Chapter Ninety-Nine |
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July 13, 2013 |
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21st of Haymonth |
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As we are in the room preparing for the coming adventure, we are interrupted by a beautiful naked woman who is offering us her services—in whatever capacity we wish. We refuse her “help,” and as night falls, she knocks again with blackout curtains for the room. Some of the men decide to try to stay awake, while the magic users pursue their necessary slumber. I sleep better than I have in years. Briggette’s sleep is fitful at best, and in the morning, she tells me that she saw St. Cutbert in her sleep. He warned her to be especially careful here, but also to be aware that no one here is an innocent, so there is never a need to stay your hand. He says there may be other souls trapped similarly to Brannick, and if we can get them out as well, that’s all to the good, but it is not our primary mission. He warns that there are incredibly evil people here, and reminds her that it is quite difficult for him to reach her here. Around 7am there is another knock at the door. It is Arany in his human incarnation, and he informs us that we were watched all night. Finn comes in and talks to Ulric; he also had someone or something appear to him in his sleep, but he doesn’t really tell me the details. The general consensus amongst my companions is that we simply don’t like this place at all. When we head out to the soul merchant, the barkeep stops me and warns me not to trust her beyond what you could see immediately. There is a manor house above the town where we are headed. The door is guarded by two orcs, one of whom asks me why I am here. I explain that I seek business with his mistress, but he is concerned since he doesn’t recognize me. He goes into the house to speak to someone. When he returns, he is accompanied by a man in half plate carrying a ranseur which glows. He lifts his visor, revealing an orcish face and says, “I am Foozle. What do you want?” “I want to conduct some business with your mistress,” I reply in annoyance. “Buying or selling?” he says as he looks at my entourage. “Well,” I look at them, “that depends on her price for what I’d like to buy.” He looks around once more at the people with me. “You have many people.” “Yes, of course. What I require may come at quite the price.” He seems satisfied with this answer, and he leads us through two gates to an inner courtyard with a large fountain. He turns to me once we’re all inside and says, “Now, what you want?” “I hear your mistress deals in souls, and I am seeking a very powerful one, one who was,” I throw as much distaste as possible into my voice, “good.” “Not larvae?” he asks. When I tell him no, he asks, “Who tell you she sell souls?” “It is known in all the planes that she has the best merchandise.” He seems hesitant but satisfied with my answer and goes to get yet another higher-up. This one appears with a warhammer and wearing a mithral breastplate. He offers to speak to me first in abyssal, next in common, and finally in gnomish. I answer him in orchish that I will converse with whatever is most comfortable for him. He repeats the same questions, but his diction and pronunciation are perfect. After a few moments, he leaves to get the mistress, and we notice about ten orcs with crossbows lining the walls and watching us. While we wait for the mistress, Foozle offers to make a deal with me for Briggette. I pretend to entertain the notion, and tell him that I will deal with him if the girl is not needed to procure a deal with his mistress. About that time, a breathtakingly beautiful woman comes out with long flowing red hair to her rear end. Her clothing is sparse, but at least she is clothed. She asks me about what I am looking for, and says she may have something that would work. She invites me inside her home, and allows me to bring one escort. Ulric steps up to come with us, and I say, “Yes, you’ll do.” She and the literate orc lead us into a sitting room, and invites me to sit. Ulric stands behind me and to my right while she leaves to retrieve her “merchandise.” Ulric strikes up a conversation with the orc, finding out a bit about his history and strength. He learns that this orc and Foozle are brothers who were born here after their parents came here. When our host returns, she waves her hand and a table comes up out of the floor. She lays down a piece of silk, and on it lie three large gems, which are glowing. “Mistress,” Ulric asks me, “shall I go get the knower?” “Yes, of course. That time has come. With your permission, of course?” I turn back to our host. She agrees and Ulric goes to get Silas. Meanwhile, she explains that these three gems contain the souls of two paladins and a high priest. “The high priest is some goody-two-shoes god, very interested in doing what’s right, looking out for everybody, considering everyone’s views. The paladins, of course, simply want to force everyone to their own will, and they stench of their goodness.” We begin to work out possible pricing, and Ulric returns with Silas. Silas inspects the gems and indicates that the one in the center is the one I’m searching for, and says the deal is fair. She is offering all three for 120 pounds of silver. I ask her how many of my “minions” she would need if I could give her half the amount in coinage. As expected, she states she would have to inspect them. “Well, then I suppose we shall go inspect,” I say. As we are about to leave the room, she asks me to wait a moment, and she will return. She carefully folds up the silk and goes back out the door she came in. In Cuthbertine, I say, “You two take care of him, I’m following her,” and I shadow jump through the door. Behind me, I can hear Ulric scream and charge the orc. They trade blows, and I hear the orc scream before the noise from the room stops.
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