Inar shrugs at Yoshiki's concerns. "This is one of the few places Owbej hasn't a hold. It's what I like about it. Besides, I need new faces because I'm nosy and judgmental, and everyone in this city knows it. If I wasn't seen grilling you shortly after your arrival into town, it would be more suspicious than this. If you want, you can dramatically storm off when we're done." For good or ill, Inar seems satisfied with his own precautions, whatever they may be.
He returns his attention to Quioan, then, nodding at his report. "Good, then you've skimmed most of what's going on here. The cult of Owbej showed up out of nowhere about 2 years ago, just a tiny missionary band, but within a year, they'd somehow raised the funds to construct that temple. Their power and influence has just grown since. I'm assuming you had the sense not to report that little incident you witnessed today? The guard these days have a habit of summarily dismissing any such accusations; they even have extra patrols assigned just to keep an eye out for thieves and intruders to the temple. Lost a good man to the stocks trying to pull a sneak-in job to get what we need."
He glances to Anna to acknowledge her information. "Your friend may have the right of some of it. The cult's seen out frequently aiding the poor or preaching. But you've seen what a good cover that kind of thing can be. I think it goes beyond simple pickpocketing. Blackmail, extortion… hells, I saw them beat a poor cobbler to within an inch of his life while some guardsmen held back the crowd, all because he was supposed to have stolen from the temple and 'Owbej's justice is swift and terrible.'"
Inar turns his attention back to the group as a whole, quickly stuffing a piece of roast in his mouth and washing it down before he continues.
"But like I said, I'm a direct sort. Everyone knows how I feel about this little religious invasion, and they know all the men loyal to me. Well, all the men loyal to me who would be in a position to get inside that place. I know the fingers of this cult spread far, but I know there are still some highly-placed people who would have enough clout to bring them down if only we had enough proof. But until we have that, exposing them just paints a target on their backs.
"The proof is in there. I know it. No one manages that much money without keeping records of some sort. But between the city guard, the temple itself, and the fact that I still can't tell you how many of those buggers there are because they all wear those bloody masks … well, a direct assault or breaking an entering aren't in the cards."
He smiles now, digging into his vegetables and downing the last of his ale before continuing. He raises an eyebrow and can't quite contain his excitement about his latest finding.
"But a few months ago, a tiny little group headed north, supposedly on a pilgrimage. Little over a month later, they came back minus a few folk and looking much the worse for wear. I heard grumbles, and sent a note off to Galen. Sure enough, right around the time I figure my message should have been arriving up in Venza, a larger group, this one led by a female in blue robes, boarded a boat north, themselves.
"I'm pretty sure the female is their leader, though with the masks, like I said, who the hells can be sure? But what I do know is that they're down a good chunk of people and their strength and attention is split. Seems to me now's the perfect time to get someone in there, while there are still a couple of weeks before that new mission has a chance of returning. Thank the gods for Renlow and whatever speedy-boat secrets he keeps, eh?
"I know they've been interviewing applicants semi-regularly at The River's Tears, a tavern 'cross the street from the temple. Next meeting is scheduled for tomorrow night. Get yourselves in, but don't go doing anything crazy just yet. Lay low, earn their trust, get a feel for the place. I'd say give it a week, then as soon as you can find a night to sneak out … " he jabs a thumb toward the back entrance to the feast hall. "Kitchen entrance is back that way. Give 'em the roast and raven line again, and I'll be there to hear what you know, then it might be time to make a real move to grab evidence.
I'm guessing questions come now, but I've been gabbing and I'm hungry, so have at while I stuff my face," Inar says with a grin, and begins to do just that. He's not piggish, but neither is the bear-cloaked man's table manner especially refined as he indulges in the offerings on the table.
