Detective Work

Having defeated the Ulfen raiders, the party set off the next morning in their captured ship, the Aril’s Hammer. After some debate with Sandru and Koya, they’d convinced them to let Amieko join them on the boat, so they could make sure she was protected.

Any illusions they’d had of a leisurely float down the lazy river were quickly dispelled. Kelda manned the helm, and kept them constantly working the oars, avoiding sandbars and snags in the river, or working to keep the ship in the center of the channel. Within an hour, their hands were blistered and their backs aching from using muscles they didn’t know they had. The only relief came when Kelda guided them to the bank in the early afternoon, to wait for the caravan to catch up. They noted that they hadn’t seen the blood-feather raven all day, although to be fair, they’d spent the day looking backwards at where they’d been instead of ahead to where they were going.

They next two days passed similarly, as the river grew wider as tributaries joined. They passed many other boats going up and downstream, and all passed without giving them any undue notice. When the caravan met them that afternoon, Kelda announced that they should reach Kalsgard late the next morning. That prompted Sandru to step forward and clear his throat.

“Koya and I have been talking this over. We don’t think it’s smart to take Ameiko into Kalsgard on your boat. She’ll be out in the open for everyone to see, and there’s no way to know who might be watching. We think we should keep her hidden in Koya’s wagon, out of sight.” Everyone nodded, agreeing that this might be safer. Sawyer turned to Kelda and asked if she’d be able to manage with a smaller crew, now that the river was wider, but she shook her head and explained that maneuvering the boat in to dock would require at least half a dozen rowers on the oars. Sawyer shook his head. “I guess Ameiko is going to have to stay with us on the boat.”

Ameiko disagreed. “Look, you’re going to have to leave me alone at some point. I mean, it’s not like you’re just going to stay by my side the whole time we’re in Kalsgard.”

“Oh yes we are,” Sawyer contradicted, and Shinjiro chimed in in agreement. “It’s my job, my lady.” At that, Ameiko got angry. “Just wait a minute here! I’m not some little girl who needs a babysitter! I’ve lived my whole life just fine without someone looking over my shoulder all the time, and that’s not going to change now!”

“But people weren’t trying to kill you before,” Shinjiro argued, but Ameiko was having none of that. “The hell they weren’t! I was an adventurer for years, and plenty of people tried to kill me then! Besides, I’ve got Sandru and Koya to keep their eyes open for me.” Spivey suddenly piped up. “I can keep watch, too!”

The argument went on for some time, but they more Shinjiro and Sawyer tried to convince Ameiko to accept their protection, the more obstinate she became. Finally it became clear she would not be swayed, and they reluctantly agreed to let her travel into Kalsgard with the caravan. The next morning she stalked off into Koya’s wagon without a word to the party, and they boarded the ship.

The river traffic was noticeably heavier, and they could see a pall of smoke on the horizon. It soon became clear the smoke was from the innumerable chimneys of Kalsgard. Kalsgard was an impressive city, far larger than Magnimar, which until then was the largest city any of them had ever seen. A large keep and castle rose from a hill in the center of the city, and they could see the walls that divided the city into the various quarters that Kelda had told them of. The riverfront was lined with countless wharves, docks, and warehouses. Hundreds of boats and ships of all shapes and sizes filled the river and the docks. Kelda helmed their ship expertly, and steered them towards an empty dock in what she told them was the Ice Quarter. “I’ll get you docked and hook you up with a ship broker to help you sell the ship, then I’ll head back to rejoin my family.”

But as they eased in to the dock, they saw a large group of armed men jogging their direction. Half the group wore black and gold tunics over their chainmail, and had longswords and battleaxes strapped to their belts. The rest wore scarlet and white tunics, and carried halberds. “That doesn’t look good,” Kelda muttered. “The ones in black and gold are the city watch – I don’t know who the others are, but they look like they’re guards for one of the guilds.”

Sure enough, the men blocked the end of the dock at which they were tying up, then advanced warily. One of the watchmen who seemed to be in charge pointed at Kelda accusingly. “Where did you get this boat?” he demanded.

Kelda bristled. “We were attacked by reavers at Skalsbridge. We’d camped there, and they came on us in the night. After we killed them all, we claimed their ship as weregild.” One of the men in red stepped forward. “That ship didn’t belong to them. It was stolen from the Rimerunners Guild, and you can’t claim it! We’re here to take back our property! Besides, how do we know you didn’t steal this ship?”

Kelda put her hand on the hilt of her sword, and the rest of the party tensed for a fight, but Zhustin spoke up. “There were 20 of them, and they were all wearing these arm rings.” He held up one of the lion’s-head arm-rings they’d taken from the attackers. The Rimerunners guards muttered among themselves, but said nothing. The head watchman spoke again. “When did this attack you claim take place?” Kelda kept her eyes focused on the man in red as she replied. “They hit us four nights ago.” The watchman looked incredulous. “It took you four days to get from Skalsbridge to here?”

Kelda swept her hand across the deck. “With this crew, I’m lucky we were able to get back at all.” The guards looked at the motley crew of rowers, their hands bloody with blisters, and began to laugh, and the tension in the air eased. “I guess there’s no way this lot could have made off with this boat, let alone gotten it upstream. Say Eric, wasn’t there a reward offered for its return?” The guard from the Rimerunners Guild scowled, but nodded. “Yes, they offered 150 gold for any information leading to its return. I can give you a chit saying you found the boat, and you can take it to the guildhall to collect your reward.”

This prompted a burst of protests from the party, who felt the offered reward was far too low, but they Rimerunners’ guard was unswayed. “It’s not up to me how much you get. I can give you the chit, or not - up to you. Or we could just haul you off to prison and let the jarls decide what to do with you.” Finally the party decided there was no point arguing with the guard, and accepted the offered reward chit. As the guards left, Kelda led the party away from the docks. “I’d recommend staying at the Hunting Serpent Inn, here in the Ice Quarter. It’s a good place, and I’ve known the family that runs it for years. She led them to the inn, then made her goodbyes. “Thank you again for rescuing me. I’ll be back again tomorrow with your reward.”

The inn was clean and pleasant, with a large common room and a pair of inviting fireplaces at either end. A burly man with a reddish gold braid trailing from his balding pate greeted them warmly. “Welcome to the Hunting Serpent! I’m Ollie Olafsson – how can I help you?” The party asked for rooms, and baths, and food, and Ollie readily agreed, although he kept looking at them strangely. Finally he asked, “Did you all just come up from Varisia?”

“Why yes, we did,” Marie immediately replied, as Sandoval and Bella rolled their eyes. Ollie looked around the room to make sure no one was listening (even though the room was empty), and then motioned the party in close. “I think I ought to warn you,” he whispered. “A fella was in here yesterday, asking if a group from Varisia had come in. Described a group a lot like yours, although maybe larger. Told me that if you showed up, I should go to a particular corner in the Fire Quarter and just say ‘They’re at the Hunting Serpent’ and then keep walking. Told me I’d be ‘sorry’ if I didn’t.” He growled. “Don’t like being threatened, and didn’t like the looks of him. Don’t worry – I won’t tell anyone you’re here, but I thought you ought to know.” The party asked what the stranger had looked like. “He was a Tian fellow, dressed all in black. Can’t tell you much more than that – all those Tian folk look alike to me.” He noted Shinjiro and added hastily, “No offense.”

“Do you know where we could hire a guide to take us over the Crown of the World?” Sawyer asked. Ollie looked surprised. “This time of year? You’ve got to be kidding!” When asked why, he explained, “Well it’s the wrong season. The caravans that have crossed over from Tian Xia are just now starting to arrive. They won’t head back north for another six months.” This was a little dismaying, but the party still pressed for information about a guide. Ollie scratched his head. “Most of the guides are under contract to the various trade guilds, but there are a few independents. I’d probably start with Ragnar Korgald – he’s got a good reputation. He lives over in the Ivory Quarter,” and he gave them the address.

The party dropped their belongings in their rooms, and then decided to collect their reward from the Rimerunners Guild. They’d been told that the guildhall was near the riverfront in the Jade Quarter, to the west of where they were now. As they picked their way through the crowded streets, Bella and Shinjiro noticed a small figuring shadowing them. He always stayed several buildings behind them, ducking into alleys or around corners if they looked back, but there was no doubt they were being followed. With a whispered warning to their comrades, they slipped into an alley themselves and waited for their tail to walk past. As he did, they leaped out and tackled him.

He turned out to be a small Tian boy, maybe 14 years old. He struggled in their grasp, but was unable to break free. The rest of the party rejoined them. “Oh look,” Nicki said gleefully, “I’ve just caught a thrall!” The boy turned pale. “Thrall? No! Somebody just paid me to see where you were going!” “How much were you paid?” Bella demanded, and the boy pulled out a silver piece.

Bella snatched it away, and balanced it on the tip of her dagger. “Which of these would you like me to pay you with?” she asked menacingly. Nicki held the boy's arms behind his back. “How much is your soul worth?” he hissed. “Not very much, I’m guessing.”

The poor child was trembling, fighting back tears, and Sawyer had had enough of their bullying. He shoved Nicki aside and put his arm protectively around the boy’s shoulders. “That’s enough! He’s just a poor street urchin, trying to do what it takes to get by. You have no idea what takes to survive on the streets.” The lad huddled against him, trying to get as far away from Bella and Nicki as he could. Sawyer led him across the street to a food vendor’s stall. “Let’s get you some hot stew, and you can tell us what happened.” “Can I get the kind with meat in it?” the boy snuffled, and Sawyer nodded.

Over a steaming bowl of stew, they learned the boy’s name was Kei. Earlier today, a Tian man dressed in black had paid him the silver piece and pointed out the party, heading from the docks towards the inn. Kei was to follow them, and see where they went after the inn. Once they’d reached their destination, he was to write it on a scrap of paper, and leave it under a barrel marked with a blue ‘X’ at a particular intersection in the Fire Quarter. Kei had never seen the man before, and had no idea who he was, but for a whole silver piece he was more than willing to do as he was told.

After some discussion, the party decided to set a trap of their own. They’d proceed to the Rimerunners Guild as planned, then have Kei write that down as their destination and leave the paper at the dead drop as instructed. But the party would stake out the drop, and see who came to pick up the note, and then follow them. Sawyer handed Kei a gold piece, and the boy’s eyes grew wide. “Here’s this now, and there’ll be another like it when you’re done. Kei, his stomach full and more money in his hand than he’d ever seen before, readily agreed.

The party headed on. Ahead was the interior wall that separated the Ice Quarter from the Jade Quarter. They passed through a broad open gate, and it was as if they’d crossed into a different world. The buildings looked like something from paintings of exotic lands, with curving tiled roofs and sharply overhanging eaves. Brightly colored paper lanterns hung everywhere, and the smell of exotic spices and strange foods filled their noses. And the people! They’d already noticed that there were far more Tian people in Kalsgard than they’d ever seen in the south, but here almost everyone was Tian. Most were dressed like anyone else, but many wore beautifully embroidered silk kimonos or loose silk pantaloons.

They soon reached the hall of the Rimerunners  Guild. It was an imposing two-story stone building with iron bars on all the windows. A pair of guards wearing the same livery as those who had met them at the dock flanked a pair of double doors that led into the building, and more guards could be seen stationed at other doors, and patrolling around the building. The guards paid them no notice as they entered. Inside was a long narrow space facing a chest-high counter; brass bars led from the counter to the ceiling. On the other side of the counter was a large room, where several clerks were busily writing in ledgers, along with another pair of bored-looking guards. A dumpy middle-aged woman looked up from her work. “Welcome-to-the-Rimerunners-Guild-how-may-I-help-you?” she asked mechanically.

Marie took the lead. “We’ve found your ship and we’re here for the reward.” The clerk seemed confused for a moment, then the light went on. “You mean the Aril’s Hammer? You found it? Oh my word! We never thought we’d see that boat again! I assume you have some proof?” Marie handed over the chit, which was carefully inspected and rubber stamped several times. “Let me take this to my manager and I’ll be right back with your reward,” the clerk said cheerfully, clearly happy to have something to do outside of the normal routine. She took the chit to a closed door and knocked, then entered. A few minutes passed, and then she came back out with a large leather pouch. She put it on the counter, opened it, and carefully counted out the 50 gold pieces inside.

The group was hoping for a little more information, so Marie tried to extend the conversation. “Do you know who stole the ship?” The clerk looked at her like she was a dim child. “Well if we knew that, we’d have already caught them now, wouldn’t we?” Marie refused to be insulted. “Doesn’t your manager want to know how we found the ship? It might help catch whoever stole it.” The clerk agreed, and went back to the closed door. Presently, a portly, heavily bearded man appeared and came up to the counter. “I’m the day manager here. I want to thank you for returning our property. What can you tell me about it?”

The party related their tale, and everyone in the office stopped their work and listened in. As they finished, Zhustin fished out one of the lion’s-head arm rings. “All the raiders were wearing these. Have you ever seen them before?” The manager’s bushy eyebrows went up. “Why that’s Asvig Longthews sigil! He’s got a farm outside town – he’s one of Snorri Stone-Eye’s chiefs. This can’t be right. I mean, he and his men are reavers, but not here in the Linnorm Kingdoms – they’ve always sailed south to do their raiding. Someone must have stolen those arm-rings and impersonated his men.”

“Sure, they stole 20 arm rings,” Zhustin muttered under his breath. Marie kept asking questions. “Does this Asvig person do business with the Rimerunner’s Guild?” The clerk glared at her boss. “Ouch!” he yelped, as if he’d just been kicked in the shins below the counter. “Um … I think I’ve said enough. We’re very busy here. You’ve got your reward money, now you’d better let us get back to work.” Everyone in the office had their heads down, intent on their ledgers. Deciding they’d gotten all they’d get for now, the party left.

Next on their agenda was to set their trap for Kei’s employer. Kei led them back into the Ice Quarter, and then on into the Fire Quarter. As they made their way through the crowded streets, several of the party began to notice an unusual number of crows that seemed to be lining the rooftops along their route. Their beady little eyes seemed to be watching the party as they passed, then they’d fly off and land just a little ways ahead, almost as if they were following the party’s progress.

Soon Kei stopped them. “It’s just around the corner and one street down.” Everyone split up, fanning out to approach the rendezvous site from circuitous routes, taking up positions where they could watch for anyone who came for Kei’s note. A few minutes later, Kei sauntered into view. He stopped in the middle of the intersection, and began to turn in circles, his face betraying his confusion. For the first time, everyone noticed one important aspect of the intersection they were watching – there were no barrels to be seen. Expecting an ambush at any second, Zhustin walked quickly to where Kei still stood, trying to figure out what to do next. “Get out of here – now!” Zhustin whispered as he walked by, and the boy didn’t hesitate, but took off running. The party waited tensely, weapons and spells ready, but saw nothing but the ordinary-looking hustle and bustle of a big-city street. Whoever was dogging them, he remained one step ahead.

Finally deciding that there was nothing to be gained from waiting any longer, they decided to go talk to the potential guide, Ragnar Korgald. They found their way to the address Ollie had given them, and knocked on the door. It was opened by a broad-shouldered man with a close-cropped beard and sun-weathered skin. When they said they wanted to hire a guide, he laughed. “This time of year? You’ve got to be nuts!” He told them the same thing they’d heard from Ollie about when it was safe for caravans to attempt a crossing of the Crown of the World. “Besides,” he finished, “even if I was crazy enough to set out with you in the off-season, I’m already under contract. The Rimerunners just hired me to scout a new overland route through the Grungir Forest and down to Celwynvian. Not quite sure why they’d want to waste their time with an overland route, when it’s so easy to get there by sea, but their money’s good so I don’t ask questions.”

“How much are they paying you?” Bella asked, thinking they might be able to offer more, but Ragnar bristled. “My pay’s none of your business, and besides, I gave my word and that’s worth more than any gold.” They managed to calm the offended Ulfen down, and asked if there might be any other guides available. “Not that I know of,” he said grudgingly. “There’s only a few of us who take caravans over the Crown. The Path of Aganhei’s a dangerous road, and not many know its secrets. And there aren’t many, like me, who aren’t in an exclusive contract with some guild. Let’s see…” He scratched his beard. “There’s Eric, but I heard the Rimerunners just hired him, too. And Utredh. But the Rimerunners sent him off to Highhelm just a few days ago.” He paused, counting off a few more names silently on his fingers. “Nope, I think everybody’s been snapped up.”

Disappointed, the party stood to leave. As they reached the door, Ragnar stopped them. “Oh hell, if you’re really desperate…” He paused, debating whether to say more. “I guess you could try Ulf Gormundr. Don’t get me wrong – he’s a good guide. Knows the Path better than most. But he’s a cantankerous drunkard, and he’s alienated pretty much everyone he’s ever worked for. That’s why he’s not under contract, and it’s not likely he’s got any work right now. He might even be crazy enough to take you off-season. You can usually find him in a grog shop down in the Fire Quarter, Gimli’s Mug. Don’t tell anyone I sent you to him,” he added as they left. “I wouldn’t want anyone thinking I was associated with him.” “Does anyone else find it odd that the Rimerunners Guild are hiring every available guide just as we show up looking for one?” Zhustin asked as the door shut behind them.

It was dusk when they left Ragnar’s, and they headed back to the inn, still followed by the ubiquitous crows. As they discussed the day’s events over supper, their paranoia began to grow. Bella was especially affected. “It’s like they have every urchin in town following us!” she moaned (somehow Kei had transformed into ‘every urchin in town’). “They seem to know what we’re going to do before we even do it! They must have been scrying on us the whole trip up from Brinewall. Do we have any way to detect scrying?” The others tried to allay her fears, but the more she talked, the more they began to find themselves jumping at every shadow.

Once it was dark, Bella and Shinjiro decided to go out and find the caravan, to bring Ameiko and the rest up to speed on what they’d learned. Out on the street, they didn’t see any sign of the worrisome crows (or perhaps the black birds simply faded into the surrounding darkness). Reaching the Bone Quarter, they had no problem finding their friends, and in the safety of Koya’s wagon they recounted the day’s events. “It’s looking like we might be stuck here in Kalsgard for several months,” Shinjiro warned, but Ameiko didn’t seem willing to wait. She also wanted to know if they had any leads on Suishen, her family’s ancestral sword, and they had to admit they’d learned nothing.

  

At breakfast the next morning, Kelda rejoined them briefly. She handed them a Scabbard of Vigor. “This has been in my family for generations, and I want you to have it as a reward for saving me from that dungeon.” With a round of hugs and handshakes, the doughty fighter left.

After breakfast, they asked the innkeeper what he could tell them about the Rimerunners Guild. "Sure. They're a trade guild, specializing in trade with Tian Xia over the Crown, although they do a fair amount of trade along the rivers within the Kingdoms, too. They're not the largest of the trade guilds, but they're pretty influential - I hear they're well connected with the wealthy and powerful. Even have some ties to the King, I hear. They're run by a woman named Thorborg Silverskoor. Handsome woman, although don't see her around much any more. Not that I ever saw her much - we don't exactly travel in the same circles. Still, she's got a good repuration - said to be a woman of her word."

They decided to spend the day selling the loot they’d accumulated over the last few weeks, and making some much-anticipated purchases. They split up, each with their own errands to run. As Sawyer made his way through the smithies of the Stone Quarter, he passed a blind and crippled beggar. “They know who you are, and they’re coming for you,” the old man muttered as Sawyer passed. Sawyer frowned, but dropped a couple of coppers into the old man’s cup, earning a toothless smile. Later that afternoon, he passed the same beggar, and to his surprise, he repeated the same warning: “They know who you are, and they’re coming for you,” Sawyer stopped this time. “Who are ‘they’ and why are they coming for me?” The beggar looked surprised. “You talking to me?” Sawyer repeated his question, and the beggar seemed confused. “Hell if I know. Somebody just gave me a couple of coppers and told me to say that if someone who smelled like boiled cabbage walked by.” Sawyer gave a start; all day he’d been smelling boiled cabbage, but he’d assumed it was just the local diet. A few quick sniffs revealed that someone had smeared boiled cabbage on his cloak. With the crowded streets of Kalsgard, it could have been anyone who’d bumped shoulders with him any time during the day.

One by one, the party returned from their shopping trips, and gathered in the common room to discuss what to do next. They’d been in Kalsgard for two days, and someone clearly knew they were here and was watching their every move. They hadn’t found a guide, and in fact might be stranded here for months. They knew nothing about who might have purchased Suishen, or where it might be now. They might have a tenuous lead on who had attacked them, but no idea why. All in all, they were left feeling like they’d taken one step forward and two steps back.

The PCs earned 1286 XP for their activities, and are now at 12,455 XP, with 15,000 required for level 5. We won’t have D&D next Sunday, but will resume in two weeks at Leo’s.