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Tales of the Legacy - Concluded
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<blockquote data-quote="Delemental" data-source="post: 1766268" data-attributes="member: 5203"><p>Arrie, Xu, and Autumn walked up to the tailor’s shop, chewing on hunks of warm bread. They had started their morning at the shop of Aram Gahn, the baker, asking about the crimes in town and his opinion of Grog. Aram had been reluctant to talk at first, but Arrie had wooed him with a combination of flattery and attentiveness that eventually loosened his tongue. Though he didn’t hold a very high opinion of the Happy Half-Ogre, he didn’t seem to hold any specific malice or regard for Grog himself. Aram indicated that he’d noticed a trend in his conversations with customers; most of the older citizens of Dagger Rock were against Grog and the changes he’d brought to town, while the younger populace generally supported him.</p><p></p><p> The three women walked into the tailor’s store. A tall, thin woman with a narrow face greeted them. Just inside the door were two mannequins, featuring stylish, if not extravagant outfits for a man and woman.</p><p></p><p> “Welcome!” said the woman. “My name is Jessica Merriweather. How may I assist you three lovely ladies today?”</p><p></p><p> “Oh, we just had a few questions,” said Autumn.</p><p></p><p> Jessica’s face fell. “Oh, dear, I had hoped you would be looking to purchase something. I’m afraid I’m very busy right now, and don’t really have time to socialize.”</p><p></p><p> The three women looked at each other. “I think we have not made ourselves understood,” Xu said quickly. “While my companion does not wish to purchase anything, I am in fact looking for a new set of clothing.”</p><p></p><p> “Oh, indeed?” Jessica’s face lit up, and she quickly approached Xu, unfurling a long piece of marked twine. “Well, in that case, I’ll be more than happy to take a few measurements. I’m assuming you’re not in town for long, so if you’d like I can place a rush on your outfit… with a deposit, of course.”</p><p></p><p> “Of course.” Xu dropped a few coins into the tailor’s palm, then stood patiently while Jessica measured her from every angle.</p><p></p><p> “Do you have anything in mind?” she asked.</p><p></p><p> “I defer to your wisdom,” Xu replied, “though I would prefer something that conforms to the shape of my body, rather than a garment that flows loosely.”</p><p></p><p> While Jessica continued to measure and write down numbers on a slate pad, Arrie cleared her throat. “So, we were referred to you by the bouncer down at the Happy Half-Ogre. We were admiring the clothes he wears.”</p><p></p><p> “Oh, you mean Fist,” Jessica said, her voice brightening. “Yes, I must admit he’s been quite a boon to my little shop here. There aren’t many farmers who have need of fine clothing.”</p><p></p><p> “You seem to not share the low opinion others have of Fist and his employer,” Autumn commented.</p><p></p><p> “Well, I suppose I can tell you three, seeing as you won’t be around much,” she looked around the shop as if expecting someone to be listening in. “But if you ask me, things have been a lot better in this town ever since they arrived.”</p><p></p><p> “They seem to run a respectable place,” said Arrie.</p><p></p><p> “Oh, I quite agree. But lately there’s been a lot of nasty stuff going around – people assaulted in the streets, homes broken into, that sort of thing. Some of the other townsfolk are convinced that Grog is behind it all – laughing at us from his inn while he becomes the crime lord of Dagger Rock.” Jessica rolled her eyes. “Ridiculous.”</p><p></p><p> It took a bit of willpower for Arrie to keep from laughing out loud at the notion of ‘Grog, Crime Lord of Dagger Rock’. “That does sound bad. Isn’t there anything that can be done?”</p><p></p><p> “I wish,” said Jessica, sighing. “There’s no proof of their ‘crimes’, of course, so thankfully Sidon Bearclaw hasn’t been forced to do anything rash. But there’s going to be a town meeting in a week, and I’m afraid the council is sure to vote to kick him and his friends out of town.”</p><p></p><p> “Are they so certain that things will improve if Grog leaves?” Autumn asked. “It seems they generate quite a bit of income for your town.”</p><p></p><p> “I’ll miss their coin, and I’ll bet others will too. But people will believe anything as long as they thing the troubles will stop.”</p><p></p><p> “So, how much do you think has taken from the town?” Arrie asked.</p><p></p><p> “Pardon me?” the tailor asked, as she did some calculations on his slate pad.</p><p></p><p> “Whoever’s behind all this. How much do you think they’ve stolen?”</p><p></p><p> Jessica snorted derisively. “Well, that just goes to show. Whoever they are, they aren’t very bright. The only people who have been robbed are the less affluent in town – the farmers and herders who barely have two silvers to rub together. Anyone in town with real money – the mayor, the banker…”</p><p></p><p> “Yourself,” Autumn observed.</p><p></p><p> Jessica nodded, acknowledging the truth of the holy warrior’s statement. “Well, none of us have been victimized. I would think that as long as you’re going to the trouble of robbing someone, you’d want to get as much money as possible while you’re at it.”</p><p></p><p> “It would make sense,” Arrie mused. “But I’m sure that before you know it the whole problem will be resolved.”</p><p></p><p> “We’ll see,” Jessica said.</p><p></p><p> With the measurements finished, Jessica showed Xu a few fabric swatches, then wrote up her order on a sheet of parchment. She bid them farewell and told them to return the next day. As they left, Xu frowned in displeasure.</p><p></p><p> “Perhaps I am succumbing to the weakness of vanity,” she said, “but I find myself disappointed that my new clothing will not be ready by this evening. I had planned to attempt to lure the robbers into the open by walking alone in the town at night, and a new garment might have done more to entice these men than the simple robes I wear now.”</p><p></p><p> “Well, don’t worry, Xu,” said Arrie. “I’m sure between Autumn and myself we can fix you up with something for tonight.”</p><p></p><p> Xu looked at the two warriors and shook her head. “I thank you for your generosity, but I am afraid that your own wardrobes would be inappropriate.”</p><p></p><p> As Xu walked on, Arrie fell back a step. “Were we just insulted?” she whispered in Autumn’s ear.</p><p></p><p> Autumn thought for a moment before answering. “You know, the problem is that I’m not exactly sure.”</p><p> </p><p style="text-align: center">* * *</p><p></p><p> Meanwhile, Osborn and Kavan were sitting in the priest’s chambers, waiting for Hiram Veril to arrive. They’d started their morning investigations at the bank. Though the banker was tight-lipped about the accounts of the town members, it was no great effort to learn that Grog had a large sum of money in the bank. The banker had also mentioned that fact that due to the recent robberies, many other townsfolk had been putting their own valuables in the vaults.</p><p></p><p> “You know,” Osborn said to Kavan as they waited, “there’s one theory we haven’t discussed. Maybe whoever’s behind this is trying to create a panic, to get people to put their money in the vault. Grog’s just a handy scapegoat because he’s big, ugly, and new in town. Then someone comes along and steals the whole town right out form under them.”</p><p></p><p> “Who could pull that off?” asked Kavan.</p><p></p><p> “Someone who had access to the bank vault, or knew another way in. He mentioned the vaults were underground – maybe someone dug a tunnel.” Osborn listened for a moment to see if anyone was nearby before continuing. “Maybe we ought to try and deposit some valuables of our own so that we can sneak a peek at the vaults.”</p><p></p><p> “Assuming that we’re allowed inside, of course,” Kavan said. “The banker may just take our valuables to the vaults himself.”</p><p></p><p> Osborn frowned. “That’s true. But it would also be interesting to see who would get Grog’s money if he were run out of town.”</p><p></p><p> Just then the door opened, and a young, sandy-haired man wearing simple robes and the dolphin totem of Krûsh came in. “Good morning, gentlemen. I am Hiram Veril. I was told you wish to see me?”</p><p></p><p> “Good morning, Hiram. I am Kavan, of the church of Erito, and my companion Osborn Greenbottle.” Kavan settled back into the simple chair as best he could. “We wanted to speak to you about the fire last night, as well as the other problems in town recently.”</p><p></p><p> “Ah, yes, the fire in Grog’s stables,” Hiram said. “A shame that had to happen. I’m thankful that no one was seriously hurt. I did what I could to help, but by the time I arrived the fire was mostly under control.”</p><p></p><p> “I’m sure Grog appreciates your help,” said Osborn. “He seems like he could use more friends around here.”</p><p></p><p> “Yes, I’m afraid he’s not very popular right now,” sighed Hiram. “It’s too bad – I’ve spoken to him on several occasions, and he strikes me as a decent fellow, even if he is a bit more boisterous than our little town is used to.”</p><p></p><p> “You’ve visited the Happy Half-Ogre?” Kavan asked.</p><p></p><p> “Yes, on occasion. Mostly I go to visit with Mary Bearclaw, his serving girl, though I admit I also have a fondness for Matilda’s spicy sausage.”</p><p></p><p> “How do you know Mary?”</p><p></p><p> “Well, her family and mine go back…” he trailed off, a sudden sad look passing over his face.</p><p></p><p> “Is something wrong?” Kavan asked, extending his hand and placing it on Hiram’s shoulder.</p><p></p><p> “I’m sorry,” he said. “I was thinking of my father. He was the priest here before me, though he served a different god. He died six years ago.”</p><p></p><p> Osborn nodded. “We’d heard something about that. There was a fire, wasn’t there?”</p><p></p><p> “Yes. Like the fire last night, no one knows who set it or why. But unlike last night, two people lost their lives in that fire – my father, and Sidon Bearclaw’s wife.”</p><p></p><p> Kavan and Osborn looked at each other. “May I ask why Sidon’s wife was at the church?” Kavan asked.</p><p></p><p> “My understanding was that she may have been receiving advice from my father around some marital problems. I don’t know much about it; my father was careful to respect the privacy of his parishioners.”</p><p></p><p>“Would anyone else in town know?” Osborn asked.</p><p></p><p>“Sidon would certainly know, though I wouldn’t advise asking him. Perhaps Mary may know something. Why do you ask?”</p><p></p><p>“We’re looking into the recent crime spree in town,” Kavan explained. “We believe, as you apparently do, that Grog is not to blame. The only reason we ask is that last night would be the second unexplained fire in this town, and perhaps knowing more would help us identify the person who did it.”</p><p></p><p>Hiram nodded. “Well, the fire six years ago was blamed on someone passing through town. I’m not sure whether the two events are related. However, if you wish to approach Mary and ask about her family, that is up to you. I only ask that you respect her wishes if she doesn’t wish to talk about it.”</p><p></p><p>“Of course,” Kavan said, standing up. “Thank you for your time.”</p><p></p><p style="text-align: center">* * *</p><p></p><p> The group slowly congregated back at the Happy Half-Ogre that afternoon, meeting up with Lanara. They sat at a table in the far corner, discussing what they’d learned. They had been joined by Mary, Grog’s barmaid and Captain Bearclaw’s daughter. She’d caught up to Osborn and Kavan on their way back from the church, and asked if she could show them around town. Kavan had asked her to join them for lunch first, hoping to be able to ask about her parents. As they walked, Kavan noticed that Mary’s gaze kept wandering to him, but he chose to ignore it.</p><p></p><p> “So,” said Tolly, after they’d all said their piece, “where do we look next?”</p><p></p><p> “Well, I think we have enough to at least suspect someone else is behind this,” said Osborn. “Whether Yuri’s involved remains to be seen. That connection almost seems too easy now that other possibilities have been raised.”</p><p></p><p> “True,” said Kyle. “Your thoughts about someone trying to get all the town’s money in the vault so they can grab it is interesting, especially with what Stonethumb was hinting at.”</p><p></p><p> “I agree. I think I should check that cobbler’s field out tonight.”</p><p></p><p> “Perhaps you should go in the day, so as to become familiar with the landscape,” offered Tolly. “Someone could accompany you and distract the cobbler by pretending to be interested in buying shoes.”</p><p></p><p> As they spoke, one of the orcs from out of town came down the stairs, and approached the table. “Does one of you own the gray horse in the stables?” he asked.</p><p></p><p> “I do,” replied Arrie in Orcish. The two then began a conversation in the orcish tongue. As none of the others could follow the conversation, they turned back to their own affairs. Only Lanara, who did speak the language, bothered to pay any attention. The orc was apparently trying to buy Arrie’s warhorse Ghost.</p><p></p><p> “Mary,” said Kavan, “perhaps you could tell us what you know about Hiram? I understand your mother was being counseled by his father at one point.”</p><p></p><p> She looked away. “I’d rather not discuss it publicly,” she said.</p><p></p><p> Kavan nodded. “I don’t wish to cause you discomfort.” He turned back to the group. “Mary has invited me on a tour of the town. Lanara, would you like to come with us?”</p><p></p><p> “Huh? Oh, yeah, sure.” Lanara was too busy listening to Arrie talk to the orcs to notice the disappointed look on Mary’s face.</p><p></p><p> “And I’d like to visit the school,” said Kyle.</p><p></p><p> “Why?” asked Tolly.</p><p></p><p> “Because it’s like Osborn was saying when we first got here. In a town like this if you want to know what’s really going on, you talk to kids. See, adults don’t pay much attention to them, so they don’t realize how much they really see and hear.”</p><p></p><p> “I can come with you, if you like,” said Autumn.</p><p></p><p> “Sure,” Kyle agreed. A morning full of investigation and interviewing had put his morning’s embarrassment out of his mind, so he felt more at ease around the two warriors.</p><p></p><p> “I could go and check the town’s land records at the mayor’s office,” Tolly said. “Knowing who owns the land under this inn, or who will own it if he leaves, might be an important clue.”</p><p></p><p> “I think we should also talk to Jim,” offered Arrie, who had concluded her conversation with the orc.</p><p></p><p> “The town drunk?” Lanara asked. “Why? I thought Bearclaw described him as a worthless bigot.”</p><p></p><p> “Yes, but like Kyle’s children, he’s someone who might have been around to see things other people weren’t because nobody cares what he sees. And perhaps there’s something behind that racism that’s useful. Regardless, I think that whoever approaches him should be ‘pure’, if you’ll pardon the expression.” She nodded toward Kavan, Osborn, Lanara, and Autumn.</p><p></p><p> “I also think you’ll need this.” Kyle picked up a clay jug at his feet and slid it across the table to Tolly. “Tolly and I had the same thought, and picked that up at the wine and spirits shop across the road. Figured it would make introductions easier.”</p><p></p><p> “We’re still planning on checking out the Dagger Rock Tavern tonight, right?” said Lanara.</p><p></p><p> “Tonight or tomorrow night,” said Osborn, “and I think we should look into the Hearthfire Inn as well. I keep hearing what a nice little place it is and how it hasn’t been affected by all this trouble around Grog and his inn. Maybe it’s the cynic in me, but that raises alarms in my head. Surely they’d benefit somehow from removing their main competition. However, I’m planning on resting this afternoon. I’m going to go check out that cobbler’s field tonight.”</p><p></p><p> “I will rest as well,” said Xu. “I have my own plans this evening.” She looked over at Autumn and Arrie, who nodded knowingly.</p><p></p><p> “So, it seems we have a busy afternoon ahead,” commented Tolly. “We should finish up our meal and get started.”</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Delemental, post: 1766268, member: 5203"] Arrie, Xu, and Autumn walked up to the tailor’s shop, chewing on hunks of warm bread. They had started their morning at the shop of Aram Gahn, the baker, asking about the crimes in town and his opinion of Grog. Aram had been reluctant to talk at first, but Arrie had wooed him with a combination of flattery and attentiveness that eventually loosened his tongue. Though he didn’t hold a very high opinion of the Happy Half-Ogre, he didn’t seem to hold any specific malice or regard for Grog himself. Aram indicated that he’d noticed a trend in his conversations with customers; most of the older citizens of Dagger Rock were against Grog and the changes he’d brought to town, while the younger populace generally supported him. The three women walked into the tailor’s store. A tall, thin woman with a narrow face greeted them. Just inside the door were two mannequins, featuring stylish, if not extravagant outfits for a man and woman. “Welcome!” said the woman. “My name is Jessica Merriweather. How may I assist you three lovely ladies today?” “Oh, we just had a few questions,” said Autumn. Jessica’s face fell. “Oh, dear, I had hoped you would be looking to purchase something. I’m afraid I’m very busy right now, and don’t really have time to socialize.” The three women looked at each other. “I think we have not made ourselves understood,” Xu said quickly. “While my companion does not wish to purchase anything, I am in fact looking for a new set of clothing.” “Oh, indeed?” Jessica’s face lit up, and she quickly approached Xu, unfurling a long piece of marked twine. “Well, in that case, I’ll be more than happy to take a few measurements. I’m assuming you’re not in town for long, so if you’d like I can place a rush on your outfit… with a deposit, of course.” “Of course.” Xu dropped a few coins into the tailor’s palm, then stood patiently while Jessica measured her from every angle. “Do you have anything in mind?” she asked. “I defer to your wisdom,” Xu replied, “though I would prefer something that conforms to the shape of my body, rather than a garment that flows loosely.” While Jessica continued to measure and write down numbers on a slate pad, Arrie cleared her throat. “So, we were referred to you by the bouncer down at the Happy Half-Ogre. We were admiring the clothes he wears.” “Oh, you mean Fist,” Jessica said, her voice brightening. “Yes, I must admit he’s been quite a boon to my little shop here. There aren’t many farmers who have need of fine clothing.” “You seem to not share the low opinion others have of Fist and his employer,” Autumn commented. “Well, I suppose I can tell you three, seeing as you won’t be around much,” she looked around the shop as if expecting someone to be listening in. “But if you ask me, things have been a lot better in this town ever since they arrived.” “They seem to run a respectable place,” said Arrie. “Oh, I quite agree. But lately there’s been a lot of nasty stuff going around – people assaulted in the streets, homes broken into, that sort of thing. Some of the other townsfolk are convinced that Grog is behind it all – laughing at us from his inn while he becomes the crime lord of Dagger Rock.” Jessica rolled her eyes. “Ridiculous.” It took a bit of willpower for Arrie to keep from laughing out loud at the notion of ‘Grog, Crime Lord of Dagger Rock’. “That does sound bad. Isn’t there anything that can be done?” “I wish,” said Jessica, sighing. “There’s no proof of their ‘crimes’, of course, so thankfully Sidon Bearclaw hasn’t been forced to do anything rash. But there’s going to be a town meeting in a week, and I’m afraid the council is sure to vote to kick him and his friends out of town.” “Are they so certain that things will improve if Grog leaves?” Autumn asked. “It seems they generate quite a bit of income for your town.” “I’ll miss their coin, and I’ll bet others will too. But people will believe anything as long as they thing the troubles will stop.” “So, how much do you think has taken from the town?” Arrie asked. “Pardon me?” the tailor asked, as she did some calculations on his slate pad. “Whoever’s behind all this. How much do you think they’ve stolen?” Jessica snorted derisively. “Well, that just goes to show. Whoever they are, they aren’t very bright. The only people who have been robbed are the less affluent in town – the farmers and herders who barely have two silvers to rub together. Anyone in town with real money – the mayor, the banker…” “Yourself,” Autumn observed. Jessica nodded, acknowledging the truth of the holy warrior’s statement. “Well, none of us have been victimized. I would think that as long as you’re going to the trouble of robbing someone, you’d want to get as much money as possible while you’re at it.” “It would make sense,” Arrie mused. “But I’m sure that before you know it the whole problem will be resolved.” “We’ll see,” Jessica said. With the measurements finished, Jessica showed Xu a few fabric swatches, then wrote up her order on a sheet of parchment. She bid them farewell and told them to return the next day. As they left, Xu frowned in displeasure. “Perhaps I am succumbing to the weakness of vanity,” she said, “but I find myself disappointed that my new clothing will not be ready by this evening. I had planned to attempt to lure the robbers into the open by walking alone in the town at night, and a new garment might have done more to entice these men than the simple robes I wear now.” “Well, don’t worry, Xu,” said Arrie. “I’m sure between Autumn and myself we can fix you up with something for tonight.” Xu looked at the two warriors and shook her head. “I thank you for your generosity, but I am afraid that your own wardrobes would be inappropriate.” As Xu walked on, Arrie fell back a step. “Were we just insulted?” she whispered in Autumn’s ear. Autumn thought for a moment before answering. “You know, the problem is that I’m not exactly sure.” [CENTER]* * *[/CENTER] Meanwhile, Osborn and Kavan were sitting in the priest’s chambers, waiting for Hiram Veril to arrive. They’d started their morning investigations at the bank. Though the banker was tight-lipped about the accounts of the town members, it was no great effort to learn that Grog had a large sum of money in the bank. The banker had also mentioned that fact that due to the recent robberies, many other townsfolk had been putting their own valuables in the vaults. “You know,” Osborn said to Kavan as they waited, “there’s one theory we haven’t discussed. Maybe whoever’s behind this is trying to create a panic, to get people to put their money in the vault. Grog’s just a handy scapegoat because he’s big, ugly, and new in town. Then someone comes along and steals the whole town right out form under them.” “Who could pull that off?” asked Kavan. “Someone who had access to the bank vault, or knew another way in. He mentioned the vaults were underground – maybe someone dug a tunnel.” Osborn listened for a moment to see if anyone was nearby before continuing. “Maybe we ought to try and deposit some valuables of our own so that we can sneak a peek at the vaults.” “Assuming that we’re allowed inside, of course,” Kavan said. “The banker may just take our valuables to the vaults himself.” Osborn frowned. “That’s true. But it would also be interesting to see who would get Grog’s money if he were run out of town.” Just then the door opened, and a young, sandy-haired man wearing simple robes and the dolphin totem of Krûsh came in. “Good morning, gentlemen. I am Hiram Veril. I was told you wish to see me?” “Good morning, Hiram. I am Kavan, of the church of Erito, and my companion Osborn Greenbottle.” Kavan settled back into the simple chair as best he could. “We wanted to speak to you about the fire last night, as well as the other problems in town recently.” “Ah, yes, the fire in Grog’s stables,” Hiram said. “A shame that had to happen. I’m thankful that no one was seriously hurt. I did what I could to help, but by the time I arrived the fire was mostly under control.” “I’m sure Grog appreciates your help,” said Osborn. “He seems like he could use more friends around here.” “Yes, I’m afraid he’s not very popular right now,” sighed Hiram. “It’s too bad – I’ve spoken to him on several occasions, and he strikes me as a decent fellow, even if he is a bit more boisterous than our little town is used to.” “You’ve visited the Happy Half-Ogre?” Kavan asked. “Yes, on occasion. Mostly I go to visit with Mary Bearclaw, his serving girl, though I admit I also have a fondness for Matilda’s spicy sausage.” “How do you know Mary?” “Well, her family and mine go back…” he trailed off, a sudden sad look passing over his face. “Is something wrong?” Kavan asked, extending his hand and placing it on Hiram’s shoulder. “I’m sorry,” he said. “I was thinking of my father. He was the priest here before me, though he served a different god. He died six years ago.” Osborn nodded. “We’d heard something about that. There was a fire, wasn’t there?” “Yes. Like the fire last night, no one knows who set it or why. But unlike last night, two people lost their lives in that fire – my father, and Sidon Bearclaw’s wife.” Kavan and Osborn looked at each other. “May I ask why Sidon’s wife was at the church?” Kavan asked. “My understanding was that she may have been receiving advice from my father around some marital problems. I don’t know much about it; my father was careful to respect the privacy of his parishioners.” “Would anyone else in town know?” Osborn asked. “Sidon would certainly know, though I wouldn’t advise asking him. Perhaps Mary may know something. Why do you ask?” “We’re looking into the recent crime spree in town,” Kavan explained. “We believe, as you apparently do, that Grog is not to blame. The only reason we ask is that last night would be the second unexplained fire in this town, and perhaps knowing more would help us identify the person who did it.” Hiram nodded. “Well, the fire six years ago was blamed on someone passing through town. I’m not sure whether the two events are related. However, if you wish to approach Mary and ask about her family, that is up to you. I only ask that you respect her wishes if she doesn’t wish to talk about it.” “Of course,” Kavan said, standing up. “Thank you for your time.” [CENTER]* * *[/CENTER] The group slowly congregated back at the Happy Half-Ogre that afternoon, meeting up with Lanara. They sat at a table in the far corner, discussing what they’d learned. They had been joined by Mary, Grog’s barmaid and Captain Bearclaw’s daughter. She’d caught up to Osborn and Kavan on their way back from the church, and asked if she could show them around town. Kavan had asked her to join them for lunch first, hoping to be able to ask about her parents. As they walked, Kavan noticed that Mary’s gaze kept wandering to him, but he chose to ignore it. “So,” said Tolly, after they’d all said their piece, “where do we look next?” “Well, I think we have enough to at least suspect someone else is behind this,” said Osborn. “Whether Yuri’s involved remains to be seen. That connection almost seems too easy now that other possibilities have been raised.” “True,” said Kyle. “Your thoughts about someone trying to get all the town’s money in the vault so they can grab it is interesting, especially with what Stonethumb was hinting at.” “I agree. I think I should check that cobbler’s field out tonight.” “Perhaps you should go in the day, so as to become familiar with the landscape,” offered Tolly. “Someone could accompany you and distract the cobbler by pretending to be interested in buying shoes.” As they spoke, one of the orcs from out of town came down the stairs, and approached the table. “Does one of you own the gray horse in the stables?” he asked. “I do,” replied Arrie in Orcish. The two then began a conversation in the orcish tongue. As none of the others could follow the conversation, they turned back to their own affairs. Only Lanara, who did speak the language, bothered to pay any attention. The orc was apparently trying to buy Arrie’s warhorse Ghost. “Mary,” said Kavan, “perhaps you could tell us what you know about Hiram? I understand your mother was being counseled by his father at one point.” She looked away. “I’d rather not discuss it publicly,” she said. Kavan nodded. “I don’t wish to cause you discomfort.” He turned back to the group. “Mary has invited me on a tour of the town. Lanara, would you like to come with us?” “Huh? Oh, yeah, sure.” Lanara was too busy listening to Arrie talk to the orcs to notice the disappointed look on Mary’s face. “And I’d like to visit the school,” said Kyle. “Why?” asked Tolly. “Because it’s like Osborn was saying when we first got here. In a town like this if you want to know what’s really going on, you talk to kids. See, adults don’t pay much attention to them, so they don’t realize how much they really see and hear.” “I can come with you, if you like,” said Autumn. “Sure,” Kyle agreed. A morning full of investigation and interviewing had put his morning’s embarrassment out of his mind, so he felt more at ease around the two warriors. “I could go and check the town’s land records at the mayor’s office,” Tolly said. “Knowing who owns the land under this inn, or who will own it if he leaves, might be an important clue.” “I think we should also talk to Jim,” offered Arrie, who had concluded her conversation with the orc. “The town drunk?” Lanara asked. “Why? I thought Bearclaw described him as a worthless bigot.” “Yes, but like Kyle’s children, he’s someone who might have been around to see things other people weren’t because nobody cares what he sees. And perhaps there’s something behind that racism that’s useful. Regardless, I think that whoever approaches him should be ‘pure’, if you’ll pardon the expression.” She nodded toward Kavan, Osborn, Lanara, and Autumn. “I also think you’ll need this.” Kyle picked up a clay jug at his feet and slid it across the table to Tolly. “Tolly and I had the same thought, and picked that up at the wine and spirits shop across the road. Figured it would make introductions easier.” “We’re still planning on checking out the Dagger Rock Tavern tonight, right?” said Lanara. “Tonight or tomorrow night,” said Osborn, “and I think we should look into the Hearthfire Inn as well. I keep hearing what a nice little place it is and how it hasn’t been affected by all this trouble around Grog and his inn. Maybe it’s the cynic in me, but that raises alarms in my head. Surely they’d benefit somehow from removing their main competition. However, I’m planning on resting this afternoon. I’m going to go check out that cobbler’s field tonight.” “I will rest as well,” said Xu. “I have my own plans this evening.” She looked over at Autumn and Arrie, who nodded knowingly. “So, it seems we have a busy afternoon ahead,” commented Tolly. “We should finish up our meal and get started.” [/QUOTE]
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