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<blockquote data-quote="Greenfield" data-source="post: 5896254" data-attributes="member: 6669384"><p><span style="font-size: 10px">***</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 10px">"I'll get this round", the Elf maid offered, for she refused to be indebted to strangers. She was sorting through her remaining coins when Sylus suddenly pointed to one.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 10px">"Where did you get that?", he asked, his finger resting on the darkened Denarius.</span> <span style="font-size: 10px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 10px">"Why?", the maiden replied defensively, pulling away. "I didn't steal it. It was a deal that never came though."</span> <span style="font-size: 10px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 10px">"I asked because of this.", the Half-Elf replied, showing her his own coin. "My mentor gave it to me, before he sent me off."</span> <span style="font-size: 10px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 10px">"Yeah, well I got sent off too. On a wild goose chase.", came the angry answer. "Supposed to meet a man, meet a ship, go to Greece. No man, no ship, no trip, no money."</span> <span style="font-size: 10px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 10px">"Was the ship called the Green Siren?", Sylus asked, pressing. "I was aboard, before it got commandeered by the new Caesar. He ordered it to go straight through from southern Gaul to Athens, bypassing the other ports."</span> <span style="font-size: 10px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 10px">"Well that explains a lot of nothing.", the Elf countered angrily. "I still don't know why, and at this point I don't really care."</span> <span style="font-size: 10px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 10px">"Don't be angry with us.", Penn protested. "We didn't do anything. They got sent to Athens, I got dragged there in chains. However we got together, though, we're together. And you're welcome to join us, or not, as you choose."</span> <span style="font-size: 10px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 10px">Then he extended his hand, formally. "I'm Pendaclese. Just call me Penn, please."</span> <span style="font-size: 10px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 10px">"I'm Prolifica.", she replied, the look in her eye daring anyone to make something of it.</span> <span style="font-size: 10px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 10px">The others refused to rise to the bait, and managed to introduce themselves with a straight face. Though it wasn’t easy.</span> </p><p> </p><p> <span style="font-size: 10px">[FONT=&quot]*** </span></p><p><span style="font-size: 10px">Marta, the peasant woman, was given a hot meal and a chance to clean up. Even with the soot and filth removed from her face and her hair cleaned and brushed, to call her "plain" would have been a compliment.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 10px">She wasn't ugly, just someone who had grown up in poverty and had to weather the harsh realities of life. Her skin was aged by the sun and the wind, and the rough handling of a task-master, and no cosmetic magic could make her teeth white or straight. Which made her dream all the more tragic.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 10px">"I just need the money", she kept saying. "He promised me. I'd have enough for my dowry. He promised!"</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 10px">"If he's preaching that wealth is evil, where would he get the money?", Penn asked, ever so reasonably. "Trust me, if you help us find that book, our contact will pay you well for it."</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 10px">But even the Half Satyr looked troubled over the promise, for he had no idea if it would be kept or not.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 10px">*** </span></p><p><span style="font-size: 10px">Marcus ribs ached from running, and he slowly slid to the floor of the temple, his back against the closed door, almost wheezing in his exhaustion.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 10px">"May I help you, friend?", came the polite request.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 10px">The Jovian priest looked up to see a young acolyte peering at him from an inner doorway, concern in his voice.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 10px">"I need sanctuary.", Marcus gasped, still struggling to catch his breath. "A place to stay until the crowd goes away."</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 10px">"You brought them here?", asked the young man in shock. "This is the temple of Apollo. If you were going to endanger a temple, why not lead them to your own?"</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 10px">"I wasn't trying to lead them anyplace", he explained. "I was just trying not to get killed. It's nearly dark, and the streets won't be safe for hours. Have you a cot or pallet you can spare me for the night?"</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 10px">"I know where you can find safety.", the young man said, his look grim. "Please, follow me."</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 10px">Marcus dragged himself to his feet and followed the youth as he strode through the main chamber. The way lead to the far end, then down some stairs to a heavy door. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 10px">And before Marcus realized it, he was outside again. "The temple of Jupiter is two streets north and one west. You'll be safe there.", came the smug voice as he heard the door latch behind him.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 10px">*** </span></p><p><span style="font-size: 10px">It was dawn before anyone saw Marcus again, and all were worried. Appelenea was tending to Seeburn's wounds, which were still severe, and the highlander was in a foul mood.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 10px">Still, all were happy when their friend arrived safe and sound, and they brought him up to date.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 10px">"The good lady Marta knows who has the rest of the book.", it was explained. "He had been ordered to burn it, but wanted to keep it for study, so he asked Marta to switch the pages for some blank sheets."</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 10px">"Then let's go get them.", Marcus declared enthusiastically.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 10px">"Not that easy. She knows who, but not where. There's a rally, a gathering of the burners, tomorrow. She'll lead us there and point out the man we seek. From there, it's up to us to follow him and find where he's hidden it."</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 10px">*** </span></p><p><span style="font-size: 10px">Marcus drew his hood tighter, to ward off the chill of the morning. And to hide his face. Marta stood by him, scanning the people at the heart of the crowd, looking for one familiar face.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 10px">The organizers had drawn up empty crates to create a makeshift speaker's platform, and were exhorting the crowd on the evils of wealth, and that if the wealthy were stripped of its corrupting power then all would stand equal, and the corruption would end.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 10px">Sylus was nestled comfortably on a roof overlooking the square, kneeling behind a parapet for cover.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 10px">Seeburn and Cassius were also in the crowd, watching for a sign from Marcus or Marta.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 10px">Penn was around the corner and out of sight, for his Fey features were far too distinctive, and he was sure to be recognized after his interference in two burnings.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 10px">"There he is.", Marta said, nudging the Cleric with her elbow. "He's over there, by that man. He's the tall one, balding on top, gray beard."</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 10px">Marcus looked over the sea of faces, cursing silently. "Where?"</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 10px">"By the podium. He has a large nose.", she added helpfully. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 10px">"Go back and tell Penn where he is.", he finally suggested, unable to pick one balding man with a Roman nose from the crowd of balding Italians around him.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 10px">Marta drifted back through the gathering throng, then made her way to the Bard's hiding place. She quickly tried to point the man out.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 10px">Penn stepped halfway around the corner, and looked where she indicated. He too was unable to distinguish one Roman nose from another, but did his best to bear up under the difficulty.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 10px">He hummed a slight tune, then raised his hand and pointed to Marcus. Then he began to whisper, a whisper that somehow carried itself to the Cleric.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 10px">"<em>She says that he's to the left of the speaker. Count three men to the left, and two forward.</em>", he whispered with a confidence he didn't feel.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 10px">"<em>Still don't have him.</em>", came the reply.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 10px">Penn frowned, then hummed again, this time directing his message to Sylus. "<em>He's the tall man with the empty hourglass traced in silver. Brown robe, bald head, large nose, and a beard. Three to the left of the speaker and two towards us.</em>"</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 10px">"<em>Got him!</em>", replied the Ranger, catching the glimmer of silver from the man's chest. "<em>At least I think I do. Is he the one scratching his head right now?</em>"</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 10px">Penn checked with Marta, then responded, "<em>Yes, that's him!</em>" The happiness in his voice wasn't forced any more, for now he had spotted the man as well. Another tune, and another message was sent.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 10px">"<em>Prolifica! He's here! He's about thirty feet from you, and a little to your right. Tall, gray beard, prominent nose and a silver hourglass symbol. He's facing the crowd, but turning his head towards the speaker right now.</em>"</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 10px">"<em>I see him.</em>", she replied.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 10px">"<em>What should I do?</em>", asked Sylus, his fingers itching against the bowstring.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 10px">"<em>Relax. We're just going to follow him when he...</em>", Penn replied, as the magical charm expired. All they could hope for now was that everyone would remain patient.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 10px">*** </span></p><p><span style="font-size: 10px">"Gods, but those guys were long winded.", Seeburn complained. "Two hours wasted there, listening to them go on and on."</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 10px">"It was worth it.", Cassius assured him. "Just keep Prolifica in sight. We follow her, she follows them, and we all get what we need."</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 10px">They kept their eyes ahead and sharp as the Elf maid slipped from alley to doorway to shadow to tree, her tread not so much silent as unnoticeable. She didn't exactly skulk, for that alone would have drawn attention, but instead managed to wander from shelter to cover to obstruction as if she had business at each one. And each step kept pace with the party of five that were making their way through the streets.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 10px">Finally their quarry entered a modest home, a two story building with a low wall around the yard. The Elf maid appeared to find a new errand back the way she had come, and quickly met with the party in a small alcove.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 10px">"All right, we know there are five of them.", Cassius declared. "I think we can take them."</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 10px">"We saw five go in.", Prolifica corrected. "We have no idea if there are any others inside. And if we kick that door in right now we'll have the city guard here in minutes. This isn't that bad a neighborhood."</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 10px">"So what do we do?"</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 10px">"We'll wait until dark, then sneak inside.", came the decision. "I'll stay here and keep an eye on things. The rest of you clear out until sunset. We don't want to draw attention to ourselves."</span></p><p> <span style="font-size: 10px"></span></p><p> <span style="font-size: 10px">[/FONT]</span></p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Greenfield, post: 5896254, member: 6669384"] [SIZE=2]*** "I'll get this round", the Elf maid offered, for she refused to be indebted to strangers. She was sorting through her remaining coins when Sylus suddenly pointed to one. "Where did you get that?", he asked, his finger resting on the darkened Denarius.[/SIZE] [SIZE=2] "Why?", the maiden replied defensively, pulling away. "I didn't steal it. It was a deal that never came though."[/SIZE] [SIZE=2] "I asked because of this.", the Half-Elf replied, showing her his own coin. "My mentor gave it to me, before he sent me off."[/SIZE] [SIZE=2] "Yeah, well I got sent off too. On a wild goose chase.", came the angry answer. "Supposed to meet a man, meet a ship, go to Greece. No man, no ship, no trip, no money."[/SIZE] [SIZE=2] "Was the ship called the Green Siren?", Sylus asked, pressing. "I was aboard, before it got commandeered by the new Caesar. He ordered it to go straight through from southern Gaul to Athens, bypassing the other ports."[/SIZE] [SIZE=2] "Well that explains a lot of nothing.", the Elf countered angrily. "I still don't know why, and at this point I don't really care."[/SIZE] [SIZE=2] "Don't be angry with us.", Penn protested. "We didn't do anything. They got sent to Athens, I got dragged there in chains. However we got together, though, we're together. And you're welcome to join us, or not, as you choose."[/SIZE] [SIZE=2] Then he extended his hand, formally. "I'm Pendaclese. Just call me Penn, please."[/SIZE] [SIZE=2] "I'm Prolifica.", she replied, the look in her eye daring anyone to make something of it.[/SIZE] [SIZE=2] The others refused to rise to the bait, and managed to introduce themselves with a straight face. Though it wasn’t easy.[/SIZE] [SIZE=2][FONT="]*** Marta, the peasant woman, was given a hot meal and a chance to clean up. Even with the soot and filth removed from her face and her hair cleaned and brushed, to call her "plain" would have been a compliment. She wasn't ugly, just someone who had grown up in poverty and had to weather the harsh realities of life. Her skin was aged by the sun and the wind, and the rough handling of a task-master, and no cosmetic magic could make her teeth white or straight. Which made her dream all the more tragic. "I just need the money", she kept saying. "He promised me. I'd have enough for my dowry. He promised!" "If he's preaching that wealth is evil, where would he get the money?", Penn asked, ever so reasonably. "Trust me, if you help us find that book, our contact will pay you well for it." But even the Half Satyr looked troubled over the promise, for he had no idea if it would be kept or not. *** Marcus ribs ached from running, and he slowly slid to the floor of the temple, his back against the closed door, almost wheezing in his exhaustion. "May I help you, friend?", came the polite request. The Jovian priest looked up to see a young acolyte peering at him from an inner doorway, concern in his voice. "I need sanctuary.", Marcus gasped, still struggling to catch his breath. "A place to stay until the crowd goes away." "You brought them here?", asked the young man in shock. "This is the temple of Apollo. If you were going to endanger a temple, why not lead them to your own?" "I wasn't trying to lead them anyplace", he explained. "I was just trying not to get killed. It's nearly dark, and the streets won't be safe for hours. Have you a cot or pallet you can spare me for the night?" "I know where you can find safety.", the young man said, his look grim. "Please, follow me." Marcus dragged himself to his feet and followed the youth as he strode through the main chamber. The way lead to the far end, then down some stairs to a heavy door. And before Marcus realized it, he was outside again. "The temple of Jupiter is two streets north and one west. You'll be safe there.", came the smug voice as he heard the door latch behind him. *** It was dawn before anyone saw Marcus again, and all were worried. Appelenea was tending to Seeburn's wounds, which were still severe, and the highlander was in a foul mood. Still, all were happy when their friend arrived safe and sound, and they brought him up to date. "The good lady Marta knows who has the rest of the book.", it was explained. "He had been ordered to burn it, but wanted to keep it for study, so he asked Marta to switch the pages for some blank sheets." "Then let's go get them.", Marcus declared enthusiastically. "Not that easy. She knows who, but not where. There's a rally, a gathering of the burners, tomorrow. She'll lead us there and point out the man we seek. From there, it's up to us to follow him and find where he's hidden it." *** Marcus drew his hood tighter, to ward off the chill of the morning. And to hide his face. Marta stood by him, scanning the people at the heart of the crowd, looking for one familiar face. The organizers had drawn up empty crates to create a makeshift speaker's platform, and were exhorting the crowd on the evils of wealth, and that if the wealthy were stripped of its corrupting power then all would stand equal, and the corruption would end. Sylus was nestled comfortably on a roof overlooking the square, kneeling behind a parapet for cover. Seeburn and Cassius were also in the crowd, watching for a sign from Marcus or Marta. Penn was around the corner and out of sight, for his Fey features were far too distinctive, and he was sure to be recognized after his interference in two burnings. "There he is.", Marta said, nudging the Cleric with her elbow. "He's over there, by that man. He's the tall one, balding on top, gray beard." Marcus looked over the sea of faces, cursing silently. "Where?" "By the podium. He has a large nose.", she added helpfully. "Go back and tell Penn where he is.", he finally suggested, unable to pick one balding man with a Roman nose from the crowd of balding Italians around him. Marta drifted back through the gathering throng, then made her way to the Bard's hiding place. She quickly tried to point the man out. Penn stepped halfway around the corner, and looked where she indicated. He too was unable to distinguish one Roman nose from another, but did his best to bear up under the difficulty. He hummed a slight tune, then raised his hand and pointed to Marcus. Then he began to whisper, a whisper that somehow carried itself to the Cleric. "[I]She says that he's to the left of the speaker. Count three men to the left, and two forward.[/I]", he whispered with a confidence he didn't feel. "[I]Still don't have him.[/I]", came the reply. Penn frowned, then hummed again, this time directing his message to Sylus. "[I]He's the tall man with the empty hourglass traced in silver. Brown robe, bald head, large nose, and a beard. Three to the left of the speaker and two towards us.[/I]" "[I]Got him![/I]", replied the Ranger, catching the glimmer of silver from the man's chest. "[I]At least I think I do. Is he the one scratching his head right now?[/I]" Penn checked with Marta, then responded, "[I]Yes, that's him![/I]" The happiness in his voice wasn't forced any more, for now he had spotted the man as well. Another tune, and another message was sent. "[I]Prolifica! He's here! He's about thirty feet from you, and a little to your right. Tall, gray beard, prominent nose and a silver hourglass symbol. He's facing the crowd, but turning his head towards the speaker right now.[/I]" "[I]I see him.[/I]", she replied. "[I]What should I do?[/I]", asked Sylus, his fingers itching against the bowstring. "[I]Relax. We're just going to follow him when he...[/I]", Penn replied, as the magical charm expired. All they could hope for now was that everyone would remain patient. *** "Gods, but those guys were long winded.", Seeburn complained. "Two hours wasted there, listening to them go on and on." "It was worth it.", Cassius assured him. "Just keep Prolifica in sight. We follow her, she follows them, and we all get what we need." They kept their eyes ahead and sharp as the Elf maid slipped from alley to doorway to shadow to tree, her tread not so much silent as unnoticeable. She didn't exactly skulk, for that alone would have drawn attention, but instead managed to wander from shelter to cover to obstruction as if she had business at each one. And each step kept pace with the party of five that were making their way through the streets. Finally their quarry entered a modest home, a two story building with a low wall around the yard. The Elf maid appeared to find a new errand back the way she had come, and quickly met with the party in a small alcove. "All right, we know there are five of them.", Cassius declared. "I think we can take them." "We saw five go in.", Prolifica corrected. "We have no idea if there are any others inside. And if we kick that door in right now we'll have the city guard here in minutes. This isn't that bad a neighborhood." "So what do we do?" "We'll wait until dark, then sneak inside.", came the decision. "I'll stay here and keep an eye on things. The rest of you clear out until sunset. We don't want to draw attention to ourselves." [/FONT][/SIZE] [/QUOTE]
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