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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Lazybones" data-source="post: 7531823" data-attributes="member: 143">Chapter 228The section of docks where the Wavefarer was berthed had ten times the level of activity as the wharf in Colverston, with twenty times the stench.  As Bredan and his companions came up onto the deck of the caravel they were greeted by a wall of noise that rocked them back on their heels for a moment.  From their vantage they could see dozens of ships, most of them only visible as part of a sea of masts that rose up out of the clutter.  People were everywhere: fishermen, merchants, teamsters, stevedores, guards, and hundreds of others whose professions were not immediately discernable.  Palanquins with interiors concealed by hanging curtains wove through the crowd on the backs of muscled bearers, while carts and wagons ventured the apparently impossible task of pushing through the crowd.Bredan turned to see a massive ship that dwarfed the Wavefarer tied up at the next dock over.  He now understood what Xeeta was getting at earlier; the giant galley made the Arreshian caravel seem like a toy by comparison.Kalasien grabbed Bredan’s sleeve and pulled him back a moment before a sailor bearing a bolt of cloth would have collided into him.  The warrior sheepishly joined the rest of the group in a temporarily sheltered space in the lee of the aft deck.  “Remember,” Kalasien told them.  “Stay close, don’t wander off, don’t engage with the locals, and above all, don’t talk about our mission where anyone could possibly hear.”“Who could hear anything over all this?” Glori asked.“There are people who can read lips,” Kalasien said.  At first the adventurers just looked at him, thinking maybe he was teasing them, but then they noticed that he had deliberately placed himself where no one on the dock could see his face.“The inn is not far,” he said.  “Rooms have already been arranged, we have a whole wing to ourselves.”“Won’t that draw notice?” Kosk asked.  The dwarf looked uncomfortable, clad in the plain garb of a common servant.  He was carrying a large chest that supposedly held the samples that the “merchant,” played by Kalasien, had brought to Li Syval to trade.  The Arreshian agent wore a rich doublet with a silk shirt peeking out at the cuffs and collar, and a fur-lined cloak that was gratuitous in the heat slung over one shoulder.  As he made his way to the gangplank, preceded by Haverd, he looked exactly like one of the wealthy merchants Bredan had seen in Severon.The company made its way slowly into the press of humanity.  Haverd, Elias, and Kavin, playing the part of merchant guards, opened a path for the others to follow.  Though perhaps it was more Quellan’s presence.  The cleric did not push anyone, but people tended to get out of the way when they saw the armored half-orc approaching.Bredan realized that he should probably join them; he too was supposed to be a guard as part of their cover.  He had put together a scabbard for his sword on the ship, and now wore the heavy weapon slung across his back.  Here there was no need to keep weapons hidden; in fact, it looked like it was better to be obvious.  Many of the people in the crowd were armed, and most of the men who were dressed in finery had at least a few guards close around them, glaring at anyone who got too close to their charges.Such glares were probably futile; it was impossible to make it through this crowd without being jostled.  Bredan abandoned any thoughts of joining the soldiers and instead focused on two things: keeping up, and keeping his purse.  He remained close to Xeeta and Glori, who were walking in the shadow of the “merchant,” their eyes lowered from the gazes of the men in the crowd.  Kalasien had briefed them all about how to behave in Li Syval, and no one seemed to be paying them any particular attention, but Bredan still felt self-conscious as he made his way through the press of humanity that was the city’s docks district.Fortunately, the inn was as close as Kalasien had promised.  They had only gone a few streets back from the docks, the din still clearly audible behind them, when they came to a sprawling two-story structure that appeared to take up most of a city block.  The weathered sign showed a disconsolate sailor sitting atop a barrel, with the legend under it stating that this was The Seaman’s Lament.The interior of the inn was comfortable and welcoming.  Twelve long tables dominated the common space, while a row of booths with curtains that could be drawn for privacy stood along the wall to the right.  Directly ahead of them was a curving bar that shone with polish.  Most of the patrons were gathered there.  It was still a bit early for the evening rush, although there were enough customers to keep the two bartenders busy.“Wait here,” Kalasien said before heading over to greet a stout, balding man who had to be the innkeeper.  He greeted the Arreshian agent like an old friend, though Bredan did not miss the subtle gesture by which a purse changed hands.  The others waited near the door.  A bouncer clad in a leather jerkin stretched tight over his expansive soldiers watched them intently, giving Bredan’s sword an evaluative look.After a moment Kalasien called them over.  “Our rooms are ready,” he said, leading them toward a staircase near the back of the room.  Apparently, the innkeeper’s effusive welcomes did not extend to the hired help; after giving them a quick look he returned to his regular customers.  Or maybe the coins in the purse had bought them their privacy, Bredan thought.They made their way up to the topmost floor.  Kosk grunted with the weight of the chest, but none of them offered to help him; they’d agreed they would stay in character whenever they were anywhere someone could see or hear them.Three hallways extended out from the landing at the top of the stairs; Kalasien led them down one without a pause.  The hall led all the way to the end of the inn, where a small window let in a bright shaft of afternoon sunlight.  Multiple doors led off the hall; Kalasien selected one and led them into a small sitting room.  Several doors led off the room, which was crowded with a small hearth, two couches, and a spacious wardrobe.  Kalasien gestured them all in and then stepped into one of the side-rooms with Elias.“Cozy,” Bredan said.“Yeah, apparently Arreshian coin buys only the finest lodgings,” Kosk said as he threw the chest down onto one of the couches.“Careful,” Haverd said.  He’d closed the hallway door, but stood next to it, his ear pressed close against the wood.“We all understand the need for caution,” Glori said.  “But how could anyone know who we are, or why we’re here?”“You’d be surprised what information changes hands in a place like this,” Kalasien said as he stepped back into the room.  The others looked at him in surprise.  Gone was the expensive clock and fancy doublet; now he wore a plain coat in the local style with dark trousers and scuffed boots.  A soft leather cap hung rakishly across his brow, and a pair of daggers jutted out from his belt, the hilts within easy reach.  Even his manner had changed, his stance and bearing altered to match his new attire.“Get cleaned up, rest, have a meal downstairs, just don’t leave the inn,” Kalasien said.  “I won’t be long.”“You’re going out?” Bredan asked.“Of course.  I have to make the initial contact with our friends in the city.  Get comfortable, it may take a day or two before I can set up a meet with a viable captain.  If anyone asks, ‘Master Silas’ is taking his rest after the arduous voyage.  He’ll make an appearance in the common room later tonight.”“Wouldn’t it be better if we all stayed together?” Glori asked.“The people I’m meeting get nervous with large groups,” Kalasien said.  “And to be honest, you lot sort of stand out.  Don’t worry, I have done this sort of thing before.  And if something does happen to me, there is information hidden in our luggage that can help you; Haverd knows where it is.”“While I find preparedness admirable, I do not find that entirely reassuring,” Quellan said.“Can’t do anything about that,” Kalasien said with a shrug.  “Haverd and Kavin will stay here and help keep an eye out.”  With a nod toward Elias he headed to the outer door, the soldier following.For a moment the five adventurers just stood there looking at each other, then Glori shrugged.  “Well,” she said.  “Anyone hungry?”</blockquote>

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