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Message: <blockquote data-quote="talien" data-source="post: 4828627" data-attributes="member: 3285">Naoke: Part 8 – Needful ThingsThe lookout spotted an approach vessel.  The ship flew the colors of Freeport.“Looks like an unarmed merchant schooner,” said Baldric.  “Crazy Bob!  Flag her down!”Crazy Bob used semaphore flags to contact the ship.  In a few minutes, the two vessels were exchanging greetings and presently pulled abreast of each other.  On the schooner’s hull were painted the words, “Jungle Scout”.To their surprise, Aljandros Haddon stepped out onto the deck. He was a fabric merchant they had encountered on so many other occasions.“Aljandros?” asked Kham.  “You old dog, what are you doing out here?” “My friend, is that you?” Aljandros seemed genuinely surprised.  “It is!  And you’re alive!  That is wonderful!”“How’s the family?” asked Vlad.Aljandros turned serious.  “They are with me, including my daughter.” He nodded back at the Jungle Scout. “It is no longer safe in Freeport these days for an aspiring merchant like myself.”“We heard you had plans to join the Captain’s Council.”“I did indeed.  But then, with the dogs of war unleashed, you are either a politician or you are dead.  So we venture out here, further away from the Hinterland pirate raids. Speaking of which, wasn’t this Cho Sun’s ship?”“It was.” That was all Beldin said. “What’s this about a war?” asked Ilmarė.“During your absence, the mainland civil war has escalated considerably,” said Aljandros. “The Hinterlanders and the Entaris elorii are threatening the Captain’s Council in an attempt to force Freeport to pick a side and join the war.  The time for playing both sides and profiteering is over.”“Great,” said Kham.  “Can’t wait to get back home.”“But come, let us trade!  I have much you would like, yes?”They threw planks across the two ships to allow the crew to browse Aljandros’ wares.  Kham held up the crystal knife he found. “Ever seen this before?”Aljandros took it from Kham.  “Hmm. Yes, it is made of onium.  It resembles iron in many ways, except that it is perfectly transparent.  It’s found only in minute deposits.  Where did you find it?”Kham was disappointed.  He took it back.  “Never mind.  I’m guessing you have some special cargo for special people.  What have you got today?”There was a twinkle in Aljandros’ eye.  “Oh yes, yes.  Come, come.” Vlad followed Kham below deck.Aljandros showed them a dizzying variety of bizarre products.  There was a special wood that was as strong as metal, and another kind of wood that dissolved when it came into contact with saltwater.  There was an ample supply of Abyss Dust, a parrot that could memorize spells, and a crate of coconuts whose milk protected the drinker from the effects of heat and humidity. He pulled out a bag.  “But this, this is my most special item,” said Aljandros with his clipped accent.  Aljandros pulled out a shrunken organ in a small net.  He let it dangle before Kham and Vlad for a moment.“Okay, I’ll bite,” said Aljandros.  “What is it?”“This, my friends, is none other than a cannibal heart.  The tcho-tchos trade them to me in exchange for spices and steel.”“Tcho-tchos?” Kham frowned.  “Forget it…”“I have offended you?  I meant no disrespect!”Vlad smiled.  “It’s just that tcho-tchos tried to kill us recently.  Perhaps to make the cannibal hearts you’re purchasing from them.”“Supply and demand is a cruel mistress, yes?” said Aljandros.  “I will give these to you for my special price, twenty-five hundred doubloons.”“What a rip-off.”  Kham stomped out of the ship.Vlad arrived a few minutes later, his purse lighter and something strange tucked into his belt pouch.</blockquote>

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