IC 2137 BC – The Maw of Apophis
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IC 2137 BC – The Maw of Apophis
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Sian
Early Morning, October 1st, 2137 BC; Slum District, ThebesSian remains quiet as the others speak, but her hunter’s mind is working and she can smell a gift for her sleeping Master. The prize would look good buried in the massive Kaer that holds many of his special objects, artifacts, and tomes. Given its apparent attraction to others, though, it is certainly advisable to remain with these people and make use of their resources.
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Maybe to her surprise Kaleb involves the slave to the discussion. Sian, what do you think, would you prefer to sneak into Sar’s house or enter in as an official procession led by Ryl and her entourage?
Kaleb could suddenly feel the hair of his neck rise. He recognized the feeling; something he hadn’t feel in years now. Spells… his Magic Sense had kicked in; there was a feint magic presence here, someone with an sustained or quickened spell around. -
Sian
Early Morning, October 1st, 2137 BC; Slum District, ThebesSian is surprised when Kaleb asks her opinion and her face rises momentarily to look at his before lowering again. “You would ask my opinion, master? I have to consider what happened last night as a warning that I should not use my special powers too much. It seems that this area is harsher than I had hoped it would be. Given that, I believe that I should accompany the official entourage. Unless you command me to do otherwise, master.”
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Kaleb showed his most charming grin to Ryl as Sian finished speaking. The young looking princess or whatever position she had had snorted a few hours ago that no mere man could master a creature such as Sian.
Being perceived as a mere man was fine by him, but a mere man would display pride in showing her otherwise.
Of course Ryl would eventually be right but if Sian was playing submissive, he could very well play the proud commoner who got himself a great slave.
Well, My Lady, we shall come along as your entourage then. Who else will be joining us? -
Sian
Mid Afternoon, October 1st, 2137 BC; Ryl’s Villa, ThebesRavech looks quite pale after all the talk of deaths and he needs a few seconds to gather his thoughts. “My Lady, I feel that I can support Kaleb’s thoughts on this. I am wiling, and quite ready, to send one of my mercenary guards along with the entourage, but I would like to keep the other near me. Uh, unless you strongly object, that is.”
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Ryl
Mid-Afternoon, October 1st, 2137 BC; Ryl’s Villa, ThebesRyl was amused that they were maintaining the charade that Sian was a slave girl but she was not the one to dispel their illusion.
“Very well, the merchant Sar shall receive a grand visitation and perhaps he will reveal more than he might like. If not I am sure Sian will find an opportunity to slip away and go where others might not. As to who else will be joining us, my Nubians will accompany us for show and perhaps one or two who can be trusted to either distract or to join Sian in discrete snooping, I will ask Illario and Alessandra to join us…they too seek out the hidden stories that have drawn us all together here and have talents that may be useful in unmasking these shadow men”
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Sian
Mid Afternoon, October 1st, 2137 BC; Ryl’s Villa, ThebesSian’s ears perk up just a bit at the mention of others who might be joining them. There is something…………………familiar………………about the names, but she cannot pin the memory down, which usually means it is older than four hundred years or so. Perhaps more will come to her once the new arrivals are met.
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And so it was done: Ryl’s servants organized a visit to Sar’s house. As the sun rose, the answer was back, that Sar would be delighted to receive her in the afternoon for wine and cake.
That left enough time for the group to find some sleep and prepare whatever they wanted to do before hand.Ryl’s spies meanwhile had prepared a report on Sar’s compound:
A three meter high clay wall with clay shards on top surrounded the place. Two gates allowed entrance: The front gate was for merchant traffic and led to a large yard with the stables, the warehouse and the servants quarters. Beyond that lay the gardens with many exotic plants and an artificial pond. Behind which followed the three story villa, surrounded by a more conventional garden. Behind the Villa was the guard barrack next to the private gate and the back yard.Per the spies’ information there were currently 30 hard men in employ at Sar’s and another 30 servants and slaves to tend to business and service.
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Sian
Mid Afternoon, October 1st, 2137 BC; Ryl’s Villa, ThebesSian keeps her head down at a respectful angle as she gently tugs on her master’s clothing to get his attention. “A thousand pardons for speaking out of turn, master, but I do not have any clothing that would be appropriate for such a stately visit. Perhaps you could prevail upon your hostess for something more befitting a slave in this position. Certainly, not anything too fine, but my own clothing is nearly rags from my earlier travels.”
Her face does express some shame at needing to bring the point up.
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Ryl
Late-Afternoon, October 1st, 2137 BC; Sar’s Villa, ThebesIt was regrettable that Illario and Alessandra had chosen just this moment to disappear from her company but also entirely possible that they were investigating this story from a different direction. Keeping ones such as those in check was a losing battle and Ryl had no intention of pursuing them, if they met again so be it, if not then their company had been interesting…
Ryl’s retinue had proceeded with all due pomp and circumstance through the streets of Thebes to reach Sar’s villa. They had been welcomed inside and hosted in the gardens where a cooling evening breeze had sprung up to lessen the stifling heat. In an impressive display of power Ryl had brought chilled wine of foreign vintage with her as a gift for their host. She and Mariamme stood arm in arm, apparently oblivious to the envious looks from Sar’s other guests, and chatted about inconsequentialities until their host appeared…they were a study in contrasts, her Major Domo’s dark Nubian skin and bright white gown against Ryl’s own fair skin and the dark green gown she had selected with its glittering emerald adornments…
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Sar had greeted them with utmost courtesy. The tall man had a dark tan and was, despite counting easily 50 years in great physical shape, although there was quite a bit of grey in his bushy eyebrows and full beard. He wore well tailored clothes and only few pieces of jewelry, albeit ones of the highest quality with large gems on gold.
His rich bass resonated pleasantly as he asked: “Your Highness, I am most pleased to have you grace my humble abode with your presence. Is there anything you desire, or that I can do for you?” -
Sian
Late Afternoon, October 1st, 2137 BC; Sar’s Villa, ThebesSian had been provided with clothing more appropriate to the visit to Sar’s Villa. The clothing clearly represented her social position of slave, as did her hair arrangement and downcast eyes. She remained close to Kaleb in the place appropriate to her station. The small gold chains at her ankles clearly marked her training as a pleasure slave and she received many glances from Sar’s other guests. Kaleb received even more glances for owning such a slave.
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Ryl
Late-Afternoon, October 1st, 2137 BC; Sar’s Villa, ThebesRyl smiled regally as she let herself be charmed, after the usual inconsequential pleasantries were done with she said
“I make a point of visiting those with influence when I travel. One never knows when such an acquaintance may prove to be profitable. You are a man of substance in this town and it is remiss of me not to have come before, although I have only passed through fleetingly on my previous trips. My factor can no doubt talk business with yours later, there will be something I am sure that will profit us both, but for now I seek good company, fine food and stories…I am sure you can supply all of those in abundance…”
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Sar smiled gently: “Of course, your Highness.” He clapped his hands and a dark skinned woman stepped forward and began pouring a dark, sweet wine into exquisitly thin clay cups.
“If it’s stories you want, I certainly have my share to tell. Have you heard of late of the grim fait that has befallen our beloved city? I had to increase the number of men protecting my family and servants. Unscrupelous murderers have made the streets at night unsave. White skinned they are like the men far to the north – I am told. They use forbidden sorceries, draining the blood of their victims to gain their strength and wisdom, or so it seems, since they mainly kill the learned and wise…” -
For someone who didn’t like attention, getting the stares of envy and jaleousy because of Sian made him rethink this whole arrangement. He also knew that sometimes the best way to remain forgotten was to be as obvious as possible. Visible but ummemorable.
So he remained not far from Ryl, delecting in the wine and food offered by the merchand and oblivious of his pretty slave.
His senses where in sharp alert however, scanning discreetly his surrounding, maybe to catch the glimpse of servants of the sorcerer but also take notes of spot that would be helpful to remain hidden or distract attention long enough.
The stories of blood suckers brought back his interest to the merchand, then he sent a look at Sian. Could there be more of her kind in town? Or the tales was just using her deeds from last night to instate more fear. After all, Ryl’s Informants never mention the murders being from bloodsucking. Poison, stabbing, almost fire…
Forbidden Sorcery? Only the Gods and their priests are capable of such feats. More like Charlatans trying to bring turmoil to this town. Fear will make people act foolish.
Of course Kaleb knew better that what he said but he kept in-character and brought doubt to the possibility of the sorcerers existence and power
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“Most likely,” Sar agreed, “but it makes for a far less compelling story.” He flashed a quick smile towards Kaleb.
“But you are quite right,…” he was interrupted by one of the slave girls whispering something into his ear. He nodded and made a curt gesture.
“It seems the light of my eyes and the treasure of this house is ready to meet you.” He nodded towards a door from where a woman in a very impractical dress had emerged: The winding pieces of weaved wool had to be held in place by two slave girls. It was hard to tell the age of the woman because her face was positively plastered with white lead make-up while her eyes were rimmed black with cole.
Sar’s smile was genuine when he saw her: “Isa, so nice of you to join us. This is the lady Ryl with her retainers.”
He turned back to Ryl: “Isa is the love of my life and the main reason House Sar is such a successful business. I dare say there are few people who can keep up with this woman’s abilty to plan and deal.”
Despite the caked on make-up, Ryl and Sian could feel the disapproval that the woman radiated when she saw who her husband was spending time with.
“Good evening, what a pleasure to make your acquaintance”, she said, while icicles dropped from every word. -
Sian
Late Afternoon, October 1st, 2137 BC; Sar’s Villa, ThebesSian keeps her head down as befitting a slave in the presence of the mistress of the house. She nods the correct amount, remaining silent as she allows her master to respond for her if he sees fit to do so. She is playing a role that she has crafted over many years; her clothing, her posture, her decorations are all in perfect sync to her expressed station in life. When the food arrives, she serves her master from the offered platters, keeping a close eye on his hands and facial expressions so as to know what he prefers. Sian waits for the appropriate nod from Kaleb before putting a small portion of the food on her own plates. She knows that she will pay for the meal with a bit of nausea, but the quickened spell ought to alleviate that to nearly no effect, or at least she hopes. Still, refusing the food would insult the hostess.
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Feeding on the delicacies the Merchant was offering, Kaleb was intrigued at the woman’s appearance. The make-up / painting would have made Harlequin proud.
Not too excited to see other women around, and considering Ryl and even Sian’s presence, he could understand. So he had his cards to play.
“Very beautiful.Kaleb said to Sar. I certainly hope she can also weave yarn and prepare a good meal. It is one thing to have her make you rich but she ought to make you happy too” He said, loud enough for Sar to ear.
He raised his glass to the painted woman. Lady Sar, thank you for your hospitality.I praise you and your wife for building such riches. And for the craftsmanship of some of your goods like the potteries.
I possess none of your riches, yet could be richer than you are. For I deal in Information. I have seen entire kingdoms crumble because of inopportune rumors, and others thrive because the king knew how to control of hush the same rumors.
Your House is in jeopardy. There are rumors… and evidences leading against you, Lord Sar. Perhaps we can help… one way, or another.
But before that may I suggest we continue the story of those murderers claiming to be Sorcerers. Such an interesting tale. -
The lady of the house narrowed her eyes at that remark, but did not otherwise acknowledge the implicit accusation and barely veiled impending blackmail.
Sar for his part frowned deeply: “What rumors do you speak of? The House of Sar is upstanding in all it’s dealings.”
The heated exclamation sounded very angry but also pretty earnest.
His wife instead was calm and focused, looking Kaleb directly in the eyes: “Don’t you worry about us, good man. Our house is beyond reproach. And as for our hospitality: I’d like to extend it a bit further by inviting you all to dinner tonight. I had planned a small festivity in any case – and having such illustre guests would certainly give the whole affair the necessary zest.” -
Kaleb eyes were going back and forth between Sar and his wife, his acute senses analysing the smallest changes of posture, attention or behavior.
Judge Intention: 18d6t5 11
It seemed clear to him that the Lady of the House may be the one dealing with the Sorcerers rather than Sar himself. And he would have to play that to their advantage. Better make an ally of the rich man rather than an enemy.
However the dinner offer wasn’t of his liking. If it was true the two sorcerers were creatures of the night, losing the advantage of the high sun would be detrimental.
He showed a acquiescing face to the wife, while attempting something he hadn’t done in a long time. Switching his senses, he entered the Astral world. It was like being dumped in the depth of a muddy swamp. It felt hard if not impossible to even move his limb. All he could do was observe, and try to make out anything he could. He focused on the Lady, assensing her as best as he could in this world deprived of so much Mana.
Assensing (Aura Reading): 7d6t5 4Satisfied or not with his reading, he came back to his normal senses and addressed the Wife: Thank you my lady, I refer to Lady DeBathyre to honor your request, only to mention it would be my utter pleasure.
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