Silver Moon
Adventurer
Chapter 50 "Shopping in Zakazik” (Episode Two, Chapter Ten) - Thursday, September 7, 1882, 6:30 A.M.
All four groups enter the city in quick procession. The Princess's entourage heads directly down the main boulevard towards the large and elaborate building that the dirigible is tethered to the roof of. Most buildings are made of brick or clay, with a few built of wooden timbers and the two castles built from stone.
The party takes in the vast array of color within the city, a stark contrast to the overall beige of the sandy dessert and outer walls of the city. Most residents are attired in silks dyed primarily in bright blues, reds, oranges, yellows, and purples. Half the men wear shirt and pants, the other half in robes ranging from simple to fancy. Nearly all of the women are attired in dresses or robes, with the variety from one extreme of head-to-toe covering with only the eyes exposed to the other extreme of near-nakedness with only a few strategically placed handkerchief-sized silks.
Lawrence's jaw drops at the sight of the scantily-clad women. It would create a scandal back home. He shakes his head. Enjoy the view, my boy. Ruby Oohhhh and Ahhhsss at the new sights and sounds. "I have to get me one of those," she comments when a scantily clad woman walks by in her colorful scarves. "I can't wait to try the food. Let's find a place to stay for now. I wonder what is going on at the palace with that big balloon there and why the princess is here. Or maybe she already lives here? We should go out tonight and try to find out more information. Though I suppose George will have to do all the talking."
Mina lowers her voice and tells Ruby in a whisper "Not necessarily, although we should probably wait to discuss it for when we have more privacy." Ruby replies, "Nana, do you know a place to stay from your last visit? If so, lead the way!" She replies, "When we visited we didn't stay overnight, we came by train from Cairo and left that same evening. But it's a city, we should be able to find lodgings easy enough." Lawrence sidles up to Fish and whispers, "The Frenchmen are most likely in that big building. We'll have to do a little scouting. They have to come out sometime."
Abby had stayed back and quiet as they moved through the city. Uncertainty wasn't something she had much familiarity with, but she barely knew these people and they were walking together into a dangerous situation. Truth be told, inside she was just as excited as Ruby, but she wanted to be alive to experience this place. She bent toward Mina and said, "I think we could all use a primer in local customs. We need to move freely and not draw attention to ourselves unless we want it."
They opt to check the better part of the city, near but not exactly next to the opulent hotel that the Princess and Frenchmen appear to be at. They settle upon a hotel that appears to cater to tourists as the sign above the door has the name ‘Arabian Nights Inn' written in English and French as well as Arabic. The four-story building is also one of the few constructed primarily of wood and stone. They enter the lobby, which feels twenty-degrees cooler than outside. Complimentary biscuits and tea have been set out in a lounge area, which has both the traditional Western-style table and chairs as well as low tables surrounded by pillows.
Glancing about the lobby, Fish ducks his head toward Alsoomse. "Your 'stable boy' can't be seen enjoying tea and crumpets with the leisure class," he whispers. "I should tend to the horses, but I'd best be able to parley with the staff, yes?" Alsoomse replies, "We will both see to the animals, some of those are borrowed and I promised to take good care of them." "Cave Dweller is a beauty!" replies Fish quietly, glancing back through the doorway at the pretty mare. "Let's get these steeds to the stables, rubbed down and fed."
George looks over the crowd "How many rooms do you think Mina" George asks quietly in English. Mina replies, "These places often cater to a sheik with many retainers stay. Ask for a suite with a large central room and four or more bedrooms." "Oh how exciting! George, hurry up and get the rooms so we can go exploring!" While she waits for the rooms to be arranged, she wanders over to the biscuits and tries one. It has a taste of almond and honey. "This is de-lic-OUS!" Ruby says, grabbing a second. "You all should try it!" She plops herself down on the satiny pillows and waits for the rooms to be readied.
Alsoomse and Fish tend to the horses. As he can't yet speak freely, he remains silent but takes special note of the other stable hands. He checks to see if they all look local born and if any of the other horses that appear especially well-bred. He also looks to see what sort of guard on staff assigned to secure the stables. "Allie," whispers Fish as he begins grooming Cave Dweller, "do you have a way of communicating with these pretty critters while we're away? I'm fine with sleeping here in the stable if you don't. Some of the other boys will be doing the same, I'm sure, and it might give me a good opportunity to gather intelligence."
George heads to the front desk "How are you my friend, I require a large room with bedrooms for my servants, do you have one available?" he asks in Arabic. After payment is made George is given a large key and given directions to the suite on the third floor. George leaves a message to have the servants tending his horses sent up when they are finished.
Ruby hops up off the pillows and follows George up the stairs curiously. "I can't wait to see what the rooms look like, probably magnificent!" She stands impatiently around George's shoulder, anxious for her first look at the accommodations. He then leads the rest of the group upstairs so they can unpack and plan further. Once they were in the room, Abby says “I want to get out of these robes” adding "Whatever I'm going to be, I'm not going to be wearing a Burka, that's for sure."
The main room is large, 15 by 20 feet, with low tables and pillows to sit on. The main table has a basket of fruit and two chilled bottles of wine beside eight crystal glasses. The room is brightly lit through large windows and the walls are adorned with brightly colored tapestries. The bedrooms are small, each only 8 by 10 feet and spartanly furnished with only a full-sized bed, night table and oil lamp. "Well, it's nice in here anyway," Ruby says as she waves at the main room. "So, can we get something to eat. The little muffin was yummy but now I'm hungry. Besides," her eyes light up, "I want to see the shopping! The market must be amazing!"
Fish slices fruit for everyone. With a nod toward Ruby, he then begins a thorough inspection of the walls for peepholes or hidden doors. No peepholes or hidden doors are found, but during the search he does find a gold coin and a silver coin that had fallen into a crack in the floorboards by the wall. Ruby lazily watches Ben check over the room.
"I doubt the fact that Mr. Eastman told the captain of the gate guard that you were his servant is likely to cause you any trouble traveling on his arm in town, but it's worth noting anyway," says Fish warily, "I'm content to play the role. As I've said, it will serve me well mixing it up with the other help!"
Abby sat down and pulled off her boots, and pulled her blouse away from her skin, sticky from being crushed under the robe. "Miss West, out there it is beautiful, exotic, and fascinating. It's also dangerous. Shopkeepers would cut off your hand if they think you stole from them, and nothing makes them suspicious like someone who doesn't know the customs," she said in her thick accent. "I never really learned the language here since I can't manage to speak it without giving myself away."
Alsoomse takes a box out of the saddlebag that Fish carried in from her horse. She removes five metal vials from the box saying, "These are Elixirs of Comprehension. Drinking this will allow you to understand languages that are unfamiliar to you and then allow you to respond in that same language as if you were a native speaker. I have one vial for each of you non-Arabic speakers, each of which contains enough for two hours. A thin layer of wax is between each one-eight, allowing for fifteen minutes. If you are going to want longer than that you will need to poke through the wax with a stick or pen. "Or a lock pick!" says Fish lustily. Alsoomse adds, “Also note, that this comprehension is limited to spoken word, the written language would still be incomprehensible. It also will not work in conjunction with other magic, either magical items or spells."
Abby comments, "Now that we can get ourselves in trouble in Arabic as well as English, any hints on things we shouldn't mention or talk about? I'd hate to get myself in trouble by insulting some sheiks Mama." Mina says, "You'd probably get away with the mother comment, but watch what you say about his camel."
Ruby takes her potion and slips it in her dress. "Well, okay then, now that we're all armed, let's go exploring. How dangerous could it be out there?" she grins, knowing how many dangerous situations she had been in and would be in the future. She pulls on George's arm. "Come on, apparently you have to lead the way!" "Alright" says George. "Let's go find you something to eat and see what we can dig up."
The city streets are all hustle and bustle as they exit the hotel, with various vendors selling their wares at stands along the main boulevard. The primary meats appear to be sheep and goat, with rice being the primary grain, and with dates and figs as the main produce items. A number of cloth merchants have brightly colored bolts for sale. Armor and weapons merchants are also out, yelling to passers-by to purchase these items before the British Infidels arrive.
Ruby whispers, “So... am I not supposed to talk or something? I mean, will that get us in trouble? I'd like to do some shopping while we are here." Mina replies, "Well, lets go shopping then. I know the language and we have plenty of money, but let's just bring along one of the men to intimidate anybody who may want to take advantage of us defenseless females." "Ha!" Ruby laughs at the thought. "We should bring them anyway so we can keep an eye on them so they don't get in trouble. We're heading off shopping if anyone wants to join us!" She wraps her arm though George's. Lawrence says, "I'm not one for shopping, but I'll come along. It'll give me a chance to scout out the place. We could find out where the Frenchies like to gather."
Ruby exclaims, "Nana, let's find someplace we can buy some clothes. I love those exotic little dresses." Fish blushes, thinking to himself, "Miss West wearing nothing more just those little silk handkerchiefs?" "I certainly need something more appropriate for the weather, and the place," Abby added. "It's not so much we shouldn't talk, but with the British coming just now English is the language of the enemy. You'll get more shopping done if they don't hear you speaking it."
Ruby replies, "Well... I can speak Spanish pretty well... or French. I don't know if either of those is better!" Lawrence comments, "Then, I'll have to keep my mouth shut. English is the only thing I speak. Fish, here, might have a problem with keeping quiet," he says with a wink. "s'allright!" says Fish cheerily, hoisting his potion, "I have Alsoomse's cocktail!" Mina says, "Well, I speak both Spanish and French, as do George and Alsoomse, so we can use either of those languages for me to translate the Arabic in." They proceed towards a long row of clothing merchants, each specializing in a different style or dye colors.
Ruby ooohhs, ahhhs and squees as they walk up and down the aisles full of beautifully colored silks and satins, ribbons, sequins and beads. She is dizzy with excitement as she explores, this being one of her dreams come true. She lets Mina do the haggling; not that she can't haggle herself but she is so overwhelmed with everything surrounding her that her senses are on overload. They make purchases at three consecutive clothing vendors, after which it is not only Ruby's senses that are overloaded but also John's arms, as he carrying all of the things they bought.
Ruby exclaims, "I can't wait to get this on tonight for dinner! Say, where WILL we eat dinner tonight?" Mina says, "Possibly the top hotel if we want a closer look at the French. The possible downside is that they would probably recognize me, even in disguise. "It's the hair Nana," Ruby laughs, "It always gives us away. But why do you think they would recognize you after all this time? Oh wait, you mean the wizards...? Right, because they already know you. Hmmm.... Do you think we should split up for dinner then?" "Perhaps," Mina states.
After a pause Mina says, "If we decide that I should reveal myself to them I and whoever I go with should probably also get a room where they are staying, to prevent them from looking for me elsewhere. What do the rest of you think? Given that we are somewhat pressed for time would a direct confrontation be in order?" "It's your show, Lady Parker!" replies Benjamin with a grin, "Tell me to jump, and I'll ask 'how high?'"
"Hmmm...," Ruby taps her lips, "Maybe that would be helpful. If they think you are here with one of us and stay somewhere else, the rest of us can watch what they do once they know you are here, force their hand, so to speak. Perhaps they might give away a secret or two with their actions. Given our similar attributes," she grins while speaking those words, "I could be the one to stay with you. Or not, if you think my other skills will come in handy not being with you."
"I think we ought to rig their airship to leak or explode and slow down their exit from this city. But the fact that they are as close as they are in the dig to the central chamber tells me that we ought to press the issue. Beside, we want to be out of here before the armies hit. I want some of that delicious Shawarma I smell up ahead first but then we should find a way to maybe send Fish and Lawrence up to that airship first then confront the wizards." suggests George.
Fish cranes his neck to look up at the dirigible tied at the end of its l--o--n--g tether. He shudders. He then glances at Cantrell and shrugs. "In for a dime, in for a dollar!" he replies, grinning again. Lawrence follows his gaze. "Can't be much worse than that bridge we built in Cincinnati." He rubs his hands together. The tether from the balloon appears to go down to the center of the roof of the large multi-story fancy hotel. Lawrence asks, "How do you want to go about this, Fish? I'm not much of a climber, so I vote for bluffing our way in. Just walk in like we own the place."
George says, "I don't think we need that. Even just cutting the tether would be enough, let the airship drift away on it's own. We have the horses and can get back to the temple quickly. I think we need to cut the tether, confront the wizards, make a quick get away through the temple to Florida. We still have a lot of doors to explore." offers George.
Ruby states, "Okay, so the French are staying at the fancy hotel... lucky them. Whomever goes to check them out can check out the roof to see about that balloon. But I don't think we should disable it, heck, we might need to snatch it to get us our of here quick! Okay so the two groups, let's here some suggestions as who wants to go where. I feel like I should stay with Nana and get a room at the fancy hotel, because we look so alike surely they will think of her when they see me and be suspicious. However, my skills could probably be very useful elsewhere if searching is necessary."
George says, "Hold on. Mina, what do you want to accomplish in confronting the wizards?" She replies, "Primarily to find out exactly why they are here. Their goals may actually be the same as ours, I don't mean the doors to Atlantis, I am referring to the goal of preventing the British and Egyptian Rebel armies from destroying the ruins of Bubastus." Lawrence says, "So Mina, you're saying the enemy of our enemy is our friend? I'll hold out on sneaking into the hotel for now. I can follow them, though. No one pays attention to a servant. Who knows what they'll say." He pauses then sheepishly adds, "But I don't speak French." Fish smiles, rolling his vial between thumb and forefinger. "Miss Alsoomse has us covered, Lawrence! We can mingle with the help while the women dine fancy."
Abby says, "I think we're all gettin' ahead of ourselves, darlin's. Like Mrs. Parker said, we want to know what they're up to, and we ought to know before we let their lovely balloon drift away. We don't want to be fightin' the French when we're tryin' to defeat two whole armies, too." Ruby says, Abby's right, 'bout the balloon thing. Let's return to our hotel and get ready for dinner. We'll confront the French head on, I say."
"So, then plan is to waltz in and have tea with them? Ask them their intentions? Spy upon them? Barge in, tie them up and interrogate them? How shall we get the information from them, I don’t see them being very forthcoming on their plans." counters George. "George Eastman, are you doubting my Nana's and my abilities to get the information we are seeking?? Since when have we not gotten the job done?" Ruby smirks. "I have no doubts about that Constance, I am merely trying to establish what it is we need to get and how. I am not as familiar with these wizard as Mina is, and I am relying upon her to know the best approach." replies George.
Ruby takes Nana by the arm and leads her back to the hotel to prepare for dinner. "So Nana, are you and I switching to the fancy hotel?" Mina replies, "Yes, I believe that we can. However, I would suggest that we also bring one of the men with us so that we look to have a protector, John perhaps." “Lead the way, Mrs. Parker!" chortles Fish.
All four groups enter the city in quick procession. The Princess's entourage heads directly down the main boulevard towards the large and elaborate building that the dirigible is tethered to the roof of. Most buildings are made of brick or clay, with a few built of wooden timbers and the two castles built from stone.
The party takes in the vast array of color within the city, a stark contrast to the overall beige of the sandy dessert and outer walls of the city. Most residents are attired in silks dyed primarily in bright blues, reds, oranges, yellows, and purples. Half the men wear shirt and pants, the other half in robes ranging from simple to fancy. Nearly all of the women are attired in dresses or robes, with the variety from one extreme of head-to-toe covering with only the eyes exposed to the other extreme of near-nakedness with only a few strategically placed handkerchief-sized silks.
Lawrence's jaw drops at the sight of the scantily-clad women. It would create a scandal back home. He shakes his head. Enjoy the view, my boy. Ruby Oohhhh and Ahhhsss at the new sights and sounds. "I have to get me one of those," she comments when a scantily clad woman walks by in her colorful scarves. "I can't wait to try the food. Let's find a place to stay for now. I wonder what is going on at the palace with that big balloon there and why the princess is here. Or maybe she already lives here? We should go out tonight and try to find out more information. Though I suppose George will have to do all the talking."
Mina lowers her voice and tells Ruby in a whisper "Not necessarily, although we should probably wait to discuss it for when we have more privacy." Ruby replies, "Nana, do you know a place to stay from your last visit? If so, lead the way!" She replies, "When we visited we didn't stay overnight, we came by train from Cairo and left that same evening. But it's a city, we should be able to find lodgings easy enough." Lawrence sidles up to Fish and whispers, "The Frenchmen are most likely in that big building. We'll have to do a little scouting. They have to come out sometime."
Abby had stayed back and quiet as they moved through the city. Uncertainty wasn't something she had much familiarity with, but she barely knew these people and they were walking together into a dangerous situation. Truth be told, inside she was just as excited as Ruby, but she wanted to be alive to experience this place. She bent toward Mina and said, "I think we could all use a primer in local customs. We need to move freely and not draw attention to ourselves unless we want it."
They opt to check the better part of the city, near but not exactly next to the opulent hotel that the Princess and Frenchmen appear to be at. They settle upon a hotel that appears to cater to tourists as the sign above the door has the name ‘Arabian Nights Inn' written in English and French as well as Arabic. The four-story building is also one of the few constructed primarily of wood and stone. They enter the lobby, which feels twenty-degrees cooler than outside. Complimentary biscuits and tea have been set out in a lounge area, which has both the traditional Western-style table and chairs as well as low tables surrounded by pillows.
Glancing about the lobby, Fish ducks his head toward Alsoomse. "Your 'stable boy' can't be seen enjoying tea and crumpets with the leisure class," he whispers. "I should tend to the horses, but I'd best be able to parley with the staff, yes?" Alsoomse replies, "We will both see to the animals, some of those are borrowed and I promised to take good care of them." "Cave Dweller is a beauty!" replies Fish quietly, glancing back through the doorway at the pretty mare. "Let's get these steeds to the stables, rubbed down and fed."
George looks over the crowd "How many rooms do you think Mina" George asks quietly in English. Mina replies, "These places often cater to a sheik with many retainers stay. Ask for a suite with a large central room and four or more bedrooms." "Oh how exciting! George, hurry up and get the rooms so we can go exploring!" While she waits for the rooms to be arranged, she wanders over to the biscuits and tries one. It has a taste of almond and honey. "This is de-lic-OUS!" Ruby says, grabbing a second. "You all should try it!" She plops herself down on the satiny pillows and waits for the rooms to be readied.
Alsoomse and Fish tend to the horses. As he can't yet speak freely, he remains silent but takes special note of the other stable hands. He checks to see if they all look local born and if any of the other horses that appear especially well-bred. He also looks to see what sort of guard on staff assigned to secure the stables. "Allie," whispers Fish as he begins grooming Cave Dweller, "do you have a way of communicating with these pretty critters while we're away? I'm fine with sleeping here in the stable if you don't. Some of the other boys will be doing the same, I'm sure, and it might give me a good opportunity to gather intelligence."
George heads to the front desk "How are you my friend, I require a large room with bedrooms for my servants, do you have one available?" he asks in Arabic. After payment is made George is given a large key and given directions to the suite on the third floor. George leaves a message to have the servants tending his horses sent up when they are finished.
Ruby hops up off the pillows and follows George up the stairs curiously. "I can't wait to see what the rooms look like, probably magnificent!" She stands impatiently around George's shoulder, anxious for her first look at the accommodations. He then leads the rest of the group upstairs so they can unpack and plan further. Once they were in the room, Abby says “I want to get out of these robes” adding "Whatever I'm going to be, I'm not going to be wearing a Burka, that's for sure."
The main room is large, 15 by 20 feet, with low tables and pillows to sit on. The main table has a basket of fruit and two chilled bottles of wine beside eight crystal glasses. The room is brightly lit through large windows and the walls are adorned with brightly colored tapestries. The bedrooms are small, each only 8 by 10 feet and spartanly furnished with only a full-sized bed, night table and oil lamp. "Well, it's nice in here anyway," Ruby says as she waves at the main room. "So, can we get something to eat. The little muffin was yummy but now I'm hungry. Besides," her eyes light up, "I want to see the shopping! The market must be amazing!"
Fish slices fruit for everyone. With a nod toward Ruby, he then begins a thorough inspection of the walls for peepholes or hidden doors. No peepholes or hidden doors are found, but during the search he does find a gold coin and a silver coin that had fallen into a crack in the floorboards by the wall. Ruby lazily watches Ben check over the room.
"I doubt the fact that Mr. Eastman told the captain of the gate guard that you were his servant is likely to cause you any trouble traveling on his arm in town, but it's worth noting anyway," says Fish warily, "I'm content to play the role. As I've said, it will serve me well mixing it up with the other help!"
Abby sat down and pulled off her boots, and pulled her blouse away from her skin, sticky from being crushed under the robe. "Miss West, out there it is beautiful, exotic, and fascinating. It's also dangerous. Shopkeepers would cut off your hand if they think you stole from them, and nothing makes them suspicious like someone who doesn't know the customs," she said in her thick accent. "I never really learned the language here since I can't manage to speak it without giving myself away."
Alsoomse takes a box out of the saddlebag that Fish carried in from her horse. She removes five metal vials from the box saying, "These are Elixirs of Comprehension. Drinking this will allow you to understand languages that are unfamiliar to you and then allow you to respond in that same language as if you were a native speaker. I have one vial for each of you non-Arabic speakers, each of which contains enough for two hours. A thin layer of wax is between each one-eight, allowing for fifteen minutes. If you are going to want longer than that you will need to poke through the wax with a stick or pen. "Or a lock pick!" says Fish lustily. Alsoomse adds, “Also note, that this comprehension is limited to spoken word, the written language would still be incomprehensible. It also will not work in conjunction with other magic, either magical items or spells."
Abby comments, "Now that we can get ourselves in trouble in Arabic as well as English, any hints on things we shouldn't mention or talk about? I'd hate to get myself in trouble by insulting some sheiks Mama." Mina says, "You'd probably get away with the mother comment, but watch what you say about his camel."
Ruby takes her potion and slips it in her dress. "Well, okay then, now that we're all armed, let's go exploring. How dangerous could it be out there?" she grins, knowing how many dangerous situations she had been in and would be in the future. She pulls on George's arm. "Come on, apparently you have to lead the way!" "Alright" says George. "Let's go find you something to eat and see what we can dig up."
The city streets are all hustle and bustle as they exit the hotel, with various vendors selling their wares at stands along the main boulevard. The primary meats appear to be sheep and goat, with rice being the primary grain, and with dates and figs as the main produce items. A number of cloth merchants have brightly colored bolts for sale. Armor and weapons merchants are also out, yelling to passers-by to purchase these items before the British Infidels arrive.
Ruby whispers, “So... am I not supposed to talk or something? I mean, will that get us in trouble? I'd like to do some shopping while we are here." Mina replies, "Well, lets go shopping then. I know the language and we have plenty of money, but let's just bring along one of the men to intimidate anybody who may want to take advantage of us defenseless females." "Ha!" Ruby laughs at the thought. "We should bring them anyway so we can keep an eye on them so they don't get in trouble. We're heading off shopping if anyone wants to join us!" She wraps her arm though George's. Lawrence says, "I'm not one for shopping, but I'll come along. It'll give me a chance to scout out the place. We could find out where the Frenchies like to gather."
Ruby exclaims, "Nana, let's find someplace we can buy some clothes. I love those exotic little dresses." Fish blushes, thinking to himself, "Miss West wearing nothing more just those little silk handkerchiefs?" "I certainly need something more appropriate for the weather, and the place," Abby added. "It's not so much we shouldn't talk, but with the British coming just now English is the language of the enemy. You'll get more shopping done if they don't hear you speaking it."
Ruby replies, "Well... I can speak Spanish pretty well... or French. I don't know if either of those is better!" Lawrence comments, "Then, I'll have to keep my mouth shut. English is the only thing I speak. Fish, here, might have a problem with keeping quiet," he says with a wink. "s'allright!" says Fish cheerily, hoisting his potion, "I have Alsoomse's cocktail!" Mina says, "Well, I speak both Spanish and French, as do George and Alsoomse, so we can use either of those languages for me to translate the Arabic in." They proceed towards a long row of clothing merchants, each specializing in a different style or dye colors.
Ruby ooohhs, ahhhs and squees as they walk up and down the aisles full of beautifully colored silks and satins, ribbons, sequins and beads. She is dizzy with excitement as she explores, this being one of her dreams come true. She lets Mina do the haggling; not that she can't haggle herself but she is so overwhelmed with everything surrounding her that her senses are on overload. They make purchases at three consecutive clothing vendors, after which it is not only Ruby's senses that are overloaded but also John's arms, as he carrying all of the things they bought.
Ruby exclaims, "I can't wait to get this on tonight for dinner! Say, where WILL we eat dinner tonight?" Mina says, "Possibly the top hotel if we want a closer look at the French. The possible downside is that they would probably recognize me, even in disguise. "It's the hair Nana," Ruby laughs, "It always gives us away. But why do you think they would recognize you after all this time? Oh wait, you mean the wizards...? Right, because they already know you. Hmmm.... Do you think we should split up for dinner then?" "Perhaps," Mina states.
After a pause Mina says, "If we decide that I should reveal myself to them I and whoever I go with should probably also get a room where they are staying, to prevent them from looking for me elsewhere. What do the rest of you think? Given that we are somewhat pressed for time would a direct confrontation be in order?" "It's your show, Lady Parker!" replies Benjamin with a grin, "Tell me to jump, and I'll ask 'how high?'"
"Hmmm...," Ruby taps her lips, "Maybe that would be helpful. If they think you are here with one of us and stay somewhere else, the rest of us can watch what they do once they know you are here, force their hand, so to speak. Perhaps they might give away a secret or two with their actions. Given our similar attributes," she grins while speaking those words, "I could be the one to stay with you. Or not, if you think my other skills will come in handy not being with you."
"I think we ought to rig their airship to leak or explode and slow down their exit from this city. But the fact that they are as close as they are in the dig to the central chamber tells me that we ought to press the issue. Beside, we want to be out of here before the armies hit. I want some of that delicious Shawarma I smell up ahead first but then we should find a way to maybe send Fish and Lawrence up to that airship first then confront the wizards." suggests George.
Fish cranes his neck to look up at the dirigible tied at the end of its l--o--n--g tether. He shudders. He then glances at Cantrell and shrugs. "In for a dime, in for a dollar!" he replies, grinning again. Lawrence follows his gaze. "Can't be much worse than that bridge we built in Cincinnati." He rubs his hands together. The tether from the balloon appears to go down to the center of the roof of the large multi-story fancy hotel. Lawrence asks, "How do you want to go about this, Fish? I'm not much of a climber, so I vote for bluffing our way in. Just walk in like we own the place."
George says, "I don't think we need that. Even just cutting the tether would be enough, let the airship drift away on it's own. We have the horses and can get back to the temple quickly. I think we need to cut the tether, confront the wizards, make a quick get away through the temple to Florida. We still have a lot of doors to explore." offers George.
Ruby states, "Okay, so the French are staying at the fancy hotel... lucky them. Whomever goes to check them out can check out the roof to see about that balloon. But I don't think we should disable it, heck, we might need to snatch it to get us our of here quick! Okay so the two groups, let's here some suggestions as who wants to go where. I feel like I should stay with Nana and get a room at the fancy hotel, because we look so alike surely they will think of her when they see me and be suspicious. However, my skills could probably be very useful elsewhere if searching is necessary."
George says, "Hold on. Mina, what do you want to accomplish in confronting the wizards?" She replies, "Primarily to find out exactly why they are here. Their goals may actually be the same as ours, I don't mean the doors to Atlantis, I am referring to the goal of preventing the British and Egyptian Rebel armies from destroying the ruins of Bubastus." Lawrence says, "So Mina, you're saying the enemy of our enemy is our friend? I'll hold out on sneaking into the hotel for now. I can follow them, though. No one pays attention to a servant. Who knows what they'll say." He pauses then sheepishly adds, "But I don't speak French." Fish smiles, rolling his vial between thumb and forefinger. "Miss Alsoomse has us covered, Lawrence! We can mingle with the help while the women dine fancy."
Abby says, "I think we're all gettin' ahead of ourselves, darlin's. Like Mrs. Parker said, we want to know what they're up to, and we ought to know before we let their lovely balloon drift away. We don't want to be fightin' the French when we're tryin' to defeat two whole armies, too." Ruby says, Abby's right, 'bout the balloon thing. Let's return to our hotel and get ready for dinner. We'll confront the French head on, I say."
"So, then plan is to waltz in and have tea with them? Ask them their intentions? Spy upon them? Barge in, tie them up and interrogate them? How shall we get the information from them, I don’t see them being very forthcoming on their plans." counters George. "George Eastman, are you doubting my Nana's and my abilities to get the information we are seeking?? Since when have we not gotten the job done?" Ruby smirks. "I have no doubts about that Constance, I am merely trying to establish what it is we need to get and how. I am not as familiar with these wizard as Mina is, and I am relying upon her to know the best approach." replies George.
Ruby takes Nana by the arm and leads her back to the hotel to prepare for dinner. "So Nana, are you and I switching to the fancy hotel?" Mina replies, "Yes, I believe that we can. However, I would suggest that we also bring one of the men with us so that we look to have a protector, John perhaps." “Lead the way, Mrs. Parker!" chortles Fish.