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; An Inn, ThebesRavech nods and motions to an empty chair beside him for the woman to use. “Your tone of voice implies that you do not mind sharing a table with a slave, thank you. I am not really sure which of us is the slave, to be honest. I purchased her from some tribesmen who had stolen her from somewhere far to the south. She stands and walks at the appropriate places, but she has a certain…………pride………….I think, that has not been taken from her. I have no intention of taking that from her as I like her just the way she is. So far, I have not heard her speak a word of our language, although I believe that she is learning it as she goes and simply pretending to not understand what is being said around her. You might not be able to tell much with the clothes she is wearing, but she is actually quite pretty.”
He pauses as his mercenary guard arrives, leading a serving girl who is carrying a tray with a bottle of wine and three mugs. Leaning over to give Kaleb a good view down her top, the pretty girl puts the tray on the table and places the wine and mugs in front of the three people seating. “I will bring food when it is ready, if it please you.” She smiles at Kaleb and Ravech and leaves, swaying her hips as she navigates the crowded room to another table.
Ravech deftly pours some wine into the mugs and slides it on across to Kaleb and another to the mercenary before taking one for himself. He does not provide one to the slave woman. He raises his mug to Kaleb. “To your health and to finding the unknown.”
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Kaleb took and raised the mug too. He acknowledged with a Indeed while looking at the slave woman.
His focus went back to Ravech. Tell me, Ravech. Four workers, and a pretty slave. Now the owner of, what, six camels? And the generosity of a good king. He added as he presented the mug and drank more wine. Quite some wealth for a storyteller. Either some prince is behind all this, or you need to tell me an interesting story…
Kaleb was direct but it was undeniable that he projected such strong charismatic aura, it was easy to feel safe and friendly. -
Sian
Late Afternoon, September 30th, 2137 BC; An Inn, ThebesRavech pauses for a moment then chuckles as he places his mug on the table. “You are very intuitive, friend Kaleb. Yes, indeed. Hmmm, let’s just say that some time ago, I fell afoul of some gamblers who were very lucky. Far too lucky, in my opinion, but I can prove nothing. Anyway, the short story is that a man offered to pay my debts and then some if I would use my abilities on his behalf. So I find myself going to strange places to find strange things and bring them back to him. He is very generous in providing me with coin to spend, as long as it is for his benefit.”
He waves his hand at the mercenary standing behind the slave. “The guards are paid by him to make sure that I do not simply flee with what I find. He does give me money for my own use, which is how I managed to purchase this lovely here, but most of what I have access to is his. And there you have my sad story.”
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Kaleb grew a side smile. Well, in this case, I raise my wine to this benefactor who will provide our next meal.
He sized up the mercenary, his look, his outfit, his weapons. One could learn a lot from that.
So what strange thing are you supposed to bring back from this strange place we’re heading to tomorrow? I’m sure it is should be more than a story. -
Sian
Late Afternoon, September 30th, 2137 BC; An Inn, ThebesRavech’s mercenary guard is standing behind the slave woman in such a manner that his head can scan the area about the table, and he does so in a constant manner, for all appearances just eyeing the pretty girls in the room. He is wearing desert robes over some sort of leather armor and is armed with a long sword on his back, a shorter one at his left hip, and several long knives on a leather bandolier crossing his body from the right shoulder to his left hip. If Kaleb is any judge, the man gives off the demeanor of a skilled and competent warrior.
Ravech laughs as he drinks from his mug, sending some of the wine down his beard. “And there you happen to bring up an interesting point. I have no idea what I am looking for. I recovered the item I had been sent to find some distance upriver. In fact, I got the girl from the same area. I only heard of this item we are both talking about once I arrived here at this inn. I am hoping that I can take home something unexpected and perhaps get a bonus from it.”
He leans forward a bit and his voice goes a bit lower. “I am under the impression that the item is called the Maw of Apophis. Ever heard of it?”
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Kaleb leaned in to hear Ravech over the noise of the inn. He showed interest in what was being said. Really?
He leaned back in his chair, rubbing softly the beard on his chin with his fingers.
Interesting… The way I see it, if a God misplaced his maw, there will be evil forces looking for it.
A Maw… what goes in rarely comes out; what comes out is rarely worth to be near.
I’m even more curious of what can be found there now!
He straightened up, rubbing his hands against one another with excitement.
Where is this promised food? This got me famished.
He was smiling, sharing what seemed to be a jovial mood with his table companions.
His eyes wandered back to the slave woman, then to Ravech. He was now the one leaning in and lowering his voice. You’re not afraid of danger. I respect that. But do you think your woman can handle the expedition? It’s not a long trip, mind you, but who knows what we may find there. -
Sian
Late Afternoon, September 30th, 2137 BC; An Inn, ThebesRavech strokes his beard in thought then shrugs. “I agree that there may be dangerous things there, but the same could be said of almost anywhere. Besides, where would you suggest I leave her while I am gone, especially if we find something that causes us to leave from there to somewhere else? No, I will take her with us and trust to the skill of my guards. Ah! Here is the food. Thank you my dear.”
The perky serving girl places a large tray of meat, bread, and cheese on the table, again bending over so as to allow Kaleb and Ravech to see down her top to her luscious, unfettered breasts. “Anything else you gentlemen might like?”
Ravech looks to be almost spellbound as he licks his lips and nods. “Uh, yes. What time do you get off tonight?”
The girl smiles. “I suppose that might depend on you, sir. I finish working at midnight. Should I come for you, then?”
Ravech looks a bit uncomfortable but nods as she continues. “Well, then, I will come find you.” She shifts her gaze to Kaleb. “I have a friend that you might find suitable company, if you are interested, sir.”
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Kaleb smile, flattered and excited. He once again leaned back in his chair.
I’m certain your friend is beautiful, but I can only be disappointed now that I laid eyes upon you. Plus, the room won’t be as private as I would like it too be. Now I know where to look upon our return, though.
He reached out to the waitress’s face and grabbed a string on dark curled hair that he placed back behind her ear; all along staring deep into her eyes.
Now do me a favor. Take good care of my new friend here tonight. We’ll make sure you are undisturbed and I need him ‘rejuvenated’ for our short voyage tomorrow morning.
He smiled, she smiled back, and then at Ravech before returning to her duty.
He cheered once again at Ravech’s glass. I’ve heard good things about Egyptian women He laughed and drank more wine then poured more into Ravech’s and the Guard’s glasses.
Please, have you guard sit with us, he’s making me dizzy being perched so high. What is your name, warrior? He offered another chair, to the guard, making sure everyone was comfortable and enjoying themselves as he digged into the food.
After finishing chewing on some meat, he looked at the slave woman once more before addressing Ravech. A woman, slave or not, needs good food and liquid in her body to function at peek efficiency. Do you forbid her to eat in our presence? -
Sian
Early Evening, September 30th, 2137 BC; An Inn, ThebesRavech turns his head to watch the girl walk away then looks back at Kaleb. He nods and motions for the guard to sit and the man does so, although he selects a seat that allows him a good view of the area near the table. The soldier nods his thanks at Kaleb and replies, although his Egyptian is accented. “I am Karl. Thank you for offering a seat at your table.”
The guard reaches for some of the food and begins to eat, although he does not seem to relax his guard much. Ravech likewise takes food, but the Slave woman does not, although her eyes go to Kaleb when he asks about her. It is hard to read the intent of her look, but she gives a small shake of her head. Ravech wipes some grease from his beard and nods. “It is not that I keep her from eating, it is that she would need to lower her face wrap to eat and she is unwilling to do so in public.”
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Idhrenohtar was a very intuitive man. He was quickly putting the pieces together that there was more to this Woman slave, the guards and Ravech. For one thing, he had noticed the woman showing her face earlier. His angle didn’t allow to see her himself, but if anything, the drunk old man had. And for second, the guard was much more worried of outside threats than stopping Ravech fleeing.
But it would be unwise to push the matter. He liked mysteries. He’ll figure things out soon enough. For now, he was here to play his cards right. The contact has gone well; Ravech was friendly and he was working and giving back the same impression. To him and to the guards and crew. Establishing trust would help once at the site.The thanks go to you Karl. I’m now feeling pretty safe to spend the night here tonight. I pity the brigands who would try to enter the room and rob us.
Ravech, I once met a woman who thought of herself in such low value that she would refused to be seen by anyone. Mind you, she wasn’t hideous at all. Plain at most. What I’m saying is your woman may have come healthy but with serious psychological damage. I will not insist and respect her choice. And see that the leftovers be delivered to your room, so she can eat in peace.
He was gently pressing button at the woman, hoping maybe for a reaction as he continued feasting on the provided food. He leaned confidently near Ravech. You know, I speak many languages, if you so wish I can attempt at finding what tongue she speaks, if can speak at all. But tomorrow. For now let’s enjoy this food and great company.
He poured more drinks and encouraged Karl to eat more and relax.
My friend, you mentioned being on your way back from your initial quest. May I ask without being noisy what is it that you have found and brought back for your benefactor? -
Sian
Early Evening, September 30th, 2137 BC; An Inn, ThebesKarl smiles and nods, but does not reply. He takes some food, but his main interest seems to be the people near the table. Ravech raises an eyebrow. “It is not that she reuses to be seen. She will lower her garment on occasion, but only for a short time and eating would be too long. I am not sure why her reticence as she is quite pretty to my eye. Thank you for respecting her privacy.”
He eats a couple of bites before responding to Kaleb’s next statement. “I am sure that your knowledge of foreign tongues surpasses mine, my friend. Perhaps you can approach her on the ride to the site tomorrow and see if you can understand what she speaks. As to what I brought back from the south of here? Well, let’s just say that some metal birds actually do sing.”
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Kaleb looked surprised. Metal birds? what on earth are those?
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Sian
Early Evening, September 30th, 2137 BC; An Inn, ThebesRavech chuckles and shrugs. “Aha, now see, I may already have said too much about them. My task is to deliver them to the man who holds my life in his hands and I should say no more about that. No offense meant or taken, I hope. So, to change the subject back to something more pleasant, what time do you wish to be leaving in the morning?”
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Kaleb showed through his expression that there was no offense. He continue picking generously at the food in front f him. His mouth half full, he answered. Early. At dawn if possible. The air will be cool and we’ll arrive before the sun get the chance to make the sand too hot. Not knowing what we will find there, I cannot predict that it will be the best possible time, but at least we will have quite some time to explore. He paused… So I certainly hope your time with the waitress will be relaxing. Karl and I can certainly keep an eye on your slave if you need privacy for some time.
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Sian
Evening, September 30th, 2137 BC; An Inn, ThebesRavech’s eyes narrow just a bit but then he smiles and nods his head after looking over at the guard. “You are quite kind, my friend. I can see that you are also a gentleman. I will take you up on your offer, if you are sure, though the serving girl does not finish work until after midnight, so we still have a while to wait. If would be very appreciative if you are indeed willing to see to her safety while I am occupied. I will, of course, leave my guard here, as well. So, you are certain?”
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Making sure of your well-being and the safety of your property is the least I can do to repay you for your generosity. Plus Karl will be here too and the other guard. Who are the other two I’ll share the room with? slaves?
Kaleb poured yet more drinks to both Ravech and Karl. If the mercenary was cautious, Ravech was …’thirsty’. -
Sian
Evening, September 30th, 2137 BC; An Inn, ThebesRavech does indeed appear to be thirsty and accepts the wine. He gives Kaleb a sloppy grin. “No, not slaves. They are men I hired as bearers for my supplies. They are upstairs in the room, with Rohn, the other guard. I had food sent up to them earlier. They are watching over the equipment and supplies.” Kaleb notes that the mercenary guard is giving Ravech a close eye on occasion.
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Well, Karl and Rohn and the two bearers thank you for sharing your quarters with a stranger for the night. If the two of you plan on keeping watch I can take a shift. Share the room’ share the chores, you know…
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Sian
Evening, September 30th, 2137 BC; An Inn, ThebesKarl looks like he is about to say something when Ravech interrupts. “It is alright, friend. Karl and Rohn can handle the guard duty so that you can sleep soundly. It is not a problem, really. After all, it is what they are paid to do, right?”
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Kaleb bowed his head. Again, your generosity and kindness to a stranger speak highly of you!
He watched Karl however, to try to read his expression and body language.
The meal was delicious, maybe Karl can see me to our shared room. I may come back down for a late game of Senet, if you would care, until your companion of the night is ready for you.
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