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Message: <blockquote data-quote="talien" data-source="post: 4513226" data-attributes="member: 3285">On the Red March: Part 5 – The House of StoneDressed in their new Cancerese clothing, they slowly made their way through the bustling and crowded streets of the Trade Quarter, heading for that most posh of neighborhoods: the Street of Green Tiles. “The guildmaster of the Stonecutter’s Guild is Bashaa Karush,” Sebastian said over his shoulder to his companions.  “If anyone knows about where Sagrvian is, Bashaa would.”Traffic thinned as they neared their goal.  Small contingents of private guards, many wearing the clean cut garb of local Cancerese Nierites, stood watch in front of elaborate gates.“Why do they call it the Street of Green Tiles?” asked Vlad.“Look down,” said Beldin.The street lived up to its name: bright green tiles covered the roadway itself and in front of the gates to the various houses, mosaics depicted the major businesses or house crests of those that dwelled within. “Oh.”“No horses or carts are permitted here,” said Sebastian.  “Their rough hooves would damage the lovely tile.”  Hitching posts on various side streets provided a place to lave mounts.  Bright-eyed children promised to watch over animals, for only a few asher.The House of Stone itself needed no markers.  The largest and most heavily decorated building on the street, it towered above all others.  The gargoyles on its roof cast long shadows across the roadway. An elaborate fountain stood before the entrance.  More gargoyles shot tall sprays of clear water in the sky, creating a cool mist.  “What’s with the gargoyles everywhere?” asked Kham. “It’s a tradition for a mason at the end of their apprenticeship to create a gargoyle as tribute to Sarish,” said Beldin.  A majordomo met them at the door. “What is your business at the House of Stone?” he asked imperiously.“We are here about Master Architect Sagrivan,” said Sebastian.The majordomo immediately escorted them to a lavish foyer in the House of Stone.  Glasses of warm tea were served.The windows were of multicolored glass, rare and expensive.  They cast red and purple shadows along the marble floor.Eventually, the majordomo returned and bowed low.  “Master Bashaa will see you now.”He showed them through a thick door covered in carving, down a carpeted hall, into a lushly appointed office.A tall, broad-shouldered man sat behind an ebony desk.  He ran slightly to fat, wearing rich robes with the markings of a Guildmaster.  His fingers were adorned with several large rings and his beard and hair were carefully arranged in neat braids, each capped with gold.  He sat idly stroking a purring, longhaired gray cat in his lap. On his desk were a neat stack of papers and a large sphere of perfect crystal in a holder that resembled three large gargoyles, holding the ball in their claws.  He gestured at the seats in front of him.  The majordomo bowed and retreated.“So, you have some business to discuss with me?  What can the Master of the House of Stone do for you this day?”“We seek Master Architect Sagrivan,” said Sebastian.“Hmm.  And for what purpose?”Sebastian looked left and right.  “To repair the cracked dome of Ventaka.”“Ah, yes.  Well, a year ago, when the Swords of Nier took over, all the work crews on the Red March were sent back into the city.” Bashaa’s lip curled in a sneer. “The Master Architect of Canceri was deemed of an unfit lineage to hold such a title and was demoted to the status of stonecutter.  Work crews were reassigned.”“Reassigned?” asked Vlad.  “You mean they made the master architect a slave?”Bashaa nodded.  “The city has suffered a lapse in craftsmanship since, as many of the skilled foremen are no longer overseeing work.”“And what became of Sagrivan?” asked Sebastian.“Nageel Sagrivan was, ironically, sent back out onto the Red March, though his work detail is now under the command of an Erdukeen overseer.  His crew is doing repair work on the road just a short ways south of Nishanpur.”“A travesty.” Beldin stroked his beard.  “His work is unparalleled, for a human.  These Nierites are truly barbarians.”“His genius is lost on them there.  If you say you have a task that needs his skill…where did you say you wanted to take him again? Just in case I have need of him, you understand.”“Ventaka,” said Sebastian.  Bashaa nodded again.  He sat very still for a moment, deep in thought.  Then he jolted into action, rifling through a drawer.“I am of course a faithful citizen of Nishanpur and would never do anything to oppose the Nierites.” He retrieved a piece of paper and, wetting a quill with his tongue, dipped it in some ink and began to write on it. “Sagrivan is a Cancerese man, of Nerothian descent, nearing sixty years of age, and balding.  His crew is stationed about twenty miles south of the city.”He slid something across to Sebastian.  The dark-kin arched an eyebrow.  “What’s this?” He picked up the document and opened it.“You might want to provide them this writ requesting a reassignment.” A slow smile crept over Bashaa’s face.  “Please give the Erdukeen my regards.”Sebastian smiled back.  “We most certainly will.”</blockquote>

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