The rest of the trip passes uneventfully and the boys are disappointed to find that they are not greeted at the towns as they were before. Nevertheless, they head their way back and by the 17th of March they enter Greyhawk. Upon entering Greyhawk, they are also disappointed to find a young boy waiting for them. He tells them that Tovish is waiting for them and that they are to head to his office immediately. Altan thinks briefly about ignoring the request, but decides against it.

When they get to the Golden Wheel, Tovish lets them sit down. He tells them that the boss wasn’t exactly impressed by their accomplishments. The Casino was done acceptably, if not a little expensively. Then you left Arney’s place in ashes leaving Altan wanted for arson and attempted murder. However, you did satisfy the missions. The GIant wants you all to understand that your actions need to be more circumspect—no one should really know what you did but those involved.

In any case, he’s decided to continue your employ. He has set up accounts for each of you with the De Medeci bank in Greyhawk. Each of you have 1 gold and you will be paid 1 gold per month from here on out. Expenses will be paid if they are deemed necessary. He suggests that you take a break. Daily you should walk passed the Wheel. If there is a red ribbon tied to the wheel then you know that there is a job waiting for you.

Altan:

Well met, m’lady, well met. A local brew fer me, beers fer me mates o’er ‘ere, if ye please.

She gives him the drinks and takes the money and asks him if he’s planning on staying for a while.

Altan:

Mebbe. Got a room o’er a’ th’ Cup. Nothin’ personal, ye unnerstan’, jess saw it firs’.

Ames:

I understand. Many do.

Altan:

It always ‘is quiet ‘ere?

Ames:

Yea, it is. We’re a little off the beaten rack if ya know what I mean. Still, I do an OK business.

Altan:

Yeah, small town near th’ swamp; ain’t much reason fer folks t’ come. An’ now ‘is recent trouble – may make folks want t’ stay well away.

Ames:

Yea, that’s a darn shame it is. The mystery abounds on wha’ happened’ to ‘em.

Altan lowers his voice conspiriatorially:

I’ve ‘eard folks whisperin’ as ‘twas one o’ them there Lords as ordered it.

Ames:

Yea, I heard tha’ as well. What gets me is why and when they’re bein’ returned? Haven’t heard nothin from th’ keep, though.

Altan:

Ain’t been no public statement, eh? ‘At’s interestin’, ‘at is. Way I ‘ear it, ‘ey been lurin lurin’ th’ kids in wi’ readin’ sessions an’ such. Settin’ ‘em up as it were.

Ames:

Maybe. I wouldna thought it of Gilbert

Altan:

Yeah, I heard as ‘is brother was th’ evil one.

Ames:

Ooh, I doona think tha’ he’s evil, jus’ not friendly.

Altan continues to chat for about fifteen more minutes, but decides that the conversation isn’t really helping. It’s time to pull the plug and move on. None are keen to enter the Keep, so Altan has one more thought: Where are the investigators sent to the town. Maybe they can help them figure this out. Since they spent their time in the woods for some reason, then that’s the place to go. Luciano points out that the woods are fairly large. Besides, points out Talisien, it is on the border of a swamp. They might just find themselves sinking to their waists in mud without warning. “Right,” exclaims Altan, “then we call on one o’ those he’ful spirits again!” With that he drains his glass and with a flourish says: “To the forest mates!”

The trio leave the Savonlinna Inn and turn left past Athena’s temple and heads into the woods. Altan lets his eyes roll back to keep an eye on the spell and finds a nice spot for his conujuration. He finds a nice stout oak and proceeds to shave off some of it’s bark. Again taking out his bowl, he adds the bark, a bit of his hair and kneels before it. He closes his eyes and starts to chant. It’s not long before he can hear the rustling of leaves. Opening his eyes slowly, he sees two knots appear from the oak he has selected looking at him, unblinking. It welcomes him to the forest and asks what it can do for him. Altan smiles and says that he is looking for the people who weren’t part of the town when this spell was cast. He asks the spirit to lead him to some of them. The spirit agrees and the knots on the trees seem to lift out of the tree and out steps a thin, wooden looking woman wearing clothes made out of leaves. She asks him to follow her and slowly moves through the wood. Since the trip will take far longer than Altan would like and he has the time, he asks her where the visitors spend their days. She replies that it is very strange behavior even for humans. Typically, they start heading out of town several hours after sunup. When they reach the spell barrier, they stop and start to wander. Eventually, they head back into town. Soon, Altan can see two men sitting on the ground looking confused.

His Astral Sight shows him that they are very near the end of the spell’s effect and so he and the others start to walk beyond it to find a good campsite for that night. Altan wishes he could jsut ask the spirit, but she’s left and he really doesn’t want to spend the energy to ask her back again. Instead he simply walks deeper into the woods—only to be stopped by an invisible barrier. His eyes see the shimmering yellow-black of the spell right before his eyes and he curses loudly. That changes the game somewhat. They’re already trapped! As Luciano looks freaked and Talisien asks Altan why he didn’t know that they couldn’t get out, Altan snaps. “I’m no fuckin’ mage!” he barks, “See if we can get under it. Look for a stream or wet patch.”

After about 5 minutes of walking they find a small rivulet of water and Altan starts to swim crawl under the spell’s barrier. Unfortunantly, all that happens is his clothes getting soaked. He furiously starts to dig in the wet ground trying to get under the barrier. “Help me!” he shouts and the other two start to dig as well. It’s about 10 minutes later and they have opened up a 5 inch hole in the ground, but the barrier continues below the ground. “Damn! Damn! Damn! It’s a globe I’ll wager my bes’ clothes!” mutters Altan. He stands up and looks at his cohorts. Talisien looks worried, but Luciano looks absolutely terrified.

“Right, OK,” thinks Altan, “Get a hold o’ yersel’. Show confi’dence.”

Altan:

Here’s the deal gents. We’re in here until we figger this out. Can eiver o’ you write? (Luciano shakes his head).

Talisien:

Oeridian, yes.

Altan:

Good. Yer job is t’ write what th’ fuck we know a’ this point. If we can’ fin’ our way outta here tonight, we don’t wan’ t’ risk losing what we know. Fuck! Looks like we got t’ change our plan. Luciano, can ye move quiet-like? Climb?

Luciano:

Climb? As well as th’ next guy, so long as th’ next guy’s no mountain lion! I ca’ move steathly-like, I can. Like a cat says me old sergeant.

Altan:

Good. Yer goin’ wit’ me. We’re gonna visit th’ Keep. Tonight. Let’s do some prep work. Talesien, ye get back t’ th’ Cup. Get started on yer notes.

Luciano:

Right, less move out.

Talisien:

Works for me.

Back at the Gold Cup, Altan changes into his “B&E” clothes and grabs the tools of his trade. Talisien heads to the bar, orders a rum and starts writing. Luciano simply waits like a lost puppy. When Altan gets back, he growls, “Move it, ya louse!” Luciano smiles weakly at him and follows. They head toward the keep looking for the defenses and ways in. the wall is low; only 10 feet or so. That won’t be a problem. However, there are six guards; one in each tower who walk the wall periodically. Altan murmurs that it seems like a lot of guards, but Luciano reminds him that the Keep is there for a military purpose. Altan doesn’t reply, but points out a long section of wall that should give them plenty of room to get up and over later that night. He slips back into his Astral Vision and looks over the place and surprisingly finds no magical defenses. For two magician’s this seems strange.

Altan reports that to Luciano, and passes on his plan to scale the wall on the east side of the Keep, midway between the two towers. He’s working on a way to distract the guards so they can get in. He’ll go first and let a rope down to help Luciano. Luciano nods, but says nothing.

Altan:

If ye’ve got a thought, mate, now’s th’ time t’ mention it.

Luciano:

We have a plan once we’re in the walls? The roof’s pretty high up there.

Altan:

Roof? Hah! Yer a dreamer mate. Window’s‘re far better. Doors’re better yet. No self respectin’ burgler’d dream o’ goin’ onna roof.

Luciano arches an eyebrow:

Tha’ why I keep my fee’ on th’ groun’ I do. Feel free to do th’ scalin’!

Altan:

‘At’s not a problem. ... So th’ question is, jess what th’ ‘ell’re we lookin’ fer in ‘ere? ‘Ow d’ we turn off a spell cast by a … what th’ fuck was it … Elder Spirit?

Luciano:

Yer askin’ me? Yer th’ one tha’ be talkin’ t’ empty rooms an’ things tha’ give me th’ shivers!

Altan:

Jess talkin’ out loud, mate. Never fear. I’ll come up wi’ a good plan in due course.

Luciano:

Better. Now, less ge’ goin’!

Altan:

Less take another walk. I wanna check some buildin’s.

Luciano:

Lea’ on.

Altan walks the streets near the Keep, looking at the buildings across the street. He checks to see if any of them are particularly tall. Tall buildings in the near vicinity of a 10-foot wall may provide easier access then scaling from the ground. After walking, he determines that his original plan is the best. With that decided, he tells Luciano that they’re going back to the Cup. He wants to rest until midnight or so, then head out to a spot west of building #1 to watch the wall for a couple hours to get the timing of the guard shifts and such.

Later that night, about 2:00 AM, Altan is satisfied. The guards ar chatting looking out into the swamp paying no attention to the wall. He approaches it quietly and asks Luciano for a boost and in no time he is lying on top of the wall motionless. He watches the guards for a full 30 seconds before he’s satisfied. Dropping down a rope, he lets himself slide to the other side and soon he can feel Luciano’s weight on the rope. Much to Altan’s delight, Luciano doesn’t stand on top of the wall. Rather, he keeps his profile low and slides over the wall hardly making a sound. Altan smiles to himself at his smoothness. They both crouch against the wall. This will be their most vulnerable time. They will be more easily seen by a guard farther away, since the ones near them are looking the other direction. The crouch and wait until the guards seem to all be looking the other direction and then they ha;f run, half crouch the hundred feet to the keep’s walls themselves.

Altan smiles: so far so good. He pulls out his bowl, drops some of the dirt form the road into it and calls once more on the spirits of the place. he’s rewarded with a small figure riding an equally small horse who greets him begrudgingly. Apparently, it was out for a ride, when Altan called. Altan curtly tells it that he wants to know what rooms have people in them and which is closest to him. The spirit shakes his head, but dutifully rides off circling the castle. Though the spirit dissapears from sight, Altan can see one window after another and decides the one nearest him is the best choice. Luckily the corners of the building make the wall easy to scale and soone he’s even with the window. Slowly, he crawls toward it and says a quick prayer that the owner’s keep up the place well and the windows are oiled. His prayer is granted and the window opens easily and quietly. Quietly dropping into the room, he finds himself in a rich man’s dressing room. There are two doors opposite him on the North wall. One on the East side af the wall and one on the West side of the wall. He finds some coat hooks in the wall and ties the rope to it. He then circles the rope behin him and tosses the other end down to Luciano. Leaning back into the rope he counters Luciano’s weight as the man climbs up the rope and also quietly drops into the room.

As Luciano looks around to understand where he is Altan heads to the doors and puts an ear to them. No sounds at either door, so he tries the handle of the eastern door. It opens smoothly and before him is a thin stairwell going up (to the left) and a small hallway that heads South and then turns toward the enter of the building. Going on the theory that the servants are living in the basement and the bad stuff is probably in the attic, he heads toward the stairs. Luciano has recovered the rope and follows Altan up the stairs.At the top, they findsa small landing. To the right another stairwell goes up. To the left there is a door (closed) and in front of him the hallway opens to the South. He can see a door (opened) on the East wall towards the South end. The sound of snoring can be heard to the South.

He quickly decides to continue up and finds another landing. This one ends in a small room with a door in the South wall and one in the East wall. There is a bar stopping the East door from opening. Altan smiles and listens at the door in the south wall. Hearing nothing, he gently pushes open the door and finds that the room is “L” shaped. Hearing nothing, Altan peers around the corner and is surprised by what he sees. There is a pentagram carved into the wooden floor to the North end. Five black candles sit at the points. In the center of the pentagram is a small crystal pyramid. To his left is a table with odd bits of detriment on it. What attracts his attention, however is the form a woman sitting on the floor near the table. She is stunningly beautiful and wears a leather halter and long leather dress. On her belly is a dragon tattoo and on her right arm is a tattoo of a phoenix. Her skin is like porcelin and far and beyond the most stunning woman that Altan has ever seen. Altan gapes and stands straight up. She stands and looks at Altan and says in a very sultry way:

“Welcome.”

Altan:

Uh … wow. ... I mean, ... uh … hello .. ma’am.

Luciano moves to where he can see what has stopped Altan. The woman makes no move to him, but responds:

So, this is the hero that has come to rescue me? Why, he has a friend with him. Hello to you too.

Luciano (trying to cover up his surprise):

Why am I thinkin’ tha’ yer not jus’ a gal tha’ should be waitin’ aroun? Still, ‘n all. Hello.

Altan:

Alt … uh … Gal ma’am. Are you … uh … in need of rescuin’ ‘en?

Woman:

Well, Altuhgal, I do seem to be in need of rescuing. Would you be so kind?

Altan [looks around and sees nothing obvious]:

An’ ‘ow’d I do ‘at?

Luciano:

Altan … ummm …

Altan:

Huh?

Woman:

Well, see the crystal pyramid there (she points to the pentagram). It needs breaking.

Luciano:

I have a bad feelin’ ‘bout this.

Altan remembers back in his training days about demons not being able to break a magical pentagram. The Pentagram is used by all mages and shamans alike. He bets that this room is permanently inscribed. Had he looked, he would have seen the crackling of a powerful warding on the pentagram. He does not however look, neither does he decide that it’s a great idea to help her without gaining something first.

Ah, now, ye see, breakin’ pentacgrams ain’t normally a good thing. ‘At’s what me ol’ Master used t’ say.

Woman:

You wouldn’t be breaking the pentagram. Only the pyramid. Just reach in there and take it. I promise it won’t hurt you. I promise I won’t hurt you. I have no interest in hurting my hero.

She steps back from Altan so that he can walk unfettered toward the offensive sign inscribed on the floor.

Altan:

Uh, ‘zactly why are you ‘ere? Yer not chained, and th’ door’s unlocked? Why not jess leave?

Woman:

I can’t. He’s captured me—that evil man has. He’s trapped my soul into that pyramid, he has. I just want to leave here.

Altan:

Whaddye know ‘bout th’ kids? An’ ‘at magic dome?

Woman:

What do you want to know? I’ll tell you what. I will tell you all you want to know, if you promise to break that pyramid when you are satisfied with the answeres.

Luciano:

Ummm … Altan?

Altan:

If ye convince me — an’ him [indicates Luciano] — ‘at yer on th’ up an’ up, we’ll discuss it. ... (Looking at Luciano) What?

Woman:

So, what can I do to convince you? I’ll tell you this much. The children are dead and Athena has locked down this place. Go down outside of Gyles and Gilbert’s rooms and she’ll tell you herself.

Luciano:

Should we be talkin’ to her? I mean, this doesn’ seem right …

Altan sounds very doubtful:

Athena will? A god talkin’ t’ us? Get real. ... [To Luciano] Ye got a better plan? Jess go an’ leave well ‘nuff alone? Ain’t this why we came ‘ere t’night?

Luciano shrugs, clearly not happy, but also clearly not having a better plan himself.

Woman:

You’re here because of her. You can’t leave because of her. She wants something. I don’t know what, but she will definitely tell you. The other choice you have is to ignore her and live forever in this living hell.

Altan:

Er break ‘at ‘ere crystal pyramid. What ‘appens ‘en? What d’ye do when yer free?

Woman:

I go home.

Altan:

An’ what does ‘at do fer th’ town?

Woman:

Nothing. I have no interest in the town. I only want to leave here.

Altan:

In ‘at case, I rather think we’ll go ‘ave a chat wi’ Athena. See her take on things. Then I’ll decide what t’ do ‘bout ye. ... See ye soon. (he pauses) Where ‘zactly is Athena? Shortest route.

Woman:

Go back down the stairs it’s beginning. That will be the first floor. Turn to your right and head out the West Corridor. There’s a small vestibule there. She’ll greet you there.

Altan:

Right. We’ll be seein’ ye ‘en.

Woman:

I rather hope so. I always do enjoy a hero.

Altan closes the door to the room and heads to the stairs. Once there he glances at Luciano and asks him his opinion.

Luciano:

It’s not right, it’s not. Wot’s she doin’ there? Jes standin’ there like wi’out leavin’? It ain’t natural.

Altan sighs:

No, it’s fuckin’ no’ natural, bu’ it’s th’ best we got.

Luciano:

Wot if she’s lookin’ t’ get us caught?

Altan (smiling):

‘At’s why you brought yer sword!

He then heads off down the stairs leaving Luciano to shake his head and mutter about his old life. Seeing Altan halfway down the stairs he starts moving to catch up. They follow the woman’s directions anf find themselves in an ante-room. To their right and stright ahead are corridors. To the left is an ornate door.

Three chairs stand against the wall and a small circular table sits in the middle. On the table is what looks to be a statue of a dolphin jumping out of the water. To the right and left are hallways and a door stands before the group. As the group takes this in, they suddenly feel a low rumble of a deep bass sound going through their bodies. Before them a cloud of white smoke starts to appear. As the cloud of smoke starts to fade, they can see the figure of a young woman with shoulder-length blond hair clad in gleaming blue robes and a green cloak. In her right hand is a golden sword with large rubies on both ends of its crossguard. In her left hand she holds a balance: a copper crossbeam with a green patina, from which are suspended two silver, paraboloid-shaped bowls, marked with an alpha and an omega. Pushed back on her head she wears a helmet with a tall, red horse-hair crest flanked by two golden ostrich plumes. Her face, angelic, beautiful, and the perfect description of peace upon it. Taliesin and Altan stand and stare at the presence before them over-awed too much to move. She looks at them and speaks:

Who speaks for this group?

Altan:

Excuse me?

Athena:

Who speaks for this group?

Altan brightens as he understands the question:

Ah! Uh … me, I guess. I do.

Athena:

A great harm here has been done in this place. All the young children of this town have been slaughtered and Deena has begged for justice to be done. This placed has been cursed and removed from the world until an answer is provided to me. Who was responsible for the deaths and who should pay the penalty to be meted out by Hades? Until I have received an answer from a mortal judge, none shall leave this place. You may want to start in there (she points to the single door in the room). In there are Gyles and Gilbert; confined to their rooms until such a decision is found. When you have found your answer, come back to this spot and declare that you have a judgment to make and provide me the written statements of those concerned.

Altan:

Me? ... Uh, meanin’ no disrespect, yer … uh … godliness … but don’t ye think ye should be talkin’ t’ a lawyer er somethin’? I mean, I ain’t no legal expert er nothin’. ‘Is ain’t ‘zactly my cup o’ tea.

Athena:

It’s your choice. Others have refused as well. (She starts to fade out)

Altan:

No! Wait! ... ‘Ang on a sec. [He pauses and glances at Luciano, hoping for some signal, but only gets a shrug] I’ll give it a go.

Athena:

Again, it’s your choice. You know your job.

Altan:

Damn. Don’t talk much, do ye. ... Right, I’m off.

He turns and heads through the door Athena indicated earlier. Inside the door is another ante chamber with a few seats. Inset into both east and west walls are doors.

Altan:

Ok, Luciano. Ye go ‘at way [points east], I’ll go ‘is [points west]. ‘Ese two blokes don’t get t’ talk t’ each other, got it? [Luciano nods.] We need ‘em t’ write down what ‘appened, but we also need ‘em t’ tell us. Way I see it, ‘ere’s no benefit t’ actin’ nice, get me meanin’?

Luciano:

Yea, I get it. Wot’s t’ say th’t they don’ jes rush us and try t’ escape?

Altan:

Well, if I ain’t misreadin’ things, ‘ey can’t. Athena’s confined ‘em, an’ unless I’m much mistaken, ‘ere’s on’y one way out. ‘Er way, an’ I suspect fer on’y one o’ ‘em. We can use ‘at. First one as cooperates gets a free pass. T’other gets … well, whate’er nastiness ‘er godhood ‘as in mind.

Talisien:

Makes sense. Yer th’ mage. (he turns to leave)

Altan:

Now ‘at’s where yer dead wrong, mate. I ain’t no mage. Ne’er was, ne’er will be. Good luck, cobber. [He heads to the other door and opens it.]

When Altan opens the door he sees a well fitted bedroom including two comfortable seats, a wardrobe, large canopied bed and a writing desk. At the desk sits a man in his late thirties writing in a book. He doesn’t stop when Altan enters, but finishes his sentance. When he’s finished, he leans back and looks at Altan:

Sir Gyles of Blackwell. And you are?

Altan:

Sir Gyles. Well met. I see yer writin’. ‘At’s good. Ye’ll get a chance t’ do more o’ ‘at soon. ... As fer me, apparently, I’m yer judge, duly appointed by Athena, yer prison keeper as it were.

Sir Gyles:

So you’re to be my judge? Really? (He waves his hand) No matter. The man you want to talk to is across the hall. He’s the one to blame, not I.

Altan:

‘At’s right good, ‘at is. While yer writin’, why don’t ye tell me what ‘appened. What’s th’ story ‘ere?

Sir Gyles:

Why does it matter? You want my brother not me.

Altan:

It don’t matter t’ me a lick. It matters t’ Athena. She wants th’ written work. But if I’m t’ be th’ judge ‘ere, I need t’ ‘ear th’ story, too. From th’ beginnin’ an’ in as much detail as ye can, if ye please, yer Lordship.

Sir Gyes (sighing):

Yes, I suppose you do—if only to end my time here. You see I’ve dedicated my
life to eliminating disease and infirmaties in the human species. It’s the reason I wanted to come here. What better palce to learn than the swamp? It carries thousands of diseases to study. So, you see, when Gilbert came to me with the spell I simply had to try it out. I had no idea what it would do.

Altan:

An’ what spell is ‘at?

Sir Gyles:

Lubahbah’s Life Extension.

Altan:

Why don’t ye tell me all ‘bout ‘is spell.

Sir Gyles:

No much to tell. IT
requires an innocents assistance, a drop of demon’s blood, a mortal and pestle, and a mirror. The ceremony conitnues for four to five hours and at the end of the combined power drives away infirmity and aging from the caster. At least that’s what I was told it would do. When the children started leaking blood I knew it was a bad sign. However, releasing the energy at that time would have destroyed the village. I had no choice but to continue. Gilbert needs to die for what he has done.

Altan:

‘Ow many children are we talkin’ ‘bout ‘ere? ‘Ow many “leaked blood” — a nice way t’ say “died” I s’pose?

Sir Gyles:

Aye, they died. All of them. I think Gilbert gathered 40 of them? I don’t know. I hate children. Gilbert’s the one that was always with them. I know, now, why.

Altan:

What was ‘eir contribution t’ th’ spell? ‘At is, what did ‘ey do, or ‘ave done to ‘em?

Sir Gyles:

They chanted along and joined their lives to the spell. They gave their power. I’m sure you can’t understand this, but they were part of our circle.

Altan:

‘An ‘ese readin’s ‘at Gilbert did wi’ th’ kids. ‘At was t’ prepare ‘em fer ‘eir part in ‘is spell?

Sir Gyles:

That is indeed my belief now.

Altan:

Now ‘en, ‘oo tol’ ye ‘bout ‘is spell. Gilbert I s’pose? An’ where’d ‘e learn o’ it?

Sir Gyles:

Yes, I learned it from Gilbert. I don’t know where he learned it. Probably from the same demon he took the blood from!

Altan:

‘At’d be ‘at magnif’cent creature in th’ tower I s’pose? Th’ one wi’ ‘er soul stuck in th’ crystal pyramid?

Sir Gyles:

It seems, sir, that you know more about it than I.

Altan:

Uh huh. So why don’ ye write all ‘at down, jess th’ way ye tol’ it to me. Sign it, too, all
nice an’ legal-like.

Sir Gyles:

if it means that I can leave here and Gilbert pays for it. Gladly. (He gets a fresh sheet of
paper and starts to write)

Altan:

Excellent. I’ll be back soon.

Altan heads out the door and listens in to see how things are going across the way. As Altan heads into the other room, he finds Luciano talking to a very distraught man. As the man stops, Luciano fills him in. Basically, Gilbert blames Gyles. Gilbert wasn’t sure what the spell did or how to use it. He was told that the children would be fine. His specialty is not life magic, it’s spirit magic. How was he to know?

Altan:

Fine. Where’d ye fin’ th’ spell? ‘Ow’d ye get it?

Gilbert:

An Emotion Spirit that I had trapped. He pledged it to me for me to release him. I learned what I could and explained it to Gyles. Gyles was the one that explained it to me. He promised me that the kids would be safe. He promised. (he bursts out into tears). Oh by the gods! What did Gilbert do?What did Gyles do?

Altan:

‘Ey, I’m askin’ th’ questions ‘ere, damn it! ‘Ow’d ye get it – in what form? Written in a scroll er book, er how?

Gilbert looks up, clearly abashed:

I told you already. An Emotion Spirit. He told me about it. So I told Gyles. I couldn’t understand it, but I knew that Gyles studied this form of magic. He then talked to the spirit and then explained it to me. He told me that they would be safe! That they would wake up. Look at my hands (there’s nothing on them). No matter what I do, it doesn’t come off! The blood won’t come off!

Altan:

Right. I’ll tell ye what. Ye start writin’ all ‘at down. I’ll need yer written statement. An’ don’t ferget t’ sign it. I’ll be right back.

Gilbert nods and turns to his desk and pulls out a piece of paper. Luciano looks at Altan, but just Altan heads back to the anteroom between the bedrooms and grabs his now familiar bowl. Luciano watches as he goes into his “Spirit Summoning trance Thing” again and shortly he opens his eyes again.

Altan:

Okay, Hearth Spirit. Tell me ‘is. Th’ spell as was cast ‘at caused all ‘is mess. Th’ one ‘at killed all ‘ose kids. Tell me ‘ow Gyles an’ Gilbert came t’ ‘ave it. Please give me as many details as ye can. Nothin’s so small ye should leave it out.

Spirit:

I do not know. Many things happen in this house that I cannot see. Gilbert is a Spiritualist. He often encircles himself and Gyles with protection spells that leave me out.

Altan:

I unnerstan’. Please unnerstan’ ‘at I’m tryin’ t’ ‘elp. I can get ‘is spell lifted as ‘as been screwin’ up time around ‘ere, but I need information. Can ye ‘elp in any way? Know o’ any Spirits I can talk to? One ‘at might know more? Give me anythin’ at all?

Spirit:

I dont know who can help you. You may try with the beast in Gilbert’s tower. It’s blood was used in the ritual. It may know.

Altan:

Yeah, I thought o’ ‘at. May do it, too. But first, tell me. Ye can see ‘eir auras. Th’ Lords Gilbert and Gyles. Which is th’ dark one? Which is capable o’ sendin’ two score o’ children t’ ‘eir deaths t’ meet ‘eir own ends?

Spirit:

Gyles.

Altan:

Thank ye, Spirit. Thank ye kindly.

Altan [to Luciano]:

I ‘ave my
answer. Be a peach an’ collect ‘eir statements when ‘ey’re done writin’ ‘em.

Luciano nods and goes to both rooms to get the statements. When he returns, Altan takes them back into the vestibule. As he steps out the same woman appears and asks:

You have an answer for me?

Altan:

I do, Athena. [He hands her the papers.] I know not what’s on ‘ese ‘ere papers, as I can’t read, but I have ‘eir words, an’ knowledge o’ ‘eir souls. One o’ ‘em’s a bald-faced liar an’ an evil man. One o’ ‘em’s trapped because o’ ‘is brother’s misdeeds. ... But I do not like t’ accuse behind a man’s back. Shall I summon ‘em ‘ere afore I declare?

Athena:

There is no need. Give me your verdict, mortal.

Altan:

All right ‘en. Each points th’ finger at ‘is brother, so ‘eir words are meanin’less. But neither can ‘ide ‘is soul from th’ Spirits, an’ on’y one’s capable o’ th’ evil deeds ‘is spell required. An’ ‘at man is Lord Gyles. Lord Gilbert is innocent.

Athena nods and a scream can be heard from Gyles’ room. She then looks at Altan and says:

The guards will hear that in five minutes time. They will then come running to find their Lord dead. In that time, you may move unmolested by any about the town. I would suggest that you leave. I am sure that Deena will thank you at some time.

Altan:

Thank ye, Lady. ... Luciano, we’d best be off.

He bows once, and bolts for the front door and head for the Gold Cup. Luciano follows him quickly and they are in the Cup shortly. They find Talisien and tell him to grab his things. They need to beat feet quickly.

Altan:

Ye couldn’ hea’ th’ door bein’ kick’d in?

Thoma:

We hear’ nuthin’. Wen’ t’ bed when th’ sun wen’ down, ‘bout 5 bells an’ when we woked up they was gone.

Altan looks at him and then turns back to the room. Inside there are two beds, both empty. The bedsheets still half on the bed and half off the bed. It looks as if someone came in grabbed them and left. This was a quick snatch and grab. The room gives up few other facts easily.

He thinks for a little bit and then heads to the other doors upstairs and then checks out the doors below. When he gets back, Luciano is fiddling with a small bunny rag doll that was lying on the floor looking bored. He looks at Thoma and asks them whether they lock their front door. They don’t and in Altan’s opinion, whoever came in simply opened the door. However, since the ground is frozen, there is no sign of tracks in the ground. He asks them about anything left behind, but neither Thoma nor his wife remember anything out of place. He finds no spell component remains around the place, but then again, the town is small and powerful wizards could easily have cast something from the castle. He nods and asks Talisien to take the parents downstairs. After the rest leave, he pulls out his bowl and starts his conjuration. As he finishes, he watches a small man in a brewer’s outfit crawl from under one of the covers. The Hearth Spirit that Altan summons is pale looking and partially transparent. It is apparent that it has suffered immensely.

Altan:

Ye don’t look too good, mate. Look, I’m tryin’ t’ ‘elp th’ nice folks what live ‘ere, lighten th’ mood an’ all. I don’t s’pose ye could tell me what ‘appened ‘ere a coupla nights ago?

It’s confused and tells Altan that two nights ago was just like last night and probably like tonight. The Woman of the house crying herself to sleep and the man laying awake all night. Altan bites his tongue and does his level best to be patient with the Spirit:

No, no. I ain’t int’rested in ordinary nights. I’m lookin’ int’ a night not so long ago. Some awful shit ‘appened. Can ye tell me ‘bout ‘at?

The Spirit is still confused. It tells Altan that things have been “ordinary” and typical for a long time now. It’s not totally sure of the time human time frame, but in it’s reckoning it’s been this way for at least 9 years. Every night, the woman crying herself to sleep and the man laying awake. They do the same things every day and every night. It’s wearing on him and the feeling of wrongness simply won’t go away.

Altan starts to feel a little apprehensive:

Do … ah … do ye ‘member four more kids livin’ ‘ere?

Spirit:

Why yes, Yes, I do. They were removed from the house about 9 years ago. That’s why the woman’s been crying and the man never sleeping. (it says as if Altan’s stupid).

Altan:

Well, bugger me. ... An’ ‘zactly when was th’ babe born – th’ one th’ woman ‘as now?

Spirit:

About 10 years ago.

Altan:

An’ d’ ye ‘ave any idea ‘ow a babe born ‘at long ago is still … well … still a babe? Why ain’t it grown up?

Spirit:

I don’t fully understand it. Maybe you can understand it better.

The Spirit shows around the house and out the window and as it is showing him things, suddenly Altan understands something that he missed before. Something both huge and hard to see. The entire town is under some sort of magical canopy. It’s intensely powerful, yet is woven into the very fabric of the world here. Now that he sees it better, it is like a constantly changing flare of yellow and black that ripples through everything—faintly. He asks the Spirit about it and it’s clueless other than to say that it is all around keeping everything the same; the weather, the day, yet people keep going like shells of people re-enacting events over and over again.

I ain’t ne’er seen no shit like ‘at afore. Doubt anyone ‘as. ... ‘Ow long’s it been ‘ere? No, wait. Lemme guess. Ten years er so?

The Spirit smiles (weakly):

Why, yes it has.

Altan:

Now I don’t s’pose you ‘ave any idea ‘ow it came t’ be ‘ere?

Spirit:

No. None whatsoever. All I know is that it is powerful. Too powerful for any that I’ve felt in this town. It had to be an Elder Spirit.

Altan:

D’ye know where th’ kids were taken? Er ‘oo took ‘em? Er why?

Spirit:

No. The people were part of the town. I know that much. They were trusted by the kids. The kids were scared, but not of the people who came in. There was a large outpouring of magic from the Keep and the people came in saying that they were protecting the kids, but that they had to leave immediately. I don’t know where they went. Only the kids in these two rooms were taken. The other two were left, but also were asleep as were the parents.

Altan:

Ah. ‘Ey were taken by people. People ‘oo ‘ey knew an’ trusted. Are ‘ey still aroun’? ‘Ose people what took th’ kids? ‘Ave ye seen ‘em since ‘at night?

Spirit:

Not in the house, no.

Altan:

An’ why didn’t th’ bloody parents wake up? Th’ people what took th’ kids musta made a shitloada noise, kickin’ in doors an’ whatnot. Was ‘ey magicked t’ stay asleep?

Spirit:

I think so. I think that’s what the large outpouring of magic from the Keep was.

Altan:

No shit? I thought ‘at woulda been th’ great big magical canopy goin’ up. When did ‘at appear?

Spirit:

Hmm, let me think. I think it was about a day later.

Spirit looking glum:

Yes. I think you have it right.

Altan:

I guess ‘en I got just one more question. Sounds t’ me as if somethin’ wants these folks t’ be grievin’ forever. You know o’ any critter ‘at loves real strong emotions? I dunno why, maybe ‘e feeds on ‘em er gets power from ‘em er somethin’ like ‘at?

Spirit:

No, that’s not it. This power isn’t taking anything from people. It’s just stopping them for some reason.

Altan:

Right then. I’ll be needin’ t’ think ‘at o’er. ‘Fore I go, is ‘ere anythin’ else ye wanna tell me?

Spirit:

Nope

Altan’s done with his conversation and lets the spirit go. He then walks down the stairs. He tells the others that they are done and Luciano and Talisien leave. Before Altans leaves, however, he asks Thoma what the date and year is. Thoma looks at Altan like he’s odd but tells him that the date is Dec 23, 1202.

Altan:

Oh, o’ course. Stupid o’ me. Look, mate, we’ll be in touch.

After he leaves the building, Altan fills in the other two and Luciano looks at him incredulously.

Luciano:

Ye got a’ tha’ fro’ an empty room mate?

Altan:

C’mon, ye pillock. Ev’ryone knows no room’s e’er totally empty! Hey, didja ‘ear ‘at Thoma? Said it was December o’ 1202. How strange is ‘at? Ya know, I’m wonderin’ if folks as we met today’ll even ‘member us tomorrow. Hell, ‘ey may not even ‘member us today! We should check ‘at out. If not, we gotta open a tab at th’ Cup. ... Though come t’ think o’ it, I’m thinkin’ we might not want t’ sleep in town at all. What if we get caught up in th’ fergetfullness what’s goin’ on ‘ere. ‘At’d be a fine ‘ow d’ ye do, now wouldn’t it?

Luciano:

So, The’ thin it’s 1202? What’re they livin’ like fuckin’ Dorian Grey? If we forge’ why we’re here, the’... No wonder no one came back.

Altan:

‘At’s what I’m sayin’. Tell ya what, less head back t’ th’ baker’s er th’ mercer’s. I gotta dubloon says ‘ey’ll ‘member us today, but t’morrow ‘ey won’t ‘ave a fuckin’ clue.

Luciano:

Wot say tha’ we ski’ tha’ an’ instea’ focus on who’s got the kids, instead? Amorrow’s a day away an’ all ye know!

Altan:

Yeah, why not? I wonder if ‘ose kids is still kids, er if ‘ey’re agin’ normally. ‘Ang on, I need a quiet place t’ think…

Altan heads to an alleyway and gets how bowl out again. Once more he summons a spirit; this time a Town Spirit. When it arrives he asks it to look for any building currently containing more than 3 kids – not babies, not teens. It comes back thirty minutes later and tells him that there are twelve buildings with missing children. Furthermore, the buildings are as follows:

Altan slowly and with frequent pauses while pondering out loud, hoping for either inspiration or help from his teammates:

Hmm. Don’t look like th’ missin’ kids’re in town. Mebbe in th’ swamp? I dunno. ... Looks like most o’ ‘eir folks was soldiers, guards, an’ religious types. ... Might mean fuck all. Might not. Dunno. ...Prob’ly ain’t worth ‘chatin’ wi’ th’ Hearth Spirits o’ t’other ‘ouses. Prob’ly get th’ same result. ... Well, one thing’s certain. Th’ Keep’s th’ source o’ all ‘is trouble. No s’prise ‘ere, eh?

Luciano:

So we gonna go t’ th’ other side o’ town or play it safe an leave well enough alone?

Altan:

We could scarper. After all, we a’ready got th’ answer we came fer. A giant magic bubble’s kept ever’one in town stuck replayin’ one day fer th’ past decade. ‘At’s why nobody comes out. Once ‘ey’re in, ‘ey’re in a loop. Somehow ‘ough, I think our boss ain’t gonna be ‘appy ‘bout all th’ unanswered questions. Fer instance, why ‘at day in partic’lar? Where’s th’ kids now? Can ‘is be stopped? Thoughts, gents?

Luciano:

Don’t seem right leavin’ ‘em in th’ Hall o’ lost souls. Seems like someone oughtta help an ain’t tha’ us? Sure, we coul’ leave it for someun else, but we’re here an’ we know what’s goin’ on. Seems t’ me we need t’ get inna tha’ keep an’ have a look aroun.

Talesien:

I think we have to consider that whatever put up that magic bubble will be plenty powerful. I don’t think the likes of us will be able to stop it. No, we need to know when to pull away. This is one of those times I think, the sooner the better actually.

Luciano shrugs:

OK, I get it. You go’ th’ connections.

Altan:

Antonio, I definitely agree wi’ ye, but where d’ ye s’pose we look? Ye say th’ Keep, but ‘ccordin’ t’ th’ Town Spirit, th’ kids ain’t in th’ town. Since th’ Keep’s part o’ th’ town, ‘at means ‘ey’re not in th’ Keep. ‘Ey might be in th’ swamp—‘at’s not parta th’ town—but I ain’t gonna propose we go muckin’ ‘bout in ‘ere either wi’out some idea o’ where t’ look. No, ‘less we can figure out where t’ look, we got no choice but t’ leave. Suggestions?

Talisien:

Let’s go, mate. We’re done here.

Luciano shakes his head no and Talisien starts to walks back toward the Gold Cup.

Altan shakes his head and turns to Luciano:

Look, mate, I’d like nothin’ better’n t’ ‘elp. But apart from knowin’ them kids ain’t in town, we got fuck all. Unless we catch a break, er come up wi’ some great ideas, an’ right soon, we got no choice but t’ go.

Luciano: Hey, back off, mate. I already agreed. We goin’ or what?

Altan pauses and look around for a few seconds, then turns to go:

Yeah. We’re outta ‘ere. Shit. Let’s make tracks.

And with that he turns to follow Talesien and Luciano to the Gold Cup. On the way they talk about whether they should stay there or move outside of town. Talisien wants to move immediately out of town, but Luciano votes to stay the night. Altan definitely votes for camping outside the limits of the magic dome. He also wants to see whether the people in town remember us today. He suspects they will, but when they return tomorrow, will they still remember? He suspects they won’t. They already know that the people in town do the same thing every time the day is repeated, but they also know that they can change their behavior just by being there. There are lots of interesting details to figure out before they leave for good. He wonders how many questions they’ll be able to answer.

Before they leave town, Altan wants to have one more quick conversation with the barmaid. He’s wondering if there’s anything specific about this date that makes it so important. Was there something that was supposed to happen that someone is trying to prevent happening? After some initial pleasantries, which includes Altan buying her a drink or two, he broaches the subject of local events or festivities.

Altan:

Look, love, I’m always inna mood fer a party, I am. I love local holidays, festivals, all ‘at sorta rot. You got anythin’ like ‘at ‘round ‘ere?

Marrian tells him about all the local festivals. Most are normal, but the only one that seems to fit the timeline at all is that two nights agai was the Winter Solstice—the longest night of the year. It is a magical night of black magic.

Altan:

I’m guessin’ we’ll be here a fair bit. Might as well grab a room. Anyone asks, I’m Gal, an’ we’re lookin’ fer work.

Luciano:

Fine by me.

Talesien:

I can work with that…Gal. Since we’re renaming ourselves, I’ll be Alexander.

Altan:

Mind if I call ye Zandy fer short?

Talesien:

I do mind actually.

Luciano:

Hmmm, I guess I gotta be something else. Well that’s like a turd in the punchbowl it is. OK, how about Antonio?

Altan:

Yer ‘a real wet blanket, y’ know? Great. Alexander, Antonio, let’s get a room.

The group heads into the Gold Cup and ask for a room. The barkeep, Marrian, looks at them askance and tells them that she have plenty of rooms free. Marriam, herself, is a very good looking twenty-something.

Altan:

‘At’s fantastic, ‘at is, though we’re not ‘zactly rich like. ‘Ow about ye give us one we can share?

She wipes her hands on a rag:

Stables are around th’ back. I kin show you you’re rooms now or after you’ve stabled the horses.

Altan:

After’s fine, an’ we’ll be needin’ a meal, too. I’m damn near famished. Could eat a ‘orse. ‘Ow ‘bout you lot?

Talesien:

I’ve never had horse meat…

Luciano:

Aye, I’m hungrier than a bull moose in the winter.

Altan:

Y’ ‘aven’t lived ‘en! Nothin’ like it.

Marrian:

Fine. I ain’t got no horse, no moose, or dog, or anythin’ else you’re kinda folks like, but I do have turkey and ham and soup.

Altan:

Ah, ye don’t do ‘umor ‘en? ‘At’s a right kick in th’ bollocks, ‘at is. ‘Ow about ale? Ye do ‘at?

Talesien:

ya serve Broken Bridges here?

Marrian:

Got Ale. Though, I’m gettin low. Th’ merchant’s hasn’t been here in a while. Got Ale, Beer, and Whiskey.

Altan:

We’ll go put th’ ‘orses away, ye get me a beer started, eh? Care t’ join us? Yer not lookin’ ‘zactly o’erwhelmed wi’ business?

Marrian:

Got nothin’ better t’ do.

Altan:

Excellent decision. We’ll be right back. ... After putting up the horses, they return.
Talesien:

So ya say the merchant hasn’t been here in a while eh? Could ya venture a guess as to why?

Altan:

Yeah, if we run outta ale, I’ll be right pissed, I will.
Marrian:

I can’t figure. (she looks at Altan) Then switch t’ beer. I don’t want t’ call th’ guard on ya.

Altan:

B’lieve me, I don’t want ‘at either. Can’t abide guards, me.
Marrian:

Figgered as much.

Altan:

So what’s th’ scoop on ‘is town? Don’t appear too pop’lar. Bit scarce o’ people.

Marrian:

We’re kinda of the beaten track, nay? Why’d anyone come here. We got almos’ nothin but trees, fell creatures, and rats of unusual size.

Altan:

Well, ye are near th’ swamp. Green, plant-covered things crawlin’ outa th’ swamp. Not ‘zactly a tourist attraction.

Marrian:

Nay’s it’s not. Wish I could leave, but I got this tavern and stables t’ support.

Altan:

‘Ere’s always options, love. Ye just gotta look fer ‘em. ... So if we were t’ go lookin’ about town, where d’ye reccommend we go?

Marrian:

Nothin’ aroun here.

Talesien:

Really…there’s nothing interesting in this town at all?

Marrian slides down the third of the drinks of which Luciano lifts his and takesa long drink ending in a loud belch.

Marrian:

Depends on you’re definition of interesting doesn’t it. But ye probably don’t want t’ be pokin’ into too many dark places.

Altan:

So what places d’we want to avoid ‘en? [Smiles] Apart from th’ gaol, o’ course.

Marrian:

Stay away from th’ keep…an’ th’ swamp.

Altan:

Now ‘at’s upsettin’. Not th’ swamp. I ain’t gettin’ nowhere near th’ swamp. But I thought th’ keep’d be a good place t’ look fer work. Local lord not accomodatin’?

Marrian:

Not th’ I know ‘bout. Although, James, the woodsman always needs help.

Altan:

An’ where’d we find ‘im, love?

Marrian:

Go down Main street an tke the firs’ left at th’ Y. That be East Street. Near th’ end o’ East is James’.

Altan:

Now ‘at’s right kindly o’ ye. ... So tell me – what’s it like growin’ up near th’ swamp? Bet yer folks ‘ad a million tales o’ ‘orror t’ keep ye in check!

Marrian:

I was too young t’ know what it was like before the Lords came. I remember growin’ up listening to Lord Gilbert’s Stories though. Always kept th’ monsters away, they did. Them an’ th’ soldiers.

Altan:

An’ they’re still keepin’ th’ monsters away? Or did th’ monsters eat everyone ‘at should be walkin’ ‘round th’ town?

Marrian:

Mos’ are at work or takin’ th’ afternoon res’ right now. I haven’ seen an attack in a long while.

Talesien:

Is Lord Gilbert still in charge? Seems if there’s been no attacks he’s doing a good job then.

Marrian:

Aye, both Lords Gilbert and Gyles are still here, so far as I knows. They’ve not been replaced, but I haven’t seen em since the night ….. haven’t seen em in a while.

Altan:

Still, ‘ey keep th’ town safe, ‘ey must be well liked.

Marrian:

Lord Gilbert is. Few see Lord Gyles. He’s a little scary.

Altan:

‘Ow scary? Scary lookin’? Scary actin’? Bonkers scary? Pervert scary? Keep yer kids off th’ streets scary? (she’s beginning to look nervous)

Marrian:

I didn’t say nothin about kids. I got things to do. (She turns and heads into the back room)

Altan:

Now ‘at is one attractive woman.

Luciano:

‘at she is already. A finer lookin’ gem in a bar I’ve never seen.

Talesien:

Agreed…but there’s more going on in this town then we thought.

Altan:

I’d say she likes me best though.

Talesien:

Well who doesn’t like you best Gal (sarcasim)

Altan:

Now ‘at is a very true statement.

Talisien:

What gave ye tha’ impression. The way she ran from ye?

Altan:

‘At’s unkind, ‘at is, Antonio. ... What d’ye say we go take in th’ sights.

On the way out, Altan will call back to Marrian:

‘Anks fer sharin’ th’ drink wi’ us, love. We’ll be back in a bit. What time d’ye lock th’ door?

Marrian:

It’ll be open.

Altan:

Yer a peach.

Talesien:

A peach eh?

Altan:

‘At’s a good thing.

Altan suggest that for now, they don’t split up. They’ll walk around town for an hour, basically in the direction of the woodcutter’s that the barmaid mentioned, dropping into shops, having casual conversation with shopowners, buying small items that they’ll need down the road. One item that needs to be a definite purchase are new outfits. For Altan, he’ll go with dark colors (the better for blending into the dark…). He wants them to casually find out about the Lords, especially about the night that Marrian almost told them about, but got scared and stopped. He’ll also look into dark corners, and take at least one circuit around the keep, on the town roads.

The first place they come to is Andrew Laughton Mercers. the shoppe itself is filled with bolts of cloth, velvet, and silk. As they enter, they are greeted by a young man about Talisien’s age. Immediately, Talisien begins to talk to the man about buying clothing and delivery schedules, but Andrew stops him. He doesn’t have clothes, but he does have bolts of cloth that they can take to a tailor. Altan asks where they can go for a ready-made suit of clothes and Andrew directs them to the Clothier’s Alley in the Western part of town. There’s some old clothes shoppes that can help.

Altan:

Excellent! I’ll need t’ look bloody presentable when I go see th’ local lord now, won’t I? What ‘is name again? Gulliver or summat?

Andrew:

Lords Gyles and Gilbert they are. Although, why’d you wan’ t’ be seein’ them?

Altan:

I need a job, an’ Lords gener’lly pay th’ best, don’t they?

Andrew:

Mayhaps, but tha’ Lor’ Gyles isn’ a pleasean’ one ‘es not. His brother is much nicer.

Altan:

‘At’s Gilbert, ‘en, eh? Whazzup wi’ Gyles? Don’t like commoners?

Andrew:

I don’ really know. ‘E’s a mage, but I guess you knew tha’. Always askin’ for odd stuff t’ be brough’ in. Lizards, and newts and candle wax o’ all colors. Put a strain on me it did. No’ tha’ I’d le’ Nycholas get ‘is business.

Talesien:

We heard they cleaned up the town…guess you need a good guardsmen bad guardmen eh?
Andrew:

Excuse me?

Altan:

Y’ ne’er can tell wi’ wizards. It’s all toadstools an’ baby’s blood an’ cobweb’s what’s gather’d afore dawn an’ all ‘at shit.

Andrew:

A yea, tha’ it. Didn’ like when th’ wrong damn newt’s been shipped. Like I know th’ difference between spotted iguana and a damn speckled iguana!

Altan:

Oh yeah, th’ speckled one’s got bigger spots er some shit ain’t no one outsida th’ mage guild knows ‘bout.

Andrew:

Oh. Well I didn’ know tha’.

Luciano looks bored and starts to root through a pile of cloth. Altan takes that as a sign to wrap the conversation up. He didn’t bite on the baby bait, and he doesn’t want to ask too many questions at one time. Kind farewells and “maybe we’ll see ya later at the Gold Cup” and such.

Skipping past the Cooper’s, they find a bakery. Although they recently ate lunch there’s always room for sweetmeats! Altan heads into the bakers and asks what’s fresh and finds the baker is another young man, this one named Toby. Toby directs him to the cinnamon buns, to which Altan buys half a dozen. He also buys three sausage rolls. He doesn’t get to keep them, however, as Luciano grabs two and stuffs them in his mouth quickly. Altan looks at him askance, but he he shrugs and talks through a mouthful of bun:

Don’t have any money meself and me man always said that ye should share yer riches and ye be blessed. Well a blessing on you.

Altan shakes his head and asked Toby laughingly if he happens to sell any ale.The Gold Cup’s low on ale and it seems deliveries are uncertain.

Toby:

Me? No, but Thoma might be able to git some. Or Nycholas.

Altan:

I reckon Nycholas is ‘nother mercer, but who’s Thoma?

Toby:

Thoma’s the beerseller. Although, I dunno if he has ale.

Altan:

‘Anks, mate. Right tasty sausage rolls. Well done.

Continuing down East Street, they pass several jewelers that they simply look in and wish they had the money for real. Next up is the town hall and the gaol. Given recent events all three hurry past without looking at them for too long. None of them feel real comfortable this close to the guards. Passing several larger houses the find a shoppe signed with a tapped keg hanging from the rafters.

Luciano: Right, now. I’m spittin’ feathers, so let’s go.

Altan looks at him again and just wonders where he gets all these sayings and if he every speaks plain Oeridian, but just decides that it doesn’t really matter.

Altan: Why th’ fuck not!

The three merrily enter the place and stop dead in their tracks. The place has about 5 kegs of something stacked to the right, but what captivates them sits in a chair with a babe in her arms. The middle aged woman cries so loudly that all three immediately understand that some great tragedy has befallen her. Altan, always the first with an action, if not a plan, decides that he’ll not get involved and says:

Ah, Alexander, this’un’s yers.

Talesien:

Oh…really…yer sure I’m the best for tha?

Altan:

No.

Talesien:

Thanks for the vote of confidence mate. I’ll be back

The woman looks up and says:

Are sob here sob to sob find th’ chil’ren?

Altan:

Break a leg, mate. [After he leaves, as an aside to Luciano] This should be good.

Luciano raises an eyebrow, but remains quiet. Altan detects a distinct air of discomfort in the young man—as if he’s about to run out the door.

Talesien:

No…No I’m afraid I’m not. Are you alright miss?

Woman starts crying louder:

They’re doomed. I just know it!

Talesien:

...ah…I might be able to help you. What’s the matter with them?

Woman:

Wrong with them? They’re gone! Gone! Where did they go?

Talesien:

Gone? Who took them?

Altan [to Luciano]:

I can’t watch

Woman:

If I knew tha’ don’ you think I woulda tol’ th’ guards? I don’ know where they are!

Luciano:

Go for it before she turns to week old pumpkin pie!

Altan approaches the two:

Sorry, miss. ‘E don’t get out much. What’s yer name, love?

Talesien:

...well…er…

With that Talesien retracts to the background

Luciano:

Nice star’ mate. Less see how the squire does.

Talesien to Luciano:

What the hell am I supposed to do with a crying woman?

Luciano:

Dunno, but I don’ think tha’ was it.

Woman:

Who? Me? ... Joane.

Altan:

So, Joane, I’m Gal. We’re new t’ town, as I’m sure ye already know. Per’aps ye should start at th’ begining. Oo’s missin’? ‘Ow long ‘ey been missin’?

Woman:

Bryanna, Elika, James, and Geoffrie gone. Out o’ their beds two nights ago. Where’d they go mister? Where’s they go?

Altan:

I don’ know. Not yet. But back up a bit, wouldja? Are those all yer kids?

Woman:

Yes, all gone, but Gilbert and me Johanna in back.

Altan:

Damn, ‘at’s a fuckin’ tragedy, ‘at is. Look, we might be able t’ ‘elp. ... But it ‘ccurs t’ me ‘at ‘is ain’t th’ best place t’ natter ‘bout it. Is ‘ere some place a bit more private we can chat?

Woman:

More private? More private tha’ this?

Altan:

Well, ‘tis a public shop, but if yer ‘appy ‘ere, we can stay. No matter. So ‘ave any others gone? That ye know ‘bout, ‘at is.

Woman:

All o’ them.

Altan:

Ye mean ‘ere’s a lot missin’? Ye can’t mean they’s ALL missin’ right?

Woman:

All o’ ‘em. All gone.

Altan:

Fuck me. Wi’ a poker. ... ‘Ow long’s ‘is been goin’ on?

Woman:

Goin’ on? What d’ y’ mean. It happened two nights ago!

Altan:

All th’ children disappeared on th’ same bloody night! Bugger me! What ages are we talkin’ ‘bout ‘ere? Yer babe’s fine, he is. ‘E ain’t gone. ‘Ow ‘bout teens?

Woman (thinking):

No. No teens. Only ‘e ones o’ readin’ age. Me husban’ thinks tha’ Lor’ Gilber’ took them. All were o’ th’ age tha’ th’ Lord woul’ read too.

Altan:

Stop, stop, stop. Ye lost me, love. Th’ Lord reads t’ ‘em?

Woman:

He did afore they all disappeared.

Altan:

I assume we’re talkin’ bout Lord Gilbert, aye?

Woman:

Aye.

Altan:

An’ so Lord Gyles took ‘em, eh? ‘E’s th’ scary one, er so ‘ey say.

Woman:

‘E did? ‘ow you know tha? Who’s gonna help us the’? Can you talk to Lor’ Gilbert?

Altan:

Dunno. I can try. Worst ‘at’ll ‘appen is I’ll be sent packin’. ... Now tell me, love, an’ think ‘ard. ... ‘As anythin’ odd ‘appened ‘ere before? I ain’t talkin’ ‘bout children dissapearin’ odd, I mean simple, outta th’ ordinary stuff. Rains o’ fishes, sky turnin’ green, pubs runnin’ outta ale, that sorta thing.

Woman (by the look on her face thinking hard):

No. Not ‘at I ca’ remember.

Altan:

‘Ow ‘bout swamp critters attackin’? Strangers disappearin’? Dogs an’ cats livin’ together?

Woman:

Aye, there’s been some attacks. bu’ I think it’s been afore my kids an’ my oldes’ is 14.

Altan:

So nothin’ odd ‘as ‘appened fer more’n a decade, then two nights afore we ‘rrive, every rug rat o’ readin’ to age disappears. I’m likin’ ‘is less an’ less, I am. ... Look, wouldja mind if’n we ‘ad a look at yer house? Mayhap th’ guilty party left behind a clue er two.

Woman:

Uh .. I think you’ll have t’ ask me husban’. I’ll get him. (she stands up)

Altan:

Take yer time, but if’n ye want our ‘elp, we gotta find a place t’ start lookin’.

Do you fully submit to my spell casting?

Talisien:

I fully submit

When Talisien affirms his agreement, Chr’oph’us pulls out a small red candle, a small red dish and some herbs. He pours the thyme into the herb dish and says:

Purification I do conjure So that thoughts be spoke, No be pondered

He then lights the candle and says:

Passion so red, Set to the fire, Let the truth be said, As is my desire

Then he drops a bit of the red wax onto the herbs and says:

Mists of thyme, Fire of red, Send the truth to my head.

As the last word is spoken, the a red light grows from the bowl toward the mage’s staff where it enters the purple stone. The stone begins to grow brighter and brighter and he repeats the three phrases. After the last word, the light flows from the stone bathing Taliesien in a red glow. Chr’oph’us smiles and asks instructs the lawyers to ask yes/no questions only.

Wylliam:

Is you’re name Talisien?

Talisien:

Yes

Wylliam:

Do you know the accuser, one Arney the Smith?

Talisien:

Unfortunitly

Chr’oph’us:

Please answer yes or no.

Talisien:

Yes

Wylliam:

Did you verbally or physically threaten Arney?

Talisien:

No (Chr’oph’us looks at him closely and takes a note.)

Wylliam:

Did you burn down Arney’s forge?

Talisien:

No

Wylliam:

Did you burn down Arney’s house?

Talisien:

No

“See”, says Wylliam, “he is innocent!” “Hold, on”, replies Hughe, “I have some questions.” The magistrate nods.

Hughe:

Do you know who did light that fire?

Talisien:

No

Hughe:

Do you have suspicions about who lit the fire?

Talisien:

No (Chr’oph’us again looks at him closely and takes a note.)

Hughe looks at Chr’oph’us and says:

Well?

Chr’oph’us:

He has told no outright lies. Or at least, he has not told anything that he does hold not to be true.

Hughe looks irritated and thinks for a minute and then his shoulders slump. “No more questions.”
Wylliam smiles and looks to the magistrate with a quizzical look.

The magistrate bangs his gavel and announces:

Well, son. I think that the charges will be dropped. However, don’t think for a moment that I beleive you’re story. On th other hand, I cannot go against what has ben stated here. Guards, give this man his belongings and let him go.

Arney looks furious, but simply storms out of the building. Talisien heads out the side entrance trying to avoid meeting Arney. Once he finds that Arney is no where to be seen, he heads to the Heron to see if Altan is there. Instead he finds Talisien, but Altan is no where to be seen.

Luciano:

Well, don’t you look like a bugger’s curse.

Talisien:

Told ya everything would work out. So, know where Altan is?

Luciano:

uh-huh. Yea, ye did. No, I don’t know where ‘e is right know. But he’s told me that he’s be meetin’ us as soon as we beat outta here.

Talisien:

Well then let’s get the hell outa here. I’ve no desire to mee Arney ever again

Luciano drains his mug of beer, slams it down and grabs his sack:

Let’s go!

As Talisien and Luciano ride off, they hear the beating of hooves coming toward them and when they turn around they see Altan riding hard.

Altan pulls up, skidding from a full gallop to a full stop:

Hail, comrades! Good t’ see ye in such fine form. And now, onward!

Talisien:

(cough cough) Hello friend. Thanks for springing me out. Ya owe me for taking the heat for ya! (he kidds)

Altan:

Yeah, an’ ye owe me three gold fer gettin’ ye out! Still, no ‘arm no foul, eh? Luciano, yer looking fit. Ye get ‘at lady ye was talkin’ about?

Luciano:

Aye, as fine a horse as I ever did ride.

Altan:

Aye? T’ each ‘is own, I s’pose.

As they turn around, they can see a set of horses approaching the town. When the pair get closer they see the same blond man that welcomed them to the town. He simply says:

follow me.

Altan smiles broadly and does so, while Luciano raises an eyebrow, reaches for his sword and looks at Taliesien and Altan.

Altan:

Relax. ‘E’s … well, not ‘zactly a friend. More like a coworker. Sort o’.

Luciano relaxes and follows the man with Talisien in tow.

Talisien:

Well…for some reason I trust you (Altan)...

Altan:

‘At’s a very wise opinion.

The man rides off the road a fair way and then stops and turns to the group:

So, I see you’ve completed the mission. Don’t think that success necessarily make th’ giant happy. Yea, you had the charges dropped but in a far too public manner. Burnin’ down his house? Talisien bein’ arrested? Amateurs! The giant’s worried about your sense od descretion. Some thing’s have to behandled quite like, ya know?

Altan:

Ah, Arney was a prick. Needed takin’ down a peg.

Talisien:

Believe me it was attempted. Although, according to the court cases we didn’t burn down the house

Blond man:

Nay, that’s not what th’ court says. Th’ court says that you weren’ found guilty. That’s not the same thing. Nevertheless, you’ve missed the point. This was far too public.

Altan:

Yeah, but ‘e was still a prick.

Talisien:

I’ll agree with that!

Blond man:

Again, it doesn’t matter if the man’s th’ worse form a deviant arsehole. It shouldn’t have been so public. Do either of you two get that?

Altan:

Yeah, deviant arse’ole. I get it. Now we gotta town t’ find. Can we git on wi’ it?

Talisien:

What he means is, we understand and will attempt to avoid such public altercations. What’s our next mission?

Altan raises an eyebrow at Talesien:

Oh, is ‘at what I meant?

Talesien:

Aye. Ye did

Altan (in a resigned voice):

Fuck ‘at.

Blond man:

Well, ye both got three days to make sure that he understands the need from time to time. (He leans forward) Understand this gents. I’ve known the giant for several years and have gone to hell and back with him. He don’t take kindly to those that don’t do things the right way. Not kindly at all. Just remember that.

Altan:

‘Is giant? Ye say ye spent time wi’ ‘im? What’s ‘e all about?

Blond:

He’ll be yer bes’ friend if you stay on his good side. On the other hand, I’ve seen him go to extreme lengths to pay some people back. You fellows have no idea how long he’ll harbor a curse. On the other hand, the longest I’ve seen any grudge held was about six months.

Talisien:

Only 6 months? (He says surprized. He thought the number would be much higher)

Blond:

Let’s just say that there was a very, very deep hole dug and there was no need to hold a grudge anymore.

Altan:

So ‘e’s a right bastard, ‘is ‘e? ‘E seems t’ ‘ave a loyal followin’. ‘Ow’s ‘e manage both?

Blond:

OK. I’m in a story telling mood. Here we was getting into town when two of our folks were captured by a demoness. Ice demon as fair as she was foul. Wel, th’ giant didn’t take bt two beats to decide to go in after them and get them back. He, personally, led us into the bitches lair to rescue the man and woman held there. He’ll go to great lengths to protect his people. Even risk is own large skin.

Talesien nods in approval, as does Luciano.

Altan:

Leads from th’ front, eh? ‘E’s big, I’ll grant ye, but ‘e sure didn’t strike me as no warrior.

Blond man:

More ‘n one way to lead. Some’s do that with th’ sword or th’ bow. Others learn to make people better ‘n they think they are. I seen him turn a Bakluni womanizer into a fairly well respected leader. A hurt city girl into a powerful leader. A young, overweight animal handler into a confident mage aspirant.

Altan:

An’ you? What’d ‘e do fer you?

Blond man:

I was a a nobody. Oh one day I may have been a knight, but it wold have taken a while. Right now, I’m the Master Sergeant of the most respected Company in Greyhawk. You may have heard of the Black Company?

Altan nods:

O’ course! Sir Tar! Tar’s Company! Shit! Yer kiddin’! Really?

Altan:

Well, damn. ... I got nothin’...

Luciano:

Well, Hate to say it it, but I’m as a cluless as an orc in a chess tourney. Who’re they?

Altan:

No, wait. Ye’ll be Edmund I ‘spect. ‘Ey say ye can shoot th’ fuckin’ wings off a fly at 50 yards! Shit!

Talesien just sits in silent amazement as Edmund chuckles.

Yea, ‘at’s me. Although, it’s more like 150 yards! In any case, we’re talkin’ about you and where ye three may be headed, right?

Altan:

Now Sir Tar left th’ Company, so ‘ey say. But ‘e’s one o’ th’ Lord Mayor’s favorites. ‘E won’ta gone away. Not totally. What’s ‘e doin’ now?

Edmund:

The official title is Lord High Chancellor. Basically, he fixes problems for the Count. You’re part of that. Only, he doesn’t always want people t’ know that he or the Count was involved. Understand?

Talesien:

Oh…NOW I get it

Altan:

Well, fuck me, ‘at’s some deep shit. ... Changes things a might.

Edmund:

‘At is, if he can trust you to do what he needs done. Ye’ll want to keep you’re heads down.

Altan:

Tell me summat, Master Sergeant Edmund… If ye could give us one piece o’ advice where Sir … ah, Lord Tar’s concerned, what would ‘at be?

Edmund:

If I can.

Altan:

An’ ‘at is?

Edmund:

Oh, I see. Always, always tell him the truth and follow his orders whether you understand it or not.

Talesien:

Well, we have something in common now don’t we mate (said to Altan)

Altan [To Talesien]:

‘At we do, mate. ‘At we do.

Altan:

An’ right now, ‘is order’s t’ keep it mum. Shit.

Edmund:

I think you’ll find, in time, that you’re far freeier without people knowing or you work for or why you’re there.

Altan:

Oh, aye. ... Hah! ‘Ood believe it, anyway, eh?

Edmund:

Puzzle on it, Altan. When you find the answer you’ll get it. There’s always a reason why the giant does things and why he picks people. You three were picked because you’re what he needs. Once you figure that out, you’ll be much smarter. Have a good day gentleman.

He rides off doffing his hat. Altan bows as Edmund rides off.

Altan:

Now ‘at, gentlemen, is a true fuckin’ legend.

Talesien:

Well that’s just about the coolest thing thats ever happened to me!

Luciano:

That th’ truth, huh?

Altan:

Don’t know ‘bout you, mate, but I believe every last word.

Altan:

Let’s ride. I’ll tell ye ‘bout Sir Tar’s Company as we go, least as I ‘eard it.

Luciano shakes his head.

A fuckin’ fly at 150 paces. Like my granddad’s a donkey’s right hind leg. Let’s git moving.

Talisien:

What the hell is this for?

None answer, and the guards drag him out of his room. Seeing that fighting won’t work and that talking won’t work, Talisien decides to go along but not very willingly. The guards take him down to the gaol and throw him in the same cell as Luciano, who simply looks at Talisien and shakes his head. He then rolls over and pulls up his thin blanket.

Talisien:

Well hello. Fancy meeting you here

Luciano:

Hmm …

Talisien:

Hey guard! You got any idea why I’m in here? Cause I’ve got no fuckin clue. It’d be nice to know why I’m in here at least.

Luciano rolls over and looks at Talisien:

I know. Yer innocent, you are!

Talisien:

This sucks.

Luciano rolling over:

Hmmmm

All is quiet in the jail cell until 8:00 when the guard shoves two bowls of gruel through the bars. Talisien looks at it and pushes it away. Luciano shrugs and takes it saying: It’s the best yer gonna get.

About an hour later the constable arrives and tells Talisien that Arney’s property was destroyed by fire the night before. Talisien has been seen asking about Arney and, in fact, got into a physical altercation with the man in his smithy. Arney and his sons both report that he barged in threatening him and Taliesien had to be chased from the smithy. The Constable wants to know what Talisien did after leaving the Smithy and where he was between the hours of 10pm and 1am this morning.

Talesien: “Threatened him? Have you seen the size of em? He’s huge! And his sons are as well. No. I didn’t threaten him. Certainlly not physically. I was about warn him against his legal actions against Lucanio, because they will get him no where. But I offered not threats. I’ll tell ya what really happened.” “I was walking around all day trying to find friends of Lucanio. I met with lawyers, bar maids and guardsmen all with similar questions about Lucanio’s situation. When I get as much of a story as I can, I ask to see Arney. His wife, I’m assuming, tells me talking to him about Lucanio’s mystery sword is a bad idea, but I did it anyway. I tell him that I can help him out if he helps me out. Well he’ll have none of this. He throws a swagger at me with accompaning insults. When I start to tell him that his case is weak he starts coming towards me as if to fight. His children stopped and him warned me to get away. That’s when I left and I never returned to his shop. The only thing I did was go to sleep. What I had planned to do in the morning was see a lawyer and make them deal with the miserable bastard. I may not like him, but I have no, nor did I have any desire to harm him or his business.”

The conversation continues adversarialy, but with little more progress. The constable asks several questions about the events, but there’s not much more to tell. Talisien finds the following things out:

1. Arney is fastidious and have been in the business for a long time. There’s no way that he left burning coals out to start a fire. This was definitely set on purpose.
2. Luciano, the obvious answer was in prison and could not have done it. His alibi’s tight.
3. One of Luciano’s friends may have done it either in retribution or as a threat. The only known friend to speak to him since being imprisoned was Talisien
4. Arney’s pissed and out for someone’s death
5. The Magistrate’s due in a week and Talisien will be held until then

1. If Talisien cannot provide another likely perpetrator, Talisien will most likely be hung for the crime.

Meanwhile, Altan heads to Wylliam’s office. He tells the lawyer’s assistant that he needs to see Wylliam immediately, but the man doesn’t beleive him. Altan puts down a gold piece and tells him that it will be worth his while and the assistant agrees. He calls a page in and sends him to get Wylliam and the lawyer arrives in thirty minutes. He’s short, about 5’ 3” and weighs probably two hundred pounds. Well dressed, he moves with an easy assurance in life. He looks Altan over and waves him into his office. The large room seems small with a couch, two easy chairs, Wylliam’s large mahogonay desk with a large leather chair behind it, three bookshelves, and short well stocked bar. On ever horizontal surface lies stacks of papers, scrolls, books, and loose papers earmarked and tagged in a confusing jumble of papers. He lets himself fall into his chair and pushes a stack of papers to the side and asks Altan:

So, where does a man such as yourself come up with a gold piece?

Altan:

Now, ‘at ain’t important at all. What is impotant is that me boss is a rich man. Hails from Greyhawk. He wants t’ obtain th’ services o’ one Luciano, currently a guest o’ yer prison system. We need th’ charges ‘gainst him dropped.

Wylliam looks at Altan carefully and thinks for about a minute before answering:

All right. Let’s say you’re story’s true. The gold is real, I’ll give you that much and not ask you where you got it. I’ve heard of the case. Small potatos. Nothing much in it for me. So, you’re paying me a gold to work get him released. OK, tell me what you know.

Altan gives him the rundown of what he knows. From what folks in town have been saying, Luciano’s story checks. There’s no reason for the smith to have made a sword, since Luciano didn’t order one. He’s just trying to use his authority and power against the powerless Luciano. Altan feels that the threat of a truth mage would quickly cause him to give up the case, if that threat was given believably enough. Wylliam just chuckles.

No, the threat of a truth mage wouldn’t work. Hughe would stop it as long as possible and Arney’s ornery enough to make us bring one here. How much does you’re employer want to spend on this case?

Altan:

What, yer lookin’ t’ take me whole purse? All right. I got three gold t’ spend. How quckly does that get ‘im out?

Wylliam:

Well, you see the more gold you spend doesn’t have much to do with how soon to getting him out. Hughe’s going to want to wait until the Magistrate can hear the pleas and then rule on whether a truth mage is even required. Then we have to wait for a mage. The Magistrate’s due here in a week. So we’re looking on the outside, 2 weeks. On the other hand, I may be able to talk Hughe out of this whole thing tonight. However, there is one thing that I need to ask you, because it may make this entire thing go very, very badly.

Altan:

Ye don’t understand. Me boss wants th’ charges dropped. He don’t want th’ case t’ go t’ trial. ... But ask away. Can’t hurt t’ hear ye out.

Wylliam:

Well, I see, then. That’s a different story, but I think I have a way to do that. Anyway, my question is this. It seems that Arney’s shoppe and house burned down. Now, noone’s really all that upset to see him lose his place, but he’s the only smith in town and now the town has none. If I understand, he’ll be staying at his son’s while they rebuild. Hah! I’ll bet Crystal’s loving that. In any case, did you or you’re jailed friend leave any evidence behind that would lead someone to beleive that either of you did it?

Altan:

Evidence? Nah, not evidence. Not a drop.

Wylliam:

Good. You’re friend got an alibi? I assume that you do, correct?

Altan:

I’m good. Had a drink at th’ Bleatin’ Sheep. Didn’t hear about th’ fire ‘til a bit later.
Talisien, dunno. I gotta assume.

Wylliam:

So the only goal is to have the charges dropped on Luciano, correct?

Altan:

Yeah, that’s it. If ye can spring Talisien, too, ‘at’s a bonus, but not th’ main goal.

Wylliam:

Well, I was planning on leaving him in there to get Luciano out, understand?

Altan:

‘At’s a good plan, but th’ sooner th’ better.
Wylliam:

Very good. Where may I reach you?

Altan:

I’m stayin’ at th’ Heron. When can I expect ye t’ call?

Wylliam:

I’ll send word. One can never tell how these things will go. (He stands) Have a nice day, Altan.

Altan:

‘At I will. An yerself, yer worship.

Altan leaves and moseys around for a bit. Amongst his wanderings, he passes the gaol and takes note of things like entrances, including windows. He doesn’t go in, but does have a meal nearby so he can watch for a little while. As he watches, he lets his eyes roll back and opens his inner eye at the gaol. Blinking twice is deep surprise, he sees a thick crackling red wall around the gaol. Squinting, he lookes closer and sends his sight deep into the wall. His vision turns a deep red as his sight enteres the spell. Slowly he brings the strands of magic into focus and sees the runes intertwined together moving and shifting. Delicately, he starts to pull apart the runes into their respective pieces and soon they separate. He examines the two runes and starts to fell them in their soul. “Aha!”, he thinks, “There it is! The Magic Rune. Well, then the other one must be the Protect Rune. No, that’s not right. It’d be blue then. It’s Red, though. Break! That’s it. Oh crap, It’s a Break Magic spell! Conjuration won’t work.” He sighs and sits back in his chair—dejected. He stays there for the next several hours until he sees Luciano being moved from the gaol to the barracks, then he heads to an alleyway where he can see the barracks entrance.

He shortly comes back out again carrying a bastard sword in a scabbard. He watches as Luciano starts to buckle the belt and head down the street. Altan slides away from the wall and starts to follow the man as he turns down a side street. Altan’s close enough to hear Luciano whistling in the brisk wind and starts to walk faster to close the two block gap. He watches Luciano turn again. This time down a smaller side street and as Altan quickly turns the corner, Luciano whips around holding his sword out and asks:

Who are ye and what do yer wan’?

Altan (with his hands in the air):

Congratulations, mate. All charges dropped. Yer a free man. What’ll ye do now?

Luciano (growling):

Ye didn’ answer me question! Who are ye and what do yer wan?”

Altan:

Oh, fer fuck’s sake, put th’ damned sword down an’ stop bein’ so melodramatic. Do I look like a soddin’ warrior t’ ye? Name’s Gal, an’ ye should be more appreciative, mate. I’m th’ bloke ‘at hired th’ lawyer what sprung ye.

Luciano lowers the sword and looks at Altan closely and shakes his head while Altan adopts a casual pose by leaning his back against the wall and sticking his hands in his pockets.

Luciano:

Look, if we’re t’ step off on th’ righ’ foo’, then we bes’ no’ be lyin’ t’ each other. Yer not Gal’s, sure’s as I’m not th’ Duke! Least not if yer th’ one tha’ hired th’ lawyer. So, you’re either lyin’ ‘bout yer name or ‘bout what ye did. Th’ way I see it, there’s no reason t’ lie about th’ Lawyer, so it’s yer name that’s not right. Ye be Altan an’ if I understan’ things well, you’d best be leavin’ this town before the clock strikes 1 bell.

Now, you I like! Well spoken, mate, but as far as anyone in ‘is town’s concerned, me name’s Gal. No need t’ be spreadin’ anythin’ else around, right? An’ yeah, I got t’ scarper, quick-like, but first I got a job t’ do. Got a bloody useless lump o’ a partner rottin’ in prison. Think ye met ‘im. Talesien? I need t’ be springin’ ‘im, but lawyers ain’t gonna be able t’ ‘elp ‘is time, it seems. Gonna ‘ave t’ take a more personal approach, if ye take me meanin’. Don’t s’pose I could convice ye t’ help? I sure could use an extra hand.

Luciano laughs heartily and at Altan’s quizzical expression he replies:

Gal, then ok. But, ye got I’ wrong, mate. It’s not him that’s goin’ t’ th’ gallows….it’s you. At least if Wylliam ‘as ‘is way. Here’s th’ way I know it. We both know tha’ Talisien wouldn’ do this as much as me mum would knock over a merchant with ‘er cane. No, Wylliam’s go you pegged for a larragon. Yea, he tol’ me tha’ he called fer one o’ them truth mages. He’ll be here in a few. Problem for me friend th’ smith, is I’m tellin’ th’ truth. He ain’t. So’s droppin’ my charges was easy fer him, if not too pleasan’. Yer frein’ however, Arney won’ budge an’ Wylliam’s not gonna try it. However, when you’re friend passes or coughs you up, who’re they gonna go after? That’s Wylliam’s play. The way I figure it, McCormick’s gonna figure it too. That’s the Constable. He knows Wylliam an’ tha’ he has somethin’ up his sleeve. Noone’s dumb enough to burn down a shoppe wifout some sort o’ alibi are they? I figure that by mornin’ he’ll be after you. Got it?

Talesien:

Hello. I’d like to see Arney. The sooner the better.

Woman:

Arney? What do ye need ‘im fer?

Talesien:

I’d like to speak to him about a sword.

Woman:

What you lookin’ for? Ye don’ wan to be botherin’ him about nothin’ now do you?

Talesien:

I’m looking for the sword that he made for Lucanio. It’d be nice to speak to him if that’s ok.

Woman:

oooh, ye don’t wanna do that’, ye don’. Now, you walk right on outta here and forget all tha’ you do. Best for all of us it is!

Talesien:

I have told you what I have come here for. It is for Arney’s sake that I speak of this issue. In the end, it may be of some help to him.

Woman (shaking her head):

OK, if yer reall’ wan to, ye go on back and talk to him. But don’ come runnin’ back too me if’n it ain’ goin’ well for ye. Ye go now… go …

Talesien:

Great.

He turns and heads toward the larger doors in the fence. As he turns his back he fails to notice the grimace on the woman’s face. In fact, as soon as he’s out of the shoppe, she tells the boy to run home. Grandpa’s not going to be in a good mood when he comes back!

When Talisien gets closer he can hear the clanging of metal on metal as he gets closer to the outbuilding.
he continues Inside, the building, the temperature is so hot, Talisien starts sweating immediately. Inside three very large men are hammering away as a red-hot piece of metal.

Talesien:

Hello Arney! I should like to speak with you when you have a free moment.

The hammers stop and Arney shouts:

Don’ stop hammerin’, ye lazy, bastards, or th’ iron’ll go hard. (To Talisien) Damn you! What’re ya want?

Talesien:

I’d like to talk about the trial. Would you prefer a better setting than this or would you like to speak now?

He eyes Talisien dangerously:

I got work ta do. See I’m a workin’ man unlike you lilly-liveried fops tha’ go about makin’ real men’s lives hell. What th’ hell you want? Arrom, get tha’ swaggers. Harold, hold this.

Talesien:

I’d like to help you out. It seems I’m in a possition to take some problems out of your hands.

Arney:

Great! Yer hear to take tha’ scumbag of a cheat outta here. Great. Give Joanne th’ 12 pieces and be on yer way!

Talesien:

Well, I can take him away…but I won’t do it for free. I’ll need something from you as well.

Talisien ducks the hammer that comes flying at him as Arney yells:

I ain’ givin’ you nothin’. I’m th’ one thas owed I am. 12 Gold is what I’m owed, 12 gold’s what I’m gonna get and I’m not gonna be givin you more than your lunch handed you after I take it from you’re cowardly, scum-sucking belly!

Talisien:

Sir, this is not going well. Not for you I’d say. There’s more than one person in this town that sees you at fault in this situation. If …

Arney drops his tool and starts to move toward Talisien angrily. Both Harold and Arrom grab Arney whose screams back (including a little spittle):

Why you little snot-nosed son of a whoreson mongrel. I’m gonna take you over this anvil …..

Harold:

You best be leaving mister.

Talesien:

Good advice mate. Thanks!

Talisien leaves with a quickness he hadn’t previsouly possessed and hears more cursing and clanging of metal, but he’s not quite certain what they are as he beats feet and leaves.

Talisien:

I have never met such an ass! We can’t reason with him. We’ll have to play this your way.

Altan:

I’m sure I’ve mentioned it before, but ye should always trust me implicitly. Always.

Talisien:

How could I have forgotten. (sarcasim)

Altan:

The mind boggles.

Talisien:

Well, it doesn’t seem like he cares much for his receptionist. His kids are kinda slaves…perhaps we could break in tonight and break some stuff.

Altan:

I like th’ way ye think. Leave that t’ me. Ye deal with th’ soddin’ lawyer. Th’ nastier th’ better.

Talisien:

Alright. I’ll ask the ball bustin lawyer to go there and see what he can do

Altan:

Nah. “See what ‘e can do” ain’t gonna cut it. Have ‘im go there an’ threaten fireballs from th’ bleedin’ heavens, mate.

Talisien:

yea…isn’t that what I said?

Altan:

Gonna have t’ work on yer clarity.

Talisien:

He’s a ball bustin lawyer…I thought it was assumed that he’d…well…bust Arney’s balls

Altan:

I ain’t one t’ assume anythin’, ‘specially with bloody lawyers.

Talisien:

Well I’ll make sure to be clear and precise in my meanings. By the way, if you get caught tonight, I’ve never met you before.

Altan:

Get caught? What’re ye on about? I ain’t never been caught. Ain’t meanin’ t’ start tonight. ... By th’ way, didja getta look at th’ fuckin’ sword?

Talisien:

Didn’t get to ask. I got a good look at some of his equipment though. Real upclose…cause the bastard threw it at me.

Altan:

Nice. Don’t matter. I don’t reckon he’ll keep th’ good stuff in th’ workshop. It’ll be locked up tight someplace. Possibly th’ house. May have t’ burn ‘im out.

Talisien:

You don’t plan on doing all of this tonight do you?

Altan:

Hey! I’m well rested, I am.

Talisien:

Well, you know what you are doing…I think. I’m off to the lawyer before it gets to late to ask him. I’ll get him to show up sometime tomorrow.

Altan:

Good luck with that. I’m gonna take a short walk. Scope the place out.

Altan heads to the blacksmith’s shop to check it out Astrally, while Talisien heads to the tailor’s to get some decent clothes for his meeting. When Altan gets across the street, he looks the place over and can see the black smoke rising from the forge. Arney’s still at work, but judging from the growing shadows on the street, he won’t be for long. Smiling, Altan pulls out his bowl, fills it and starts to chant. He smiles when he sees a small figure dart out of a building and start to chew on the offering in the bowl. As Altan starts to speak, the Spirit spits out the offering, glares at Altan and disappears. “Bugger me, where’s he go?” mumbles Altan, but the Spirit is gone. Once again he sets up for the conjuration. This time, he adds a little iron filings to the bowl. This time the Spirit eats the offering, burbs, and lays down in the bowl.

Altan bites back a smart comment and asks the Spirit to search the entire blacksmith’s enclosure (house and forge, and any other buildings that might be there), and report back to him on every sword that it detects – size, description (if possible), location. The Spirit leaves and returns quickly and tells Altan that it could find no sword. It then disappears before Altan’s eyes, leaving him to chew on the possibilities. Finally, he watches as the smoke from the forge slows and stops and he decides that it’s time to get some rest. He heads back to the Heron until midnight.

Much later that night, dressed in black clothes and carrying some rope, tools, and a bag, Altan scales the fence. At the top, he glances around and sees no motion or dogs. Smiling at his skill, he quietly drops down and waits again. Slowly, he creeps across the courtyard and heads to the smithy door. He tests the door slowly and finds that it’s in good condition and makes no sound. Finding it unlocked and smoothly moving, he opens the door barely wide enough for him to get in. Slipping in, he unhoods his lantern and narrows the beam to a fine point. He looks around without moving and finds that the forge is empty, with all tools put away carefully. He doesn’t know much about blacksmithing, but decides that the hammers are the most important things. Tongs should be pretty important as well. He loads his bag with as many of those sorts of things as he can and puts anything made of wood into the forge.

The wood starts to smoulder quickly and he smiles evilly. He takes a shovel and grabs some hot coals and places them against the wooden wall. He’ll then takes the bag of tools and leaves. Seeing no one in the street, he heads toward the town well. When he gets there, he dumps the bag and waits until he hears a faint splash. Chuckling, he heads toward the Bleating Sheep Tavern for a nightcap. Afterwards, he heads back to the Heron and heads up the back stairs. As he steps onto the last rise, he can hear the clanging of the fire alarm. He smugly smiles as he see the whisps of black smoke rising a few blocks away and congratulates himself on a job well done.

Talesien:

I’d like to hear his side of the story. I’m hear in town to negoaite with him and Arney.

The Constable:

What’s your interest in him?

Talesien:

I believe I’ve just said. I would like to hear Luciano’s side of the story. Why he is being charged, does he think himself guilty. That sort of thing.

The Constable:

Why do you care?

Talesien:

I don’t care, but it’s my job to.

The Constable:

So, who’s your employer and why do they care?

Talesien:

You know, I’ve heard that the Twisted Heron Tavern has the best Bitters around. Have you heard the same thing?

The Constable:

Huh?

Talesien:

I’m new in town and I’ve been looking around for some good food and drink. Any place you’d recomend?

The Constable:

Look I’ve got a job to do. You want directions, go ask the locals? I thought you wanted to see Luciano?

Talesien:

Oh I do. Believe me sir I do. You just seem to be having a bad day is all. Always nice to have someone lend an ear ain’t it? I’ve had days when I’ve wanted someone to do the same. Just thought I’d offer it to you is all.

Talesian talks the man’s ear off and eventually is allowed in to see Luciano. Luciano is about 6’ tall, 150 perhaps. Italian looking with an eyepatch. Currently, he’s seated on the floor of the chilly cell, huddling to keep warm.

Talesien:

Luciano…how wonderful it is to meet you. I’ve heard you’ve had some trouble with a smith around here eh? Well I’ve come offering a way out and possibly a job. I’ve heard you’ve been on and off of work? That true? Are you interested?

Luciano:

Interested? In a job? Mate, I’d be a Red-Bellied woodpecker in the middle fo the fuckin’ desert if I coul’ do tha’. Can’ you see I’m up to in arse in a shitload of trouble? How can I take thi’ here job?

Talesien:

Oh great job it is. You’ll love it. A man like you. Looks like you’re always one for adventure, travel and all. Yes all that. In any event, I need for you to tell me something. Now remember, everything you tell me has to be true or I just can’t help you at all and then my job is on the line. I’m assuming that you don’t want me as a cell mate there do ya?

Luciano:

Look I don’t know you from a hole in the wall. Why do I care if you’re in here? What do you want from me?

Talesien:

Your side of the story mate. That’s all I want from you. I’ll do the rest. You’ll have steady income if you help me out and just tell me the truth.

Luciano:

My side of the story. Ain’t nothin to tell. A friend bought a sword from him. Worse piece of shit I ever saw. Broke early on. Anyways I tole him he should git his godl back. Well, he goes back and the cuss of a man tells him to go fuck hisself. So’s what could I do. I made sure tha’ all th’ guards knew tha’ they shouldna trust his work. His boys mebbe, but no him. Well’s next thing I know I’m in here and he says I owe 12 gold for some sword that I asked him to make! Now, why’d I be so friggin’ dumb as to do that. I’ll tell you what. I ever git out of here and th’ man’s a dead one, he is.

Talesien:

Come on now. Cut the bullshit and give me something to help you out with. Did ya ask him to make the sword for ya or not.

Luciano (getitng angry):

Why ‘ould I do tha? Th’ man couldn’t make a decent sword if his life depended on it. I know my life depends on my accursed sword and woul’ never get it from him!

Talesien:

I need to be sure you’re telling me the truth. Don’t take this personal alright mate. If I can’t be sure I can’t help you and you don’t get a job. You’re sure you didn’t ask him to build you a sword? It’s your word against his and right now you’re on the losing end of this deal.

Luciano:

Hell yeah, I’m on th’ loosin’ side an all. He’s a Master, I’m an wanderin’ swordsman. No one gives a lick for me. (sarcastically) Him? He’s got a family? He’s got kids. He’s roight up-fucking-standing person of the community, he is! Who cares about Luciano the One Eyed anyway. Never mind the he’s put his gods-be damned life on the line for them fightin’ swamp monsters!

Talesien:

I really need to hear you tell me that you’ve never ask him for a sword.

Luciano:

Fine. You’re dense. I get that. I DIDN“T ASK FOR A FUCKIN’ SWORD FROM HIM!

Talesien:

Got some fight in you. Good. You’ll need it for the job. Do you have anything that was made by him? I know you don’t like him and you don’t trust his work…just answer if you have anything made by him.

Luciano shakes his head and walks away from Talesian.

Talesien:

I’ll take that as a no then. Listen mate, don’t take it personal. I should be back sometime today.

Luciano:

you do that. The conversation is just so entertaining!

Talesien:

Oh ah…just one more thing. Where do you work? I’ll need to ask your guard friends some questions too.

Luciano:

Where do I work? Whereever someone’ll hire me. ‘at aint’ happenin’ in this town anymore, is it?!

Talesien:

Heh…how about this. Where can I find the guys you’ve been telling not have swords made by Arney the Smith

Luciaco (looking at Talesian as if he’s dense):

Ummm…. the guard barracks, mebbe? That’s where I’d go looking for guards! The front gates? There jes’ might be some there. How about outside my fuckin’ cell! I’m sure there’s one or two wanderin’ around the fuckin’ gaol an’ all!

Talesien:

Whats the name of the guy with the broken sword?

Luciano:

O’Malley. ‘though’s he’s not a regular, he’s not. He’s a swordsmen like me. Last I saw him he’s in Hardride. Gettin’ a new sword—least trying ta git a new job to git the money fer a new sword. Hard to be a swordsman wifout a sword innit?

Talesien:

I’d imagine. Thanks. I’ll see what I can do for ya.

Luciano mumble something incoherent and sits down again, while Talisien heads back toward the tavern to find Altan—and maybe some warmth. Sure enough, he finds both. Altan hasn’t left his spot and is talking amiably to fairly well accoutered merchant who also came to town last night. As Talisien watches the scene, he notices Altan reach toward the man’s purse and calls out loudly, “Morning, Altan. I see that you’re up!” Altan mutters a curse and turns toward Talisien, letting the purse go. The Merchant raises a cup of tea toward Talisien, who glances back: “I’ll be seeing you around Robert.”

Talisien ignores Altan’s glare and sits down immediately filling Altan in on his conversation. Altan listens patiently and thinks for a moment and then responds:

Altan [tentatively]:

Ye know, mate, there’s more’n one way t’ getta job done. This blacksmith fellow don’t respond t’ polite requests, we can find ways t’ make him want t’ help us. Take away somethin’ he don’t wanna lose. Give it back when he cooperates.

Talesian:

Aye. There are. I would hope your not suggesting that we take someone hostage though…are ya?

Altan [more excitedly]:

Oh yeah. Grandkid’s‘d be best, o’ course. If he has ‘em. Wife’s good if he don’t. ... Not hurt ‘em, mind. Just make him think we will. If he ain’t a complete jerk-off, he’ll roll quick like.

Talesian:

Ya know…I just don’t like the sound of that. If we HAD to, I don’t mind stealing things. Something necessary for him to do his work perhaps, but I just can’t kidnap a person. He’s already after Lucanio because he spoke ill of his work. I think kidnapping will focus his attention on us and after his loved one returns, whats to say he goes happily back to work? I don’t see him to be the type to leave it be.

Altan:

Can’t, eh? Well, in that case, another thought occurs t’ me. Smith’s the problem. We gotta get ridda th’ problem. Ain’t no one t’ press charges, ain’t no charges t’ be pressed. Or don’tcha like th’ sounda that either?

Talesian:

We’re to kill a man over a 12 gold piece sword? I’m not opposed to making him miss his court date, but murder? How about if we really need to, we can tie him to a tree that day?

Altan [resignedly]:

Hah! 12 dubloons is a fortune back home, friend. Tell some street kid that lost his old man over a two bit loafa bread that 12 dubloons ain’t worth gettin’ killed over. ... Y’know, yer really limitin’ our fuckin’ opitions here. Tyin’ him to a tree ain’t gettin’ th’ bloody charges dropped is it, mate? ... But we’ll play it yer way fer now. Talk to him, all nice like. See if he’s a big a wanker as they say. Mebbe he’ll surprise us, but way I figger it, th’ bloke’s scum, and we don’t need t’ play nice with him.

Talisien nods and flatly states that he’ll go to the gate to talk to some guards. Altan nods and just replies: “You’re action, mate. I’ll see you later.” With that Talisien heads back to the main gate and finds the one guard there. With little incoming traffic, there’s not much to do, so Talisien walks up to him and asks about Lucanio.

Guard:

Yea, what about ‘em?

Talesien:

Well he’s in prision right now. I’m sure you’ve heard about it. I’d like to confirm his story.

Guard:

Aye, it’s good someun ‘‘ookin’ into it, it is.

Talesien:

What do you mean?

Guard:

Seems as no un has bothered making a’ effort. I was thinkin’ tha’ he’d be up da river wifou’ any advocate or nufin.

Talesien:

It seems that way to me as well. What can you tell me about why he is in prision?

Guard (asks):

Ye didn’t talk him now?

Talesien:

I did. I wanted to know your side of the story.

Guard (Surprised):

My side? I don’t have no side. This between Luciano and Arney. I haf nuttin in it.

Guard ( Surprised ):

My side? I don’t have no side. This between Luciano and Arney. I haf nuttin in it.

Talesien:

Ok. Well did you hear about O’Malley’s broken sword? Were you present for this?

Guard:

Me? No, I ain’t a regular, ju’ a guard.

Guard:

Me? No, I ain’t a regular, jus’ a guard.

Talesien:

Are you a friend of Lucaino? Or do you just know em?

Guard:

Friend? Hmmm….Yea, I guess so. So’s as much as he’s aroun’ here. Don’t know tha’ he has many friends ‘n all. Talks about this O’Malley likes he’s one. Alls I know is tha’ he and the regulars ten’ to stay aroun’ our bar.

Talesien:

So I could probably find a bunch of his friends at the bar eh? Well that sounds like him. Also, what do you think of Arney’s work?

Guard:

Well, loikes I said afore, I don’t know tha’ he has any friends aroun’ here. He’s no’ here too often. As to Arney, he made my sword an’ all th’ ofer guards. He’s th’ only smith in town, ya know. Got no choice, got it?

Talesien:

Great. Thanks for your help. Appreciate it.

The Guard nods and Altan heads toward the Roasted Acorn.

Inseide, the tavern isn’t different from any other palce that Talisien has seen. The place is empty, but for a single person nursing some soup, so Talesien will head to the bar keep and ask him if he has knows Lucanio.

Barkeep:

Yea, I seen him a time or too—always with the patrolmen, he is.

Talesien:

Did ya hear he’s in jail?

Barkeep:

I did hear somethin’ of the’ sort. Had some kin’ of tiff wit Arney. Was spoutin’ off about it as well. His sword broke or somethin’ Kinda loud about it. Jenn’s alway’s hangin’ aroun’ him and his friends when he shows up. She’d know.

Talesien:

Jenn eh? Know where I can find Jenn? I need to speak with har about Lucanio’s predicament.

Barkeep:

She’s on at 2:00. Have another beer an’ wait.

Talesien:

In at 2 eh? I suppose I have no choice then do I?

Talesien (to the bar keep):

Hey you know of a good lawyer in town? Can you tell me where the office is?

Barkeep:

Yea, there’s a gal from the city that mov’d in ‘bout a year ago. Goo’ rates an’ gets th’ job done. Name’s Margerie.

Talesien:

Sounds good to me. You know where her office is?

He give the address and about that time, Altan walks in.

Talesien:

Greetings partner! How are ya?

Altan:

Bored. Hungry. Came fer lunch. Not much t’ this damned town. Got a line on a piranha-type lawyer though if ye want it.

Talesien:

Do ya? Well let me have it please. I might have two to go check out then

2 Ss on Quick roll

Altan [sotto voice]:

Damn! This fuckin’ place is crawlin with guards. Like cockroaches with th’ damned lights off.

Talesien:

I can’t imagine that they don’t have much more to do around this town though

Altan:

So ye want the god besotted lawer’s name or not?

Never mind!

Altan:

Name’s Wylliam. Word on th’ street is he’s a real bear. If ye think Luciano’s not completely full o’ shit, he’s our man.

Talesien:

I don’t think Lucanio is lying to me. Although, there seems to be none in this town that can verify his story. I was about to go talk to another lawyer about his rates. After that I plan on talking to Jenn and seeing what she knows about Lucanio.

Altan:

Look, mate, this’s yer game. Play it yer way. But ye ask me, Arney’s a lyin’ piece o’ crap. Ye rent a hellfire an’ brimstone lawyer like this ‘ere Wylliam t’ rant at ‘im an’ threaten t’ bring in a truth mage, he’ll roll like a one-bit whore.

Talesien:

If he’s lying to me. If he his telling the truth, we’ll only afirm him by threatening to get a truth mage and/or a lawyer.

Altan:

Definitely a point. You go on, mate. I’m gonna get lunch.

Talesien:

It’s a plan.

Altan:

Don’t drink outta any strange Chamberpots.

With which, Altan goes to get lunch. Talesien ponders over the meaning of what Altan has said and when he has determined that it has no meaning he leaves the bar to find out Margerie’s rates. Is not a long trip and when he returns he finds Altan’s still there, with an ale in front of him. He shakes his head and takes a seat not too far from Altan and engages Jenn in friendly banter. By the time an hour has passed, she’s talking readily about Luciano (not that getting her to talk about him was tough). He finds that she doesn’t know the date of the trial. It would depend on when the magistrate will be there. She’s excited that he’ll be getting Luciano out and offers to help in any way that she can. Unfortunantly, she doesn’t know Arney and none of the regulars are in town, but most of the guard that are in the tavern probably know Luciano as well. Talesian thanks her and tips her well; then he’s off to see Arney.

Talesien:

I doubt it’ll be that simple, although I think we should still try it. If our boss wanted that to happen he woudln’t need to send us to do it. It seems as though he’s done a lot of research on this issue. Perhaps he knows more than they are telling us.

Altan:

I think he does fuck all for research. He has us fer that, don’t he? He may know who this Luciano joker is, an’ know he’s got somethin’ we need, but I doubt he knows much more than that.

Talesien:

Perhaps. I think also you should let me attempt this one. I was hired as a Harper. Either we’ll pay for the sword or we’ll pay for him to be drunk and agreeable.

Altan:

Y’know what, mate? I pulled th’ fuckin’ weight on that last trip. Ye’re welcome to this one. I’ll be in th’ pub if ye need me.

Talesien:

Not quite what I meant by that…

Altan:

I reckon if he needs to be… lubricated, this way I’ll be on hand t’ help out.

Talesien:

Not like I can stop you eh? Alright it’s a plan. With any luck I won’t see you until the jobs done

Altan:

Aye. With any luck, I’ll see no one except that babe behind th’ bar for th’ next hour or so.

Talesien:

That kinda luck takes a skill that you haven’t used yet. Holding out on me?

Altan:

Mate, I don’t need luck. I got th’ full package here.

Talesien:

hehe…sure. I’ll see you later Talesien’s first move is to find Luciano and hear the story from him. Altan’s first move is to order an ale from the barmaid. Talesien will do this by going to the bar and asking the bar tender about Lucaino and Arney. Talesien will go to the Master Feron The pair head to the Twisted Heron, finding it near the entrance, just off the main way. A good traveller’s tavern with a few rooms upstairs. The kind of place that you coem to to get lost in the traffic in and out of. On the way in, Altan mentions to Talesien that they may as well spend the night, so he’ll get them a couple of rooms, pointing out that it makes no sense to travel on the cheap as long as someone else is footing the bill.

Talesien:

Alright, let me see the card. I’ll get us rooms. I need to speak to the bartender anyway.

Altan:

Fine, you do it. [He flips the card to Talesien]. Geez. Offer to do a bloke a favor, this is th’ thanks you get. (Talesien can tell from Altan’s tone that he’s not really mad.)

Talesien:

Oh come now, I’ll make sure you get the room with the cleanest bugs possible.

Altan:

Bugs, no bugs, all th’ same. Probably won’t be sleepin’ in it anyway. Talesien then walks up to the bar tender and asks for the nicest double room and to start a tab all on the card he presents The barkeep looks at the card and talks to an older man, who looks at the pair. Altan smiles broadly. He walks over and calls to someone on the other side of the floor. A boy about 12 comes running over and the large man tells the boy to show these men their room. The boy turns and looks at the pair and says, “This way, soirs.”

Altan:

A bloke can get used to this life, ‘e can. We follow Altan follows him. The room that he’s led into is a fairly typical travelling room; two rooms. However, the room is the closest one to the back door on the second floor. The window gives a view of both the alley and the secondary street that the main entrance to the bar is located.

Talesien:

Close to the back door eh? Does he think we’ll need a fast getaway? two rooms=two beds

Altan:

Nice room. Oy, half-pint! You sure this is th’ best ye can fuckin’ do? Boy:

Dunno, but it’s th’ on’ th’ ye was gifin.

Altan:

Nice view. We’ll take it.

Talesien:

I’m off to work. I’ll be seeing ya around. Don’t get in trouble that I have to talk our way about of that as well. (he kids)

With that he heads down to the bar and finds Master Feron again. He starts off by saying that he has heard that the Heron has the best Bitter and would like to try it out.

Master Feron:

Aye. It is. (He pours a pint and gives it to Talesian) He accompanies Talesien to the bar and orders his own bitter (when in Rome). Regardless of Talesien’s reaction to the bitter he’ll tell Master Feron that it’s the best he’s ever tried. He’ll aslo mention that he’s heard of some local issues between Luciano and Arney. Talesian would like to know if Master Feron knows where he can find either one of them

Master Feron:

Hmm? Luciano and Arney? Names don’t ring a bell, they don’t. Who are they?

Talesien:

Arney the smith? Master Feron:

Arney the Smith? No, can’t says as I know ‘m.

Talesien:

Eh, no matter. What’s your best food? I’d love to have some.

With that he drops any discussion and spends the next 45 minutes eating and talking with those around him. He finds out the the next closest place is the Roasted Acorn, it’s only three blocks down and near the perimeter road. There he finds that the barkeep does know Arney—or at least he knows of him and tells Talesian that his place is on 10th street. Talesian need only loof for the horseshoe hanging out front. The course of discussion that Talesian persues is whether the barkeep’s ever heard or seen a man names Luciano, but he finds out little there. He has heard heard of the man and thinks that he is some kind of guard. However, the barkeep doesn’t know where he lives. He’s seen the man from time to time, but doesn’t know more than that. When he’s come in it’s been with other guardsmen. But he’s not a regular. Talesian thanks the man and heads to 10th street.

Sure, enough on 10th street, he find the place and finds the doors closed; the time being around 7 bells and night well underway. He looks over the place and finds that it is on the corner of 10th and an unamed alleyway. In reality there are two buildings; both two stories high. One sets on the street and has the horseshoe hanging over it. The other, smaller building, is contained within a stone fenced yard. To the right of the closer building, closed for the night, is a large wooden door that seems large enough for a team of horses to ride through. On the other side of the gate, a courtyard lies empty. Next to the smiths, a small one story house abuts the street. Talesian thinks about going up to the door of the smithy and decides better of it. He decides to see what he can find out about Luciano; and what better way than to go to the taverns of Ery Crossings?

Over the next 4 hours he vists the other five taverns in the town. Two of the places have heard of him, but only the barmaid in the Roasted Apple knows that he is in gaol as a debtor with no ability to pay. The barmaid seems to be aware of the situation and definitely favors Luciano with a look that Talisian writes off as a young woman’s desire to have the bad boy. In any case, he figures he’s gotten what he can and heads back to the Heron. Time to hit the rack. When he gets to the Heron, Talesian tells Altan that he will call it a night and go to bed. Whereupon, Altan smiles, shakes his head, and bids farewell to the beautiful babes clustered around him. The beautiful babes, or in reality, the two average looking women who have been mostly trying to ignore him, don’t seem to notice. Altan whispers to Talisian: “That one in the red. She really likes me. I can tell!” Talisian looks backs and responds dryly: “Yes, I can tell.”

Right. So this Lucky Dice place?

She immediately glares at him and tells him to stow it. He gulps and follows her as she stands and walks out of the common room into a smaller room. Immediately two other men flank the door as Altan and Talisien enter. When the door closes, the woman nods for him to continue.

Altan:

Right. So this Lucky Dice place? Bloody mixed bag it is. Building’s standard fare fer this town, though more’n its fair share o’ magic. Protective spells outside. Illusion t’ make it look high class. Spells to spot magic use. Owner – Marcus – wants t’ be a player, but ain’t makin’ it. Ain’t got the wealth in town t’ support it. Yeah, th’ odd high roller passes through on th’ way t’ Greyhawk, an’ a Bakluni baronet’s damn near moved in, but ain’ta lotta loose coin in town. Still, th’ Hearth Spirit’s happy; lotsa satisfied customers.

Place’s got th’ usual shit. Food, drinks, light entertainment. No weapons or magic allowed. Open mid-afternoon to middle o’ th’ night 5 days a week. Don’t allow no credit, but apparently don’t break yer kneecaps when ye win neither. Locals like it well enough. Never empty, but ain’t never packed.

Staff’s nothin’ t’ write home about. Got a list o’ employees if ye want it, but th’ only interestin’ folks are th’ owner, Marcus; th’ Dice Pit Boss, Thomas; an’ Alec, one o’ th’ dice croupiers. They got a major cheat goin’ on, and don’t take it none too kindly if ye spot it neither. I took ‘em fer a shitload an’ got my ass kicked outa th’ place fer life fer me trouble. Shit. Like I care.

I gotta say, he might not break knees, but that there Marcus is a right prick. Damn well connected though. One brother’s th’ fuckin’ mayor. Other brother’s on th’ fast track t’ be Captain o’ th’ Guard. I ask ye, how can ye ‘spect people t’ think yer running’ a legit business with shit like that goin’ on?

Lessee, what else? Oh yeah, at least one customer, painter name o’ Helene’s involved, too. Gets handed lotsa gold that I’d say she don’t get t’ keep, leastwise not all o’ it. She fuckin’ won 10 gold full one night. Less’n a day later, there’s just 2 full an’ six halves left. Very odd split, wouldn’t ye say? Must be what’s left after a few shady deals. Shit, she sure don’t spend it on fancy livin’! Whatever. We done here?

The woman asks if there is more and Altan replies that there isn’t more. She stands and says, “Yes, we’re done here. It should be no more than a day’s ride to Diamond Lake If you leave now, you’ll get there just after nightfall. There, you’ll be met by a man wiht long, blonde hair.”

Altan looks had at her for a few moments, then shrugs his shoulders, mutters, “Yeah. An’ yer welcome,” and heads up to get his stuff. He’s be on the road as soon as he can get there, but he figures he’ll be through this town again, and if that ball-buster in the cool uniform doesn’t ask for it back, he’s got a voucher that’s still good for more money than he ever thought he’d see at one time. Even if he has to eventually split it with his new “partner”, he’ll still be sitting pretty. Life is looking up.