Chapter 11: This Civilized Veneer

[Ken]

Team B

Once Sneev is out of sight, Belarin pockets the wand and says softly in his own voice, "THANK you, Shorak, Syrdan ... much appreciated. Not my most prized possession, but it has come in handy since we've been here."

He readjusts his spectacles yet again, makes sure his hair is ridiculously flat, and says as Nerrin, "'Where to,' Shorak? Well, to see that Kalarian fellow at the hellhole where he's staying. Now that Lord Streko here has confirmed his wealth -- to my surprise -- it's time to continue negotiations. Was 'Sneev' really his name? Did his parents name him that? No wonder he turned to a life of crime! Wait ... is Redoubt still getting his dents worked out? Faw! Oh well, let's wait for him back near the entrance, then we'll head back together. He'll fuss if he doesn't see me.

"What about you and your charming companion, Mallan?" he says to Syrdan. "You may accompany us ... or we can keep our rendezvous this afternoon as discussed."

[Jeff]

Team B

Sneev nods vigorously at the half-drow, then slinks off slowly so as not to induce any pursuit. But it looks to Shorak and everyone else that he's sufficiently too spooked to linger, and he vanishes out of sight before long.

It's only about ten more minutes before Adamant emerges, with Spindrift beside him. The warforged, even in the dim light of this under-market corridor, is gleaming! His clothes are the only thing interrupting the shine. It takes him a moment, but eventually he spots Streko...then Shorak...then Belarin, who seems to stand deeper in the shadows than normal. Two figures in white and gray stand just to the side of them, like muted phantoms. Adamant realizes it's Syrdan and Lerrhana!

[Jeff]

Team K

Rinti nods at Kal's words of warning about working for Deneith. "Thank you, my lord Kal." She fidgets as she walks. "I really can't...don't know...what to say to you." Changing the subject quickly, she points to the distant spires of Lorsmarch Palace, which rival but not quite exceed the Lyrandar airship docking tower for height.

"Are we going there tonight?" She says it with such wonder like she knows it's not fathomable that she'd ever be allowed inside such an edifice of wealth and power.

[Mike]

Team B

"My pleasure, Belarin," Syrdan responds quietly in Elven. "And who knows, perhaps this unforeseen situation can work to our advantage."

The elf solemnly hands the wand over to Belarin. "I'm glad this was the only thing taken from you, Master Nerrin," he says. "My employers would've been very distressed if the map went missing." He gives Shorak an appreciative nod. "You have my thanks, as well as your master's, I'm sure."

"As for accompanying you ... yes, I think we shall." Syrdan smirks slightly as he begins to walk alongside Belarin, Streko, and Shorak, making sure that Lerrhana is never far from him. "Perhaps I can persuade you that whatever this Kalarian fellow can offer you for the map, my employers will most assuredly offer more."

[Brian]

Team K

Rinti:

"Are we going there tonight?" She says it with such wonder like she knows it's not fathomable that she'd ever be allowed inside such an edifice of wealth and power.

"Do not mistake kindness, however heartfelt or genuine, with inclusion," Condign says to the girl. "At least, not yet. Status is like climbing a ladder, and my lord Kalarian has just placed you on first rung. You have many years of climbing to do before you would be allowed into the palace. Besides, our business tonight holds too much potential danger for you to come along." He smiles at the young girl. "You will be assigned responsibilities. Boring, mundane, safe responsibilities. Until such time that your lord feels you can handle more. Do you understand?"

[Darren]

Team K

Kal opens his mouth to speak, but Condign speaks first. He watches the tiefling thoughtfully, and nods when he is done. "Condign speaks true, Rinti. You must work your way up, and I believe you shall. Look at Eren, whom we met yesterday. She was not born into the house, and yet she now serves as the assistant to Lord Greigur himself. If you remember yourself, if you are smart and you are always paying attention, you can rise to that kind of status, too." Kal smiles. "As for tonight, you will accompany us to see Lord Greigur this evening, and then you will likely be given responsibilities with other House Deneith pages for the evening. IF that includes traveling to the palace, it is likely that you will serve in the kitchens. But do not expect more than that."

Kal quickens a few paces, then leans down to whisper into Rinti's ear. "However, when I return through Stormreach after my mission is complete and return across the sea, I will take you with me. I assure you I will be feasted grandly when we get there, and I will allow you to attend with me." Kal grins, slaps Rinti on the back, and resumes his whistling as he strolls to meet with Belarin and the others.

[Jeff]

Team K

At first, Rinti gets a mischievous look on her face when Condign starts to speak, like she wants to counter the tiefling's words or treat them in jest. But then she just nods, a little glumly. "I understand."

When Kal speaks, she brightens a little bit. "I don't know anything about kitchens...but all right."

_________________________

So where the heck are Kal and Condign going right not? Help me help move you along.

"Look at Eren, whom we met yesterday. She was not born into the house, and yet she now serves as the assistant to Lord Greigur himself."

Kudos, Darren, for remembering this. Sometimes you surprise me with remembering some things.

[Dave W.]

Team B

Sept 21, 2012 1:30:57 GMT -4 Jeff said:

It's only about ten more minutes before Adamant emerges, with Spindrift beside him. The warforged, even in the dim light of this under-market corridor, is gleaming! His clothes are the only thing interrupting the shine. It takes him a moment, but eventually he spots Streko...then Shorak...then Belarin, who seems to stand deeper in the shadows than normal. Two figures in white and gray stand just to the side of them, like muted phantoms. Adamant realizes it's Syrdan and Lerrhana!

Adamant eagerly moves through the crowd, barely suppressing the need to wave joyfully. Streams of light reflect off his skin brightly.

"Oh my! I feel newly minted! I feel so light and bright and oiled that I could do cartwheels! Would you like to see? I've never done one before but I just know I could... And it is so good to see you all... " Adamant reaches a bright metal arm towards Syrdan, "And especially Syr..."  a look from Belarin drains the childish joy from the warforged.

Adamant nervously pulls back the hand and rubs his smooth, bright head and the tries to adjust the torn, burnt talberd, "Ummm... I mean, Sir, that I haven't met... Ummm.. I am Ad... Umm... Redoubt. I am Master Nerrin's guard."

[Dave B.]

Shorak looks at Adamant and smiles broadly. "Well, Redoubt, I don't think you'll be joining me on any scouting missions any time soon." He squints his eyes and shades them with his hand. "You gleam so brightly, you are like the brightest torch keeping darkness at bay."

Motioning towards Syrdan. "This is Master Mallan. It seems he is also interested in bidding for the map."

[Joe]

TEAM B

Streko squints. "Did the sun just move into my eyes for a moment? Indeed, Dol Arrah Herself must be envious. You will blind your enemies with Her radiance, there is no doubt."

He nods toward his warforged friend and speaks softly, almost in whisper, "Please, my friend, no cartwheels. That might not look exactly guard-like, if you catch my meaning."

[Jeff]

Spindrift bids farewell to the group, playing along and only waving mildly to the "strangers" in the group, and then heads off, leaving Adamant only with, "You know where I can be found."

Within the hour, both groups have returned to, and meet up again at, the Cornerstone, where only a sparse crew of hollow- and haunted-eyed Cyrans have gathered for early-in-the drinking. You can return to Larest's suite where the others are or talk in the common room.

[Darren]

Returning first to the inn, Kal sees that his group has arrived before Belarin's. He says loudly to Condign, "Despite your objections, Condign, I will meet with that man privately in my rooms. I will not discuss our business down here..." Kal's boots thump on the stairs as he climbs them towards their suite.

[Brian]

"Certainly, my lord," Condign says as he follows Kal up the stairs. "I was simply doing my job by pointing out the dangers of such a decision. Yours, of course, is the final say."

[Mike]

Team B

Sept 22, 2012 11:06:14 GMT -4 Dave W. said:

Adamant nervously pulls back the hand and rubs his smooth, bright head and the tries to adjust the torn, burnt talberd, "Ummm... I mean, Sir, that I haven't met... Ummm.. I am Ad... Umm... Redoubt. I am Master Nerrin's guard."

"I am Mallan," Syrdan says. "My companion here is called Rhae. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance."

The elf gives Belarin/Nerrin a quizzical look. "It's quite an entourage you keep, sir. My employers said you were an interesting man ... I can see why."

Syrdan follows his companions to the Cornerstone, keeping an eye out for those who might be watching them or following them as he walks through the streets of Stormreach.

[Ken]

Nerrin seems to swell with pride at the compliment. "Oh, DO they? Heh. Well, Mallan, I am glad to have not disappointed you. Come along, you lot, come along... Shorak, Redoubt, lead the way! Redoubt, oh DO try to not get yourself smudged so quickly this time! We have important appointments to keep with potential buyers, and my bargaining position will assuredly be weakened if you look like a house fell on you again. My word...!"

As they approach the Cornerstone and again see the poor, displaced Cyrans, Belarin can't help but spare a sympathetic glance at Adamant. He knows the warforged feels anguish over their plight, and probably feels doubly uncomfortable now that his form is so shiny and clean. As Nerrin, all Belarin can offer to his large friend is a halting "You're ... a good bodyguard, Redoubt. Well done."

Walking through the common area toward the stairs, he returns more fully to character and says gleefully to Streko, "NOW let's see how arrogant your Deneith friend is when he discovers I've brought another possible bidder with me!"

[Dave B.]

Shorak happily leads the way back to the inn. He continues to keep a lookout for anything untoward. Especially, any potential pickpockets or cutpurses.

[Dave W.]

Sept 25, 2012 14:03:18 GMT -4 Ken said:

Nerrin seems to swell with pride at the compliment. "Oh, DO they? Heh. Well, Mallan, I am glad to have not disappointed you. Come along, you lot, come along... Shorak, Redoubt, lead the way! Redoubt, oh DO try to not get yourself smudged so quickly this time! We have important appointments to keep with potential buyers, and my bargaining position will assuredly be weakened if you look like a house fell on you again. My word...!"

"Ah, of course Master Nerrin, next time I will try to dodge the collapsing house, I should have thought of that," Adamant says brightly. He sets off for the Cornerstone, not skipping but there's lightness to his movement. The heat doesn't seem oppressive, they warm him.

As they approach the Cornerstone and again see the poor, displaced Cyrans, Belarin can't help but spare a sympathetic glance at Adamant. He knows the warforged feels anguish over their plight, and probably feels doubly uncomfortable now that his form is so shiny and clean. As Nerrin, all Belarin can offer to his large friend is a halting "You're ... a good bodyguard, Redoubt. Well done."

As Adamant moves past his countrymen, his steps regain their weight. He seems distracted for a moment but returns to his touchstone: Duty. He returns to the role of bodyguard just as Belarin extends his kindness. The shiny metal head nods.

The heat seems oppressive again.

[Joe]

Streko also notices the Cyrans and feels a weight on his chest. "These people did nothing to deserve the suffering inflicted upon them. May Olladra's fortune and goodwill shine upon them and grant them Her favor," he says, hoping his prayer is taken as intended by his Warforged friend...and the hint to his own belief in Dol Arrah grants him some tiny measure of strength.

Walking through the common area toward the stairs, he returns more fully to character and says gleefully to Streko, "NOW let's see how arrogant your Deneith friend is when he discovers I've brought another possible bidder with me!"

"Ask, and you shall receive," Streko mutters with a smile. "This will likely enflame his plumage that much more. My Lord likes nothing more than a challenge to overcome and conquer."

[Ken]

Teams Reunited*

Limping his way up the stairs -- and finally out of sight of strangers -- Nerrin knocks loudly on the door twice, and then says in annoyance, "Damned impudence! Keeping me waiting..." as he opens the door and continues, "... and about time, Lord Kalarian! Your wealth does not buy good manners, it seems, young man!"

Belarin steps in, smiles broadly at his other companions, and takes off Nerrin's spectacles as he continues in Nerrin's voice, "A shame for you as I've attracted yet another interested party..." With a theatrical wave, he beckons Syrdan and Lerrhana to enter. Before Kal or Condign can say anything, he says with emphasis, "This is Mallan and his charming friend, Rhea."

He waits until all the members of the party are inside, and then he closes the door and stretches to his full height. "And as you might guess," he says, now speaking in his own voice, "they have some handy information."

He scans the rooms of their suite to see who else may be present. Disappointment is evident on his face.

________________________________
*And it feels so good...!

[Darren]

Kal grins as Belarin comes in the room. He sits in a chair with his feet propped up, looking like the cat who ate the canary. He takes a deep breath, and then his chest deflates like an empty sail when he sees Syrdan come in the room. His heels thump hard into the ground and he stands up. "My gods! It is good to see you again, my friend!" Kal walks quickly across the room and claps the elf on the shoulder. He offers a low bow to Lehranna. "And you, My Lady. I'm pleased to see you well, and even more to see you prepared for a fight."

Kalarian begins to pace the center of the room, regaining his flair for the theatrical. "My friends! Oh, my friends. I have done it!" He whirls to face Belarin, his cloak billowing behind him. "I have acquired invitations to Lorsmarch Palace tonight. And not just for myself and Streko, but for all of us!" Kal stands smiling with his hands folded behind his back, waiting for the praise to come.

[Brian]

Condign steps up to Syrdan and clasps the elf's hand, then turns to bow to Lerhanna. "It is good to see you both," he adds with a hint of a smile.

"Yes," the tiefling says when Kal is finished. "Our boisterous friend has indeed managed to secure our admission, but for a price." Condign relates the conversation between Kal and Greigur. "While I agree that he did what was necessary to achieve our goal, I worry about the consequences. This Lord Greigur is an impressive man, and I would not underestimate him."

He turns to Belarin. "This city is tense. You can feel it in the air. News of the Eye has drawn many to Stormreach. It is like a nest of angry bees out there, and we have just thrown a rock at it. I would expect some response, possible before our commitment tonight."

Finally, he looks to Adamant, raising a hand as if to shade his eyes. "Brightly done, my friend. Brightly done."

[Dave W.]

Sept 25, 2012 22:14:24 GMT -4 Joe said:

Streko also notices the Cyrans and feels a weight on his chest.  "These people did nothing to deserve the suffering inflicted upon them.  May Olladra's fortune and goodwill shine upon them and grant them Her favor," he says, hoping his prayer is taken as intended by his Warforged friend...and the hint to his own belief in Dol Arrah grants him some tiny measure of strength.

"Thank you Master Streko," Adamant replies to the halflings prayer, "it is encouraging to know that others see the plight of these people." the reply seems too formal to his own ear but the circumstances require that he still play the part of Nerrin's bodyguard. Adamant tries to lighten his steps. He brings to mind how kind all of the Travvens have been and finds that it is possible to move with some of that previous joy.

Sept 27, 2012 6:44:05 GMT -4 Brian said:

Finally, he looks to Adamant, raising a hand as if to shade his eyes. "Brightly done, my friend. Brightly done."

"oh, yes, very brightly! And well oiled as well! I had offered to demonstrate a cartwheel earlier... Hmmm, I'm not sure the downstairs neighbors would take that well." 

Adamant turns to Syrdan and offers his hand, "I'm sorry I could not greet you properly before, my friend. Belarin and Shorak have been teaching me to dissemble. They are very good teachers."

Finally, he faces Lerhanna and attempts a courtly bow, "My lady, I confess I'm uncertain how I should propperly address you."

[Jeff]

Lerrhana, still quite pale but obviously just born that way, colors just a little bit with all the knowing new looks and greetings. But clad in armor and carrying weapons again, she has obviously recovered some dignity.

She smiles at Adamant. "Please do not address me differently, Adamant. I am not a royal to Cyrans. Instead, I am humbled to be among you, to be counted as an ally and not as a jewel to be hidden away. I am Lerrhana. That is how I wish to be addressed." Somehow she still manages to state this, softly, like an order, like a royal.

Sem Darlesh, Larest, and Starg make their greetings as well. Larest appears to be pondering the situation, but Sem waves at him. "Not a chance, professor. Things are complicated enough, no? I don't think a secret royal is leverage here. You'll only draw undue attention."

Larest shrugs. "Of course."

When Kal and then Condign relate their news about Greigur, Larest sinks into his chair at one of the suite's desks and ponders. His expression is a war of both alarm and opportunity. "Have you spoken of the rest of us?" he asks either Condign or Kal. "It is not imperative that we"—he indicates himself, Sem, and Starg—"attend this gala. I am, of course, more concerned with House Deneith's intervention and whose expedition you will be traveling with." Real concern seems plain in his eyes.

Sem shakes his head. "Uh-oh. Tension. Well, if loyalty is becoming a problem, I suggest we at least table it for now then fight about it later. Remember, no one's getting the Eye until someone figures out where it's going to be. That's the first problem. And personally, I think the Coin Lords know something about it. I think that's what tonight's about. The Coin Lords can show off anytime. They do, in fact. All the time. But tonight's guests aren't merchant-princes and local power figures. Tonight's guests appear to be foreigners, dragonmarked lords, mercenaries...people who look like they're preparing for a race. So I'd say...tonight is worth focusing on."

"By the way..." The Zil looks to Kal in particular. "Unlike some, I've been putting magic to use, not just a flapping tongue. In particular, one of the rituals I taught you. I've picked up some rumors in a few choice places. Some word of a potentially reliable map to the Eye of Azalar has begun to make some rounds. It's being talked about."

There is a silence for a moment, which is then broken by Starg. He looks to Syrdan. "What information do you bring, Syrdan?"

[Mike]

Sept 27, 2012 8:13:49 GMT -4 Dave W. said:

Adamant turns to Syrdan and offers his hand, "I'm sorry I could not greet you properly before, my friend. Belarin and Shorak have been teaching me to dissemble. They are very good teachers."

"No apologies are necessary, my friend," Syrdan says. He shakes Adamant's hand with a genuine warmth. "Subterfuge, it seems, is the watchword of late. And indeed ... I think you have quite excellent instructors for the task at hand."

Sept 27, 2012 1:16:45 GMT -4 Darren said:

KKal walks quickly across the room and claps the elf on the shoulder. He offers a low bow to Lehranna. "And you, My Lady. I'm pleased to see you well, and even more to see you prepared for a fight."

"Likewise, it's quite good to see you as well," Syrdan says to Kal. He gives his head a slight nod, in respectful deference to the d'Deneith heir. "It seems we've all found a certain amount of success in our missions."

The elf listens quietly as the others begin to speak, standing in a darkened corner, his arms folded across his chest. He nods patiently as the others make their points, thinking of how all the tiny pieces of information being unveiled fit together.

"Two things of note," Syrdan says, when Starg finally addresses him. "One - Major Krez is here in Stormreach. Presumably not too far from here, either. The Patriot, however, is still not in port, so make of that what you will." The elf looks over at Sem. "I'd wager a few galifars that Krez is one of the Coin Lord's invited guests tonight, but that's just a guess on my part. But if I'm right, our race may have just gotten a little more interesting."

"The second is the location of the White Raven, one of Krez's associates. He's currently holed up at a place called the Black Freighter. He may have information about the Eye - and Krez - that we might be able to use, should we be able to persuade him." Syrdan drums his gloved fingers against the wall. "Whether that's by force or coin, who knows? But he's a mercenary. Perhaps he can be bought."

[Joe]

Streko chuckles. "White Raven? At the Black Freighter? Does no one else see the humor in this? Or perhaps this is an opportunity to present an ambush? Bait to lure us to our dooms. But, Hosts, really, White Raven and Black Freighter? Such interesting names for such interesting things.

"And regarding our not-quite-dead-but-oh-so-deadly friend, Major Krez. May I suggest we all resist the urge to separate while the sun is down and alert the others should outside attempts at separation be attempted.

"Gods above and below, but I sound like a paranoid gnome with too much gold and not enough room to hide it all. My apologies. I haven't been the same since our abduction from Sharn, I fear. I don't even trust myself any longer.

"Well, not much anyway. I'm not completely hopeless.

"I hope."

[Dave B.]

Shorak settles himself in a corner to observe the proceedings. He relaxes in the chair, his eyes drooping slightly. But, he's not fooling anyone. By now everyone knows this trick of his. He pretends to be uninterested and bored, almost sleepy. Yet, he doesn't miss a thing happening around him or a word said.

[Ken]

Belarin smiles with delight at the news that Kal has secured their admission to the gala, but the smile disappears gradually as Condign provides the details.

"Well done, gentlemen," he says slowly. He looks at Kalarian, but he says nothing as Larest and the others join the conversation -- although he does smile proudly at Sem's description of their successful rumormongering.

He finally says, "Kal, I'm sure that your discussion with Greigur had to be tense at times. But... I'm worried that you may have created a no-win situation for yourself. You tempt Greigur with Nerrin's map -- and succeed so well that Greigur wants to see it! Bravo. What if he discovers that it's a fake? You then look like a fool ... at best. A deceiver playing games with House Deneith's reputation at worst.

"Or if he does completely accept the map's authenticity -- it IS marvelous -- he may seek to purchase it. Perhaps even steal it; I mean no offense to the man, just raising the possibility. Or what if he insists that you accompany him -- I share some of Larest's anxiety about that, even if our reasons are different. Chances are that he'll eventually realize that the map is as valuable as the paper he wipes his ass with...! What then for you, Kal? What then?"

He places his hand on Kal's shoulder and looks at him steadfastly. Then he breaks out in a laugh. "And it's thoroughly MAD!" he says gleefully. "I didn't know you had it in you, Kal! Of course, I'll support your insane gambit as best as I can. It's been a while since I walked a verbal tightrope like this! It's bracing!"

He claps his hand on Kal's shoulder again and turns toward Syrdan. "And yes, a visit to the White Raven seems in order. Soon. I enjoy plucking feathers. That reminds me...." He looks to Larest, Sem, and Starg. "Any news from Histra?"

[Darren]

Kal's smile slowly melts into a frown as Condign relates the details of his conversation with Greigur. "Hm. Well, yes, I did have to give away a bit more than I had hoped. But all is not lost my friends," Kal raises a finger and begins to smile again, "for I have a plan."

Kal again paces the floor, his voice gaining speed as he talks. He occasionally jabs at the air to punctuate his words. "You see, I did not reveal EVERYTHING to Greigur. You, Larest, were left out of my conversation, and I do not intend to reveal you to him unless forced. Sorry, but you will not be attending the party tonight. Starg, I'd like to keep you out of it, for now, as well. Sem, on the other hand, is free to attend if he chooses, and I would be glad for your expertise." Here Kal offers a respectful nod to the gnome. "It is true that I tempted Greigur with the map, and it is true that he may discover it is a fake, but in this I am not worried. What I revealed to Greigur is that I was working a deception, and for that reason I did not wish to reveal the identities of my companions. Should Greigur discover them on his own, then I can simply reveal our deception to him and hope that he will play along. If he accepts it, we can attempt to sell it to one of our competitors and if Greigur proves to be a valuable ally after the party, we can reveal the deception to him at that time. It is only if Greigur chooses to acquire the map for himself that we may have difficulties, and I believe our only choice will, again, be to reveal our deception at that time. And still this works to our advantage as we can show the man that our deception was so good that even the 'mighty Lord' Greigur himself was fooled!" Kal let's out a satisfied laugh. "You see, my friends? It is perfect!"

Kalarian turns to face Larest, but as he talks he looks to each person in the room. "I do not intend to turn our expedition over to Greigur, but I will not turn down the help of Deneith, either. It will be crucial to convince Greigur that it is *I* who lead this expedition. Our best hope is to be able to add his resources to our own. I made no promise to join his expedition; only to listen and consider. But I believe we can convince him and I believe we can make use of what Deneith has to offer." Kal's circuit around the room ends where it began, in front of Larest. "I told you, Professor, that I made no promises about what I would do with the Eye if we found it. I still make no promises. Perhaps I *will* turn it over to my House. Perhaps I will let you 'escape' with it. You will simply have to trust me as you have asked us to trust you, even without cause."

Kal stops, letting silence hang in the air. The unasked question, "Are you with me?"

[Brian]

While Kal details his plans, Condign listens with his arms crossed over his broad chest. When his friend is done, he uncrosses his arms and rubs at his forehead with one red-skinned hand.

"It is a plan, indeed," he says to Kal. "And therefore a good start. But do not forget, you have committed to telling Lord Greigur the names of your companions. Agreed, you did not mention the failed professor or the others, but I had always assumed that they would be coming with us. So, how are you going to avoid mentioning them tonight, given they will be accompanying us on the search?

"And do not forget, you are a scion of House d'Deneith. Once you have given your word--and make no mistake, you have implied cooperation--Lord Greigur will expect your allegiance to fall with House d'Deneith. Break that trust, and I fear you risk expulsion from the House, dragonmarked or no. That is a terrible risk, my friend. And, perhaps, one that is too high a price to pay?"

[Jeff]

. "Subterfuge, it seems, is the watchword of late."

Sem offers a slight bow and smile to Syrdan. "Welcome to the life of a Zil."

Larest says, "It would be interesting if Krez and his allies were in attendance at the gala. While the Coin Lords keep some interesting company, they do forbid violence within their halls. Curiously, there may be no safer place to meet him again."

"But, Hosts, really, White Raven and Black Freighter? Such interesting names for such interesting things."

Sem sticks his finger out at Streko and chuckles. "Says the halfling with a domino for a holy symbol!"

"I would like," Larest interrupts, "Nothing more than to keep my name out of Lord Greigur's head. He is a lord of Deneith and a Sentinel Marshal. Though this may be a lawless town, Marshals bring law whever they go, at least in their minds. We will accept his help, but you do not want his...executive judgement."

Larest sighs and adjusts his circlet, wiping at his brow as if suddenly anxious at the many possibilities. "Indeed, be careful with this man, Kal. You do play a deadly game—"

"I like it," quips Sem.

"—but I think you've done well. You've secured invitations to the only event that matters this evening and haven't actually committed all of your own resources to this man. I think this is the best we could have hoped for."

He looks to Larest, Sem, and Starg. "Any news from Histra?"

Starg shakes his head. Sem merely says, "I think she's been making contact with the Stormreach branch of her family. Perhaps she has a bone to pick with some of them?" He grins.

"So where are we going next?" Rinti asks, interrupting the moment.