You have just witnessed the arrival of a royal messenger, Lady Merith, and a demonstration of one of Lord Valkris' execution devices on a hapless Gholibin thrall. Having seen your exit from the city of Camars blocked by the arrival of Urag guardsmen, you have been forced to come up with another plan for your departure from the walled city, which is presently under lockdown.
You presently lurk just off the crowded Baronial Way, not far from the disreputable part of town, called the Shadows Ward, a mazy collection of ramshackle structures and streets better called alleyways. South of you looms the great hulk of the Temple of Kursa, and near that, the old amphitheatre used in gladiatorial combat. North is the Old Keep, an ancient fortification.
Kane says, "We need to find some place out of the open to review our options."
The breeze brings a chill autumn rain, big drops falling down. Shadows Ward just to the south offers taverns and places to shelter.
Thragga mutters, "I opt we fight our way out."
Kane says, "And die the good death, my friend?"
Thragga snaps, "We wouldn't die if Brion would hold his end up. He fights like a Gholibin."
Brion says, hurt, "Hey!"
Kane says, "Perhaps we should think on this a bit before throwing our lives away."
Brion sneers. "I have better things to do than stand around in a battle of wits with someone who is only half-armed."
Kane snaps, "You two follow me and stop this bickering."
"I'm for a drink." Brion says.
Kane says, "Lets get out of this rain" and turns towards Shadows Ward, looking for a likely tavern.
Khom-Bei walks over to the mourning Gholibin widow and places a hand on her shoulder."You have my sympathy for your loss, goodwife. But you should go to your home before the guards take notice of you."
The small female looks up at the unexpected sympathy. "Thank yoo for...kindness," she says with a thick accent. She says to Khom-Bei, "He was good to me. Someone...must do...something. Some day. So much hate." She turns to go.
Khom-Bei says, catching up his friends, "Kane, there must be a way for the water to get out of the city walls. If we can find it, we may be able to follow it out."
Kane says, "Any idea where it might be?"
Khom-Bei says, "No, but if we follow the water, we should find it, no?"
Kane says, "Unless it drains to sewers underground. Let's get dry and try to think it through."
Khom-Bei says, "With the way that the water is coming into this city, it would turn into a lake without someplace for the water to drain away."
A nearby tavern just off Shadows Way beckons, its torchlights welcoming in this thickening rain. The tavern is open to the air, with no walls, a sloping roof keeping the raindrops away. The smell of roast game hens issues from it. It fronts a low building that may be the home of the tavernkeepers.
Kane heads for the tavern, Khom-Bei and the others following.
Kane heads for a corner table.
Khom-Bei sits across from Kane and looks around the tavern.
The innkeeper, an old man who reminds you of Hobb, sets mugs before you and fills each with dark Southmarch beer.
Kane says, "We'll have some of that roasting bird as well if you please."
When the innkeeper has moved away, Khom-bei whispers, "We could always go back and ask Ugash and Dras if they know a way out of town."
At this time, the tavern is filled with peasants out late, avoiding their wives at home, with a table of six men of shady aspect arguing over cards, and a pair of Vulkah mercenaries.
The innkeeper nods, glad to be able to sell a meal this late at night. He produces them on a big tray, skewered and succulent and ripe with oniony aromas.
Kane says, "We could but I'd not wish to endanger them anymore than we have already if we can." He hands the innkeepr some coins.
The Gholibin widow, who had been following, sidles up to Khom-Bei. Thragga frowns. She whispers, "Tunnel, sir. Water...goes in..big pots...and then tunnel." she says hesitantly.
Kane says, "Dig in my friends. My thanks, innkeeper."
The card players deal another hand and the Vulkah gloomily sip at their beer.
Thragga had already finished one bird before Kane even paid. He starts in on a second as Brion shakes his head in wonderment.
Kane looks to the lady and whispers, "Where?"
Khom-Bei nods to the widow and whispers. "Be well, goodwife. The blessings of the Great Father be upon you."
The Gholibin widow looks hesitantly towards the street. She nods. "Careful..."
A squad of soldiers goes racing past the tavern, armor clanking as they march doubletime, into the depths of the ward, and disappear around a corner.
Khom-Bei hands the woman a small pouch containing some coin. "This city holds much sadness for you. You should travel far from here."
Kane says, "Where do you think these tunnels are located?"
The widow refuses the coin. "No, no. Iga is thrall, thralls work for no money."
Three Sathanids on horseback gallop past the tavern now, headed after the soldiers.
Kane says, "Something must be going on."
The rain batters down on the rooftop, the torches guttering in the damp breeze.
The soldiers and Sathanids headed toward the depths of the ward, a narrow labyrinth of streets.
The Gholibin looks sidelong and makes to scrambles away.
Kane asks Khom-Bei, once Iga is gone, where he thinks the tunnels might be located.
Khom-Bei says, "I think that we will have to search for them near the cisterns in the northern end of the city."
Another squad of soldiers marches up. They stop in front of the tavern and the Vorghol officer bellows at them, "Lock it up tight, lads. She gets away, your eyeballs are my breakfast!" The Vorghol is a tall man, with a thick mustache, wearing two swords and expensive armor. He was the one working the crowd at Ingelay's execution. He steps under the roof.
Kane looks to Khom-Bei.
The card game goes quiet. The officer speaks: "All of you, your attention. We're looking for someone. It's your civic duty to help us. Any one helpful could make a dragon or three, as well."
Thragga picks his teeth and adjusts his cloak. His axe hangs between his shoulder blades under it.
Brion looks down at the table.
The Vorghol studies the patrons as his guards stand at attention. "A Reith woman. This high--" he holds up his hand about five foot three. "Dark hair. Skinny."
The Vorghol seems to notice Brion for the first time but he keeps speaking. " This one's wanted for killing two of Lord Valkris' officers in the Shadows Ward." He holds up a small bag of dragons. "This is for the one who helps us find the bitch."
Kane fails to mention that his description covers a third of the woman in the city.
One of the Vulkah lights a pipe. "Nope. Ain't seen her." he drawls.
The Vorghol approaches your table. Brion sips his beer. "Brion, isn't it?" the officer says. He sets his hand on Brion's shoulder.
Thragga glares at the tale, pale, Vorghol.
Khom-Bei drains his mug and thumps it noisily onto the table: "A woman killed two of Lord Valkris' officers? I think I'll sit here and drink the rest of the night, it ain't safe outside.
Brion looks up, abashed. "Good even, Captain Quarus." Brion says.
Kane says, "Killed within the city walls and by a woman? I'll say."
Quarus says, "Thought I recognized you, from the entertainment you provided last Dragonsday." He indicates Brion's companions. "You're certainly slumming now."
Khom-Bei says, "Probably some kinda witch, mor'n likely."
Thragga mutters to Kane, "Too bad she didn't kill more of them..."
Kane looks to Khom-Bei, "You'd better teach yer slave to watch his tongue. Mor'n likely he'll have it cut out if he keeps talkin like that.
Brion shrugs. He speaks over Thragga's hasty words. "Yes, well, all that money I make, I spend it so fast, Captain!" he raises his mug. "But I'm sure we haven't seen who you're looking for, sir."
Thragga looks to Khom-Bei as if daring the Northerling to slap him.
Khom-Bei says, "Maybe I should send him outside to catch the Witch of Camars if he feels so bold tonight!"
Kane says, "Why old Brion here don't cares who he drinks with so long as somebody else is buying."
Kane says, "Either that or beat him till he knows his place. That's what I say."
Quarus looks to each of you. He could be cousin to Kane, the two are of similar build and appearance. Perhaps the noble blood of Tol Nedra once pumped in his veins, and now he drinks it.
Khom-Bei laughs loudly and calls out for the innkeeper. "Another round for us and our fancy friend, barman."
The innkeeper is careful to not look up as he refills your mugs from a big pitcher.
Kane says, "Sing us a tune Brion! One that will lighten our spirits!"
Brion grins. "It's my night off, Kane."
Kane says, "We'll I wish you had said that before we agreed to buy all the drinks now lad."
Another squad of soldiers doubletimes past the tavern, into the depths of the Shadows Ward.
Kane says, "Is the witch still on the loose Captain?"
Quarus studies Kane. "She won't be for long." he says, finally. He turns to the crowd. "Fifty dragons and the thanks of his Lordship to the one who helps us find her." he offers, finally.
Khom-Bei laughs loudly again. "I think you'd better get back to the hunt, Captain. It sounds like the Witch is causing more trouble!"
Kane says, "Perhaps old Brion should join the hunt with the bar tab he's running up."
No takers. Quarus turns to go with a dramatic snap of his cloak. He pauses a moment to eye Brion. The Vulkah mercenaries watch as he leaves, barking orders to his men. The Reith in the card game deal another hand, more cautiously as the soldiers in the rain move out.
Khom-Bei says, "Sure, he could charm the witch with a song!"
Kane finishes his meal than says in a voice that will carry, "Well I'm for home lads."
Khom-Bei laughs. "Maybe we should escort you home? It's dangerous out there tonight. The witch might get you!"
Thragga tosses his chicken bones with contempt onto his plate.
Kane then says in a lower voice, "Perhaps we should have a look around."
Khom-Bei stands and claps Kane on the shoulder, staggering slightly as if he were drunk.
Brion says, "It's not easy having a handsome face like mine.."
Khom-Bei says, "Well, come along then, handsome. We're off."
Kane says, "And without a song too, a pity."
Thragga rises, steadily.
Khom-Bei stumbles toward the door, tugging Kane's sleeve.
Brion drains his beer and slips off after Khom-Bei.
The chill rain beats down. Another pair of Sathanids gallops past the tavern. You can see soldiers milling about the streets, forming a cordon about the maze of dank alleyways.
Kane says, "Well where do you want to look first for these tunnels?"
Khom-Bei says, "Follow the canal to the cisterns and start looking there. If the cisterns overflow, there has to be somewhere for the water to go."
Kane says, "Sounds like a plan. But perhaps we can go by way of the maze."
Thragga belches, filling the damp air with the reek of partially digested chicken and onions. "We were looking for Verraine." he says.
Khom-Bei says, "Lead on, Kane."
Kane heads for the Shadows Ward.
Khom-Bei follows Kane with a sinking feeling in his stomach.
There's a fair amount of shouting as the soldiers mill about. They are clearly unused to police work and don't like being in this part of town. Down the street, you can see Captain Quarus shouting orders to his men. Half a dozen Sathanid warriors are nearby.
As they walk Kane keeps an eye out for any possible sewer tunnels.
Kane says, "For once you're right. I suggest we split up. Two us will have a look around here while the others look for the tunnel."
Brion points at Thragga. "It will keep me away from him."
Kane says, "I suggest Brion and Thraaga seek out the tunnel. I think you two need a little practice on working together."
Thragga scowls. "Him? He's a weakling and a fancy pants."
Kane says, "Now Thragga, give the boy a chance and behave yourself."
Brion waggles his eyebrows. "Try and keep up, greenie."
Kane says, "Meet us back near the tavern in an hour or so. Now go."
Thragga tells Khom-Bei: "Take care of Kane."
Khom-Bei nods solemnly. "Don't kill Brion."
Kane says, "Like I need it, you fool? Hurry and go!"
Thragga looks skeptical, and then he and Brion silently disappear into the dark city.
Kane smiles, "Finally some peace."
Nearby, in front of the alleyway, Quarus is shouting at his men. "No one gets out! No one, d'you hear?
Khom-Bei says, "What's the plan now, Kane?"
Kane says, "Come on, let's go see what they're up too. Later we can circle around the Shadow Ward and then head back if we don't see anything."
There is the sound of a struggle, blades clashing and some shouting. Quarus and some other soldiers disappear into the alleyway, swords drawn.
Kane moves ahead to get a look down the alley.
Khom-Bei follows closely, sticking to the shadows when possible.
Quarus and some soldiers are in a pitched battle. Two of the soldiers drop, felled by a swift and deadly opponent. The soldiers are battling a set of deadly opponents. Quarus' twin blades flash, and he is a spinning dervish in a fight. You see crossbow bolts being fired into the soldiers, dropping them. After a few moments of deadly battle, Quarus calls retreat and the Tol Nedran soldiers beat a hasty path back up the alleyway.
Kane ducks into a shadow.
The tall Vorghol doesn't see Kane and Khom-Bei lurking nearby. He and his men are panting now. "Bastards. We'll burn them out." He heads off down the street, men in tow.
Kane again peers down the alley to see who it was that attacked the Vorghol.
A shadow stoops over a fallen soldier, lapping at its bloody neck. Other shadows lurk nearby. They talk quietly among each other for a moment.
Kane hears them speaking in bits: "...woman....Valkris angry...Varun likes her spirit." There is laughter exchanged.
The shadowy figures in the alleyway reload their crossbows. The one who was drinking blood stands and wipes his lips.
Kane whispers to Khom-Bei, "I think we've seen enough here." He can tell he is looking at the undead.
Khom-Bei nods and backs away from the alleyway.
Kane says, "Let's circle around Shadow Ward then head back to the Tavern."
Khom-Bei follows Kane.
Kane spins around quickly to look behind him, drawing his sword as he turns.
Three shadows step out of the darkness behind you. They have small crossbows and sharp, jagged daggers drawn. "What have we here?" one says, the way a cat would speak about a mouse.
Kane replies, "More than you care to find out."
"Quit it," one says to the first one who spoke. "We just want to talk to them. They're not with Quarus, you can smell it."
Khom-Bei steps from the shadows and draws himself up to his full height at Kane's shoulder.
Kane says, "Say your piece then."
There is the sound of clashing blades up the street. The Vorghol looks over your shoulder at some soldiers up the street, where another small battle has broken out. "And they thought they could come into our domain." he says. "Valkris doesn't know who runs this city. He just thinks he does."
The one who first spoke smirks at Khom-Bei, testing the edge of his daggerblade with his thumb.
Kane waits to see what they will say.
Khom-Bei returns the smirk as he pulls his greathammer from his belt.
The younger dark-haired one, who urged caution, tells Kane. "Someone wants to talk to you. Someone important."
Kane says, "Who and why would they want to speak to me?"
The speaker continues, "I don't know why. He didn't tell us." You can hear the capital H in the He. "Just that we were to let you into the Ward if you showed up." The Vorghol takes her finger and, against the filthy brick wall of the alleyway, writes a v-symbol, then looks to you.
The Vorghol smirking at Khom-Bei, a narrow, wolflike fellow, pipes up, "Or you can take your chances with Lord Valkris."
Kane says, "Where can I meet Him to talk?"
The wolflike Vorghol gestures with his dagger down the dark alley with a fanged smile.
Kane heads down the alley way careful of an ambush.
Khom-Bei tucks the handle of his greathammer into his belt and steps forward into the alleyway.
The three minions fall into step behind you, escorting you.
Then the directions grow confusing. Down the long, winding alleyway, left and right, then through a door, down a short flight of stairs, through some more doors, and into a lush anteroom with fine stonework walls. This Ward would be a bad place to get lost in, and hopeless to take militarily. Quarus must be having difficulties indeed.
In the anteroom stands a small girl, with golden curly hair and a fancy dress. Her skin is pale, her eyes blood red. She doesn't smile at you, but pours wine for you into fancy goblets and indicates the well-crafted chairs nearby.
Khom-Bei looks at Kane, the obvious question in his eyes.
Kane politely declines to sit.
The wine in the pitcher is Mazirene Red. And the girl's skin is a deathly pale.
Kane says, "If you don't mind I'd rather stand."
Khom-Bei takes the wine and sips it carefully.
The little girl doesn't say anything, but you can see her think, Suit your own self.
The wine is excellent, redolent of marshy climes.
In just a moment, an immensely fat figure bustles into the anteroom, and a familiar woman slips in behind him. Verraine.
Kane looks at the goblet but doesn't reach to pick it up.
"Ah, you see Verraine, your friends did come looking for you! You were so right, so right indeed!" says the fat Vorghol. "Sit, my friends, sit!" he says, amiably. "I trust you like the wine? Are you hungry? I can have food brought."
Kane waits patiently to let the Vorghol explain themselves.
Khom-Bei says, "The wine is excellent and we have already eaten, thank you.""
Verraine looks relieved to see you. "Kane, Khom-Bei!"
Khom-Bei says, "Are you alright, Verraine?"
Kane says, "Hello Verraine, how come you by your current company?"
Verraine nods. "They haven't harmed me."
The fat Vorghol seats himself. "Won't you sit? This must be Kane, hm? And Khom-Bei. Of course, you already know who I am." The Vorghol sets his hand on the young girl's golden curls, stroking them absently.How he knows your name is obvious. Varun is one of the Very Old Ones, and his powers of mind and persuasion would be formidable.
Kane says, "Yes, Varun we do. So what will it take for you to let us leave here with our friend?"
Verraine explains, "I tried to escape the city, wound up in the Shadows' Ward, got into a fight with some of Valkris' officers, and fled, but was captured by some of His men."
Varun laughs. On his chair, he looks every inch a King. "Little happens in this city that I do not know about."
Khom-Bei says, "And Varun rescued you from Valkris' men?"
Verraine nods. "Although he hasn't made it clear to me, why."
Varun says, "Kane, please sit. Enjoy my hospitality. I insist."
Kane reluctantly takes a seat and says, "So, here we are."
"Yes, yes, my friends. We are indeed here, indeed," he seems quite amused. "The Northerlings are as direct as they claim, my friend. I do indeed want something from you all, something only those of your unique talents can give me."
The fat Vorghol strokes the little girls' hair, and she stares at your necks absently as her master does so.
Khom-Bei says, "You want something from us, Varun, or we wouldn't be here. What do we have to do to guarantee Verraine's safety?"
This creature was born before the Dragha turned all the forest lands to ash. He appears no older than Kane, and as fit, but his eyes are so so old. He chuckles. "Why, I want Valkris dead. Is that so much to ask?"