Chapter 11: This Civilized Veneer

[Ken]

Accompanied by Streko and Shorak, Belarin/Nerrin limps his way across one street, seemingly enthralled by the sight of a well-dressed -- even genteel -- orc, or at least a half-orc with few evident human traits. "My word," he says to his companions as Nerrin, "this place certainly does have wondrous sights. Wondrously distasteful, of course. Have you tried the local cuisine, Lord Streko? Most unappealing. Too... fishy. Eh, what's that? Say again?"

He leans in closer and says in a lower, more Belarin-like voice to Streko and Shorak, "So then, Shorak, you've gotten that damn paperwork done, yes? Excellent, even if I do find the necessity of it personally repugnant. The need for Sivs identification papers make some of my favorite tasks much harder to accomplish!

"Streko, any thoughts on securing an invitation to the Coin Lords' fest this evening? It might be worth finding out if any members of House Jorasco have aided one of those folks recently.... OOOH, my back! Really, Nerrin, how do you walk about with this hunchback? Well, no, of course I know it's not by choice, Nerrin!" He shakes his head and he looks up with Nerrin's petulant eyes. "Annoying little man," Nerrin says. "It's so crowded in that head at times."

[Dave B.]

"I figure it couldn't hurt to have proper identification. At least, for the long term, it could come in handy."

He then looks over at the Merrow Down. He smiles in appreciation for the ship's captain. Even at this distance he can make out her fine form. Not a bit diminished by the now easily viewed dragon marks. He hopes it won't be too long before they can meet again.

[Joe]

Streko blinks, not quite sure what to make of the conversation going on between Belarin and Belarin, or Nerrin. He shakes his head, as if hoping the cobwebs will become unfixed and offer insight.

They do not.

He sighs. "I am leaving that up to Lord Kalarian and House Deneith, although I will be happy to add my two galifars and House Jorasco's interest into it, should I be approached or asked.

"For all my gregariousness, I must admit to some small amount of social awkwardness at times. Especially amongst those of higher economic stature. After all, I was not born and raised into House Jorasco. I merely stumbled across it, so to speak."

[Dave W.]

As they approach the Merrow Down Adamant quietly speaks to his friends, "I will meet up with you back at the rooms. There is no need to fear, Redoubt needs his knee fixed and the Down's Mate knows where to get that done. There is no dissembling necessary and I will keep myself out of trouble."

Adamant waves back cheerfully back to the crew and moves up the gang plank.

 

Aug 26, 2012 18:03:24 GMT -4 Jeff said:

Morsha spots Adamant and smiles grimly. "Keep an eye out, 'forged," she says, then points up towards some of the cliffs that encircle Stormreach on the south side. When he turns to look, he can see some distant, draconic shapes winging about near the clifftops. Wyverns, he thinks.

Adamant watches the wyverns for a moment then turns to Morsha. "Always good advice, Captain. I am pleased to see you are fit, recovered from your injury."

"I would request permission to borrow your First Mate, Captain. I am afraid recent... exertions ... have made me more eager to see an artificer.

"I understand he may have duties and would willingly help him complete them. Or if another time would be better...

[Jeff]

Captain Morsha calls Spindrift down from his work. When he sees Adamant, he waves and approaches. Morsha says, "Of course, ....yes, take Spindrift. He's useless to me right now anyway." Her words are said in obvious good humor.

"Greetings, Adamant," the other warforged says, either forgetting Adamant's new cover or else unconcerned that anyone would hear. There doesn't appear to be anyone else close enough to overhear anyway. Spindrift looks Adamant up and down. "You appear to have earned some new dings and scrapes, and....burns? It is definitely time to bring you to my associate."

Meanwhile, did Kal and Condign wish to head to the Deneith enclave?

[Darren]

Yup. That's what I was waiting for.

[Jeff]

I usually look for stated actions here in the main thread. The Q&A is just to talk things over.

[Darren]

Sorry. I missed the part of your previous post that asked what Kal and Condign were going to do next.

The letters having been delivered, Kal asks Rinti to lead him and Condign back to the Deneith enclave. Despite having been there only the day before, Kal is pretty certain he would get lost wandering the city right now. Although he appears to be taking in the sights as they walk along, he is actually making note of things around him, looking for landmarks and locations that could be used to tactical advantage should the need arise, much as the soldiers and commanders on the Talentan Plains had done during the War. You can never be too prepared, he thinks.

[Brian]

Following behind Kalarian and Rinti, Condign's senses remain alert to any unusual sights, sounds or smells...other than that of a rather drunk-looking dwarf whose last bath must have been several moons ago.

Building soar on either side of the road, which itself twists and turns as if that drunk dwarf he'd just passed had designed it. He soon realizes that Rinti is a valuable asset here in city: he and his friends--well, except Shorak--would soon be hopelessly lost. Having her here allows them to continue their charade more effectively.

The Coin Lords' fete tonight--a prickly problem, that one is. Condign turns the dragon's suggestion over in his mind, considering the possible benefits and dangers, until the surfaces are all worn smooth.

He simply does not have enough information, and the potential gains are too great to miss.

He would have to be at his best tonight, a shield against the unknown dangers of the mysterious Coin Lords and his friends.

He suppresses a chuckle. At least tonight held the promise of a little fun.

[Dave W.]

Aug 29, 2012 11:30:39 GMT -4 Jeff said:

Captain Morsha calls Spindrift down from his work. When he sees Adamant, he waves and approaches. Morsha says, "Of course, ....yes, take Spindrift. He's useless to me right now anyway." Her words are said in obvious good humor.

"Yes, I get that a lot as well," Adamant returns with similar humor, "but in my case I have a difficult employer."

"Thank you Captain. I'll be sure to return him to you in working condition."

"Greetings, Adamant," the other warforged says, either forgetting Adamant's new cover or else unconcerned that anyone would hear. There doesn't appear to be anyone else close enough to overhear anyway. Spindrift looks Adamant up and down. "You appear to have earned some new dings and scrapes, and....burns? It is definitely time to bring you to my associate."

"Greetings, Spindrift. Yes, I'm afraid I had an adventure today. I can tell you all about it while we find your associate."

"Oh, and when we leave the ship you should probably call me Redoubt if that's all right. My humans have these complicated schemes and though Kal has the most amazing expressions, Belarin tends to talk to imaginary people when their plans go wrong."

-----------------------
As they walk, Adamant will tell Spindrift about Shorak's apartment. He'll downplay his part of course.

[Jeff]

Team K (Kal, Condign, Rinti, Tangat)

Your second day in Stormreach promises to be at least as interesting as the first. Even as Kal's entourage oozes through the streets, with Rinti in the lead and Condign and Tangat on their constant guard—the tiefling's eyes on the crowds, the dog's nose on the ground—you can all sense a tension among the populace. Still more ships are pulling into port, bringing foreigners and not just traders and pirates. The streets are lively, loud, disruptive. Several times Condign is forced to use his shield and push off on small brawls threatening to consume the street.

Tangat actually snaps at—but doesn't actually bite—a pickpocket that Rinti missed. But while you're still moving through the Harbor, you can see the half-elf girl is also on alert. Twice now she's caught the eye of another kid and warned them off with a gesture.

Soon you've entered Forgelight again, cut across it, and the House Deneith enclave once again rises up from its command on the hill at the northern edge of the city. Rinti points to a woman standing on the road at the base of the hill. "There's your girlfriend, Lord Kalarian." There is a tiny hint of resentment in her otherwise jesting tone.

Kal can see the woman is the Gold Blade, Bereschel, still positioned, unmoving, looking as refreshed as if she just arrived there. And in truth, she is still statuesque, blonde, and beautiful in her suit of chainmail, greeting those who approach and asking their business.

Team A (Adamant, Belarin, Shorak, Streko)

Spindrift listens to Adamant as he leads the way through the Harbor district. He shakes his head in imitation of a human's disbelief. "An interesting day you have had. I cannot say the same, as we have merely worked repairs for the ship. Since the Captain's dragonmarked identity has been revealed, we have felt many eyes on us and have actually expected some attacks. It is also only a matter of time before representatives of House Lyrandar come forth. It is inevitable. The Captain expects silvered, but unyielding words. I leave that to her, but we are ready to defend her at any moment. She hasn't decided how long we will remain in port. Presently, she is negotiating cargo contracts."

"So...Redoubt..." Spindrift says. "Of course. You are a walking earthwork, a bodyguard."

He changes direction, leading them towards Marketplace. "I know two highly-skilled artificers in this city who can assist you. The one of preference has a love/hate relationship with House Cannith. That means he does good work, but lately he prefers to freelance his trade without their knowledge. Which is technically illegal, given his license and contract with them. Are you comfortable with this, Redoubt?" Accordingly, Spindrift has lowered his voice.

The two warforged—one big, dented, tabarded, and scorched, the other slender and eyepatched—prove to be easy for Belarin, Shorak, and Streko to follow from a distance. The metal heads of Adamant and Spindrift both glint in the morning sun, making them easy enough to find even when the crowds get thick.

___________________________________

That's right. There's a A-Team now.

[Darren]

Team K

Kal takes an extra long stride to get in front of Rinti, then turns and kneels in front of her so his head is at her head height. The girl is forced to stop short or run directly into him. He holds up one finger in front of her face. "Now listen to me closely, Rinti. You are welcome to joke with me when we are in private or in the company of Condign or Streko, but you must hold your tongue when we are in public. Do you understand?" Kalarian nods before Rinti has a chance to respond, making her answer for her.

Rising again, Kal turns and strides confidently towards Bereschel. "Good morning, my lady," he says. "I am pleased to see you again, though still surprised to see you at this post. What news has the new day brought to you?"

[Dave W.]

Team A (Adamant, Belarin, Shorak, Streko)
Spindrift mentions the Captain's Dragonmark, Adamant shakes his head. "As if the concept of family were not complicated enough; I suppose sharing construction provides a connection. But then the dragonmarked can discover late in life that they are connected to a whole other set of beings because a mark appears on their surface. It's a mystery."

Aug 30, 2012 11:55:30 GMT -4 Jeff said:

[spindrift says]"I know two highly-skilled artificers in this city who can assist you. The one of preference has a love/hate relationship with House Cannith. That means he does good work, but lately he prefers to freelance his trade without their knowledge. Which is technically illegal, given his license and contract with them. Are you comfortable with this, Redoubt?" Accordingly, Spindrift has lowered his voice.

Adamant also lowers his voice, "Comfort? I was built to be a soldier, I'm not sure comfort is part of my construction. But I understand your consideration and appreciate it."

"I have always thought things should be simple...  I am finding that people make things more... complex."

"I'm not entirely certain how feel about this lawbraking to be honest. How much trouble would we be causing for him if he were caught doing this? I would not want him to suffer for me. Also, does he have cause to break this contract?"

"On the other hand," Adamant taps his damaged talberd above his chest, "I still carry the mark of my country, Cyre, that I was supposed to defend. Would he even consider me as a client?"
___________________________________

That's right. There's a A-Team now.

So we miss on every attack but the opponents still surrender?

[Jeff]

Team K

Rinti frowns but does not protest at Kal's admonishment. She just grows quiet.

"Good morning, my Lord Kalarian," Bereschel replies. "This post requires a body still, and it seems I'm still qualified." She is obviously still irked at this fact. "Did you secure an appointment with someone inside? If so, I shall not keep you from it."

Team A

Adamant:

"But then the dragonmarked can discover late in life that they are connected to a whole other set of beings because a mark appears on their surface. It's a mystery."

"Aye, it mystifies me." Spindrift taps his forehead. "Imagine if, years after waking in the fore, your ghulra suddenly changes. It is...our identity. That which marks as us unique. I suppose it could be comparable."

"I'm not entirely certain how feel about this lawbraking to be honest. How much trouble would we be causing for him if he were caught doing this? I would not want him to suffer for me. Also, does he have cause to break this contract?"

Spindrift gestures in puzzlement. "I assume he has. But I respect his work and his character enough not to confront him on the matter. Who would I be to do so, anyway? But...the dragonmarked houses like to control everything they touch. I would certainly chafe in my trade if I was required to sign on with a harbormaster's guild and at every turn have to pay fees just to be affiliated with that guild."

"On the other hand...I still carry the mark of my country, Cyre, that I was supposed to defend. Would he even consider me as a client?"

"I don't understand what the problem would be with that."

On the way towards the Bazaar—the massive red tent the size of a very large building—the Merrow's first mate leads through several alleyways filled with mysterious metal pipes which emerge from the street, stretch across some of the walls, then disappear down into the street again. They're warm, and small traces of steam issue forth from some of the joints. They crowd the alleys and obscure sight. Spindrift seems particularly on guard while leading through it.

"Don't mind the circuitous route. I prefer to shake any followers, as a rule. But stay alert, just in case."

Shorak is familiar with the the pipes. They're part of the Steam Tunnels, a mysterious and very old network of passages that weave beneath—and sometimes above—the streets. Even the locals who've lived here a long time have no idea why they were made, or what they do. But there are ways of getting inside them, too.

[Darren]

Team K

Kal smiles at Bereschel. "In fact, I have an appointment with 'Lord' Greigur himself." Kal places extra emphasis on the word, knowing that the Gold Blade holds him in similar contempt. He winks at her. "Well, I suppose I best get to it and not distract you further from your duties. I should be happy to see you again on my way out. I hope to find you here later."

If Bereschel has nothing else for him, Kal will continue into the enclave.

[Brian]

Team K

Condign mostly ignores the conversation between Kalarain and the Gold Blade soldier. He keeps his senses attuned to any unusual sight or sound, taking pains to check for anyone following them.

________________________

Can I get a Perception Check, please?

[Jeff]

Team K

This part of the approach to the Deneith enclave is rather open, exposed. Condign finds it easy to survey the scene in every direction, looking for watchful eyes. But the only eyes he sees are those of Deneith sentries. He feels it's safe enough.

"My lord," Bereschel says with a nod.

Kal leads his team up the hill and into the enclave. He isn't made to wait too long and, without even redirecting him to Eren, Greigur's assistant, the Deneith clerk immediately sends a guard from the Defenders Guild to escort Kal along. The armored guard greets Kal with a salute. He glances at Rinti, Tangat, and Condign, each glance more incredulous than the last. But as he's leading them through corridors in the fortress, he says, "I cannot promise Lord Greigur will allow your companions in his office, my lord. But when he heard of your presence and request for an audience, he immediately conceded. Our lord is already acquainted with your brother."

Eyeing Condign, the Defender goes on. "I do advise you to keep your weapons sheathed at all times." He looks at Condign's remarkable broadsword, the Vengeance Blade of Galifar he earned in Sharn. "That is a remarkable blade, Master Tiefling. And a fine scabbard." Condign senses genuine warrior's respect.

_______________________

Condign's Perception (1d20+4=22) check

[Dave B.]

Shorak follows behind Spindrift and Adamant/Redoubt as far back as is safe, so as not to leave Belarin/Nerrin or Streko behind. He does not forget to make sure that none of them are currently being followed. At some point he mentions the pipes to Belarin. He feels that Belarin would be interested in that bit of information.

[Brian]

Condign nods at the Defender. "Thank you, my lord. Both were a trail to gain." He firmly rests his hand on the hilt of his sword, letting the soldier know that he intends to keep the weapon sheathed.

[Joe]

On the way towards the Bazaar—the massive red tent the size of a very large building—the Merrow's first mate leads through several alleyways filled with mysterious metal pipes which emerge from the street, stretch across some of the walls, then disappear down into the street again. They're warm, and small traces of steam issue forth from some of the joints. They crowd the alleys and obscure sight. Spindrift seems particularly on guard while leading through it.

"My stomach is being spoken to, yet again. It's a wonder us Halflings don't end up looking like rolled dough with arms and legs, considering how much and how often we like to eat. I should like to keep going, otherwise I might have to buy some food.

"Also, I understand this is an excellent way to notice anyone following. Well done, my friends. Let us continue."

[Darren]

The butt of Kal's sharrash thuds hollowly on the ornate floor as he is led down the hallway. Thunk. "Oh, we do not intend to cause any trouble here." Thunk. "I'm insulted that you would even suggest it." Thunk. "If you know my family, you know better than to question my integrity." Kal grins as he hefts his sharrash to his shoulder, stopping the noise.

"As for my brother...is he here?" Kal casts a quick glance back at Condign. He's not quite sure how that reunion would go...

[Dave W.]

Team A
Adamant replies to the confusion he caused, "Well, I know very little of politics. I suppose I link the Cannith artificers and the Cyrian Army from my days in service. If you see no conflict them I'm sure there is none. So then, by all means let's go see this artificer."

When Spindrift takes them around the steam pipes, Adamant nods in agreement with the smaller warforged attempts to lose any followers. "After yesterday, I approve of your caution. I know I have a small number of enemies here already, though I'm not certain we would recognize each other."

"Are you concerned about anyone in particular? Is there something I should be on the lookout for?"

Ducking under a pipe, he adds, "I'm amazed they could find a way to make things hotter here..."

[Ken]

Sept 2, 2012 17:45:13 GMT -4 Dave B. said:

Shorak follows behind Spindrift and Adamant/Redoubt as far back as is safe, so as not to leave Belarin/Nerrin or Streko behind. He does not forget to make sure that none of them are currently being followed. At some point he mentions the pipes to Belarin. He feels that Belarin would be interested in that bit of information.

Belarin raises an un-Nerrin-like eyebrow and nods as Shorak imparts his knowledge of the Steam Tunnels. He says nothing at the moment; he doesn't want to distract the half-drow from the more important task of following Spindrift and Adamant.

To Streko, he says softly -- in an odd mix of Belarin & Nerrin -- "Ah, Lord Streko, what sights this city offers, yes? Still... I am glad to be a visitor and not a resident. The local 'authorities' are, as you've seen, a cruel lot. They make the Boromars back in Sharn seem like a carnival troupe. I know that it wasn't easy for you to swallow your anger earlier."

[Jeff]

Team K

The Defender nods at Condign, the simple acknowledgement obviously appreciated. After Kal speaks, the Defender falls silent. There is only an awkward silence and the sounds of your booted feet walking through the halls of the enclave.

Eventually he leads them to a door on one of the higher floors of the keep. Situated at the top of a broad spiral stair, it's probably in one of the towers. A pair of other Defenders, higher-ranking bodyguards, stand outside a set of double doors. You are admitted and left in the chamber beyond.

Lord Greigur's office, or at least an ante chamber in sight of his office: it's a circular room with ample seating, lamps, and prominent displays of the Ralesh family crest. Its proudest son, Lord Greigur Ralesh d'Deneith, is the lord and commander of this keep, a Sentinel Marshal himself, and its obvious his word is law here. Especially as the Five Nations have no sovereignty here in Xen'drik and can keep the dragonmarked houses even less in check.

Beyond an open threshold on the opposite side of the room and a short hall you can see a larger version of the same chamber, but it's got a massive desk as well and more windows looking down upon the city. The short hall between them has windows looking out to the sides as well. Runes carved into the threshold itself suggest warding or divination magic—maybe both—possibly meant to bar or analyze those who pass between them. Hard to say. Kal knows it's fairly customary for such wards in the chambers of persons of import: in a world full of changelings, assassins, and political rivals, it pays to be paranoid.

At the moment, you see no sign of Greigur. The Defender left you in the waiting room and you don't see anyone in the office.

Rinti, as always, looks intimidated to be here. Tangat just sits and pants happily.

[Jeff]

Team A

"Are you concerned about anyone in particular? Is there something I should be on the lookout for?"

Spindrift issues a sound that's almost like a laugh. "In particular? Aye, some, but mostly no. There is a saying here I'm rather fond of, that I regret I didn't coin: 'If you have enemies, some will be in Stormreach waiting for you. If you have none, you'll make some there.' And of course having met you and your fine companions, Redoubt, I know I've made some new ones."

The warforged goes on. "But in truth, I'm a known associate of Captain Morsha. That makes me a target. I have the benefit of inheriting her enemies. She has many. No one can count how many pirates she's ruined, or how many merchants she's angered. Some call her the pirate's pirate."

Spindrift at least leads you through some unassuming alley door into the Bazaar, the gigantic and permanent tent that houses the most prestigious and greatest stalls that Stormreach has to offer. Inside it's a mess of walkways, smaller tents, market stalls and ropes forming a complex tangle of sales stores, all encased in the giant red tent and lent a pinkish glow by the light that seeps through the fabric.

It's noisy in here, but also interesting. You see people of almost every race you've ever heard of moving about or talking to the merchants here. At the nearest stalls alone, you see:

A warforged clad in robes, grasping a staff of crystal, is demonstrating some sort of illusion magic to a group of humans. An orc and a human and arguing over an empty scabbard. A half-elf man, manacled and obviously roughed up, bows his head while his hobgoblin master peruses a table of unrecognizable objects.

"There are no laws against slavery in this city," Spindrift says quietly to Adamant, as in warning.

A human and halfling both man a booth of exotic carvings and wooden sculptures. One sculpture, the life size wood sculpture of a woman, looks like a nymph or dryad. When Belarin sees it, he feels a sobering quiet in his mind. The dark hollows of the eyes flicker with a small green light.

A pair of drow elves of one of the Vulkoor tribes, adorned in full scorpion carapace armor, appear to be discussing the purchase or sale of a greatsword clearly not of Xen'drik make. As you pass by, both elves immediately catch sight of Shorak. One of them, a female, looks disdainfully at him. He's seen that expression before: pity or disgust for an outcast, a clanless drow.

Streko does a double take when he spots a tiefling on one side of the ground floor's crowd. He stands like a sentry, in remarkably ornate golden armor, on some sort of platform, just surveying the Bazaar. He actually looks a lot like Condign, but seems to have none of the good humor of his red-skinned friend.

"My friend's workshop is beneath this place," Spindrift says. "We must cut across the main floor to the stairwell." He stops and looks at Adamant, then pauses and waits for Belarin, Shorak, and Streko to make sure they're following. In the closer quarters of the Bazaar, it seems like they can follow much closer; in fact, they'd have to or they'll lose sight of the two warforged. But Adamant can also tell that Spindrift is making sure they're not overcome by the sights of the Bazaar.

[Darren]

Team K

Kal studies Rinti, then quickly adjusts her clothing, smoothing out some wrinkles and straightening the garment. He tucks a stray wisp of hair behind one of her ears. "Lord Greigur is a very important man here, Rinti. If you wish to have a future with House Deneith, it is important to impress him. For now, that means remembering your place here. Speak only when spoken to. Observe, but try to appear that you are not eavesdropping. Above all, always be ready to obey whatever commands are given." He removes an invisible piece of lint from her shirt and then nods approval. "You will do fine."

Turning his attention to Condign, Kal grins. "Your job is simply to look fierce." He nods. "Excellent work. Greigur will be impressed."

Kalarian catches his reflection in a nearby mirror. He sighs, and does his best to improve his own appearance. He leans his sharrash carefully against the wall and reaches down to tighten several of the leather straps around his leg. He bends his knee a few times, testing the fit, then makes a few more adjustments. Satisfied, he sits down on a bench and folds his hands in his lap. Kal closes his eyes and takes several deep breaths, preparing for the meeting to come.

[Brian]

Team K
Kal:

Turning his attention to Condign, Kal grins. "Your job is simply to look fierce." He nods. "Excellent work. Greigur will be impressed."

Condign merely grunts at Kal's words. His human friend is obviously nervous, despite his attemtps at looking outwardly calm.

Nevertheless, the tiefling does adopt an appropriately stern expression. If Kalarian's brother is here, this could prove an interesting meeting.

[Dave B.]

Shorak barely gives the two drow a glance. He knows it's better to ignore those looks. Besides, he needs to stay focused in the crowded marketplace. He's thankful that Spindrift is making it easy to keep up with them. It allows him to spend the extra effort to keep an eye on his surroundings.

[Dave W.]

Team A
"Yes," Adamant agrees lightly, "if anyone can make enemies it's my friends and I. We're talented people."

Adamant nods at Spindrift's reminder about slavery, but he says nothing. The warforged takes no particular notice of the sculptors or the drow. He does have a similar reaction to the tiefling that Streko does. He pauses a second and looks for the warmth of Condign, but in this tiefling there appears to be only heat.

Sept 4, 2012 10:24:25 GMT -4 Jeff said:

"My friend's workshop is beneath this place," Spindrift says. "We must cut across the main floor to the stairwell." He stops and looks at Adamant, then pauses and waits for Belarin, Shorak, and Streko to make sure they're following. In the closer quarters of the Bazaar, it seems like they can follow much closer; in fact, they'd have to or they'll lose sight of the two warforged. But Adamant can also tell that Spindrift is making sure they're not overcome by the sights of the Bazaar.

Adamant stops with Spindrift and notices the smaller warforged's attention. A heavy metal hand is placed on a slimmer metal arm. "I appreciate your efforts and concerns for me and my friends, you are a good friend Spindrift."

The heavy hand lifts and waves in the direction of the stairwell, "Shall we?"

[Jeff]

Team K

Half an hour passes. Rinti fidgets, Tangat whines. But at last you see some motion across the threshold and the short hall in the office chamber beyond. "Come through," a man's voice says.

Team A

While Belarin looks at the woodcarvings and the fey-ish sculpture, the crowd around him tightens and presses against him. When the swell subsides, he feels the presence of two figures immediately behind him, and they're not Streko and Shorak.

"You have good eyes, human," a voice whispers. "But not good enough."