Chapter 6: A Simple Plan
Gorion sat silently in the room of the Harper Headquarters where Galvarey had briefed him the day before. Supposedly, those he would be working with today were due to turn up very soon, but the wizard held no high hopes. Darial and Belgrade would drag the two new members to the closest tavern, and probably emerge hours later, too inebriated to care for what he had to say.
Once they knew, of course, they would hate themselves for seeming so dispassionate. As it was, they probably supposed it would be a simple routine mission; investigate this or that threat, then go back on their way. They would not suspect how important this quest was to be.
Which is why he was immensely surprised when the door swung open and the four swaggered in. At least, Darial and Belgrade swaggered. The half-elven druid with a perpetual glare merely strode purposefully, and the nervous armoured man rather crept, seemingly a little worried by the casual attitude of his fellows.
But there was none of this informality in their tone as Darial turned to the mage, giving him a brief but respectful nod of the head. "Master Gorion. Sorry for being a bit on the late side, but we came as soon as possible."
Khalid gave her an incredulous look. "You s-stopped at the tavern for a drink!" he exclaimed disbelievingly before he could stop himself. "I'd hardly c-call that coming as soon as p-possible!"
Instead of the expressions of betrayal he anticipated as soon as he realised just what he'd said, a sheepish look of fear crossed Darial and Belgrade's faces. The bard turned to Gorion guiltily. "It was a… preliminary get-together."
The mage smiled tightly. "As I had anticipated your arrival in six hours time, all of you too intoxicated to move, this is a rather welcome surprise. You are forgiven." He nodded in Khalid's direction. "Though I appreciate your honesty."
The half-elf merely looked as mortified as his two companions, and Gorion shook his head briefly. "I am sure we have more to discuss than this," he continued, standing up. "Do any of you know why you are here?" Silence greeted him. "As it should be," the mage continued, nodding curtly and stroking his short, silvery beard.
"Three days ago, the sailing ship Seawolf anchored off the Amnish coast, remaining there for six hours. At the time, we didn't know why; she didn't respond to the arrival of the Athkatlan forces, and then left for no apparent reason, having done, we thought, nothing during her time there.
"As we later discovered, however, she had released one of her smaller accompanying ships, the Wolf's Fang, which made its way to the Athkatlan docks undetected. Initially, we believed she was carrying contraband for Shadow Thief smugglers, and thus paid minimal attention. However…" Gorion's voice trailed off as he passed a scroll to each of his four Harper comrades. "…We now have reason to believe that she was bringing a shipment of slaves to the shore."
A look of distaste crossed Belgrade's face as the rogue leant back in his chair, frowning. "I presume that we are dealing with yet more unfortunate individuals doomed to grace the pits of establishments such as the Copper Coronet?" he asked dubiously.
"Indeed, but the Copper Coronet is not our target," Gorion explained. "The slaves were bought by Baron Geoffrey Ployer, whom the Harpers have had their eye on for a considerable length of time; this is merely the first chance we have had pin anything precise on him. He is the man we are to bring down."
Darial nodded, a lock of dark hair falling over her face. "I'd be a fool if I didn't assume you already had a plan, Master Gorion," she said, her tone light but her eyes hard and unwavering. Khalid and Jaheira, both of whom had only seen the bard in a happy-go-lucky mood, were a little surprised by this change.
The mage smiled slightly. "Thank you for your faith in me, Darial," he mused, nodding. "Indeed I do. Whilst we shall also be bringing the slave trading of the Seawolf to an end, Ployer is our first objective. He has scheduled his slaves to fight at the Copper Coronet tomorrow, which should attract great crowds amongst the nobles that enjoy such things. The four of you will be in that crowd."
Jaheira pursed her lips thoughtfully, not wanting particularly to butt in as the more experienced Harper explained their mission. But there was still a question… "How much information do we have on Ployer?"
Gorion paused, then winced briefly. "Precious little, I am afraid. That is something we seek to rectify. One of our few pieces of information is the fact that the baron's resources have recently started to run low – his legitimate business, trading with Calimshan, has recently taken a turn for the worse. We know that he needs money."
Belgrade frowned. "We are planning to buy ourselves the information we require?" he asked suspiciously.
Gorion shrugged. "In a way." He looked at the rogue full on, his piercing green eyes evaluating the younger man until he shifted uncomfortably, and possibly a little guiltily. "You are one of the best infiltrators amongst the Harpers. We shall require your skill." The mage sat down slowly. " Your job will be to present yourself as a possible patron of the baron. The Herald has agreed to give you the necessary funding to make your role convincing. Invest in Ployer's business, and thus burrow your way into his organisation. With the money you offer, you will have a limited hold over him."
Khalid leant forward as Belgrade digested this piece of moderately welcome information. "And the r-rest of us?" he asked lightly.
Gorion looked evenly at the nervous half-elf. "You will all be evaluating the Copper Coronet. The duty is softer for you – present yourselves as foppish louts wanting to partake in the pleasurable services the tavern offers, become a regular sight at the inn, and gather as much information as possible. When we make a move against Ployer, it will more likely be at the Coronet – striking at the lion's den is a rather unnecessary risk when we can catch him off his own turf."
Belgrade snorted good-naturedly. "Ah, as I launch myself into the perilous pit of vipers, my comrades are able to enjoy the pleasures of the most infamous establishment of exotic entertainment in Amn – courtesy of the Harpers, no less?"
Darial grinned, then slowly sobered and looked at Gorion. "He's going to need backup," she insisted, shaking her head. "I'd recommend that he has one of us with him, so he's not doing this alone. Khalid as a business partner, or myself as his wife, or such."
Gorion considered this briefly, turning his evaluating look on Khalid. The half-elf gazed nervously back, and the mage shook his head. "Darial, you shall accompany him," he decided at last.
Belgrade took a deep, nervous breath. Why in the Nine Hells did you have to offer that suggestion, Darial? He wondered silently. You know that I am more than capable of fending for myself in such a situation. He glanced sideways at the other members of his group. The bard looked merely thoughtful, though there was a glint in her eye he wasn't too keen on. Jaheira had merely raised an eyebrow and was looking similarly contemplative, which worried him immensely, and Khalid… Khalid was looking dejected, rejected and trying to hide it at the same time. I am unable to find fault with Gorion, however – this man may be competent, but he is an unknown factor who has not yet proven his worth.
Jaheira leant forwards, and there was an edge to her voice which suggested she was displeased with the decision but had chosen not to argue with it. This was worse than he thought. "And where will you be as we embark on this dangerous task? I believed you were to be leading our party."
No, Jaheira, no… of all the possible challenges you could extend – and, without a doubt, win – you do not want to be disdainful of Gorion. He is not a petty man, but I assure you, a most powerful man whom you will most certainly want on your side. Belgrade let out a quiet, unhappy whimper that was missed by all present.
Gorion gave her a regretful smile. "Unfortunately, Jaheira, I have other matters the Herald wishes me to attend to. I shall not be out of sight entirely, but, as I am sure you are aware, this party is Darial's." The mage stood. "Who I would like a word with in private right now. Would the rest of you leave us in peace?"
He watched the other three filter out of the room one by one, each displaying their own separate emotion. Belgrade seemed more nervous than the mage had ever seen him; Jaheira full of a silent, controlled irritation; and Khalid appeared rather dejected and mournful.
Belgrade closed the door behind him as the half-elven warrior stepped out, and he clapped the man on the shoulder. "I would not worry yourself, friend. Do not think that Gorion has no faith in you – merely remember that he has no idea of your skills and abilities. It would be foolish to assign you to infiltration work if you were more of a sword-swinger, for example." Or whatever in the hells your skills actually are. I am unsure I can see one as nervous as him being a competent fighter.
But before Khalid could reply with either thanks or, as he wanted, something sharper to halt Belgrade's patronising, the rogue was gone, catching up with Jaheira. The fighter watched them from a short distance as they all started down the corridor towards the main hall of the Harper headquarters.
Though he could not hear their words, he watched as Jaheira's body language switched from irritation, to anger, then relaxed as Belgrade offered something to make her laugh. At least her worries were easily assuaged.
Khalid sighed as he looked around the great hall. So far, his first assignment with the Harpers was not going as smoothly as he had hoped or anticipated. He would need to do everything in his power to prove his competence to Gorion, and prove to Belgrade that he did not need to be patronised.