Black Hart

Gradsul by Twilight

Chapter 21 - Dead Man Talking

"What can I do for you gentlefolk?" he asked without emotion, seeming drained by the day's events.
Eloi stepped forward. "Veshper, I apologise for my actions earlier. They were uncalled for as you clearly did all you could to save Kyros from execution. You can understand my party's frustrations, our comrade has been killed."
"Mareschal, we have a few more bits of information to pass your way," Akhan interjected. Veshper seemed forgiving, but just in case he bore a grudge, Akhan decided he had best do the talking. "And perhaps you could help us to weigh their value. As I've already told you, we were sent here to delve into the activities of a suspected Scarlet Brotherhood agent named Vellip O'Shad. During our investigations, one of our number was killed by a mysterious figure and another barely escaped with his life. We now have information that this figure is an assassin employed by the Brotherhood for the purpose of killing a noble who is visiting Gradsul. This assassin bastard is known as 'Whisper' but according to our source," Akhan paused and shot Eloi an iritated look, "has now gone rogue and is acting against the Brotherhood."
Akhan scratched absently at his eyepatch. "So, we wondered if you could tell us any more about the negotiations which the Nyrondese ambassador, Lord Wolff, will be conducting. For instance, when he is supposed to arrive. Or details of other members of the nobility who are likely to be visiting Gradsul at the moment or in the near future. It may be that all this is completely unrelated to O'Shad and his mission but we would appreciate any help. We don't want to waste time watching these different people if they are irrelevant."
The Mareschal shook his head in disbelief.
"I cannot tell," he said in a half-mocking tone, "whether Lord Thoggin sent you here to solve problems or to create them."
He smiled to show them that he was not being serious, but a frown quickly replaced that.
"Lord Wolff is supposed to be arriving on a ship on Moonday next - I cannot tell you which ship, but it is not  Keoish or Nyrondese, and he has taken a circuitous route even I am unaware of. If the Brotherhood know of his arrival then I would reckon their best bet of killing him would be to attack him at sea, where they hold the advantage. He will be staying at Kaylgrunn Castle with the Count, I will pass on your concerns regarding his safety."
"And as for other nobles, well - Baron Eloi, as you know, many northern nobles come south at this time of year, now that the Lendskurt is out of session, there could be one or two dozen of them residing in the city. And that is in addition to those who ordinarily live here. I mean, are we talking high nobles such as counts and dukes, or is it a baron, or even a minor lord? Does your source know why that noble is being chosen for assassination?"
Akhan shrugged his shoulders and looked to Eloi, who did likewise. "My source could only tell me that the asassins target was a noble."
"Our other piece of news," Akhan continued, "concerns the Redemptionists. I have no idea at all if this is related to the Brotherhood - I doubt even if those anarchists would throw in their lot with the Scarlet Ones. But for what it's worth you should know that we have heard that Shebbed O'Harle has allegedly come into money and intends to use it against Royalists. The Baron has raised the interesting possibility of a connection with the cargo of counterfeit coin which was brought here by O'Shad."
"Shebbedd O'Harle," the Mareschal said, drawing out his name as though relishing it. "Now there is a name that crops up from time to time. And you paint a colourful picture, but have you anything other than specualtion to link the Redemptionists to the Brotherhood? Even so, I will keep my ear to the ground and test out your theories. I knew Shebbedd you know, before he deserted that is. He was a fine and honourable man and despite what he has done I would sincerely doubt that he would choose to involve himself with the Scarlet Ones. Still, people change..."
Veshper seemed to drift off for a minute, and they all felt sure that he was thinking of Kyros as they were.
"Is there anything else I can help with?" he asked.
Eloi glanced at Akhan then continued.  "As Akahn said, one of my party has fallen foul to this assassin already. Her body lies in a dreadful state at her home, no. 22 Chendlers Row. Perhaps you could arrange for your colleagues to visit the house and carry out whatever investigation that may be required. Meyrit appears to have suffered much in her last days and I wish to give her a decent funeral."
"Also, O'Shad appears to be in cohoots with a local merchant, by the name of Gelder's and a woman of questionable virtue, 'Red' Hannay. Do you know of these people? Any information that you have would be appreciated."
Veshper shook his head.
"I've not heard of either  - perhaps we do not run in the same circles, but I will ask around those who do. Let me know everything you have about them and I'll set about it tomorrow. As for your arena, I have been thinking - I suppose with the trail of evidence, the fake gold and you all following it, I have almost enough to petition a Sheriff for a warrant. I will be sending a few of my men there tomorrow to do some betting and see if they are palmed any of those shoddy coins. If they are then I think we would be in a position for me and my men to raid the place by tomorrow night. Would that suit your purposes?You would be welcome to assist us."
Akhan bowed his head in acceptance. "Your offer is most helpful Mareschal," he said quickly, "as I'm sure the Baron will agree." If they could hit the arena with the help of armed men then they'd have a lot better chance of collecting them all.
That left the question of what to do next. They still didn't know exactly what O'Shad was up to and they didn't even know where he was. Akhan was beginning to think that they should hit either Gelders' or Hannay's places tonight. They had a little information - enough to be worrying -  and a little rummaging around certainly wouldn't go amiss.
There was also this wild card 'Whisper' who seemed to be protecting O'Shad from Griffin team's attentions but also playing his (or her) own game. "Well," he thought to himself, "if we really want to get our hands on that butcher I can't see any quicker way than to carry on poking our noses where they're not wanted."
"Thank you for sparing us your valuable time, Mareschal. We shall of course let you know of any other news which may be of interest." Akhan made his most diplomatic bow and looked to Eloi to see if he, or any of the rest of the team, had anything to add.
"I have something to add," Smokelight said, looking levelly at the Mareschal. "I owe you an apology as well, for some of my mordant comments, that I'd made earlier. I couldn't help but feel frustration over the events surrounding Kyros' death, but it was certainly wrong to take out that frustration on you. I don't know if Kyros deserved what he got or not - it just gets me to wondering... How much should someone be condemned for their past? Can't you "become a different person" as time goes on? Nevermind, I'll keep the rest of my philosophising to myself. Suffice it to say I'm sorry for my harsh words from earlier.
"But back to the matter at hand. If you could get a Sheriff's warrant and the resources to do a surprise raid, say tomorrow night, that would be of tremendous help. Of course we will accompany the raid. I have a strong feeling we will need all of the help we can get there. I also have a feeling time is running out - don't ask, it's just a hunch."
"We'd best be off now", Eloi said. "There's so much to be done."
As they went to leave, Veshper ushered them back in.
"I almost forgot," he said, "there's someone I want to introduce to you. I was going to wait until tomorrow, but he might be of some help to you. Helden Graveleaf is a friend of mine form the Abbor-Alz, east of Greyhawk - we trained as rangers together, though he is no longer in our strict order. I think perhaps if you have an assassin after you, you could use a warrior such as him to bolster your defences."
Veshper left them all waiting, and returned ten minutes later with the stranger in tow.
The man was tall, mostly Oeridian in heritage, with a dark tanned skin, but with unusual reddish hair and a scraggly auburn beard. he sported the drab greens and browns of a woodsman, and did not seem to be wearing any armour. In his left hand he held a short spear, and sported a long dagger at his side. Across his chest was a woodsman's longbow, and a black leather quiver, hanging at the left side, which held red-flighted arrows. His face seemed dour and thunderous, betraying a serious side to his character.
"Gentlefolks, meet Helden Graveleaf," the Mareschal said before introducing them all individually. Helden's grasp was firm as they all shook hands. "He is fully aware of the situation at hand here."
Akhan and Eloi's faces betrayed their disbelief at the Mareschal's actions - he had, without authority or even courtesy, told an outsider of their actions in Gradsul. The Mareschal stood there grinning, proud as a peacock, as though taunting them both into challenging him.
Smokelight chuckled.
Filled with rage, Eloi almost spat out his words as he asked, "What exactly do you find so amusing!"
Akhan's jaw dropped.
"For fuck's sake!" he declared, finally taking a good look at this 'Helden'. "I'd have thought your neck would have been longer my man!"
Eloi stared at Helden for a moment as Cinion declared, "By my hairy feet, I don't believe this!" Adder was completely lost at what was going on.
"Kyros!" Eloi said with great disbelief. "But they said..."
His voice trailed off as a beaming grin broke across Helden's face.
"We saw you hanged," Akhan stated questioningly. "How?" He looked
expectantly to Veshper.
"I'll let Helden explain," he said, making his way to the door. "The guard outside the door can show you out once you're finished here - it is perhaps the best place to have the one and only telling of the true happenings here today. If you come by here tomorrow evening I will let you know how we stand with the arena."
Eloi looked at the group. "Well, we are back together again, given this new revalation let's ajourn to the 'Golden Anchor' and agree our next course of action. Veshper, we have been sorely mistaken about you. Please join our discussions at the for your asistance will prove valuable in the coming days."
The Mareschal shook his head as he went out.
"I have a home to get to, Eloi. I will see you all tomorrow. I wouldn't advise you all talking about the goings on in the Golden Anchor, Eloi - rememberthat Halstus is out there, and knows that you haunt that place. My office is safe enough for that kind of talk."
As the door shut, he shouted back, "And no more catastrophes, please!"
Five pairs of eyes looked expectantly towards Helden Graveleaf.

Eloi said to Helden, "Well, you have a lot of explaining to do! Probably better to do it with a cold beer in front of you, eh?"
At the Mareschal's exit Cinion seemed to emerge from behind Smokelight once more.
"He's right," he squeaked. "Maybe the Golden Anchor is getting a bit overused. I'm certainly not going to be staying there -if this 'Whisper' snatched me from there, perhaps he will be watching to see if he can pick us up there again. I'm finding a new place to stay - perhaps you had better do so too, Ka-er-Helden. And maybe you ought not to wander out with us, just in case we're being watched."
"Yes I'll need new lodgings. Shall we hold off on the drink and have our discussion here? A new member to your team, however disguised, is still sure to raise Halstus' suspicions." Helden privately thought that to ask Eloi, and Smokelight, to hold off on the sloshing was as likely to happen as finding a washed goblin. "The Golden Anchor is 'hot', from what you've told me so far."
"Maybe we should sit down," Helden waved around generally, "I think they have tea," and watched his teammates grimace.
"I say we have our discussion here, but as for holding off the drink..." Smokelight produced his own bottle, and took a swig before offering it to the others... "I need one after this surprise." He looked at Helden and laughed.
"It's good to have you back!" Smokelight declared. "We'll need all the help we can get, since we are soon to raid the arena, which is likely near the center of the Scarlet Ones' plot. Incidentally, I agree with our halfling that we avoid the repitions of pattern, until this is over. Helden shouldn't be seen in public with us, and we should avoid the places we've been staying or frequenting. Personally, I'd much rather strike that be struck at, and I'm sure you all agree with me. We'd better lie low and stay together until the raid is at hand."
Helden rubbed the back of his neck. He couldn't stop grinning as he looked at his companions. It was a terribly pleasurable thing to be alive, he thought to himself.
"This is all thanks to the Mareschal actually. It seemed absurd, pointless to let me be executed on account of that Nyrondese bastard. But apparently Keoish-Nyrondese ties are extremely sensitive at the moment, and status quo had to be maintained."
"It was an illusion - a man due to be hanged died in my place; his family compensated for the honour of serving the country. In return Keoland retains the services of their favourite Nyrondese, or Aerdi, as you might well know by now. That mangy cur Halstus will return to Nyrond bringing news of my execution."
"As far as Oerth is concerned my friends, Kyros 'Sablefist' Telliran no longer exists except in the memories of those who knew him. It's Helden Graveleaf now." Helden thought about that for a moment. It was one thing to go about in disguise, as he used to do. It was quite another to permanently forget his past, and think of himself as Helden. "It's not magical, this disguise," Helden scratched his fake beard, "I lost that useful hat of mine. I had to do this the old fashioned way. The name and appearance is an old acquaintance of mine, now dead."
"It was the Mareschal's idea. I judged that he could be trusted unlike that maniac we met in Tringlee, and filled him in on the activities we've discovered no far. This Veshper is quite intent on eradicating the Brotherhood threat and will do everything in his power to help us. The legwork is still ours to do though. Well, I'll hear no more of the name Kyros, " Helden said, "fill me in quickly, and let's get to work." He stared at the only person in the group he didn't know, and nodded to Adder.
"This is a secure room. We can openly discuss our plans here before moving on."
"Well pickle my balls..." Akhan said wonderingly, still staring at Helden in shock. The relief was wonderful though, and he let out a whoop and rushed over to shake his friend's hand. "You sly bastard, Olidamarra must have a very soft spot for you!" Akhan crowed, still shaking Helden's hand vigorously. Turning to the others he laughed, "Hahaha, and Halstus lapping it all up and thinking he'd done for him!"
Eventually remembering to stop shaking Helden's hand, he recalled the formalities which were necessary and stepped over towards Adder. "'Helden', let me introduce you to the newest member of Thoggin's Illustrious Griffin Team," Akhan said, beaming from ear to ear. "Adder Pelgrin, who's already helped us out of more than one or two scrapes already." Akhan's face creased up with his revived spirits and he addressed Adder next saying, "Adder Pelgrin, allow me to formally introduce you to our ex-team member and newest team member all rolled into one: Helden Graveleaf, as we must call him from now on!"
Adder nodded towards the priest, finally getting to meet him face-to face and alive. Here was another, it seemed, whose final strands remained to be woven. Perhaps more than the Laughing Rogue enjoyed watching foolish mortals play their games. His eyebrows raised at Akhan's statement that the fight against the zombies was a little sword-exercise. Many had died that night, and Adder had almost joined them the next day!
Adder's thoughts were still on the ioun stone. One of the benefits of having traveled far and wide, as he had, was the fortune of seeing many spells and magical items. He knew that there were many types of these stones, and that some contained spells within them, like another magical ring could. The benefit of such an item was that anyone could cast the spell contained within, regardless of the bearer's arcane or priestly abilities. Perhaps the stone contained some high level magics and had been given to an agent for use on that gate? If so, that stone would be very valuable indeed. Of course, it could also be some meaningless decoy.
"You probably heard me telling Eloi about Helden's arrest last night," Akhan explained to Adder. "That's why I was here at the Umberdtine when you caught up with me; and it was the Nyrondese Major Halstus who you overheard asking about us in the Golden Anchor. Halstus wanted Helden dead and would have got his way too if it hadn't been for our lucky Mareschal Veshper!" Briefest of explanations to Adder of Helden's presence over, Akhan quickly surmised what had all happened since Kyros was arrested.
Akhan's effusive relief at Helden's existence warmed the priest's heart. And so did Eloi's swearing and Smokelight's chuckle for that matter. It was good to know that he had been missed, good to know that it mattered to his companions. It was a relief to be back with the team. Helden made a mental note to buy the half-elf all the drinks he wanted for as long as he can remember. Akhan's grin was infectious, and Helden was happily absorbed in the half-elf recap of the events that had transpired during his stay in prison that he had almost missed the Nyrondese ambassador's name.
"Wolff!" Helden nearly jumped out of his skin at the mention of this name from his past. "I have a clear feeling that he's the one this Whisper's after. Lord Wolff is a hero of Nyrond, and, as I came to know later, when he once saved my life, a mover and shaker in the affairs of the underbelly of Rel Mord as well. I don't know then, if he's being targeted in order to stymie the collaboration between Nyrond and Keoland, or whether there is some other powerplay going on between Nyrond and the Scarlet Ones. Wolff can hold his own, which is presumably why they've sent one of the best to get him. This Whisper sounds highly dangerous indeed."
Looking to Eloi, Akhan said, "Is there anything else you want to add? There was the information about the Redemptionists possibly coming into some money. Have you thought any more about that?" Akhan turned back to grin at Helden though, unable to hide how glad he was at their friend's unexpected escape .
Eloi shrugged at Akhan's statement. "I think you have covered everything. As to the Redemptionists, who knows? I purely remarked that it would be funny if their new found wealth turned out to be the fake money that was in the crates from the Shelliak. We know that O'Shad and his brother seemed intent on distributing the money, using it to purchase parts for their gate."
He looked at the ensemble, it was good to see the party together again."After we have carried out our raid on the arena then perhaps we should consider taking out one of the players, probably Gelder. I am more drawn into believing that Gelders is purely a Scarlet Brotherhood puppet, and if provoked I assume he would break like a twig spilling what he knows. At worst we would have relieved the Scarlet Brotherhood of a valuable contact in Gradsul. At best we could be one step closer to discovering the reason the Scarlet Brotherhood are here and what they are up to."
"Anyone have anything to add on the idea?"
"Where do you all propose we should stay?" Smokelight asked.
"I have an idea," Cinion said. "I have a friend who stays in Gradsul - in the Gartten ward actually, quite a nice place. He is out of town at the moment, and if we could, ahem, gain entrance I am sure he would forgive us, especially if we leave him something in thanks."
"We could use Cinion's place as a safehouse of sorts and switch to a different tavern every other day," Smokelight suggested. "I hope that Halstus bastard leaves town soon. Was there anything else that was uncovered at Meyrit's? And it's interesting that we haven't seen 'Red' Hannay since."
"I suggest we 'lean heavily' on Gelders sometime soon as well, maybe check out his place. We don't have to wait for Starday for Akhan to meet with him."
"Having the strumpet's and merchant's properties watched all sound like good ideas and I think we could make good use of the Tollstratz lads there again. They wouldn't be able to track O'Shad if he was serious about not being seen - he certainly disappeared from Hannay's easily enough. But they could tell us comings and goings, during the day at least. The night is another matter entirely. I wouldn't rate their chances up against Whisper then. We have to decide if we're going to devote some of of our time to watching these places at night."
"Another possible angle of attack would be to do a little digging into this business of Gelders'. The Brotherhood are obviously using him as a front for their purchases. So, I for one would like to know what's been on his shopping list recently," Akhan winked amusedly at them all, "apart from his visits with expensive trollops like Red Hannay perhaps."
"Okay, if everyone agrees then I think the plan will unfold as follows. We raid the arena with the help of the Mareschals and shut down the Scarlet Brotherhood's operation there. Following the raid and depending on the outcome I suggest that we then swiftly act and take Gelders into custody, confiscating the contents of the second crate if it is still stored at his warehouse."
Eloi smirked. He was starting to feel more positive about their mission.
He laughed. "If we strangle their operation at the heart then perhaps we can force them to show their hand or make a mistake. Whatever, we have done enough sniffing around. It is time for some action."
He sat back and put his hands behind his head. "I think you will all agree that today has been very tiring. If no-one has any objections then I vote that we return to Cinion's safe house and get some rest. I have a feeling that tomorrow is going to be a long and exhausting day. We can also plan tomorrows course of action in more detail."
Akhan straightened his tunic and then sat on the edge of the Mareschal's desk. Mischievously, he then began rearranging some of the objects which had been arranged so neatly on its surface. "We could easily occupy ourselves with investigating Gelder's business dealings tomorrow, before we hit the arena. The question I want to hear your opinions on is whether we should have a rummage around in Gelders' warehouse tonight?"
At Akhan's suggestion of raiding the warehouse tonight, Smokelight shook his head.
"I agree with Eloi. Let's raid the arena first before anything else, and just lie low until we do that. Then we can go after Gelders, small fry that he probably is. Assuming we are agreed, I'm turning in. It's been a long day." Smokelight headed for the door and the others slowly followed, also tired.

As they awakened one by one, it took them a minute to rmember where they were. Cinion's friend 'Tuft' (a nickname, for the name on the door was 'Kanto Whittle') had a nice house, tidy and well-equipped, but it was designed mostly for one person, and a very small person at that. Still there was nothing unusual for this lot to sleep on the floor, with their packs as pillows.
Soon they had made their way to the kitchen, only to discover, since Tuft was out of town, that the halfling's usually overflowing larder was bare of all except the dryest, least palatable and tasteless foodstuffs. Eloi did find a small keg of alcoholic cider, and that was soon opened to quench a breakfast thirst.
"Try to be as careful as you can," Cinion twittered as Eloi gulped down his first glass noisily. "He is my friend, and we are uninvited here. I'd at least like it all to be in one piece when he returns." He had been eternally grateful to Smokelight for magically opening the back door.
"Anyway, what will we do until the raid on the arena? Maybe we should find our mark - I'd agree, we need to take some action here, but we haven't really gotten to know Gelders or O'Shad yet. Come to think of it, we've hardly even seen them.  If we get a few hours watching them, maybe we'll better know if the time has come to take them out, or not as the case may be."
Cinion pulled out an apple, which he had filched from somewhere, from his sack, and bit into it. His face twisted and he threw it towards the door, spitting the bitten apple into his hand.
"And I need some proper breakfast once we decide on our plans. As Papa Whitewillow would say, "A hearty breakfast keeps the dentist away!"
Smokelight tried not look too disappointed at the scarce pickings in the little house owned by Cinion's halfling friend. His belly rumbled and growled, but he figured it was better to go hungry for now, and avoid any public taverns or inns, at least before the raid.
Helden work up this morning, distinctly grouchy from the scratchy fake beard he decided to leave on the entire night. He thought he'd try to get used to it for a day or two. Evidently it didn't sit well with him and he spent the better part of the early morning tugging and re-affixing it.
"Besides what Cinion has mentioned, this Shebberd O'Harle might be worth a little enquiry, if only to find out how he and his bunch came about the money. Sounds like an oaf by your description, but it might be very interesting to find out what services they rendered in return for the gold they currently have. Maybe a false lead, maybe not."
Akhan chuckled ruefully at Helden's description of Shebbed O'Harle being an oaf. "How much do you know about O'Harle and the
Redemptionists, Helden?" He looked round at Smokelight, Cinion and Adder too and added, "Maybe I should go over what Eloi and I know about them."
Scratching at the morning's stubble, he thought for a minute. "O'Harle was a very effective officer in the King's service and he commanded a crack unit - real death and glory boys. They were responsible for buying the time for the ambush of the Hordes to be set on the Trail of Tears. Unfortunately, O'Harle's brother was not out of the same mould and he was executed for desertion. This soured O'Harle's loyalty somewhat and he defected with his men just before the Battle of Galden Field. They have now joined a group of anti-Royalists called Redemption. They're basically opposed to King Kimbertos and his line and their support lies mainly in the South. It's got some historical basis to it - I think a Southern contender for the throne was beaten by the Skotti line. Anyway, O'Harle's military expertise and burning desire for revenge has rejuvenated Redemption and he's already attacked the Umberdtine so who knows what else they're planning. If they have been duped with this fake gold then I wouldn't fancy Gelders' or O'Shad's chances when they get a hold of either of them."
"Eloi and I came across them when we were pursuing those responsible for the attempted assassination of the King. We identified the King's chamberlain Lominstrall as one of the main conspirators but were warned off him by O'Harle who told us they wanted Lominstrall for themselves to dispose of. I'm not sure we ever found out the reason for their interest in Lominstrall but I suppose it could have had something to do with O'Harle's brother's execution." Akhan shrugged that aside. "Anyway, I only tell you all this because of their combat ability. We definitely don't want to get into a stand up fight with the Redemptionists. It'd probably be very expensive in blood and at the moment they're no more than a side-show for us."
"Also," Helden continued, "there are six of us. I was just going to ask how we engage opponents, in anticipation of tonight's activities. General chaotic free-for-all? That's bound to go down the drain quickly. I suggest three pairs of two, or two of three." Helden looked toward Eloi for instruction - it wasn't his place to propose anything of this sort. The half-orc might already have his own strategy.
"And I'd suggest breakfast somewhere." Helden looked at the near empty larder with disdain.
Eloi was searching high and low through the cupboards for more cider."Stay in the same teams we were in when we came here. Akhan, Kyros, you two together, Adder and Cinion together and Smokelight is with me. One thing though these teams are only if we cannot stay together as a group or are split up in a fight."
"Teaming up sounds good to me," Cinion said. "It will give us a better chance against this Whisper - against anyone, for that matter. Anyway, speaking of Whisper, I definitely agree that the waifs are no match for him. He just about done for the lot of us - it would be sending the lambs to the wolf's door. But there must be some things we can use them for."
"You are right," Eloi said. "Perhaps the waifs can be put to better and safer use. Why don't we get them to trail Gelders whilst we are involved in the raid on the arena."
"Last night," Cinion interrupted, "you said something about taking Gelders into custody, Eloi. That sounded a bit official - I'd think the best we could offer, wihtout any proof or evidence, was an abduction, and then we need to think of where we are going to hold him and other matters. I still think its a bit soon to be going after Gelders directly, but you're the boss. Maybe we should find out a bit more about him before that - what are his daily comings and goings? We might find a weak spot. What about when he visits Hannay's? Then we kill two birds, maybe even three, with the one stone! Perhaps even four, if Whisper is tagging along as per usual."
Eloi smiled at Cinion's suggestions. "I like your ideas. It would make sense to make the attempt to capture Gelder's at 'Red Hannay's house. He would be least on his guard. At the same time we could also capture the whore as well. Find out what she has to do with things or at least get a good shag."
He looked forlornly around the small kitchen, he could not unearth any more drink. "Well, the cupboards are bare. Might I suggest that we find Dayvitz and get his friends into action then head to the Gaol for our rendezvous with Veshper and his Mareschals."

They quickly returned to the Peloran Temple, a beautiful, bright building filled with natural sunlight through the clever use of architecture and mirrors. One of the priests there attended to them immediately, and seemed shocked at their arrival.
"Why, it is you!" the priest spluttered.
Eloi almost panicked, wondering what he might have stolen from the man in some dark alleyway of the Flanaess's many towns and cities, but the man seemed pleased rather than angry, so he relaxed. He did not recognise him, but Akhan seemed to know him from somewhere - he did not sport the long, straggly, unkempt hair and beard now, and had thankfully gained a few pounds since the last time they had seen him, on death's door.
"From Torrisz Keep!" the priest declared, sensing that they did not truly remember him. "You rescued me there - Bekkar, Bekkar A'Crinnell. I didn't get the chance to thank you then, you have my deepest gratitude. I have taken a rest from adventuring and am doing work here for a while, until I feel fully recovered. Please, anything I can help you with in Gradsul, be sure to let me know."
Their brief meeting over Bekkar took them through to the boy, who was stuffing his face with a variety of food laid out on a table in the kitchen.
Bekkar seemed to sense their hunger, perhaps from the drool that dripped from Eloi's gaping maw.
"Please," he said, "help yourselves if you are hungry."
Bekkar left them as they sat down and joined Dyavitz in his morning meal.
Eloi ruffled Dayvitz hair with his hand as he sat down beside the boy. "How are you lad? We have need of the help of you and your friends. You know the merchant Gelder's? We want you to keep an eye on him today. We want to know his daily routine. Where he goes, who is with him, who he sees. Do you think you can help? There will be a few coins in it for you."
Eloi waited on the boys response and tucked into the food that was laid out on the table.
Dyavitz looked up at Eloi.
"I like it here," he said. "They take care of yer. What if that man gets me? I saw what he did ter Meyrit, and she was following folks fer yer too. yer never protected her from him, what about me?!"
The boy stared intensely at Eloi, awaiting his reply.
Adder cracked a smirk, knowing that those words would be the young child's reply. Perhaps the wisdom of the priests had rubbed off on this Dayvitz.
"Sorry Eloi," Helden interjected, "the boy is right. We've treated him shabbily. He's just been through a hell of an experience. I've got no countenance formaking him run our errands again. Not for a couple of Merkke. We'll do the legwork ourselves." Helden leaned forward to make his intention clear to Eloi. He didn't particularly want to undermine the half-orc's authority in public, but this was important enough for him to speak out, to bother, the half-orc's pride be damned.
Akhan joined the rest of the party in their embarassed silence. He was tempted to leave some money with the Pelorans to look after Dayvitz until they'd dealt with the small matter of the Brotherhood's rogue assassin. But he couldn't bring himself to interrupt while he watched Eloi dangle on the hook of the waif's accusing gaze.
Eloi smiled - Dayvitz had been through a lot in the past few days, he had seen what he could only consider to be a monster gut and butcher his adopted mother. Whisper scared the shit out of Eloi, he wondered what effect the assassin had on the boy. It was probably better that he stay in the company of the Priests of Pelor than their ratbag bunch.
He ruffled Dayvitz's hair once more. "Stay here lad, and take care. Rest assured that by the end of this Whisper shall be dead, by my own hands if given half the chance. You have my promise that Meyrit will be avenged."
He paused then continued. "We shall return to see you once our business in Gradsul is finished."
He stood and walked over to Bekkar. Eloi was concerned that the boy was falling into the bottomless pit that had engulfed him as a boy. He had seen the only person who had cared for him brutaly murdered. It would be enough to send anyone over the brink. Perhaps for the time being the company of these caring priests would be the bnest place for the boy.
Eloi spoke quietly to Bekkar. "Take care of the boy. I want the temple to take care of him. Keep him off streets. It is no way of life for one so, young. He has already seen more than most men need see in a lifetime. I will send the Temple a small sum every year. I want it put to good use in educating the boy and giving him a decent upbringing. I will return before I leave Gradsul to make the proper arrangements."and had a few quiet words out of earshot from the others. He then turned to the others. "Well, what are we waiting for we have our little trip to the arena to sort out."
"I'd like to swing by Halykk's place," Akhan said. "I need to see if any of the staff are still alive, I haven't fed Ash in the past day or so."
His usual grin suggested that he was only half-joking. For the first time, Eloi realised that Akhan was wearing different clothes from the previous day - more foppish and 'modern', he recognised them too. It was a suit of clothing he had seen Hamman wear many months before, and he presumed that these had been left to Akhan by him. He reckoned it would be above even Akhan's low standards to steal from the dead - well, a dead friend anyway!
"And if we've time, maybe we should do a bit of delving into Gelders' past and his associations in town," he suggested.
"Yes, I think we should dig up some dirt on Gelders. Akhan, if you are swinging by Halykk see if he has anything else useful to add."
Helden, still musing about the Redemptionists, said, "If indeed O'Harle's money comes from Gelders, then gentlemen, we have our work cut out for us. All we have to do is bring to O'Harle's attention that he'd been played for a fool and leave him to take care of Gelders for us." Helden smiled wickedly. "All the more reason to go find out where the money's gone to."
"I should still try not to be seen with all of you. The connection would be too obvious. Maybe I should follow from behind." Helden reconsidered his last decision. "Then again, that's how I got arrested the last time."
"I'll go get Ash myself then," Akhan said, grabbing a bit of bread and a chunk of cheese from the table.
"Ah'll fweek out Hawykk," he continued, almost spraying the bite he had just taken from the bread around the room, "and kurm bock heeyar."
He paused for a second, realising how undignified and untintelligible he had been, grabbing a flagon of wine from the table to wash down the offending mouthful.
"Aaaahhh! Sorry about that, I'm ravenous," he said, wiping his mouth. "I won't be too long, I'll make sure I'm not followed."
With that, Akhan left in a hurry.

Akhan came back in about half an hour later, with a backpack slung across one shoulder and a fevered Ash slinking about his heels. He placed the pack in front of Helden.
"This stuff belonged to my friend Kyros," Akhan said with a smile. "None of us would have it as we knew him, you should take it."
Akhan sat down, and Ash sniffed around the table, greeting everyone in turnbefore cleaning the floor, then the table, of scraps.
"Halykk was at home, thankfully," he continued. "He seemed very excited - he's done a bit of delving, and although he's not come up with anything concrete, he's more than a might suspicious of Gelders. Seems our man sidled into Gradsul merchant life about ten years ago, a minor player at first, no-one who would be noticed. After a few years his business began to grow noticeably, but by then he was a known and respected quantity, and things have just boomed since then."
Akhan snatched a big, ripe tomato from the table before Ash could lift it and took a delicious bite.
"Only other thing he could tell me is that Gelders has a mistress, who is Hannay. Apparently he quite often excuses himself early from their weekly guild post-meeting sessions to go and partake of her services - when did you see Gelders, or rather this man who soudns like Gelders, at Hannay's house Cinion."
Cinion had to think carefully - he was missing a couple of days, so he had to work it all out.
"The night I was kicked off the downpipe by Whisper," Cinion said. "Starday."
Akhan shrugged in a 'there-you-go' fashion.
"The guild meeting is every Starday," he said. "So we've a good idea that on Starday our man Gelders will excuse himself from their drinking and go to Hannay's house. What's more, that should mean there's no-one at his house, or at least he's not going to be there."
Akhan rescued a piece of ham to join his tomato and grinned smugly at the others.
As Akhan munched and waited for the others' comments, he couldn't help but notice again the scar on Smokelight's neck, which in the wonderful light of the Peloran Temple seemed to glint golden.
"Good job," Smokelight said to Akhan and Cinion. "Now we can check out Gelders' place without worrying about his personal interference. Of course, we have more pressing matters attending to us first, which includes the searching of the arena. I expect the worst: a full scale battle. Just to let you both know, I will be using as much magical detection and scrying as I have, once we are there, to attempt to locate anything - or anyone - that is hidden. I will accompany the group invisibly, because I believe that is the best way for me to do my detection and spellcasting unnoticed. If I notice anything out of the ordinary, I will whisper to you guys."
Smokelight drummed his fingers on the table. He was anxious to get moving.
"There may be ratmen that we have to fight. I forgot to mention that to the Mareschal. We should make sure that he and his men have silvered weapons, at least as backup weapons, just in case. That also applies to our own teammates who do not have magical weapons."
"Can someone send a message to the Mareschal?" Smokelight asked. "To make sure he and all of his men have silvered weapons. We need to warn him of what we may face, and I don't recall if we told him all the details about the arena."
"A wise suggestion" replied Adder. "You may have saved untold soldier's lives. Whether or not the Marescal has a stockpile of silver weapons is another matter. If the rat-men get wind of our coming, they will most likely run before we get there. I think only if we manage to trap some of them will they fight. I imagine the law in Gradsul doesn't look kindly upon most were-creatures."
"Is it a fight we want?" Cinion asked. "Should we risk the life of even one of us, or even one of Veshper's men? It might be safer to 'let them' flee, leave a gap in our attack and then deal with what's left. If we get their backs against the wall they'll come out fighting - surely all we're interested in is the gold and the gate? We can always watch the ones that are fleeing and pick off who we want, otherwise we'll spend the whole night battling werecreatures - now I'm fine with that, but you guys," he said motioning towards Helden and Smokelight, "there's a little more at stake for you!"
"When are we planning to hit the place anyway?" he asked. "I'd volunteer to take the message to Veshper, but I'm sort of allergic to lawmen, so I'd rather not. Anyone got a plan for what we do once we're in the place?"
"I understand what you're saying, Cinion," Smokelight said to the little halfling. "But we have to be prepared for the worst possible case. I won't risk our lives or the lives of Veshper's men needlessly. On the other hand, these are evil folk, conspirators and murderers - we can't just 'let them go.' Our job is to thwart the Scarlet Brotherhood's plans here, so we should deal that vile organization as severe a blow as we can."
"Still, we are not marching to war, tonight, so your point is taken. But it may escalate into quite a battle, and if that happens, I don't want us to be slaughtered. As far as our plan... Hmmm...." Smokelight took out his pipe and bit on it while he was thinking. He shoved a plug of black pipeweed into it, but did not light it.
"Perhaps we can ask one of the Peloran priests to accompany us as well? Maybe the one Eloi and Akhan saved previously. Just as a precautionary measure, for emergency healing or in case we run up against undead foes. For this evening, we are going to follow in the Mareschal's wake, and let him do the talking and do his job. He has procedures he will follow, and we shouldn't get in his way. Essentially, we're backing him up, and there to look for clues. I'll be invisible, peering about and casting information gathering spells. I'll keep continuous verbal contact with one of you, to keep you all informed of what I learn. Also, if we are ambushed, perhaps I can counter-surprise our foes.
Eloi smiled at Smokelight's suggestion. "We are not going to the arena to fight. We are purely going on an information gathering expedition. Remember, the Scarlet Brotherhood are not stupid. They will have realise that their cover at the arena is blown and will have shifted their operation elsewhere. I am not going there expecting a fight. If you wish a priest to come along then so be it."
"Cinion, I know you're wary of the law," Smokelight said. "Understandably so. But I would appreciate it if you would visit Veshper and warn him of possible ratmen foes. You are light of step and know how to keep to the shadows. I'd prefer none of us we're seen again outdoors before tonight, and you have the best chance of stealth. I need to retire to a study or a vestry, since I'd like to go over some spells."
"I will go then," Cinion said. "I may as well wait for you others there, you can let me know anything else I need  when you arrive in an hour or so."
Cinion left to warn the Mareschal.
"Now, if you'll also excuse me," Smokelight said as he went to speak with one of the priests, and left the room.

Smokelight found Bekkar and asked if there was a private room in which he might study uninterrupted. The priest eagerly tended to his needs and soon he had safely locked himself inside a small vestry.
"Youngster!" the old mage exclaimed, almost joyously, as his image flickered before Smokelight with a barely perceptible hum. "How go the crows?"
Mordenkainen had become aware of Smokelight's crow connections of late, but made the mistake of asking after them as though they were pets of some sort -  another of the old man's annoying habits. He merely forced a grin and nodded, before launching characteristically into the facts behind his current situation. As he spoke, Mordenkainen seemed to become more interested, sitting down and scratching his nose as he always did whilst thinking.
"Masks and daggers!" he exclaimed. "A gate in Gradsul!" he shook his head in disdain, clutching his forehead as though another worry line had just formed there. "Otto," he continued, "why Otto would have nothing to do with this sort of jiggery-pokery."
"I know that," Smokelight said impatiently, wondering which of them was the wise master and which the student. "But did he ever have a student who might?"
Rolling his eyes up as he thought, Mordenkainen moved his head slowly from side to side.
"Student," he murmured, "no, not that I..."
His voice trailed off.
"There was a woman he was involved with," he said without further explanation.
Smokelight waited for a minute before adding, "And..."
Mordenkainen shrugged, "She was a singer, a fledgeling mage when they met, and Otto was a mere wizard at that time. Their affair was brief, but as I recall her home was somewhere in the southern Sheldomar. Cherry, or Sherry, or something like that she was called, its been so long Smokelight..."
The nose was being scratched again when the words blurted from Smokelight's mouth. "Chary A'Creel!"
Mordenkainen noodded, this time smugly.
"Our memory serves us well," he said. "Chary A'Creel, a fine looking woman. She sang for Otto, he cooked for her - they lived together for two years or thereabouts, and I know not why they parted, but theirs was a stormy affair. Chary saw things Otto found hard to believe. She dreamed songs that told of things to come, and he had a difficult time with this - you know how 'logical' magic is to him, he could not see method in her portents."
"He does not like the unexplained, that's for sure," Smokelight stated. "But where would I find her."
Mordenkainen turned smug again.
"In Creel, of course. you should have noticed the people in southern Keoland often are known as O'Something or A'Something. It means 'of', so Chary comes from the town or village of Creel, wherever that is. Try there for starters, I have a feelign she went home once their affair ended."
A fleeting vision entered Smokleight's mind of a woman, fair of skin and dark of hair, who spoke in a beautiful, lilting voice, and flicked her long hair aside at regular intervals.
"Is there anything more I can help you with, son?"
"No, I believe that will do," Smokelight answered his progenitor. "Thank your for your help... in, ah, jogging my memory. Of course, it is appreciated. Tell me, how does everything go with you? The other members of the Citadel? I trust all is well."
"The Circle, Smokelight," Mordenkainen corrected him. "The Citadel is long gone, we are a Circle now - or were. What with Tenser and Otiluke dead and Rary turned against us, there's not much left - but we are reforming. I hope to have replaced them in the next few months, I have my eye on some 'new talent'."
Smokelight could hear the sorrow in Mordenkainen's voice as he spoke of their three acquaintances, now gone from their world.
"I'll go back to my work, my son," the mage said, sounding deflated. "Be sure to keep in touch."
Smokelight nodded and with a touch to the ring his 'father' faded then disappeared altogether. With a sigh, he stood up, unlocked the door and returned to the others.

"We'll see if the Peloran priest wants to join us. Otherwise you'd have to make do with an ex-Olidammaran one." Helden fussed with his beard, a habit which annoyed himself greatly. "I've some healing spells memorised, and will be quite liberal with holding them in their tracks. If we need to convince one of them to our point of view, I probably can do that too. Otherwise, I'm engaging them with these," with a wave of his spear and a rattle of his scabbard. "Signal to me if you need attention and I'll pull back."
"The question is," Eloi interjected, "what do we do in the interim? Perhaps a wander down to Gelder's house then on to his warehouse?"
"Yes to both," Helden nodded at the half-orc. "Both Gelders' house and warehouse. Not as a big group of six though?"Helden raised his eyebrows. "I've been sitting in a cell too long, I need to get out and stretch."
Adder replied to Helden."Eloi just said we should avoid splitting up. Therefore, although all of us may be abit more than needed, I agree with him. For now, when we investigate where there is potential for trouble, especially from uninvited guests, we should go as a unit."
"I've got a mind to dig into the port records," Akhan said. "If Gelders is procuring materials for the Brotherhood then it may be interesting to see just where he's been receiving deliveries from and what they're listed as carrying.
"The other thing is that this would not be the low-down thieving port I think it is if there weren't bits and pieces of those cargoes going missing. It would be nice to talk to someone who'd had a peek into the contents."
Akhan added, "Remember that we're not likely to spot anything from the outward appearance of Gelders' or Hannay's places. The most we're likely to get from swinging past them is a glimpse of one of our marks. And, as we're off to the arena soon we're not going to be able to arrange a tail unless we split the team." Akhan shrugged. "I guess I'm just nosey but I want to know more about Gelders' operation. What's it to be, Your Perspicaciousness?"
Eloi shrugged. "You are probably right Akhan, there is little to be achieved at the moment from an outward look at these buildings. However, we do need to know Gelder's day-to-day movements. Perhaps we should split. Smokelight and Adder could spend the few hours before our visit to the arena pitched outside Gelder's house. If Gelder's leaves then follow him and see where he goes."
Adder rolled his eyes upward as Eloi turned to go. Hadn't this same "man" just lectured everyone about splitting up just recently? No matter.
Eloi looked at Helden then to Akhan. "We will go and see the harbour master. We are already known by him and should hopefully be able to illicit some details of Gelder's business."
Before leaving Eloi spoke to Smokelight and Adder. "We'll meet up at the gaol for the sting at the arena."
"Fine," Smokelight replied. "Don't be late!"

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