Re: The crossroads of Vandis
Ralston entered the Ye Olde Bucket of Beer with a tall, lean human. They were laughing to the point of crying over some bit of humor. Seeing the state of the place and the looks on many of the faces that had expected the opportunity to make a platinum piece per day they only laughed harder.
"Oye, you lot do look so forlorn. Well, most of you." Ralston said after he caught his breath. "This here is Manozo. He is my silent partner."
The man was well adorned in fine clothing, expensive boots, a purple cloak, and a elegant set of matched rapier and long dagger. He was a freshly shaven with a neatly waxed mustachio, perfumed hair, and a bright smile. Rings rode six fingers, two heavy chains of gold hung around his neck, and his belt buckle shone with the gleam of electrum. He was well appointed, very wealthy indeed, but owing to his company Ralston's partner was more rogue than politician.
"That is the second time she has done that this week." Ralston said. He waved a hand in a wide arc. "You can see, Manozo, no lack of fools for her errand. And her platinum. She is gone. Rode out of town moments ago with her attendants and a wagon in her wake."
The tall man stepped forward alone, he was old. Maybe the oldest human any of them had ever seen. Though he lo
oked remarkably hale for his age.
"For the woman of Riftono. I have news, a sorcerer name Heglund came through the town of Ovam forty miles to the north two days past with a beautiful girl from Riftono. He is headed to Lanis. Probably where he has a home." Manozo said. "For the Hafling of the Iron Mountains seeking the runaway girl. She is not in the realm of our associates, though she, too, was bound for Lanis to claim her inheritance."
"You knights of from the Council, seek out Brother Samuel there." Manozo said with pointing finger. "The cleric follows the aspect of war and is said to carry the blessings of the One God into battle. And soon he will be tracking down the Gnolls that killed a small village of that Half-Orcs kinfolks." Another finger pointed to Yrpish. "The men that will accompany them under that old tracker will need your strength and skill."
With than, Manozo strode into the back of the tavern like Don that had just addressed his family of thieves. Ralston waited for the man to leave and the Dwarf mounted a table.
"She is gone. If you want work the magistrate is offering a bounty on Gnolls of ten gold for each Gnoll brought in from the neck up. The mayor has agreed to match that. So, twenty gold per Gnoll head. Heads only." Ralston called out loudly. "This pack is large and it is led by the Gnoll known as the Umog to the Elf clans to the east. Yes, that's right, the Destroyer is among our waters again."