was a low blow." He sniffs, "But I just happen to have a small purse for just such emergencies. He also pulls out a small change purse. They toss the purses to their squires.
Vel'im examines the bag and suppresses a gasp as he pulls out a ruby the size of a gold piece.
Curiosity overcomes Magnus as he peeks into the bag to find it laden with jewels. However, something doesn't look right. He reaches into the bag and realizes that the inside of the bag is much larger than the outside!
The Professor says, "I shall lead you around and introduce you at the inn. I'll have much more status than the squires, but not nearly as important as you three. My official title is steward...or was it castellan. I never could remember which."
"Lead on good sir", Jadir gestures grandly.
Magnus helps the Professor by describing various signs and symbols on the passing buildings, his cane tapping loudly with every step. The three magi walk behind the first two. Torana and Jadir trying to out noble each other, while Nahabedian takes in all in stoic silence. Vel'im brings up the rear, his quill and parchment out again.
Eventually they reach an inn. Looking more like a manor it is built in the same high-peaked roof style as many of the other homes are. But this one has an open gate and several lights on. Through the windows a scene of a brightly-lit room with few men talking quietly amongst themselves can be seen. As the group enters most in the room pretend not to notice the group, though more than a few get caught trying to catch a peek at the strangers.
As a short thin orc walks up dressed in clothes similar to Magnus and Vel'im but with a gold trim and inconspicuous designs. The Professor maneuvers Magnus to one side of the door. Magnus reaches for his amulet and finds it wrapped around his wrist like a bracelet. He closes his fingers around the cat amulet and concentrates as the Professor announces, "His excellencies, the venerable Count Ja'dir" Jadir steps in the door with a face that says, "I am judging the worthiness of the place." Finally he apparently decides it is passable and he steps in. The orc bows deeply.
"Count To'ran". Torana enters with a preoccupied look on his face. He breezes in, takes off his gloves and tosses them to Magnus. Taking no notice of the orc before him, he turns to Jadir. "A positively smashing trip this has been so far don't think."
"Why yes. Yes it has. I don't think we should end it just yet, though."
"Count Naga Habe'dian!"
The first orc to greet them is quickly joined by half a dozen retainers.
"Welcome good nobles to the my humble establishment., the first orc finally speaks standing up from his deep bow, but somehow never quite straightening up he continues, "We have plenty of room and food for the weary..."
"Good that is just what we need. Jadir interrupts, "We shall take dinner here." With that, the three magi pick a spot and take a seat catching the hosts by surprise. The servants scramble to catch up to them and some are bolting for the back.
The three Counts settle themselves at their seats. The steward joins them. One of the orc servants approaches the squires while glancing over at the Counts she whispers, "Do that have any special wants or dislikes I should tell the chef."
Vel'im and Magnus look at each other for a moment before saying, "No, none that I know of." She nods looks at an orc standing in the doorway and nods. She turns back.
"I'll be just a moment sirs", the steward joins the squires as the servant whispers, "Right this way. Will you be wanting four or five rooms?" The steward makes his way to the others, deftly maneuvering around the tables.
"Five will be sufficient."
"Dinner will be twelve Ramadas, the rooms will be 6 Gintas."
The squires look confused for a moment before Magnus pulls out a bag and starts digging through his bag. The steward says quietly, "We are from distant Noravia, we are unfamiliar with these Ramadas and Gintas, but will you take silver and gold?"
Magnus holds the bag toward the steward and shakes it a bit. The steward pulls out a few coins. After judging their type by the weight, he hands her six silver and four gold. The coins vanish the servant nods and disappear in back. A few moments later the bags of the travelers vanish into the back as well.
They rejoin their Counts at the table.
"...being brave tonight aren't you?" Jadir mutters while not moving his lips. His haughty expression never changing in the slightest.
"...not really I've had orc food before...hope you have a strong stomach", Torana lips also don't move.
The conversation dies down as Torana and Jadir try to best each other in who can be the most noble looking.
Nahabedian looks like his is merely suffering the presence of the other two Counts. The steward and the squires are stay silent unwilling to break the
seeming taboo on conversation. This feeling seems to affect the other patrons soon it is so quiet, you can just barely make out what must be the servants whispering in the other room.
One of the servants who is watching room quickly rushes out and silences them. The food is soon brought out and much to the surprise of many of the travelers at the table it is relatively familiar fare.
Jadir gives Torana a harsh look as Torana lets a smile slip before both are back behind their facade.
Dinner is over all to soon and Magnus spots one of the servants trying to get his attention. Excusing himself from the table. The servant says, "I will show you where your rooms are so that when you masters are tired they may rest easy."
The servant leads him to a set of rooms that are far more comfortably furnished than any he has ever seen. She show him each room and asks if they are to his liking. Magnus reassures her they will be fine. The girl blushes then catches him by surprise by planting a kiss on his cheek. Her warm breath on his skin leaves a tingling sensation. With a wink she vanishes down the hall. Magnus shakes his head reminding himself that she is an orc, and not a very comely one. But as he might, as he returns to the others, he can't seem to get her distinctively sweet scent out of his mind.
The "Counts" decide that it is time to retire and have the squires show them to their rooms. The owner bids them a good night as they close themselves in their rooms.
Vel'im breathes a sigh of relief as he bolts the door closed. "Thank Gaea that's over with!" He turns to the steward and says, "Man if I didn't know better, I'd think some of those ladies were flirting with me."
The steward says, "Apparently you don't know better...they were flirting with you."
Vel'ims jaw drops as the steward continues, "You may be a lowly squire, but you are the squire to a Count not some lowly unknown knight. That alone gives you status they could never dream of. Their best hope is to marry into a good family as it seems they've chosen not to go the way of education." He frowns at the last.
"Oh", is all the stunned squire can say.
The steward turns to Magnus and holds out a handkerchief, "Unless you plan on marrying that servant girl I suggest you remove her lipstick from your cheek. Granted it does mark you as being unavailable to the other ladies, but it is also the height of bad form, unless you have some kind of rank or are married."
Chapter 29: The Professors' Dark Secret
Magnus takes the handkerchief from the steward and says, "I suppose you smelt the scent of the lipstick?"
The steward replies, "Actually her perfume is quite strong on you. But in truth, I heard a few servants whispering about it as we walked by."
Magnus laughs, "I was caught by surprise when she gave me a peck on the cheek, now I know the reason."
Vel'im settles stares at the room his quill and parchment in hand but not moving. He is stunned over everything that has happened before now, Stuck in the middle of orc territory and surrounded by enemies and now Ive got to fend off ugly orc women. The young squire thinks, I must keep calm. Focus, put tonights experience down on paper. Go ahead, just write.
Much to his frustration Velim can only stare at the blank parchment before him.
Magnus hands back the handkerchief after wiping off his face and asks, "If I may Professor, have you always been blind or was it the result of some accident?"
"I lost my sight when I was a mere child of 25 years. The doctors say I have some kind of disease that attacks the eyes. No priest, cleric, or doctor could cure it and restore my eyesight. It was many years before I did much of anything again, but then I decided to become a researcher to try and find a cure for me. Somehow I got side-tracked into teaching and have been there ever since. I do miss my vision, but I have adapted wonderfully. Besides there are many kind people here so it was never truly bother. But my time as a human lost in the wilderness has driven home just how handicapped I truly am. He takes a deep breath, I have all my old senses back so I won't go walking into walls or trees like I did as a human. But I will always have this reminder of just how helpless I truly was without my sight. When all this is over I shall dedicate myself to finding alternatives to grant sight to those afflicted like myself. I'm far too old to gain any real benefit from it but if I can save just one young one I will be that much happier." He finishes with a note of finality as he reaffirms his conviction to complete his lifes work.
The words seem to jar something loose deep within the young artist and after a moment Vel'im recovers and begins drawing again. Scenes from earlier this evening, character sketches and various notes on physical features all seem to just pour out of Velims hidden subconscious and onto the parchment.
At the sound, the steward turns his head in his direction and says, "How many scrolls does he have again?"
"Quite a few, Magnus replies, But he keeps all his notes on just that one scroll."
"That's one long scroll then."
After a few moments Magnus says, "I didn't mean to be rude but I was going to ask you what is considered attractive for a female of your people, when I realized you may never have actually seen one."
The steward waggles a finger in the direction of the young squire, "Ah, but I do remember a few comely young women of my youth. And the wild fashions and styles of the time. He breathes a heady sigh, before continuing soberly, But I think the styles have changed since I last saw one. Women seem obsessed with fashion, far beyond what many men consider normal. And since their fashions change on a whim, I think that if I had my sight today they would all seem strange to me. I couldn't tell you what is considered attractive now. Beauty is still within the eye of the beholder."
Just as lost as before, the young apprentice walks over to one of the beds and sits down bouncing a little to test its comfort. "So it appears we have passed inspection for the night, I hope we will be able to maintain the ruse long enough to accomplish our mission.
He pauses thinking hard for a moment, By the way Professor, what is your given name? I don't recall ever hearing it mentioned?"
At this the orc actually turns several shades darker. "Well I tend not to give my real name as people expect more of me then. But then considering the company I'm keeping it doesn't matter. My name is Sou-ken Ha. It means Forger of Destiny'. I think one of my ancestors had a strange sense of humor when they gave us names. Every single member of my family seems to be involved in important events no matter where they are. We just seem to attract them. Though I have to admit the younger generation has been the most active. Ever since my brothers death his widow and children have been involved in every single major incident in the last three years. Every hunt, every scandal (okay so I'm the only one involved in the scandals), every newsworthy event, every miracle. It's actually quite disturbing really. Ever since my nephew was given the hammer of fates, nothing has been the same. And despite my attempts to shield her, even my little niece has been affected.
He continues sadly, People have been most disappointed in me. Before I lost my eyesight, as eldest, I was expected to go on to great things perhaps even leading the Council one day. But after I lost my sight, and found that I could not get it back I gave up and fell in to a deep depression, hiding from the world. My little brother Tok'Ha, tried to make up for me. He tried to carry the weight of my destiny as well as his own upon his shoulders. His death was the one thing that brought me out of my depression and made me rejoin the world.
His facial features contort. With a dark shadow over his words and regret plain on his face he continues, I have never forgiven myself for my years of self-pity. I think that if I had not given in to depression, my little brother would still be alive today, he would not have gone after the Shadow Walker...
His expression takes on a hard edge and in a stern voice he says, It would not be wise to mention my name in public. It is fairly unique and would give us away instantly. Address anyone with rank by their title at all times, unless otherwise ordered to do so and everything will be fine."
Vel'im finishes his sketches and walks over to a basin in the corner of the room and washes his face. He stops and stares at the image in the water. Is that really me? He turns his head to one side the the other. I cant even recognize a single feature. Everything has changed. Of course, on the plus side Im bigger, no more wimpy Velim to get pushed around and now Im a handsome dashing stud. After a few secondshe shakes his head, Must remember to remain focused, and rejoins the pair.
"Are you sure they were flirting with me and not just making fun of my clothes?" Vel'im asks looking down at the strangely styled clothing.
With a smile the steward says, "I'm quite sure young squire. Judging from the amount of gossip Ive overheard from the servant ladies. It seems you two make quite handsome orcs. He smiles encouragingly, try not to cause too many scandals and break too many hearts before we go."
As they prepare to sleep for the evening, looking at his clothing Magnus comments, "Interesting fashions nowadays. Just love the frills."
"Luckily men fashions change much slower than women's fashions and the fashions of the more respected noblemen change even slower than that. The steward says, I hear the younger generation is prone to a lot more than just frills. But you shall see for yourself."
"We shall need to find out where we are in relation to the capital. We shall also need to get a carriage before the Counts are ready to go."
Vel'im sniffs and says, "What is that sweet smell?"
"That would be our young Magnus here, who has already captured the heart of one young serving girl."
Magnus moves over to the sink and attempts to wash the heady alluring scent off of him. After satisfying himself that it is gone, he too looks down into the water and blinks. For the first time he sees himself as an orc and he is taken aback. No longer is it the familiar face he has grown use to but something altogether different. An errant thought passes through his mind, "I do look rather handsome." He shakes his head and looks again, "Now I see why the ladies can't resist me."
He looks up shrugs his shoulders and heads to bed. Vel'im whispers, "It happened to you to huh?"
Without needing to ask what he meant, Magnus nods.
"Anything else we should know for tomorrow or will we improvise as usual?"
As the steward heads to his room through a connecting door he says, Well I shall try to keep the improvising down to a minimal and give you as many clues as I can. Though I think those two Counts might cause a bit of headache every now and again."
Chapter 30: The Meaning of Complimentary
Early then next morning, Magnus wakes up quite refreshed from one of the best nights rest he has ever had. But he finds he has a slight problem. He really does not want to get out of that nice comfortable bed, which is better than that he has ever slept on before. Exercising his iron will, he eventually pulls himself away from the bed and finds the room is at just the right temperature to be comfortable, not too cold and not too hot.
He goes over to waking Vel'im and he tells his fellow adventurer of his plans for the morning. Instead of joining him, Vel'im hands over Jadir's money sack and rolls back over returning to sleep. Shruging Magnus quickly washes himself clean in the basin and heads out.
He stops a passing servant in the hall way and a short time later he is sitting in the plush office of the owner. Decedent lavishness seems to be the order of the day. Never has Magnus seen such luxurious quarters. His attention is ripped away from the decorations as the owner enters the room frowning and rubbing his eyes.
"What is it boy?" He says tartly. When he lowers his hands he gives a start of surprise. His manner quickly becomes apologietic and his tone holds the air of one willing to please, "I'm sorry good squire. I thought you were someone else. Please forgive the rudeness. How might I help you and your wonderful Counts this morning?"
Magnus feels extremely irritated by the man's first words, but decides to overlook it this time because he needs a favor.
He smiles and says, "Kind sir. My esteemed masters and myself have come from a distant portion of the kingdom and find that here you use strange types of monies. This was an oversight on my part that I wish to correct. I was wondering if perhaps I could exchange a few minor gems for some of the money you are using for some of the local currency to avoid any future...misunderstandings."
The owner readily agrees knowing this to be simple task that he might be able to make a tidy profit out of. There is a gleam in his eye as he says, "Yes of course, I'll send for a jeweler right away and he can help you out." He steps outside and speaks to a nearby servant who takes off running.
The owner returns and says, "Now since you are up, I suppose you would like something to eat. The cooking staff is in the middle of creating a wonderful breakfast, but I'm sure we can find something for you. It wont be long."
The local Jeweler arrives with a few tools before anymore than a single glass of a tart reddish-orange juice can be consumed. As Magnus opens the bag and chooses a half-dozen random gems from each bag, another drink is poured.
The Jeweler converses with the owner for a few moments then examines the gems in rapid fire. When he is done. The jeweler and the owner talk quietly, the owner leaves the room and returns shortly with a rather large purse.
The owner begins counting out coins as he places them in front of Magnus at the table. The coins are quite different from what the young squire was expecting. They look almost like tokens instead of real coinage. Much lighter and thinner than the coins he is use to. These coins also have strange indentations around the edges of the coins. On one side of the coins are pictures of various orcs and some writing which Magnus cannot understand.
The owner notes Magnus scrutiny of the money and asks, "Is it so very different from what you are use to? I'm sure there are some similarities?"
"Oh yes, Magnus quickly assures him, it is similar but still there are telling differences in the coinage. I think your merchants here might raise an eyebrow or two should we have tried to use money from my hometown."
The owner nods, "Yes well then you were wise to come to me. Scandal must be avoided at all costs. When nobility is involved people tend be get in trouble and it's not always the one who caused the scandal in the first place who gets punished.
"Are you sure, sir?" the owner asks looking at the Jeweler, "This is a rather large sum of money for six gems."
The Jeweler snorts and says, "Don't forget my commission."
The owner rather apologetically counts out a sizable sum for the Jeweler who places it in his money belt. He bows to Magnus, "Good day, sir" and takes his leave.
The owner takes the gems and leaves the pile of coins on the table for Magnus to collect.
"Is there any other services I may help you with today sir?" The owner asks.
Magnus thinks quickly, "We are traveling to the capitol. Perhaps you can give me better directions than I have had to date. I hope we are still going in the right direction."
The owner complies by giving Magnus complete directions and then takes his leave to oversee the breakfast preparations. He clucks happily over the gems he has acquired.
Magnus returns to his room to find the Steward and Vel'im dressing for the day. Shortly afterward the entire group finds themselves seated around a table filled with strange meat-filled pastries, oddly colored eggs, sliced pieces of a soft and sweet bread-like dish, with huge jugs of milk and water to wash it down. Orc stomachs rumble as if they hadn't been fed in weeks and the group tears into the food with relish. Despite the strange looks, the food tastes like a gift from the gods. A rather rotund orc looks in on the group now and again beaming proudly.
Torana calls the owner and demands he bring the cooks forward. A few moments later the cooks appear with the rotund orc in the lead looking nervously on.
At which point Torana begins lavishing them compliments on a wonderfully created meal. "I haven't had a meal this wonderful since my last dinner with the Princess." At which point the entire staff blushes with the compliments and bows deeply thanking the Count profusely for the compliments.
When they finally take their leave. A carriage pulls up in front and the owner says, "I have taken the liberty of providing you with my humble carriage to assure a smooth journey to the capitol, complements of the house."
Nahabedian rumbles, "My dear sir. Let it be known that you have provided exemplary service and it has not gone unnoticed. I shall recommend you to my contemporaries whenever they travel this way."
"Thank you again kind sirs you are too kind." The owner gushes bowing repeatedly as the Counts board the coach.
Magnus, the last to board after paying the bill for breakfast, finds out just what complementary means. Either the breakfast cost ten times as much as dinner and a room or they've just bought themselves a carriage.
Vel'im and Magnus climb up next to the driver after the other are safely seated within the confines of the carriage and the curtains drawn.
Magnus gives directions to the driver and the carriage takes off. During the long bumpy ride the squires spend a good deal of time attempting to hang on while watching the picturesque landscape.
At one point, overhead a giant creature swoops down low.
Magnus looks up alarmed. Vel'im looks up and starts drawing.
The driver a congenial talkative sort says, "Don't worry its just a Tenshenal, they won't attack. They're just curious and playful." He looks at the Vel'im's scroll. Within moments the young squire has gotten a quick sketch of half of the creature. The driver remarks, "Now that's a good likeness. You must be quite popular with the ladies and all back home."
Vel'im looks at him confused, "What?"
"With the pictures and all." He flicks the reigns a bit, "Women love artists. They get all gushy and romantic about that sort of thing. I mean lets face it, have you ever seen any women without at least one picture of themselves or their lover?"
Vel'im thinks, How the heck am I supposed to know I never had a chance to go courting any women! What do I say to this guy? He shrugs his shoulders and says, "N..No I don't think so." Hoping tht was the answer the driver is looking for.
Pouncing on the squires words, the driver shouts, "Exactly! Any man who can draw a woman favorably can capture her heart just as easily as they can capture her image..."
Later on Magnus watches as what can only be described as a group of giant lizard-like creatures, is herded across the plain. They have scales like most lizards except he is quite sure that normal lizards dont have multicolored fur running down the center of their spine and he doesnt remember seeing any lizards that had six legs before.
Travelers pass by on the road heading back to the town they just left. The travelers make way for the carriage and contently return the drivers carefree wave of greeting.
Inside the carriage the three Counts sit quietly watching the scenery go by. Nahabidean worries about interpreting his visions, Jadir wonders if they arent in over their heads, and Torana wonders if they will get a chance to stop for lunch.
All in all, it presents a picture very different from that of the Allied towns which have been geared for war. Here the atmosphere is calm and relaxed. You would have never have known that armies are running around down south reaking havok.
Chapter 31: Mi'ana, Tel'sha, and Yuri'me
Finished, Velim examines his work on the creatures hes seen recently with a critical eye. When he is satisfied of their accuracy, Vel'im looks around and relaxes and for once puts away his quill and parchment and watches the scenery. "So how is the war going?" He asks.
Magnus looks back over his shoulder and stares at the distant horizon as if he looked hard enough he could see the warring factions.
A moment later another of the flying creatures flies into view this one heading in the same direction as them. Within moments it zooms over head and continues onward.
The carriage driver is more than happy to state his opinion of the situation, "Ah, well as near as I can tell, those bloody barbarians are stomping around the country-side doing more of their cowardly raid-attacks. But the Home Guard is tracking them down and will have them under control soon enough. He speaks as a man with ultimate confidence in the Home Guard. But that's a depressing topic and it's a beautiful day. Lets not waste it on such dull dark topics."
The trip takes the better part of the day and the driver keeps up a steady stream of conversation almost as if he were starved for the company...that or he liked to hear the sound of his own voice.
The sun is descending and there is a definite chill in the air as they approach yet another quaint town. "Welcome to Davarona, our esteemed capital." The driver waves at a guard who is standing on a corner, dressed in an all dark blue uniform. He looks more like he's looking for petty criminals rather than any real threats to the city. The guard gives him a nod and continues his watch. A bunch of kids, dressed in rags sneak past him. One is holding a rather large bag in his hand.
Not too much later the carriage stops in front of another inn. This one is almost the size of a manor. The inn reaches a good four stories high with statues of various people and creatures scatter along various places on the front and in the large grassy courtyard in front of the building.
A small decorative fence separates the entrance of the courtyard from the main street. A pair of guards stand in front of the entrance to the gate. The carriage stops directly in front of the gate. One of the guards blows a whistle. While the squires jump off the front, the guard steps forward and opens the door holding it open for the occupants to see the outside and disembark.
The first to exit is the steward wearing a hooded cloak. He takes a moment to take in the surroundings. He takes a deep breath and tilts his head one way then another. The guard opens the gate, This way, my lord. Several servants come running up and step to either side of the pathway to allow passage. The steward takes a tentative step forward then walks with confidence. Next out, is Torana who steps out confidently. And without looking to see if he is there, he promptly removes the cloak on and holds it out to Magnus and lets it drop. Magnus swiftly catches it before it can hit the ground, yet Torana continues toward the building without checking to see if he had. Magnus turns and follows him in quickly.
Jadir steps out and looks around disdainfully and sniffs. He sighs, as if this is a minor inconvenience that he must put up with and heads up the sidewalk.
Vel'im follows Jadir up the sidewalk.
Nahabedian steps out finally and stands straight up towering over everyone. With a nod to the guards he walks in behind his companions, slowly and purposefully.
As he passes them, the servants break from their place in line and rush to the carriage to retrieve the luggage.
As the Counts enter the building they are announced by The Steward. The owner greets them bowing repeatedly. He shows them to a nice comfortable room with a several plush chairs and a nice view of an inside garden. A fresh breeze blows through ruffling the flowers making an almost hypnotic picture. "Your luggage is being taken to your rooms and dinner will be ready shortly. If you need anything at all, we shall accommodate your needs. Mi'ana, Tel'sha, and Yuri'me here" He gestures and three orc women, who are so attractive that Vel'im and Magnus do a double take, step forward, "will see to you every need or whim." The squires realize they were staring and catch themselves. The women ignore the squires completely and the Counts ignore everyone in the room staring quietly out the window. After a few moments the owner gestures and the women move toward a corner of the room to give them a little privacy. Meanwhile, the owner corners Magnus and Velim outside for usual quiz about the Counts tastes and settling the bill for the nights lodgings and dinner. Magnus is surprised yet again as this nights lodgings cost nearly three times as much as at the other inn. Once again he learns the real meaning of "complimentary".
As the squires return to the waiting room they find the three female servants standing outside the room.
As the two approach they hear:
"How dare they eject us!" One says.
"Am I not beautiful enough for them?"
"But they are nobility and that big one was is sooo handsome."
"But they treat us like lap dogs to wait on them as they please!"
"It is their birthright!"
"Is my make-up on wrong? Does my perfume stink?" She sniffs worriedly at her arm.
"They're so inbred they would know good manners if it spat on them. They treat us like common whores!"
"That's not true. They really are nice people I can tell I mean the tall one has a nice face and all."
"Am I getting too fat? Is my dress on backwards? Is there food on my teeth?"
"They're ugly, rude, and stupid. You know why they call them blue bloods?"
"Because they are noble forthright and destined to lead us."
"What's wrong with me? The only ones who notice me were the squires."
The first woman turns to the second womand and spits out angrily, "Well for one thing you whine too..." At this point she notices Velim and Magnus.
She turns and curtsies. The others follow suit and move away from the door way. "Good day my lords the first one says politely.
Magnus and Vel'im nod to the ladies and enter the room closing it behind them.
After an extended silence, Jadir looks away from the garden and says, "We'll we are here. Now what?"
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