Part 1a: The city...

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Part 1a - The city... by Dworkin (GM)
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OOC - for Duncan and Derek as they wander about.

The market is extremely crowded, but the two men have little trouble making their way through the mass of people.  It seems that these folk don't like the idea of getting in their way...
All around them vendors are hawking their wares; "Fresh bread, ginger cakes, scones..." "Mackerel, caught this morning, get them here..." "Oven-cooked spiced fowl, buy them while their hot...", a thousand different delicacies, and a thousand more staples of life.
Then there are the clothes, the shoes, the jewellery, the pots, the ironwork... a seemingly endless variety of them.  Clearly Cadiniagart is a major trading centre, with goods coming in from far and wide.

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Re: Part 1a - The city... by Duncan
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Duncan wanders the market with Derek, cutting through the crowd as easily as a fish through water.  He dislikes such tightly packed masses of people, preferring the wode spaces and relative solitude of his homeland.
Perhaps people can sense his tension, they move out of his path as he approaches and then close in to fill the void left by his passing.
No matter, it makes things easier for himself and Derek.

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Looking around by Derek
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Was it his own bedraggled way? Was it the people sensed something? Or was it that big lug of a warrior in his wake? It seemed nobody really wanted to talk to them, no one approached them and even the undercover elements of the city were conspicious in their absence. Derek sighed. He might have to polish up his attire to more or less fit into the crowd. Again. He hated that. What was wrong with comfortable, old, ok maybe patched, clothing? Ah, well...

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Seems I am in need of some better clothes, my friend. I think I will browse there for a minute. You coming or has something else caught yer fancy?"

He turns to head for the nearest clothing stall, still keeping a lookout for any disturbance caused by thieving business and for good places to overlook the place. Also he watches for guards and undercover watchmen, resigned to first talk to the clothes merchant than someone else.

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Re: Looking around by Dworkin (GM)
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People are not avoiding the two men as such, they just know better than to jostle them the way they jostle each other.  There seems to almost be a barrier a few inches from Derek and Duncan, which pushes people aside as they move through the crowd.  Somehow nobody bumps into them, nobody treads on their toes, nobody tries to pick their pockets, nobody accidentally blocks their view of the goods on a stall...
The traders are happy to sell clothes to Derek, crying out the quality of their wares.

Suddenly a drum starts nearby, and people rush towards it as a man on stilts starts juggling flaming brands.  Still nobody knocks against the two visitors.  All eyes are turned towards the entertainer, but Derek turns to make some small remark to Duncan about the act, and from the corner of his eye he sees something odd.

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And off we go... by Derek
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Turning to Duncan as the juggling show starts in earnest, Derek smiles at the big man.

"Seems I found what I was looking for after all. That shop over there looks promising. I might be a few minutes, so enjoy the show or follow if ya wish."

Patting the larger man on the shoulder, Derek heads off on a course, thet brings him close to the shop he had noticed, but not directly and takes a bit of navigating some stalls. His purchases, all bundled up and slung over his left shoulder, and his clothes denote him more like a visiting commoner on an errand than anything else.

Walking along the building facade towards the shop door he keeps his surroundings in focus, trying to find out if anybody notices his 'desertion' of the show and if anybody is taking any actions in his direction.

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Re: And off we go... by Duncan
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Realising that Derek is up to something, Duncan's curiosity gets the better of him, so he decides to tag along and see what's happening.  He makes sure his knife is loose in its sheath in case of trouble.
"What iss it?  What iss happenink?"

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Moves by Derek
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Derek waits until Duncan is again with him, then whispers a few words to him. Still checking out the vicinity of the shop and his general surroundings he resumes walking closer, stopping right in front of the closed shop door.

After resettling the bundle on his left shoulder he tries to open the door, as if he was a customer or delivery man trying to enter his destination shop.

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The shop by Dworkin (GM)
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Glancing into the shop window, the two men see that it appears to be a cobblers.  The window display consists of various boots and shoes, backed by a heavy red velvet curtain.  It is impossible to see inside through the window because of the curtain.
A quiet check proves the entrance to be locked, and there is a Closed sign there, in the glass upper panel of the door.

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Re: The shop by Duncan
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Duncan smiles to hiself as he tries the door, then says to Derek, "Luckily I'm not widhout some skills in this sort of dhing."
He pulls something from his pocket, inserts it in the lock and jiggles and twists it for a moment or two.

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Re: The shop by Dworkin (GM)
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Duncan picks the lock with surprising ease for a man who looks too big to be nimble-fingered.  The door opens to reveal that the drama has not moved far.  Four men and a woman are in the room.  One of the men, the shopkeeper by his looks, is dead already, his throat opened up from ear to ear.  The woman too is down, blood pumping from her stomach and spreading in a crimson pool on the floor.
Two of the men stand over her, looking like typical hired muscle, one holds a wicked-looking knife, while the other is struggling to get the satchel from her dying grasp.  From the way she is hanging onto it even as she bleeds to death it is apparent that she feels the contents to be important.
The final man stands back, keeping well away from the pooling blood.  He is dressed well, if somewhat oddly.  He doesn't seem to be dressed in local fashion.
All of the living stop what they're doing as the door opens.  The well-dressed man glares at the intruders, his eyes flaring yellow for a moment before he speaks, "Leave her for now, she'll let go when she's dead.  Deal with these two fools!"

As the thugs move forward, there is a commotion from the city outside the shop.  Bells start ringing, tolling somewhere, and people are screaming and yelling in the distance, a wave of anger and dismay which spreads rapidly through the crowd...

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Re: The shop by Derek
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As the big warrior deftly opens the lock with tools of the trade, Derek smiles, a bit surprised at this turn of events. He whispers "Not bad, my friend" to Duncan, then steps inside taking in the tableau. Looking at the toughs he smiles darkly at their deployment and hefts his dirk in his right hand, in astandard knife-fighter's stance. His left hand, spread out to counterbalance his moves, still clutches the bundle of clothing.

Stepping further into the shop, carefully avoiding the puddle of blood, Derek waits for the first, or even both, toughs to do their first moves. Not going completely on the defensive, he tries to figure out how good they are without giving away his own expertise, maybe scoring a small hit or two if the occasion arrises, but essentially binding one if not both of them, freeing Duncan to do as he pleases.

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Low blows are best by Duncan
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Duncan moves to one side, drawing his knife as he does so, to allow Derek a clear view of the room.  The two men are advancing, but Duncan chooses not to wait, prefering to deal with the matter quickly in the hopes of aiding the woman before she bleeds to death.
He moves towards the nearest thug, remarking to the man who seems to be their leader, "Don't you worry.  It will be your turn soon ass I finissh widh your dog here!"
He smiles as he flips his knife from one hand to the other and back again, then feints with his left hand, even though the knife is in his right, before shifting his weight and driving his boot towards the man's groin.

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Re: Low blows are best by Ares
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Ares leaves the inn, and heads out into the streets, one hand resting lightly on the pommel of Heartsong. He stops often, looking around. After some time wandering, he stops at a vendors stall, purchasing some sausage pasties. As he munches on the hot pasties, he leans against the wall, watching the ebb and flow of the crowd. Intersting place, this. But it needs a coleseum. With that realization, the pieces fall into place. That is what he was missing. The sight of the noble structure, the cheers of the fans, the sounds of combat. Ares smiles a bit at the rememberance of the events. Finishing the last of the pasties, he wips his hands clean and proceeds.

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Re: Low blows are best by Dworkin (GM)
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Duncan's juggling of his blade, and then the feint with his empty hand reveals much about his opponent, the man is watching the hands rather than the knife!  He sidesteps the harmless "attack", and then drops to the floor hissing through his teeth following the particularly nasty kick.  He is curled in a ball, blinking back tears.
His companion also makes a mistake as he faces Derek; he allows himself to be distracted by his fallen comrade.  Derek cuts at him once, twice, and draws blood both times.  Neither blow is particularly lethal, but death is one thing and pain is another... the thug turns to flee and trips over the outstretched legs of the dead vendor.  Panicking he starts to scramble away across the floor, heading for the rear of the shop.
Their leader meanwhile steps forward and tries to grab the satchel from the woman, but still she will not let go.  Seeing that his minions are not putting up much of a fight he releases the bag and passes a hand in front of his face.  There is a momentary flare of rainbow light, and he is gone, leaving the two inept thugs to their own resources!

Ares is enjoying the sights of the city, speculating on the market for gladiatorial events and such like in this place.  Suddenly he notes the ringing of bells and the yells of people in the crowds which fill the streets.  It takes him only a few moments to piece together what is happening;  Prince Bleys has apparently slain the king!
From the direction of the docks comes a noise like thunder, and turning, Ares sees a column of smoke rising into the air.

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Re: Low blows are best by Duncan
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Duncan stamps hard on the downed man's shin, listening for the sound of a bone breaking.  Even without a break, it should keep the thug off that leg for a while.
"Iss shame dhe leader have to leave so soon." he growls to Derek as he goes to see if anything can be done for the woman.  He doubts it can, she seems to be losing plenty of blood.

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Re: Low blows are best by Ares
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Ares thinks for a few moemnts. Why would Prince Bleys kill the king? Damn, it didn't make much sense.. just then, his thoughts are interupted by what sounds like the rumble of a leviathan. Jerking his head towards the sound, he sees the colum of smoke. Impossible for a leviathan to be here...
Griping Heartsong tightly, Ares pushes his way through the crowd, towards the docks.

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Leader's timely retreat by Derek
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"Alas, my friend, 't was the coward's way out. At keast he did not get what he was here to get..."

Derek follows the scrambling thug, moving swiftly to intercept him at the back door and trying to pin him to it or the wall with his dagger... literally, since he tries to ram his weapon straight through his right shoulder into the material behind.

"You are not going anywhere yet, neighbor..."

Having done so and seeing the thug secured he moves back to Duncan's and the wounded woman's side, trying to help the big warrior in saving the victim's fast ebbing life.

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Re: Leader's timely retreat by Dworkin (GM)
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The two thugs scream in pain, one pinned to the door frame by his shoulder, the other with a broken leg.  The woman's breath is rapid and shallow, and her face is very pale and filmed with sweat.  She is clearly dying, her wounds are just too severe for any other outcome to be possible.  Still she clutches the satchel that she gave her life to protect.
Then, as if realising her only chance lies with these two men, she shoves the bag towards Derek.  "Take it to... the king... must do it... vital." she gasps, before slumping down again, "Vital to... stop the war..."
Outside a voice cuts across the yelling of the mob, ordering them to calm down and go home...

Out in the street Ares has reached a point where he has a clear view.  From the steps of a scriptorium he can see all the way down to the harbour.  His sharp eyesight reveals a large ship burning at the dock.
A group of armed and armoured men hurry past, led by a mounted officer who calls for people to remain calm and return to their homes immediately.

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Re: Leader's timely retreat by Duncan
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"Rest eassy lass, don't be worryink about dhat old pouch now, let me have a look at you."  Duncan examines the deep wound, which is pumping her life blood out onto the floor of the shop.  He glances at Derek, and gives a slight shake of his head. "What iss your name girl?  I am Duncan, dhis is my friend Derek."

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Promises by Derek
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"Yes... Do not worry, lady... I promise I will get it where it is needed..."
Holding on to the satchel Derek smiles down at the dying woman, vowing to himself to try to get whatever is inside the satchel to the king.

Throwing a sideways glance at Duncan, Derek stands and glares at the screaming thugs, having no compassion for them.

Walking over to the one pinned to the doorframe, he flicks his finger once against the base of the dagger, setting it to vibrate slightly inside the wound. He cups the thugs chin in his left hand, lifting up his head and looking him straight in the face.

"Excuse me, neighbor... Would you care to tell me who hired you to do this? Who was that guy that commanded you? And why did you attack those people? If I were you, I'd answer... I can be much nastier than I have been yet... And I promise you you will not like what I have in store for you."

His voice always stays calm, never more than normal conversational tone, friendly, not agressive, like an adult to a child. A smile graces his lips. A smile that does not touch his eyes.

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Re: Promises by Dworkin (GM)
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"Name... Cylla... work for... Prince... Julian of Amber.  Bag must go... to him or... King Random... " For a moment the woman's eyes close, then they flicker open, and she grasps Duncan's arm in a surprisingly strong grip, "I'm dying... I know it... help me to stop... war... Please help... me... "

Meanwhile Derek is questioning the man he left pinned to the doorway, using some not so gentle persuasion; "Aaaieeee!!  Stop, please stop!  I'll talk!  I'll tell you!  Beldrin!  His name is... aaaaagh... Beldrin!  He came to us in a tavern!  Ungh!  Looking for some blades for hire for a... single job!  Don't know any more!"  Sweat his pouring down his face, and a dark stain is spreading across his trousers as Derek toys with the blade imbedded in his flesh.

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Re: Promises by Ares
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Ares looks up at the guards, as they trie to keep order and prevent panic. "YOU!" his voice booms out over the din, his hand pointed to one of the soldier. "What is happening?" he says, his voice full of authority, his eyes locked on the man.

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Re: Promises by Derek
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"Hmmm... good answers, all, neighbor. Now would you mind telling me any reason not to do to you what you did to the woman and the man on the floor? I am very interested in your answer there..."

Derek carefully takes hold of the weapon and pulls it out in one swift motion, resetting its tip against the thug's throat.

"And please be quick about it... I can be very impatient when crossed..."

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Re: Promises by Dworkin (GM)
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"Please, we didn't kill the man... Beldrin did that, and it was him who stabbed the woman...  We were just to grab her for him and back him up in case of trouble..."  He might be lying through his rotten teeth, but it would be hard to tell because he's so nervous it's impossible to read any clues from his manner.

The woman, Cylla, is getting weaker.  She is barely conscious now, and if she manages to speak at all she makes little sense, rambling and only saying partial words, in a voice which is barely audible.  Suddenly she takes a deep shuddering, ragged breath, and manages to gasp, "The satchel... take... to him!" before slumping back into her delerium.

Ares demands information from the Watch officer, who (as much to his own surprise as that of his men) gives a straight answer instead of simply telling him to move along and mind his own business.  "Prince Bleys has murdered the King, and escaped from the royal court.  Word leaked out, and it seems that somebody has fired Bleys' ship to prevent his escape.  Now we are trying..." He trails off and shakes his head as if to clear it, then carries on in his educated, high-born manner "Enough, go inside, we will have this under control soon.  There is nothing you can do out here."
He turns to give orders to his troops who start to push through the mob, doing their best to scatter them and break up the trouble before it flares into a full-blown riot.

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Re: Promises by Derek
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Derek nods thoughtfully, not caring if the last was the truth or not. In Naeril, the shadow he had been raised in, the guilds had full control over unexpected deaths. And freelancers like those thugs were marked for early retirement if they worked unlicensed or unsanctioned. But that was long ago and far away. Much water had run through shadow in the meantime.

Drawing back his weapon from the thug's throat, Derek steps back, still ready for an attack, but lowering his weapon arm to point down.

"Awright, neighbor. Take yer comrade there and get going. If I see any of yer face ever again, you will be dead shortly thereafter."

He turns to Duncan.

"Do you need them still, friend?"

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Re: Promises by Duncan
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"No, let dhem go.  Dhey know nodhink more.  Dhis Beldrin is dhe real cause of dhis."  His voice is oddly emotionless, as if he is holding himself under tight control while tending to the dying woman.  His eyes though, seem to burn with rage.
He strokes a wayward strand of hair away from her face and frowns as she starts to ramble again, apparently talking to somebody named Aronsal.

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Re: Promises by Dworkin (GM)
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The two thugs leave the shop, one supporting the other, although the knife wound in his shoulder makes it difficult in the extreme.  Cylla's rambling words gradually cease, and with one last brief burst of clarity, she whispers, "Stop them... ", and then she dies...

On the street the crowds are thinning as troops join the Watch to prevent the riots from getting any worse.

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Re: Promises by Duncan
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Duncan gently closes the woman's eyes before standing and eying the satchel"We should go back to dhe inn,  My belonginks are dhere, and maybe some of dhe odhers can help.  If nodhink else dhe inn will give uss some shelter."

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Re: Promises by Ares
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Ares looks back in the direction of the inn, then at the colun of smoke, still drifting in the air. With a final look behind him, Ares ignores the soldiers, and pushes his way through the mob, making his way towards the docks. Perhaps there is something more to learn there. This doesn't seem quite right.

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Re: Promises by Derek
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"That might be a good idea, my friend. Though we should not tarry. It seems whatever is in here should be brought to the king as soon as possible. We should leave here, now..."

Flicking his blade clean of blood he uses the fead shop owner's clothing to wipe away the rest of the liquid. Derek tugs the satchel into his belt under his tunic and hefts his purchased clothes, checking them out for blood stains that might alert lookers on. He also checks his clothing and boots for any telltale spots, masking them or removing them as much as possible.

Closing and locking the front door Derek motions Duncan to follow him out back, then closes and locks the backdoor. He checks out their surroundings and, hefting his bundle of clothing openly and unsuspiciously walks back to the inn.

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