POVERO Chapter Eleven

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ewancummins
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POVERO Chapter Eleven

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LATER IN THE MORNING
A MEETING WITH PERSONS OF HIGH RANK



The adventurers have had the opportunity to nap, eat breakfast, and have their wounds tended to by herbalists.
A watchmen tells Alfonse and the others to make themselves presentable, as the representatives of the two families have arrived.


In the meeting room, the party finds Trea Holbin and Mistress Holbin (Elissa's mother) sitting to the far right of the big table and Master Savelle seated by the far left rim. Two pairs of bodyguards and two pairs of servants stand nearby, each quartet behind their respective families. Lanterns add to the weak morning light through the high eastern windows.
Trea flashes a smile at Alfonse, and then returns to reading a pocket-sized book.
Mistress Holbin pointedly ignores Alfonse and the others.
Master Savelle nods at the group, each in turn. He doesn't rise, of course--but such a nod from a man of his status is more favorable recognition than any common mercenaries and burglars should expect.



Mistress Holbin speaks first, addressing the small contingent of watch officers who have escorted the party into the room,
"These rascals absconded with my daughter." She scowls, not even deigning to look upon the party. "But...they did save her from Aldron Folbre's assassins, and afterward risked their lives to further counter his plans. With Master Holbin away on business, perhaps I ought to wait... But this matter needs to be settled as soon as possible, for the good of my family. So I will consider the previous offenses by these persons to be of no importance now, certainly not worth bringing before a magistrate, if they all swear not to bandy the sordid details of the affair about in public. At least, not until they have the leave of my husband, should he decide to release the information."

Master Savelle leans forward. He tweaks his black mustachios and breaks into a sly smile.
"I agree, naturally, given the services they have provided my house tonight. But I want my permission to also be required. Consider how this matter affects all three families. The other Folbres..." He lets that particular notion hang in the air.


Mistress Savelle nods. ''Yes."

The two merchant-aristocrats now turn toward the party, still seated.
They say nothing.

A watch officer standing near Alfonse coughs into his kerchief.
Delight is to him- a far, far upward, and inward delight- who against the proud gods and commodores of this earth, ever stands forth his own inexorable self.

-from Moby Dick (Hermann Melville)
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Re: POVERO Chapter Eleven

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Sixt may notice
VIEW CONTENT:
that the younger lady of the two Holbins pays extra attention to him. Nothing much- just that she looks at him a bit longer than she does the others, before returning to her little book. Of course, he joined this party only after its earlier adventures in Povero, so he presents a new face to some of the people in this room.
Delight is to him- a far, far upward, and inward delight- who against the proud gods and commodores of this earth, ever stands forth his own inexorable self.

-from Moby Dick (Hermann Melville)
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Re: POVERO Chapter Eleven

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Bowing, Alfonse gives his most sycophantic smile. "Of course, masters. I and my colleagues have no interest in remembering these matters among ourselves, let alone with the public. We will be happy to comply."
"Of course," Benn mutters, "It would be a damned shame if we ever knew what the hell was actually going on."
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Re: POVERO Chapter Eleven

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Adam wrote:Bowing, Alfonse gives his most sycophantic smile. "Of course, masters. I and my colleagues have no interest in remembering these matters among ourselves, let alone with the public. We will be happy to comply."
Both Master Savelle and Mistress Holbin smile now, though only briefly.

Fild starts to object, but Gertie clamps her hand over his mouth. She whispers in his ear,
"Shsssshhhh, you want to get us hanged?"



''It is done, then.'' Mistress Holbin says.

But 'it' isn't quite done yet...

After the aristos depart, the party meets with clerics from the Civic Temple who administer a binding oath of secrecy. One of the priests casts sheep-eyes and a bloody tongue into a brazier and calls on the Blind Judge to punish anyone who reveals what should be hidden according to the oath. The eyeballs and the severed tongue pop and fizzle on the hot coals of the brazier set on the meeting table.

Damien turns pale, but says nothing.

Gertie stammers a bit.

But they take the oath.

Fild, however, refuses. The clerics ask him if he's sure. The obstinate gnome, still fatigued and injured, insists that he is certain.


Guards lead him away after the others take the oath.



Titus informs his fellows as they leave, "That was true magic. I'd advise you all to keep your word. I certainly don't wish to draw a curse upon myself."
He looks back into the building.
"I'm going to double check on Fild, but I'll meet you all back at the Frisky Friar."


...




Later, when the group gathers in a private room at the Frisky Friar, Gertie seems much more cheerful than she had been at the oath-taking.

"Look here, guys."
After making certain no snooping outsiders stand near the door or window, she shows the others what is in her pack. One of the two coffers she looted from the boat in the underground canal. She opens the carved lid. Light sparkles in multiple hues off the handful of gemstones and the small collection of golden jewelry inside. It looks like a small fortune!

The 'Builder' says, "It was decent of Richard Savelle not to mention seeing you nab this from Folbre's gondola. Or maybe he forgot we took it?"

Damien chuckles.
''Either way, it's ours, friends. I'm sure it's more than what Aldron Folbre promised us in the first place. Even shares, right? And, hmmm, that coffer has a really nice lock on it, and it's built like plate armor. Keep it, I say. But what about that other one, Gertie?"

Gertie shrugs,
''I got the trap disarmed, like this one, but the lock on that second coffer is beyond my skill. I guess. Maybe if Thom takes a crack at it?"
Last edited by ewancummins on Wed Nov 23, 2016 8:44 am, edited 4 times in total.
Delight is to him- a far, far upward, and inward delight- who against the proud gods and commodores of this earth, ever stands forth his own inexorable self.

-from Moby Dick (Hermann Melville)
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Re: POVERO Chapter Eleven

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Alfonse smiles and slaps Gertie on the back. "Well done," he says. "They'll fetch us a nice price...eventually."

He looks around at the others. "But not here. Not in Povero. I guarantee you, Folbre knows what was in these coffers, and his agents will be looking for them being pawned at any of the jewelry shops in town."

He spreads his hands. "I don't know about the rest of you but, for my part, I think we've gotten in enough trouble here. Mayhaps it's time we departed this city, and let the Savelles, Folbres, and their like resume handling matters in their own way."
"Of course," Benn mutters, "It would be a damned shame if we ever knew what the hell was actually going on."
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Re: POVERO Chapter Eleven

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Adam wrote:Alfonse smiles and slaps Gertie on the back. "Well done," he says. "They'll fetch us a nice price...eventually."

He looks around at the others. "But not here. Not in Povero. I guarantee you, Folbre knows what was in these coffers, and his agents will be looking for them being pawned at any of the jewelry shops in town."

He spreads his hands. "I don't know about the rest of you but, for my part, I think we've gotten in enough trouble here. Mayhaps it's time we departed this city, and let the Savelles, Folbres, and their like resume handling matters in their own way."

Gertie frowns.

"Maybe you're right...I dunno. I just know I'm not happy about all the killing--even though we did what we had to do. I was thinking of buying a fishing boat and hiring on some men. But I could do that someplace else." She glances at Thom, but says nothing.


Damien says,
"It's been exciting, guys, but I think after we get out of town I'm going my own way for a while. That's the safest thing, because one of us leaving changes the makeup and number of the party. It'll make it harder for spies-- if there are any--to recognize the group."


Titus says,'I didn't join this party to win loot, but because the signs led me to that tunnel in the vineyard. I'm happy to take my share, though. I'll put it to good use for the honor of the Speaker-in-Storms and aid to the needy. I agree with Alfonse that selling outside the city may be the best course. I do think we will all be welcome here in Povero in the future if the Folbre faction really has lost, but it would be stupid to try the patience of the big families. Best that we leave soon, and quietly. Let a year pass, say, before any of us returns. Povero is grand, but there's more to the world than this city."
He raises his holy symbol, an small brass orb with bolts radiating from it, and makes a sign of blessing over the party, muttering a prayer as he does so.
''I'd like to stay with you, Alfonse, but the auguries favor my going on alone. I have a task ahead of me that requires this. The signs for the rest of you remaining together seem favorable, if vague."
Last edited by ewancummins on Tue Nov 22, 2016 9:27 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Delight is to him- a far, far upward, and inward delight- who against the proud gods and commodores of this earth, ever stands forth his own inexorable self.

-from Moby Dick (Hermann Melville)
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Re: POVERO Chapter Eleven

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"I will try to open this lock Gertie, you said there is no trap right? As for what we will do with the loot, well I will get my share as well. I agree that is better if we stay low for some time, leave the city and then decide if return or no."

Turning to Damien and Titus he says:

"It's sad seeing you leave the group, we have been in so much together. But I understand where you are coming from. I will be really happy to see you again in future."
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Re: POVERO Chapter Eleven

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VAN wrote:"I will try to open this lock Gertie, you said there is no trap right? As for what we will do with the loot, well I will get my share as well. I agree that is better if we stay low for some time, leave the city and then decide if return or no."

Turning to Damien and Titus he says:

"It's sad seeing you leave the group, we have been in so much together. But I understand where you are coming from. I will be really happy to see you again in future."

Gertie says,
''It was trapped, but I took care of that. Nasty little needle thing with a stain on it. Probably poison.''

Damien and Titus both thank Thom for his help during the group's adventures in the city.
Then the two men leave for the common room to order food.

After Titus and Damien step out, the 'Builder says,

"I don't know you guys that well. I'm not sure if I'll go with you or not. This adventure has been profitable, but it seems like you have a talent for getting in deep trouble. No offense."

Gertie smiles sadly.
"I know what you mean. I'm worried about Fild too. "

The Builder inclines his head.
"That gnome has brass. I hope he comes out of this okay."
Delight is to him- a far, far upward, and inward delight- who against the proud gods and commodores of this earth, ever stands forth his own inexorable self.

-from Moby Dick (Hermann Melville)
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Re: POVERO Chapter Eleven

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FILD


FILD waits in the small, dingy basement cell where the watch have taken him. The wooden bench chained to the back wall is too high, so his legs dangle in the cool air of the shadowy room.

Only a little light comes in through a grill set in the stout--and firmly locked and barred-- door.

He hears footsteps, voices in quiet conversation. Rustling sounds, hard to identify.

A face looks in the iron lattice of the door vent/window. Fild's heat-sight works just fine, so he recognizes the man.
Richard Savelle.


"Fild, you can't stay here."
Richard whispers so his voice doesn't carry.
''I've bribed a guard to let you escape. He thinks my family wants this. You'd best get out before the man realizes he's mistaken about that. But I've got a favor to ask. "
Delight is to him- a far, far upward, and inward delight- who against the proud gods and commodores of this earth, ever stands forth his own inexorable self.

-from Moby Dick (Hermann Melville)
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Re: POVERO Chapter Eleven

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FILD's cell

Fild is suddenly really excited. "Lord Savelle, you're among my favorite humans. Your hopefully fiancé too. This is the 2nd time you intervene in my behalf sir, and I won't forget that. Before you decide to let me go, perhaps angering your family, let me quickly made something clear. "

Fild takes a deep breath. "Lord Savelle, I have done you wrong. I trusted Aldron Foeble and manipulated the rest of my group, that have no fault in the outcome, to accept the job of taking Lady Elissa to you. It is my fault that your fiancée faced so much danger and she's in so much trouble. Mine alone. The rest are innocent, including our leader Alfonse that was the first to see through Aldron's treachery.
If you trust me sir, I'll do whatever favor you ask. I owe you that much after putting Lady Elissa to so much danger and jeopardizing your chances to be together. You're meant to be together Lord Savelle and I think you'll manage. I have seen many humans. You two moved earth and sky to be together. If assassins, poison and a stupid gnome didn't manage to foil your plans, then a family feud won't. "

Fild waits, braced for an angry remark from Richard Savelle.
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Re: POVERO Chapter Eleven

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FILD


IN A HOLDING CELL OF THE WATCH-HOUSE

''Oh, my good gnome, don't apologize. You've acted with courage and nobility."

He glances to the left, down the hall where Fild cannot see (not from inside the cell.)

"It is well."

The lock rattles.

The door opens and Richard slips in. He wears a borrowed watchman's cloak.

"I don't have much time. You'll be coming out with me under my cloak, bundled up and passed of as my things. They won't search a person of my rank. But first, the favor. I need you to---"

Voices in the hall.

"Shhhh-- quick, you throw the cloak over the bench while I hide under it. Then stand in front."
Delight is to him- a far, far upward, and inward delight- who against the proud gods and commodores of this earth, ever stands forth his own inexorable self.

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Re: POVERO Chapter Eleven

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Adam wrote:Alfonse smiles and slaps Gertie on the back. "Well done," he says. "They'll fetch us a nice price...eventually."

He looks around at the others. "But not here. Not in Povero. I guarantee you, Folbre knows what was in these coffers, and his agents will be looking for them being pawned at any of the jewelry shops in town."

He spreads his hands. "I don't know about the rest of you but, for my part, I think we've gotten in enough trouble here. Mayhaps it's time we departed this city, and let the Savelles, Folbres, and their like resume handling matters in their own way."
Sixt Says:"I agree leaving the city so the group can for one get a good price for the treasure and not attract attention from the Folbres is a sound plan . For myself going with the reset of you to see more of the wider world sounds like a good plan as well ."
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Re: POVERO Chapter Eleven

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FILD
,THE CELL,
CONTINUED




Richard hides under the cloak and bench.

Footsteps. Muffled voices.
Then, louder, the jailer's voice,
"The gnome is in the third cell on the right. Are you sure that---"

A young woman's voice, familiar to Fild, "He's certainly no danger to me--locked up in a dungeon or free as he ought to be. He was one of the ones who protected me, you know."

The guard again, "Forgive me, my lady, they don't tell me such things. I only know he's held for burglary."

A man peers into the cell. Not the jailer. This one wears a beard and mustache.
"Signorina, the gnome's here, as he says."

''A moment's privacy, Tybalt."

"As you wish."
Footsteps, receding.




Elissa Holbin presses her face close to the grill, peering in at Fild.

"Oh, Fild! Are you well? When I heard you'd rescued Richard, and that you were all back safe... " Her eyes grow bright. "Mother let me come with her after we had the message--I think she's worried about Folbre's assassins breaking in at Holbin House, since the...errr... burglary and with so many of our men out on patrols. But it's been dreadful here. No one would let me see any of your party, and they tell me so little. They're hiding Richard from me, if he's even still here. And now it seems I've gotten you in worse trouble somehow and...""
Big tears spring up, rolling down her face.
"I'm sorry, I'm sorry. I'm babbling like a silly girl. I should ask, is there anything I can do to help you? And the others, are they in trouble too?"
Delight is to him- a far, far upward, and inward delight- who against the proud gods and commodores of this earth, ever stands forth his own inexorable self.

-from Moby Dick (Hermann Melville)
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Re: POVERO Chapter Eleven

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FILD's CELL

After overcoming the initial shock and emotions, Fild says "You heard wrong Lady Hoblin. Lord Savelle saved me, not the other way around. And he's trying to save me again for all things despite the danger I got you in. He's here Lady Elissa. A noble is hiding in my cell!
If that doesn't validate my religion, that everything's a cosmic joke, I don't know what would.
But enough prater. The lock is open and Lord Savelle is here.
Go grab Titus, and let's get you married. "
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Re: POVERO Chapter Eleven

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THE DUNGEON CELL


Elissa smiles sadly at Fild, looking through the door-lattice.
She whispers,
"Holbin guards are in this dungeon, just a short way off and near the only exit. My mother's men. And Master Savelle's men wait in the hall outside, probably with orders to find Richard."
She shakes her head.
"Under the stars the other night, I had a lot of notions about how this would turn out, when you and your friends came to help me. But it's not going to happen like in the romances I read, Fild. Richard isn't going to lead me away by the hand, running away from the swords of my family's armsmen. Not right now. If he tried he might get himself killed. He might get you killed, or cause the deaths of loyal men of both houses whose duty it is to watch over us. I can't allow it."

A choked cough from under the bench. The cloak rustles.

Richard Savelle stands and strides past Fild to reach the closed door. The closed and unlocked door.

"Elissa. I--" His hoarse whisper carries in the cell, but can anyone in the hall farther from the door than Elissa is hear him? Fild can only guess.

The young gentleman presses his face to the little grate. The light dies. Something's blocking it. Fild's gnome-sight becomes fully active. He sees the back of Richard's head, warm. And right up against the other side of the grill, Fild has a partial glimpse of Elissa's cheek, an ear, her long hair. The two must be as close as the iron bars of the little vent-window permit, nose to nose, brows almost touching, lips close enough to breathe one another's silent kisses.

Then Elissa pulls back. Torchlight enters the cell through the opening, killing Fild's heat-sight.

''Good luck to you. I pray that another, better way will... I pray that the kind gods watch over you--"
She barely breathes the last word, ''both."

And then she shuts the sliding cover on the window exterior, closing the cell in darkness.

"Tybalt", let us go. "
Delight is to him- a far, far upward, and inward delight- who against the proud gods and commodores of this earth, ever stands forth his own inexorable self.

-from Moby Dick (Hermann Melville)
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