As Cord nears the table, Latha turns and smiles a broad, proud grin. "Ah, come my friend", he says rising from his seat. "Allow me to introduce Master Dernth Zephrym of the Guard. Master Zephyrm, this is Master Cord."
Zephrym stands and nods toward the Mage, "A simple Zephrym is fine, as I've yet to reach a titled rank. I was sent from Waterdeep at the Blackstaff's request, along with a dozen or so other recruits, after it became known that Lord Mourngrym would be away for a fortnight."
As the three are seated, Cord sighs, "You know it would just figure that I leave town just when things start to get interesting. I can't believe the rotten luck of it all. Jhaele said you guys left for the tower three days ago. I know I must have missed something, either that or you gents crawled to the tower and back."
Latha replies, "Actually, the reason for the delay was our training. Lady Rowanmantle insisted that if we were to defend ourselves we should be better skilled and equipped. She opened her armory to us and had several Masters-at-Arms show us basic fighting moves. I learned how to parry and dodge", he says proudly.
Leaning forward to address the guard, Cord mentions, "I heard some farmer saw his scarecrow setting the fires. He must have really been drunk to be seeing his scarecrow walking around." Laughing softly, "I remember seeing a whole house move once. Woke up in a ditch the next day, crazy night. You guys got some idea who it is, don't you? You're probably just waiting to make your move and catch them in the act. I won't go prying though, I know you have to do your jobs."
Zephrym nods and takes a drink before answering, "Tis true, I suppose. I have yet to see this walking scarecrow, but townsfolk seem to believe the tale." Latha nods in agreement.
Cord gestures for another round, and Zephrym leans in to comment, "As far as the guard is concerned, the only suspect we have is that no account transient farmhand. Skipped out without paying his fair share of room and board, that's what he did. Methinks he lit the fires to distract the Sheriff from chasing him down, but it didn't work none to well. The Sheriff of Tilverton in Cormyr sent word this morn to M'Lady saying he and his men are patrolling the outer Dales. They've posted the farmhand's picture with a notice of reward. We'll find him, that's for certain." The round of drinks arrives...
Cord listens attentively to everything that is being said. As the round of drinks arrives, Cord takes a large swallow, smiling warmly at which ever waitress delivers the beverage.
Thinking about the training Latha mentions, Cord figures that although it seemed like a nice gesture, it was likely just enough skill to get these men killed. Then again they would likely fight for their homes with anything they had, so having a sword and some training couldn't hurt the situation.
"Wow, that was extremely generous of Lady Rowanmantle, giving out weapons and training like that. I've never heard of no ruler doing so with the common man. In most places they try to keep the common man weak and defenseless. I'll drink to the Lady's health and continued wisdom..." As Cord raises his mug he quickly tries to think of any reason the lady would do such an act. After a few seconds, Cord can think of only two options.
One she genuinely cares about helping these people and has not involvement in anything going on here. And the other, she is concerned about the continued receiving of the excessive tax money. Cord's natural view on life led him to think the latter, but he had been wrong before, if only a few times.
It was an odd feeling for Cord, but he was actually enjoying just drinking and talking for a change. It must have been the weeks up north with only Laethral for company. Joking lightly about Latha's sword training, Cord chuckles slightly, "Parry and dodge, great skills, but I hope they taught you how to strike as well. Its tough to beat an enemy without hitting him."
Cord thinks about the comments concerning the farmhand, "Now that is why I'm not a member of the guard. I didn't even think about the fact that the farmhand could be starting the fires. I just assumed he got snatched by this scarecrow thing or just got tired and moved on. Interesting... I take it that no one has come forward yet indicating that they had seen this
man." Cord had a hunch that the guard was on the wrong track, but it made sense. A farmhand setting fires was a simple solution to the problem, a solution the guard could understand and deal with. Cord doubted they would find him.
Cord drops into some small talk while nursing his drink. He asks Zephrym how long his group were going to be in town, what other posts they had been assigned to, etc. Cord also asks Latha about how he has been doing, the family, the farm, etc.
After a few more minutes, Cord mentions that he must settle some things with his friend at the bar and get settled in from his trip. "Thank you for your company and I wish you both a good day." When he returns to the bar he explains what little he learned to Laethral.
Laethral had remained at the bar as he was a bit weary from the long trip which had only ended a couple of hours ago. He quietly drinks the mead from his tankard, listening and taking in all of Cord's words. His keen sense of hearing had caught snippets of the conversation that transpired. Something did not quite sit right with him. Despite this Lady's training of the men, which had seemed like an act of good will. He wondered why training in the art of combat was so freely offered. . . training that was usually financed and given for a fee. Higher taxes, but free training in the art of combat.
"Cord, they were trained for a reason . . . I know you know that." Laethral's thoughts from the time they had spent together were quite transparent. He lowers his voice again to a whisper. "There is a storm coming. Perhaps this *Lady* has other plans for the men here. Plans that they are not aware of. This is much bigger than the fires . . . or some one masquerading as a scarecrow. Times have changed here. I am not quite sure I like what I am seeing. Free training . .and higher taxes? To finance what? That is my question."
The Avariel's expression sadens as he looks at the people gathered around the room. What game were they being set up as pawns for? This concern played itself over and over in his mind.
"HAIL FRIENDS, AND WELL MET!", comes bellowing from the doorway as the door swings wide and a little man enters. Volothamp Geddarm, the self-proclaimed 'Font of Knowledge' in the Realms, makes a flourishing gesture with his hat and a bow so deep as to appear he is sniffing his bootlaces.
"OUT!"
Jhaele, sounding quite a bit upset, comes storming into the taproom from the kitchen. "Don't you even THINK about coming in here and snookering my patrons", Jhaele howls at the newcomer. "OUT!"
"Jhaele my dear companion, my grand sweet friend, my graciously beautiful hostess, might that I have a word with you in private?" Volo grins mischievously wiping his hands together as he steps into the bar, then gestures toward the back room.
"No!" the Innkeeper wails, flustered that the man has made it in this far. "Volo", she sighs, "is something the matter with your ears? Are you daft? Just go away." She finishes with a wave of her index finger toward the doorway.
"But my dear, I can pay my way this time", he says flipping a small pouch toward Durman at the door. Durman unties the pouch and spills the contents into his very large palm. Gems! Small, and a rainbow of mixed types, but certainly real, for only true gemstones would sparkle so brightly under the dim candlelight. Durman nods to his employer and tucks the pouch into an inside pocket on his vest, and Volo grins wickedly as he continues to the bar. "A round on me", he calls as he plants himself firmly on a stool, to which Jhaele merely chuckles below her breath 'not in this lifetime'...
Cord looks up at the sudden interruption. He can't help but smile at the way this new comer upsets Jhaele. Cord had never seen anyone invoke such a reaction from the woman and Cord couldn't help but enjoy the show.
Returning his attention to Laethral, "I agree that there appears to be something deeper going on here. If it were not for the fires, I would interpret special taxes, increased patrols, and arming of the local townsmen as the coming of a war. Also, the guard said they were sent up here because Mourngrym would be gone for a fortnight. Perfect time for an enemy to move in with the ruler away. Perhaps this scarecrow is really an enemy front runner intended to harass and keep off balance."
Cord thinks for a moment, "I don't know... there is so much going on here and it all seems related some how, but it is difficult to determine who is involved and who is simply reacting to the events. It just doesn't quite all add up."
Cord remains quiet for a few moments and pays no further attention to the new comer, except if the free drink arrives, in which case Cord will give him a simple "Thank you".
Laethral looks up as the boisterous man enters the Inn. Volo seemed to exemplify all that he had not liked about humans before. . .not that many others hadn't proved him wrong. His strange violet eyes narrow as he observes Jhaele's reaction. No, he does not like this at all. He leans in closer to Cord to whisper. "What that one is about I would not like to think. If Jhaele needs assistance, I will gladly help to oust him."
"A fine display of wealth." the avariel mutters disgustedly, feeling his long fingers tighten around his mug. Then, in response to Cord's words of the scarecrow. "Aye, I think you are correct. The scarecrow is but a diversion to strike fear into the hearts of these good people." All of this is continued in a low whisper, Laethral's eyes never leaving the
man called Volo. "I think in the morning we should be off to seek this *Lady* ourselves. I think only by observing her will we gain true knowledge of what motive is behind these events."
Laethral then rises from his stool and looks at the newcomer his gaze unflinching. He remains standing beside Cord, but his eyes are locked upon Volo's as if in challenge. "I do not believe the lady wants you here, sir. For whatever reason, dear Jaehle does not seemed pleased by your presence. As to your offer of a drink . . . I am sorry, but I must decline." The elf turns to Jhaele. "Is there anything I can help you with here?"
Cord is not surprised by Laethral's reaction to the man coming into the bar. He had been with Laethral long enough to know how the priest felt about certain things. He chuckles slightly at Laethral's mentioning of Jhaele needing assistance with the man. "Actually I was thinking from the sounds of it that he might need some assistance. Besides I've seen Durman throw plenty of people out of here without any help."
Cord attempts to continue his conversation, but is cut off as Laethral stands to challenge the new comer. Drinking quietly from his mug, Cord hopes nothing will get spilled on him and wonders if he could get Laethral's free drink, since he didn't want it himself.
The innkeeper flashes a playful grin at the winged one and shrugs off the nuisance with a wave of her dishrag. The travellers have heard of this 'Volo' before, if only in passing. It's been said that the entire populace of Waterdeep has banned the rogue from their city.
At Laethral's comments, the little man smiles, stands, and bows deeply. "My good sir", he begins, "I don't believe I've had the pleasure of making your acquaintance. I am Volothamp Geddarm, Sage and Author. Allow me to offer you a sample of my latest creation." The sage holds up a shimmery metal disc. Rolling it through his fingertips he continues, "You may have heard of Tenser's Floating Disk? Well this, my friend, is Volo's Silver Disk. An amalgamation of non-precious metals and powdered
quartzstones."
He pauses to slurp his drink, glancing across at Jhaele over the top of his mug, then speaks again, "Alone it's quite useless... But with the information in my new book," he says, pulling a bound paper manuscript from one of the many folds in his robe, "it can reveal wonders..." His voice fades at the end for dramatic effect, and his eyes light up as if truely amazed...
Laethral's stance relaxes as he finally recognizes the name of the famous traveler. Relief crosses over his face as he sees that Jhaele is not quite as upset as he first thought. Slowly, he reaches out a hand in greeting to the small man.
"Laethral Armaet, Priest of Selune" he responds his expression remaining quite serious, as is his way. "Well met Volo." He takes the coin and examines it in wonderment. He will hold it out and show it to Cord. He will hand it to him if he wants to examine it as well.
Cord listens to the confrontation with some interest, but does not seem overly concerned. He smiles slightly as the situation disappears. He had heard of Volo, but had never really thought he would ever meet the magician and traveler. Then again, with how much Volo and Cord traveled he should not be to surprised that they would finally bump into each other.
Cord moves a bit closer to Volo as he describes his new magical invention. "Volo's silver Disk... sounds intriguing..." As a mage himself, Cord is keenly interested in the prospect of new magic. As a rogue himself, Cord is extremely suspicious of free information.
"So what does it really do, besides carry your name?"
After half elf is done speaking, Laethral joins in with his sentiments as well. "Yes . .a fine name. What
*does* it do?" The Avariel continues to look at the boisterous man a bit less suspiciously and with intense curiousity.
"What does it do? What does it do!?!", Volo asks appearing quite flabbergasted at the question. "Why, for _that_ information, you just need to buy my book. For only 9 silvers I'll let you know the secrets to fascinating things..."
He sips from his drink again and waves to Jhaele to bring you another drink. She just shakes her head as she sets a couple fresh ales out for the companions. "Tell me, my good man", Volo asks of Laethral, "isn't the key to unlocking fantasic knowledge worth a mere nine silvers?"
"Don't do it boys", Jhaele whispers though more for effect than out of concern that Volo may hear. "He's a swindler. That coin's probably nothing but a polished stone."
Volo sets his book on the bar beside the coin and turns back to his supper...
Cord winks at Jhaele as she leaves their section of the bar. Cord had seen and been a part of more than enough scams in his days and had no intention of forking over his hard earned coin to Volo, regardless of his claims or reputation. However, if Volo was willing to pay for drinks, then Cord was willing to listen to his pitch.
As they continue to talk, Cord keeps an eye out for any slight of hand on Volo's part, just in case Volo is also a pick pocket. "Fantastic knowledge for a mere nine silvers... how is it that you are willing to part with such valuable knowledge for such an economical sum. Surely you could get ten times that amount for so useful an object as Volo's Silver Disk."
After a moments pause, "Besides, the wind of change is in the air and it sounds like hard times are coming. We were gone but a single month and what do we find when we return... higher taxes, common men training for combat, people huddled in fear, tales of scarecrows stalking the night. A wise man might want to cling tightly to his coin in such times. Ahh but likely it is just gossip that's all. Friend Volo, what say you about these strangest of events. Surely it is just the talk of old wives
huddled around their quilts. You travel the land wide and far, what is the talk in other towns these days. Should a man save his coin and be ready for hard times or are we going to have an easy winter this year."
The elven man looks at Volo, his expression thoughtful. Although the idea of finding out the secret of the disks is appealing to him, he has no use for such an item. He is intrigued by the small man's words and the sincerity with
which he seems to speak. A wide grin is flashed in Cord's direction and then he turns back to Volo. "It seems a good salesman would demonstrate the worth of his wares." he says,
his words meant in an affirmation to Jhaele. "I never buy an item on the magnificence of word alone. I do, however, think I will accept that drink. A dark meade, if you don't mind." he pauses. "Perhaps if you would care to demonstrate the worth of these disks, then perhaps we could do business."
Laethral returns to stand by Cord. His now quiet demeanor revealing his interest in what Volo has to say in response to the questions his friend poses. Suddenly he begins to feel the fatigue of the long days journey and all of the talk that has transpired since their return. A yawn forces it's
way upon his deeply tanned face and he covers it with the back of one lithe hand. He sits down, leaning his head upon a hand, as his elbow is proped up upon the bar or table. He ponders again the import of the events that have gone on in these past few hours. He decides perhaps a quick nap would be best as he plans to later walk in the still of the evening to commune with the
goddess. If there was not to be a festival at least he would still pay hommage to the lady of the moon.
He continues to listen intently to both Cord and the strange small man. Perhaps the traveler did have some insight as to what was going on.
Cord sits quietly while Volo demonstrates his coin. After Volo completes his demonstration, Cord continues to sit quietly while thinking about what he has just witnessed. "Very impressive. Having just come from the cold lands ourselves, I
completely understand why some one there would be motivated to research such an item." A note of skeptisism still lingers in the tone of Cord's voice. He had seen equally impressive things which had later turned out to be scams. "Also very interesting about Lord Mourngrym. I had wondered what had taken him away for such a long period. Setting up new trade routes might also explain the increased taxes."
Taking a drink from his glass, he looks at the coin once again. "May I have a look?" Volo nods and Cord examines the coin closely for several moments.
Volo takes another long drink of ale. Over the top of
his mug though, his eyes follow the coin while in Cord's hands.
As the evening passes other patrons come and go, some having dinner while others move upstairs. Jhaele steps from behind the bar and appraoches Durman. After whispering something to him, she quickly exits the Inn. Turko continues to serve dinners and drinks. The adventurers recognize the garb of other patrons as Sembian, Cormyrean, and even a couple of Waterdhavians. Town guardsmen occassionally enter for supper and quickly leave after their meals...
Laethral continues to eat the stew that was provided by Volo's magic. He was impressed by the gentleman, but took note of Jhaele's reaction. Mostly he is worn by the day's journey and casually glances over at Cord. "My friend, its been quite a day. I for one am looking forward to some rest." He contemplates a bit of rest and then spending some quiet hours communing with the goddess in the moon's soft glow. Taking another sip of his meade he turns to Cord. "So . . .what shall it be in the morning? Shall we go and see this *Lady* that they speak of? Each of these people hold their own opinions as to what is going on here. I think it's best we go and assess this for ourselves."
Knowing Laethral as he does, Cord can see even more concern in the winged elf's face. The disturbance of nature . . .and the absense of the festival are troubling to the cleric. The avariel takes another sip of meade and awaits Cord's response.
Cord glances over at his friend's comment. "Frankly I don't know where we should start. I agree that the Lady will likely have information that she may not have provided to the others. However I hesitate to bother her until we have more information to go on. She is after all ruler while Lord
Mourngrym is away and we should not intrude to boldly into her presence. Perhaps we should go see this man who saw the scare crow and this woman whose farm hand disappeared first."
Laethral is quiet for a moment in contemplation of Cord's words. "It seems to me that this scarecrow, or person posing as one, seems merely to be a distraction to something much larger going on." Cord had come to know that Laethral was always direct and although he may not share his feelings on the subject of his faith . . .he could probably tell the winged elf's feelings on going to what he thought was the heart of the matter.
"If you wish to do so . . .I suppose it would do just as well to talk to them on the way." He pauses and looks around the Inn. "I wish to speak with this Lady for the disturbance of the Festival concerns me greatly." He rises to his feet and looks around for Jhaele. Turning back to his companion, his face is again somber from his thoughts. "I think I will go and rest for a while . . .if our friend Jhaele has the room ready. If there is not festival, I at least, must pay my respect to those
that have passed on and the goddess."
"Jhaele? Is the room ready?" he pleasantly calls out to her. She waves him on, and the Elf nods his head good night to Cord. "See you in the morning, my friend." He then goes up to his room and secures his belongings. Sitting up upon the
bed provided, Laethral allows his mind and body to go into the conscious, yet unconscious state known only to the Elven. His thoughts ebb and flow . . his eyes remaining open as though awake, within the Elven Reverie.
As Cord examines the coin he is very careful to keep it in clear view of the owner. Cord knows many slight of hand tricks he could use to pocket the object, but he doubted he had anything that matched it closely enough to deceive anyone, much less Volo who sounded like he knew a few tricks of his own.
Two very different aspects of Cord's personality started their normal tug of war over the worth of the item. On one side was Cord's roguish nature... the cynic, the cut throat, the thief. Like a huge hairy beast it usually dominated decisions. Frankly it was this part of Cord's nature that had kept him alive all these years. On the other side was Cord's curiosity for intellectual knowledge, especially magic. A weak, under nourished creature that appeared in special situations. In the past few years Cord had spent increasingly more time nurturing this facet of himself, but it still got consideration only after the beast had raised its doubts. Handing the coin back to Volo, Cord takes a drink of his ale, considering for a moment longer. "All right my friend, I'll bite. I just hope that I don't regret this later." His internal beast roared that he would regret
this.
"Very good! Very Good!" Volo replies most excitedly. He open the manuscript, drops the coin into the pages and closes it again. He slides it across the bar saying, "Nine silvers should cover the cost of meal, so I'll be going up to bed now..."
He rises from his seat and checks his bag as Turko approaches from behind the bar. Volo nods in Cord's direction, and the barkeep moves to Cord's side. "Nine silvers then and thank you."
Suddenly, the door flies open and a Guardsman call in, "Fire at the stables! All needed! Fire at the stables!"
Durman pushes aside the guard and heads around the corner. Through the open doorway can be seen people rushing to and fro, and the clatter of horsehooves is heard. The few travellers within the Inn quickly exit to join in the commotion...
As Volo pushes the manuscript his way, Cord automatically opens it to make sure that the coin was not switched with a substitute. After confirming that the goods are intact, Cord prepares to pay the bar tender. Hearing the call for the fire, Cord scoops up the manuscript and coin, tucking them quickly away. Handing two gold to Turko, "I'll be back for the change." Sliding from his chair, Cord heads quickly for the door and once clear will sprint the distance to the stable. After arriving he will quickly gauge the extent of the fire and whether the horses are trapped in the stable. Once he has gained this information he will make his decision on what to do next.
The winged elf turns to hear the commotion down the stairs below. He rushes back down and looks around for a bucket. The thought of fire does not thrill him, given certain feathery appendages. "A line . . ." he calls out to all of those gathered there. "Let's get the water going down a line."
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