IC 2137 BC – The Maw of Apophis
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IC 2137 BC – The Maw of Apophis
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Sian
Late Afternoon, September 30th, 2137 BC; Sonotestes’ Dwelling, ThebesRavech frowns then shakes his head and smiles. “No matter, friend. It would have been nice if I could have used the symbols in my story telling, but I can still use this that you have given me and make up some strange symbols to go along with it. I am very appreciative of your help. How much do I owe you?” Ravech pulls out a coin purse and pours some coins into the palm of his hand. “Oh, by the way, this trader, did he indicate at all what he was going to do with the plate? Maybe a gloating of some kind?”
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Ryl
Late Afternoon, September 30th, 2137 BC; the quays at ThebesAnd so it begins again Ryl mused to herself. Turning to her beautiful Major Domo, Voice and sometime lover, Mariame, she said “Let the little birds fly, gather the whispers and let us see where this trail leads us now. Also please inform the Primarch of this place that the Lady deBathyre will dine with him this evening. I will take the chariot to the villa we stayed in on the way here and we can make our plans from there depending on what we learn in the next few hours…”
#02
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Sian
Late Afternoon, September 30th, 2137 BC; Sonotestes’ Dwelling, Thebes“I’m pretty sure he was buying it for his private collection. You know the type: As soon as something is covered in gold – even if it’s a turd – he want’s it for his home.”
The scribe replied and gracefully took the coins into his pocket.Ryl
Late Afternoon, September 30th, 2137 BC; the quays at ThebesThe Major Domo nodded and replied: “I’ll do as you say. But please be careful with the chariot.”
The drive through the city isn’t particularly fast, as the masses of people living there block the ways in almost every direction.
To Ryl’s satisfaction, the villa is not only ready for her, but the servants also have drawn a bath for her and prepared new clothes corresponding to the latest fashion of the city.
Mariame found Ryl after a few hours: “I am afraid, I bring bad news: His Majesty does not reside in the city at this time. It seems that a royal hunt is going on at them moment, but I have received an offer for you to join up with them tomorrow, should you want to leave the city so soon again after coming here.” -
Sian
Late Afternoon, September 30th, 2137 BC; Sonotestes’ Dwelling, ThebesRavech and his companions leave the scribe’s shop and step into the street, waiting a bit as the man works out his next step. He nods his head and turns his steps to the harbor. When they reach the quays, he begins asking about a foreign man that supposedly married the daughter of a Greek merchant.
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Sian
Late Afternoon, September 30th, 2137 BC; the harbor, ThebesIt doesn’t take long to find answers on this inquiry: There has been indeed a foreigner, wounded heavily, who married the 20 year old daughter of the merchant captain Xenophontes. They left nearly three months ago for Athens, after the foreigner showed the captain that he had indeed money enough to care for his favorite daughter.
Sian notices the large pleasure barge, that had arrived only hours ago, indicating more rich and powerful, but foremost foreigners entering Thebes. -
Sian
Late Afternoon, September 30th, 2137 BC; the harbor, ThebesRavech politely thanks the man who has provided him with the information on the foreigner, making sure that a couple of coins accompany his verbal thanks. After a brief delay to consider his options, he turns his steps to the house of the Greek merchant, Xenophontes. He stops at the quayside to look out at the pleasure barge and shakes his head before continuing on.
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The merchant’s contact tells you that Xenophontes has left Thebes with his ship for Athens.
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Sian
Late Afternoon, September 30th, 2137 BC; the harbor, ThebesRavech thanks the servant and watches him return to the house then turns and laughs. “Yes, foiled at nearly every turn.” He nods and leads the way back to the tavern they had left a bit ago, stopping at a couple of street vendors to get something to eat, providing some to the mercenary but ignoring the slave woman and not offering her any food. Once inside the tavern, he looks around for the old man, hoping that he has not drunk himself into a stupor yet, as he has another question for him.
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The old man is hard to miss: He has found a new audience for his tale, milking it for all it’s worth. He is quite drunk by now which doesn’t improve his speech but greatly increases the numbers of details in his story, although not all of them can possibly be true at the same time.
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Sian
Late Afternoon, September 30th, 2137 BC; the harbor, ThebesRavech waits until the story is finished and the old man loses his current set of listeners before approaching him. “Hello, we meet again, my friend. I have questions about the knife you found at the site. Do you have it, or can you describe it for me if you did not bring it away with you?”
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The old man looks a bit unfocused but is friendly enough in his answer:
“The black knife… oh yeah… didn’t dare touch it, seeing as it kept the sickle from taking my head off… left it in. You are welcome to try and get it yourself… *burb* …’scuse me… didn’t look too closely, but it was a black dagger – iron I guess, not bronze.
All one solid piece, no leather around the grip, but big enough and well formed for comfortable wielding – looked like it at least.” -
Sian
Late Afternoon, September 30th, 2137 BC; the harbor, ThebesRavech considers the information and nods his head. “Thank you. Can you direct me to where all of this happened? I would like to go out there and look around so I can get a feel for the place for my stories.”
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“Sure, no problem. Just leave the city to the south and walk for two hours until you reach a small salt patch. Follow that for half an hour and you’ll get right to the place – can’t miss it.”
The old man has reached the stage of drunkenness where he speaks so loud it’s almost screaming. -
Perched high on his Camel’s back, Thebes was a nothing the way he would have liked to remember. The eclectic people, in their various outfits or lack of, and the many dialects heard on the way, showed the city was growing. But the political turmoil could easily change it all. There was tension in the air; a time of change for sure.
However, he wasn’t here for politic just yet. He had followed the Nile River down south to this place based on a few stories heard then and there. Rumors, secrets, legends; his quest for knowledge and protection of what’s left of Magic had him travelled many regions. As usual he packed light, yet, his body covered in cloths and leather, he started to regret not being a master of ice instead of fire.
He, was Idhrenohtar. The wise warrior. The unseen. He, had walked the earth for several millennials… He, was thirsty.The tavern near the harbor had been a blessing. For its water, and for that drunk old man and his loud mouth. A man had asked many questions, but it really caught his attention when he came back a second time to interrogate the old man further. Him and his group were also clearly interested in what he was seeking.
Idhrenohtar quietly exited the tavern and waited in the shade for the stranger to come out. Idhrenohtar’s own outfit showed he was a traveller, possibly a merchant of sort. His head was covered in fabric, useful against the desert’s sand, and the clothing, though of quality, was weathered enough to show it’d been worn for a long time. If he had left the big scabbard that tightly carried three javelins on the camel, the heavy piece of leather on his shoulder that holstered three blades was a statement that he was more than a simple merchant.
Using the same tongue he heard the man speak, he stopped him upon him exiting the place. To Ravech: It is ill advised to walk for a few hours under this scorching sun. I would advise you too get some camels for your entourage, it will make the trip much more bearable. I myself will attempt the journey to this place the old man talked about, would you care coming along?
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Sian
Late Afternoon, September 30th, 2137 BC; the harbor, ThebesRavech steps out of the inn to think and is almost immediately accosted by a stranger. A well armed stranger. His mercenary guard makes a motion, but does not draw his sword, instead just letting his hand hover near the pommel, while the slave girl takes an automatic step to the side to be out of any possible fight. Ravech stands still, not wishing to make any sort of threatening gesture as he considers the stranger’s words. He finally makes a decision and nods his head. “I am known as Ravech, a story teller, and I am in search of strange things I can use to entertain others. I would welcome the company of another going in that direction and had thought to get some camels to make the trek less demanding. I have another three companions upstairs in the inn here, holding our rooms and watching over my supplies. I paid for two rooms, one of which is large enough to hold six but currently only has four occupants and you are welcome to be the fifth if you like. But before we get too familiar, though, what is your name and your interest in the site?”
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Idrhenohtar made a courteous but cautious bow to acknowledge the man’s offer. A generous offer. If your four companions don’t mind, then it sounds like a good place to be for the night.
I am Kaleb, voyager from the East. I’ve been called an adventurer, a collector, a knowledge seeker and a fool. Most names are close to the truth. It is my understanding that what happened at the site may have to do with… the mystic. Whether it is the act of the Gods or some other entity. I am curious to learn more about it. Whatever I find there, I’m sure you’ll be able to make it a good story out of it. -
Sian
Late Afternoon, September 30th, 2137 BC; the harbor, ThebesRavech chuckles and holds out a hand. “Well met, friend Kaleb. You are more than welcome to bunk with my guards and bearers, though I hope you understand that the woman is mine. I paid far too much for her to be giving her away lightly. I am off to seek camels at the market and I invite you to accompany me, but also feel free to wait here for my return, when I can show you to your room. It does indeed sound like there is something of the mystical surrounding what happened at the place the old man spoke of. Perhaps we can compare notes this evening? I will return as soon as possible after securing my camels for the journey.”
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Kaleb chuckled. Well that Camel is mine, I too paid too much money for it.
As a follower of Horse, he was big on the concept of freedom, and therefore could hardly condone slavery. But it had become common and sadly the few people who could change the minds found having slaves way too convenient.
He hadn’t looked at the woman yet, at least now while interacting with Ravech. Social language to establish trust and position. Of course he had a good look at her while in the tavern. She carried herself; walked straight, almost with pride. He hadn’t seen her face, bit a glimpse in her eye had shown a fire burning. She was a strong woman, no doubt. Hardly one to be tamed.I will tend to mine while you get yours. I’ll see you by the inn in a short while. Lord Ravech.
He stood there waiting for Ravech to depart, maybe with his guard. He still hadn’t looked at the slave woman, but was well aware of where she was. He was waiting to see if she would follow ‘her master’.
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Sian
Late Afternoon, September 30th, 2137 BC; the harbor, ThebesRavech chuckles. “It is just Ravech, I am far from a lord. Very well, I will return shortly.”
The slave woman has been watching Kaleb as well, but turns her eyes down when he turns to look at her. Even though all he can see of her is her eyes, there is indeed something about her. She gives Kaleb a last look as she falls into place behind Ravech, the large guard next to her. He is right, though, she carries herself with grace and perhaps a certain amount of pride. It may be as Kaleb suspects………she might not yet be tamed, no matter her current situation in life.
A camel seller is found and a deal is struck for the camels Ravech will need, although he cries out several times that he is being robbed before reaching an amount that is satisfactory to both. Several boys are paid a small amount to help lead the camels back to the inn, where Ravech arranges to have them stabled overnight. It is early evening by the time he returns to the main room of the inn and looks about for Kaleb. After a few minutes, the woman points to where the man is seated at a rear table and Ravech sends the guard to the bar to get some wine and food while he and the woman approach his new companion. “Camel buying is thirsty work, friend Kaleb. May we join you at your table? I have refreshments coming, if you would allow.” The woman at Ravech’s side is looking at Kaleb, her fiery eyes almost seeming to bore into him.
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Kaleb looked up at at the man talking. One of free stool next to the man move away from the table probably pushed by his Kaleb’s feet. Please. he said pointing at the free spots around the table.
His face was now uncovered, showing a dashing face. HIs skin was darken by the sun and was wearing a well trimmed beard. His light grey eyes offered a sharp contrast, and gave him a very attractive exotic look. It was emphasised by a tattoo running around his left temple and down his cheek. A cunning half smile pushed even more his roguish traits.
You bought the Camels? Beware showing off your wealth, “friend”, this part of the world is neither sound nor safe.
He rose when he saw the woman slave approaching. Will you be joining us?
He turned his look to Ravech, more so expecting him to answer.
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