Ulsaon & Allikhain arrive............
Posted: Wed Nov 07, 2007 9:45 pm
The night wasn't getting any younger. Her patience grew thinner. The information she’d been given was what you would call questionable. Roarke had told her that a meeting would take place tonight. I could use this opportunity to solidify my growing reputation here in Raven’s Bluff, she mused to herself. These scumbags will learn to grow to fear me. Then they’ll think twice about thieving and skullduggery. From the rooftop she peered down into the alley and stretched. She heard footsteps approaching the alley and entering and smiled to herself. So the fool was truthful in his information after all. The footprints stopped and she heard light breathing and muttering. From the other end of the alley she heard another set of footprints approaching the first’s position. I must remember to perhaps actually pay Roarke next time. Perhaps his arm will heal by then, she thought with a grin.
Bending down she secured the grapple. Gripping the rope like the old friend it was, she climbed down the wall, feet touching the ground noiselessly.
“Are you sure you weren’t followed, Gordon?”
“Yes I’m sure, Smith.”
“Down to business then. The boys want more coin and I want to start charging the merchants more for protection.”
“I’m sure Leopold will not disagree with your demand, Gordon. Naturally he will want a bigger cut since the operation will take in more.”
So concentrated were the two men on each other that they never heard her silent approach until it was too late. “Don’t stop on my account gentlemen”, said an icy cold voice.
Both men started at her voice. Unfortunately the time it took them to react was too little too late. She crouched down and her foot swept out dexterously, sweeping both men off their feet. They fell onto their backs out of breath. Springing then jumping up to her feet, her Quarterstaff flashed twice in the alley. THWAK! THWAK! Smith and Gordon groaned in unison at the growing lumps on their foreheads.
“Tell your boss I’m watching. He might want to consider a change of careers. You two should as well. I won’t be so lenient next time, I assure you.”
Her Quarterstaff flashed twice more, striking each man in the stomach. Both Smith and Gordon curled into balls and tried to regain their breath and soothe their stomachs. With a mixture of trepidation and fear they looked up at the figure but could not discern anything as she was well hidden behind her cloak. The only thing they did know was she was a woman from her voice. “Don’t hurt us! Please! We’ll pass the word on, I swear!” Gordon tried to talk with her. Smith had fainted in the midst of it all, the coward. He tried to get a better look at her but she kept to the shadows. She kicked him hard in the temple, knocking him out cold. Reaching into her pack, she removed 4 pieces of rope. She bound both men’s hands and feet. Concentrating slightly she observed the men closely. Smiling she removed a ring on Smith’s finger and pocketed it. That will do nicely. I am much more deserving of this than you are, scum. She smiled to herself as she undressed the men and placed them in a compromising position. I’ll have to alert the militia to a disturbance in this alley in a few minutes. Moving to the rope, she climbed the wall and moved across to the front of the building. Knowing full well a patrol would soon pass, she waited patiently. Reaching into her pouch she removed a vial and grinned. Sure enough three minutes later a patrol rounded the corner two streets down and headed her way. She moved silent as the wind to the alley’s side and dropped the vial into the alley, hearing the distinct crash and tinkle of the vial breaking. She laughed to herself as she sped across the rooftop, hearing the patrol rush to the alley and the sound of laughter as they woke up the two scumbags. She rushed across rooftop after rooftop until she was well out of the vicinity and on the other side of the city. Reaching her destination, she opened the hatch in the roof and slithered noiselessly into her room. The Crow’s Nest suited her purposes perfectly.
Back in the alley, a shape appeared out of thin air after the patrol had taken them away. Ulsaon frowned to herself. So that was the vigilante. She is very impressive indeed. The Snake will want to know of this development. She has a mean streak yet remains very cold and composed. Moving to where the rope was, Ulsaon grinned. Gripping it firmly she scaled up the wall and onto the rooftop. She headed away from the alley and to what she thought was the probable destination of the source of everyone’s headaches these last few weeks. A scant few minutes later she arrived in the Merchant’s district and scaled down the wall expertly. Looking around the alley she made sure no one had seen her, then walked out into the street and headed for the Boar’s Repose. Quorrin will know something of our newcomer, he is a vast wealth of knowledge. Adjusting her clothing, she passed by the bouncer at the door and headed inside directly towards the bar. Sure enough, there was Quorrin talking with some young woman as she had expected. He’ll never change, that one. Then again that’s all part of his charm, she smiled to herself.
She walked right up to him and without even missing a beat, took a sip of his drink and smiled lewdly at the young woman. “You have bit off more than you can chew, miss. Go find something better to do with your time.” The young girl’s mouth opened then closed. She shrugged then wandered into the crowd. “So Quorrin, how goes it this fine evening?”
She signaled the barkeep for an ale for Quorrin, the standard fee to begin the process of getting information from him. Quorrin smiled as he received his ale. Taking a sip he winked at her then spoke. “Well I was having a marvelous time until you showed up, Ulsaon. Honestly how is a man to make an honest living or even have some fun?” he said as he looked longingly at the young woman who had walked off. “Today was rather quiet. Though this evening, the Militia found some laughter and not too long ago at that.” He sipped his beer and gauged her reaction. “How long have you been here, Quorrin?” She asked with a raised eyebrow. He really is that good. And fast as well!
As Allikhain’s rested on the bed, her mind wandered back to 2 years ago……………………………………………………………………..
Allikhain lounged in her room. It had been a very long day and her meditation had not come easily like it usually does. That’s the first time in two years she had been here that had happened. Thinking about her current situation she mused that this was a far cry from what she had been doing before, with some semblance of pride. There was a knock on the door.
“Yes?”
“It is Sister Caroline, Allikhain. I have with me a Constable Ryan who wishes to speak with you on an urgent matter.”
She rose from her bed and went to the door, opening it. Sure enough there was Sister Caroline and a middle aged man who appeared nervous. “Thank you Sister, that will be all. Do come in Mr. Ryan.” She nodded to the elder Sister and closed her door. Constable Ryan had taken a seat at her chair. She stayed standing and leaned against the wall, arms crossed. “So what can I do for you, Constable Ryan. Need I remind you I am on the right side of the law now?” Ryan fidgeted a little and got up, starting to pace. Finally he looked at Allikhain with sadness and clearing his throat, spoke. “Earlier this evening, there was a terrible accident. Your parents shop burned to the ground. The Fire Brigade arrived too late to save the shop or your parents. I did investigate the premises and have deducted that it was no accident.” He stopped to let Allikhain register what had happened. Her eyes narrowed but she said nothing, only paying close attention to what he was saying.
“Your parents bodies though burned, showed signs of violence. The shop smelled of burnt oil, which obviously suggests arson. Two suspicious young men were seen earlier entering the shop and the same two young men were seen fleeing the area after the fire.”
Allikhain said nothing, only looking at the bearer of bad news. She didn’t tell Ryan about her parents having been visited by ruffians several times for protection money and refusing. In the two years since she had entered the Temple, she had grown closer to her parents. Deep down she knew they were proud of her turning her life around and joining the Monastery.
“What are the police doing about this?” She asked rather coldly, already knowing the answer.
“We will be looking into the matter. I won’t lie to you, Ms. Gellantra. You of all people are well aware of the situation here. Gangs are abundant and outnumber the Constabulary.” His voice lowered so only they both could hear him speaking. “My hands are tied. Unfortunately I can only grin and bear it. You have my sincerest condolences as well as my deepest apology for what will most probably get swept under the rug and noted as Case Closed.” He sighed and nodding to Allikhain once, walked to the door, opened it and left, closing it quietly behind him.
She sat there a long while thinking about her parents. Hard working and honest, caring and giving. Up until she left the house at fourteen, she never had naught for anything growing up. Her parents of course knew her career but chose to still love her though not understanding. Being an Assassin was nothing to be proud of but that is what she had chosen to do, to her parents dismay. Until two years ago when she got wind of her parents being bothered by gangs here in Raven’s Bluff. She returned from Zhentil Keep, having faked her own death. Only her parents knew who she actually was, for obvious reasons. In the two years she had been here she had visited her parents in secret and kept tabs on them. So it has come to this after two years? Crime has come back to haunt me then. I shall meditate on this and decide on a course of action after the funeral………………………………………………………..
Quorrin admires Ulsaon’s lithe form and smiles. “I haven’t been here all that long, I assure you. Why I was just getting acquainted with that little morsel before you arrived and scared her away”, he pouted then went on “Apparently two prominent members of the business community had a clandestine rendezvous somewhere in an alley on the other side of town. They must have run into that vigilante we’ve been hearing of these past two years. She sure has been popping up a lot lately. Well at least the militia had a good laugh at their expense as the two men were found unclothed, tied up and in a compromising position.” Quorrin stopped and took a healthy swig of his ale, looking at the half full mug with a frown.
Ulsaon motioned to the barkeep for another ale and Quorrin smiled, nodding to her. “So what can you tell me about this Vigilante, Quorrin? You do know that the Snake will be oh so grateful for any information you may offer on her. He has the memory of an elephant for favors, of which you are well aware of.”
“Hmm, let me think a moment. I need more ale to help me jog my memory, Ulsaon.”
Ulsaon motioned the barkeep over. “Keep them coming, friend. My serpent friend will take care of the tab.” Looking back to Quorrin, she smiled. “Go on. The ale is coming.”
Quorrin takes a sip. Being in the Snake’s good graces can be very advantageous for me. Being a Half-Elf and him holding no love for the Half Breeds he so loves to call us. “I have heard rumors that this Vigilante was seen on more than one occasion near the port. This is before she goes and does her gallivanting, mind you. Now I don’t know if this is true or not but I did see Roarke earlier tonight. He told me that he met her in the port this evening to give her information and she paid him by breaking his arm. Well I suppose it is better in his case to have a broken arm then dead. On second thought, I’d rather have my arm broken than die however horribly that may be! I do choose to believe him as his arm was broken and he looked like he had seen a ghost the poor sod”.
Quorrin confirms what I already suspected. This person has been seen in the port on more than one occasion and she does not pay in the conventional sense for information. A broken arm is the least of Roarke’s worries now that Smith and Gordon are at the station. When Elaith finishes with him, he’ll wish this Vigilante had killed him first.
“Well that confirms what I have suspected for some time Quorrin. Thank you and enjoy your ale, friend.” She leaned in and kissed his cheek at the same time deftly lifting his pouch and handing it to him with a wink. She giggled all the way back home.
Allikhain woke and stretched. Hopping out of bed she walked to the window and peered out. Blinking slightly, her eyes adjusting to the sunlight. By the sun’s position it must be midafternoon. Perfect. I have time to do my exercises and get some information from one of Roarke’s lackies. Not until after I’ve done my exercises.
She lay flat on the floor and began her ritual of pushups, situps and stretches for the next hour. Dressing, she exited her room. Removing a hair from her head, she placed it in the doorjamb and closed the door. Smiling to herself she descended the stairs to the dining room. Peering at the rest of the patrons she saw noone new, which comforted her. Sitting at a table she motioned for a waiter. “A meal.” Speaking so only the waiter heard, “Has Galvin left word for me?”
The woman frowned at Allikhain then recognition dawned on her face. “Yes, mum, he has. A letter for you at the desk as per your instructions.” She walked away, careful not to show her excitement. So that is her, Ulsaon thought to herself with glee. She doesn’t look dangerous though. I guess when they say appearances can be deceiving it’s quite true! Oh how the Snake will reward me this evening for my discovery of the Vigilante. She hurried into the kitchen and nodded to the woman waiting there. Handing her a purse, she walked out of the Inn and headed towards her destination.
Allikhain waited patiently for her meal, merely raising her eyes as the waitress approached her table with her order. Where is the other waitress, she wondered.
“Pardon me, but where is the woman who served me first?”
“Her shift finished, mum. I will be serving you now. Enjoy and if you need anything else, don’t hesitate to ask.” The waitress wandered back to the kitchen.
Allikhain shrugged and dug into her plate of food. That sure hits the spot. Her mind wandered a moment as to what she would do this evening. The East District was a good idea, according to her sources. This was where many crimes took place and would suit her purposes to a tee. Finishing her meal, she left a few coins and retired to her room. Opening the door, she saw noone had tried to enter as the hair was still there. Closing the door behind her she moved to the window. Looking outside she saw that the sunw as already low on the horizon and would set soon. Time to do some more exercises then rest until dark, my time.
Ulsaon hurried home. The Snake will be pleased with my discovery. You have to admire someone like her. Smart enough to not leave a name or trace of her passage. If it weren’t for the gold I’ve spread around here, I’d never have learned of the secret trap door into the Inn here. The innkeeper was very forthcoming about his tenant on the top floor this morning. Gold does tend to loosen people’s tongues if there is enough of it. I’ll rest now and return this evening and follow her, see where she is headed. Ulsaon entered the house and locked the door behind her, heading to her room. Jumping into bed, she sighed. Nestling in comfortably, she fell into an elvish reverie waking three hours later, refreshed.
Allikhain woke with a start. Hand on her blade she peered into the gloom of her room. Nothing appeared out of sync. Slowly her eyes adapted to the darkness as she realized though her eyes may have betrayed her, her hearing didn’t. Concentrating slightly she focused on the curtains and the window. With a flick of her wrist, the dagger flew towards the curtains, embedding itself into the wall. Allikhain frowned at the sound. Whomever was in the room with her was good. She rolled to the door, coming to a stop. Standing quickly she cocked her hand crossbow, eyes searching the gloom for the intruder.
“Now now. Don’t fret so, friend. I am not here to wish you harm. I only wish to discuss with you.” A female voice said.
“Who are you? What do you want?” Was the reply.
A mist was infiltrating the room, making it quite the task to see a foot in front of yourself. “Stop your magic. I won’t be fooled or stopped with such parlor tricks.”
The room was now filled with the thick mist. “I am not responsible for this fog, I tell you. Wait! Listen carefully. The sounds coming from out the window are different than before…”
Allikhain takes a moment to get her bearings. Concentrating she does indeed hear the Sea out the window. What in the name of? We are near no Ocean? What madness is this? “What have you done? Mage, speak now or die, those are your choices.” She moved towards the window. As she did the mist began to clear and she saw. Out the window was a port. And it was early morning? She looked again only to confirm. “What sorcery is this? Speak now or perish, fool mage.”
Ulsaon was as confused as Allikhain was. What is going on? Has the Vigilante cast a spell? I think not, judging by her reaction to the fog. We are in the same boat, so to speak. “ I tell you, I have cast no magic, Vigilante. I am as confused as you as to what is happening.”
“Vigilante? Who are you? How did you find me? It was Roarke wasn’t it? I knew I should have shut him up once and for all. No matter, he is only a pawn.”
“Stop a moment and think about what is going on here. I have no magic strong enough to make us change locations completely. This goes deeper than that. It is as if we have been moved entirely from one place to another. Hold on, let me look outside and at the sky.”
Ulsaon parts the curtain on the window and peers outside. The sun is setting. Moments before it had been High Noon. Frowning she looks at the city. It is not the same city as Raven’s Bluff at all. Even the people look and speak differently. Odd these magical mists. Where in the nine hells are we? “A truce a moment. I think we are not in Raven’s Bluff anymore. Have a look out the window, you can judge for yourself my words.” Ulsaon moves aside for Allikhain to pass and look outside. Sure enough she does. She notes the same differences as Ulsaon does. Speaking to Ulsaon, she puzzles. “I agree with your assessment. We are not in Raven’s Bluff. Those mists felt almost magical in nature to me. I can’t explain it. For now I agree to a truce until we get to the bottom of this.” Allikhain looks at Ulsaon hard then goes back to the window and peers into the new city.
Bending down she secured the grapple. Gripping the rope like the old friend it was, she climbed down the wall, feet touching the ground noiselessly.
“Are you sure you weren’t followed, Gordon?”
“Yes I’m sure, Smith.”
“Down to business then. The boys want more coin and I want to start charging the merchants more for protection.”
“I’m sure Leopold will not disagree with your demand, Gordon. Naturally he will want a bigger cut since the operation will take in more.”
So concentrated were the two men on each other that they never heard her silent approach until it was too late. “Don’t stop on my account gentlemen”, said an icy cold voice.
Both men started at her voice. Unfortunately the time it took them to react was too little too late. She crouched down and her foot swept out dexterously, sweeping both men off their feet. They fell onto their backs out of breath. Springing then jumping up to her feet, her Quarterstaff flashed twice in the alley. THWAK! THWAK! Smith and Gordon groaned in unison at the growing lumps on their foreheads.
“Tell your boss I’m watching. He might want to consider a change of careers. You two should as well. I won’t be so lenient next time, I assure you.”
Her Quarterstaff flashed twice more, striking each man in the stomach. Both Smith and Gordon curled into balls and tried to regain their breath and soothe their stomachs. With a mixture of trepidation and fear they looked up at the figure but could not discern anything as she was well hidden behind her cloak. The only thing they did know was she was a woman from her voice. “Don’t hurt us! Please! We’ll pass the word on, I swear!” Gordon tried to talk with her. Smith had fainted in the midst of it all, the coward. He tried to get a better look at her but she kept to the shadows. She kicked him hard in the temple, knocking him out cold. Reaching into her pack, she removed 4 pieces of rope. She bound both men’s hands and feet. Concentrating slightly she observed the men closely. Smiling she removed a ring on Smith’s finger and pocketed it. That will do nicely. I am much more deserving of this than you are, scum. She smiled to herself as she undressed the men and placed them in a compromising position. I’ll have to alert the militia to a disturbance in this alley in a few minutes. Moving to the rope, she climbed the wall and moved across to the front of the building. Knowing full well a patrol would soon pass, she waited patiently. Reaching into her pouch she removed a vial and grinned. Sure enough three minutes later a patrol rounded the corner two streets down and headed her way. She moved silent as the wind to the alley’s side and dropped the vial into the alley, hearing the distinct crash and tinkle of the vial breaking. She laughed to herself as she sped across the rooftop, hearing the patrol rush to the alley and the sound of laughter as they woke up the two scumbags. She rushed across rooftop after rooftop until she was well out of the vicinity and on the other side of the city. Reaching her destination, she opened the hatch in the roof and slithered noiselessly into her room. The Crow’s Nest suited her purposes perfectly.
Back in the alley, a shape appeared out of thin air after the patrol had taken them away. Ulsaon frowned to herself. So that was the vigilante. She is very impressive indeed. The Snake will want to know of this development. She has a mean streak yet remains very cold and composed. Moving to where the rope was, Ulsaon grinned. Gripping it firmly she scaled up the wall and onto the rooftop. She headed away from the alley and to what she thought was the probable destination of the source of everyone’s headaches these last few weeks. A scant few minutes later she arrived in the Merchant’s district and scaled down the wall expertly. Looking around the alley she made sure no one had seen her, then walked out into the street and headed for the Boar’s Repose. Quorrin will know something of our newcomer, he is a vast wealth of knowledge. Adjusting her clothing, she passed by the bouncer at the door and headed inside directly towards the bar. Sure enough, there was Quorrin talking with some young woman as she had expected. He’ll never change, that one. Then again that’s all part of his charm, she smiled to herself.
She walked right up to him and without even missing a beat, took a sip of his drink and smiled lewdly at the young woman. “You have bit off more than you can chew, miss. Go find something better to do with your time.” The young girl’s mouth opened then closed. She shrugged then wandered into the crowd. “So Quorrin, how goes it this fine evening?”
She signaled the barkeep for an ale for Quorrin, the standard fee to begin the process of getting information from him. Quorrin smiled as he received his ale. Taking a sip he winked at her then spoke. “Well I was having a marvelous time until you showed up, Ulsaon. Honestly how is a man to make an honest living or even have some fun?” he said as he looked longingly at the young woman who had walked off. “Today was rather quiet. Though this evening, the Militia found some laughter and not too long ago at that.” He sipped his beer and gauged her reaction. “How long have you been here, Quorrin?” She asked with a raised eyebrow. He really is that good. And fast as well!
As Allikhain’s rested on the bed, her mind wandered back to 2 years ago……………………………………………………………………..
Allikhain lounged in her room. It had been a very long day and her meditation had not come easily like it usually does. That’s the first time in two years she had been here that had happened. Thinking about her current situation she mused that this was a far cry from what she had been doing before, with some semblance of pride. There was a knock on the door.
“Yes?”
“It is Sister Caroline, Allikhain. I have with me a Constable Ryan who wishes to speak with you on an urgent matter.”
She rose from her bed and went to the door, opening it. Sure enough there was Sister Caroline and a middle aged man who appeared nervous. “Thank you Sister, that will be all. Do come in Mr. Ryan.” She nodded to the elder Sister and closed her door. Constable Ryan had taken a seat at her chair. She stayed standing and leaned against the wall, arms crossed. “So what can I do for you, Constable Ryan. Need I remind you I am on the right side of the law now?” Ryan fidgeted a little and got up, starting to pace. Finally he looked at Allikhain with sadness and clearing his throat, spoke. “Earlier this evening, there was a terrible accident. Your parents shop burned to the ground. The Fire Brigade arrived too late to save the shop or your parents. I did investigate the premises and have deducted that it was no accident.” He stopped to let Allikhain register what had happened. Her eyes narrowed but she said nothing, only paying close attention to what he was saying.
“Your parents bodies though burned, showed signs of violence. The shop smelled of burnt oil, which obviously suggests arson. Two suspicious young men were seen earlier entering the shop and the same two young men were seen fleeing the area after the fire.”
Allikhain said nothing, only looking at the bearer of bad news. She didn’t tell Ryan about her parents having been visited by ruffians several times for protection money and refusing. In the two years since she had entered the Temple, she had grown closer to her parents. Deep down she knew they were proud of her turning her life around and joining the Monastery.
“What are the police doing about this?” She asked rather coldly, already knowing the answer.
“We will be looking into the matter. I won’t lie to you, Ms. Gellantra. You of all people are well aware of the situation here. Gangs are abundant and outnumber the Constabulary.” His voice lowered so only they both could hear him speaking. “My hands are tied. Unfortunately I can only grin and bear it. You have my sincerest condolences as well as my deepest apology for what will most probably get swept under the rug and noted as Case Closed.” He sighed and nodding to Allikhain once, walked to the door, opened it and left, closing it quietly behind him.
She sat there a long while thinking about her parents. Hard working and honest, caring and giving. Up until she left the house at fourteen, she never had naught for anything growing up. Her parents of course knew her career but chose to still love her though not understanding. Being an Assassin was nothing to be proud of but that is what she had chosen to do, to her parents dismay. Until two years ago when she got wind of her parents being bothered by gangs here in Raven’s Bluff. She returned from Zhentil Keep, having faked her own death. Only her parents knew who she actually was, for obvious reasons. In the two years she had been here she had visited her parents in secret and kept tabs on them. So it has come to this after two years? Crime has come back to haunt me then. I shall meditate on this and decide on a course of action after the funeral………………………………………………………..
Quorrin admires Ulsaon’s lithe form and smiles. “I haven’t been here all that long, I assure you. Why I was just getting acquainted with that little morsel before you arrived and scared her away”, he pouted then went on “Apparently two prominent members of the business community had a clandestine rendezvous somewhere in an alley on the other side of town. They must have run into that vigilante we’ve been hearing of these past two years. She sure has been popping up a lot lately. Well at least the militia had a good laugh at their expense as the two men were found unclothed, tied up and in a compromising position.” Quorrin stopped and took a healthy swig of his ale, looking at the half full mug with a frown.
Ulsaon motioned to the barkeep for another ale and Quorrin smiled, nodding to her. “So what can you tell me about this Vigilante, Quorrin? You do know that the Snake will be oh so grateful for any information you may offer on her. He has the memory of an elephant for favors, of which you are well aware of.”
“Hmm, let me think a moment. I need more ale to help me jog my memory, Ulsaon.”
Ulsaon motioned the barkeep over. “Keep them coming, friend. My serpent friend will take care of the tab.” Looking back to Quorrin, she smiled. “Go on. The ale is coming.”
Quorrin takes a sip. Being in the Snake’s good graces can be very advantageous for me. Being a Half-Elf and him holding no love for the Half Breeds he so loves to call us. “I have heard rumors that this Vigilante was seen on more than one occasion near the port. This is before she goes and does her gallivanting, mind you. Now I don’t know if this is true or not but I did see Roarke earlier tonight. He told me that he met her in the port this evening to give her information and she paid him by breaking his arm. Well I suppose it is better in his case to have a broken arm then dead. On second thought, I’d rather have my arm broken than die however horribly that may be! I do choose to believe him as his arm was broken and he looked like he had seen a ghost the poor sod”.
Quorrin confirms what I already suspected. This person has been seen in the port on more than one occasion and she does not pay in the conventional sense for information. A broken arm is the least of Roarke’s worries now that Smith and Gordon are at the station. When Elaith finishes with him, he’ll wish this Vigilante had killed him first.
“Well that confirms what I have suspected for some time Quorrin. Thank you and enjoy your ale, friend.” She leaned in and kissed his cheek at the same time deftly lifting his pouch and handing it to him with a wink. She giggled all the way back home.
Allikhain woke and stretched. Hopping out of bed she walked to the window and peered out. Blinking slightly, her eyes adjusting to the sunlight. By the sun’s position it must be midafternoon. Perfect. I have time to do my exercises and get some information from one of Roarke’s lackies. Not until after I’ve done my exercises.
She lay flat on the floor and began her ritual of pushups, situps and stretches for the next hour. Dressing, she exited her room. Removing a hair from her head, she placed it in the doorjamb and closed the door. Smiling to herself she descended the stairs to the dining room. Peering at the rest of the patrons she saw noone new, which comforted her. Sitting at a table she motioned for a waiter. “A meal.” Speaking so only the waiter heard, “Has Galvin left word for me?”
The woman frowned at Allikhain then recognition dawned on her face. “Yes, mum, he has. A letter for you at the desk as per your instructions.” She walked away, careful not to show her excitement. So that is her, Ulsaon thought to herself with glee. She doesn’t look dangerous though. I guess when they say appearances can be deceiving it’s quite true! Oh how the Snake will reward me this evening for my discovery of the Vigilante. She hurried into the kitchen and nodded to the woman waiting there. Handing her a purse, she walked out of the Inn and headed towards her destination.
Allikhain waited patiently for her meal, merely raising her eyes as the waitress approached her table with her order. Where is the other waitress, she wondered.
“Pardon me, but where is the woman who served me first?”
“Her shift finished, mum. I will be serving you now. Enjoy and if you need anything else, don’t hesitate to ask.” The waitress wandered back to the kitchen.
Allikhain shrugged and dug into her plate of food. That sure hits the spot. Her mind wandered a moment as to what she would do this evening. The East District was a good idea, according to her sources. This was where many crimes took place and would suit her purposes to a tee. Finishing her meal, she left a few coins and retired to her room. Opening the door, she saw noone had tried to enter as the hair was still there. Closing the door behind her she moved to the window. Looking outside she saw that the sunw as already low on the horizon and would set soon. Time to do some more exercises then rest until dark, my time.
Ulsaon hurried home. The Snake will be pleased with my discovery. You have to admire someone like her. Smart enough to not leave a name or trace of her passage. If it weren’t for the gold I’ve spread around here, I’d never have learned of the secret trap door into the Inn here. The innkeeper was very forthcoming about his tenant on the top floor this morning. Gold does tend to loosen people’s tongues if there is enough of it. I’ll rest now and return this evening and follow her, see where she is headed. Ulsaon entered the house and locked the door behind her, heading to her room. Jumping into bed, she sighed. Nestling in comfortably, she fell into an elvish reverie waking three hours later, refreshed.
Allikhain woke with a start. Hand on her blade she peered into the gloom of her room. Nothing appeared out of sync. Slowly her eyes adapted to the darkness as she realized though her eyes may have betrayed her, her hearing didn’t. Concentrating slightly she focused on the curtains and the window. With a flick of her wrist, the dagger flew towards the curtains, embedding itself into the wall. Allikhain frowned at the sound. Whomever was in the room with her was good. She rolled to the door, coming to a stop. Standing quickly she cocked her hand crossbow, eyes searching the gloom for the intruder.
“Now now. Don’t fret so, friend. I am not here to wish you harm. I only wish to discuss with you.” A female voice said.
“Who are you? What do you want?” Was the reply.
A mist was infiltrating the room, making it quite the task to see a foot in front of yourself. “Stop your magic. I won’t be fooled or stopped with such parlor tricks.”
The room was now filled with the thick mist. “I am not responsible for this fog, I tell you. Wait! Listen carefully. The sounds coming from out the window are different than before…”
Allikhain takes a moment to get her bearings. Concentrating she does indeed hear the Sea out the window. What in the name of? We are near no Ocean? What madness is this? “What have you done? Mage, speak now or die, those are your choices.” She moved towards the window. As she did the mist began to clear and she saw. Out the window was a port. And it was early morning? She looked again only to confirm. “What sorcery is this? Speak now or perish, fool mage.”
Ulsaon was as confused as Allikhain was. What is going on? Has the Vigilante cast a spell? I think not, judging by her reaction to the fog. We are in the same boat, so to speak. “ I tell you, I have cast no magic, Vigilante. I am as confused as you as to what is happening.”
“Vigilante? Who are you? How did you find me? It was Roarke wasn’t it? I knew I should have shut him up once and for all. No matter, he is only a pawn.”
“Stop a moment and think about what is going on here. I have no magic strong enough to make us change locations completely. This goes deeper than that. It is as if we have been moved entirely from one place to another. Hold on, let me look outside and at the sky.”
Ulsaon parts the curtain on the window and peers outside. The sun is setting. Moments before it had been High Noon. Frowning she looks at the city. It is not the same city as Raven’s Bluff at all. Even the people look and speak differently. Odd these magical mists. Where in the nine hells are we? “A truce a moment. I think we are not in Raven’s Bluff anymore. Have a look out the window, you can judge for yourself my words.” Ulsaon moves aside for Allikhain to pass and look outside. Sure enough she does. She notes the same differences as Ulsaon does. Speaking to Ulsaon, she puzzles. “I agree with your assessment. We are not in Raven’s Bluff. Those mists felt almost magical in nature to me. I can’t explain it. For now I agree to a truce until we get to the bottom of this.” Allikhain looks at Ulsaon hard then goes back to the window and peers into the new city.