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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Colmarr" data-source="post: 5655932" data-attributes="member: 59182">Session 2: All Aboard (cont.)Once the dignitaries were aboard and enjoying their refreshments, the Coaltongue cast off from Fleet Square and steamed into Flint harbour. The crowds lining the shore cheered and threw ribbons and small flower wreaths into the water as the warship moved off. Once the Coaltongue was in the centre of the harbour, eight four-masted Risuri navy ships joined her and together the vessels set a course out into the open sea. Meanwhile, Erik had caught sight of Governor Stanfield in conversation with Chief Inspector Delft. Remembering his promise to Thames Grimsley, Erik moved over and politely interrupted. Once he had the governor’s attention, he introduced himself and relayed Grimsley’s message. Stanfield studied the investigator for a moment, and then responded with a question.  “Tell me, Mr Pride. How would you deal with Thames Grimsley and his dockers?” Erik pondered the question for a moment. “I would have someone infiltrate their organization, to determine exactly what their intentions are.” Stanfield nodded and smiled. “An intriguing idea, Mr Pride. Intriguing. I will consider what you have said.” The governor turned to Chief Inspector Delft. “If you would excuse me, inspector?” Delft nodded enthusiastically, “Of course, governor. A pleasure speaking with you again.” As the deva turned and moved away through the crowd, Delft shot Erik a level glance. Then he too moved off without a word. As he watched them go, Erik fingered the ship’s railing. When he looked down, he realised it contained a thin inlay of gold that stretched as far as he could see. He smiled to himself, knowing that a solid loop of gold around the vessel would prevent teleportation. The Coaltongue’s designers had thought of everything. ... ... ... Two hours after the sun set, the Coaltongue rested at anchor just within sight of shore, surrounded by its escort of naval ships. The Coaltongue’s crew had set up an outdoor kitchen on the aft maindeck and a banquet room within the capacitor, which – much to the delight of the guests - occasionally flashed with sparks of silver energy. As the meal was served, those not actively involved in food preparation took up instruments and lined the foredeck. The band filled the otherwise still night with Risuri folk music. As the king and principal minister Lee took their seats, Delft summoned Erik. “The Duchess went off an hour ago to take her nap, and she’s not back yet. Go and check on her, would you? Make sure she’s not trying to embarrass the king by hiding during his big speech.” Erik immediately complied, collecting Cassi, Thornt and Willheim and heading for the aft observation quarters where Willheim had arranged for the Duchess to take her rest. Tok, mingling with the guests, stayed behind in case trouble arose. They found the door to the observation quarters closed, and Erik knocked politely. Sokana Rell answered, opening the door only wide enough for her to peek out. “What is it?” she asked. “The Duchess is asleep.” “The banquet has begun,” Erik replied. “If her highness does not wish to miss the meal, she had best come with us now.” Sokana studied him flatly, and then looked to the other investigators accompanying Erik. “I don’t believe her highness would be interested in eating. She does not sail well and is feeling ill.” Erik and Willheim exchanged glances before the senior investigator replied. “We have a doctor with us. Willheim, why don’t you go and summon Tok?” Willheim nodded and set off for the main deck. Annoyance flashed across Sokana‘s face before she calmed again. With a sigh, she said, “Very well. Give me a moment to wake her highness.” She closed the door. Once the door shut, Thornt stepped forward. His keen ears could make out the sounds of movement from inside the room. After a few moments, he detected a distant splash. Immediately, Erik pushed the door open and the three investigators stepped inside.  Sokana crouched in the middle of the room holding a strange amber rod. With her other hand, the elf was attempting to collect up the scattering of scroll paper and extinguished candles that surrounded her. She looked up in annoyance as the door opened. The duchess was nowhere in sight. Just as Erik was about to speak, Thornt caught movement in his peripheral vision. Crouched in the corner, a halfling poured a vial of ugly-looking liquid over a large kitchen knife. Before Thornt could react, the assassin leapt.</blockquote>

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