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<blockquote data-quote="Greenfield" data-source="post: 5910081" data-attributes="member: 6669384"><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px">*** </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px">"Penn?", asked Euphemia quietly, once the others were out of earshot. "I need to do something, and I think I need your help."</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px">She quickly explained what she needed, and the Half Satyr nodded his head. Then his face broke into a smile that his friends had learned to dread.</span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px">"All right, you need to get a few things. Go to the market square and get some peaches and almonds, then to an apothecary. Tell him you need Wormwood, Nightshade, and Morpheus Leaf."</span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px">"Are you sure?", she asked, reviewing the list. "Won't someone notice?"</span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px">"I'm counting on it.", the Bard laughed. "I'll make the other arrangements."</span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px">***</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px">"What is that, Seeburn?", asked Penn, noting the heavy round sack the Barbarian was toting.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px">"Oh, just something I dug up.", the Highland warrior replied, stifling a smile.</span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px">The Half-Satyr raised a single eyebrow. "Do tell."</span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px">"Well, that Assassin we killed the other day.", he began, in a roundabout way. "He was buried there in a common grave. They'd left part of it open, so they could add more bodies, and there he was."</span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px">"So you decided to commit a little grave robbery?", Penn asked, unhappy with where this was going.</span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px">"Not really. It's not like he had anything to steal. But my people have a tradition. When we kill an enemy, we take their head and display it. And it's not like he needs it any more."</span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px">Penn turned away. His people, the Greeks, had coined the term "Barbarian" to mean uncivilized people, outlanders. Seeburn was certainly living up to the name.</span></span><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"> But still…</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px">“If you’re in a digging mood, I could use your help.”, he began.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px">*** </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px">Euphemia found one of the taller cask/chairs in the common room and wheeled it over to the table near the fire. The Bard was sitting nearby, holding off a chill that had nothing to do with the autumn weather. The tune that floated from his instrument wasn't the happy sort that attracted silver, but his hat was out anyway. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px">The Halfling listened for a while, then tossed in a handful of coin before heading up to her room.</span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px">Penn emptied the hat into his palm, to reveal five bright Platinum coins. He dropped them in his pouch without a word, and resumed his sad song.</span></span><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"> They would cover the costs of what he needed to do.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px">*** </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px">Penn spent the next morning making arrangements of his own, and the rest of the day working in his room.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px">The common room of the inn was crowded that night, word having spread about the exceptional brew the innkeeper had acquired. Among the companions, dinner conversation turned once again to the problem at hand.</span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px">"The assassin's group we're dealing with is infamous. They’re called the Red Masque, and they allow no failure. To fail a commission is death.", Marcus informed the group. "That's why they killed their own man. It wasn't to keep him silent, it was because he failed."</span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px">"That would explain why he kept trying after setting off the alarm.", Seeburn said in wonder. "I thought he was just stupid. He was desperate."</span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px">"No, 'stupid' was sending one man to kill eight people in a single night.", Euphemia declared as she reached for some warm bread. "Stupid was him not bothering to find out which rooms we were in."</span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px">Marcus suddenly looked down at his hand in shock. His finger was missing, severed, leaving a nearly bloodless wound. Then his eyes rolled back in his head, and he collapsed out of his chair.</span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px">"Oh crap!", exclaimed Euphemia. "I'll go get the guard. You guys look for whoever did this."</span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px">"I want to know </span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"><em>how</em> they did it.", exclaimed Sylus.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px">The guard appeared within minutes, followed quickly by a Cleric.</span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px">The priest sniffed at Marcus half-empty cup and wrinkled his nose. "Bitter almonds.</span></span><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"> This man has been poisoned.", he announced.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px">"Who could have done such a thing?", the guard demanded. And all eyes turned to the crowded, bustling room. It could have been anyone.</span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px">***</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px">Euphemia took another unnecessary turn, part of her meandering route to a dead end. She just hoped it wasn't her end as well. Several times she thought she heard footsteps behind her, but when she turned to look, no one was there.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px">The alley was empty, as expected, but she entered anyway. She tossed a severed finger down, the iron ring on it clicking loudly against the cobbles.</span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px">"It's done, and here's the proof.", she called to the darkness. </span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px">A sack of coin landed behind her, its source unseen and unknown.</span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px">"The money and the ring are yours.", came a voice. "You've earned them. We'll contact you when we're ready."</span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px">*** </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px">There's an odd and empty smell to the pre-dawn hours. Somehow it carries the damp autumn chill within it, penetrating deeper than any wintry blast. It was fitting, though, for it made the slow march to the graveyard even more lonely. The few who were up and about averted their eyes from the procession, and fewer still were the mourners for the fallen Cleric.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px">Only his companions accompanied the burial cart, though there were three gray cloaked men who followed in their wake. Though they followed at a distance, they made no real attempt to hide their presence.</span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px">The grave was a poor one, though the fallen fared better than a pauper's grave. He would share his final rest with no other. Seeburn had prepared the hole, and he and Cassius carefully lowered the shrouded body into the waiting arms of the earth.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px">***</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px">"Aiiieeeee!!!", came the scream as the innkeeper's daughter all but flew down the stairs and fled to the back rooms.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px">Penn immediately rose to his feet and began to follow.</span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px">"Have you no shame?", Apellenea asked, frowning. "She's 13."</span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px">The Half-Satyr looked torn. "I wasn't going to do anything like that.", he explained in exasperation. "I just wanted to make sure she wasn't hurt or something. Besides, she has an older sister. If I wanted some company..."</span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px">Seeburn was laughing to himself in the corner, both at the exchange and at the child's reaction.</span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px">"Seeburn, what did you do?", the Druidess asked sternly.</span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px">"Nothing really.", he chuckled. "Just hung the Assassin's head inside my room, facing the door. I'd wager that she'll pay attention to a "keep out" sign from now on."</span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px">"Why would you do such a thing?", Apellenea demanded.</span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px">"I didn't want her finding Marcus sleeping under my bed.", he explained. "Having him maimed and murdered here last night was bad enough, but to find him whole, alive and well would blow the whole thing."</span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px">*** </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px">A slender girl looked furtively left and right, then approached the shopkeeper. She began to point at things she wanted, holding up fingers to indicate how many. Sausages, cheese, bread, her list was short and direct.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px">"What's the matter, girlie.", the shopkeeper snarled. "Cat got your tongue?"</span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px">She gave the man a look, both hurt and angry, and opened her mouth. Her tongue had been cut out. He looked taken aback, and began to fill her order.</span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px">She paid for her goods and left, still upset. She took a shortcut through a narrow alley, but a sharp observer might have noticed that while a slight girl with brown hair entered the alley, it was a Nubian slave, bare chested with oiled muscles who emerged from the far end. He went to another shop where he ordered a few more things.</span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px">*** </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px">"I seek Vicomus Nedel, of Transyl.", announced the man in the white robe, the Imperial seal across his bandaged eyes quite prominent.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px">"I'm sorry, but he isn't here.", Sylus replied, not bothering to rise. "If you have a message for him I'll see that he gets it."</span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px">"I have a summons for him, and I may deliver it to no other.", the blind messenger said. "Where can I find him."</span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px">"I honestly don't know. His companion was murdered last evening, and there was an attempt on his life the night before. He may be in hiding. Where can he find you, in case we see him?"</span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px">"People don't find me, I find them.", the man said testily. "But finding this man is going to be work."</span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px">"Well, if you happen to look back here, say tomorrow evening around sunset, you just might find him", Penn suggested. "If I can find him I'll tell him to be here to meet you."</span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px">The man gave the Half Satyr an impatient look, then swept from the inn and into the night.</span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px">*** </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px">The door rattled with the impact of a mailed fist. "Wake up!', came the call.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px">Penn pried an eye open and dragged himself to the door. He opened it a crack to see who was there, taking care to wedge a hoof behind it so it couldn't be forced open any farther.</span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px">"Yes, how can I help you?", he asked the man in the corridor. Or should it be "men"? There were half a dozen men, all dressed in the armor of a Roman soldier.</span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px">"We need you to come with us, now.", the man said impatiently.</span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px">"Right.", said the Bard. Turning to the bed he commented, "Get some clothes on, we have company." Then further wakefulness settled in and he added, "Sorry, force of habit", speaking to the empty room.</span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px">He opened the door and began to dress. Seeing the men's martial bearing he held up his dagger before hooking it on his belt. "Is this coming with me?", he asked carefully.</span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px">"No, it isn't.", the guard snarled.</span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px">*** </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px">"You know, this bed is actually better than the one in my room.", Cassius commented, testing the pad on the jail cell bunk. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px">"And the acoustics are excellent.", Penn said, listening to the resonance off the stone walls.</span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px">"Why do you care?', Seeburn asked unhappily.</span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px">"If someone was being tortured here, we'd be able to hear the screams.", the Bard pointed out. "So it's not that serious."</span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px">"They said it's because someone disappeared from the inn last night.", grumbled one of the men in the next cell. </span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px">"Do tell.", Penn said in a friendly manner. "So this is about the murder?</span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px">"Na. It's about the other guy, Nevel of Needel or something like that. Visiting nobleman."</span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px">"Ah, thank you my friend. I'm Penn, by the way.", the Bard said, offering the man his hand.</span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px">"Gravius", the man responded. "I hope they finish up soon. I have a business to tend."</span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px">Penn and the man spent a while talking about the man's business, trading in Papyrus from Egypt, and the Bard actually managed to look interested until the time the guards came for him.</span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px">They'd been taking people one at a time for questioning, but since they'd rounded up everyone at the inn, as well as a list of "the usual suspects", it was taking time.</span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px">*** </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px">"What do you know about Vicomus Needle?", asked the first guard sharply.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px">"It's pronounced Nedel", Penn corrected the man, placing the hard emphasis on the second syllable. "He's my friend and companion. We've traveled together ever since he helped free me from slavery of the Vandal. I owe him my life. He was summoned here by Senatorial order, though I don't know who exactly sent the order. You may have heard that another of our companions, Marcus of the Jovian temple, was murdered the other evening right in front of us, and there was an attempt on Vicomus Nedel just the previous evening. I haven't seen him since yesterday morning, and I wouldn't be surprised if he was in hiding."</span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px">"All right, where did you meet.", the man began again, pressing for details. The questions kept coming, reworded, repeated and rephrased, for over an hour.</span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px">In the end they released Penn. He returned to the inn to wait for his friends to be released.</span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px">This was becoming annoying.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px">*** </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px">"All right, what do we know?", demanded Sylus. "I'm tired of this mess, and the sooner we're done with it the better."</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px">"We tracked down the Assassins.", Penn offered helpfully. "Believe it or not, they're in a black stone building in the south quarter marked "Here be Assassins."</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px">"I don't believe it.", the Ranger responded brusquely. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px">"Neither do I, really.", Penn agreed, leaning back in his chair. "Nobody that inept could be a threat to anyone. But if I was an assassin trying to blend in, where better than with a group of misfits pretending to be assassins?"</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px">The Ranger pondered the possibility for a moment, trying to decide if the mischevious Bard was being serious or just having a laugh. It was insane. But was it insane enough?</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px">"All right, I'll check out the arrows.", he announced, "I'll see where they lead me. If it's the same place, then we report it and we're done."</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px">"And how do we report it?", Seeburn asked. "The triumvirate won't see any of us. We won't get past the guards without Marcus or Nedel and their warrants"</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px">"We'll burn that bridge when we come to it."</span></span></p><p> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Greenfield, post: 5910081, member: 6669384"] [FONT=Arial][SIZE=2]*** "Penn?", asked Euphemia quietly, once the others were out of earshot. "I need to do something, and I think I need your help." She quickly explained what she needed, and the Half Satyr nodded his head. Then his face broke into a smile that his friends had learned to dread.[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Arial][SIZE=2] "All right, you need to get a few things. Go to the market square and get some peaches and almonds, then to an apothecary. Tell him you need Wormwood, Nightshade, and Morpheus Leaf."[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Arial][SIZE=2] "Are you sure?", she asked, reviewing the list. "Won't someone notice?"[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Arial][SIZE=2] "I'm counting on it.", the Bard laughed. "I'll make the other arrangements."[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Arial][SIZE=2] *** "What is that, Seeburn?", asked Penn, noting the heavy round sack the Barbarian was toting. "Oh, just something I dug up.", the Highland warrior replied, stifling a smile.[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Arial][SIZE=2] The Half-Satyr raised a single eyebrow. "Do tell."[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Arial][SIZE=2] "Well, that Assassin we killed the other day.", he began, in a roundabout way. "He was buried there in a common grave. They'd left part of it open, so they could add more bodies, and there he was."[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Arial][SIZE=2] "So you decided to commit a little grave robbery?", Penn asked, unhappy with where this was going.[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Arial][SIZE=2] "Not really. It's not like he had anything to steal. But my people have a tradition. When we kill an enemy, we take their head and display it. And it's not like he needs it any more."[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Arial][SIZE=2] Penn turned away. His people, the Greeks, had coined the term "Barbarian" to mean uncivilized people, outlanders. Seeburn was certainly living up to the name.[/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Arial][SIZE=2] But still…[/SIZE] [/FONT] [FONT=Arial][SIZE=2]“If you’re in a digging mood, I could use your help.”, he began. *** Euphemia found one of the taller cask/chairs in the common room and wheeled it over to the table near the fire. The Bard was sitting nearby, holding off a chill that had nothing to do with the autumn weather. The tune that floated from his instrument wasn't the happy sort that attracted silver, but his hat was out anyway. The Halfling listened for a while, then tossed in a handful of coin before heading up to her room.[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Arial][SIZE=2] Penn emptied the hat into his palm, to reveal five bright Platinum coins. He dropped them in his pouch without a word, and resumed his sad song.[/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Arial][SIZE=2] They would cover the costs of what he needed to do. [/SIZE] [/FONT] [FONT=Arial][SIZE=2]*** Penn spent the next morning making arrangements of his own, and the rest of the day working in his room. The common room of the inn was crowded that night, word having spread about the exceptional brew the innkeeper had acquired. Among the companions, dinner conversation turned once again to the problem at hand.[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Arial][SIZE=2] "The assassin's group we're dealing with is infamous. They’re called the Red Masque, and they allow no failure. To fail a commission is death.", Marcus informed the group. "That's why they killed their own man. It wasn't to keep him silent, it was because he failed."[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Arial][SIZE=2] "That would explain why he kept trying after setting off the alarm.", Seeburn said in wonder. "I thought he was just stupid. He was desperate."[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Arial][SIZE=2] "No, 'stupid' was sending one man to kill eight people in a single night.", Euphemia declared as she reached for some warm bread. "Stupid was him not bothering to find out which rooms we were in."[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Arial][SIZE=2] Marcus suddenly looked down at his hand in shock. His finger was missing, severed, leaving a nearly bloodless wound. Then his eyes rolled back in his head, and he collapsed out of his chair.[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Arial][SIZE=2] "Oh crap!", exclaimed Euphemia. "I'll go get the guard. You guys look for whoever did this."[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Arial][SIZE=2] "I want to know [/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Arial][SIZE=2][I]how[/I] they did it.", exclaimed Sylus. The guard appeared within minutes, followed quickly by a Cleric.[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Arial][SIZE=2] The priest sniffed at Marcus half-empty cup and wrinkled his nose. "Bitter almonds.[/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Arial][SIZE=2] This man has been poisoned.", he announced. "Who could have done such a thing?", the guard demanded. And all eyes turned to the crowded, bustling room. It could have been anyone.[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Arial][SIZE=2] *** Euphemia took another unnecessary turn, part of her meandering route to a dead end. She just hoped it wasn't her end as well. Several times she thought she heard footsteps behind her, but when she turned to look, no one was there. The alley was empty, as expected, but she entered anyway. She tossed a severed finger down, the iron ring on it clicking loudly against the cobbles.[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Arial][SIZE=2] "It's done, and here's the proof.", she called to the darkness. [/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Arial][SIZE=2] A sack of coin landed behind her, its source unseen and unknown.[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Arial][SIZE=2] "The money and the ring are yours.", came a voice. "You've earned them. We'll contact you when we're ready."[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Arial][SIZE=2] *** There's an odd and empty smell to the pre-dawn hours. Somehow it carries the damp autumn chill within it, penetrating deeper than any wintry blast. It was fitting, though, for it made the slow march to the graveyard even more lonely. The few who were up and about averted their eyes from the procession, and fewer still were the mourners for the fallen Cleric. Only his companions accompanied the burial cart, though there were three gray cloaked men who followed in their wake. Though they followed at a distance, they made no real attempt to hide their presence.[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Arial][SIZE=2] The grave was a poor one, though the fallen fared better than a pauper's grave. He would share his final rest with no other. Seeburn had prepared the hole, and he and Cassius carefully lowered the shrouded body into the waiting arms of the earth.[/SIZE] [/FONT] [FONT=Arial][SIZE=2]*** "Aiiieeeee!!!", came the scream as the innkeeper's daughter all but flew down the stairs and fled to the back rooms. Penn immediately rose to his feet and began to follow.[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Arial][SIZE=2] "Have you no shame?", Apellenea asked, frowning. "She's 13."[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Arial][SIZE=2] The Half-Satyr looked torn. "I wasn't going to do anything like that.", he explained in exasperation. "I just wanted to make sure she wasn't hurt or something. Besides, she has an older sister. If I wanted some company..."[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Arial][SIZE=2] Seeburn was laughing to himself in the corner, both at the exchange and at the child's reaction.[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Arial][SIZE=2] "Seeburn, what did you do?", the Druidess asked sternly.[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Arial][SIZE=2] "Nothing really.", he chuckled. "Just hung the Assassin's head inside my room, facing the door. I'd wager that she'll pay attention to a "keep out" sign from now on."[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Arial][SIZE=2] "Why would you do such a thing?", Apellenea demanded.[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Arial][SIZE=2] "I didn't want her finding Marcus sleeping under my bed.", he explained. "Having him maimed and murdered here last night was bad enough, but to find him whole, alive and well would blow the whole thing."[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Arial][SIZE=2] *** A slender girl looked furtively left and right, then approached the shopkeeper. She began to point at things she wanted, holding up fingers to indicate how many. Sausages, cheese, bread, her list was short and direct. "What's the matter, girlie.", the shopkeeper snarled. "Cat got your tongue?"[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Arial][SIZE=2] She gave the man a look, both hurt and angry, and opened her mouth. Her tongue had been cut out. He looked taken aback, and began to fill her order.[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Arial][SIZE=2] She paid for her goods and left, still upset. She took a shortcut through a narrow alley, but a sharp observer might have noticed that while a slight girl with brown hair entered the alley, it was a Nubian slave, bare chested with oiled muscles who emerged from the far end. He went to another shop where he ordered a few more things.[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Arial][SIZE=2] *** "I seek Vicomus Nedel, of Transyl.", announced the man in the white robe, the Imperial seal across his bandaged eyes quite prominent. "I'm sorry, but he isn't here.", Sylus replied, not bothering to rise. "If you have a message for him I'll see that he gets it."[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Arial][SIZE=2] "I have a summons for him, and I may deliver it to no other.", the blind messenger said. "Where can I find him."[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Arial][SIZE=2] "I honestly don't know. His companion was murdered last evening, and there was an attempt on his life the night before. He may be in hiding. Where can he find you, in case we see him?"[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Arial][SIZE=2] "People don't find me, I find them.", the man said testily. "But finding this man is going to be work."[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Arial][SIZE=2] "Well, if you happen to look back here, say tomorrow evening around sunset, you just might find him", Penn suggested. "If I can find him I'll tell him to be here to meet you."[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Arial][SIZE=2] The man gave the Half Satyr an impatient look, then swept from the inn and into the night.[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Arial][SIZE=2] *** The door rattled with the impact of a mailed fist. "Wake up!', came the call. Penn pried an eye open and dragged himself to the door. He opened it a crack to see who was there, taking care to wedge a hoof behind it so it couldn't be forced open any farther.[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Arial][SIZE=2] "Yes, how can I help you?", he asked the man in the corridor. Or should it be "men"? There were half a dozen men, all dressed in the armor of a Roman soldier.[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Arial][SIZE=2] "We need you to come with us, now.", the man said impatiently.[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Arial][SIZE=2] "Right.", said the Bard. Turning to the bed he commented, "Get some clothes on, we have company." Then further wakefulness settled in and he added, "Sorry, force of habit", speaking to the empty room.[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Arial][SIZE=2] He opened the door and began to dress. Seeing the men's martial bearing he held up his dagger before hooking it on his belt. "Is this coming with me?", he asked carefully.[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Arial][SIZE=2] "No, it isn't.", the guard snarled.[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Arial][SIZE=2] *** "You know, this bed is actually better than the one in my room.", Cassius commented, testing the pad on the jail cell bunk. "And the acoustics are excellent.", Penn said, listening to the resonance off the stone walls.[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Arial][SIZE=2] "Why do you care?', Seeburn asked unhappily.[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Arial][SIZE=2] "If someone was being tortured here, we'd be able to hear the screams.", the Bard pointed out. "So it's not that serious."[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Arial][SIZE=2] "They said it's because someone disappeared from the inn last night.", grumbled one of the men in the next cell. [/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Arial][SIZE=2] "Do tell.", Penn said in a friendly manner. "So this is about the murder?[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Arial][SIZE=2] "Na. It's about the other guy, Nevel of Needel or something like that. Visiting nobleman."[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Arial][SIZE=2] "Ah, thank you my friend. I'm Penn, by the way.", the Bard said, offering the man his hand.[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Arial][SIZE=2] "Gravius", the man responded. "I hope they finish up soon. I have a business to tend."[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Arial][SIZE=2] Penn and the man spent a while talking about the man's business, trading in Papyrus from Egypt, and the Bard actually managed to look interested until the time the guards came for him.[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Arial][SIZE=2] They'd been taking people one at a time for questioning, but since they'd rounded up everyone at the inn, as well as a list of "the usual suspects", it was taking time.[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Arial][SIZE=2] *** "What do you know about Vicomus Needle?", asked the first guard sharply. "It's pronounced Nedel", Penn corrected the man, placing the hard emphasis on the second syllable. "He's my friend and companion. We've traveled together ever since he helped free me from slavery of the Vandal. I owe him my life. He was summoned here by Senatorial order, though I don't know who exactly sent the order. You may have heard that another of our companions, Marcus of the Jovian temple, was murdered the other evening right in front of us, and there was an attempt on Vicomus Nedel just the previous evening. I haven't seen him since yesterday morning, and I wouldn't be surprised if he was in hiding."[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Arial][SIZE=2] "All right, where did you meet.", the man began again, pressing for details. The questions kept coming, reworded, repeated and rephrased, for over an hour.[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Arial][SIZE=2] In the end they released Penn. He returned to the inn to wait for his friends to be released.[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Arial][SIZE=2] This was becoming annoying.[/SIZE] [/FONT] [FONT=Arial][SIZE=2]*** "All right, what do we know?", demanded Sylus. "I'm tired of this mess, and the sooner we're done with it the better." "We tracked down the Assassins.", Penn offered helpfully. "Believe it or not, they're in a black stone building in the south quarter marked "Here be Assassins." "I don't believe it.", the Ranger responded brusquely. "Neither do I, really.", Penn agreed, leaning back in his chair. "Nobody that inept could be a threat to anyone. But if I was an assassin trying to blend in, where better than with a group of misfits pretending to be assassins?" The Ranger pondered the possibility for a moment, trying to decide if the mischevious Bard was being serious or just having a laugh. It was insane. But was it insane enough? "All right, I'll check out the arrows.", he announced, "I'll see where they lead me. If it's the same place, then we report it and we're done." "And how do we report it?", Seeburn asked. "The triumvirate won't see any of us. We won't get past the guards without Marcus or Nedel and their warrants" "We'll burn that bridge when we come to it." [/SIZE][/FONT] [/QUOTE]
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Curse of Darkness IV - When in Rome...
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