District 1: Actions

Ghalvas's house:

The search of the ground floor did not reveal much. Obviously Ghalvas had struggled against his captors, in the process breaking several pots and even some pieces of the furniture. The only other thing of interest were some tiny drips of blood in the floor leading into one corner of the room where they found a trap door, most likely leading into some kind of cellar.

On the first floor the mess was of a different quality, consisting of the contents of rudely opened drawers and cupboards and a lot of letters and pieces of parchment from the desk that had been carelessly thrown to the floor. They quickly went through the letters and notes but most of them were just shopping lists, short notes on what to say in the next sermon and lists of possible converts as well as already existent worshipers of Vata. The only thing of interest was a letter from the village elder of Derakhte Ghermez, seemingly a reply to an earlier request from Ghalvas, in which he again expressed his grief about what he called "these tragic events" and informed him that the last thing he heard about his brother was that he had moved to Singal.

When Alain and his men returned they reported that no one around had seen anyone enter or leave the house during the day - except for the guards of course - and with the hustle and bustle in the streets no one had heard anything either. Jalal reported that the guards who had first searched the house had not found anything.

The 'Rat and Rabble':

The drunkard did not seem to be in a talkative mood at all and just kept on drinking, rather rudely indicating he was not interested in conversation.

The apthecaries were talking about some new mixtures and potions and that the alchemists guild had again raised the prices. A fact that all three of them found rather displeasing, but saw no way to overcome the alchemists' monopoly on the rather complex mixtures.

We'll just pass on the higher prices to the people, one of them said, and the two others nodded in consent.

Celdiur, Alain and a few others stood positioned near the trapdoor, ready to descend to whatever awaited at its end. Before doing so Celdiur turned to Jalal and handed him the letter from the Elder of Derakhte Ghermez.

"Jalal, take this to Captain Dhez'ral with all haste if you will. I makes little sense to me. Perhaps he can shed some light as to its meaning".

At this he drew his sword and cautiously approached the trap door. He indicated for Alain to open it as he prepared himself for whatever may lie below.

Varys turned to Rocorad, and whispered, "Try to overhear what the barkeep is saying, and if you can enter the conversation. Try to find out more about these 'underground dwellers'. I myself will listen to the gamblers."

Ghalvas's house:

Below the trap door was a narrow stairway leading into an almost empty cellar below the house. There were some more blood drops one the floor, but getting scarcer, as Ghalvas or whoever had been bleeding seemed not to have been hurt too badly. Lighting some torches they found another trap door in the rear corner of the cellar that was not as dust covered as the rest of the room. As they opened it, the characteristic perfume of the sewers greeted them.

The 'Rat and Rabble':

The discussion at the bar seemed to have entered a rather heated stage. When Rocorad approached the bar, one of the men just pointed his finger at another one, saying:

You know what you're saying there? You're outright accusing our guard captain of collaborating with criminals.

And I may damn well do so. After all, why did he come here from his nice post in the wealthy parts of the city? Why would anyone abandon such a comfortable position?

Because he's actually one of the few to care about the people, you brat!

Bah, caring about the people. Only thing officials in Singal care about is money and not stepping on the Shadow's toe. Dhez'ral is not even a proper Singalian. I've heard he's from Derakhte Ghermez, so he might just as well be a common bandit having infiltrated the city watch.

Now you're getting ridiculous. I'll have no more of this blather.

The man threw some coppers on the bar and left the tavern, while the others scattered, some joining the gamblers, others just continuing to drink.

Varys approached the man who had accused the captain of being a criminal, and said, "Pardon me, but I overheard your conversation. Can I ask you for more details concerning the captain?"

Waddya want? Are you one of his dirty spies? I tell you, this is a free city and I'm a free man, so I say what I want! he snubbed Varys, but then, seeing that Varys was truly interested in what he had said, he calmed down and continued:

Dhez'ral moved here some time ago. Most people know that he came from the western part of the city where life is much easier than here, but my cousin happens to work there, too, and he told me that originally Dhez'ral came from Derakhte Gherzmez and joined the city watch right after arriving at Singal. He had worked himself up to that comfortable post in the western city, but some years ago moved here, soon after some new band of robbers had started to haunt the area. I'll eat my hat if that's a coincidence.

Varys's eyes twinkled. "Interesting," he said. "Thank you for your time." Varys headed back to his table, to await Celduir.

Recoiling at the harsh stench that eminated from the second trapdoor, there was little doubt in Celdiur's mind what had now happened here. He turned to Alain with an inquisitive look upon his face.

"Tell me, Varys didnt happen to speak to you of what he came across down in the sewers did he?"

Alain shook his head apologetically. "Cant say he did Celdiur, or at least not as far as im aware. He seemed in too much of a hurry to get back to the tavern"

"The Rat and Rabble...midnight...I cannot wait that long. Alain, I leave you here with the others. Guard this building with your lives. I make to meet with Varys with all haste. Our situation has just taken an unexpected turn".

With that Celdiur left the home of Ghalvas nad made haste back through the streets towards The Rat and Rabble.

When Celdiur left the house Father Illacus, who had accompanied Alain ever since they had asked around the locals earlier that day, followed him.

It is getting late, son, and as it seems this district has become rather dangerous for clerics. Would you mind escorting me to the 'Rat and Rabble'?

"By all means Father, your more than welcome to join me. Night draws in quickly and I do not cherish the thought of travelling these streets alone. Bold have the scum of this city become. Lets get moving".

With that they both made for The Rat and Rabble with all haste.

"My brothers. I return earlier than planned but for urgent reason. Our investigation just took an unexpected turn. Listen, and I will tell you all".

Celdiur then began informing the three knights of his findings at Ghalvas's home, hoping that they may be able to shed a ray of light upon his findings.

Varys cleared his throat, and began speaking.

"When I was down in the sewers, I began my search by sneaking along the tunnels, and by chance I happened to find the area where they were patrolling. I was wondering why the patrol near this area was heavier, and luckily, I found a tunnel leading to one of the entrances to the base. When I drew nearer, I noticed that the tunnel led to a large chamber lit by a multitude of torches. However the tunnel exit lay several feet above the ground level of the chamber. Crouching down so as not be seen from below, I dared a look into the latter - and I almost gave a cry of surprise. The chamber was in fact a large dome-shaped vault! It was filled with men in dark clothes sitting at tables, drinking and eating, some patrolling in front of the ground level entrances to the vault. There were even roughly made beds and sleeping rolls arrayed at the walls. Three tunnels led from the vault into the darkness of the sewers, but one other tunnel was brightly lit, though I could not see where it led. At the opposite side of the vault I saw a similar tunnel opening some feet above the ground - and within sat a man in dark clothes, a bow on his lap, obviously a watch-post. This was the man I killed, but someone went up to check on him. I left before that happened, but they will be on their guards now."

"I believe this may help your investigation."

Varys took a swig of his ale, and waited for Celduir to answer.

Celdiur frowned upon hearing this information, the pieces of the puzzle beginning to fall into place now. He began to speak in a low, grim tone.

"This is the news I feared. And thus I must ask for your aid in this matter Brothers. It is my suspicion that the same group you encountered are the same one whom now hold Ghalvas captive. If he's even still alive."

He shuddered to think that such a fate would befall him, quickly brushing it off before continuing.

"Would you be willing to take us to the place where you found this scum? A gang of street vermin would be easily bested by the four of us let alone an entire battalion of us!" A grin slowly spread its way across Celdiur's face, "Though if its possible I would ask that we take them alive. I promised the people of Singal justice. They shall have it in a most satisfying manner".

He relaxed now, crossing his arms across his breastplate.

"I should probably meet with the other patrols soon and see what information they have for me. Before I leave though, tell me, has any other useful morsel of gossip crossed your ears in this place?"

Varys frowned.

"That's not the problem here. I heard worse news while I was in the tavern."

'Dhez'ral moved here some time ago. Most people know that he came from the western part of the city where life is much easier than here, but my cousin happens to work there, too, and he told me that originally Dhez'ral came from Derakhte Gherzmez and joined the city watch right after arriving at Singal. He had worked himself up to that comfortable post in the western city, but some years ago moved here, soon after some new band of robbers had started to haunt the area. I'll eat my hat if that's a coincidence.'

Celdiur was taken aback by this revelation.

"A strange coincidence indeed" he pondered, "Though I dont believe that we should jump to conclusions. I can think of no reason to connect the Captain with corruption. Perhaps he was posted here to deal with the criminals when they arrived."

Celdiur paused again to think for a moment before continuing.

"Its strange that you should mention that Dhez'ral hails from Dherakte Ghermez though, as it just so happens I found a letter in Ghalvas's home. Apparently sent by the village's Elder himself. It mentioned something about a tragic event and the dissappearance of the preachers brother. Strange. Hang on a second, let me...."

He made to search himself to retrieve the letter when realisation dawned upon him in a most abrubt manner.

"Jamal!... Erida Occisor be damned!"

He looked up urgently at Varys.

"I sent the letter off with the guardsman Jamal, to be delivered directly to Dhez'ral himself! If your suspicions are true Varys then he may suspect that his cover has been blown and attempt to warn his comrades in the sewers!"

He stood up sharply and grabbed his sword from its resting place against the table leg.

"I fear we must move my friends, and move quicky! If what you fear is correct then Ghalvas may not have much time!"

Varys smiled.

"Now, this is more like it." He rose abruptly. "First things first; we must retrieve Ghalvas quickly."

He placed a few coins on the table, and awaited Celdiur's reply.

Celdiur placed his helmet back upon his head.

"Lets move! Time is of the essence. With any luck we may be able to enlist the aid of our Brothers should we encounter their patrols".

With that Celdiur retrieved his mace from Father Illacus and bade him farewell before hastily making his exit from the building with Varys, Rocorad and Haruch.

Outside they ran into Alain who was accompanied by several of their men.

Shall we continue the patrols during the night or retreat to the chapter house?, he asked Celdiur.

Celdiur grinned at the image forming in his head.

"Aye, indeed Alain. I'll need the patrols to remain in the streets for a bit more time".

He paused and indicated to Varys, Rocorad and Haruch with an incline of his head.

"My companions and I move to flush the rats out of the sewers and find Ghalvas. Incase any of our foes escape into the streets, I want to make sure they are trapped by our Brothers. Your patrol however will be needed as we venture into the rat's nest. We have no idea how many our foes number or how well equiped they are, so we will need the additional sword arms if this comes to blows".

Celdiur glanced anxiously around the darkening streets, vigilant of any sudden movements or mysterious happenings.

"Go and inform the other patrols Alain, and then meet us at Ghalvas's home. Lets get moving!"

Alain sent off some runners to inform the patrols to pay special attention to sewer exits, then their party made their way to Ghalvas's house. Jalal was standing watch at its door and smiled and greeted when he saw them approaching.

What are you doing? he asked.

"Bringing an end to this Jalal", Celdiur hastily responded as he approached the guardsman. He halted just before his position.

"But first I must enquire of you. You've already aided me once Jalal. Perhaps you would be willing do to so again".

He stepped in closer to the guard, a barely disguised look of curiosity upon his face.

"How did the Captain react when you gave him that letter? Please my friend, it is of great import that I know the answer to my query".

Jalal shrugged.

He did not seem very surprised at all. He paused for a moment. I only remember he sighed and put the letter in his desk, when I handed it to him.

"Hmm...I see. No more than I was expecting..."

Celdiur turned to the rest of his party and indicated for them to head inside where they would await the return of Alain and his entourage. Once inside, Celdiur turned to Varys and spoke in a hushed tone.

"Do you believe we can trust our friend Jalal who stands guard outside? I dont like to think upon it too much, but if the Captain himself is truly corrupt, then how many others under his command have fallen under its shadow?"

Varys shook his head.

"What more can you expect of Singal? It puts doubts into all of our hearts. I personally wouldn't trust anyone unless I knew them for a very long time, and even then, I would still be cautious. I do not fully trust anyone in Singal. Take what he said with a grain of salt. However, it is your choice."